Author's Note: Thank you for sticking with this story and for all of your support!
There are a number of classic film quotes peppered throughout this chapter. While Data assumes these are based on his own love for classic stories, we soon learn that it may run deeper.
The quote 'fasten your seatbelt' is a reference to the film Gilda . Yes, automobiles did have 'seatbelts' in the 1930s (although they were only lap belts and not standardised).
The next two chapters are pivotal to Data's character development. I humbly attempt to explain some of the inconsistencies with his memory & understanding of his origins. In the show, there were statements he made about sharing the colonists' memories and knowing it was done 'in a great hurry.'
He was also aware the lab was Doctor Noonian Soong's lab, yet seemingly didn't connect it was related to his own creation – and answers to things like why there was allegedly 'farmland' on Omicron Theta when it had been attacked by the Crystalline Entity (and therefore wiped of all living things).
Yet while having the colonists' memories, Data somehow simultaneously had no knowledge of the Crystalline Entity or the Soongs. That just wasn't something I could stomach without explaining the 'how' and 'why.'
The Soongs (as a whole) are going to play a bigger role in this series than we saw in canon. This is the first chapter to lay that groundwork. When we reach later instalments with Brothers, Silicon Avatar, Inheritance, our Lore adventures, and Birthright we will get to see much, much more!
Chief O'Brien activated the transporter and the away team materialised on the transporter pad.
The six officers on the pad breathed a collective sigh of relief.
The diplomatic mission with the Jarada had finally concluded and they were all still in one piece. The non-aggression pact between the Jarada and the Federation had been maintained and the path for future diplomatic relations was now open.
Weeks of work by the crew of the Enterprise had been well worth the effort.
"Welcome back," Miles said as they appeared.
Captain Picard, Commander Riker, Data, Counsellor Troi, Tasha, and Worf had been aboard the Jaradan ship for the last sixteen hours as part of the Jaradan meeting protocol.
"Well done, sir," Commander Riker said.
"Well done, everybody," Captain Picard responded.
From across the transporter pad, Data and Tasha shared a brief smile with one another.
Captain Picard paged the Bridge and ordered that it was time for the Enterprise to depart.
"Set a course for Federation territory and take us out of here. Warp four," Picard ordered.
"Would you like to brief in the Observation Lounge?" Riker inquired as they stepped off the pad.
"No, I think we've all earned a little R & R," Picard said. "We'll brief in the morning."
Worf visibly relaxed.
He loathed wearing his dress uniform as he found it stuffy and constricting.
With their evening free, the crew dispersed for some well-earned rest.
Tasha had to stop by the Security office to check-in the emergency communication beacon transmitter they had taken with them to the Jaradan ship.
It was an advanced piece of technology that functioned as an emergency transmitter in the event that their communicators were damaged or removed. It was a one-time use and difficult to obtain. Therefore it was typically only employed during high-level diplomatic missions or dangerous away missions.
With the Captain joining the away team and their knowledge of what the Jarada could do, Tasha had insisted on taking it along as a precaution.
However, now that they had returned, she needed to check it back into the Security office.
"I'm just going to swing by the office," Tasha said, catching Data's hand on the way out of the lift.
"And then you would like to spend the evening with me?" Data asked hopefully.
"Yeah," Tasha assured him with a grin.
Data gave her a short nod and they parted ways.
When he returned to his quarters, Data carefully removed his dress uniform and returned it to the garment reprocessor.
He opened his wardrobe and felt a rush of excitement.
With Captain Picard giving them the rest of the afternoon off, Data now had an extra six hours in his day for recreational pursuits.
And Data intended to take full advantage of that time.
Even though the mission to the Jarada had required concentration, a significant portion of his neural net had remained occupied with thoughts about his holodeck experience.
More importantly, he was fixated on how that experience impacted his own goal toward becoming human.
Data still considered his goal to become human his primary ambition. However, he was beginning to recognise that achieving that goal may take a different form.
It was true that he may not look precisely human or share in the same cultural experiences – but that didn't mean he was incapable of sharing in the 'human experience.' Data had a career. He had obtained an education and carved out a path for himself in Starfleet.
He had friends.
And Tasha.
More than anything he had a need to know that he was not alone in the universe.
Data wanted to experience a sense of belonging.
He suspected that was part of his desire to have a family. Thoughts of procreation had taken root in his system since his earliest days.
And he wanted to understand why he was found on Omicron Theta, who had created him, and for what purpose he was created.
Data was hopeful that he was not the only one of his kind in the universe.
Inside, Data suspected that he may never know the answers to all of those questions. The probability of discovering other android beings was unlikely.
In the back of his mind, Data was also leery.
He considered that he had been, perhaps, outcast from his people. In some ways, Data's nature seemed so contradictory to his own design. His strength, agility, and intelligence made him a formidable being. Yet, he was gentle by nature.
There were times Data wondered if he had been constructed as a weapon – even though his programming prevented him from having such malicious intentions.
Data realised that it may take years – decades or centuries even - for Data to find the answers he sought.
For the present, he was going to focus on continuing to enjoy and explore the aspects of humanity that he wanted to regardless of what anyone human, hologram, or otherwise thought.
During the Jarada mission, Data had resolved that he would not let one bad holodeck experience turn him away.
Data finished his note and pinned it to the garment on the hook that was attached to the wall.
He threw on his Panama hat and headed for the holodeck.
Tasha's short stop at the Security office had taken longer than anticipated. There had been a minor incident earlier in the day. A simple error had resulted in the Operations team misplacing a crate of Verterium Cortenide.
It was a substance used in the construction and maintenance of warp coils. While it was simply a matter of the crate being moved to the wrong position in the cargo bay – Engineering had called Security as a precaution and there was a small pile of paperwork Tasha needed to sort through before calling it a day.
By the time she reached Data's quarters she was eager for an early night in.
"Sorry, that took a little longer than I thought," Tasha apologised as she stepped through the door to his quarters. "Just some paperwork I needed to see to."
She unlatched the collar of her dress uniform and stretched her shoulders.
The Jaradan meeting chamber had been less than comfortable and getting tossed by the powerful Jaradan Tactical Chief during their 'demonstration' certainly hadn't done anything for her back.
The Jarada were considered an 'insectoid' race. However, upon meeting them Tasha felt this wasn't necessarily the most apt description. They were almost reptile-like in their appearance. Nearly three metres tall with a scaly, armoured exterior, the Jarada cut an imposing figure.
Tasha was just grateful they had managed to maintain peace – she didn't want to meet them in battle.
"What do you want to do tonight?" Tasha asked.
When there was no response, she turned to find his workstation completely abandoned.
Tasha frowned.
"Data?" she asked as she stepped into the bedroom.
The bedroom was empty as well.
Tasha's eyes fell onto a garment hanging on the hook along the wall. There was a note pinned to it.
Fasten your seatbelt. It is going to be a bumpy ride. Holodeck 3 – Carlos (Data)
Tasha laughed to herself.
It seemed she wasn't the only one that could plan a mystery evening. Only Data would leave a clue in code and then feel it necessary to specify his own name.
But what the hell is a seatbelt? Tasha thought as she examined the garment.
There was a clasp on the side but nothing that appeared to be a belt of any kind.
Tasha flipped the back of the note over in hopes that it would offer an explanation.
Tasha smiled as she read the text. Data had left a lengthy paragraph explaining that he would not be offended should Tasha not feel comfortable wearing such a garment, going to the holodeck, or going out that night. She need simply radio him with her communicator and they could pursue another activity.
She shook her head as she tossed her dress uniform into the garment reprocessor.
There was no way she was going to skip joining Data – especially not when he was making an attempt to turn a bad holodeck memory into something he could enjoy.
Tasha paused to examine herself in the mirror.
Dixon Hill wasn't Tasha's cup of tea.
And there wasn't much she could say for such an impractical garment. A swing dress wouldn't be her first choice to go chasing a mystery.
But as she buckled the strap of her heel around her ankle, she reasoned that if it made Data happy, Tasha would gladly fight Worf's holodeck monsters in such an ensemble.
When she stepped onto the holodeck, Data was leaning against an antique vehicle. Tasha had never seen anything like it before. There were only two seats, and it afforded no protection on top.
It was bulky with a large, almost fish-tailed end. It had the most unusual shade of mint-blue paint and Tasha couldn't fathom how a detective could be subtle in such a contraption.
"You came," Data remarked, pleasantly surprised that she had shown.
"Of course I did," Tasha smiled.
"Climb in," Data said, barely able to contain his excitement.
Tasha hopped over the side of the car and into the passenger seat.
She suddenly felt awkward when she saw Data open the door on his side and slip in.
"Oops, sorry. I wasn't really sure-" she started to apologise.
Data put a finger to her lips to stop her.
"Do not apologise," Data assured her.
He surmised she would be unfamiliar with the era. To put her at ease, Data ensured Tasha that there was no right or wrong way to do anything – they were simply there to have fun.
"In that case, what's a seatbelt?" Tasha whispered.
Data reached across and grabbed one end of the lap belt. He secured it in the middle by joining the two ends like a belt with a large metal clasp that clicked into place.
"Oh," Tasha said, feeling silly.
It made sense that a ground vehicle would have some form of restraints.
"This doesn't seem particularly safe," Tasha determined as she observed the mechanism.
It only offered two contact points and provided no support for the torso or head. Having spent a fair share of time driving ground vehicles, Tasha was used to being securely strapped down in case of a rollover.
"These are ancient safety restraints," Data said.
He turned on the motor and put the car in gear. It had only taken him about fifteen minutes to download the necessary manual and practice driving.
To Tasha's surprise, they seemed to be heading away from the city. They were following a paved road that wound along the countryside, twisting as it followed the natural curve of the terrain.
They were climbing in altitude. While the city grew more distant behind them, the presence of the ocean below remained constant.
As they sped along the coast, Data reached across the seat and looped his fingers through her own. Tasha was happy to hold hands, listening patiently as Data shared an endless stream of factoids about the design of the 1936 Auburn Cruiser and the geography of the region.
Eventually their pace slowed, and Data parked the car atop a scenic overlook.
Tasha could see the city of San Francisco and the bay off the distance. They had both lived in San Francisco during their time at the Academy. The city of 1940 was quite different than it looked four hundred years later.
But the Golden Gate Bridge remained constant.
"Construction was completed in 1937," Data informed her.
"It's kind of weird being back here like this," Tasha replied.
She slid across the seat and settled back against Data.
"It's all so different yet somehow the same," Tasha said.
From their vantage point, they had a perfect view as the sun sank low on the horizon over the bay.
Data flipped on the car's radio and they sat in silence as they watched the boats drift bay in the bay below on their way back to the marina before nightfall.
Nautical twilight came before astronomical twilight. Once the sun was too low below the horizon, sailors could no longer take accurate readings.
"So what mystery are you working on tonight, Mr Hill?" Tasha asked.
"Carlos," Data said, correcting her.
"Oh that's right! Carlos, the gentleman thief," Tasha responded as she recalled his description of the character. "Tell me, do you bring all your girlfriends up here? Or is this a special job?"
"I do not have 'girlfriends'," Data said. "And I am currently, as you would say, 'off the clock'."
"My mistake," Tasha responded coolly.
"Tasha, I would never use the holodeck to-" Data began to protest.
"I could have sworn you stole my heart," Tasha clarified as she rapped her fingers on the steering wheel.
"Then I have succeeded," Data replied.
He caught her wrist and brought her hand to his lips.
"May I inquire if it was the sunset, the setting, or the automobile?" Data asked.
"Automobile?" Tasha asked, confused.
Data explained that automobile was an ancient Earth term for vehicle.
Tasha laughed.
"Have I said something amusing?" Data inquired.
"There's plenty of reasons I love you. The auto-mo-bile is not one of them," Tasha assured him.
Data cocked his head to the side and lifted his eyebrows.
"Most curious. During the era, automobiles were seen as a symbol of virility. They featured prominently in human mating rituals," Data explained.
Tasha turned around and put a hand on his chest.
"Data, I can't," she shook her head and smiled nervously. "I mean, I don't think I could, well, not on a holodeck."
She exhaled as she tried to collect her thoughts.
"I know that's what everybody does but," she whispered, trailing off.
Tasha bit her lip, searching for the right words to describe her feelings. It was silly to think anyone could hear their conversation while they were alone on the holodeck, but it didn't make Tasha feel any better.
"It's weird," she finally said in a hushed voice.
The corner of Data's lip curved upward slightly.
"My dear, I assure you that is not why I asked you here," Data assured her.
The ride back into San Francisco proper had felt wonderful. It was dark and the warm breeze was relaxing. With the soft smell of saltwater, it was just like being back there.
Data parked the vehicle on a side street and Tasha followed him down the block.
All around them were people bustling about in the evening air.
"This way," Data said, pulling her into a large building with white bricks.
There was a huge marquee out front labelling the joint as the 'Stardust.'
Once they stepped in through the antique rotating door, Tasha stopped.
Data felt her stop and his heart sank.
He turned around, nervous to see her reaction and fully expecting it would be the end of their evening.
Data was shaken when he saw a smile slowly creep across her face.
Tasha had never seen anything like it.
Sure, she had been to clubs and discos before. Even Turkana had nightclubs – albeit nothing remotely safe or clean.
But this was entirely different that any type of club Tasha had ever set foot in.
The Stardust Dance Hall was a prominent fixture in a number of Dixon Hill stories.
All throughout the ballroom, couples were dancing with one another. Around the hall, there were people mingling about little round tables.
There was a stage on one end of the room where an orchestra – a real orchestra – was providing the music while a woman belted out hits from the likes of Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole, and Glenn Miller.
They stepped over to the edge of the dance floor and watched.
All of a sudden, Tasha's smile faltered.
"Tasha?" Data prompted.
"I-I don't know how to tango," Tasha reminded him.
Data's hand found the small of her back and pulled her in close. With his free hand, he took hold of Tasha's hand and pulled it close to his chest.
"This is not the kind of place for a tango," Data assured her softly.
The song before was ending and the music shifted to a slower tempo.
Data felt Tasha relax against him as they joined the direction of the other couples. It wasn't so much dancing as it was swaying.
And that was certainly something Tasha could manage.
"Here is looking at you, kid," Data said in an attempt to recite a line that seemed appropriate.
He knew it was period-appropriate and had been popularised in the centuries since, but he couldn't place how or why he knew that information.
But for the moment, none of that mattered. As she grew more comfortable on the holodeck, Tasha rested her head against Data's chest as the music crooned softly in the background.
Everything about it felt right.
Just the two of them alone with the delicate notes of the music.
As they danced, Data realised that while he may never know where he came from or why he was built, he did know that this felt right.
"The Federation will send a diplomatic delegation to begin the formal trade negotiations," Captain Picard explained. "It seems the Jarada have developed quite a taste for Yridian ale."
The senior officers were assembled in the Observation Lounge as they conducted their post-mission briefing following the Jaradan assignment.
"And we've received confirmation from Starfleet Command on our next assignment. We're heading to the Beta Quadrant to scout a planet known as Melona for the possibility of colonisation," Captain Picard explained.
Jean-Luc tapped his PADD and pulled up an overview of the planet on the screen along the wall behind him. A science team had already conducted a brief scan of the area and marked it as level one priority for further study.
The planet was M-class and in a relatively distant, but stable portion of space in a sector that bordered the Klingon Empire.
"The Enterprise will be conducting a routine level one survey, extended mapping, and mineral analysis," Captain Picard advised. "They've also requested we complete a resource analysis."
As Data listened intently to Captain Picard outline their upcoming mission, he simultaneously accessed all available information he had on that region of the galaxy.
As Captain Picard had mentioned, it was a relatively remote area that was not frequented by Federation ships. Part of the area was obfuscated by a large gas cloud that contained dangerous matter, volume fluctuations, and metaphasic radiation.
Most ships avoided the area. It had been loosely charted by early Klingons who had chosen to avoid the area for a number of reasons – some of which were scientific and others that seemed rooted in legend and myth.
As he worked his way through the information stored in his databank, Data found himself hitting a roadblock.
For some reason, his neural net seemed to lack sufficient information on the area. It was strange given that Data had extensively studied and memorised all known Federation start charts and records. It was something he made of updating quarterly to stay informed.
"Well then, seeing as you all have your assignments, dismissed," Picard ordered.
The crew returned to the Bridge for their shift where Data found himself – for once - struggling to concentrate.
Data wasn't used to being a position where he didn't have information at the ready. The Operations console did not have access to the star charts and records necessary to research their destination further.
What Data really needed was access to a Science station.
He longed to finish his shift so he could return to his workstation and devour all of the available information.
But for the moment, Data knew that would have to wait.
Jean-Luc Picard was sitting at his desk reading through the daily logs from the various department heads when he heard his door chime.
"Enter," Picard called out. "Mr Data. Do come in."
Picard straightened his posture and motioned for Data to take a seat.
"Thank you, sir. This will not take long," Data assured him.
Data knew just how much the Captain valued his time alone and no wish to disturb his evening. However, he had an important request – one that simply could not wait until morning.
"Sir, I would like to make a request of a personal nature," Data said, stating the purpose for his unexpected visit.
"What can I do for you?" Picard inquired.
It was unusual for Data to make such a request.
Captain Picard briefly wondered if Data were to announce some rather personal news between himself and Lieutenant Yar. There was no small sense of delight as Jean-Luc waited for what he hoped would be news of a forthcoming engagement.
Heavens knows they certainly seem headed in that direction. Picard mused to himself.
"As you know, we are due to arrive at the planet Melona in nine days' time," Data began. "The planet is a part of the Omicron star system."
"Yes," Picard said, not following Data's train of thought.
"At cruising speed, it is only eighteen hours from Omicron Theta," Data informed him.
Captain Picard raised his eyebrows in expectation of an explanation.
"The planet where I was discovered," Data clarified.
"Oh," Picard said, momentarily surprised.
He hadn't meant to seem uninterested, but it certainly wasn't what he'd been expecting to hear from Data.
"I was wondering if it would be possible for me to take a shuttle to return to the planet and explore the area?" Data inquired.
He glanced down at the floor and then back up to the Captain.
"I would like to search for information about my origin," Data confessed.
Captain Picard folded his hands in his lap.
"I cannot permit you to take a shuttle," Picard responded. "I just received word we've been ordered to Starbase 74 around Tarsas III for a routine maintenance check and upgrade. It seems Starfleet overlooked some of the systems during our recent repairs at McKinley."
The schedule at Starbase 74 was tight. The Enterprise would only have forty-eight hours to complete her survey of Melona before getting underway. There would not be time for Data to leave by shuttle and then rendezvous with the ship later.
"Of course, sir. I understand," Data replied, covering just how dejected he felt.
"We may not have time for you to take a shuttle, but I can do you one better," Picard offered. "I think we can complete our mission on Melona in twenty-four hours. The Enterprise could stop in orbit around Omicron Theta."
It was hard to ignore the way Data's face lit up at this news.
"I realise it's probably not as much time as you had hoped for-" Picard began to say.
"Sir, I am grateful for any chance to explore the area," Data assured him. "It is possible there is nothing there to find."
Data explained that he was hesitant to take personal leave to explore the area when there was a strong likelihood that there were no more clues to be found. The team from the Tripoli that had initially discovered Data had found nothing.
"Put together an away team and you have full authorisation for it," Picard said.
"Thank you, sir," Data replied.
In the following days, Data worked to assemble his team. As it was not an official mission, he could not order anyone to join.
But that was just fine with Data.
For something so personal and important, he wanted to share the experience with those he trusted implicitly. There was no telling what they may encounter or find. Data wanted to be sure that whoever was there would know him well enough not to be afraid if the results were less than pleasing.
Data was still keenly aware that plenty of humanoids found him unsettling.
"Geordi, may I ask a favour? Of a personal nature?" Data inquired.
They were in Data's lab grafting on the bioplast that Data had constructed to repair the bullet hole on his chest.
Data was seated on a raised chair, his uniform unzipped to the waist as Geordi worked to carefully weave the new bioplast into the existing structure.
Geordi was the only person with the necessary technical knowledge to complete such a task that Data would permit to work on him.
It was one of the things Data treasured about being on the Enterprise. In all of his previous postings, Data had been reluctant to permit anyone to work on him.
Even after escaping from Bruce Maddox, there were times Data had been ordered to participate in research or testing. As the resident android, numerous Starfleet personnel had seen him as the perfect lab rat.
But things weren't like that with Geordi.
Geordi always asked for Data's consent before testing something or using his positronic matrix to interface with the computer. Geordi cared about Data's comfort and wanted to ensure he would not be harmed.
"How's that feel, Data?" Geordi asked.
"The bioplast graft has connected with the surrounding synthetic tissue," Data reported.
Data reached up and touched the spot where the two pieces were joined.
"It is now integrating itself into my tactile sensor array," Data said.
"Good. What was it that you wanted to ask?" Geordi inquired.
"I have a request to make of you," Data said as he pulled the sleeves of his jumpsuit uniform up and over his shoulders.
"Name it," Geordi replied as he returned his tools back to their kit.
"Before we arrive on Melona, the Enterprise will make a brief stop on Omicron Theta," Data explained. "I would like you to join me for an unofficial away mission to explore the area."
Geordi shrugged.
"Count me in," he said.
Data handed Geordi his sonic driver and Geordi returned it to the toolbox, carefully putting it back in its selected place.
"What are we looking for anyways?" Geordi asked.
"My origins," Data answered honestly.
Geordi stopped and turned to face Data.
"Omicron Theta is where they found you," he thought aloud as he pieced it together.
Data nodded.
"You are my best friend, Geordi," Data said. "While I am eager to find clues as to my origins, I am equally, well, nervous."
Geordi could see Data's energy signature spike as he shared his thoughts on the mission – and his own personal dream of learning more about himself.
"This is really important to you," Geordi said.
It wasn't a question. It was evident in Data's expression how dearly he regarded such an opportunity.
"Of course, buddy," Geordi assured him as he clapped his hand on Data's shoulder.
When word of Data's unofficial mission got around, he was surprised by how many officers were supportive of the idea. In fact, it had left Data feeling a wee bit worried what the reaction would be if they were to turn up empty-handed.
It astounded Data how many of his fellow crew members were genuinely interested in Data learning more about himself – and it was not just a morbid curiosity. They were hopeful Data would find answers because they could see how important it was to him.
Fortunately, everyone that Data had asked to join his away team had been more than willing to go along.
Commander Riker had enthusiastically expressed his support for the mission.
Worf was grateful to be included. He could understand Data's desire to learn more about his origins – after all, they were both orphans in a sense raised outside of their own cultures.
Data had invited Keiko Ishikawa to join the expedition as he surmised it would be a unique opportunity to study the plant life on Omicron Theta. The limited knowledge available on the planet included that it was known as a scientific haven featuring lush farmland.
Omicron Theta was a non-Federation affiliated research colony. Remote and entirely self-sufficient, there had been little contact with the area.
The team that had discovered Data twenty-seven years earlier had reported that the landscape was barren and there was no known explanation for such a contradiction.
Keiko was keen to join the away team – both to support Data and to try and determine how such a thriving ecosystem could disappear overnight.
Deanna and Beverly were not accompanying the away team, but both officers had expressed their personal endorsement of the idea. Deanna knew intimately just how critical it was for Data to find any clues to his past. She considered the unofficial mission a crucial step in his personal development and vital to his emotional wellbeing.
Captain Picard was so excited by the idea that he had attempted to persuade Commander Riker to allow him to lead the away team personally. Commander Riker had objected – it was a big risk for the Captain to leave the ship like that.
In the end, the two men had agreed on a compromise. If the mission were successful, they would report their findings to Starfleet and request the opportunity to return for further study. As long as it was safe, Picard could join a future team heading down to the planet.
In fact, everyone seemed thrilled with Data's chance to stop on Omicron Theta.
Everyone except Tasha.
When Data had first shared his idea, Tasha had verbally expressed her enthusiastic support for it. However, Data could see that there was doubt in her eyes.
Despite her best efforts to demonstrate support, Tasha couldn't hide her trepidation about the mission.
Data had inquired as to her reservations, but Tasha had insisted she had none.
It wasn't her intention to lie to Data. But inside, Tasha had concerns.
Someone had created Data.
And someone had left him on that planet.
More like abandoned. Tasha thought bitterly.
She was afraid that Data might not like the answers he would find. And she didn't want to see him get hurt.
Tasha couldn't shake the thought of what could happen.
She knew exactly what it could do to someone to learn they weren't wanted.
Data placed so much emphasis on community and belonging. He had also finally reached a healthy point where he could process his own trauma from being objectified – both from abuse at the hands of Maddox to the microaggressions he had faced throughout his existence.
Tasha didn't want to see that wiped away because some research colony built him to be used as a tool and then discarded him when they were finished or when he became inconvenient.
The sheer fact that he memory engrams that were inaccessible only furthered her suspicions that someone or something had attempted to wipe his memories.
Tasha also considered the possibility that Data may have been the only one of his kind left. He could very well be the sole survivor of some android apocalypse.
He could truly be alone in that sense.
She could only imagine the kind of survivor's guilt that could accompany such knowledge.
Or could Data have caused some sort of cataclysmic event that had wiped out the people of Omicron Theta?
While she had no doubt that Data was the most gentle, beautiful soul she had ever known, Tasha couldn't discount the possibility that he might have done something in the past – knowingly or not. He certainly had the capabilities.
And Tasha wasn't sure which of those scenarios was worse.
"You are not sleeping," Data commented.
"Neither are you," Tasha replied as she rolled over to face him.
"I am less than seven hours away from possibly discovering the origins of myself and my kind," Data explained. "I have ample cause to be, as you would say, too excited to sleep."
Data inhaled sharply.
"I could say home sweet home if I understood how the word sweet applies," Data remarked.
"It usually refers to memories," Tasha replied.
"While I contain the colonists' memories, I find there are inexplicable gaps in the engrams," Data shared. "For example, I know that the memories were uploaded in a hurry but there is no explanation as to why."
"Data, I can't understand how you can hold the memories of hundreds of people. If that means every experience, every day of their life-" Tasha started to say.
"It does not," Data assured her. "Unfortunately, it means only the knowledge they had accumulated. Actually, I am quite deficient in some basic information."
Data reasoned that 'memories' was perhaps not the most accurate description. Data explained that his neural net contained personal recorded logs, reports, and a variety of colony information.
"But I do not have the knowledge of any personal memories other than what was shared in the logs," Data said. "And as we both know, logs are only a fraction of the human experience. Perhaps, had I been endowed with actual memories I might have had a better grasp of human emotional intelligence upon my activation."
A pained expression crossed Tasha's face.
Data frowned.
"You do not believe this mission is a good idea," Data remarked.
"I didn't say that," Tasha said.
"You do not have to," Data replied.
"I'm sorry," Tasha apologised.
She took his hand and pulled it to her lips.
"Whatever you find tomorrow, you know that it doesn't change who you are today, right?" Tasha asked.
Data's brow furrowed.
"Where you came from, whoever created you, however you got here," Tasha explained. "Those things are a part of you - but they don't define you."
"You are bothered by the unknown nature of my origin and the various possible explanations for the state of my discovery on Omicron Theta," Data observed.
Tasha nodded.
"And if I may postulate, you are concerned about my wellbeing should the results be unfavourable," Data continued.
He was far too perceptive for his own good.
"Tasha, regardless of the results I hope to merely learn more about the purpose of my construction," Data said. "To understand why someone built an android."
It was Tasha's turn to frown.
"You're a Starfleet officer, third in command of the flagship, a brilliant scientist, an artist," Tasha insisted.
"But I am still an android," Data replied.
She released his hand and rested her own against his chest.
"You're so much more than that," Tasha asserted.
She snaked her arms under his and pulled herself against him.
"And the person I love," she whispered.
Captain's log. Stardate 41746.4. Our current assignment has taken us into the remote Omicron Theta star system, perhaps the home of our Second Officer, Lieutenant Commander Data. Although we are due at our next assignment, I have decided to visit Data's home planet for a few hours in the hopes of unravelling some of the mystery of his beginnings.
"Sir, we are now about twenty minutes from Omicron Theta," Wesley reported from his position at the Helm.
"Stand by to drop out of warp," Riker ordered. "Set a course for a standard orbit of Omicron Theta. I wonder why Data hasn't come up here?"
"He said he wanted to be alone. Perhaps it's a bigger moment for him than we thought?" Picard said as he stepped back onto the Bridge from his Ready Room.
Commander Riker got up from the big chair and turned control back over to Captain Picard.
"Captain, I'm confirming class M readings. But the sensors aren't showing any life readings. Not even vegetation," Worf reported.
"Just like the team from the Tripoli reported when they found Data," Tasha said.
"Strange that in twenty-seven years there would be no life," Picard commented. "Even if there had been some sort of mass ecological disaster, one would think that something would have survived and repopulated by now."
"Indeed," Riker agreed.
All of their scans showed that there were no detectable unknown viruses, gasses, or other phenomena that could explain the complete absence of living matter.
"Lieutenant, do you want to notify Mr Data of our arrival?" Picard inquired.
"Thank you, sir," Tasha nodded.
While they could certainly page Data, it only seemed right that he be notified of such an important moment in person. Picard could understand that there were likely significant feelings associated with the momentous occasion of discovering one's origins.
Tasha handed control of the Tactical console to Worf and stepped onto the lift.
Down in Data's quarters, Data was standing in front of the mirror in his quarters meticulously studying his appearance.
He could recall the first time he ever saw his own reflection. It had been eighteen days after he was initially brought aboard the Tripoli – the vessel that had discovered him all those years ago.
As part of their study of Data's construction, they had shown him a mirror.
He had been fascinated by his appearance – not out of a sense of vanity, but rather an endless stream of questions.
Why had he been constructed to resemble a human appearance? Why was such an appearance chosen? Had Data been modelled after someone – his own creator, perhaps? If there were more of his kind, were they all unique or did they share the same construction?
In the years since his activation, Data had struggled to reconcile the discrepancies in the reactions his appearance caused in others.
There were many that found his unnatural bioplast and yellow eyes unsettling. There were more still who were disturbed by the very features Data suspected had been designed to make him appear more natural – the soft curve of the artificial flesh under his chin, the way his expressions mimicked natural human responses, his fingernails.
And while Data was accustomed to people that were terrified by him, he had struggled even more with the individuals that weren't afraid.
Over the years, there had been more than a few people that found him appealing. With the exception of Tasha, nearly all of those encounters had been individuals that viewed him as a curiosity or a toy. There was never a thought given to Data's emotional needs – he was simply a handsome android that (in their minds) could never be hurt.
During their time together, Tasha had commented on his physical appearance on numerous occasions. It was a strange sensation to know someone found him desirable – in particular, given that he'd been called everything from 'tin can' to 'monster.'
Data turned to the side and studied his jawline.
He reasoned that it was well within the standards that could be considered moderately attractive for humans.
While Data had the ability to alter his follicle growth, he maintained a reasonably fashionable hairstyle in line with modern human style.
He took a step back and frowned.
His arms were, perhaps, longer than would be considered proportional for his body size.
However, they had proven useful for his duties and hobbies – it certainly made playing instruments easier.
The door to Data's quarters slid open and Tasha stepped inside.
"Whatcha doing?" she asked.
"Examining the length of my arms in comparison to the rest of my structure," Data answered honestly.
Tasha nodded but did not react. Strange came with the territory of being in a relationship with a sentient android.
"If my arm structure were twelve point three centimetres shorter they would be proportional to the structure of my torso and lower extremities," Data commented as he calculated the difference.
"I'm not complaining," Tasha said as she wrapped her arms around his chest and hugged him from behind.
She peaked her head out from his torso and grinned back at him in the mirror. Despite her reservations about their mission, Tasha wanted to instil Data with confidence.
It was an important moment for him, and she could tell he was nervous.
"Are you ready?" she inquired.
"As ready as one can prepare for such a mission," Data confessed.
Tasha gave him a squeeze.
"Whatever happens down there, just remember that you'll always have a home here. With me," Tasha said.
A few moments later, Data and Tasha stepped onto the Bridge to join the rest of the senior crew.
"Do you want to do the honours of taking her into orbit, Data?" Riker offered.
"No, thank you, sir," Data replied.
He could see the planet approaching on the viewscreen. Data felt an unusual shiver run up the back of his skeletal structure.
"Continue on into a close parking orbit," Picard ordered.
"Aye, sir," Wesley responded. "Approaching close parking orbit, sir."
"Assemble your away party, Commander," Picard instructed.
He turned to Data and flashed him a rare smile.
"This must be an exciting moment for you, Mr Data," Picard said. "You know I'm tempted to join you, except I know my crew would object."
"How would Starfleet judge me if I didn't, sir?" Riker asked.
"An entire colony did disappear down there," Tasha advised.
"I look forward to hearing all about it upon your return," Picard said warmly as he put his hand on Data's shoulder.
"Thank you, sir," Data replied.
It was reassuring to know the Captain was behind him.
"Now in close parking orbit," Wesley reported.
"Readings unchanged," Worf added.
The away team made for the turbolift. Captain Picard stopped them just shy of the door.
"Data, welcome home," Picard said.
When the team reached the Transporter Room, they mentally prepared themselves. There was no telling what they may find.
"I'm not showing any life signs at these coordinates," Miles advised. "In fact, I'm not showing anything in the area at all. Just rocks. No trees. No birds. Nothing."
"The team from the Tripoli reported no life on the planet," Data said.
"It's spooky," Miles said.
From her position behind Data, Keiko shot Miles a look.
"But I'm sure it's lovely," Miles added quickly, spying Keiko's look of disapproval.
"We'll be starting near the coordinates where Data was found," Riker advised.
Everyone stepped onto the transporter pad and took their positions for the beam down.
"Stand by," O'Brien instructed.
Tasha reached over and gave Data's hand a quick squeeze.
It may have been bending the rules of their agreement to keep their relationship separate from the job, but Tasha didn't care.
They locked eyes and Data responded with a small smile.
The familiar shimmering sound of dematerialisation filled the room. The team reappeared a moment later having been transported down to the barren planet.
"Spread out," Riker ordered. "Let's take our initial readings here."
Twenty minutes later, they had finished conducting some preliminary scans of the area. Keiko had taken a number of soil samples. Geordi was working on geological readings. Meanwhile, Worf and Tasha performed a security sweep of the perimeter.
Data's home seemed to be a completely dead world. There were no insects, not even soil bacteria.
It was eerie.
"What could kill everything on an entire planet?" Geordi pondered aloud.
It was the thought on everyone's mind.
While there were certainly any number of catastrophes that a planet could face, the team could surmise no culprit responsible for Omicron Theta.
Weapons, disease, or man-made demise would have left some clues or trace of its origins. Ecological disasters, extreme weather, even an asteroid impact would have left signs. If there had been an astrological cause - like a sun going supernova – then there wouldn't be a class M planet left to find.
It was as if something had literally wiped away all living matter from the planet.
"This is the exact position listed in the Tripoli's log. Do you recognise anything, Data?" Riker asked.
"The land contours are familiar, sir. Topographically, this is the correct area," Data answered.
"The last Starfleet vessel to visit here prior to the Tripoli was the Edmund Fitzgerald," Geordi said. "That was only thirty years ago. They reported farmland."
"I was found twenty metres in that direction, sir," Data said, pointing off toward a rock formation in the east.
The team collected their samples and headed out on foot.
"Data, any idea why you were given the colonists' memories?" Keiko inquired.
"I have always felt it was done hurriedly, but I know little more," Data confessed.
The team came across a cutaway in the rocks. It was almost like the rocks had been laid intentionally to allow easy access to an area below.
"This is where the cruiser's landing party found the signal device that led them here," Data explained. "And they found me lying there."
He pointed toward the middle of the hollow where there was a man-made platform. The design and construction indicated that it was clearly built to hold someone of Data's size. However, it offered little information as to who had designed it.
"It's a basic polymer. Durable, but nothing unique to help identify the creator," Geordi said as he scanned it.
"You were just lying out here in the open?" Tasha asked in disbelief. "No records, no name. Alone?"
Data had never shared that tidbit of information.
"Only a layer of dust," Data advised.
In fact, Data had always been bothered by the fact that the team from the Tripoli had brushed him off before activating him.
Had Data been able to measure the dust on his bioplast, he would have been able to use the windspeed and environmental conditions to calculate an estimated timeframe. It would not have been perfect, but it would have significantly narrowed the window in which Data had been placed there and then discovered.
"Data, what is the first thing you remember?" Riker inquired.
Data stepped over to the platform and ran his hand across the surface.
"The feeling of sunshine on my face," he recalled fondly.
It was the first thing he could remember feeling.
And it had been warm and lovely – even without knowing what exactly was happening.
"I opened my eyes and saw the Tripoli landing party," Data described.
"Then this very spot was your birthplace," Tasha said sadly.
It seemed so cold, so isolated.
No one deserved to enter the world like that.
"Whoa," Geordi said as he looked up from the platform.
Everyone turned to Geordi, eager for an explanation.
"This place isn't just rocks. It's hiding something," Geordi informed them.
He stepped over to one of the rock formations and felt the surface.
"This was really very cleverly done to make this look like a natural hollow in the terrain," Geordi said.
While not visible to the other crew, Geordi could see that there was an energy field beyond the rock. It was likely the geological composition of the heavy minerals in the rocks was blocking the field from the Enterprise's sensors and the away team's tricorders.
"There's a doorway here," Geordi said.
He pulled out his phaser and opened the panel to adjust the settings.
"If I can find the right frequency, I should be able to open it," Geordi said as he worked to attune the frequency.
"Careful, it could be secured with some sort of defence mechanism," Worf cautioned. "A d'echek scog."
"A what?" Riker asked, alarmed.
While Omicron Theta was a remote planet – it bordered Klingon space. And the Klingons had had far more contact with the colony prior to its disappearance.
Tasha bit back a smirk.
"A booby trap," she translated.
Data felt an overwhelming sensation – it was as if he were paralysed by his emotions. He was simultaneously excited and afraid.
"Ah ha! Thought so," Geordi said as he snapped his fingers triumphantly.
Geordi aimed his phaser at the rockface and fired. The energy pulse crackled as it made contact with the shielding. Where there had once been what appeared to be nothing more than solid rock, now stood a door.
Everyone stopped and looked back at Data.
"After you," Riker said, motioning for Data to go first.
Data nodded slowly.
A part of him wanted to rush inside.
But a small voice in the back of his head warned this could be opening a metaphorical pandora's box.
"Data? Do you want to go inside?" Tasha asked. "It's alright if you don't want to."
She had asked the question.
Somehow Data knew she would be the one to ask.
It didn't bother him. In fact, he was grateful someone had considered that he might be feeling jittery.
Data glanced at the doorway and then back to his friends.
"I would like to do this," Data said.
He wasn't sure if he was reassuring himself or them.
Data stepped forward. There was a hiss and a large, metal bulkhead opened to reveal a long tunnel.
"We are not in Kansas anymore," Data said.
Geordi grinned. At least Data was taking his nerves in stride.
Data inhaled sharply and stepped through the doorframe.
As soon as he passed through there was a spark. Data's neural net produced a volt of something, causing his internal processors to flood. He convulsed, collapsing to the floor.
Geordi could see there was a drastic increase in his positronic activity. It was almost like his system had been hit by an electrical surge – only there had been nothing external that had caused the damage.
Whatever it was had originated within Data.
"Data!" Tasha shouted in a panicked voice as she rushed forward.
She knelt down beside him and touched his shoulder, trying to turn him over.
Tasha hissed and retracted her hand, clutching it to her chest in pain. The moment she had made contact with Data's body she had been shocked.
Commander Riker tapped his communicator.
"Riker to Enterprise," Riker said.
The situation had grown dangerous. It was time to pull back.
"Enterprise here, is everything alright?" Picard responded.
"Sir, we've just-" Riker began to say.
All of a sudden, Data sat upright and looked around.
"Stand by," Riker advised.
"Please, sir. Do not beam us back," Data requested.
"Disregard, Enterprise," Riker said as he activated his communicator.
"Understood," Picard acknowledged.
Data turned to Tasha. She was resting against the wall and eyeing him carefully.
"Are you injured?" Data inquired.
"Are you?" Tasha asked in response.
She had never Data seize like that. It was a miracle he was talking.
"Data, what happened?" Geordi questioned as he knelt down next to them. "Data, it was like something inside of you set a charge through your system."
"The shield technology of this structure contains a low-energy pulse that operates on a type-R phase discriminating amplifier frequency," Data explained as he crawled to his feet.
He looked around at the constructed tunnel.
"It was designed to recognise the same type-R signal that my positronic brain," Data informed them.
"How do you know that?" Geordi asked.
"Because its function was to act as a key," Data answered.
"A key?" Riker said, quirking an eyebrow at Data.
"Yes, sir. It served to initiate a manual override of my system therefore activating my memory recall in a number of previously encrypted engrams," Data said.
Data offered Tasha his hand and pulled her to her feet.
"So it's awoken a memory?" Keiko asked.
"Not exactly. In essence, I now have access to new informational databases about this facility," Data explained. "It has unlocked previously inaccessible information."
There were memories – but they weren't strong. There were images but no context. Data could recall being in a laboratory. He could see the face of a man that shared a number of startlingly similar characteristics.
But he could not recall why he was there or what their relationship was.
"This facility was designed to hide the colonists. It was built to protect them from something," Data said.
He began to walk down the tunnel at a rapid pace.
The team followed close behind.
There were no life readings inside.
They passed a number of rooms that appeared to be storage for standard colony supplies – rations that were long spoiled, crates of ore and polymer, seed storage, and abandoned medical supplies.
"It looks like everything was just left here," Worf said. "As if someone left in a hurry."
"They did," Data said strangely.
He had a vague impression that some of his functions had been tested here. In a way, it was like walking through a dream.
"This place feels familiar," Data said before adding. "And dangerous."
Everyone stopped.
"Not dangerous," Data said quickly back peddling his previous comment. "I do not mean to imply that we are currently in danger. Nor is this place in and of itself a threat. I just recall that the colonists sought refuge here from something."
Tasha and Worf exchange a glance as their vigilance level went from a ten to a fifteen.
"This way," Data said, turning down one of the adjacent corridors.
He stopped in front of a large, circular door. It seemed to open automatically. As soon as they stepped inside, the lab seemed to spark to life.
Emergency lighting came on, computer terminals whirled to life, and there were devices strewn about that appeared to bear no signs that they had been abandoned decades earlier.
"Does this stir any memories, Data?" Riker asked.
"This was the work area of a Doctor Soong," Data said.
"You don't mean Doctor Noonian Soong?" Geordi exclaimed.
"That was his name. Though he travelled here under a different name," Data said.
He couldn't explain how he knew this – only that he did somehow.
"Doctor Noonian Soong, my friend, happened to have been Earth's foremost robotics scientist," Geordi said with a low whistle.
"Until he tried to make Asimov's dream of a positronic brain come true," Tasha added.
Even Tasha was familiar with Soong. As a fan of Asimov's science fiction, she knew enough about the man to understand what had happened to Soong.
At one time a renowned cyberneticist, Soong had been laughed out of the Daystrom Institute nearly fifty years earlier. He had disappeared from Earth shortly thereafter. Rumours about his whereabouts and work persisted for years but nothing was ever definitively proven.
Data was suddenly overcome with frustration.
How could I not know this before today? Data thought to himself.
Data had studied the field of cybernetics with great interest.
He had studied it for over twenty years.
Data could not recall every stumbling upon the works of Doctor Noonian Soong or biographical information about his dream of a positronic brain.
Had Soong been his creator?
Most importantly, Data wanted to know why he still felt that there were blocked memories sitting just out of reach.
Geordi stepped over to one of the computer terminals and attempted to gain entry.
"Whatever was here at one time is gone now," Geordi reported. "These terminals have been completely wiped."
"Can you restore them?" Riker inquired.
"How can you be sure?" Keiko chimed in. "Maybe they-"
"Because the memory's been wiped save for a single message," Geordi advised. "Almost like a signature left by someone."
Geordi sighed and shook his head.
"What does it say?" Worf questioned.
"Here's lookin' at you, kid," Geordi said, reciting the line.
It was a quote so well-known it had entered the human lexicon and remained even long after the film media had fallen out of fashion.
"Well, that's one helluva farewell," Riker grumbled.
Data and Tasha caught one another's gaze.
He had said that exact phrase – well, his version of that exact phrase – only a few nights ago on the holodeck.
It was too eerie an occurrence to be a coincidence.
Data's thoughts began to wander to the memories that remained inaccessible. He could account for the space which the engrams inhabited but could not access the data contained within them. He wondered if it were possible that he retained Soong's memories – his writings, logs, or work.
It could possibly account for his knowledge of the phrase.
Data picked up the plastic mould on the table and held it up against his head. The proportions were in line with his own features.
Could this mould have been made in Soong's image? He pondered.
"What do you think these are?" Keiko asked, spying a series of crude drawings hung along the wall.
They depicted a spiky object in what looked like the sky. Data had spent enough hours volunteering with the children's art programme aboard the Enterprise to recognise the typical art style of a young human child – the trees, the grass, and the figurines.
"Posted by proud parents?" Riker asked as he examined the drawings.
"Soong wasn't known to have any children," Geordi said. "But that doesn't discount the possibility that he did after leaving Earth. If the disaster that occurred here was shortly before Data's activation, then that leaves nearly twenty years after Soong's disappearance."
"And one can certainly do a lot in twenty years," Riker said, concurring with Geordi's line of thought.
Data traced his fingers over the object depicted in the sky.
He squeezed his eyes shut. His head tilted to the left as if he were attempting to push away a bad memory.
He could recall a great shadow – large enough that it seemed to block out the sun.
And there was screaming.
"Data?" Keiko asked.
He startled as he felt her hand on his bicep.
"This is a lifeform," Data said as he pointed to the image. "A dangerous lifeform."
He stepped back and away from the drawings.
"They were hiding here from that lifeform," Data explained. "It is a being of a crystalline structure."
"And it lives here? On this planet?" Riker demanded to know.
Data shook his head.
"It is not native to this planet," Data assured him. "The being's typical habitat is open space. However, it is capable of entering the atmosphere."
"And you think this is what wiped out all of the life on this planet?" Worf questioned. "It looks like a snowflake."
"And Delphinium are beautiful," Keiko said, citing the beautiful but deadly plant.
"Point taken," Worf said with a small nod.
Commander Riker advised that he was going to signal the Enterprise and request they begin a search of the immediate area for the strange crystalline lifeform.
"That will not be necessary," Data advised. "It does not remain. It has to move on to feed."
"Feed?" Tasha asked slowly.
She didn't like the sound of that.
"It feeds on living matter," Data said.
"That certainly explains a few things," Riker sighed.
On Riker's orders, Worf and Keiko set out to get a better look at the seed storage they had found earlier. Data and Geordi were keen to comb through the tools and equipment in the lab. Even if the computer terminals were wiped of information, there may have been clues.
Tasha decided to use the time to conduct a sweep of the area.
The first room next to the lab appeared to be storage for equipment. There was also a small room that housed what appeared to be a power cell.
When she reached the third room, Tasha was surprised to find what appeared to be living quarters. There wasn't much in the way of anything that gave the room a sense of home. The walls were sparse aside from mostly empty bookshelves that appeared to line every available inch.
At one time they had been filled with books and knickknacks, souvenirs of Soong's travels, and notebooks upon notebooks of design sketches.
In many ways, Soong had enjoyed the tactile sensation of old-fashioned journaling.
There was an open archway that led to a spartan bedroom. Tasha had no inkling that at one time Soong had filled it to the brim with model ships, dinosaur replicas, spinning toys, and fairy lights.
Eclectic did not begin to describe Soong's style.
On the table was a mug that had been left behind. The contents that had once filled it had evaporated decades earlier, leaving behind nothing but a stain around the rim of the mug.
Tasha was about to move on to the next room when she heard something under her foot.
She stopped a metre shy of the doorway and glanced down. It was an isolinear chip.
Tasha bent down and grabbed it. She held it up in front of her face and studied the chip carefully.
Isolinear chips would have been relatively new technology around the time the colony had been in existence. They had been introduced to Federation starships about forty years earlier and then filtered out for broader use over the next fifteen years.
Tasha bit her thumb and weighed if she should plug it into a computer terminal or not.
There was one built into the wall.
It didn't quite feel right digging into what may have been someone's personal information. It appeared it must have been dropped or discarded in a hurry.
However, it could contain important information about Data's past. And Tasha knew how important it was to Data that they find answers.
Deciding it was worth the risk, Tasha set aside her discomfort and plugged the chip into the computer.
It clicked into place and the terminal lit up.
Scanning through the contents, Tasha realised they were personal written logs – although she didn't quite recognise the dating format.
They were all mostly dated from 2336. But there were a handful of earlier logs as well. Each was dated in a single or double-digit date followed by a series of unknown time increments and then the year.
8 July 2333….23 October 2335….14 February 2336
Tasha had seen this before – somewhere – but she was having trouble placing it.
Earth months! Tasha thought as it clicked into place.
It seemed the logs tapered off around the month of March 2336.
Tasha tapped the screen and clicked into the final log. It seemed as good a place to start as any.
Accessing the file, she set to work reading the contents.
29 March 2336.
Based on Doctor Clendenning's estimates, we have two – maybe three hours at best – before the Crystalline Entity reaches our bunker. Evacuations continue as planned. It seems to be distracted by feeding and has left the smaller ships alone as they flee.
It's reported sighting near Ardana thirteen days ago suggests that it is capable of travelling at warp speeds.
I have delayed our departure as we determine our course of action.
Shinebug has made clear her feelings on the matter. He did not intend to harm us. Nonetheless, his actions have led to worsening our already dire predicament.
She told him that we were uncertain how space travel would affect his system.
Tasha's eyes narrowed as she read the rest of the log in disbelief.
She was aghast.
Utterly appalled.
Upon finishing the final log, Tasha read through the few leading up to it. She had to know. She needed answers.
As the picture became clear, Tasha couldn't hold back her emotions. Her face grew warm. She squeezed her eyes shut as she tried to fight back the tears that were threatening to spill over.
She sniffled and wiped her eyes with her sleeve.
Taking a shaky breath, she looked around the room as she contemplated what to do with this information. Data was just down the corridor. He could walk in at any moment.
Settling on a course of action, Tasha cleared her throat and removed the isolinear chip from the terminal. She tucked it into a small pocket on the inside of her boot and then stood up.
Checking her appearance in the nearby mirror, she took a few breaths to steady herself. She couldn't let Data see that she was bothered.
Over in the lab, Data, Geordi, and Commander Riker continued to poke about.
"This looks like some sort of storage area over here," Geordi said, indicating to a nearby wall. "There's something back here."
Data automatically found the activation switch having it embedded deep in his memory.
The doors to the storage area slid open. Thick fog rolled out as the cold air of the sealed storage area came into contact with the warm air from the installation.
Data stood motionless as it revealed another android of seemingly identical construction, albeit disassembled.
"How many more Datas are there?" Riker inquired.
"It looks like this is the only other one, sir," Geordi reported as he scanned the area.
Data heard Riker's voice but did not register the question. He was too fixated on the android before him. It had the same bioplast. Its legs were exactly 87.2 centimetres. They even had identical dark hair. All in all, there appeared to be no variation in their construction.
For Data, his internal response was not what he had expected.
This discovery was confirmation of what he had always believed – he was not the only one of his kind. He was not alone in the universe.
At the same time, the fact they appeared identical left Data struggling to come to terms with a loss of his own individuality.
Given the nature of how his positronic brain functioned, this android likely shared the same programming and therefore the same thinking process.
"Can these be another me?" Data thought aloud.
No one answered the question. Neither Geordi nor Commander Riker felt comfortable weighing in on that matter.
Data stepped forward and picked up the cranial unit of the other android. It was a bizarre feeling to hold a replica of oneself.
"He needs assembling," Data said in a determined voice.
"He?" Riker inquired. "Data we don't know that this-"
He gestured vaguely at the deconstructed parts.
"Can become alive," Riker finished.
For all they knew, these could merely be replacement pieces for Data.
"May I?" Geordi asked as he took the cranial unit from Data.
Geordi opened the side access panel and studied the construction.
"It looks like there's a positronic matrix in here," Geordi said. "Similar to Data's design but there are a few differences in the construction. I'd say these are more than spare parts."
"It is very important for me to know who this is, sir," Data confessed. "I never dreamed it was possible I might find some link with a form like my own kind."
Data's eyes pleaded with the First Officer.
Will Riker didn't have it in him to turn Data down.
"Of course, Data. We'll take-" Riker paused just in time to stop himself from calling the android 'it.'
He did not want to dehumanise Data.
"The android back to the ship with us," Riker promised.
"Thank you, sir," Data replied.
Geordi and Data set to work removing and inspecting all of the pieces. The subdermal connective tissues appeared to be of a similar design to Data's own artificial joints and musculature. Unfortunately, there was no indication of who this android was.
Most importantly, they had found no information in the lab explaining why they had been constructed.
"Riker to Lieutenant Yar," Riker said as he tapped his communicator. "How's the search?"
Tasha responded a moment later. She indicated that the facility was certainly big enough to house a number of labs. She had found numerous personal quarters and other general installation facilities like a canteen, meeting room, and art facility.
"But all that's here now is empty beds," Tasha said.
"Have you found any other androids?" Riker asked bluntly.
"Other androids, sir?" Tasha asked to clarify.
"I'm going to send Geordi to join you and search the facility for any more of Data's kind," Riker said. "Have you found any other information?"
There was a brief pause.
"Only a corrupted computer log with some information about the creature that attacked this world," Tasha answered.
She had an obligation to report that information. But she couldn't let Data know what she had found – at least not yet.
"Alright, we'll have Geordi take a look and see what he can recover," Riker replied.
"Where's the computer terminal?" Geordi asked.
Strangely, Tasha was sitting on a low counter along the backside of the room.
Tasha pointed to the terminal along the wall but said nothing.
"Tasha, there's nothing on here," Geordi said after a few moments. "This entire system has been wiped clean of data. I can't find anything, corrupted or otherwise."
Geordi could find no remaining information.
"There's nothing left on here. There would need to be some sort of external source or file," Geordi explained. "Something like a duotronic file or an external database or-"
"Something like this?" Tasha said.
Geordi turned around to see she was holding an isolinear chip up in her hand.
Geordi frowned.
He could tell there was something wrong. He could think of no other reason she would have removed the chip from the terminal.
"Why do I get the feeling you hid that chip in case I didn't come alone?" Geordi asked.
She had a pained look on her face.
"Geordi, there's information on this chip about this Crystalline Entity. If these logs are any indication, it seems to drift about through this part of space," Tasha explained.
"Ok," Geordi said slowly.
"If the logs are any indication, this colony was attacked in 2336," Tasha continued.
"And you removed it from the terminal because?" Geordi trailed off.
"It can travel at warp speed," Tasha said, completely ignoring his question.
Geordi put his hands on his hips.
"What is it that you don't want anyone to see?" Geordi demanded.
To Geordi's surprise, Tasha's lip began to quiver.
He hadn't meant to come across as angry.
"Tasha, I didn't mean to-" Geordi started to say.
"They left him, Geordi. They left him behind," she sniffled. "They lied to him and then they left him."
She took a shaky breath and thumbed away the tears from her face.
"Alone," she concluded.
Tasha had only read through a handful of the logs contained on the chip – all leading up to the attack on the colony. It may not have been all of the available information, but by the time she had finished, Geordi had heard more than enough.
"How's it going down there?" Riker asked.
Geordi and Tasha froze.
"Uh fine, sir," Geordi said.
"Any progress on the log?" Riker inquired.
Tasha shook her head, hoping that Geordi would get the message.
Geordi looked to Tasha and put his hands out. He had no clue what to say.
"We need to buy time," Tasha whispered.
"It's pretty corrupted," Geordi responded.
"Shall I come assist?" Data offered.
"No!" Geordi said quickly.
Tasha gestured with her hands as she silently tried to urge Geordi to come up with an excuse.
"I need to take it back to my lab," Geordi said.
"You know I still don't quite feel comfortable with this," Geordi confessed.
His excuse had worked and bought them extra time.
The Enterprise had left orbit around Omicron Theta and was underway to Melona.
Tasha had convinced Geordi to input the necessary information about the Crystalline Entity onto a new isolinear chip. Geordi would present the information at the debrief and tell the rest of the team that the original chip had been unsalvageable.
"Tasha, I know you don't want Data to be hurt by what's on there. But Data's got a right to know," Geordi said as he held out the chip.
"I know," Tasha acknowledged as she took the chip.
She didn't feel right about it either.
"When the time is right," Tasha said.
Tasha had no desire to keep the information from him. She knew that if introduced in the wrong way, it would crush Data.
Given that they had just discovered another android, Tasha didn't feel it was the right time. The logs had mentioned there was another android that had been disassembled prior to the attack -though the reason for such action was not specified in the logs Tasha had examined.
She would comb through them and try to get a full picture before turning them over to Data.
After all, the disassembled android would not be aware of the colony's final days and Doctor Soong was long dead.
What Data didn't know couldn't hurt him.
Over in Data's lab, a team of engineers were combing over the disassembled pieces of the android they had recovered.
The doors to the lab slid open and Geordi and Tasha stepped inside.
It was strange to see all the parts of the android scattered about. It was like looking at pieces of Data and that was an unsettling thought.
"Do you believe he can be made to function?" Geordi asked.
"He appears to include all the components found in my own body," Data advised.
"As if we fully understand your construction," Geordi quipped.
The two friends shared a smile.
Reg Barclay was at one of the stations working on the cranial unit. It was the most advanced piece of technology that he had ever seen. Lieutenant Barclay had read through Data's schematics, but the construction of the positronic matrix was so intricate and detailed.
He was terrified of making a mistake.
"If we should need to compare this with the way you're put together, erm, do you think it would be possible to, well, take a look?" Reg inquired.
Tasha looked to Data with concern.
She knew how uncomfortable he was with being examined.
"I believe that would be acceptable," Data advised. "Lieutenant Yar? Geordi? May I speak with you?"
While the team of engineers continued to analyse the other android, the three of them stepped out into the corridor.
"Data, if you don't feel comfortable with this-" Geordi began to say.
"This is very important to me," Data responded. "I must know if he can be reassembled."
"Data, we don't need to rush this," Tasha said.
Data's brow furrowed as his face reflected a look of discomfort.
"We do not know how long he has been disassembled. However, if his chronometer functions like mine, then he will be able to mark such time once he is reactivated," Data explained. "He does not deserve to wait for activation simply because he is inorganic."
"Of course," Tasha said. "I'm sorry. It's just, well, maybe you should talk to Deanna about-"
"I need to reassemble my brother," Data insisted.
The use of the word 'brother' caught Tasha off-guard. Suddenly, a new point of worry entered her mind. Data's desire to find a sense of belonging could mean he was placing too much emphasis on his relationship to this android.
If this other android did not share Data's expectations, it could spell disaster.
It was one thing to feel alone in the universe, it was another to be rejected by your own kind.
Data could see that his comment had done little to assuage her concern.
"However, I will speak with Counsellor Troi once we have completed reassembly," Data added.
Tasha nodded in understanding.
"Geordi, I would like to request that what I am about to share with you remain between us," Data said.
He looked to Tasha, and she got the message.
Data turned around and faced the wall.
Tasha ran her hand along his spine and stopped at the appropriate area.
"Press your fingers here, Geordi," Tasha said, showing him the spot in the small of Data's back.
"It operates almost as a switch," Tasha explained.
"And these small projections?" Geordi inquired.
"An android alarm clock, is that amusing?" Data responded. "They time how long I remain unconscious."
It was a huge leap of faith for Data to share this information with anyone.
Tasha had known about it as she had access to the classified security specs that detailed all of Data's programming – the same security specs that had been drawn up by Bruce Maddox during Data's early years in captivity.
"Are you certain about this, Data?" Geordi asked.
"We must proceed," Data answered.
"Well, it should be a lot simpler once we can see how your circuitry's connected," Geordi shrugged. "And I won't mention this to anyone. You have my word."
"If you had an off switch, would you not keep it secret?" Data inquired.
"I suppose I would, buddy," Geordi grinned.
Later that evening, the Enterprise was about halfway to Melona. The team that was working to assemble the other android had taken a break for the evening. While they had managed to reattach the limbs, there was still considerable work to be done on the cranial unit and the power core.
It would require opening Data's torso to examine the inner workings of his construction.
Opening Data's torso unit was possible but complicated. As it housed his primary power core and many vital functions, it was well protected.
They would need to cut into his bioplast and remove a portion of his shielding alloy under the surface. In essence, it was an android surgery of sorts.
"You are bothered by this," Data commented.
They had gone to bed an hour earlier in Tasha's quarters, but sleep had been elusive. In fact, for the last hour she had been lying on Data's chest and staring at nothing.
"You aren't sleeping either," Tasha replied.
"I must confess that I am finding it difficult to initiate my rest programme," Data confessed. "It was my hope that I would learn more information about the reasons behind my creation. However, I must admit that I am disappointed there were not more answers on Omicron Theta."
"Yeah," Tasha replied in a faraway voice.
"The procedure tomorrow will not harm me," Data assured her, assuming her behaviour was out of concern for it.
Tasha snuggled against him and closed her eyes as she attempted to think about anything other than the isolinear chip that was hidden in the drawer of her desk.
"Notice this micro-circuitry here and here?" Geordi inquired. "I've never seen anything like this."
Data was lying on a biobed across from the other android while Geordi's team worked to reactivate the other android.
Geordi had completed a number of repairs and diagnostic analysis on Data.
But he had never seen the inner workings of Data's primary systems. The sheer attention to detail and creativity that it must have taken to envision such a sophisticated android was the greatest piece of machinery Geordi had ever laid his eyes on.
In many ways, it modelled humanoid systems. It wasn't just his skeletal and muscular design that replicated those functions. There were striking similarities in how his sensory receptors resembled a human nervous system.
Data's self-decontamination and cleaning system operated eerily like a human lymphatic system.
His body was even capable of breaking down food and liquids that were consumed to the cellular level for redistribution to lubricate his biofunctions.
"There's another fibroid-like connection here," Sonya said as she adjusted the lighting.
"Data, you're a masterpiece," Geordi chuckled.
The procedure served a dual purpose. While it provided the missing link to reactivating the other android, it also offered Geordi the chance to get a better understanding of Data's construction.
"Data, what's this?" Geordi inquired as he touched the object in question.
Whatever it was, Geordi's VISOR was reading that it registered at a temperature several degrees lower than Data's typical self-regulated body temperature.
"I am uncertain as to what you are referring to," Data responded.
"Whatever this is, it's giving off some interesting temperature readings," Geordi advised. "I'm reluctant to open it up."
His VISOR readings indicated that it appeared to be storing some sort of fluid-like substance. Data had a number of biofunctions that operated throughout his body for important systems like temperature regulation, joint lubrication, and maintaining the delivery of complex nutrient structures for his musculature.
Geordi was hesitant to go poking into something that he wasn't sure he could repair.
"Ensign, let's draw a hyposample of whatever is in here," Geordi ordered.
Sonya grabbed a hypospray and adjusted the settings to draw out a sample rather than delivering one. She attached a small vial and then moved it into position above the unknown synthetic organ.
Using the hypospray, they would be able to withdraw a sample of the substance for analysis without penetrating the protective barrier.
After another ninety minutes, Geordi believed they had finally matched all of the systems between the two. Whoever had disassembled the other android hadn't merely taken apart the limbs and extremities. All of the circuitry to the power cell had been disconnected and the positronic matrix was taken apart.
"Let's close up here," Geordi instructed.
From the corner, Tasha had been waiting patiently with her arms crossed as they worked on Data. She had said little during the procedure.
Thus far, there had been no activity from the other android.
As Geordi and Sonya worked to patch up Data's bioplast, Commander Riker and Captain Picard entered the lab.
"How goes it?" Picard asked.
"It seemed to go well, but I can only hope that the matrix is stable," Geordi reported. "Essentially, everything's turned on but there have been no signs of consciousness yet."
"It certainly is a good match for Data, sir," Riker remarked as he observed the two androids lying opposite one another.
"I wonder which of them was made first?" Picard pondered aloud.
"He was," the android said as he opened his eyes.
There was a collective gasp of surprise from the rest of the room.
"But they found him to be imperfect and I was made to replace him," the android said.
His face twitched.
"You may call me Lore," he smiled.