Part II
"Against eternal injustice, man must assert justice, and to protest against the universe of grief,
he must create happiness." ~ Albert Camus
Chapter Four
The runabout was old and a little battered, but still serviceable and not particularly distinctive. Workhorses similar to this ship were a familiar sight along the shipping lanes in border areas like this one. A wandering Trill, a merchant or explorer, was also not uncommon, especially those without symbionts. The second member of the runabout's crew, however, was unique, and though not widely recognized outside Starfleet, it was still possible that someone might be able to deduce who he was. The Andorian who had rented them the ship had shown only the vaguest curiosity about the hooded figure lurking behind the Trill who had done the negotiating, but others might be more inquiring. Data was keenly conscious of being a serious flaw in his own plan simply by existing, and the fact that his having to conceal his identity might force Arzin into a dangerous situation. As determined as he was to shield his friend, he knew he might not be able to do so, and in any case Arzin might have ideas of his own as to how best to help.
"All right, captain," Arzin said from the helm, breaking the silence that had fallen just after takeoff. "We're en route, and I think I can say with confidence that no one else in the entire Federation knows exactly where we are. Now will you tell me what the plan is?"
"I am afraid that you will need to handle at least one more negotiation," Data replied, aware that he was not quite answering the question. He had calculated a 91% probability that Arzin would offer serious resistance, and a 44% probability that he would refuse to assist once he had heard the plan. The android did not feel prepared to face either eventuality. "However, should we encounter anyone unexpectedly we must be careful not to use names, and you must remember not to call me captain or sir."
Arzin just managed to substitute, "All right, I'll remember," for an automatic 'yes, sir'. "But what's the rest of the plan?"
"As you know, my research has indicated that unusual amounts of rare metals and other elements are being brought to the area of planet Mudd. The only thing all these elements might be used for is the construction of cybernetic components and body parts similar to my own. Though these will of course not be Soong-type androids, there are likely quite a few fundamental similarities between them and myself."
"Yes, we covered all this before," Arzin said, with growing suspicion.
Data couldn't quite hold his gaze. "I propose to use these shipments as a way to smuggle myself onto the planet. Placed inside an appropriate shipping crate, I will likely be allowed to pass as simply another container of materiel."
"You're going to put yourself in a crate," Arzin echoed, doubtfully. "I know you don't register as a life-form on a standard sensor sweep, but this is a base that must have the very best security and apparently deals primarily with androids. They might easily have modified their sensors. And you do register as an energy source, which will make them suspicious in any case. How are you planning to avoid that?"
Though Data now looked distinctly uncomfortable, he replied readily enough. "Quite simply. I will be deactivated and therefore will not register as an energy source."
"Deactivated? Can you do that?"
"Yes, easily."
But Data's attempt to keep his tone light did not have the desired effect, as Arzin asked the obvious question, albeit one the android had still hoped to avoid. "And you can reactivate yourself just as easily?"
"No," he admitted. "I am equipped only with a hard off switch. Reactivation must normally be performed by another individual."
"Then we need a way to get me down there with you."
"I do not believe that will be possible. As you said, this is a high-security facility." Seeing Arzin about to argue further, he hurried on. "However, with your help, I believe I will be able to create a timer that will enable me to reactivate automatically once I am safely on the planet's surface."
"That sounds risky," Arzin said, frowning. "If you aren't able to control when you wake up, you might easily get caught."
"I am afraid this entire endeavor is risky," Data replied, dryly. "But I believe this particular risk is within acceptable parameters."
Though he was still frowning, Arzin shrugged. "Well, at a top speed of warp 2.5, we'll have plenty of time to test it out, at least. Good thing the Hawking won't be ready for another couple of weeks." He paused, still suspicious, but asked a relatively innocuous question for the moment. "And this negotiation I'll have to handle – that will be the one that gets you on board this supply ship, I take it?"
"Correct. I have traced some Ferengi traders who I believe are the primary suppliers to the facility. With any luck these negotiations should not be difficult, since I have acquired some latinum. That will likely discourage the Ferengi from asking any prying questions."
"It usually does," Arzin replied, nodding. "I suppose the crate won't scan as anything dangerous, or even out of the ordinary, so they probably would go along with it for the right price. But I still have one more question, and I have a feeling I won't like the answer. How are you going to get off the planet and back up to the ship?"
Now Data looked even more uncomfortable. "That will depend upon exactly what I discover on the surface," he said, slowly.
"You don't have anything even remotely like a plan, do you?"
"That is not entirely true," he replied, slightly injured. "I have considered many possibilities. The most likely outcome is that I will be able to persuade one or more of the androids to assist me, both in somehow sabotaging the facility and in returning to the ship."
"Persuade one of -" Arzin broke off, trying to decide where to begin. "You don't even know that you'll be able to make contact with any of the androids. And you said yourself that they aren't like you. They may not be capable of independent thought."
"Information is unfortunately lacking as to their exact capabilities," Data agreed. "But in that case, it should be an easy matter for me to reprogram them."
"If you can even get to one of them, or to whatever control center they might have. There are too many variables."
Data did his best to sound confident. "As I said, I believe the risks are within acceptable limits."
The Trill sighed heavily and shook his head. "I do understand your concern," he said, seriously. "But I feel like you're rushing into this much too quickly because of that concern. Your plan is..."
"My plan is ill-conceived and too dependent on chance," Data said in a matter of fact tone.
"Well, yes." He hesitated until Data nodded encouragingly.
"Go ahead. After all, at the moment I am not your superior officer," he pointed out, dryly.
"I wondered if you might... be upset about something else, too."
Now it was Data's turn to hesitate. "It is true," he finally said, "that since I installed the emotion chip the past has... weighed heavily on me. However, I do not believe I am suicidal, if that is your concern."
Arzin shrugged uncomfortably. "It just isn't like you to take so many chances, sir."
"No. It is not," the android replied quietly. After a pause, he continued. "It will be some time before we reach our rendezvous with the Ferengi. We should have ample opportunity to finish the timing device. We will also discuss the rest of the plan," he put in, seeing Arzin about to object. "And you must remember not to call me 'sir'," he added, gently.
Realizing his earlier slip, Arzin nodded. "Right."
"And... perhaps there is something I should tell you," Data added, almost to himself, before refocusing on Arzin. "You asked me earlier... if I wanted to talk about my friend from the Enterprise."
"Yes?"
His voice shook slightly. "Her name was Maya Palmer."
She walks through the corridors of the ship, quickening her pace as she catches sight of a familiar face. "Data!" she calls, and the android turns, slowing to allow her to fall into step with him.
"Hello, Maya."
"I wanted to ask you something, if you have a moment."
"Certainly."
"Do you know how to dance?"
Anyone else might have been struck by this unusual question, but Data, of course, merely replies. "Yes, I do. I am proficient in tap dancing and ballroom dancing."
"Yes, ballroom dancing. I just got my invitation to Lt. Ramirez's wedding, you see."
"I will also be attending," Data says. "And you wish to be able to dance at the occasion?"
Maya sighs and nods. "You know I'm not always very good with larger groups, so I thought being able to join in the dancing might be helpful."
"I would be glad to teach you. The desire to learn a new skill is always admirable. And dancing is an important part of many festivities in many cultures. I am sure it will be of assistance to you. Would you like to begin now? There are only three weeks until the ceremony."
"And I might need every moment of those weeks," Maya says, dryly. "I've never really danced before, so I might not be the best student."
"I have never taught anyone to dance before," Data replies, raising an eyebrow. "But I am sure we will both manage."
Soon they are in the holodeck, in the center of an oak-panelled ballroom. "Computer, play an appropriate waltz," Data says, and the strains of the "Voices of Spring" waltz fill the air. "I will begin with the fundamentals, though some of this you may already be aware of."
"No, that's fine. Best to start at the beginning."
"The basic steps of several dances, including the waltz, are quite similar and sometimes collectively known as the box step. Watch." He traces out the pattern, then Maya joins in, standing next to him and slowly developing some confidence as she counts the steps.
"Correct. Now we will add the hand positions. Traditionally, the male partner leads, meaning that he controls the direction of movement to avoid obstacles on the dance floor. Hence the phrase, 'Follow my lead.' To help me guide you, I put my right hand at your waist, like so. You put your hand at my shoulder – yes, good," he says, as Maya catches on. "And now the steps again."
She is hesitant at first, still counting out the steps and spending most of her time staring down, but does gradually begin to relax. "Much better," Data says. "You should look at me, however, not your feet."
"I keep expecting to kick you in the shins," Maya admits, shaking her head.
"You do not need to worry about hurting me."
"I know, I'd be more likely to hurt my toes. But it still wouldn't be polite." She smiles her wry smile, but manages to look up at him steadily as the dance continues.
"Good. Let me know when you feel you have had sufficient practice at the waltz, and we will move on to the fox trot."
She raises an eyebrow. "Fox trot? Really?"
"Yes. The name derives from the short steps of the dance, similar to the gait of a small animal such as a fox."
They dance without speaking for some minutes, then she seems to gather her courage. "Now I'd like to ask a more personal question, if that's all right."
"Of course, Maya," Data says at once. "I consider you a friend."
"Would you go with me to the wedding? As my – my date, I mean. Unless you think that wouldn't be appropriate."
"I do not believe so. Yes, I would be glad to go with you."
Maya sighs in relief. "Oh, good, thank you. I'm still a little concerned about being able to chat with people, and it'll be much easier having you with me. I can talk to you."
He considers this with some surprise. "I have often been told that I am difficult to interact with in social situations. And it is true that I have not yet mastered the intricacies of 'small talk'. Yet you find me easier to talk to?"
"Absolutely. You say what you mean. I like that, it makes things so much easier."
"Hm. Most humans seem to prefer euphemisms and figures of speech in their conversation, particularly at parties."
She shakes her head gravely. "Not this human."
Again he considers this for a moment, then replies, "True, I have not known you to display such a habit. And thank you. For saying that I am easy to talk to."
"You're welcome," she says automatically, looking faintly uncomfortable. "But it's just the truth." She pauses awkwardly, then changes the subject. "So. How does this fox trot go?"
After the wedding, Data walks Maya back to her quarters. "I have to admit, I enjoyed that," she says, sincerely. "At least until the fight started."
"That was unfortunate," Data replies.
"I know Lt. Ramirez has a temper, but I never realized she could get quite that angry." She shakes her head. "It was a shame about the cake."
"Let us hope that the lieutenant and her new husband can 'patch things up' successfully."
Maya nods gravely. "Otherwise the honeymoon might be awkward."
"Indeed," Data says, tilting his head as he considers this. A moment later, they reach Maya's quarters and pause at the door as she opens it. "I am glad that you enjoyed the evening, and that the dancing lessons were useful to you. Now I will wish you good night."
Maya looks startled at this abrupt farewell. "Why don't you come in for a while? If you don't have anywhere else you need to be."
"Not for five hours, thirty-six minutes. Yes, I will come in, thank you."
She seems about to speak as they step inside and the door slides closed, then changes her mind and stays silent, looking at Data thoughtfully.
"Is there something wrong?" he asks.
"No, not wrong," she says, then steps forward and kisses him. A moment later she pulls away, though she does not step back. "I'm sorry. This is inappropriate."
"It is not against regulations," he replies, automatically, then frowns. "But – I am not sure it is wise. You know I cannot reciprocate any romantic feelings, and I do not wish to hurt you in any way."
"I know. And I don't expect anything different from you. I like the way things are between us. I'm very happy being friends. It's just – well, it was beginning to feel like I was keeping a secret from you, so I decided to tell you, even though it won't change anything. I just thought you should know."
He tilts his head, puzzled. "Know what?"
Realizing with a jolt how long he had been talking, Data stopped, not entirely sure he could continue. By now he must have made his audience thoroughly uncomfortable, though when he focused again on Arzin there seemed to be only understanding and sympathy in the Trill's expression. "She told me she loved me," Data finally managed. "And I could not say anything. Even when she was dying. And now – I have so much I want to tell her about how I feel, and I cannot."
Arzin let out a slow breath. "And all of this hit you at once. I'm sorry, that must have been... overwhelming. No wonder you've been having a difficult time."
"She told me several times that she was – happy – with the situation as it was... but she always hoped for something more. Something better. She was trying to spare my feelings, even though I did not yet have any."
Arzin leaned forward. "I'm sure she was, partly. But you can't know what she hoped for, and she also must have found at least some happiness with the way things were." He paused, considering his words carefully. "Look, I realize I hadn't known you for very long before you installed the chip, but for what it's worth, you've never seemed unfeeling. Very formal, yes, but you've also always been considerate and careful of others, then and now."
"That was only because of my programming," Data replied, shaking his head. "I was not capable of any real consideration."
Arzin smiled. "We're all programmed to be nice. Usually it's our parents who do that, by explaining over and over why we shouldn't steal our friends' toys and why we should say 'please' and 'thank you', but all that is really just conditioning. Psychological programming. In your case it just happens to be an actual program. The end result is the same, and unless you're a telepath, the end result is all you can see anyway."
Struck by this, Data looked at him in wonder. "Maya once said much the same thing."
"Then she was obviously a very wise and intelligent person," Arzin replied, smiling again for a moment before growing serious. "I wish I could have met her."
Again Data seemed struck by something, and when he finally spoke Arzin had the distinct impression that the android wasn't saying what he had at first wanted to say. "You would have liked her."
Though puzzled and curious as to what other reply Data could possibly have had in mind, Arzin didn't have the heart to push. "I hope talking about her helps."
This seemed to rouse Data slightly. "I did not expect it to, but I believe it has," he said, with faint surprise.
"Sometimes the best medicine is a tall drink and a long talk. That's an old saying of my grandmother's. And now I suppose we'd better get started on this timer, see if we can get it to work. Just remember, I'm an astrophysicist, not an engineer."
