Lieutenant Commander Data's Log 8427
For the last 16 days, we (the starship USS Enterprise), have been in orbit around the V4641 SGR sector, or what we believe to be the closest black hole to the planet earth. We are trying to say at least 600,000 kilometers away from the photon sphere, in order to not experience any radiation damage. We have sent over seven probes close to the event horizon, equipped with the newest technologies to accumulate as much knowledge as possible. We hope to gather more information about the science that causes a collapsed star, which may even lead to new discoveries about how the universe was formed.
On a more personal note, I have recently been puzzled with a question that Ensign Crusher recently asked me.
Yesterday, I was at 10 forward, enjoying Antarian glow water with Commander Riker. We were discussing the current findings of our released probes, as well as the advancing course of the ship, when something caught his eyes. I looked in the direction of his glance to see Wesley Crusher in a conversation with Angasia Sostone, the daughter of one of the head engineers. They both clearly exhibited some of the simplest signs of affection (dilation of the pupils, a surplus of sweat, extra exertion of force when smiling, etc.). This was a fairly ordinary occurrence, one that I had viewed many times at that particular area and especially that age group. I looked then back at commander Riker, awaiting an explanation for his interest. He continued to look at the couple for one moment and then looked back at me.
"Commander? If i might ask, what do you find so interesting?" I puzzled.
He then let out a sigh and replied, "You know Data, sometimes I miss that."
"You miss what?"
"Young love, you might say. Getting to know a person and being genuinely interested in them." He let out with a sigh.
"Commander, there are many suitable women aboard the enterprise. I often see you exhibiting the same signs of affection that these two currently show."
"Yes," He said, lounging back in the chair, "But this is different. For these two, these actions are still new and exciting. That's one thing that I will never feel again."
I looked back at Wesley and Angasia. Their movements had the same melody and familiarity of a semi rehearsed dance. He would say something humorous. They would laugh. She would put her hand on his arm. They would smile at each other. I looked back at commander riker, who was still looking at them.
"I would not know in the first place. I was not built to experience emotions like love. For the time that Lore granted me emotions, I only felt hate, rage, and greed," I explained. Riker sighed.
"Well Data, I'm sure that somewhere out in the galaxy there is an android chip with your name on it that's just full of warm fuzzy feelings. But for now, you've got to imagine how love might feel."
"I cannot. I have no imagina-" Riker stopped me.
"I know, I know. Just try." He then stood up and proceeded to leave. His comment left me puzzled for a moment. How could I try to imagine a feeling that's impossible for me, by using a utility that i cannot mortally grasp?