Chapter 7

Geordi stood, tugged on his uniform, nodding at Data, and began. "The alien energy was probing the ship. Because of their infrastructure, once they got tangled up in the isolinear chips they couldn't get out. By shutting down all computer-controlled devices, in effect, we put the holodeck program on hold."

He paused, thinking to himself that this whole situation seemed almost impossible, but nonetheless Kirk was here and Captain Picard wasn't. It was almost like cheating when you try to solve a maze. Starting at the end and working backwards was a lot easier than starting at the beginning. After all, you already knew the results. It was just figuring out how you got to them, was the dilemma.

Geordi continued, "According to what you told us, Captain Picard became aware of something happening to the program. He initiated the transport command just as we were shutting down computer control. Normally there are all kinds of safety devices written into every holodeck program. For instance in a sword fight, no one, other then the holographic figure can get hurt. But it would seem the only explanation I have is that when you touched Captain Picard, you became an extension of his mass. When we started up again, the transporter proceeded with the order he had given. It arbitrarily picked the mass equal to its memory of Picard."

Geordi glanced out the window and hastily drew his attention back to what he was saying. He didn't really believe something like this was possible, but it was the best explanation he could come up with.

"You happened to get caught in the majority of the mass when it grabbed something to transport. The transporter just completed the order given. At least this is the only explanation I can come up with. It sounds unbelievable and even a little crazy, sir, but it's got to be what happened. There's no other explanation I can determine."

"Can you bring Picard back?" Kirk asked in a whisper.

Geordi nodded his head negatively, "I have no idea if we could duplicate it or even reverse what has happened. All I know is that even though it is realistically impossible, it must be reality. Captain, you happened to be in the right place at the right time. Although this explanation may be difficult to believe, it really is the only logical explanation."

Kirk stood staring at Geordi for several long minutes. "Is there any possibility we can both exist outside the holodeck?"

This time Data, standing beside Geordi answered, "I believe if we were to reconstruct the events and duplicate the image of Captain Picard presently stored in the holodeck memory, we might be able to bring him back. I would have to program the transporter to bring back 100% of the captain's mass, essentially telling it to eliminate yours. I do not believe we can change the laws of the universe. There is no reason that I can deduce for you being able to exist outside of that program."

"Do you believe it would be successful for Picard?" Kirk asked, his hands clenched in tension.

"Although it has never been tried before your experience, and although this entire situation is improbable, theoretically it should repeat the results, since it has already happened once."

"And how long would it take you to set this up, Data?"

"I will require a minimum of sixteen hours, Captain."

"Proceed, Mr. Data." Kirk said solemnly and as he abruptly turned to go.

Kirk noticed that Data was pausing near the doors and seemed to be waiting for him. As the Captain moved closer he found himself staring into a pair of the strangest eyes he had ever seen.

"Mr. Data," Kirk said with a hint of annoyance, "Did you want to talk to me?" He was anxious to get back to Ten-Forward. He hoped Beverly picked up on his unspoken intention to return.

"Yes Captain. I have certain questions that I wonder if you would be able to answer."

"Well, I was on my way to Ten-Forward. Would you like to walk with me?"

"I believe that would be acceptable. I have found when humans choose to discuss a various assortment of topics they often like to do it while walking. It appears to aid in the conversation of more awkward topics."

Kirk grinned at the android and the pair began their stroll through the corridor and into the turbolift. Data stood facing the door, but glanced over his shoulder at Kirk.

Kirk figured he better get this over with. "You wanted to say something, Mr. Data?"

Data turned and locked eyes with Kirk in a most discomforting manner, "Captain I am confused with the ease at which the crew seems to have accepted you."

Kirk shifted positions. "I'm not sure I understand. Where are you leading Commander?"

Data stood straight as an arrow, with only his words as proof of his uneasiness with Kirk. "I submit Captain, you are a holographic image of a dead man. Yet I see crewmembers, bridge staff, even Dr. Crusher accept you as, I believe the old earth term is, the real McCoy."

Kirk began laughing, barely able to catch his breath. Each time he could open his eyes, and take a peek at Data, he fell harder into his spasm of laughter until tears rolled down his face.

Data stood immobilized and expressionless save for the arch of an eyebrow, and the tilt of his head.

"Captain, did I say something humorous?"

"Data, you're something else. Are you sure you aren't related to a certain Vulcan, even just a little?"

"No sir, I am not related to anyone else, except to my brother Lore and my android mother. Dr. Soong unfortunately is dead."

"Data," Kirk grinned. "I am real. I am a living, breathing man. I am Jim Kirk, you can't deny that."

"But indeed I can captain. James T. Kirk according to Starfleet records died twice. Once on the Enterprise B and once on Veridian III."

"Data, Data," Kirk's hands waved between them, "I don't care what the damn records say. I am Kirk."

"May I inquire then captain, when was the first moment you had awareness of being on this ship?"

"Mmm, I'm trying to remember." Kirk closed his eyes, willing his memory to go back to those first frightening moments when he found himself outside of the holodeck. Trying to remember the events was like trying to remember a dream.

"Data, my memories are of feeling a certain kind of solidity under my feet. I sensed warmth on my skin. It's like I even felt the blood surging through my veins."

The smooth black turbolift doors opened and the two officers started their walk down the busy corridor. As Enterprise crewmembers passed, most took a double glance at Kirk.

"Sir," Data began again, "You talk about memories. Then are these your earliest memories?"

"Oh no Data. If it's memories you want to talk about, that's something completely different. I have memories of when I was a child, when I was a young Starfleet cadet, and when I was captain of my own Enterprise."

"Captain," Data's expression now mirrored the new emotion chip, which had become part of his neural net. "I find that events I have experienced since my creation seem more like the listing of files than a sense of my past." Taking a sidelong glance at Kirk as they traveled the corridor, he went on, "You on the other hand were born of an illusion that now has evolved to possess humanity. At the beginning you and I were both the fabrications of computer genius - a mere manmade product. You have acquired what I could only wish for...humanity. It would be logical for me to be envious or jealous."

Kirk smiled, "An android with emotions?"

"Oh yes! Dr. Soong, my creator, constructed an emotion chip which I only recently have had installed. But to go on, Captain, the emotions I have felt since you have come aboard are far from jealousy or envy."

"So what are they, Mr. Data?"

"Respect sir."

"And this upsets you?"

"It is simply not logical for me to respect and follow the orders of a fabricated, make believe Starfleet Captain."

Kirk listened to what the android was saying and nodded in understanding, "Data, I feel as though there was never any interruption in my life. When Picard began this little adventure, I had just addressed the Starfleet graduating class of June 20, 2292. I remember what I ate for breakfast that day, and what music I listened to while dressing. Dammit, I even remember the holier- than-thou attitude of the snotty little upper-class man assigned to escort me to Convocation Hall. This is simply a part of my life. My real life. I exist."

"But captain, the records clearly describe the events of your demise. The exact cause, time and date are part of history."

Kirk scowled and answered, "Sir, reports of my demise are greatly exaggerated."

Data crooked his head, "Nineteenth century, Samuel Clemens, I believe."

"Yes Data," Kirk responded, "How did you know."

"That captain, is a long story."

"Data, Dr. Crusher has told me about the many missions your Enterprise has been involved in, and I know you have participated in time travel."

"Yes captain, that is also part of the long story."

"Well then, Data, why don't we just look at this whole adventure as an excursion in time travel."

"But captain, we have not traveled to your time, you have traveled to ours and most curiously did it through a holodeck program."

Kirk nodded, partially in amusement, partially in agreement. "You're right Mr. Data, extraordinary isn't it."

They had arrived at the wooden and glass doors leading to the lounge and Kirk moved to face Data. He put his hand on the android's shoulder, "You're not a real human being but I can feel your body warmth." Kirk moved his hand to cover his own heart. "I may not be the original Kirk, but I am real."

Data looked steadfastly into Kirk's eyes, and eventually said, "Yes captain, I think I understand."

Kirk extended his hand to Data, and touched the android's arm. "From one real being to another. In many ways you possess more humanity than you realize."

"Thank you sir." Data watched Kirk enter through the doors. He arched his eyebrow and mumbled, "fascinating!"

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