Commander Data Soong

A sign in the style of the Zohran Mamdami campaign in Orange and red letters on a cobalt background saying "Fully Functional for Multiple Techniques"

My promise to you:

I look forward to reading Dr. Crusher's groundbreaking paper on "Seasonally-induced Trench Foot" in the Federation Medical Journal.

Statistically unlikely, but fascinating in its ability to motivate in the absence of any veracity.

Of that, you would have my gratitude. Though what I bring is surely valuable information on the Federation that would put my friends in danger.

Respectfully, I must decline, though your admiration is appreciated.

It is unfortunate, that I still see part of her in you...

And what guarantees could you grant that I would not be disassembled and studied for the benefit of the Empire?

At least my autonomy is settled law within the Federation. I do not see many benefits to defection, as it stands.

My loyalties to the federation cannot be swayed with mere temptations of the flesh.

Was my older brother not enough for the Empire?

It is most unfortunate that we remain on opposing sides.

Tenacity of the organic spirit is something I have often admired.

Oh? Seems you share many qualities with her, then.

Be mindful not to cut yourself on the edges, however.

Such an inheritance ought to be treasured.

... Not my finest moment.

*for a moment, Data stays rooted to the spot, trying to deduce the malfunction in Lore. But no solutions fit the symptoms*

That should not be possible...

*He utters sotto voce, lips parted in awe. It occurs to him that there may be forces here beyond his understanding.*

Please, let me help you.

Correct. Then I suppose we are at an impasse, and I will have no choice but to assume you have hostile intentions.

I regret that our relationship has come to this mutual level of mistrust.

*His hand hovers over his badge weighing fight or flight*

A wise precaution, given our history.

But I do not wish for it to be our future, either. I would much rather have a brother than an adversary.

What is the reason for your sudden re-appearance, truly?

*His tone brooks no argument, but the slight shift of his eyes speak of a certain sadness*

Perhaps a combination of both activities then? I will attend one of your classes, and then escort you to dinner?

I have been told I am an above-average cook, if you wish to have a more private venue than Ten Forward.

*Crunching probabilities, there's a dawning thought he might be blowing this*

*his stare hardens somewhat*

You do not 'just feel like' visiting unless there is an ulterior motive. Our last three encounters you have utilized our kinship for your own gain. I find your presence inherently suspicious, brother.

*His hand reaches for his phaser, but stills. A concession*

Coming from the ostensible 'evil twin' for Commander Kira, I am unsure if this is intended to be a compliment.

*he stands firm, unyielding, but the small twitch to his hand telegraphs his underlying unease.*

I am pleased to see you are well, but I am unsure why you have chosen now to return. I can only deduce you are in need of something.

Hello, brother.

I take it you have once again grown weary of your duties leading the Ex-Borg and have turned to others for amusement, now?

Inquiry: will the semi-mythic 'Baja Blast' be available? Or perhaps the... 'naked chicken chalupa'?

... I do not know why the chicken had to be specified as naked.

- A slight smirk overtakes that expressionless face.*

Turn around and let me see what masterpiece I have painted on your skin, my pet.

*An imperceptible twitch in his hands telegraphs to anyone tuned in to see that he is just at the edge of composure.*

*Pearlescent hands input his override access codes before the door glides open to reveal his charge, slightly trembling, but exactly as ordered. Something switches in his subroutines. A mask falls over his body, both loose and sharp all at the same time. -

And a worthy adversary, besides.

Why do you think you were chosen for this task, Ensign?

Do you doubt my judgement of your aesthetic beauty? I may be incapable of subjective judgement, but I still find your form to be exceedingly pleasant to admire.

Please do not keep the delegation waiting now.

It would be strange if you were not scheming, frankly.

Though I can relate, sometimes it is... Difficult, to find things to occupy one's mind when you are conscious of each passing second. And you, sir, have accumulated more than most.

-at is not rated for both your weights. Nor is it waterproof.

... I am going to wait in the observation lounge until you are done, since you cannot be convinced to relocate.

// We saw a little of this in All Good Things, but I'd like to think there's also a special someone in that future along with the small cloister of cats, too 💖

// Insist they have no feelings about it, but curiously they find themselves running over each interaction in detail to try and figure out where it went wrong.

This is clearly for studying human behavior and idiosyncracies, not a weird form of coping, no sir.

Ehhhhh, does these tings even HAVE kneecaps?

'Spose we oughta ice dem replicators, eh Chief?

Gimme dat spanner and I'll make sure dey fall in line, boss.

Then why do you hesitate, Ensign?

Surely, you are beyond shame of your natural form, are you not?