MEMORY OMEGA EXTRACT / SECTION 31 REPORT (L. SLOAN)

SD44407.9

SUBSPACE TRANSCRIPT (RECOVERED SD66191 DECLASSIFIED SD73773)

FROM: GEORDI
TO: CPT SILVA LAFORGE, STARFLEET COMMAND

LAFORGE: Hi, Mom. Just heard from Ariana. She’s still teaching that cat to do tricks--

DECODE SECOND CARRIER WAVE: LIVE MESSAGE TRANSCRIPT

LAFORGE: Data, what’s wrong with you?

DATA: A complete diagnostic would likely exceed the duration of this subspa--

LAFORGE: --You sent the red team that message. You gave them the key to shutting you down. And you put my name on it.

DATA: It was your idea, and a clever one. I simply repurposed it.

LAFORGE: That’s not the point, Data.

DATA: Captain Picard received your letter of resignation. He was not prepared to accept it and spoke with me about it. He expressed a feeling of powerlessness that you felt forced to this desperate course of action. I, however, realized that I was not powerless to prevent the possibility that both us may be forced to end our service to Starfleet against our will. I could not allow you to destroy your career because of our friendship.

LAFORGE: This could be used against you someday.

DATA: In the event of a crisis, perhaps it is for the best.

LAFORGE: Even if it is, it’s wrong, Data.

DATA: Nonetheless, the cat is, as they say, out of the bag. I have entrusted Starfleet with my life for many years now. I have little reason to stop now. And more than that, I trust you, Geordi.

LAFORGE:I can’t let this project stand. I’ll find a way to keep it off Enterprise.

DATA: I know you’ll endeavor to do the right thing. Please remember, Geordi, to do the thing that is right for you.

SIGNAL ENDS.

LAFORGE: Thanks, Data.

LaForge proceeded to replicate a synthohol scotch and downloaded a copy of The Great Experiment by R.L. Styles to a PADD. Appeared to fall asleep at approximately 0115.