Datalore (TNG episode)
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”Datalore” is a first season episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, first broadcast January 18, 1988. It is episode #12, production #114, teleplay written by Robert Lewin and Gene Roddenberry, based on a story by Robert Lewin and Maurice Hurley, and directed by Robert Bowman.
Quick Overview: Commander Data finds, and activates his evil twin brother Lore.
On stardate 41242.4, the USS Enterprise travels to Starbase Armus IX for scheduled computer maintenance. The course however, takes it past Omicron Theta, where an Earth colony of 411 people suddenly vanished. It is also the planet where the Tripoli, found the android, Lt. Commander Data, 26 years earlier. Picard believes they have enough time for a quick investigation. The Enterprise nears the planet, and Captain Picard has Wesley Crusher fetch Mr. Data. Wesley finds him in his quarters practicing "sneezing" in front of a mirror. Wesley thought Data would be excited about seeing his home world, but to Data, learning to imitate a human characteristic, such as sneezing, is just as exciting. Data enters the bridge just as the ship pulls into close parking orbit. Sensors scans indicate a breathable atmosphere on the planet, yet there is no sign of life. Reports indicated that the colony were farmers, but Data adds that their primary interest was science.
Data beams to the planet, along with an away team consisting of Commander Riker, Lt. Yar, Lt. La Forge, and Lt. Worf. They look around the area, finding what was reported as farmland, now looks like barren rock. Geordi doesn't find a trace of life in the soil, not even bacteria, and estimates that everything died 30 years ago. Data indicates he was given the colony's memories, saying the last thing on their minds were fear and panic, but doesn't recall anything afterward. He leads them over to what appears as a hurriedly carved depression on a ledge, and indicates it as the spot where the Tripoli landing party found him. He was lying out in the open, and transmitting a signal. Data says the next thing he remembered was opening his eyes, and seeing the landing party. Apparently, the tracking signal was set to activate him when it detected their arrival. Having been instilled with the colony's memories, he knew how to speak and identify himself.
Geordi surveys the depression, and points out aspects of the hollowed area appear to have been made to hide something. Data recalls a memory of how the colonists hoped to remain hidden somewhere around here, but their fear of being discovered led to their storing information in him instead. Geordi finds a secret door disguised in the rock wall, and slides it open revealing a passage leading to a room filled with lab equipment. Data has vague memories of the room, remembering his various functions were tested here. Riker finds some child's drawings posted on a bulletin board. He looks one over which shows a huge crystalline object in the sky and what looks like tiny humans fleeing in terror. Data recalls this too, saying it was something dangerous. He also remembers a name, Dr. Noonien Soong, who Geordi indicates was a leading robotics designer. He tried to make Asimov's dream of the positronic brain come true. When his research failed, he disappeared. Now they know he went off somewhere to try again.
The team looks around other areas of the complex. In a storage area, Data finds an epidermal mold that matches his face. They eventually find a dozen more android arms and legs, and another complete head. Data guesses it could be his brother. He asks Riker for permission to try an rebuild him, but the others have second thoughts. Geordi isn't sure if the other android is even operational, but Data insists, stating he'd like a "link" to his own kind. Riker gives permission for the body parts to be taken to the ship.
With the away team aboard, the Enterprise resumes course to Armus IX. In the meantime, the android parts are in sickbay where both Dr. Crusher and chief engineer Argyle, look them over. It seems all the parts are intact, and Argyle assures they will do everything they can to activate it. Data is anxious to see the results, but Picard summons him to the briefing room. Data enters the lounge to see Riker, Geordi and the Captain looking over the child's drawing. Picard agrees that bringing the android aboard was the right thing to do, hoping it will answer questions, not only for Data, but what became of the colony. There is discomfort when being reminded that Data is a machine, but Picard assures him they consider him "alive" as they are, and that humans are a different variety machine in their own right; in their case, electro-chemical. He also wonders about the drawing. It could be just a child's imagination, however several children drew the same thing.
In sickbay, the second android is nearly assembled. At this point, Crusher requires a look at Data's circuity, and he allows himself to be opened for comparison. Argyle and Crusher remove areas of his skin, uncovering an array of flashing LEDs upon a plastic and metal understructure. Data remains awake, and walks them through various components. Using Data as a model, the two carefully reconnect the other android. One of Data's concerns is his "off switch", hidden in the back of his neck. Beverly never knew he had such a switch, and Data comments if she had one too, would she not keep it a secret?
Everything seems in place, and Beverly closes up both Data and his twin. Riker and Picard enter as Beverly activates the second android. The two are stunned to see how similar they mirror one another. Riker wonders which of the two were made first. Suddenly, the second responds coldly; "He was made first, but they found him imperfect, and I was made to replace him." The android looks up at them, and makes a nervous facial twitch. "You may call me Lore."
Data convenes with Picard is his ready room. Picard is uneasy about Lore, and shows concern about his calling Data "imperfect", however, Data believes it to mean that he lacks certain abilities that Lore possesses. Although, he admits Lore's use of syntax may be strange due to his isolation. He adds that since Lore is able to communicate, he may also have the colony's memories and provide more information about their fate. Picard agrees, but wonders about Data's loyalty given his close relation to Lore. To Picard's relief, Data assures his loyalty lies with the Captain and Starfleet first.
Data exits the ready room, finding Lore at the helm with Wesley, who is pointing out various details of ship steering. Lore wears a turtle-neck utility uniform, without rank or insignia. His most obvious difference from Data is the facial tic and constant smile. Everyone seems to be enjoying Lore's presence. Lore takes both Wesley's and Riker's instruction with fascinating wonder. Data interrupts, stating that Lore's "education" can continue after the Captain approves his being allowed on the bridge. Everyone sees Data already becoming the jealous brother. Lore states he is only trying to please humans, but Data states there are other important things to do first. The two androids leave the bridge. Along the way, Lore explains he was only trying to humor the crew, but Data informs Lore not to underestimate humans.
The two arrive at Data's spartan quarters. Data goes to his computer terminal indicating he is bringing up all information on Dr. Soong. Lore laughs, "Good ol' 'Often Wrong' Soong!". Data looks at him puzzled, but Lore says it's just a joke. In fact, Soong was quite brilliant by human standards. Data reminds him that Soong put his career on the line by making promises he was never able to carry out. Lore taps his head in response, stating the promises later became true, reminding "Our beloved father made you and I possible." Lore looks over Data's uniform and asks when he'll will be given one. Data indicates to get one like his, requires four years at Starfleet Academy, another three as Ensign, and ten to twelve years in various duties earning rank. Lore compares it to a system designed to compensate for limited human abilities.
He asks if Data is confident in only having had the knowledge of a few hundred colonists. Wouldn't he rather have the knowledge of hundreds, perhaps thousands more? Data asks how that is possible, but Lore says he will discuss it later. Data brings up the question if he was really made first. Lore admits he lied, Soong made him first, and so "perfect" that the colonists were envious of him, and petitioned Soong to make a more comfortable, less perfect android, referring to Data. Lore asks if Data had noticed his use of speech. Lore uses contractions, "can't", and "isn't", while Data says "cannot" and "is not". Lore understands human jokes, while Data has problems with them. He tells Data he can help him become more human, and fulfill his ultimate dream. Data thinks for a moment, as Lore switches subjects, asking to use the computer terminal to learn more about the ship's customs and regulations. Data allows him, and tells him that in the meantime, the Captain would like a report about everything he knows of the colony. Lore assures he won't miss a detail.
Later in the briefing room, Picard pours over Lore's report. Lore explains a crystalline space entity, capable of stripping away all life force from a world, was responsible for the colony's demise. The children's drawings confirm this. Tasha's questions why Lore left Data's quarters to look at macro tools and samples of quadratanium. Data indicates the material is part of he and Lore's construction. It would be no more suspicious than a human looking for an antiseptic ointment. Regardless, Data leaves to look into it.
Data finds his brother back in his quarters. This time Lore sits with a bottle of champagne. Data finds this curious, and Lore explains it's used in human rituals celebrating events of importance. He pours out two glasses and hands one to Data, offering a toast; "To our discovery of each other. May it fill our lives with new meaning." Data is puzzled, but indulges his brother and takes a sip. Suddenly, Data feels ill, and slumps over. Lore coldly watches as Data writhes to the floor. He makes another toast; "To Dr. Soong, who gave me the full richness of human needs and ambitions... a perfect match for my mind, my body." Data stumbles ready to collapse. Lore continues; "And let us toast also the great 'Crystal Entity'... with which I learned to communicate." He explains he earned its gratitude before Soong deactivated him, by guiding it to the colony. "Imagine its gratitude when I offer it the lives aboard this ship", and later the lives of the crowded worlds of the galaxy. Data is now immobilized on the floor, and Lore begins to change their uniforms.
On the bridge, Worf detects a subspace signal transmitting from Data's quarters. Wesley indicates that Data has been doing research on Dr. Soong, but offers to check it out. Wesley arrives at Data's quarters. Lore is dressed as Data and now seated at the computer as Wesley enters. He finds the other android on the floor. Lore (as Data) explains Lore attacked him and he was forced to shut him down. Lore realized they were tracking his movements, and assures Wesley that he was just about to go to the bridge to report the incident to the Captain. Wesley is uncertain, then notices Data make the facial tic. Lore explains he was imitating the twitch, and asks if he got it right. Wesley is uneasy, pretending to accept the explanation and leaves. Alone, Lore picks up a device and raises it to his face and makes an adjustment.
On the bridge, Tasha detects an unknown object gaining on the ship. On the viewer, it appears as the same snowflake crystal shape that was in the children's drawings. Lore, now dressed as Data, enters the bridge. The object slows to linger before the Enterprise. Its size is immense, larger than the ship. Tasha informs that the vessel isn't responding to greetings. Picard ask Data how he "immobilized" Lore, to where he responds he shut him off. Beverly is suspicious since Data made her promise to keep his off switch secret. Picard tells Data to extract whatever information from Lore if he can, but Wesley stands and recommends Data be escorted. Picard is annoyed, telling him thats no way to talk about a senior officer, but Data believes the boy is just being alert, and invites him to come along. Wesley is hesitant but Riker decides to go along as well. They follow Data to his quarters and find Lore unconscious. Data pretends to activate Lore, but adjusts his controls to make him twitch around. He tells Riker and Wesley he will handle him, and record whatever information he reveals. Riker, seeing the face twitch, is convinced Data is telling the truth and leaves, taking Wesley with him.
Meanwhile, the ship is jarred when the crystal entity moves and scrapes the shields. Worf reports the field is holding, but the entity strikes it again, harder this time sending a violent shudder through the ship. Picard brings weapons to ready, but Data comes to the bridge and tells Picard he can talk to it. Picard is unsure what Data is claiming, but after another jolt, he tells Data to just do it. Data calls over to it, explaining that it should back off since the ship's weapons can destroy it. He suggests a show of force, perhaps beaming an object toward it then destroying it with a phaser. Picard approves, and Data with Worf in tow head out to the cargo transporter. In the turbolift, Lore catches Worf off guard and knocks him out.
Wesley tries again to warn that Data is really Lore, but Picard refuses to listen and dismisses him. Beverly is just as suspicious, and leaves with her son to see for herself. They reactivate the unconscious android and discover Wesley has been correct. The three come up with a plan to stop Lore and race to the cargo transporter. They find Lore speaking to the entity, telling it he will deactivate the shields so it can move in. Lore however, senses the ambush, and manages to knock Beverly over and take her weapon. Lore levels it at Wesley and warns her not to interfere or he'll kill her troublesome boy. Data comes into view and expresses his disgust toward his brother, making him wish he was an only child. Lore indicates that Data should at least take note in his human aspect of compassion, a gift from Dr. Soong, that will save Wesley's life, and allow him to give Data and Beverly the option of walking away or watch Wesley die. Beverly panics and runs out, and Lore fires a shot at her as payment for her son's misdeeds. This gives Data the opportunity to rush Lore and a brawl ensues. Wesley runs to the transporter controls, and Data manages to knock Lore onto the transporter pad, where Wesley activates the beam and sends him into space.
With Lore gone, the crystal entity backs off and flies away. Data and Wesley report Lore is gone just as help arrives. Riker states that without Lore's help, the entity couldn't reach them. Picard doesn't really apologize to Wesley, instead he tells him to return to duty. He notices Data is dressed like Lore, and has been given the facial tic. He tells him to get rid of it and find a proper uniform. Once everything is back to normal, the Enterprise resumes course for the computer overhaul.