TNG: The Body Electric by David Mack Review Thread (Spoilers!)

[BillJ]

Markonian wrote:

---

I thought Data said at the end of the original episode that he had downloaded Lal's memories into his positronic brain?

The Offspring wrote:

---

DATA: I thank you for your sympathy, but she is here. Her presence so enriched my life that I could not allow her to pass into oblivion. So I incorporated her programs back into my own. I have transferred her memories to me.

[Sci]

^^ Data 2.0 had Akharin restore Lal's positronic matrix because he knew that doing what Soong had done for him -- taking a new matrix and putting the stored memories into it -- wouldn't actually bring Lal herself back, just make a new copy of her. In the same way that Data 2.0 is not actually the same individual we followed throughout TNG, but is actually a new copy of the original.

Data 2.0 wanted to revive Lal, not create Lal 2.0.

[BillJ]

Sci wrote:

---

^^ Data 2.0 had Akharin restore Lal's positronic matrix because he knew that doing what Soong had done for him -- taking a new matrix and putting the stored memories into it -- wouldn't actually bring Lal herself back, just make a new copy of her. In the same way that Data 2.0 is not actually the same individual we followed throughout TNG, but is actually a new copy of the original.

Data 2.0 wanted to revive Lal, not create Lal 2.0.

We don't know that for sure because the subject of building a new brain to house Lal's memories isn't brought up, that I can recall.

[Sci]

BillJ wrote:

---

We don't know that for sure because the subject of building a new brain to house Lal's memories isn't brought up, that I can recall.

That's a little bit like saying that we don't know that Pip and Estella become a couple at the end of Great Expectations just because it's not explicitly stated. This is literature, not a scientific paper; certain things are going to be left to the reader to infer based upon their understanding of the characters and settings.

We know that Data 2.0 is not the same individual as Data; he says so in the trilogy. We know that he wants to revive Lal; we know that he is aware that it was the original Android!Juliana whom Akharain revived, not a copy of Android!Juliana.

Logically, we are left to infer that Data 2.0 wants to revive the original Lal rather than create Lal 2.0.

[BillJ]

It is something the book should've touched on though. Especially since Data was revived through his memories. Data chased an incredibly complex goal without a by-the-way on why he wasn't trying to revive Lal with a new positronic brain.

I don't even remember there being a mention of Data carrying Lal's memories...

[Thrawn]

Data is definitely carrying Lal's memories, it was mentioned a couple of times.

Data himself also is not sure that he is the same person as he used to be; he expresses doubt to Geordi several times. It makes perfect sense to me that he would want Lal back, not just copied, if he's worried about his own copying.

[Lee Son of Pete]

Markonian wrote:

---

So, will the Body Electric's machine rebuild those other galaxies now, or did I get that wrong? It would be a fitting path for redemption and repair some of the damage. All those destroyed galaxies, it is very sad.

I got the impression that it would, but over a very long time-frame.

[Markonian]

Lee Son of Pete wrote:

---

I got the impression that it would, but over a very long time-frame.

No problem, I am a patient man.

[Relayer1]

Thrawn wrote:

---

Data is definitely carrying Lal's memories, it was mentioned a couple of times.

Data himself also is not sure that he is the same person as he used to be; he expresses doubt to Geordi several times. It makes perfect sense to me that he would want Lal back, not just copied, if he's worried about his own copying.

Data is also carrying Soongs memories.

Soong 2.0 could put in an appearance just like Data...

I don't know if there is a copy of Rhea's memories.

[rahullak]

Since Data now has Soong's memories and abilities, and since Soong knew how to transfer the consciousness of a sentient organic being into a Soong-type android, we can look forward to more downloading/copying of memories in storage as a means for organics to resurrect themselves if necessary.
Should Data be willing to share such knowledge of course.

[Enterpriserules]

Interviewing David on Saturday for Literary Treks, I'm hoping to include few of your questions! Please give me some

[Relayer1]

Δ OK - Data was brought back from a recording, can we expect to see Soong or any other 'lost' AI in the future ?

[Enterpriserules]

Relayer1 wrote:

---

Δ OK - Data was brought back from a recording, can we expect to see Soong or any other 'lost' AI in the future ?

That is a good one, I am interested as well to see what Data's role will be in the upcoming books, you don't bring a character like him back and then not use him. Please keep you Cold Equations questions coming

[Markonian]

rahullak wrote:

---

Since Data now has Soong's memories and abilities, and since Soong knew how to transfer the consciousness of a sentient organic being into a Soong-type android, we can look forward to more downloading/copying of memories in storage as a means for organics to resurrect themselves if necessary.
Should Data be willing to share such knowledge of course.

Cool! And it has already been accomplished in a neighbouring universe - cf. Star Trek: Myriad Universes: Echoes and Refractions: Brave New World.

[Enterpriserules]

Markonian wrote:

---

Cool! And it has already been accomplished in a neighbouring universe - cf. Star Trek: Myriad Universes: Echoes and Refractions: Brave New World.

If only Kirk could be brought back!