Data was not entirely sure as to what the diplomat found so
amusing, but decided that it would be most appropriate if she
joined in with her laughter. The sound that emerged was not a
perfect imitation. Though it sounded reasonably close to the real
thing, despite her creator's efforts to perfect the mechanism
responsible, there was, according to her friends, something
missing in it. Something ineffable and irreplaceably human that an
artificial, constructed life form like her could not hope to produce.
When her laughter subsided, fading away from a full-
bodied chuckle into nothing, she stared at the diplomat, cocking
her head to one side. Despite Lucy's protestations, it sounded to
Data as though the young woman did not have a particularly
healthy social life. Still, that was none of Data's business, and to
comment further would be impolite.
She found it strange that someone who had made a
profession out of social interaction seemed to shy away from it in
her personal life, but perhaps, after spending so much time
around combative representatives, she enjoyed solitude in her
spare time.
Still, it seemed as though she had a terribly lonely
existence. Even Data, devoid though she was of emotion, found
that the friendships she had developed with her fellow crewmates
to be among the most rewarding aspects of her life.
She should try to set a good example for the diplomat.
“Though our variable and often conflicting schedules make
such meetings difficult, my friends and I make every effort to
meet, either here in Ten Forward or in our personal quarters. The
others find such interactions to be both enjoyable and relaxing
after the stress of being on duty. For my part, I am grateful for
the opportunity to more closely observe human social behavior –
I have learned much from them, and have much still to learn.”
Deciding that the best course of action was to proceed with
humility and continued appreciation, Data said, “You are too kind,
Diplomat. I have simply done my job to the best of my ability. To
receive such compliments from one I respect as much as you is
most flattering.”