Julian leaned against the wall as Captain Data scrolled through dozens of pages of computer data at a time. Julian could very nearly read every word before Data switched to the next screen, and he found himself swearing mentally that he wasn't fast enough.

After about a minute, Data completed reading Bashir's assembled information, and he turned around to face the doctor.

"What do you make of it, Captain Data?" Julian asked.

Data launched into a complex and thorough analysis of the virus and it's mutations, and his predictions largely matched Bashir's own.

"I'd like you to take a look at the virus's current patterns," Julian commented, stepping forward to press a few commands into the display.

Data turned and they both watched the screen flash to a series of graphs and figures.

"Doctor," Data said suddenly, turning to face Bashir. The doctor raised a brow and gestured for Data to continue. "I believe there is information you need to see. Computer, access Scientific Log of the Cowabunga."

Data listed a specific stardate and file, and Julian stared at a set of patterns nearly identical to the previous screen.

"What's this?" Julian asked, though he had a sinking feeling that he already knew; his brow furrowed at the possible implications.

"This is the scans my ship took of the mietric radiation," Data said. "Upon inspection, it appears that the two phenomena are related."

Julian nodded, deep in speculation.

The two of them worked in tandem for nearly and hour before Data left to pursue other tasks. Julian saved and encrypted all his data, and then he pressed his combadge.

"Doctor Bashir to Captain Sisko," he reported.

"Sisko here," the Captain replied.

"Captain, are you in your office?" Bashir asked.

"Yes?" Sisko returned. "What's this all about?"

"Just stay right there, sir, please," Julian said as he walked toward the door. "I've got something I need to tell you."

XXVIII END CHAPTER XXVIII

Author's Notes: This chapter has one of my favorite bits from this entire story. I can only imagine the mini rivalry Julian would create in his mind against Data if they spent extended time serving together.

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