This is set after they find B4, during the memory download. There's actually more story behind Charlotte and B4 that kind of explains why she's so against the download, but i never uploaded it.

Please R/R.

In the engineering lab, Geordie had his hands full with two androids and an anxious girlfriend. At the moment, Data and B4 sat side by side, the circuitry in their heads connected by a series of conduits Geordie had constructed. Now, he stood over his console, monitoring the exchange between the two, while Charlotte hovered around, trying to help. In reality, she was trying to find an excuse to put off the download, but she wasn't going to admit it. That would just bring questions that she didn't necessarily think she could answer.

In a way, Geordie had been glad for the distracting side trip that culminated in the discovery of B4: it allowed everyone the chance to work together again, to delay the departure of Riker and Troi and Dr Crusher.

But there was something wrong with taking a strange android and trying to confer all of Data's unique abilities on it; and before he realised he was thinking aloud, he muttered, "I can't believe the captain went along with a memory download."

Had Data been wearing his emotion chip, his words would've bore a defensive tone. "Captain Picard agrees that the B4 was probably designed with the same self-actualization parameters as myself. If my memory engrams are successfully integrated into his positronic matrix, he should have all my abilities."

"He'll have all your memories, too," Charlotte countered, studying both androids. "Even the not-so-nice ones." She gave Data a significant look, and he lowered his eyes, knowing exactly to what she was referring to. "You comfortable with that?"

"I feel nothing, Charlotte," Data replied. "It is my belief that with my memory engrams, he will be able to function as a more complete individual."

"An individual more like you, you mean," put in Geordie.

"Yes."

"Maybe he's not supposed to be like you, Data. Maybe he's supposed to be just like he is."

"That might be so; but I believe he should be given the opportunity to explore his potential."

Geordie sighed as he eyed the console readout. "Ok, we're done." He moved over to the androids and carefully removed the conduits from B4's head, while Charlotte removed Data's and closed the panel on his head.

Data immediately addressed his double, and Charlotte was struck by the fact that now both of them had a twin. "Do you know where you are?" The eagerness in his voice was unmistakable.

Geordie, Data and Charlotte waited with anticipation as B4 paused to look at his surroundings. At last, he said, "I am in a room with lights."

"Can you remember our father?" Data asked.

B4's reply came faster this time. "No."

"Do you know my name?" Geordie asked.

B4 cocked his head, considering. "You have a soft voice."

Even though he disagreed with the idea of creating another Data, Geordie felt disappointment on behalf of his friend. Gently, he said, "Data, he's assimilating a lot of programming. We just don't know if his matrix with be able to adapt. Or if he'll be able to retain anything… We should give him some time."

"And what's this?" Charlotte asked, tapping a spot on B4's neck and beckoning the others closer.

Geordie ran a handheld scanner over it. "It seems to be a redundant memory port. Maybe it's for provisional memory storage in case his neural pathways overload."

"Dr Soong must have found it unnecessary in later versions."

"It's possible the extra memory port is interfering with the engram processing. Mind if I keep him here and run some diagnostics?"

"I do not mind," Data said. But he turned and looked at B4 with an expression so wistful, so crestfallen that the two humans felt sorry for him.

"Don't give up hope, Data," Geordie said.

"I will not," Data answered, still looking at B4. At last, he stood. B4 stood with him, as if linked by an invisible bond.

"No," Data said, mentor to student- or was it parent to child? "Remain with Commander LaForge. He is going to try to make you well."

Obediently, B4 sat while Data moved towards the door, and Charlotte sighed as Geordie returned to his console. "Can I help in any way?"

"Maybe." Geordie beckoned her over. "At the very least, you can watch."