Data read through the computer's files, taking slightly longer than he would if he was functioning normally. The USS Enterprise was suffering from a strange virus which acted upon the body as a strong liquor, meaning all of the crew was going to end up in a drunken stupor and likely kill themselves if Data didn't find the cause. Someone fully clothed in a shower, frozen in space. When had this happened before? He paused his continual scan when he heard someone outside the door.

"You may enter." He said, noting his speech program had not been affected yet.

Dr. Crusher walked into Data's quarters a bit unsteadily. She leaned lightly on his desk as she made her way into the room. Data questioned his slight twinge of disappointment. He had expected, almost hoped for Geordi to come through his door, not the doctor. He pushed the random thought aside.

"Data, have you found anything helpful?" As Dr. Crusher spoke, her words slurred together a bit. "We really need something soon, I almost made a rash decision concerning the captain."

Data was curious, but didn't believe he would ever get to hear of that event. "I have found nothing of importance," he replied unhelpfully, still keeping an eye on the computer.

Beverly groaned. She didn't want to think of what would happen if she ran into Jean-Luc again. "Oh great. Well, keep looking, I was just about to find Wesley; he was looking through the medical records for anything even slightly related to this. Tell me right away if you find anything, okay?"

"I will inform you immediately."

The door hissed shut behind the doctor after she stumbled her way out of the room. Data refocused all his attention to the Enterprise files, still finding nothing useful. His programs were beginning to move rather sluggishly. He calculated that searching the files thoroughly would take 4.6 hours, which was precious time they did not have at the moment. At this rate, they would all be completely inebriated in another two hours. Forced to consider other means of accessing information, Data's first option was attempting to set the holodeck to find the person from the past who had quite possibly suffered the same fate, evident by their decision to shower while wearing clothing. Data did not have long to weigh his options, so he decided that was the most effective use of his time. After shutting the computer off he got up from his chair, noticing the slight failure of his legs before he was completely standing. There was a slight wobble to his body, as if he were experiencing coldness and was trembling. After straightening himself, he exited his quarters and began to head down the corridors towards the holodeck. As he walked, Data did a sweep of his functions; most of which were performing adequately enough. Considering his slight advantage over humans relating to this virus, he did not feel the effects of the disease as quickly and thoroughly as them and calculated that he had another 2.7 hours until the complete disarray of his programs. Increasing his pace, he hurried towards the nearest turbolift. As he walked, he thought briefly of Geordi again. How was the virus affecting the engineer? He could not seem to picture his calm, serene friend not in control of his actions. He stopped thinking about Geordi as he reached a turbolift and paused in front of it, just far away enough so that it didn't open. The computer was telling him someone was inside, but the lift was not moving. Strangely enough, the computer could not identify the occupant. Data tried to find a reasonable explanation, but only came to the conclusion that the computer was malfunctioning. He stepped closer, activating the doors. As they slid open, Data immediately froze in his tracks. Inside the turbolift was Lore, leaning on the wall with a goofy grin on his face.

"We meet again, dear brother." Lore slurred.

"Lore, you should not be this affected by the disease currently," Data reminded stiffly, not functioning properly enough to question Lore's presence on the ship. He took in Lore's disheveled appearance; his rumpled black uniform and mussed hair. He seems a bit unstable, Data thought distractedly.

"Maybe you aren't, but I'm just the prototype. I'm not as high tech as you." Lore reached out and tugged Data's arm, pulling him back out of the turbolift. "Now come on, where's your room?"

"I am going to the holodeck, not my quarters." Data pulled his arm from Lore's grasp.

"But brother, I know things about your little disease." Lore spoke in a singsong voice. "The virus. We must talk about it alone."

"If you wish to share information about the virus go to Dr. Crusher; I am not equipped to treat everyone on board. Telling me will not greatly help our progress." But Data was curious. How had Lore gotten his information?

"Come onnnn, Data." Lore pouted. "I need to tell you. You're the only one who will understand."

Data pondered the statement. But his thinking was somehow impaired, because he could not fully process the idea. He decided to listen to Lore.

"My quarters are this way," he said, stumbling a little as he started walking. Behind him, Lore grinned.

...

Although Geordi La Forge was down in engineering as usual, he wasn't focused on the Enterprise. He was better off than some physically and able to walk without much of a stumble. Yet his mind was completely unfocused, and unravelling rapidly. Data... he thought, staring at the controls but not really paying attention to them. How can you have no emotions, yet you cause such strong ones in others? He leaned on the panels, gazing through his VISOR wistfully. Then he suddenly stiffened, horrified at his mental deterioration. "Oh damn..." Geordi said aloud. "I'm a mess." He realized that being near all these controls was not going to end well, so he decided to relocate to his quarters and keep himself out of harm's way. As he made his way to the turbolift, he tripped over a stray wire and landed on the floor. He rubbed his knee and hoped Dr. Crusher would find something soon.