Star Trek: The Next Generation s06e09 Episode Script
The Quality of Life
Commander, is it your intention to|continue to grow your beard? Actually, I'm not sure yet.
- Why, Worf?|- I was just asking.
Seven-card stud,|one-eyed Jacks are wild.
- Frankly, Geordi, I like the beard.
|- Thank you, Commander.
You know, I have always been|a little suspicious of men in beards.
- Why is that?|- It's like they're hiding something.
Hide? Don't be ridiculous.
The beard|is an ancient and proud tradition.
Many distinguished men|have worn beards.
After the razor was invented, beards|became mostly a fashion statement.
I'm not concerned with fashion.
To a Klingon,|a beard is a symbol of courage.
I think it's a sign of strength.
Sure, and of course,|women can't grow beards.
It sounds like you think beards|are an affectation.
I do.
But there's nothing wrong with that.
|Women wear make-up and nail polish.
I just think it's time|that you men admit it.
My beard is not an affectation.
Then you wouldn't mind|shaving it off.
In a minute.
|I've just gotten used to it.
OK, then why don't we|up the stakes a little? And if I win,|all of you shave your beards off.
Wait a minute, what if you lose?|What are you gonna give up? I'm open for suggestions.
I'd like to see you as a brunette.
I did that at 13.
|I couldn't change back fast enough.
That makes me even more curious! Fine.
If one of you wins,|I'll become a brunette.
Are we on? Yeah, we'll take that bet.
Looks like you have|the hand to beat, Commander.
I'm in 200.
Geordi.
This is the Captain.
We've arrived at the Tyran system.
|Senior staff to the bridge.
Wait! Sorry.
Duty calls.
We'll have to|do this some other time.
Captain's log, stardate 46307.
2.
We have just come into orbit|of Tyrus VIIA to monitor progress|on the Tyran particle fountain, a radically new mining technology.
The project has been fraught with|problems and is well behind schedule.
Mr La Forge has been assigned|to evaluate the situation.
Dr Farallon, the plans|call for the particle fountain to lift 500kg per|minute from the surface.
So far, we haven't|come close to that.
I want to increase|the stream density.
That should boost|capacity by 72 percent.
You'll be overloading the|field generators in the process.
Not if we distribute|the overload evenly.
Maybe we should complete this phase|before we talk about redesigning it! Commander, I know you're here|to evaluate this project.
Starfleet may use a particle fountain|on Carema III.
- They want to know if it's feasible.
|- Will your opinion decide that? No.
I'll report to Capt Picard.
He'll|make the recommendation to Starfleet.
- They'll decide.
|- What's your feeling? The question|we should be asking is, is this technology more efficient|than conventional mining techniques? Commander,|I know we've had problems.
It seems like|nothing's gone right.
It's taking longer than I thought|to get the stream to full strength.
But I know it can work.
This is the direction of mining|in the future, and it should be implemented|on Carema III.
I know this can be|potentially very exciting Alright.
I want to show you|something I've been working on.
It might help us|complete this project.
I've used these on a limited basis Enterprise to Cmdr La Forge.
I am reading power fluctuations|from the station core.
Please report.
We have a malfunction|in one of the power grids.
We're losing|particle-stream confinement.
- Do you require assistance?|- Stand by.
We'll have to shut it down.
It took four months to get|the flux to this level.
If we shut it down, it'll take|four months to get it back.
In five minutes, we lose containment.
The stream will flood the station.
|We'll have to shut it down anyway.
- We'll have to fix the power grid.
|- But how do we do that? The defective grid|is 200 metres down conduit A-2, and through four bulkheads.
Here's the perfect opportunity|to show you what I had in mind.
What is this? This is an exocomp, the experiment|I was telling you about.
If it fails, we'll still have|time to shut down the fountain.
Enterprise to La Forge.
|What is your situation? No change.
We're working on it.
If this doesn't work soon,|we'll have to shut down.
The confinement field|is at full strength.
Particle flux steady.
|All power levels are back to normal.
Please report.
We're fine, Data.
|The power grid is fully restored.
The malfunction seems to be repaired and operations here|at the station are back to normal.
How did you accomplish|the repairs so quickly? You know, I'm not exactly sure.
Space, the final frontier.
These are the voyages|of the Starship Enterprise.
Its continuing mission,|to explore strange new worlds, .
.
to seek out new life|and new civilisations, .
.
to boldly go|where no one has gone before.
Captain's log, stardate 46315.
2.
Repairs to the particle fountain|seem to have succeeded and it is now functioning smoothly.
Dr Farallon is to demonstrate|the device that carried out repairs.
- Energise.
|- Aye, sir.
Welcome to the Enterprise, Doctor.
|I am Lt Cmdr Data.
Mr Data, I was hoping|I'd have a chance to meet you.
I've done studies of|your positronic network.
And I have studied your fountain.
|I find the concept innovative.
Thank you.
I am curious how you were able to|repair the power grid so quickly.
- This should make it clear.
|- Let's set it up in Engineering.
Is it true your computational speed is limited only by the separation|of your positronic links? That is no longer the case.
I recently converted my sequencer|to asynchronous operation, - removing the constraint.
|- Doctor.
This way, please.
But how did you resolve|the signal fragmentation? The sequencer is now bi-directional, compensating for mode distortion|arising from the resonant field.
Yes.
That's fascinating.
Does it require any buffering system|to eliminate interference? We've been using devices like this|on Tyrus VII for years.
The basic unit is a common|industrial servomechanism.
A few years ago, I started tinkering|with one.
This is the result.
Boridium power converter.
|Axionic chip network! Very impressive.
In terms of computational speed,|this guy might compete with Data.
The exocomps don't come close|to Data's sophistication.
- Exocomps?|- That's what I call them.
Let's say you had an antimatter-|flow converter that was fluctuating.
How would you repair it? By adjusting the converter.
- With what?|- A mode stabiliser.
OK.
Let me input the problem|into the exocomp.
A fluctuating|antimatter-flow converter.
Now, let's see what happens.
A mode stabiliser.
Very nice.
You have incorporated|a microreplication system, in order to fashion tools.
It's more than that.
I designed|the exocomps to be problem solvers.
When they perform a task|they've never done before, the microreplicator creates new|circuit pathways in its memory.
- So in a sense, they are learning.
|- Exactly.
The more situations they encounter,|the more circuit pathways they build.
They become better tools|as they work.
It's very impressive technology,|for sure.
After the experimental stage,|it'll be useful.
Commander, I'm hoping|the experimental stage is over.
When are we supposed to brief|Capt Picard on the fountain? - 1600 hours.
|- Good.
I'll have a proposal to make.
I know you should give|your evaluation to Starfleet today.
I'd like you to postpone the report|for 48 hours.
We leave tomorrow.
To change|that plan, I need a very good reason.
I realise that, sir.
If you're going to report|to Starfleet about using the particle fountain|on Carema, it's only fair you see it|operating at full strength.
Agreed.
I think I can complete the project|and boost the stream's efficiency if I use exocomps,|the new devices I've constructed.
I understand one of these devices|repaired a faulty power grid.
Yes, sir.
I've been testing them|on a limited basis.
But I think they're ready|to be used on a larger scale.
Mr La Forge, your thoughts? Well, I guess the only risk|is in falling further behind.
- I'm willing to take that risk.
|- Mr Data? Exocomps|are highly sophisticated devices.
If they perform well, their potential|for this project is considerable.
I'm inclined to agree.
I don't think|48 hours is too much time to risk when the gains are so substantial.
|You may proceed, Doctor.
Thank you, sir.
If possible,|I'd like Cmdr Data to work with me.
Thank you, Doctor.
|I welcome the opportunity.
Commander, there's a plasma conduit in one of the tunnels|ready to be sealed.
- The perfect job for an exocomp.
|- I agree, Doctor.
Well, Mr Data,|what is your analysis so far? I have completed 14 separate tasks|with this exocomp in the past hour.
I estimate it would take two people|nine hours to complete those tasks.
I characterise the unit's performance|as excellent.
I hope Cmdr La Forge|and Capt Picard agree.
I am confident they will.
|Cmdr La Forge is especially It didn't finish sealing the plasma|conduit.
Let me send it back in.
It is not accepting your commands.
Maybe there's a malfunction|in the control processor.
Let me see if I can override it.
Doctor? I'm alright.
|The control pad just overloaded.
What's the matter with this thing? Second Officer's log,|stardate 46315.
5.
The behaviour of the exocomp has|puzzled Dr Farallon and myself.
We have brought the defective unit|to the Enterprise for investigation.
The exocomp|came out of the plasma conduit.
We tried to override|and send it back but it shut down.
It's been unresponsive ever since.
Well, let's see|what our computer has to say.
The circuitry which links the exocomp|to the control pad is burned out.
That's strange.
Any indication|of secondary power surges? No.
But what's going on there? Data, increase the magnification|of section Gamma four.
Interesting.
The number of new circuit pathways|has increased by 632 percent.
- No.
|- What is it? Sometimes an exocomp forms large|numbers of new pathways at random, until it reaches a point|where it shuts down, just like this one.
Doctor, the new pathways do not interfere|with the original circuitry.
Once the exocomp is corrupted,|it's useless.
You have to erase the unit|and start again, and there's no time for that now.
That leaves just two.
|It's gonna slow you down.
Yes, you have the right|to point out you told me so.
I only wanted to say we'd add on|an extra shift to pick up the slack.
I'm sorry.
|I guess I'm touchy these days.
It's OK.
|You've got a lot on your shoulders.
Well, I'd better get back to it.
|Thanks, Commander.
Data.
I feel sorry for her.
This project|has had nothing but problems.
Why did that plasma conduit explode? There was a micro-fracture|in the conduit wall.
The fault did not show|on our instruments.
It's a good thing|the exocomp malfunctioned.
Almost seems like|it knew just when to leave.
Geordi, are you implying the exocomp exhibited some form|of self-preservation? Of course not.
Lt Pierson to Cmdr La Forge.
Can you|join us in the systems monitor room? On my way.
Computer, run a level-one diagnostic|of the exocomp's command module.
The command pathways|are functioning normally.
How can that be, if the interface|circuitry is burned out? The interface circuitry|has been repaired.
Curious.
Computer,|access the exocomp's sensor logs.
Confirm there was a failure in|the circuitry in the last 12 hours.
Confirmed.
Interface failure|occurred at 1150 hours today when the exocomp produced a power|surge which burned out the linkage.
How and when was it repaired? The exocomp activated a|self-repair program at 1340 hours.
Why would the exocomp burn out|its own interface circuitry and repair it two hours later? Unknown.
Here you are.
I thought|you'd be hard at work by now.
I wanted a quiet cup of tea before|I went back.
Gathering strength.
I've assigned two teams|to work on the particle fountain.
Thank you, Commander.
I'm grateful.
You know, I want you to know that l|do admire the work that you've done.
I'm sorry|the exocomps aren't working out.
You were right.
|I'm trying to move too fast.
I lack that conservative streak|most scientists have.
I always seem to be|out on the edge, taking chances.
I bet, as a girl, you always climbed|one branch higher than other kids.
Anything|to get to the top of the tree.
- And I bet you never fell.
|- No.
I fell all the time, usually breaking a bone in the|process.
I just never let it stop me.
If it's down to sheer determination,|you'll get this fountain built.
You're right about that, Commander.
I've spent six years of my life|on this project.
It's the first thought I have|when I wake up and the last before I go to bed.
Whatever it takes|to prove this technology, I'll do.
Doctor, if you wish|to master the bat'leth sword, you must learn to strike and avoid|in the same motion.
I almost got in|under your guard, Worf.
Almost.
Well, I'll keep that in mind|next lesson.
Doctor - Are you injured?|- Only my pride, Data.
Thanks.
Doctor,|what is the definition of life? That is a big question.
|Why do you ask? I am searching for a definition|so I can test a hypothesis.
Well, the broadest scientific|definition might be that life is what enables plants|and animals to consume food, derive energy from it,|grow, adapt to surroundings and reproduce.
Anything exhibiting|these characteristics is alive? - In general, yes.
|- What about fire? Fire? Yes.
It consumes fuel|to produce energy, it grows, it creates offspring.
|By your definition, is it alive? Fire is a chemical reaction.
The same applies to growing crystals.
|But we don't consider them alive.
And what about me?|I do not grow.
I do not reproduce.
|Yet I am considered to be alive.
That's true, but you are unique.
I wonder if that is so.
Data, if I may ask Have a seat.
What exactly are you getting at? I am curious as to what transpired between the moment|when I was an assemblage of parts in Dr Soong's laboratory and the next moment|when I became alive.
What is it|that endowed me with life? Wesley asked me a similar question|when he was little.
I tried to give an answer, but|everything I said sounded inadequate.
But scientists and philosophers have grappled with that question|for centuries, without reaching a conclusion.
Are you saying|the question cannot be answered? No.
I think I'm saying that we|struggle all our lives to answer it, but it's the struggle|that is important.
That's what helps us|define our place in the universe.
I believe I understand.
I don't think I've been much help.
On the contrary, you have been|a great deal of help.
Thank you.
Murphy's team will cover gamma|shift from 2300 to 0700 hours.
OK, I've split the Engineering teams|among the shifts.
If nothing else goes wrong,|you should finish on time.
With the help of the exocomps,|I think we will.
Think they'll toe the line? Don't worry.
|They know who's in charge.
Doctor, I must ask you|to stop using the exocomps.
Why? Is something wrong with them? No, it is not that.
I have reason|to believe the exocomps are alive.
Captain's log, stardate 46316.
6.
|I've summoned the senior staff to discuss Cmdr Data's theory|that the exocomps are a life form.
Dr Farallon|has attended only reluctantly.
I object to being called here.
My|time can be better spent elsewhere.
Doctor,|I appreciate your time constraints, but recognising new life,|whatever its form, is the principal mission|of this vessel.
Please.
Now, Mr Data, will you tell us what makes you|think that the exocomps are alive? Sir, when the exocomp left|the tunnel prior to the explosion it may have been attempting|to save itself.
Do you have any basis for that? Yes.
When you tried to send|the exocomp back in the tunnel, it deliberately burned out|its control interface.
Deliberately? The computer diagnostics show|the exocomp disabled its interface.
That could have been a malfunction.
However, two hours later, when no|longer in danger, it repaired itself.
I believe the exocomp|was protecting itself.
If so, it demonstrated an awareness|of its environment and an ability to adapt to it.
You're anthropomorphising|these units.
Like any mechanical devices,|they can malfunction.
One time, I saw an exocomp enter a|reaction chamber and vaporise itself.
Should I think it was|depressed and suicidal? Why is it so difficult to accept|that the exocomp could be alive? You're talking|to a living machine now.
I have nothing|but respect and admiration for Dr Soong's accomplishment.
But his intention was|to create an artificial life form.
I created the exocomps to be tools.
And there's a big difference|between Data and a tool.
Doctor, there is a big difference|between you and a virus, but both are alive.
If the possibility exists,|no matter how slight, that the exocomps are life forms,|we must examine that possibility.
Thank you, sir.
And until we have|a definitive answer, I believe it is inappropriate|to exploit them as labourers.
That's absurd! If they are intelligent life forms, we have no right|to force them to work.
That's like me saying|don't use your tricorder.
- Tricorders aren't alive.
|- Neither are exocomps.
Clearly these are difficult issues|to resolve.
We have to proceed very carefully.
So the first task|is to test Mr Data's hypothesis.
You're claiming this exocomp|demonstrated survival instincts? Yes.
Then why don't we threaten its|survival again and see what happens? Make it so.
Doctor, we're pretty much ready here.
|You can begin programming it.
We've recreated a situation similar|to the one in the plasma conduit.
We have created a small|conduit breach in this tube.
The exocomp would normally take|several minutes for such a repair.
But in the tube, it will find|a plasma-cascade failure in progress.
I assume this is a simulation.
Yes, sir.
An overload signal will|simulate a failure in one minute.
If it does possess a survival|instinct, as Mr Data claims, it will exit the tube before|the minute is up, to save itself.
Very well, proceed.
OK.
Beginning test program now.
One minute.
Five, four, three, two, one.
That's it.
If this had been for real,|that conduit would have exploded with the exocomp inside.
|Go ahead, bring it back in.
I think we've spent more than enough|time answering this question.
I hope the outcome|wasn't too disappointing, Mr Data.
It was no surprise to me.
- Thank you for your help.
|- You're welcome.
Well, I consider it time well spent.
As do l, sir.
Thank you.
Cmdr Riker|said you'd still be down here.
He also said|the exocomp failed the test.
That is true.
Time expired.
Test complete.
I completed 34 more tests.
|The results were the same in each.
Perhaps I was wrong in suspecting|the exocomp was alive.
This was really important to you,|wasn't it? You said earlier that I am unique.
If so,|then I am alone in the universe.
When I began investigating|the exocomps, I realised I might be encountering|a progenitor of myself.
Suddenly the possibility exists|that I am no longer alone.
For that reason, I The exocomp has returned.
Wasn't it supposed to do that? In the previous 34 trials, I brought|it back after the simulated failure.
- This time, I neglected to do that.
|- I distracted you.
Sorry.
Do not apologise.
|We made a significant discovery.
- What?|- It has replicated a different tool.
That is not the molecular fuser|it had on entering the tube.
Doctor, the exocomp|not only completed the repairs, it also deactivated|the overload signal.
I thought|this was just a simulation.
It was, and the exocomp|must have realised that.
It saw that there was no real danger|and completed the repairs.
And replicated the correct tool|to eliminate the false signal.
I see no other possible explanation.
The exocomp didn't fail the test,|it saw right through it.
Captain's log, stardate 46317.
8.
At Dr Farallon's request,|I have agreed to tour the station and assess|the situation personally.
I must decide soon if it is in|Starfleet's best interest to recommend the particle fountain|as a reliable technology.
We're making progress, Captain.
We may not be at full capacity within|the deadline, but we'll be close.
There's still difficulty|with the phase selectors.
True, but I'm sure|it's the last real problem.
I hope so,|for the sake of the project.
I understand, sir.
We'll do our best.
This is strange.
|Primary power is still on line.
- A power-grid malfunction?|- I don't think so.
Something's drawing power|into the particle impeller.
That's not a good sign.
|It may mean We've lost internal confinement.
|The particle stream is surging.
Radiation will flood this chamber.
|We've got to get everyone out.
- The station must be evacuated.
|- Captain That is an order! Assemble your|personnel on the transporter now! Picard to Enterprise.
- Do you read me?|- Riker here, sir.
Radiation field is increasing.
|We are losing communications.
- Prepare for emergency transport.
|- Red alert.
Transporter room two,|prepare for emergency transport.
Radiation is setting up an ionisation|effect.
We've got less than a minute.
- Is that everybody?|- Where's Takenta? - He was near the impeller control.
|- I'll get him.
Takenta! Mr La Forge! Stand by to transport.
Captain, you'll be trapped here! Mr La Forge! Are you alright? I'm fine, Captain.
I only caught|the edge of it.
He's dead.
- Do you have them?|- They're here, sir.
- Is everyone alright?|- We're fine, sir.
But Capt Picard, Cmdr La Forge|and one of my men are still there.
Kelso, can you get them off? I'm trying, sir.
|I can't establish a pattern lock.
We barely managed to transport off.
|The field ionisation is too intense.
Commander, the particle fountain|is continuing to surge.
The radiation in the core will|reach fatal levels in 23 minutes.
If I can access the field emitters,|we could establish a force field.
Try to link your console|to my command-system subroutine.
Alright.
- Link established.
|- OK, here we go.
I'm reading fluctuations.
|The field is not stable.
Radiation is too high.
|The emitters are deteriorating.
- How long will it last?|- Not very long.
- Cmdr Riker has to get to us.
|- Maybe we can help him out.
Try to access the emergency shutdown.
I'll try to activate|the ionic dampers.
A force field|was just activated on the station.
Cmdr La Forge may have established|a low-intensity deflector field.
It won't last long in that radiation.
No, sir.
My readings indicate|it will fail in 22 minutes.
OK, we've got 22 minutes.
|I want some options.
- Can we send a shuttlecraft?|- We'd never get there in time.
We must shut down|the particle fountain.
If we detonate a torpedo|within the particle stream, would that shut it down? We must configure it carefully.
The shape of the shock wave|is critical, but it could work.
How long would it take to set up? It would take a minimum of 65 minutes|to configure the torpedo.
We don't have that kind of time.
Maybe the exocomps can help us.
I can program their power cells|to explode on command.
They can be configured just like|a photon torpedo in a few minutes.
I must object to that plan.
We've been through this.
|We tested the exocomp and it failed.
Dr Crusher and I discovered|the exocomp did not fail the test.
It is still my belief|that it is a new life form.
You know I respect your judgement.
But I can't risk the Captain and|Geordi on the basis of your belief.
Prepare the exocomp, Doctor.
If I am correct the exocomps will not|allow themselves to be destroyed.
They have a sense of survival.
They|will shut down rather than comply.
I could disconnect their command|pathways before I program them.
Do it.
Cmdr Riker, we're ready.
Target 200 metres below the apex|of the particle stream.
Feed the coordinates|to transporter room two.
Aye, sir.
- Coordinates received.
|- Mr Kelso.
Energise.
Mr Kelso? Sorry, sir.
The transporter system|just went dead.
Some kind of malfunction.
Run a diagnostic.
Try bypassing Commander,|that will not be necessary.
The transporter|is not malfunctioning.
I have locked out the controls.
I gave you a direct order.
|Release that transporter lockout now! I cannot do that, sir.
If you don't,|I will relieve you of duty.
That is your prerogative.
|Under Starfleet regulations, insubordination|is a court-martial offence.
But I will not|release the transporter.
Those are two of your friends|out there.
They have saved your life|many times.
I can't believe|you'd sacrifice them.
Commander, do not think|this is an arbitrary decision.
I have considered|the ramifications of my actions.
It is not justified to sacrifice|one life form for another.
You don't know|the exocomps are life forms.
True.
|I am acting on personal beliefs, but I do not see I can do otherwise.
You're risking a lot|on the basis of a belief.
I have observed humans often base|their judgements on instinct or intuition.
As I am a machine,|I lack that particular ability.
But I may have insight into|other machines that humans lack.
If I could save the Captain|and Geordi without destroying the exocomps,|I would, but this is the only solution.
Then let me offer an alternative.
|Transport me to the station.
I will attempt a manual shutdown.
The radiation levels are too high,|even for you.
Your positronic net|would ionise in no time.
I can't let you sacrifice yourself.
Commander, if I give my life for my|fellow officers, that is my choice.
The exocomps|no longer have a choice.
What if we reconnect their command|pathways and give them a choice? You assume the exocomps would shut|down before accepting this mission.
What if we ask them|if they are willing to proceed? That sounds reasonable, sir.
If they choose to go, I will|release the transporter lockout.
Fair enough.
Alright.
I've enabled|their command pathways.
If they do not shut down|after I have programmed them, we may assume|they are willing to go.
- Are they willing or not?|- They haven't shut down.
They seem to be reprogramming|the commands I entered.
Reprogramming them? They are unwilling to be|transported for detonation.
But they may have another solution.
That we haven't considered?|Do they have superior intelligence? No, Doctor, but they do have|superior experience.
The exocomps have interfaced|with every part of the station core, something none of us has done,|including you.
They may have another way|to control the particle surge.
Those appear to be power taps.
Sir, new coordinates are being fed|to the transporter by the exocomps.
The coordinates|are inside the station core.
- Kelso, energise.
|- Aye, sir.
Mr La Forge.
What are they up to? The exocomps are siphoning power|from the core.
They're distorting the stream.
That might open up a window|to beam us out.
If they can modulate|the radiation field, it'll work.
but they have to get the subharmonic|frequencies to resonance.
The particle-stream frequency|is beginning to fluctuate.
They're having difficulty|controlling the feedback.
Can we help them?|Modulate the power transfer? No, sir, we've done all we can do.
|It's up to them now.
They're beginning to balance|the power-absorption rates.
It's working.
The particle stream|is beginning to distort.
Almost at resonance.
- They've got it.
|- Drop the force field.
- Commander, I've got a pattern lock.
|- Energise.
- Can you lock on to the exocomps?|- I'm trying, sir.
I'm sorry, I was only able|to lock on to two of them.
I couldn't fix a signal|on the other one.
One of them had to continue|disrupting the particle stream.
That could prevent a signal lock.
It was the only way|to save the other two.
I must admit you've given me a lot|to think about, Cmdr Data.
I don't exactly know|what the exocomps are, but be assured, until I do, I won't|be treating them as simple tools.
Thank you.
I wish your particle|fountain had been more successful.
Maybe the exocomps|will help you reconstruct it.
I hope they will.
And I predict|that in a year or two, you will be able to recommend|the technology to Starfleet.
I look forward to it.
Doctor.
- Something more, Mr Data?|- Yes, sir.
You might want to know why I was willing to risk your life|for several small machines.
I think I understand.
It could not|have been an easy choice.
No, sir, it was not.
When my own status|as a living being was in question, you fought to protect my rights.
|I will always be grateful.
The exocomps had no such advocate.
If I had not acted on their behalf,|they would have been destroyed.
I could not allow that to happen.
Of course you couldn't.
It was the most human decision|you've ever made.
- Why, Worf?|- I was just asking.
Seven-card stud,|one-eyed Jacks are wild.
- Frankly, Geordi, I like the beard.
|- Thank you, Commander.
You know, I have always been|a little suspicious of men in beards.
- Why is that?|- It's like they're hiding something.
Hide? Don't be ridiculous.
The beard|is an ancient and proud tradition.
Many distinguished men|have worn beards.
After the razor was invented, beards|became mostly a fashion statement.
I'm not concerned with fashion.
To a Klingon,|a beard is a symbol of courage.
I think it's a sign of strength.
Sure, and of course,|women can't grow beards.
It sounds like you think beards|are an affectation.
I do.
But there's nothing wrong with that.
|Women wear make-up and nail polish.
I just think it's time|that you men admit it.
My beard is not an affectation.
Then you wouldn't mind|shaving it off.
In a minute.
|I've just gotten used to it.
OK, then why don't we|up the stakes a little? And if I win,|all of you shave your beards off.
Wait a minute, what if you lose?|What are you gonna give up? I'm open for suggestions.
I'd like to see you as a brunette.
I did that at 13.
|I couldn't change back fast enough.
That makes me even more curious! Fine.
If one of you wins,|I'll become a brunette.
Are we on? Yeah, we'll take that bet.
Looks like you have|the hand to beat, Commander.
I'm in 200.
Geordi.
This is the Captain.
We've arrived at the Tyran system.
|Senior staff to the bridge.
Wait! Sorry.
Duty calls.
We'll have to|do this some other time.
Captain's log, stardate 46307.
2.
We have just come into orbit|of Tyrus VIIA to monitor progress|on the Tyran particle fountain, a radically new mining technology.
The project has been fraught with|problems and is well behind schedule.
Mr La Forge has been assigned|to evaluate the situation.
Dr Farallon, the plans|call for the particle fountain to lift 500kg per|minute from the surface.
So far, we haven't|come close to that.
I want to increase|the stream density.
That should boost|capacity by 72 percent.
You'll be overloading the|field generators in the process.
Not if we distribute|the overload evenly.
Maybe we should complete this phase|before we talk about redesigning it! Commander, I know you're here|to evaluate this project.
Starfleet may use a particle fountain|on Carema III.
- They want to know if it's feasible.
|- Will your opinion decide that? No.
I'll report to Capt Picard.
He'll|make the recommendation to Starfleet.
- They'll decide.
|- What's your feeling? The question|we should be asking is, is this technology more efficient|than conventional mining techniques? Commander,|I know we've had problems.
It seems like|nothing's gone right.
It's taking longer than I thought|to get the stream to full strength.
But I know it can work.
This is the direction of mining|in the future, and it should be implemented|on Carema III.
I know this can be|potentially very exciting Alright.
I want to show you|something I've been working on.
It might help us|complete this project.
I've used these on a limited basis Enterprise to Cmdr La Forge.
I am reading power fluctuations|from the station core.
Please report.
We have a malfunction|in one of the power grids.
We're losing|particle-stream confinement.
- Do you require assistance?|- Stand by.
We'll have to shut it down.
It took four months to get|the flux to this level.
If we shut it down, it'll take|four months to get it back.
In five minutes, we lose containment.
The stream will flood the station.
|We'll have to shut it down anyway.
- We'll have to fix the power grid.
|- But how do we do that? The defective grid|is 200 metres down conduit A-2, and through four bulkheads.
Here's the perfect opportunity|to show you what I had in mind.
What is this? This is an exocomp, the experiment|I was telling you about.
If it fails, we'll still have|time to shut down the fountain.
Enterprise to La Forge.
|What is your situation? No change.
We're working on it.
If this doesn't work soon,|we'll have to shut down.
The confinement field|is at full strength.
Particle flux steady.
|All power levels are back to normal.
Please report.
We're fine, Data.
|The power grid is fully restored.
The malfunction seems to be repaired and operations here|at the station are back to normal.
How did you accomplish|the repairs so quickly? You know, I'm not exactly sure.
Space, the final frontier.
These are the voyages|of the Starship Enterprise.
Its continuing mission,|to explore strange new worlds, .
.
to seek out new life|and new civilisations, .
.
to boldly go|where no one has gone before.
Captain's log, stardate 46315.
2.
Repairs to the particle fountain|seem to have succeeded and it is now functioning smoothly.
Dr Farallon is to demonstrate|the device that carried out repairs.
- Energise.
|- Aye, sir.
Welcome to the Enterprise, Doctor.
|I am Lt Cmdr Data.
Mr Data, I was hoping|I'd have a chance to meet you.
I've done studies of|your positronic network.
And I have studied your fountain.
|I find the concept innovative.
Thank you.
I am curious how you were able to|repair the power grid so quickly.
- This should make it clear.
|- Let's set it up in Engineering.
Is it true your computational speed is limited only by the separation|of your positronic links? That is no longer the case.
I recently converted my sequencer|to asynchronous operation, - removing the constraint.
|- Doctor.
This way, please.
But how did you resolve|the signal fragmentation? The sequencer is now bi-directional, compensating for mode distortion|arising from the resonant field.
Yes.
That's fascinating.
Does it require any buffering system|to eliminate interference? We've been using devices like this|on Tyrus VII for years.
The basic unit is a common|industrial servomechanism.
A few years ago, I started tinkering|with one.
This is the result.
Boridium power converter.
|Axionic chip network! Very impressive.
In terms of computational speed,|this guy might compete with Data.
The exocomps don't come close|to Data's sophistication.
- Exocomps?|- That's what I call them.
Let's say you had an antimatter-|flow converter that was fluctuating.
How would you repair it? By adjusting the converter.
- With what?|- A mode stabiliser.
OK.
Let me input the problem|into the exocomp.
A fluctuating|antimatter-flow converter.
Now, let's see what happens.
A mode stabiliser.
Very nice.
You have incorporated|a microreplication system, in order to fashion tools.
It's more than that.
I designed|the exocomps to be problem solvers.
When they perform a task|they've never done before, the microreplicator creates new|circuit pathways in its memory.
- So in a sense, they are learning.
|- Exactly.
The more situations they encounter,|the more circuit pathways they build.
They become better tools|as they work.
It's very impressive technology,|for sure.
After the experimental stage,|it'll be useful.
Commander, I'm hoping|the experimental stage is over.
When are we supposed to brief|Capt Picard on the fountain? - 1600 hours.
|- Good.
I'll have a proposal to make.
I know you should give|your evaluation to Starfleet today.
I'd like you to postpone the report|for 48 hours.
We leave tomorrow.
To change|that plan, I need a very good reason.
I realise that, sir.
If you're going to report|to Starfleet about using the particle fountain|on Carema, it's only fair you see it|operating at full strength.
Agreed.
I think I can complete the project|and boost the stream's efficiency if I use exocomps,|the new devices I've constructed.
I understand one of these devices|repaired a faulty power grid.
Yes, sir.
I've been testing them|on a limited basis.
But I think they're ready|to be used on a larger scale.
Mr La Forge, your thoughts? Well, I guess the only risk|is in falling further behind.
- I'm willing to take that risk.
|- Mr Data? Exocomps|are highly sophisticated devices.
If they perform well, their potential|for this project is considerable.
I'm inclined to agree.
I don't think|48 hours is too much time to risk when the gains are so substantial.
|You may proceed, Doctor.
Thank you, sir.
If possible,|I'd like Cmdr Data to work with me.
Thank you, Doctor.
|I welcome the opportunity.
Commander, there's a plasma conduit in one of the tunnels|ready to be sealed.
- The perfect job for an exocomp.
|- I agree, Doctor.
Well, Mr Data,|what is your analysis so far? I have completed 14 separate tasks|with this exocomp in the past hour.
I estimate it would take two people|nine hours to complete those tasks.
I characterise the unit's performance|as excellent.
I hope Cmdr La Forge|and Capt Picard agree.
I am confident they will.
|Cmdr La Forge is especially It didn't finish sealing the plasma|conduit.
Let me send it back in.
It is not accepting your commands.
Maybe there's a malfunction|in the control processor.
Let me see if I can override it.
Doctor? I'm alright.
|The control pad just overloaded.
What's the matter with this thing? Second Officer's log,|stardate 46315.
5.
The behaviour of the exocomp has|puzzled Dr Farallon and myself.
We have brought the defective unit|to the Enterprise for investigation.
The exocomp|came out of the plasma conduit.
We tried to override|and send it back but it shut down.
It's been unresponsive ever since.
Well, let's see|what our computer has to say.
The circuitry which links the exocomp|to the control pad is burned out.
That's strange.
Any indication|of secondary power surges? No.
But what's going on there? Data, increase the magnification|of section Gamma four.
Interesting.
The number of new circuit pathways|has increased by 632 percent.
- No.
|- What is it? Sometimes an exocomp forms large|numbers of new pathways at random, until it reaches a point|where it shuts down, just like this one.
Doctor, the new pathways do not interfere|with the original circuitry.
Once the exocomp is corrupted,|it's useless.
You have to erase the unit|and start again, and there's no time for that now.
That leaves just two.
|It's gonna slow you down.
Yes, you have the right|to point out you told me so.
I only wanted to say we'd add on|an extra shift to pick up the slack.
I'm sorry.
|I guess I'm touchy these days.
It's OK.
|You've got a lot on your shoulders.
Well, I'd better get back to it.
|Thanks, Commander.
Data.
I feel sorry for her.
This project|has had nothing but problems.
Why did that plasma conduit explode? There was a micro-fracture|in the conduit wall.
The fault did not show|on our instruments.
It's a good thing|the exocomp malfunctioned.
Almost seems like|it knew just when to leave.
Geordi, are you implying the exocomp exhibited some form|of self-preservation? Of course not.
Lt Pierson to Cmdr La Forge.
Can you|join us in the systems monitor room? On my way.
Computer, run a level-one diagnostic|of the exocomp's command module.
The command pathways|are functioning normally.
How can that be, if the interface|circuitry is burned out? The interface circuitry|has been repaired.
Curious.
Computer,|access the exocomp's sensor logs.
Confirm there was a failure in|the circuitry in the last 12 hours.
Confirmed.
Interface failure|occurred at 1150 hours today when the exocomp produced a power|surge which burned out the linkage.
How and when was it repaired? The exocomp activated a|self-repair program at 1340 hours.
Why would the exocomp burn out|its own interface circuitry and repair it two hours later? Unknown.
Here you are.
I thought|you'd be hard at work by now.
I wanted a quiet cup of tea before|I went back.
Gathering strength.
I've assigned two teams|to work on the particle fountain.
Thank you, Commander.
I'm grateful.
You know, I want you to know that l|do admire the work that you've done.
I'm sorry|the exocomps aren't working out.
You were right.
|I'm trying to move too fast.
I lack that conservative streak|most scientists have.
I always seem to be|out on the edge, taking chances.
I bet, as a girl, you always climbed|one branch higher than other kids.
Anything|to get to the top of the tree.
- And I bet you never fell.
|- No.
I fell all the time, usually breaking a bone in the|process.
I just never let it stop me.
If it's down to sheer determination,|you'll get this fountain built.
You're right about that, Commander.
I've spent six years of my life|on this project.
It's the first thought I have|when I wake up and the last before I go to bed.
Whatever it takes|to prove this technology, I'll do.
Doctor, if you wish|to master the bat'leth sword, you must learn to strike and avoid|in the same motion.
I almost got in|under your guard, Worf.
Almost.
Well, I'll keep that in mind|next lesson.
Doctor - Are you injured?|- Only my pride, Data.
Thanks.
Doctor,|what is the definition of life? That is a big question.
|Why do you ask? I am searching for a definition|so I can test a hypothesis.
Well, the broadest scientific|definition might be that life is what enables plants|and animals to consume food, derive energy from it,|grow, adapt to surroundings and reproduce.
Anything exhibiting|these characteristics is alive? - In general, yes.
|- What about fire? Fire? Yes.
It consumes fuel|to produce energy, it grows, it creates offspring.
|By your definition, is it alive? Fire is a chemical reaction.
The same applies to growing crystals.
|But we don't consider them alive.
And what about me?|I do not grow.
I do not reproduce.
|Yet I am considered to be alive.
That's true, but you are unique.
I wonder if that is so.
Data, if I may ask Have a seat.
What exactly are you getting at? I am curious as to what transpired between the moment|when I was an assemblage of parts in Dr Soong's laboratory and the next moment|when I became alive.
What is it|that endowed me with life? Wesley asked me a similar question|when he was little.
I tried to give an answer, but|everything I said sounded inadequate.
But scientists and philosophers have grappled with that question|for centuries, without reaching a conclusion.
Are you saying|the question cannot be answered? No.
I think I'm saying that we|struggle all our lives to answer it, but it's the struggle|that is important.
That's what helps us|define our place in the universe.
I believe I understand.
I don't think I've been much help.
On the contrary, you have been|a great deal of help.
Thank you.
Murphy's team will cover gamma|shift from 2300 to 0700 hours.
OK, I've split the Engineering teams|among the shifts.
If nothing else goes wrong,|you should finish on time.
With the help of the exocomps,|I think we will.
Think they'll toe the line? Don't worry.
|They know who's in charge.
Doctor, I must ask you|to stop using the exocomps.
Why? Is something wrong with them? No, it is not that.
I have reason|to believe the exocomps are alive.
Captain's log, stardate 46316.
6.
|I've summoned the senior staff to discuss Cmdr Data's theory|that the exocomps are a life form.
Dr Farallon|has attended only reluctantly.
I object to being called here.
My|time can be better spent elsewhere.
Doctor,|I appreciate your time constraints, but recognising new life,|whatever its form, is the principal mission|of this vessel.
Please.
Now, Mr Data, will you tell us what makes you|think that the exocomps are alive? Sir, when the exocomp left|the tunnel prior to the explosion it may have been attempting|to save itself.
Do you have any basis for that? Yes.
When you tried to send|the exocomp back in the tunnel, it deliberately burned out|its control interface.
Deliberately? The computer diagnostics show|the exocomp disabled its interface.
That could have been a malfunction.
However, two hours later, when no|longer in danger, it repaired itself.
I believe the exocomp|was protecting itself.
If so, it demonstrated an awareness|of its environment and an ability to adapt to it.
You're anthropomorphising|these units.
Like any mechanical devices,|they can malfunction.
One time, I saw an exocomp enter a|reaction chamber and vaporise itself.
Should I think it was|depressed and suicidal? Why is it so difficult to accept|that the exocomp could be alive? You're talking|to a living machine now.
I have nothing|but respect and admiration for Dr Soong's accomplishment.
But his intention was|to create an artificial life form.
I created the exocomps to be tools.
And there's a big difference|between Data and a tool.
Doctor, there is a big difference|between you and a virus, but both are alive.
If the possibility exists,|no matter how slight, that the exocomps are life forms,|we must examine that possibility.
Thank you, sir.
And until we have|a definitive answer, I believe it is inappropriate|to exploit them as labourers.
That's absurd! If they are intelligent life forms, we have no right|to force them to work.
That's like me saying|don't use your tricorder.
- Tricorders aren't alive.
|- Neither are exocomps.
Clearly these are difficult issues|to resolve.
We have to proceed very carefully.
So the first task|is to test Mr Data's hypothesis.
You're claiming this exocomp|demonstrated survival instincts? Yes.
Then why don't we threaten its|survival again and see what happens? Make it so.
Doctor, we're pretty much ready here.
|You can begin programming it.
We've recreated a situation similar|to the one in the plasma conduit.
We have created a small|conduit breach in this tube.
The exocomp would normally take|several minutes for such a repair.
But in the tube, it will find|a plasma-cascade failure in progress.
I assume this is a simulation.
Yes, sir.
An overload signal will|simulate a failure in one minute.
If it does possess a survival|instinct, as Mr Data claims, it will exit the tube before|the minute is up, to save itself.
Very well, proceed.
OK.
Beginning test program now.
One minute.
Five, four, three, two, one.
That's it.
If this had been for real,|that conduit would have exploded with the exocomp inside.
|Go ahead, bring it back in.
I think we've spent more than enough|time answering this question.
I hope the outcome|wasn't too disappointing, Mr Data.
It was no surprise to me.
- Thank you for your help.
|- You're welcome.
Well, I consider it time well spent.
As do l, sir.
Thank you.
Cmdr Riker|said you'd still be down here.
He also said|the exocomp failed the test.
That is true.
Time expired.
Test complete.
I completed 34 more tests.
|The results were the same in each.
Perhaps I was wrong in suspecting|the exocomp was alive.
This was really important to you,|wasn't it? You said earlier that I am unique.
If so,|then I am alone in the universe.
When I began investigating|the exocomps, I realised I might be encountering|a progenitor of myself.
Suddenly the possibility exists|that I am no longer alone.
For that reason, I The exocomp has returned.
Wasn't it supposed to do that? In the previous 34 trials, I brought|it back after the simulated failure.
- This time, I neglected to do that.
|- I distracted you.
Sorry.
Do not apologise.
|We made a significant discovery.
- What?|- It has replicated a different tool.
That is not the molecular fuser|it had on entering the tube.
Doctor, the exocomp|not only completed the repairs, it also deactivated|the overload signal.
I thought|this was just a simulation.
It was, and the exocomp|must have realised that.
It saw that there was no real danger|and completed the repairs.
And replicated the correct tool|to eliminate the false signal.
I see no other possible explanation.
The exocomp didn't fail the test,|it saw right through it.
Captain's log, stardate 46317.
8.
At Dr Farallon's request,|I have agreed to tour the station and assess|the situation personally.
I must decide soon if it is in|Starfleet's best interest to recommend the particle fountain|as a reliable technology.
We're making progress, Captain.
We may not be at full capacity within|the deadline, but we'll be close.
There's still difficulty|with the phase selectors.
True, but I'm sure|it's the last real problem.
I hope so,|for the sake of the project.
I understand, sir.
We'll do our best.
This is strange.
|Primary power is still on line.
- A power-grid malfunction?|- I don't think so.
Something's drawing power|into the particle impeller.
That's not a good sign.
|It may mean We've lost internal confinement.
|The particle stream is surging.
Radiation will flood this chamber.
|We've got to get everyone out.
- The station must be evacuated.
|- Captain That is an order! Assemble your|personnel on the transporter now! Picard to Enterprise.
- Do you read me?|- Riker here, sir.
Radiation field is increasing.
|We are losing communications.
- Prepare for emergency transport.
|- Red alert.
Transporter room two,|prepare for emergency transport.
Radiation is setting up an ionisation|effect.
We've got less than a minute.
- Is that everybody?|- Where's Takenta? - He was near the impeller control.
|- I'll get him.
Takenta! Mr La Forge! Stand by to transport.
Captain, you'll be trapped here! Mr La Forge! Are you alright? I'm fine, Captain.
I only caught|the edge of it.
He's dead.
- Do you have them?|- They're here, sir.
- Is everyone alright?|- We're fine, sir.
But Capt Picard, Cmdr La Forge|and one of my men are still there.
Kelso, can you get them off? I'm trying, sir.
|I can't establish a pattern lock.
We barely managed to transport off.
|The field ionisation is too intense.
Commander, the particle fountain|is continuing to surge.
The radiation in the core will|reach fatal levels in 23 minutes.
If I can access the field emitters,|we could establish a force field.
Try to link your console|to my command-system subroutine.
Alright.
- Link established.
|- OK, here we go.
I'm reading fluctuations.
|The field is not stable.
Radiation is too high.
|The emitters are deteriorating.
- How long will it last?|- Not very long.
- Cmdr Riker has to get to us.
|- Maybe we can help him out.
Try to access the emergency shutdown.
I'll try to activate|the ionic dampers.
A force field|was just activated on the station.
Cmdr La Forge may have established|a low-intensity deflector field.
It won't last long in that radiation.
No, sir.
My readings indicate|it will fail in 22 minutes.
OK, we've got 22 minutes.
|I want some options.
- Can we send a shuttlecraft?|- We'd never get there in time.
We must shut down|the particle fountain.
If we detonate a torpedo|within the particle stream, would that shut it down? We must configure it carefully.
The shape of the shock wave|is critical, but it could work.
How long would it take to set up? It would take a minimum of 65 minutes|to configure the torpedo.
We don't have that kind of time.
Maybe the exocomps can help us.
I can program their power cells|to explode on command.
They can be configured just like|a photon torpedo in a few minutes.
I must object to that plan.
We've been through this.
|We tested the exocomp and it failed.
Dr Crusher and I discovered|the exocomp did not fail the test.
It is still my belief|that it is a new life form.
You know I respect your judgement.
But I can't risk the Captain and|Geordi on the basis of your belief.
Prepare the exocomp, Doctor.
If I am correct the exocomps will not|allow themselves to be destroyed.
They have a sense of survival.
They|will shut down rather than comply.
I could disconnect their command|pathways before I program them.
Do it.
Cmdr Riker, we're ready.
Target 200 metres below the apex|of the particle stream.
Feed the coordinates|to transporter room two.
Aye, sir.
- Coordinates received.
|- Mr Kelso.
Energise.
Mr Kelso? Sorry, sir.
The transporter system|just went dead.
Some kind of malfunction.
Run a diagnostic.
Try bypassing Commander,|that will not be necessary.
The transporter|is not malfunctioning.
I have locked out the controls.
I gave you a direct order.
|Release that transporter lockout now! I cannot do that, sir.
If you don't,|I will relieve you of duty.
That is your prerogative.
|Under Starfleet regulations, insubordination|is a court-martial offence.
But I will not|release the transporter.
Those are two of your friends|out there.
They have saved your life|many times.
I can't believe|you'd sacrifice them.
Commander, do not think|this is an arbitrary decision.
I have considered|the ramifications of my actions.
It is not justified to sacrifice|one life form for another.
You don't know|the exocomps are life forms.
True.
|I am acting on personal beliefs, but I do not see I can do otherwise.
You're risking a lot|on the basis of a belief.
I have observed humans often base|their judgements on instinct or intuition.
As I am a machine,|I lack that particular ability.
But I may have insight into|other machines that humans lack.
If I could save the Captain|and Geordi without destroying the exocomps,|I would, but this is the only solution.
Then let me offer an alternative.
|Transport me to the station.
I will attempt a manual shutdown.
The radiation levels are too high,|even for you.
Your positronic net|would ionise in no time.
I can't let you sacrifice yourself.
Commander, if I give my life for my|fellow officers, that is my choice.
The exocomps|no longer have a choice.
What if we reconnect their command|pathways and give them a choice? You assume the exocomps would shut|down before accepting this mission.
What if we ask them|if they are willing to proceed? That sounds reasonable, sir.
If they choose to go, I will|release the transporter lockout.
Fair enough.
Alright.
I've enabled|their command pathways.
If they do not shut down|after I have programmed them, we may assume|they are willing to go.
- Are they willing or not?|- They haven't shut down.
They seem to be reprogramming|the commands I entered.
Reprogramming them? They are unwilling to be|transported for detonation.
But they may have another solution.
That we haven't considered?|Do they have superior intelligence? No, Doctor, but they do have|superior experience.
The exocomps have interfaced|with every part of the station core, something none of us has done,|including you.
They may have another way|to control the particle surge.
Those appear to be power taps.
Sir, new coordinates are being fed|to the transporter by the exocomps.
The coordinates|are inside the station core.
- Kelso, energise.
|- Aye, sir.
Mr La Forge.
What are they up to? The exocomps are siphoning power|from the core.
They're distorting the stream.
That might open up a window|to beam us out.
If they can modulate|the radiation field, it'll work.
but they have to get the subharmonic|frequencies to resonance.
The particle-stream frequency|is beginning to fluctuate.
They're having difficulty|controlling the feedback.
Can we help them?|Modulate the power transfer? No, sir, we've done all we can do.
|It's up to them now.
They're beginning to balance|the power-absorption rates.
It's working.
The particle stream|is beginning to distort.
Almost at resonance.
- They've got it.
|- Drop the force field.
- Commander, I've got a pattern lock.
|- Energise.
- Can you lock on to the exocomps?|- I'm trying, sir.
I'm sorry, I was only able|to lock on to two of them.
I couldn't fix a signal|on the other one.
One of them had to continue|disrupting the particle stream.
That could prevent a signal lock.
It was the only way|to save the other two.
I must admit you've given me a lot|to think about, Cmdr Data.
I don't exactly know|what the exocomps are, but be assured, until I do, I won't|be treating them as simple tools.
Thank you.
I wish your particle|fountain had been more successful.
Maybe the exocomps|will help you reconstruct it.
I hope they will.
And I predict|that in a year or two, you will be able to recommend|the technology to Starfleet.
I look forward to it.
Doctor.
- Something more, Mr Data?|- Yes, sir.
You might want to know why I was willing to risk your life|for several small machines.
I think I understand.
It could not|have been an easy choice.
No, sir, it was not.
When my own status|as a living being was in question, you fought to protect my rights.
|I will always be grateful.
The exocomps had no such advocate.
If I had not acted on their behalf,|they would have been destroyed.
I could not allow that to happen.
Of course you couldn't.
It was the most human decision|you've ever made.