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Picard folded his arms to wait. As he watched, Data released a deep, sorrowful sigh, then leaned forward and put his head in his hands. Perplexed, the captain stepped forward and put a hand on the androids shoulder. Data … are you all right?

No, sir. Data raised his head, revealing a tortured expression. I am finding it difficult to concentrate. I believe I am overwhelmed with feelings of … remorse and regret concerning my actions on the observatory.

What do you mean? Picard asked gently. Neither Riker nor Worf had reported that Data had committed any unusual action.

Data sighed again. I wanted to save Geordi … I tried. But I experienced something I did not expect. He gazed up at the captain with unmasked shame. Fear. I was afraid, sir.

Picard opened his mouth to speak, and closed it again when the computer signaled. Data turned once more to his console and began to read glumly.

According to our current information, the destruction of the Amargosa star has had the following effects in this sector: Gamma emissions have increased by point-zero-five percent; the Starship Bozeman was forced to make a course correction; a research project on Gorik Four was halted due to increased neutrino particles; ambient magnetic fields have decreased by

Wait, Picard interrupted. The Bozeman. Why did it change course?

The destruction of the Amargosa star has altered the gravitational forces throughout the sector, Data said. Any ships passing through this region will have to make a minor course correction.

A minor course correction … Picard frowned as he contemplated the fact. Instinct said there was something here, some key that remained as yet elusive. He turned and headed toward the large holomap control console behind them. Where is the ribbon now?

Data rose and followed him to the console, then pressed a few controls. Within seconds, the room around them dissolved, replaced by a huge, twinkling map of the galaxy. Data pointed toward a red, glowing dot. This is its current position.

Picard leaned forward, transfixed. Can you project its course?

Data began to respond, then hesitated; his expression suddenly crumpled with despair. Sir … II cannot continue with this investigation.

Picard stared at him in bewilderment.

Data lowered his head in shame. I wish to be deactivated until Dr. Crusher can remove the emotion chip.

Are you having some kind of malfunction?

The android shook his head. No, sir. I simply do not have the ability to control these emotions.

Data … Picard drew a breath. Watching the androids turmoil was like gazing inward. I have nothing but sympathy for what youre going through. But I need your full attention on the task at

Data wheeled on him angrily. You do not understand, sir. I no longer want these feelings. Deactivating me is the only viable solution.

Data, Picard said sternly, feeling oddly that he was speaking as much to himself, part of having emotions is learning how to integrate them into your life. How to deal with them, no matter what the circumstance.

But, sir

Picard straightened to his full height and summoned his most authoritarian tone. And I will not allow you to be deactivated. You are an officer aboard this ship and right now you have a duty to perform. He paused, and when no further protest was forthcoming, added:

Thats an order, Commander.

As he spoke, Datas expression slowly metamorphosed from one of despair to one of stoic resolve. Yes, sir, he said softly. I will try.

Picard put a reassuring hand on the androids shoulder and did not quite smile. Courage can be an emotion, too, Data. His tone grew brisk. Now … can you project the course of the ribbon?

Data squared his shoulders in such an overt display of determination that Picard struggled not to smile as the android worked the console. As Picard watched, a glowing red line appeared in the starry display, forming an arc between suns. He stepped closer, his pulse quickening. Yes, the answer was here … He turned back toward Data. Where was the Amargosa