The away mission had been enormously successful. The crew had been able to properly transfer raw materials to a working farm on Terra. Data had the unique opportunity to observe the habitat of the domestic animals living on the planet. It proved to be very enlightening for the android. Through the observation of how these animals interacted with their handlers, he had been able to log a note on the caring and mutual acceptance of the different organisms and how they worked together in one environment.

However, no one aboard the Enterprise was expecting to arrive back aboard the starship with one extra lifeform. It came as quite the surprise when Commander Riker had pointed out the tiny fuzzy mass running about the transporter pad. Without realizing, it seemed that Data had an admirer from his short time on the farm. It was a duckling, and it was circling around where Data stood. Ignoring it at first, the android stepped over the feathered mass and continued on his way to the bridge to report back for duty.

Much to Data's curiosity, he found that the small duckling had been following along behind him the entire time. With a sharp tilt of his head, he analyzed the tiny featured creature as it settled between his feet. "Interesting."

The concept of imprinting was not foreign to Data, however this was the first time he had been able to experience it first hand. Admittedly, it was strange to him. It was almost as if this duckling was the child Timothy all over again. "I do not suppose that you would wish me to slick back your feathers in imitation of myself?" The bird merely chirped in reply. Upon extensive evaluation of the situation, Data could find no immediate harm which could result in having the creature following him about as he preformed his obligations as lieutenant commander. Turning heel, he headed back for the bridge; the yellow duckling quickly waddling behind.

Luckily for Data, being an android meant that he could not experience the humility of having a cute animal follow his stiff form as he made his way about the workings of the ship. In time, the small duckling would prove to become good friends with Spot and find a place in Data's growing family.