Star Trek_ Generations - J M. Dillard [30]
I was attempting to … Data tilted his head, searching for the right expression. … get into the spirit of things, as Dr. Crusher put it. I thought it would be amusing. He frowned again, clearly troubled by his inability to understand, then lifted Spot, who emitted a displeased mew, and set her down.
Geordi watched as the android moved over to a bulkhead and activated a control panel. A small compartment slid open to reveal a tiny chip suspended in a crystalline case. It was an emotion chip made to the specifications of the androids creator, Noonien Soong. Data had long ago indicated that he had no interest in ever utilizing it; now he contemplated it with such intense interest that Geordi moved closer, both curious and apprehensive.
Data … are you thinking about actually using that thing?
I have considered it for many months. The android focused his golden eyes back on Geordi. And in light of the incident with Dr. Crusher, I believe this may be the appropriate time.
Geordi frowned. I thought you were afraid it would overload your neural net.
That is true, Data replied. However, I believe my growth as an artificial life-form has reached an impasse. For thirty-four years I have endeavored to become more humanto grow beyond my original programming. And yet I am still unable to grasp such a basic concept as humor. He turned back toward the crystalline case. This emotion chip may be the only answer.
Geordi leaned forward to dubiously study the chip, then sighed. At worst, it could cause some annoying complications, but no permanent damage. And what right did he have to deny his friend such an experience? All right … but at the first sign of trouble, Im going to deactivate it. Agreed?
Agreed. Data promptly sat down, offering himself as willing subject, while Geordi moved behind him and opened a panel on his cranium, revealing the blinking circuitry within.
This wont take long … Geordi said, finishing silently to himself, I just hope we dont both regret it …
At the same time that Geordi was performing surgery on his friend, Will Riker was standing in the captains ready room, briefing Picard on what the away team had found at the Amargosa Observatory.
Picards odd, distant demeanor hadnt eased. Riker wound up addressing the back of the captains chair while Picard, hands steepled, gazed out his window at the stars.
We found two dead Romulans aboard the station, Riker finished up. Were analyzing their equipment to see if we can determine what ship they came from.
Index fingers resting on his lips, Picard nodded absently, then lowered his hands and asked, Theres still no indication of why they attacked the station? His tone was one of great weariness, as though it required infinite effort for him to focus on the matter at hand.
They practically tore the place apart, Riker said, mentally recoiling from the memories of charred bodies and the smell of death. Accessed the central computer, turned the cargo bay inside out. They were obviously looking for something.
Hmmm … Picard fell silent and stared out the window again, for so long that Riker began to shift his weight nervously. And then the captain said lifelessly, Inform Starfleet Command. This could indicate a new Romulan threat in this sector.
Riker did not try to keep the amazement from his voice. You want me to contact Starfleet?
Picard straightened, swiveled a quarter-turn toward his second-in-command. Is there a problem? he asked softly.
No, sir, Riker said. At least, not with me … But something very serious was troubling the captain. Whatever message he had received this morning from Earth had been devastating.
Picard continued wearily, Thank you, Number One, and swung back toward the window.
Riker turned to go, then hesitated, awkward. There is something else, Captain. One of the scientists … a Dr. Soran … has insisted on speaking with you. Anticipating a protest, he hurried apologetically: I told him you were busy, sir, but he said it was absolutely imperative that he speak with you right away.
But no protest came; no reaction,