Small Packages

Part Seven of seven

By GirlX2

0o0o0o0o0o000

Picard mulled thoughtfully over the troubling news Riker had told him. Data's condition was growing steadily worse. The android was beset with intense feelings, nightmares, and all manner of physical complaints (although trembling would be a natural response for a child under the circumstances, Picard mused) besides the mental degeneration.

It would likely have broken a human adult by this time.

"Has any progress been made on reversing the switch?"

"Yes: Engineering is ready to try an experiment. They think they can get Data back into his body."

"They think? How sure are they?"

"95% chance of success." Riker looked pleased. "Better odds than we usually get."

"And the risk to Data?"

"Other than remaining in his current body, nil."

"And all the inherent problems that comes with it." Picard sighed. There was nothing else for it. "Inform Mr. La Forge to have Data ready as soon as possible."

"Yes sir."

Picard exited as Riker began calling the various staff needed for the switch. He wanted to be there to witness the event: It wasn't every day you saw a friend go from child to man.

It was something he hoped he'd only see once.

0o0o0o0o0o0

Data spent the next few hours sleeping peacefully in Geordi's chambers. He'd woken once, asked for water, and fallen back asleep. Just like a real child.

Not good for a child who was made of gears and wires.

Geordi had been reluctant to wake him when the call came: he seemed to be dreaming peacefully. But Commander Riker had insisted. They needed to try and fix Data before any more degeneration could occur, if possible.

"Data? C'mon, it's time to get up." Geordi shook him gently.

Data's eyes popped open. "I did not have another nightmare."

"Good."

"I would like to try and sleep again. The effects have been pleasant."

"Maybe later. The engineers have something that might get you back to normal. We've gotta get going."

"Understood." Data climbed out of the bed, one hand clamped around the teddy bear's arm. Geordi took his free one.

Data walked with little half skips to keep up with Geordi's stride. "I feel much better."

"I'm glad." Geordi conjured up a smile. He was going to miss this.

But not nearly as much as he missed his adult friend.

"I dreamed that we came upon an unknown planet full of the creatures from the holo-deck projection." Data babbled happily as they descended into engineering. "Captain Picard joined us on the away team…"

Data trailed off as they entered the room with his adult body. It was lying on a table with several devices running to it, wires all over the place.

"Data, are you okay?"

"It is disorienting to see myself from the outside."

"I figured it would be." Geordi lifted him onto an adjacent table. Several engineers swarmed him, attaching tubes and monitors.

Data frowned. "I will lose the ability to feel emotions when I am transferred back. Due to my lack of emotional processor, I will not be able to properly recall what it 'felt' like, only that it occurred."

"Yeah, Data."

Data sat quietly for a moment. "I do not wish to lose the ability to feel. But I can not perform my duties in this body."

"I know." Geordi nodded. Data had gotten closer to human than he'd ever been before, and he had to give it up. It was damn unfair.

Data stood up on the table and reached out to him with both arms. "I would like a hug while I can still appreciate the value fully."

Geordi wrapped him in a tight hug. "Glad to oblige."

"Geordi?"

"Yes Data?"

"I feel something odd…like something inside is pressing outward. Something bigger than myself. It is like happiness, but more than that. I do not know how to explain it."

"It's okay, Data." Geordi broke the hug. He didn't dare explain that the emotion may have been love. It would only make the transition harder. "It's normal for a child to feel that way for those close to him."

"Oh. That is good; it is a very enjoyable emotion." Data squared his shoulders and turned to the engineers. "I am ready now.

Geordi stood near the far wall as engineers swarmed over the two bodies. If this worked, it was possible that the little body's circuitry could be fried. Or that it would be fine, and the procedure could be repeated, letting Data jaunt between childhood and adulthood as easily as humans passed between shuttlecrafts.

It might be handy to have a little android in some situations: Geordi recalled the mission the former crew had gone on under Captain Kirk to a planet exclusively of children. They'd had a hard time gaining the children's trust, if the reports were accurate.

Whatever happened, he'd make sure little Data's body was properly cared for by engineering. You just never knew.

0o0o0o0o0o0

Wesley gave Data a nod as the Lt. Commander assumed his usual post on the bridge. "Good to see you full-sized, Data."
"Thank you Wesley." Data took his seat and began scanning through the computer. He turned to Wesley. "I wish to apologize for my behavior in the commissary. I was not myself."

"No apology necessary." Wesley assured him. "Just remind me never to try and force feed you."

A few small chuckles around the bridge sounded, leaving Data with a puzzled expression.

Picard allowed himself a momentary smile. Things were back to normal.

He chose to ignore the non-regulation stuffed bear that Data had snuck under his console.

"Warp factor three, Mr. Data."

"Yes sir."

"Engage."

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Fin