Data walked into his quarters with Lore at his heels. Lore had hummed loudly during the short trip from the turbolift, which had made Data feel a bit uneasy; however, the crew members they had passed had thought nothing of it. They had been far too dysfunctional themselves to notice anything out of the ordinary. After door hissed shut behind them, Lore looked around amusedly at his brother's scarcely furnished room.

"It's hardly comfortable," he remarked, looking for a place to sit down.

Data pushed him a chair. "I do not require sleep, and I do not tire from standing. Therefore it is unnecessary to own human furniture made for their comfort, except when I have guests." He watched his brother plop down on the chair, obviously making himself at home. "Now, please inform me of what you know about the virus."

"Ah, sorry about that. I really have no idea what's happening to all of you." Lore straightened himself on the chair, but kept a relaxed position. "Well; us. You were right, it doesn't affect us as quickly as it does those inferior meat sacks. I just told you I knew something to get your attention." He stared at Data with liquid gold eyes, identical to his brother's.

Data was confused. Why would Lore lie to him? His internal processes were slowing, making it hard for him to search for a logical explanation.

"Data, now that I do have your attention, I want you to listen to me." Lore now spoke without a slur, although his informal tone suggested he was still completely comfortable with the atmosphere.

Data said nothing, still attempting to figure out what was going on. His head seemed to throb; to pulse. It was an unnerving feeling. His vision blurred slightly.

Lore sighed. "Oh dear brother, the virus must be attacking you rather vigorously. You seem to have no idea what I'm even saying to you."

Data shook his head, trying to see clearly. "I am still functioning." His speech program finally responded. "Lore, what do you want of me?"

"I want you to do me a favor." Lore got up from the chair and sauntered over to Data. "Do you think you can do that for your loving brother?" Sarcasm, Data was able to determine.

"I do not think I will approve of this favor." Data was concerned, but still interested.

"Well just listen to it. It's really no big deal. You see, my heart program has been acting up, having effects similar to some Terran heart problems. Dr. Soong is not able to fix me, so my only option is to switch with you."

"Lore, that would indicate that I would inherit these heart problems if we were to trade, thus I would not be fit for my Starfleet duties." Even in his current state, Data could see no reason to do this for Lore. His brother had been a nuisance at best, a threat at worst.

"Ah but Data, I would do something for you in return." Lore pulled up the sleeve of his black uniform and opened a plate in his forearm, removing a small chip. "Data, we were created by Dr. Noonian Soong, right?"

"Correct, but please speak with haste. We do not have much time for idle conversation." Data was growing impatient, but his eyes were fixed on the seemingly harmless chip.

"This chip was made specifically for you by our creator." Lore continued. He held the chip up to the light dramatically so that Data was able to see it clearly. "It was given to me by Dr. Soong himself, which he-"

"Brother." Data almost growled. "Please make your point."

"Fine," Lore said disappointedly. "Data, this is an emotion chip. I will install it for you in exchange for your functioning heart."

...

Geordi La Forge was not fit for any sort of duty. His breathing had become ragged and uneven, and walking to his cabin had proved a challenge. Around every new turn he would find himself questioning himself about his destination. He had ended up at every place on the ship except his damn quarters. He sighed as he stepped out of the turbolift and took in the view of Ten Forward. Other crew members wandered about the deck, displaying a wide range of overly exaggerated emotions. Two ensigns in red were brawling in the middle of the floor, and a young couple was openly making out at a table near the large space view window. This was most definitely not where he had been heading. Where had I been heading, anyway? Geordi asked himself. His muddled mind told him he was going to find Data. I have to tell him something. I have to tell him before it's too late... He straightened himself and turned back into the turbolift. "Deck 2," he told the computer. As it started to move, he wondered what it was that he was telling Data. Then he shrugged. Well it must be important, or I wouldn't be going there.

...

Data's synthetic heart almost stopped functioning at that moment; his addled thought process failing considerably. An emotion chip. To say no to this would go against everything he had yearned for; to become a human, albeit with an android shell. His arm reached out involuntarily, but Lore just brushed it aside and stepped closer.

"Ahh, you really do want it." He smirked. "I'm sorry, but you need to give me permission for the swap first."

Data gained control of his functions and stood still. "I... I do not wish to make the trade." He spoke with a bit of difficulty. It would seem the virus was affecting him faster than previously thought.

Lore gave him a look of disbelief. "You must be making a joke. Oh wait- you can't." He glared at his brother cruelly. His words were actually slurring now, sounding not unlike his earlier facade. "You're only kidding yourself."

Data was having trouble standing straight up. He leaned lightly against the wall to balance himself. "I am fully aware of my decision."

Lore stopped glaring rather suddenly. He gave Data a smile, yet it was not an entirely friendly one. "Data..." He stepped closer. "You really need to stop lying to me, dear brother," he said sweetly, but his voice was dripping with poison.