After the Crash
In the broken cargo bay, crewmembers carried people and belongings out as Data, Deanna and Charlotte scanned the wreckage for survivors.
"It has been extremely difficult," Data was saying.
"Well then why did you decide not to remove the emotion chip?" Deanna asked.
"At first, I was unprepared for the unpredictable nature of the emotions," Data answered, ducking under a beam. "However, having experience 261 different emotional states, I believe I have learned to control my emotions. They will no longer control me."
Deanna smiled wryly at Charlotte. "Well, I hope you're successful, Data." She paused as her tricorder went off and waved them over. "Over here, I found something." She worry on her face was evident. "One life sign, very faint."
Data moved quickly to the area and began tearing the wreckage away. Charlotte gasped and looked at Data when she saw what was revealed.
"Spot!" The delight on his face as he lifted the cat out of the hole melted her heart. "I am very happy to see you, Spot!"
Deanna smiled. "Another family reunited."
And then the most amazing thing happened. Charlotte's jaw dropped as, overcome with emotion, Data let out something that sounded suspiciously like a sob, cradling his pet in his arms.
"Data, are you alright?" Deanna asked, surprised.
"I am unsure, Councillor," Data answered softly, his voice breaking. "I am happy to see Spot, yet I am crying." Yellow tears ran down his cheeks, and his chin trembled as he fought to regain himself. "Perhaps the emotion chip is malfunctioning?"
Deanna and Charlotte exchanged looks, and the Betazoid stood up with a gentle smile and moved away, leaving the three of them alone. Charlotte put an arm around his shoulder and leaned in close. "I think it's working perfectly," she whispered, scratching Spot behind the ears and placing a kiss on her beloved's cheek. "Perfectly."