Chapter 3: Data
Research sunsets. Specifically, those of modern-day earth.
Data sat still under a large oak tree on Starfleet campus. His yellow eyes flicked back and forth, as if he were reading lines of text at an impossibly quick rate.
"Sunset" is a word originating from earth. A sunset is the process of a star (original definition: the star is sol, also known as "the sun" on earth) going from above the horizon of a planet (original definition: the planet is earth) to below it, out of sight. The word is not scientifically accurate, as it is the rotation of the planet that causes this phenomenon, not a movement of the star. This process signifies the end of an earth day, and occurs every 24 hours.
Data closed the informational file.
I still do not understand; if a sunset is such a frequent occurrence, why do humans believe it is special? What makes them consider the process beautiful?
His eyes stopped moving, and focused on the golden orb sinking below the horizon. No where in his files could he find satisfactory answers to his questions.
"Data!"
Data paused his thought process to concentrate on the person calling his name.
Identify: Geordi La Forge, human male, fellow 1st year cadet, fellow engineering student. Relations: negative.
Search files for information on human voice patterns. Specifically, research the meaning behind certain tones.
The tone of his voice can be described as fearful, panicked, or frantic. This implies that something is amiss. Override observation program. Incentive: a life form may require assistance.
Override accepted. Attempt to help.
Insufficient data to proceed. Obtain additional information quickly. Ask questions.
"What is wrong?"
Geordi grabbed the other cadet by the arm and kept running. Data allowed himself to be led.
"Kaav's in the reservoir! He's drowning! The sides of the reservoir are to steep for him to climb out, and he's too heavy for me to lift! I need help!"
As the pair approached the reservoir, Kaav's desperate cries became audible.
Data put on a burst of speed, and ran to the rim, where he knelt and began looking around. Geordi came to a halt a few steps behind him.
Research drowning. Specifically, how the victim may react.
Usually, a drowning person will panic, shout, and attempt to swim, causing a great deal of splashing. I see no splashing. However, Kaav cannot be under water because I still detect audio from him shouting.
Why can I not sight him?
As Data stared out over the reservoir, someone stepped out of the bushes behind him. Data, who was still attempting to locate Kaav, did not turn around. The person wore a familiar smirk, as he quietly moved toward the android, arms extended. Ready to push.
SPLASH!
With that noise, Kaav's shouts ceased, and was replaced by the sound of his laughter as he crawled out of the bushes. Seth joined in.
"Kaav, Geordi! You guys were brilliant!"
"Come on, let's get out of here before someone sees us!"
Geordi could see both Kaav's bulky, muscular figure and Seth's slimmer one running down the path in his VISOR, but he kept his focus on the black hole that was the reservoir, in which he could faintly see the stardust glow of Data's mechanical body.
"Come on, Geordi! Get moving!"
With one last backward glance, Geordi turned and ran up the path, away from the reservoir—and the android.