He had no idea why he was even asking. He shouldn't have been. He should've been a) working, and b) aware that this was a stupid idea. There was still time to back out, of course. He could just stop waiting and turn around, or-

"Geordi, is there something with which I can assist you?"

"Yes, Data. I-" 'Still time to back out. Just say that you need a check on the thermoinduction coils, or-'

"-'d like to ask your advice, if you have a minute. Would you join me outside?" 'You're an idiot.'

"Of course. Ensign, please finish taking these measurements while I speak with Commander Laforge."

As the perky twenty-something snapped out a "Yes, sir!", Data and Geordi proceeded to the hallway.

"What can I do for you?"

"Well, ya see, Data…" He rubbed his head awkwardly. "There's this girl, Sandra-"

"- and you wish to pursue some sort of romantic relationship with her?"

"That's the question, isn't it?"

"I do not understand. Is she somehow inadequate?"

"No, no! She's very beautiful, and nice, and I know that she's into me. She, uh, asked me out yesterday. The thing is that I'm not that into her. She's fun and all, but she's kind of boring, and I can't really see this going anywhere. But she's really, she's really something, and do I want to just throw this away?"

"If I understand the situation correctly, you believe that it would be somehow unethical to enter into a relationship when you cannot 'see it going anywhere.' Is that correct?"

"Yes it is."

"And you would like my advice on the social protocol?"

"Yes."

Data thoughtfully cocked his head to one side. "There seem to be conflicting opinions on this matter. Blaise Pascal wrote, 'The heart has its reasons of which reason knows nothing.' However, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe took a more practical stance, arguing, 'The people who are absent are the idea; those who are present seem quite commonplace.' Of course, th-"

"Data, that's not quite what I was looking for."

"Do you want me to provide personal insight?"

"I dunno. It might be useful."

"Do you recall my brief courtship with Lt. D'Sora?"

"Yeah, sure. You guys broke up, what, a month ago?"

"One month, five days, thirteen hours…" Geordi began to irritably rub his forehead. "… Ago, approximately." He leaned forward slightly, something his programming ensured would simulate interest and animation, and continued:

"I entered into my relationship with the lieutenant with the prior understanding that I could not feel any real emotional attachment to her. I made this clear before accepting her offer, and I am certain that she understood me. During the relationship, I made every effort to simulate romantic behavior and to perform the necessary social routines. Nevertheless, the lieutenant became… dissatisfied with my efforts, and when she terminated the connection, she expressed shock and pain that I was incapable of reciprocating her affection. I suspect that she was, on some level, unable to accept what I was."

Geordi's impatience had vanished. He steepled his fingers thoughtfully. "So you're saying that even if I know nothing will happen, she doesn't think that."

"I do not know what she thinks. I do, however, know that there are some things that even the most careful mimicry cannot replace."

Both were silent for the better part of a minute before Data spoke again.

"If that is all, I should return to my station."

"Uh, yeah, sure. Oh, and thanks, Data. I appreciate the input."

"I hope it proves useful, Geordi." With that, the android turned around and walked back into Engineering.

'He can call me if he needs me. I have to go and tell Sandra. I hope she doesn't cry… Damn ethical android!'