STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Quality of Life"
Riker, Beverly, Geordi, Wesley and Worf were at the poker table in Riker's quarters. Beverly was shuffling. Geordi noticed that Worf was looking at him peculiarly.
"Commander... is it your intention to continue growing your beard?" Worf asked.
"I'm not sure, Worf. Why?" Geordi asked.
"I am just asking."
"Seven-card stud, one-eyed jacks are wild. Frankly, I like your beard, Geordi." Beverly said.
"Thanks, Doctor." Geordi said.
She had finished dealing, and inspected the table.
"The king is high... your bet, Wil." she said.
The players contributed chips during the next.
"Of course, I'm always a little suspicious of men with beards."
In that she was sitting at a table with three bearded men, and one non-bearded young man this brings a reaction.
"For what reason?" Worf asked.
"I don't know... it's as though they're trying to hide something."
"Hide - ? Doctor, that's ridiculous. Beards are a proud and ancient tradition." Riker said.
"Some of the most esteemed men in history had beards." Geordi said.
"I know... but after the razor was invented... I think beards became mostly a fashion statement." Beverly said.
"Hey! I don't have one and never want one." Wesley said.
She dealt the next round.
"I am not concerned with fashion. To a Klingon, a beard is a symbol of courage." Worf said.
"I think it suggests a certain... strength." Riker said.
"Sure. After all, women can't grow one." Beverly said.
"Doctor, I get the feeling you think beards are nothing more than an affectation." Geordi said.
"I do. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that... women wear makeup and nail polish for the same reason." Beverly said. "I just think you men should admit it."
"My beard isn't an affectation." Riker said.
"Oh? Then why not shave it off?" she said.
"I could lose it in a minute." he said. "I've just gotten used to it.
Beverly glanced around at all of them, then at her hand.
"Okay... what do you say we up the stakes a little? If I win this hand... you all shave off your beards. Except Wes because he doesn't have one." she said.
"What if one of us wins? What do you give up?" Geordi asked.
She shrugged.
"I'm open to suggestions..."
"I've always wondered what you'd look like as a brunette..." Riker said.
"I tried it once when I was thirteen. I couldn't wait to change it back."
"That makes me even more curious..."
She gave him a look... so it's going to be like this, is it? She glanced down at her cards... obviously felt very confident.
"Fine. If one of you wins - I become a brunette. Are we on?"
There was a hesitation... they looked at their cards... then at each other, hoping someone has a good hand.
"We'll take that bet." Geordi said.
Worf glared at him... he'd better have a good hand.
"Geordi..." Riker started.
"Sounds like you have the hand to beat, Commander." Beverly said. "I'm in for two hundred." she said tossing out chips.
"I'll see that and raise two hundred." Geordi said.
He and Beverly stared at each other. She put in the chips.
"Call."
All eyes turned to Geordi... he looked at his cards... took a breath... started to put them down...
"This is the Captain. We have arrived at the Tyran system. All senior staff to the Bridge. Including ensign Crusher." Picard said on com.
Geordi immediately threw down his cards, face down, as did the others, making an indiscriminate pile. Wesley was a little surprised he was called but a little excited to. They rose.
"Wait -" Beverly said.
"Sorry, Doctor, you heard the Captain. Duty calls." Riker said.
I don't even know why he's calling me. I just got back a few months ago!" Wesley said.
Probably because you've been here for five years and ensign all five." Geordi said.
Riker then smiled sweetly as they headed for the door.
"I'm sure we can try this another time." he said.
They all, except Wesley who headed normal hurried out as Beverly stared after them, frustrated.
"Captain's Log, stardate 46307.2. We have just come into orbit of Tyrus-Seven-A to monitor progress on the Tyran particle fountain, a radically new mining technology." Picard said.
The station core was unfinished, with equipment consoled scattered about. In several places, the walls were cut through with holes which lead away to access tunnels deep within the station. A Transporter pad and console were in one corner. In the center of the floor was a large, glowing circular core.
Several NDs were working in the b.g. The atmosphere should be that of a large-scale construction project: constant activity in the b.g., problems with equipment, and the tension of working under a deadline.
"So far the project has been fraught with problems, and is well behind schedule. Mister La Forge has been assigned to evaluate the situation." he continued.
Geordi and Wesley were standing with the project leader, Doctor Farallon. They're discussing an Okudagram of the particle fountain displayed on a wall monitor. From the tone of Geordi's voice, it's clear this wasn't the first disagreement they've had.
"Doctor Farallon. The original design called for the particle fountain to lift five-hundred kilograms per minute from the surface - so far it hasn't come close to that." Geordi said patiently.
"That's why I want to increase the stream density - that should boost the lift capacity by seventy-two percent." Farallon said.
"Yeah... and overload the field generators in the process." Wesley said.
Farallon shook her head.
"Not if we distribute the overload evenly throughout the system." she said.
Geordi and Wesley regarded her... an eager, ambitious young woman... bright and dedicated, but a little strung out right now with fatigue and the pressure of this difficult project.
"Doctor... forgive me... but maybe we should concentrate on getting this phase of the project completed... before we start talking about re-designing it..." Geordi said.
Farallon stared at him... wilts a little.
"Commander... I know you're here to evaluate this project..." she said.
"Starfleet is considering whether to use a particle fountain on Carema Three... they want to know how feasible it is." he said acknowledging him.
"And will your opinion be the deciding factor?"
"Not really... I'll make our report to Captain Picard... he'll make the official recommendation to Starfleet... and they'll decide."
"Well. What's your feeling so far?"
"I guess the question we have to ask... is if this technology is any more efficient than conventional mining techniques." Wesley said.
Farallon eyed them... and spoke with the utter conviction of someone who was dedicated to her cause.
"Commander... I know we've had problems here. It seems like nothing's gone right... it's taking a lot longer than I thought to get the particle stream to full strength." she said. "But I know it can work. This is the direction mining will take in the future... and it should be implemented on Carema Three."
"I agree that potentially it's very exciting..." Geordi said.
"Same here!" Wesley said.
"I want to show you something I've been working on... something that might help us complete this project more quickly." she said and moved toward an equipment locker. "I've used these on a limited basis... I think they've earned a try..."
Suddenly, the lights dim and the station trembled. Alarm Klaxons began to sound. They rushed over to check the readout on a wall panel. They exchanged a concerned look.
Data was sitting at the Aft Science station at the main bridge, studying the monitor with concern. Worf was at Tactical.
"Enterprise to Commander La Forge. I am reading significant power fluctuations from the station core. Please report." Data said.
"La Forge here... there's been a malfunction in one of the power grids..." Geordi said on com.
At the station core there were a lot of ND activity in the b.g. as Geordi, Wesley and Farallon worked a pair of consoles.
"... we're losing particle stream confinement." he said to com.
"Do you require assistance?" Data said on com.
"Stand by."
Geordi said and turned to her knowing she wasn't going to like this, but the situation doesn't look good.
"I think we're going to have to shut it down."
"It took four months to get the particle flux up to this level. If we shut down, it'll take another four months just to get it back." she said.
"We have less than five minutes before we lose confinement. When that happens, the particle stream will flood the entire station, and then we'll have to shut it down anyway."
"Then we'll just have to fix the power grid."
"How do we do that?" Wesley said gesturing to a console. "The defective grid is two hundred meters down conduit A-Four. We'd have to disassemble four bulkheads to get to it..." Wesley said.
"Well... here's the perfect opportunity to show you what I had in mind..." she said.
Geordi and Wesley looked puzzled as she went to the equipment locker, opened it, and took out a box-like device with a control panel with flashing indicators and various sensor attachments - an exocomp.
She took a control PADD out of the locker. Then moved quickly to an access tunnel hole and placed the exocomp in front of it.
"What is it?" Geordi asked.
"This is an exocomp - the experiment I was telling you about..." Farallon said.
She quickly tapped several commands into the PADD; the panel on the exocomp flashed in response. She hit a final key on the control PADD.
With a replicator-like effect, a new arm-like appendage materialized, attached to the exocomp. Then, the exocomp rose into the air, and moved into the tunnel.
"If it doesn't work, we'll still have time to shut down the fountain..." Farallon said.
At the main bridge Data studied his console.
"Enterprise to La Forge... what is your situation?" he said.
"Unchanged for the moment... but we're working on it..." Geordi said on com.
Back at the station core Farallon and Geordi stood at the access tunnel, waiting.
"If this doesn't work pretty soon, I'm sorry sir but I recommend you shut down..." Wesley said.
Farallon didn't answer, just stared down the access tunnel. Then suddenly, the station lights came back up and the flashing alarm lights turned off.
"The confinement field is at full strength... particle flux steady... all power levels normal." Geordi said off console
Then he looked at Farallon, amazed. She smiled triumphantly and joined him at his console.
Back at the main bridge.
"Commander La Forge, please report." Data said.
"We're fine, Data. The power grid has been fully restored." Geordi said on com.
Data reacted, surprised.
"How were you able to accomplish the repair so quickly?" he said.
On the station, the exocomp emerged from the tunnel, and dropped slowly to the floor. The arm disappeared. Geordi stared at it.
"You know... I'm not exactly sure. Wes, any idea?" Geordi said.
"Sorry Geordi, I don't know either." he said.
Data was at the transporter room waiting in front of the platform. Transporter chief Kelso was at the console.
"Energize." Data said.
"Aye, sir." Kelso said.
Kelso operated the console... and Geordi and Farallon materialized on the platform. She was carrying the exocomp.
"Welcome to the Enterprise, Doctor. I am Lieutenant Commander Data."
Farallon's face brightened as she saw Data.
"Mister Data. I was hoping I'd have a chance to meet you. I've done extensive studies of your positronic network." Farallon said.
"And I have studied your design for the particle fountain, Doctor. I find the concept to be highly innovative." Data said.
"Thank you."
"I am curious how you were able to repair the power grid so quickly."
Farallon tapped the exocomp.
"This should make it clear, Commander."
"We can set up in Engineering." he said and gestured toward the door and they move toward it; but Farallon's attention remained firmly fixed on Data.
"Is it true that your computational speed is limited only by the physical separation of your positronic links?"
"Actually, that is no longer the case." "I recently converted my main interlink sequencer to asynchronous operation, which removed that performance constraint."
Wesley gently prodded them toward the door.
"Doctor, this way please..." he said.
Data and Farallon went out, still wrapped up in their discussion.
"I see. But how did you resolve the signal fragmentation?" Farallon said.
"The interlink sequencer is now bi-directional. It compensates for..." Data said.
They left through the door, absorbed in talking, and Geordi followed.
At the engineering the exocomp was on the pool table. It had been opened up, and inside was a complex mass of circuitry and components.
"We've been using devices like this on Tyrus Seven for years... the basic unit is a common industrial servo-mechanism." Farallon said. "A few years ago... I started tinkering with one... this is the result."
Geordi was looking closely inside the device.
"Boridium power converter... axionic chip network... very sophisticated." he said impressed and glanced at Data. "In terms of sheer computational speed, this little guy could almost compete with you, Data."
"Oh, the exocomps don't come close to Data's sophistication..."
""Exocomps... ?"" Data said.
"That's what I call them."
She closed up the exocomp and turned it on. The exocomp panel light flashed, indicating that it was active. She picked up the Control PADD.
"Let's say you had an anti-matter flow converter that was fluctuating. How would you repair it?"
"The correct procedure would be to adjust the converter."
"With what?"
"A mode stabilizer."
"Okay, let me input the problem into the exocomp. she said as she tapped commands. "... a fluctuating anti-matter flow converter..." she said. "Now let's see what happens."
The exocomp's panel flashed.
With a replicator-life effect, a tech tool materialized on the exocomp.
Wesley studied the new tool and smiled.
"A mode stabilizer. Very nice." he said.
"You have incorporated a micro-replication system into the device... in order to fashion tools." Data said.
"It's more than that. I designed the exocomps to be problem solvers. Whenever they perform a task they've never done before, the micro-replicator creates new circuit pathways within the unit's memory." Farallon said.
"So... in a sense, they are "learning.""
"Exactly. The more situations they encounter, the more circuit pathways they build. They become better tools as they work."
"Well, it's impressive technology, no doubt about it. Once it's out of the experimental stage there'll be plenty of applications-" Wesley said.
"Ensign, I'm hoping the experimental stage is over." she said. "When are we supposed to brief Captain Picard on the status of the particle fountain?" she asked.
"At sixteen hundred hours."
"Good. I have something to ask him."
Farallon was at the Ready room with Picard, Data, Wesley and Geordi.
"Captain, I know you're supposed to give your evaluation to Starfleet today. I'd like you to postpone that report another forty-eight hours." she said.
"The Enterprise is scheduled to leave the Tyran System tomorrow. If I'm to change that plan, I'll need a good reason." Picard said.
"I realize that, sir." she said and hesitated, looked around the room, then plunges in.
"If you're going to make a recommendation to Starfleet about using the particle fountain on Carema... it seems only fair that you see it working at full strength."
"Agreed."
"I think I can complete the project... and boost the efficiency of the particle stream... if I use exocomps - the new devices I've constructed."
Picard pondered this.
"I understand one of these devices successfully repaired the faulty power grid..." he said.
"Yes, sir. I've been testing them on a limited basis, but I think they're ready to be used on a larger scale."
"Mister La Forge, what are your thoughts?"
"I guess the only risk... is falling even further behind." he said.
"I'm willing to take that risk." she said.
"Mister Data?"
"The exocomps are highly sophisticated devices, sir. If they perform to expectations, their potential to advance this project is considerable." he said.
Farallon couldn't help but smile at Data's vote of confidence.
"I'm inclined to agree. I don't think forty-eight hours is too much time to risk - particularly when the gains might be substantial." Picard said. "You may proceed, Doctor."
"Thank you, sir." she said. "If possible, I'd like Commander Data to work with me."
Picard glanced at Data.
"Thank you, Doctor. I would welcome the opportunity." Data said.
Picard rose, signaling the end of the meeting.
Data watched carefully as an exocomp worked on a darkened console at the station core. A panel was open, and a robot-like arm sprouting from the exocomp was working inside. Suddenly, the darkened console lit up and hummed to life.
Farallon came up to Data.
"Commander. There's a plasma conduit in one of the access tunnels that's ready to be sealed. It's the perfect job for an exocomp." she said.
"I agree, Doctor." Data said.
Farallon pointed out one of the conduit openings. Data took out the control PADD and tapped in commands. The exocomp panel flashed in response and it entered the tunnel.
"Well, Mister Data. What is your analysis so far?" she asked.
"I have successfully completed fourteen separate tasks with this exocomp in the past hour. I estimate it would have taken two people nine hours to accomplish the same tasks. I would characterize the unit's performance as excellent."
"I hope Commander La Forge and Captain Picard agree with you." she said pleased.
"I am confident that they will. Commander La Forge is an excellent-"
At that moment, the exocomp emerged from the tunnel and settles slowly to the ground. Puzzled reactions from Data and Farallon.
Farallon picked up the exocomp and put it on a table. She checked a console readout.
"It didn't finish sealing the plasma conduit." she said puzzled. "Send it back in." she said to Data.
Data tapped some commands into the control PADD, but this time there were no corresponding flashes from the exocomp - it was completely unresponsive.
"It is not accepting my commands." he said.
Farallon took the PADD from Data.
"Maybe there's a malfunction in its control processor. Let me see if I can override it..."
She began to work the PADD. and the PADD overloaded in a surge of electricity. Startled, she dropped the PADD.
"Doctor -"
"I'm all right. The control padd just overloaded." she said quickly. "What's the matter with this thing?"
They were both looking curiously at the exocomp when suddenly, the access tunnel exploded. The shock of the blast staggered them both.
NDs then rushed over to control the situation.
Geordi was in the engineering with Data, Wesley and Farallon, examining the unresponsive exocomp. Geordi was in the process of connecting an optical cable from the exocomp to a computer console.
"The exocomp came out of the plasma conduit... we tried to override the commands and send it back in... but it just - shut down. It's been completely unresponsive ever since." Farallon said.
"Let's see what our computer has to say..." Geordi said.
He made the final connection and a nearby monitor revealing a schematic that showed a dense, chaotic web of circuit pathways within the exocomp. Some of the lines were dark to indicate that they weren't functioning.
"The interface circuitry which links the exocomp to the control padd has been completely burned out." Data said.
"That's weird... is there any evidence of secondary power surges?" Wesley said.
"No."
Wesley pointed to a section of the monitor.
"But what's going on there... ? Data, increase magnification in section Gamma-Four." he said.
The monitor displayed a magnified portion of the internal circuitry.
"Interesting... the number of circuit pathways within the exocomp has increased by six-hundred thirty-two percent."
"Oh, no..." Farallon said.
"What is it?" Geordi asked.
Farallon wasn't surprised... but she was disappointed.
"Sometimes an exocomp starts forming large numbers of new pathways - totally at random. Eventually, it reaches a point where it shuts down. Just like this one."
She disconnected the optical cable from the ship's computer. Data was puzzled at the peremptory move.
"Doctor... the new pathways do not appear to be interfering with the original circuitry -" Data started.
"Once an exocomp is this badly corrupted, it's useless. You have to erase the unit and start all over again. And there's no time for that now." she explained.
"That leaves you with only two of them... it's going to slow you down..." Geordi said.
"Yes, Commander. You have the right to point out that you told me so..." she said touchy.
"I just wanted to say that we'll be happy to add an extra shift to take up the slack..."
Farallon stopped, a little embarrassed.
"I'm sorry. I guess I'm touchy these days."
"It's okay... you've got a lot on your shoulders."
She grinned gamely.
"Guess I'd better get back to it..." she said. "Thanks, Commander."
Then she left. Wesley turned to Data, who was still studying the circuitry schematics of the exocomp.
"I feel sorry for her. This project has had nothing but problems." Wesley said. "Why did that plasma conduit explode?"
"Apparently there was a micro-fracture in the conduit wall. The fault did not register on our instruments." Data said.
"I guess it's a good thing the exocomp malfunctioned... almost seems like it knew just when to leave." Wesley said offhand joking.
Geordi snickered.
Data reacted to Wesley's statement. He hadn't considered the exocomp's behavior in this way.
"Wesley, are you implying that the exocomp was exhibiting a form of self-preservation?"
"Of course not." he said surprised.
"Lieutenant Pierson to Commander La Forge... sir, could you join us in the systems monitor room?" technician said on com.
"On my way." Geordi said.
He left. Data moved back toward the deactivated exocomp... stared at it... picked it up... and then left with it in his hand.
Data was at his quarters at his desk with the exocomp and its control padd nearby. Several tech tools were lying about. He linked the exocomp to the ship's computer with an optical cable.
"Computer... perform a level one diagnostic on the exocomp's command module." he said.
There was a brief pause.
"The command pathways are functioning normally."
"How can that be... if the interface circuitry is burned out?"
"The interface circuitry has been repaired."
"Curious..."
He pondered for a moment.
"Computer, access the exocomp's sensor logs and confirm that there was a failure of the interface circuitry within the last twelve hours."
"Confirmed. Interface failure occurred at eleven hundred fifty hours today, when the exocomp produced a power surge which burned out the linkage."
"How... and when... was it repaired?"
"The exocomp activated a self-repair program at thirteen hundred forty hours."
"Why would the exocomp burn out its own interface circuitry... and then repair it two hours later?"
"Unknown."
Data stared pensively at the exocomp.
Geordi entered Ten Forward and spotted Farallon sitting alone at a table, gazing out the windows then approached. Wesley's at his quarters on break.
"There you are... I thought you'd be hard at work by now." Geordi said.
She looked up at him and smiled.
"I wanted a quiet cup of tea before I went back... gathering strength, I guess..." she said.
He sat with her.
"I came to tell you I've assigned two engineering teams to work on the particle fountain."
"Thank you, Commander. I'm grateful."
"I really admire the work you've done. And I'm sorry if the exocomps aren't working out..."
She smiled at him... a little weary, a little battered by the recent events.
"You were right... I'm trying to move too fast." she said. "I guess I lack that conservative streak most scientists have... I always seem to be out on the edge, taking chances..."
"I'll bet you were the kind of little girl who was always climbing one branch higher than the other kids..."
She laughed. The feeling between them was looser, more amiable than previously.
"Anything to get to the top of the tree..."
"... and I bet you never fell."
"Oh, no - I fell all the time. Usually breaking a bone in the process." she said. "I just never let it stop me."
Geordi grinned, shook his head.
"Well, if it comes down to sheer determination - you'll get that particle fountain built." he said grinning.
"You're right about that, Commander. I've spent the last six years of my life on this project. It's the first thought I have when I wake up and the last before I go to bed. Whatever it takes to prove this technology... I'll do it."
Beverly and Worf were at sickbay dressed in loose workout uniforms. Beverly was sitting on a sickbed; there was a bruise on her forearm. An ND nurse administered to her with a tech device. Worf stood near the bed, lecturing Beverly patiently. Beverly seemed more excited than hurt.
"Doctor, if you wish to master the bat'telh sword, you must learn to strike and avoid in the same motion." Worf said.
"I almost got in under your guard, Worf." Beverly said.
Worf pointed to the bruise.
"Almost."
She smiled.
"OK... I'll try to keep that in mind for my next lesson."
Worf nodded and left, encountering Data as he entered. The nurse was finishing her treatment.
"Thanks."
As the Nurse moved away, Data approached.
"Doctor, are you injured?" Data asked.
"Just my pride, Data." she said. "What can I do for you?"
"I would like to ask you a question. What is your definition of life?"
Beverly gave him a look - that's a tall order.
"That's a big question, Data. Why are you asking?"
"I am searching for a definition which will allow me to test an hypothesis."
"Well, the broadest scientific definition might be... that life is what enables plants and animals to consume food... derive energy from it, grow, adapt themselves to their surroundings... and reproduce."
"And you would suggest that anything which exhibits those characteristics would be considered alive?"
"In general, yes."
"What about fire?"
"Fire?"
"Yes. It consumes fuel to produce energy... it grows... it creates offspring... by your definition, is it alive?"
Beverly smiled.
'He's finding the exception to the rules.' she thought.
"Fire is a chemical reaction. You could make the same argument for growing crystals... but obviously, we don't consider them alive." she said.
"And what about me? I do not grow... I do not reproduce... and yet I am considered to be alive."
"That's true. But then you're unique."
"I wonder if that is so..."
"Data, if I may ask... just what is it you're getting at?"
"I am curious... as to what transpired between one moment when I was nothing more than an assemblage of parts in Doctor Soong's laboratory... and the next moment when I became "alive." What was it that endowed me with life?"
Beverly smiled at a recollection.
"I remember Wesley asking me a similar question when he was little. I tried desperately to give him an answer... but everything I said sounded inadequate."
she said and looked at Data... who was concentrating intently on everything she said.
"Then I realized that scientists and philosophers had been grappling with the same question for centuries... without coming to any conclusion."
"Are you saying that the question can never be answered?"
"No... I think I'm saying that we struggle all our lives to answer it... and it's the struggle that's important. That's what helps us define our place in the universe."
Data regarded her calmly for a moment.
"I think I understand, Doctor."
"I don't feel like I've helped you very much..."
"On the contrary, Doctor - you have helped a great deal. Thank you." he said then left.
Geordi approaches Farallon at the station core.
"Okay. I've split the engineering teams among all the shifts. If nothing else goes wrong, that should be enough to help you finish on time." he said.
"With the help of the exocomps, I think we will."
"Do you think they'll toe the line... ?" he said joking.
She smiled and picked up the exocomp PADD, began programming it.
"Don't worry... they know who's in charge..." she said lightly.
Data entered from the adjoining room.
"Doctor, please... I must ask you to stop using the exocomps." he said.
"Why? Is there something wrong with them?"
"No. It is not that."
He looked first at Geordi, then back at her.
"I have reason to believe that the exocomps are alive."
Picard, Data, Deanna, Beverly, Geordi, and Farallon were at the Observation lounge. Farallon was fuming.
"Captain, I object to being called here. I'm wasting time that could be better spent elsewhere." Farallon said.
"Doctor, I appreciate the time constraints you're under. But recognizing new life - whatever its form - is the principal mission of this vessel." Picard said. "Mister Data, what makes you think the exocomps could be alive?
"Sir, when the exocomp left the access tunnel prior to the explosion, I believe it may have been attempting to save itself from destruction." Data said.
"Do you have any basis for that conclusion?" Farallon asked.
"I believe so. When you attempted to override the exocomp and send it back into the tunnel, it responded by deliberately burning out its control interface."
"Deliberately?" Beverly said.
"The computer diagnostic showed that the exocomp disabled its own interface."
"That could have been nothing more than a malfunction..." Farallon said.
"However, two hours later, when the exocomp was aboard the Enterprise and no longer in danger... it repaired itself." Data said and there was a small silence at this.
"I believe that the exocomp was protecting itself. And if that is true, it has demonstrated an awareness of its environment - and an ability to adapt to that environment."
"You're anthropomorphizing these units. Like any mechanical device, they occasionally malfunction. One time, I saw an exocomp enter a reaction chamber for no apparent reason and vaporize itself. Is that supposed to make me think it was suicidal?"
"Doctor, why is it so difficult for you to accept the fact that the exocomp could be alive?" Deanna asked gently. "After all, you're talking to a living machine right now." she said meaning Data.
"And I have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for Doctor Soong's accomplishment. But his intention was to create an artificial life form..." Farallon said. "I created the exocomps to be tools. And there's a big difference between Data and a tool."
"There is a big difference between a humanoid and a virus, Doctor. But both are alive."Data said.
"If the possibility exists... no matter how slight... that the exocomps are lifeforms, then we must examine that possibility." Picard said.
"Thank you, sir. And until we have a definitive answer, I believe that it is inappropriate to exploit the exocomps as laborers."
"Captain, that's absurd." Farallon said.
"If they are intelligent life forms, we have no right to force them to work for us." Beverly said.
"That's like me telling you not to use your tricorder." Farallon said to Beverly.
"Tricorders aren't alive..." she said.
"Neither are exocomps."
"Clearly these are difficult issues to resolve. We must proceed carefully. The first task is to test Mister Data's hypothesis." Picard said.
"Data, you're claiming that this exocomp may be alive because it demonstrated a survival instinct, right?" Geordi said.
"Yes."
"So why don't we just threaten its survival again and see what happens?"
Farallon, Data, Geordi, and Picard were gathered near the Jeffries tube at the engineering. Farallon was standing near the exocomp with the control PADD in her hands. Geordi worked a console briefly and looked up.
"We're almost ready, Doctor. You can start programming it." Geordi said
As Farallon started tapping commands into the control PADD; the exocomp flashed in response.
"What we've done is to recreate a situation similar to the one the exocomp encountered in the plasma conduit." he continued.
"We have created a small conduit breach in this tube. The exocomp would normally require several minutes to complete this type of repair. However, once it enters the tube, it will find that a plasma cascade failure is in progress." said Data.
"I assume that is only a simulation..." Picard said.
"Yes, sir. We're running a transient overload signal that will simulate a failure in exactly one minute." Geordi said.
Farallon had finished programming the exocomp and had joined the group.
"If the exocomp does possess a survival instinct, as Mister Data claims... it should exit the tube before the minute is up in order to save itself." she said and Picard nodded liking the plan.
"Very well. Proceed." he said.
Geordi moved to the console.
"I'm beginning the test sequence now." Geordi said and tapped a final command.
"One minute."
Farallon taps a final command on the control PADD.
The exocomp materialized the same tech tool. Then it rose up and moved down the Jeffries tube out of sight.
Geordi began a countdown.
"Fifty seconds..."
The exocomp worked quickly as it attempts to repair the tube systems.
"... thirty seconds..."
Various reactions shots of each person: Farallon was skeptical, Picard and Geordi even, and Data impassive.
Inside the tube, the exocomp worked diligently, as though unaware of any impending disaster.
"... ten seconds..."
Farallon allowed herself a small smile; she felt she's about to be vindicated. Data remained impassive.
Inside the tube, the exocomp was working furiously.
"...five... four... three... two... one..." he said. "That's it. If this had been for real, the tube would've exploded... with the exocomp inside."
Reactions as the implications sink in.
"Go ahead and bring it back, Doctor."
Farallon tapped the control panel. A short beat later, the exocomp emerged from the Jeffries tube and settled gently to the ground. Data stared curiously at the exocomp for a minute.
"Well, Captain, I think we've spent more than enough time answering this question." she said. "I hope the outcome wasn't too much of a disappointment, Mister Data. It certainly came as no surprise to me." she said to Data.
Data didn't react to her tone and answered evenly.
"Thank you for your help, Doctor." he said.
"You're welcome."
Then she left.
"You may rest assured that I consider this time well spent." Picard said.
"As do I, sir. Thank you." Data said.
Picard left to.
Data was at the engineering console with the exocomp's control PADD nearby. Sporadic flashes coming from the Jeffries tube indicate that there's something going on inside it.
"... thirty seconds..." computer said.
It's clear that the exocomp was inside the tube. Data had been running the test over and over again. Data's attention remained fixed on the console.
A short minute later, Beverly entered in the b.g.. She crossed to Data, a look of concern on her face.
"Commander Riker said you were still down here." Beverly said. "He also said the exocomp failed the test."
"That is true." Data said.
The console beeped.
"Time expired. Test complete." computer said.
Data didn't immediately react to the computer's notification.
"I have completed thirty-four additional trials, and the results have been the same in each of them." he said. "Perhaps I was wrong in suspecting the exocomp was alive."
"This was important to you, wasn't it?" Beverly said.
Data reflected on this question.
"You said earlier that I am unique. If so, that means I am alone in the universe. As I investigated the exocomps, I realized that I might be encountering a progenitor of myself. Suddenly the possibility existed that I was no longer alone." he said. "For that reason, it was -"
At that moment, the exocomp emerged from the tunnel and dropped slowly to the floor. It now had a different tool. Data looked at it curiously.
"The exocomp has returned..."
"Isn't that what it's supposed to do?" she said.
"In the previous thirty-four trials, I brought it back once the simulated failure occurred. This time, we were talking, and I neglected to do that."
"I distracted you. I'm sorry."
"Do not apologize, Doctor. I believe we have discovered something significant."
"What?"
"The exocomp has replicated a different tool... that is not the molecular fuser it had when it entered the Jeffries tube." he said and hit controls at his console.
"Doctor... the exocomp not only completed the repairs... it also deactivated the overload signal."
"I thought that was just a simulation."
"It was. And the exocomp must have realized that. It saw there was no real danger... and completed the repairs..."
"... and then replicated the correct tool to eliminate the false overload signal."
"I see no other possible explanation."
"The exocomp didn't fail the test- it saw right through it."
Farallon was at a console, talking to Geordi and Picard at the station core.
"We're definitely making progress, Captain. I'm not sure we'll be at full capacity within the forty-eight hour deadline... but we'll be close." Farallon said.
"It looks like there's still some difficulty with the phase selectors..." Geordi said.
"That's true... but I'm sure it's the last real problem."
She was quietly determined... but Picard, though kindly, saw it differently.
"For the sake of the project, I hope you're right." he said.
"I understand, sir. We're going to do our best -" she said.
Suddenly, the station lights went out. After a moment, the red back-up lights turned on. Farallon was obviously disappointed. She moved over to study a console, and Geordi and Picard followed.
"This is strange. Primary power is still on-line." she said off console.
"Maybe it's another power grid malfunction?" Geordi said and checked the console.
Farallon worked the console; she looked worried.
"I don't think so... something seems to be drawing power into the main particle impeller. That's not a good sign. It could mean -" she said.
Suddenly, there was a tremendous explosion which rocked the entire station. The alarm klaxons began to sound. In the center of the room, the core began to ripple with energy, filling the room with a flickering glow.
"We've lost internal confinement... the particle stream is beginning to surge." she continued.
Geordi checked the console and turned quickly to Picard.
"Captain, a radiation field is going to flood this chamber. If we don't get everybody out of here immediately..." Geordi said urgently.
"Understood. Doctor, we are evacuating this station." Picard said.
"Captain, I might still be able to -" Farallon said.
"That is an order, Doctor. Assemble all personnel on the Transporter pad, now!"
Farallon realized that it was the only choice. She made no further protest and rushed to get her people together. Picard on the move hit his COM.
"Picard to Enterprise..."
Riker and Worf were at their stations on the bridge. The concern on their face was evident... they know the situation.
"... ard to Ent..." Picard said on com with heavily static.
"Riker here, sir." Riker said.
There was no response.
"The radiation field is increasing, sir. We are losing communications." Worf said.
"Ent... pare for trans..." Picard said heavily static.
"Red alert." Riker said when a red alert sounded.
"Riker to Transporter Room Two. Prepare for emergency transport."
At the station core Picard herded two NDs onto the Transporter pad. Geordi was already at the Transporter console. Secondary explosions continued to go off in the b.g. Picard was not on the pad.
"The radiation is setting up a field ionization effect, sir. We've got less than a minute to beam out."
Farallon rushed over with two more NDs and they all crowded onto the platform.
"Is this everybody?" Picard said.
Farallon took a quick head count.
"Where's Takenta?" she said and pointed toward the far corner of the station.
"He was over there, near the impeller control."
"I'll get him, sir." Geordi said to Picard quickly.
He immediately turned and heads away into the darkened station and Picard took his place at the console. A tense beat passes.
"Mister La Forge!" Picard said.
There was no answer and sign of Geordi.
"Stand by to transport."
He hit the panel. The Transporter effect began.
"Captain - you'll be trapped here-" she said and her and her team dematerialized.
Picard moved back through the station.
"Mister La Forge... Mister La Forge!" he said.
In the far corner of the station, Geordi was on his hands and knees. Beside him was the motionless body of an ND. Both their uniforms were blackened from an explosion. Picard rushed over.
"Geordi, are you all right?" he asked.
"I'm okay... I only caught the edge of it..." Geordi said and Picard looked at the ND body.
"He's dead, sir."
Picard looked from the body to the glowing core. The implications were clear: they could both soon be joining him.
At the transporter room five people from the station were walking off the platform, having just beamed in.
Data entered from the Turbolift and took his position at the main bridge.
"Chief, do you have them?" Riker said.
"They're here, sir." Kelso said.
"Is everyone all right?"
She moved to a com panel.
"We're fine, sir." Farallon said. "But Captain Picard and Commander La Forge are still on the station."
Riker reacted.
"Kelso, can you get them off?" he said.
"I've been trying, sir... I can't establish a pattern lock..." Kelso said and worked console.
"Commander... we barely managed to transport off ourselves. The field ionization is too intense." Farallon said.
Riker reacted.
"Commander, the particle fountain is continuing to surge. At the present rate, the radiation within the station core will reach fatal levels in twenty-three minutes." Data said off console.
At the station core Geordi and Picard were lit by the flickering glow of the core. They had moved a few consoles into an area of the station farthest from the core. There's a feeling of urgency as Picard moved a final console into place.
"Captain, if I can access the field emitters, we should be able to establish a force field... see if you can link your console to my command system sub-routine." Geordi said.
"All right..." Picard said.
Geordi and Picard worked the consoles for a minute.
"Link established." Picard said.
"Okay, here goes..."
He tapped a command and the force field effect came on. They and the consoles were surrounded. The effect looked staticky and unstable.
"I'm reading power fluctuations... the field's not stable..."
"Yeah... the radiation levels are too high... the emitters are beginning to deteriorate..."
"How long can we expect this force field to last?"
"Not very long..."
"We have to keep it up long enough to give Commander Riker the time he needs to get to us..."
"Maybe we can help him out... see if you can access the emergency shut-down routine... I'll try to activate the ionic dampers."
They get to work.
Data and Riker were at the main bridge at the Aft science station.
"A force field was activated on the station a few moments ago. It is possible that Commander La Forge has established a low-intensity deflector field." Data said.
"It won't last long in that radiation..." Riker said.
"No, sir. My readings indicate that it will fail in approximately twenty-two minutes."
Riker moved away and Data followed.
Farallon was now on the Bridge. The air was tense and grim. Riker and Data moved to the command chairs.
"All right, we've got twenty-two minutes. I want some options." Riker said.
"Can we send a shuttlecraft to evacuate them?" Worf said.
Farallon shakes her head.
"We'd never get to them in time."
"Then we'll have to find a way to shut down the particle fountain." Riker said.
Farallon considered the problem.
"What if we detonated a low-yield photon torpedo within the particle stream? Wouldn't that shut it down?" he continued.
"We'd have to configure the torpedo very carefully... the shape of the shock wave would be critical." she said. "But it could work."
"How long would it take to set up?"
"I estimate that it would take a minimum of sixty-five minutes to properly configure the torpedo." Data said.
"We don't have that much time."
"Commander - maybe the exocomps can help us." Farallon. said
They all looked at her, intrigued.
"I can program their boridium power cells to explode on command. They can be configured just like a photon torpedo... but it would only take a few minutes."
Riker hesitated, realizing the sensitivity of this issue.
"Commander. I must object to this plan." Data said.
Riker sympathized with Data's concerns, but doesn't have that many options.
"Data, we've been through this already. We tested the exocomp... and it failed." Riker said.
"Sir, Doctor Crusher and I discovered that the exocomp did not fail the test. It is still my belief that we are dealing with a new life form -" Data said.
"Data, you know how much I value your judgment. But I can't risk the Captain and Geordi on the basis of your "belief"." he said urgently. "Doctor... prepare the exocomps." he said to Farallon.
"Commander, if I am correct, the exocomps will not allow themselves to be destroyed. They have a sense of survival, and will shut down before they will comply with the order." Data said.
Farallon gave him a look.
'He's probably right.' she thought.
"I could disconnect their command pathways before I program them. That way they can't malfunction." she said to Riker
"Do it."
Farallon left through the Turbolift.
Farallon and Kelso were at the transporter room. The three exocomps were on the Transporter platform. Farallon was tapping the last few commands into the control PADD. She finished and moved a com panel.
"Commander Riker... we're ready." Farallon.
Back at the main bridge,
"Mister Worf, target two hundred meters below the apex of the particle stream and feed the coordinates to Transporter Room Two." Riker said.
"Aye, sir." Worf said. "Coordinates received." he said and worked the console.
"Mister Kelso... Energize."
An instant before Kelso he could comply, his Transporter controls go out. He tried to reactivate them... nothing. He continued to work the darkened panel with mounting frustration.
"Mister Kelso?" Riker said.
"I'm sorry, sir... the Transporter system just went dead... there's some kind of malfunction..." Kelso said confused.
"Run a diagnostic immediately. Try bypassing the -" Riker said quickly.
Data turned to Riker from his chair.
"Commander, that will not be necessary. The Transporter is not malfunctioning. I have locked out the controls." Data said.
The doors opened and Riker and Data entered the observation. Riker was furious, but was keeping it tightly in check.
"Mister Data, I gave you a direct order. Release the Transporter lock-out. Now." Riker said.
"I cannot do that, sir." Data said.
"If you don't, I'll relieve you of duty."
"That is your prerogative, sir. Under Starfleet regulations, direct insubordination is a court martial offense." Data said. "But I cannot release the Transporter."
Riker stared at him in frustration.
"Data, those are two of your friends out there. They've saved your life more times than I can remember. I can't believe you'd be willing to sacrifice them like this."
"Commander, please do not think I have made an arbitrary decision. I have considered the ramifications of my actions carefully. And I do not believe it is justifiable to sacrifice one life form for another."
"But you don't know that the exocomps are life forms..."
"It is true that I am acting on a personal belief. But I do not see how I can do otherwise."
"You're risking a lot on the basis of a belief..."
"I have observed that humans often base their judgments on nothing more than what is referred to as "intuition" or "instinct." Because I am a machine, I lack that particular ability. However... it is possible that I may have an insight into other machines that humans lack."
"If there were a way to save the Captain and Geordi without destroying the exocomps, I'd jump at it. But I'm running out of time... and this is the only solution I've got."
"Then let me offer an alternative. If you transport me to the station, I will try to complete a manual shut down of the particle stream."
"The radiation levels are too high, even for you. Your positronic net would be ionized within minutes. I can't let you sacrifice yourself."
"If I give up my life to save my fellow officers, that is my choice. The exocomps no longer have that choice."
They've reached an impasse... Riker was frustrated and desperate to find a solution.
"Then... what if we re-connect their command pathways and give them a choice?" Riker said.
"A choice, sir?"
"Data, you've assumed the exocomps will shut themselves down before undertaking this mission... at least, we can ask them if they're willing to proceed."
Data pondered this for a minute...
"That seems reasonable, sir... if they choose to go, I would be willing to release the Transporter lock-out." he said.
"Fair enough..."
And they headed for the door.
Data, Riker, and Farallon were at the transporter room. She was working the control PADD. The three exocomps were on the Transporter pad.
"All right... I've enabled the command pathways." Farallon said.
She handed the PADD to Data. He took it and began entering commands.
"If the exocomps do not shut down after I have programmed them, we may assume that they are willing to go." Data said.
Data finished programming, and the three turned to look at the exocomps. They were blinking and beeping like mad. Then the blinking and beeping subsided.
"What does that mean? Are they willing to go or not?" Riker said.
"They haven't shut down..." Farallon.
"They seem to be re-programming the commands I entered..." Data said.
"Re-programming them... ?" Riker said.
"Clearly, they are not willing to be transported into the stream for detonation... however, they may have an alternate solution."
"Something we haven't considered? Now you're suggesting they have superior intelligence." Farallon.
"Not at all... but they do have superior experience, Doctor... during their service, they have interfaced with every part of the station core... something none of us has done, including yourself. They may have another way to control the particle surge." Data said.
"Sir... new coordinates are being fed to the Transporter - by the exocomps." Kelso said. "The coordinates are inside the station core." he said as he studied.
Data, Farallon, and Riker exchanged glances. This seemed pretty conclusive evidence.
"Kelso - energize." Riker said.
"Aye, sir." Kelso said.
The exocomps materialized near the damaged station core. Picard, working on his console, saw them arrive.
"Mister La Forge..." Picard said.
Geordi moved toward him, saw the exocomps. They were now arranged around the core in a triangular pattern.
"What are they up to?" Geordi said.
The exocomps materialized identical tools.
"Those look like power-taps of some kind..." he continued.
Now, an energy beam jumped from one exocomp's tool to the core... a leaping pulse of phased energy... now the second exocomp did the same... then the third...
"That's exactly what they are... the exocomps are siphoning off power from the core..." Picard said.
"They're trying to distort the particle stream frequency. That might open up a window that the Enterprise can use to beam us out..." Geordi said.
They watched expectantly as the exocomps continued working.
"If they can modulate the radiation field... it'll work. But they'll have to get the sub-harmonic frequencies to resonance..." he said and checked his console.
"The particle stream frequency is fluctuating... they're having trouble controlling the feedback... it may be more power than they can handle..."
"Can we help them? Is there any way we can moderate the power transfer?" Picard asked.
"We've done all we can, sir... it's up to them now."
There was an anxious moment... and then suddenly there was a qualitative change in the sound from the exocomps.
"This is incredible... they're balancing the power absorption rates..." he said. "It's working... the particle stream is beginning to distort..." he continued. "Almost at resonance..." he continued. "They've got it."
"Drop the force field." Picard said.
Geordi hit a control and the force field vanishes.
"Commander, I've got a pattern lock!" Kelso said.
"Energize -" Riker said.
As Kelso worked the Transporter Picard and Geordi materialized on the platform. Everyone sighed of relief.
"Can you lock on to the exocomps?" Data said to Kelso.
"I'm trying, sir..." Kelso said while he worked.
Two of the exocomps at the station core began to dematerialize... one of them remained intact, projecting the energy beam... making it possible for the other two to transport. Then they were gone... it was left alone... the energy beam disappeared. The exocomp beeped once... and then its lights blink out one by one.
The two exocomps were in place on the Transporter room platform. Kelso was working at the console.
"I'm sorry, sir. I was only able to lock onto two of them. For some reason I couldn't fix a signal on the other one." Kelso said.
"One of them had to continue disrupting the particle stream... absorbing that much power would prevent a signal lock..." Geordi said.
"It was the only way to save the other two." Data said.
Picard, Data, and Farallon were at the ready room.
"I must admit you've given me a lot to think about, Commander Data... I'm not exactly sure what the exocomps are... but you can be assured that until I do, I won't be treating them as simple tools." Farallon said.
"Thank you, Doctor." Data said. "I wish your work on the particle fountain had been more successful... perhaps the exocomps will be able to help you to re-construct it."
"I hope they will..." she said. "... and I predict in a year or two you'll be able to recommend the technology to Starfleet." she said to Picard.
"I'll look forward to it." Picard said.
She smiled her good-bye and left, but Data didn't follow her.
"Something more, Mister Data?" Picard said.
"Yes, sir. I thought you might be curious why I would be willing to risk your life for several small machines." Data said.
"I think I understand the predicament you were in. It cannot have been an easy choice."
"No, sir. It was not. Several years ago, when my status as a living being was in question, you fought to protect my rights- and for that, I will always be grateful." he said. "The exocomps had no such advocate, sir. If I had not acted in their behalf, they would have been destroyed. I could not allow that to happen."
Picard understood, and was touched by Data's sentiments.