Jean-Luc Picard looked up at exactly 1800 hours to watch his android officer enter his ready room. Data's punctuality was not a surprise.

"What can I do for you, Mister Data?"

The officer took a seat and looked around the room. If Picard hadn't known it was impossible, he would have tagged his science offcer as nervous. "I wish to discuss Lieutenant Commander Yar's recent field promotion, and appointment as acting first officer," Data began. "Specifically, captain, what reasons caused you to pass me over for the position?" Over a heavy sigh from his captain, Data continued, "My service record is nine years longer than hers, and unlike Natasha, I already held the rank of Lieutenant Commander. I must conclude that you have found some deficiency in my performance that you have neglected to put in your operational assessments."

"Data, that's…" Picard reached, "it's not at all about your deficiency as science officer. In fact, part of my consideration was that you are uniquely qualified for that position, which involves the rapid processing and innovative use of new information. Your conduct," Picard leaned forward, "has been exemplary."

"In which case," Data replied, "I am puzzled as to why I was not considered for first officer, sir."

"You were considered," the captain insisted. "But my assessment is that you're not yet ready to take on that role."

"In what way, sir?"

"I trust my first officer to supplement my command judgement with her own. To recognize that very fine line between questioning my orders and questioning me. And the personnel handling that goes along with it. These are matters where you still need additional growth as an officer."

Data nodded, standing to go. "I see, sir. Thank you for your frank assessment."

"I am sorry that my decision caused you to question your performance, Data. You are an exemplary officer. The Enterprise - and Starfleet - is lucky to have you. "

*****

"And let us toast also the great Crystal Entity with whom I learned to communicate. Before Doctor Soong disassembled me, I earned its gratitude by revealing the way to the colonists. Can you image its gratitude when I give it the life on this vessel?"

Lore glared contemptuously down at the inert form of his flawed younger brother. He had fully accepted his role as servant to the biologicals; Father would be proud.

Data's quarters included fully functioning communications equipment; once Lore had switched his clothing for Data's uniform, it would be a simple matter to contact the crystalline entity. "I simply can't understand," he murmured, "why you would let these limited biologicals treat you as one of them."

*****

In the lab space set aside for the android's assembly, Data and Geordi watched the monitor with silent approbation. "You're certain he won't eventually catch on that he's in a simulation?" La Forge nodded to the android that hung suspended from the work area. Lore's head and torso were connected with a variety of hydraulic hoses and optronic cables, including the holes where his limbs would attach.

"I suspect he will. Doctor Soong's notes confirm that his positronic brain is identical to my own. The simulation has already drawn unusual levels of power simply to comply with his information requests on board the Enterprise." Dsta's hands moved swiftly on the control console. "Still, the facade should last long enough for us to gather communication protocols for this alien that my brother refers to. We may be able to contact it ourselves, but either way the records should prove persuasive with a Federation tribunal."

"You're really going to turn Lore over to the courts?" La Forge frowned.

"I do not see any other choice. The Omicron Theta colonists are owed justice. And in any event," he looked placidly toward the monitor where an android in a Starfleet uniform hid a smirk as he walked down the hallway, "Federation detention facilities have a lot of counseling opportunities. They may be able to help him."