ataraxion | 001. A second introduction; video

[ Several people on board have met Data already, however after this jump there have been a few small changes, namely when he activates the viewsceen there is a large ginger tabby cat taking up most of the shot. ]

Down, Spot.

[ Even after all this time, Data still doesn't have his cat 'trained'. It is a bone of contention with him, actually. He reaches up and lifts the cat into his lap, frowning. He should be happy, but having Spot on board causes all kinds of issues. ]

I discovered Spot in the Jump Bay shortly after my arrival, however I am at a loss as to how I am to be expected to convince her to behave herself without the necessary feline treats. Nor am I certain how to provide her meals, given the absence of a replicator on board; Spot requires quite specific dietary supplements.

[ The cat wriggles out of Data's arms and jumps out of view, and for a moment Data's eyes follow after her before returning to the screen. ]

Further to having been delivered my violin, I wish to propose a meeting of the musicians on board. Aboard the Enterprise, a short recital was often performed for those interested in attending each Friday, and it may not be outside the bounds of possibility to do much the same thing here, should there be sufficient interest.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It could be a case of luck or perhaps a more scientific explanation. [Not like she would try to find out for herself but it was something worth thinking about.]

You're welcome. I have a cat back home myself and sometimes I wonder if she will ever turn up here one day.

And does she listen to you?

She does. Her name is Bastet, after the Egyptian goddess.

Bastet; it is a good name. I encountered some difficulty when naming Spot, given the vast variety of names available--I decided upon the name most commonly given to a first pet. How did you come to choose 'Bastet'?

Nothing wrong with sticking to typical names for a pet. [Bela just liked to be more creative.] I have been interested in mythology, in particular, Egyptian. Bastet seemed appropriate, given that she is represented by a feline.

Cats were sacred to the Ancient Egyptians, such that the mythology is unclear, even in the 24th century. You must find it fascinating.

Indeed they were. Cats were worshipped by them. [A small smile plays at her lips.] I find it incredibly fascinating and love to learn about it. Are you from the 24th century?

I am. [ He inclines his head. ] Despite technological advances and new techniques, archaeological studies of Earth culture previous to the Industrial Enlightenment have come little further since the early 21st century. In fact, it is more likely that your sources are less convoluted than mine.

Interesting. [She's being genuine about that too.] There's still a lot more that we don't know about our past. Things we are still uncovering even today. It's a shame to hear that about the era you come from with regards to archaeological findings.

Still. The future must be exciting.

There is still archaelogical interest, of course, but there is a limit to what can be uncovered. We are as a result continually searching for new frontiers beyond our present limits.

It would be difficult to make a direct comparison. Exciting how?

Well, all the technological advances. Exploring parts of the galaxy that have never been seen or investigated before. Perhaps even encountering other life forms or species.

Wouldn't you consider that to be exciting?

I...do not know.

[ What is 'exciting'? ]

How can you not know?

It is not in my programming to find excitement, and even if I did, I do not possess the frame of reference to compare the two time periods.

You're not human, are you? [She had noticed the way he spoke and conducted himself but Bela didn't think much of it until now.]

I only ask because you mentioned the word 'programming'.

[ Data inclines his head slightly, and states his reply just as matter of factly. ]

I am in fact an artificial life form. An android.

Created to resemble a human and yet you lack certain aspects of what it is to be human. Like finding excitement for example.

[Well, this just got a heck of a lot more interesting.]

001. A second introduction; video

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video; /in which i venture into headcanon for the cat's name

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