„Estimated time of arrival in orbit in sixty-seven minutes, Commander."
„Inform the Captain, Mr. Data", Riker replied without looking up from the display in the back of the bridge.
„Putting through."
„How far are you with your preparations?", Riker enquired.
„Ready for take off", the android answered, with a thick casual undertone. „Party can commence at any time."
„Come here, Commander."
The android rose from his chair obediently and crossed over to his superior officer.
„Dial it down, just a bit, Data", Riker advised him in a low voice. „Crew might think you're not taking your job seriously. It's a good variation for meetings off-duty, but please stay your stern self when on the bridge."
„Understood, Sir."
„Now can you summarize these readings for me, Data?"
The android pulled the hidden chair from beneath the beacon, and took his time to glaze at the reading. He did, in fact, just plainly look at them. It took him an instant to process the information displayed, but he had long ago figured that his crewmates felt much more comfortable if he pretended to slow down in his working tempi.
"You have accessed Ensign Lo Zhan's medical files, Commander."
"Only the part included in Crusher's report. It's part of official scientific database now."
"The findings were indeed remarkable", Data confirmed. "As though they do not mark a threshold in our understanding of the space-time-continuum, Sir, for the first time an application of the quantum physical theories appears an achievable aim. Dr Crusher, Mr LaForge and I have proven the String Theory to be an adapt model of interdimensional flux on the subatomic level."
"You say that like it's the most normal thing to do. Like eating breakfast. Or having a shower after conducting an away mission in the slums of Gekh'Mak."
"The theory has been around since long before first warp-flights on earth, Commander. A proof was long overdue."
"If you say so", Riker gave in, "Just a great irony, isn't it, Data? Finding the solution to an age-old obstacle in interdimensional travelling in the mere cells of one Galorian officer."
"I will add that variation to my current perception of irony", Data promised.