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Leading or Running

Summary:

Data has two options presented by Q. Which will he choose?

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When presented with two options, both odd and irrational in their own twisted ways, it made it hard for Data to choose.

Either become a conductor of a steam locomotive or become a Reddit moderator.

They both ran hot, fast, complicated systems that got steamy, heated and overblown if left unattended.

One on mechanism, one on the thinly restrained culmination of humanity as a whole.

"So, my teacher of the humanities which would you like to experience?"

Q's smug face twisted into a impish grin.

Data considered the two paths before him as closely as he could.

One was solitude, working on ancient machinery while speeding along a pre-destined rail. It would certainly be a step down from his current engineering duties, however it would not be hard to pick up given the simplicity of the systems. The other was easier and yet harder. The herding of humanity, so to speak. Sometimes humanity was good and relaxed. But other times...

The Lieutenant Commander was reminded of the times ensigns and other people up and down the chain the command showed him the culmination of the worst of what humanity had to offer.

Blowfly Girl.

4Chan.

DolphinSex.org

These and more showed the flawed state of Terrans.

He didn't hold these against humans however. He knew these were from a bygone era, when they were on the verge of the third nuclear conflict and during the advent of the internet as a whole. Therefore humans, as whole must have theoretically 'chilled out'.

The omnipotent one gave an unreadable expression and simply said,

"I've given you plenty of time, now you must make the choice that will define you for decades to come."

And so Data grasped Q's hand blindly and went with the consequences of the choice.

"Perfect."