The Enterprise was getting repairs done on its warp core at a shipyard on Earth. Picard had released the crew to Shore Leave only an hour ago. Data had agreed to follow Geordi to an interesting bar down on the Earth's surface. Geordi had just recently been appointed chief engineer so he wanted to celebrate by having a drink with his best friend.

Not to his surprise, Data was confused. "Geordi, why is consuming alchohol a celebration for humans?", "Geordi, I do not understand how you humans find alchohol to be a resolution for everything", "Geordi this", "Geordi that". Since Geordi was in such a good mood he wanted to give Data a little taste of human life. Maybe he'd buy him something that would make him seem more human? He had been pondering over what object could possibly begin to do that. Data was babbling on about the warp core and how it was damaged. Geordi already knew what he needed to know so he took a sip of his margarita and thought more about this question. Luckily, Data was emotionless so he didn't care if Geordi wasn't listening to him. Geordi suddenly knew exactly what Data needed, "A pet." he said outloud immediately regretting his choice of words. This confused Data for a few moments and he seemed to be accessing what Geordi had just said, "A pet, Geordi?"

Geordi nodded, "Yah. To celebrate, I wanted to get you something. I was thinking a pet would humanize you more. You might even learn to grow attached to it."

"I doubt I can grow attached to anything, but if it humanizes me. I will try." Data thought for a moment, "What about you? Are you getting a pet."

"I've thought about it Data," Geordi sighed, "I'm not much of a pet person. Maybe one day. For now let's see if we can get you something at the pet store."

Data nodded and he and Geordi left the bar. They headed down to a nearby pet parlor and were greeted with happy workers explaining where different pets were. When they were finally left alone the android turned to his friend, "I must thank you for spending your time with me on shore leave. I must be quite a bore as an android."

Geordi was taken aback by the comment. Did the android actually realize what a bore he was sometimes? Never the less being a bore was funny when it came to Data. "Data you aren't a bore. Now, do you have a certain pet in mind?"

"I find dogs to be a little...over active." Data said with a small frown. Geordi nodded, "I hear you there. So do you want something smaller like a hamster, or a bird?"

Data nodded, "Let us look."

The two headed over to the rodents section of the store. Rats spat at the glass. Their fur was tainted with a dark shade of cream and splotches of brown that looked like mud. Their fangs made loud clanking noises when they snapped together against the glass cage. Even Data looked troubled, "Maybe we should try something a little less...scary." Geordi said, "Hey let's look at the cats."

"Agreed." Data whispered and followed him to the other side of the store. There were about fourteen or fifteen cages with different colored cats scattered among them. They all seemed to be sleeping and eating contently. Geordi laughed, "I like cats."

"Yes," Data said, "They seem relaxing." A loud screech from behind the two starfleet officers startled them. Data calmly turned around and Geordi almost jumped out of skin. A woman was dragging a cat towards them with a tight collar around its neck. The cat tried to dig its claws into the ground. It was a short haired orange tabby who looked vicious. Surprisingly, it was an employee who was dragging the cat into another room. Geordi gave her a look, "What are you doing with that cat?"

She looked up almost ashamed, "Oh, no one's adopting her and she's a vicious little beast. I swear she would kill everyone in this store if she could. No one wants her, we're going to be forced to put her down."

"That's a shame." Geordi whispered. Data took a step forward, "I will take her."

Geordi's eyes widened, "Data?"

The woman laughed, "She'd rip the skin of you, sonny."

"I will take her," the android repeated. The woman picked up the screeching cat who's claws were slashing about. She almost threw it on Data. The minute the cat felt the android it started to relax. It actually meowed softly. The woman gasped, "Oh my goodness. I can't believe your eyes aren't scratched out of your head."

"May I sign the adoption papers?" Data asked petting the ca rythmically. The woman blinked confused, "Uh...ah sure...the counter is just up front. Have a good day."

The woman walked away and didn't look back. Geordi walked up to Data cautiously, "Data why'd you do that? You could have had any other cat in this store. Why choose the...insane one?"

"In my eyes, she is not insane." the android replied and glanced down at the cat who had fallen asleep in his arms. He started walking towards the counter up front. Geordi grabbed his arm, "Seriously Data, why?"

"Geordi, just like you, I do not want anothers life to cease. Even if it is an animal. As most humans say I am not heartless."

Geordi laughed and walked up to the counter with his friend. Data signed a few of the adoption papers. He was puzzled when he reached the line that said 'name'. Geordi smirked, "What are you going to name her Data?"

Data analyzed the cat, "I would normally name her Stripes since she is a striped orange tabby, but considering humans like unusual, different, unique, or opposite names, I will name her Spot."

Geordi smiled, "Great name."