Chapter 7: Data
Geordi's eyebrows are raised and his mouth is in a position humans call a "frown." He is upset.
There is no obvious reason for him feel sadness. He is not physically harmed in any visible way, and the negative emotion could not be linked to the situation...could it?
I prefer Geordi's happiness to sadness. Inquire as to what is wrong. Incentive: see if I can be of assistance.
Constructing inquiry.
"Geordi... why are you sad?"
Geordi looked up from the marks on Data's chest to the android's face.
"Who did this to you, Data?"
Construct appropriate answer.
Cancel response. Incentive: avoid informing people of incident in case this provokes further harassment, which would be hazardous to my well-being.
"Was it Seth?"
Cancellation denied. Reason: positive relations program behavior does not allow for upsetting the other party. Geordi is upset because I am keeping a secret. Therefore, I must confirm his guess.
Data opened his mouthful, closed it, and finally nodded. Despite his conflicted thoughts about answering, he managed to quietly elaborate.
"Seth, Kaav, and Hayden were able to temporarily paralyze me with an electric shock that overloaded my system. By the time I regained mobility, they had accomplished their task and left."
Geordi stared at Data for a moment. Then he sighed.
"I just can't believe it."
In response to the android's curious look, Geordi immediately clarified.
"Why would they do that to you?"
"Because—"
Cancel response. Incentive: it could potentially cause Geordi to feel unnecessary guilt.
Cancellation denied. Reason: according to his earlier reactions, Geordi will likely be even more upset if I stop explaining now.
"Because I did not know my place."
Geordi's head shot up.
"Before paralyzing me, they explained their belief that I should not be associating with 'real' life-forms."
Geordi gulped.
"You mean, they did this because you and I are hanging out—er, spending time together?"
"Essentially, yes."
Data hesitated a moment, then softly said "Perhaps they are correct. I am very different from anyone else in Starfleet academy, or anyone in general. My presence has caused tension. Perhaps I do not belong here with organic life-forms."
Geordi just stared for a moment. Then he shook his head vehemently.
"No."
Data glanced up.
"Data, don't you remember what you said to me? You—no, WE—perceive things differently. Like machines. That doesn't mean we're freaks!"
"You are a human."
"So are you! I don't care what anyone else says! You can think, and act on your own, and, in your own way, even feel!"
Geordi placed a hand on Data's shoulder.
"You're just as human as I am." He smiled at the android, who, in return, seemed to brighten.
"Now c'mon. Let's get you fixed up."

A half hour later, Geordi had completely covered the ugly gouges on Data's chest with a matching patch of artificial skin.
"You're as good as new, Data!"
Geordi has fixed my injury. He did not benefit from helping me, nor did he need to feel any real obligation to help me, as the damage was minor. He did not even need to assist me, as it would have been possible, though difficult for me to make the repairs myself; I lack the proper materials and would not be able to patch the area so seamlessly on my own.
Yet, he repaired the injury for me... out of generosity.
Research and past experience indicates that thanking him would be an appropriate action.
Construct statement.
Pause. Access memory files.
Out of the 14 years, 5 months, 30 days, 17 hours, 36 minutes, and 23 seconds of my life I can remember, no one has ever helped me out of pure generosity instead of a sense of obligation or a hope of personal gain.
The phrase "thank you" is inadequate.
Determine a more appropriate response.
Data sat for a split second, staring into the VISOR. Then, quickly but carefully, he reached out and wrapped his arms around Geordi.
He whispered into his friend's ear: "Geordi, this is the nicest action any person has ever has taken for me. Thank you."
After a brief hesitation, Geordi returned the hug.
Data closed his eyes, savoring the sensation of the other man's heart beating against his chest.