Chapter Text
The Search for Spot
Captain’s log, stardate 46327.2. The Enterprise has encountered a subspace anomaly during a routine survey of the Typhon Expanse. Thankfully, there have been no casualties among the crew from this event. However, Lieutenant Commander Data’s cat Spot was caught in the anomaly and is now missing in subspace.
Where their duties allow, the entire crew is working together to find Spot before we leave the Expanse. Still, I find myself somewhat concerned for Data himself, who now faces the prospect of a lost pet for the first time.
Chapter 1: Jellicle
DATA
The orange cat licked her paw twice, shook herself once, and then vanished into thin air with a flicker of light.
"Freeze playback,” said Data.
The image halted on the screen, the flash of blue-white light caught halfway between reality and unreality. Arrayed around the Enterprise-D’s main conference table, the ship’s command staff exchanged glances.
"This is the second sighting of Spot reappearing aboard the Enterprise since the anomaly manifested, approximately three-point-five hours ago,” said Data. “It lasted precisely eight seconds.“
He rewound the footage captured by the Enterprise’s internal sensors, freezing it on Spot’s pink tongue washing her little paw.
"As you can see, Spot is continuing her usual grooming procedures despite her current predicament, and displays no signs of distress,” he continued. “We can thus conclude that wherever she has been sent by the anomaly, it is habitable, and she is not in pain.”
Cocking his head slightly, Lieutenant Commander Data analyzed the faces around the table as they processed his words at their slow, organic speed. This staff meeting displayed many standard behavioural patterns of the Enterprise senior staff, but also featured certain deviations from established parameters.
The most obvious of which being, of course, that it revolved around a missing cat.
“Very good, Data,” said Captain Picard, hands clasped in front of him. “Mister LaForge, have you been able to detect any pattern to these… visitations?”
Captain Picard appeared to be adapting a ‘business as usual’ approach to the anomaly. Data had observed that in most humanoids, careful emotional control was important for maintaining a strong command presence.
Geordi, on the other hand, showed signs of significant emotional engagement with the footage of Spot captured by the ship’s internal sensors. This was expected, as Geordi was both the Chief Engineer best qualified to analyze a subspace anomaly, and Data’s best friend, with a correspondingly strong investment in the well-being of Data’s pet.
“Not yet,” Geordi said, standing by Data’s side at the table’s head. “I agree with Data’s analysis, though. Wherever Spot is going, it’s habitable. At least for now.”
He held up a finger, and continued.
“But, my readings indicate that this part of subspace is somehow ‘mirroring’ the Enterprise’s environment, including gravity and atmosphere. So if we move, it will go back to just being space.”
“At which point, Spot will die,” Data added.
He calculated a high probability that this information was implied in Geordi’s words. However, given the importance of this hypothesis to Spot’s welfare, it seemed best to state it explicitly.
”Thank you, Mister Data.” Picard frowned. “Mister Worf, is there a danger to the Enterprise while we remain here?”
Worf shifted slightly in his seat. Data had previously observed this behaviour on numerous occasions, often associated with a high likelihood of a poor hand at poker. With no card game currently transpiring, the second most plausible explanation was emotional conflict. While Data could not always reliably predict the emotional reactions of organic beings, he deduced that this conflict was likely to be caused by Worf needing to balance his duty to the ship with his personal obligation to support Data’s interest in Spot’s survival.
"We still do not know why the anomaly appeared,” Worf grumbled. His arms lay rigid on the table in front of him. “There is a chance it could strike the Enterprise again.”
“We got some data on it the last time,” Commander Riker interjected. He was leaning forward across the table, resting on one forearm, suggesting keen engagement in the problem at hand. “Maybe we can modify the shields to protect us if it comes around again.”
"I will look into it,” Worf said. “Also, the transporter has been unable to lock on to the animal when it reappears. I will look into that as well.”
"I’m concerned.” Counselor Troi’s voice was mild and her body was relaxed, with her hands in her lap, which Data recognized as Troi displaying an approachable, nonthreatening demeanor as part of her duties. “We know that Spot has air and gravity. But what about food? Water?”
“Well, I’m a doctor, not a veterinarian,” Doctor Crusher said. “But…”
She paused and gave Data a sideways glance. This suggested she was hesitating to deliver bad news out of concern for Data’s feelings. This was not strictly necessary: Data would be the first to remind her that he did not have feelings. Yet it was still a demonstration of respect and friendship, and thus valuable to him.
“It’s been over three hours,” Crusher finished, her voice soft. “Spot is probably getting hungry. And yes, thirsty. But cats can survive quite some time on their own.”
“I’m guessing she doesn’t have a litter box in subspace, either,” Riker added.
Data calculated an equal chance that this could be Commander Riker’s attempt to lighten the situation with humour, or that he was earnestly raising a practical concern with Spot’s hygiene. Detecting no smiles or laughter from his friends, he concluded that the second option was more plausible.
“Very well,” Picard said, his tone signaling that he was bringing the meeting to an end. “I will keep the Enterprise in this precise position for as long as possible. Will, organize watches amongst the crew. I want a sharp eye kept out for Spot reappearing. Mister Worf, I want options to protect the ship if this anomaly reoccurs. Doctor Crusher, keep us apprised on your estimate of Spot’s condition.
“Geordi, Data-“ Picard closed by nodding to the two of them. “Study our data on this phenomenon, and look for a solution.”
The Captain looked around the conference table. Data noted that he had not given any explicit orders to Counselor Troi. This suggested that a private conversation between the two of them would likely follow the formal meeting, possibly on matters of a personal nature pertaining to the emotional and psychological well-being of the crew.
“Thankfully, we can afford to delay a routine stellar survey to resolve this matter,” Picard said. “And the subspace anomaly is a genuine scientific curiosity, worthy of our attention.”
“Is that what you’re going to tell Starfleet Command when they ask why the flagship is looking for a cat?” Riker asked. He displayed the small half-smile that Data had learned to associate with the provocative behaviour that humans termed ‘trolling.’
”Dismissed, Will.”