Myriad Universes 02_ Echoes and Refractions - Keith R. A. DeCandido [171]
It was a matter that still generated considerable debate. But what was often overlooked in those discussions were the losses sustained by the android crews who stymied the invasion, some of which were all but wiped out in the attempt. Those were sentient beings, thinking and feeling creatures, and it didn’t matter to Sito that they were covered in bioplast instead of skin, or had skeletons and bodies of tripolymer composites and molybdenum-cobalt alloys instead of muscle and bone. They had sacrificed their lives to safeguard the Federation, even increasing the risks they took in order to try to rescue something of the Borg invaders, whom it might have been easier simply to destroy.
However, she didn’t have any desire to dwell on such thoughts at the moment, because she was far too interested in matters closer at hand.
“So how would a positronic ship be any different from a ship crewed by androids?” she asked.
Her question had been directed at Crusher, but Data was the one to answer. “Because, Lieutenant, a ship with a positronic brain will be, by all rights, alive. It is a very different thing to demand that a living, sentient ship put itself in harm’s way, than for a helmsman to order a ship’s computer to do the same.” He glanced overhead, scowling slightly. “The Romulans have already begun experimenting in this direction, as evidenced by the wardrone currently drifting derelict in orbit. I can only hope that the Federation, if it pursues that line of inquiry, will treat their own sentient ships with more care and compassion than the Romulans have treated that poor wretch.”
Before anyone could respond, a voice from behind interrupted them.
“You have arrived five point six minutes later than anticipated. I was called away on another matter.”
Sito turned and saw what to all appearances was a young human woman only a few years her junior.
“My apologies, Lal,” Data said. “I had failed to account for the tendency of organics to dawdle.”
The young woman nodded, a short, precise motion just like Sito had seen Isaac employ a thousand times. Sito had been sure she was an android before, but this only confirmed it. Still, in all other respects she seemed so…human.
“Captain Picard, Geordi, everyone,” Data said, motioning toward the female android, “allow me to introduce my daughter, Lal.”
Sito saw La Forge and Crusher exchange a wide-eyed look, and the captain mouthed Daughter?
The android named Lal stepped right up to them, extending her hand to no one in particular. “It is pleasant to meet you all. My father has told me so much about you.”
Crusher had to resist the urge to take out his tricorder and scan Lal as she made her way around the group, shaking hands and introducing herself. He knew from an intellectual standpoint that she was an android, of a modified Soong-type design, unless Data was playing an elaborate and not particularly funny practical joke on all of them. But at the same time, Crusher found it almost impossible to accept that Lal wasn’t exactly what she appeared to be: an attractive young human woman.
An attractive young human woman with a most intriguing smile.
Crusher shook his head, as though trying to knock any errant thoughts loose.
“And you must be Wesley.”
Lal had stopped in front of him, smiling, with her hand extended.
“Yes?” he answered.
There was a moment’s silence.
“Wesley Crusher,” Lal repeated, as if assuming he hadn’t understood.
It was only then that he realized he was just standing there looking at her awkwardly, unmoving. He quickly reached forward and took her hand, shaking it. Nodding, he said, “Yes, I’m Wesley Crusher.”
Lal continued smiling, and nodded in return. “I am pleased to make your acquaintance. I have looked forward to meeting you in particular for some time.”
Crusher raised an eyebrow. “Really?” He shook his head, confused. “Why?”
“My father has often spoken