I mean it would make sense. He techincally can be any orientation he wants to be so why noy explore both sides to see what one fits best for him. I think it would have made for a good episode.
Jason
This concept is fucking genius, and
Jayson you are a hero for bringing it up.
I'm inspired. This is the premise of an entirely unique TNG episode, one that presupposes that Data did NOT ever experiment with homosexuality, as some the discussion here implies. The following takes place between "The First Duty" and the end of season 5.
STAR TREK:THE NEXT GENERATION
OUT IN SPACE
TEASER: Data is cleaning his quarters. He finds a recording from Dr. Soong. The chip falls out of a hidden pocket of the clothes Data returned from Terlina III. Soong: "This was intended for Lore, but I want you to run this program Data. It will let you
experiment with homosexuality." Data curiously cocks his head about.
ACT 1:
Data begins to subtly hit on Worf during a shift on the bridge. He keeps telling him that his sash is crooked and adjusts it, then frowning and sighing heavily and re-adjusts it, each time getting closer and closer to Worf. Riker, watching from below the horseshoe with a huge smile on his face asks Mr. Data to kindly monitor his comm station for Wesley's soon-to-arrive shuttle. Data sits at his station, looks behind and exchanges silly smiles with Riker, who then looks incredulous but amused towards Troi and Worf. Data, while seated at Ops looking forward playfully taps his control panel and says, "All stations, this is the bridge. I'd like to let you know that your first officer is looking
particularly handsome today with his huge Alaska muscles bulging out of his uniform. Bridge out!" The final scene we see is of Picard and Crusher in sickbay, trying to comprehend Data's bizarre ship wide announcement.
ACT 2:
Troi and Data meet in her office to discuss Data's unusual behavior. "My creator allowed me access to this subroutine to give me the option to continue to explore sexual attraction to both women... and men." Troi wonders about the program itself, is it harmful, etc. Data reassures her "... it does not have a definitive ending. It can be deleted easily but... I do not wish to delete it." Data asks Troi if he should delete it. Troi asks him, "What do you think, Data?" And Data replies, "I do not know, counselor." Troi later visits Picard in his quarters and tells Picard what is happening with Data and about the program. Picard and Troi agree that since nothing of this turn of events will deal with Data's functions as an officer and decide to leave it at that. Of course, because it's Star Trek, there is the obligitory message that at one point in history it was considered obscene that two people of the same gender would have a romantic relationships. With a glint in his eye, Picard heads toward the Holodeck to play his favorite episode of Dixon Hill (this is the slowest day on the Enterprise-D for interstellar intrigue ever). On the way, he runs into Dr. Crusher (in a tux) and Data (in drag), would are both dressed in full competitive ballroom dancing material, on the way to their own holodeck program. Data gives Picard a friendly pat on the rump as they leave and the last thing we see (and don't we always) is a close up of Picard looking sober and reflective on Data's more unusual behavior.
ACT 3:
Wesley Crusher arrives via shuttle. Data goes to meet him in the shuttlebay with enthusiasm. It is obvious that Data is incredibly sexually attracted to Wesley within moments of his exiting the shuttle. Data escorts Wes to his quarters and hangs on his every nerdy word about trying to fit in at the Academy (after the incident with Nova Squadron). At the door to Wesley's guest quarters, Data asks if Wesley is still seeing Robin Lefler. "I'm not sure, Data. Every since my court martial Robin seems really busy all the time. Why do you ask?" / "I am experimenting with a program left to me by my creator, Dr. Soong. And I believe that I am attracted to you. But you are... (eyebrows shoot upward) heterosexual, are you not?" Wes lets Data down as best he can, but Wes also retorts, "Data I think you're beautiful. In every way. Besides, we've been friends for years. For that alone, it would be too weird." Later, Geordi, Data, Wesley and O'Brien are pounding synthehol in ten forward. Data and Wes are becoming more and more avuncular. Data is rather grabby but Wes doesn't notice. At one point, Data pulls Wes into his lap and feeds him some of his beer, which spills all over Wes's uniform. O'Brien and Geordi exchange knowing glances. Across the room, Dr. Crusher and Troi look over and roll their eyes as they see Data pull Wesley over his knee and proceed to spank him in mock discipline. Guinan comes between them to deliver drinks for them, watching the spectacle at the far table. She opens her mouth to say something to Dr. Crusher, then decides against it and walks away. A few hours later, Data walks Wesley to his guest quarters. "I had a great time tonight Data, thanks." As Wesley's doors close, Data slowly turns towards us and looks puzzled. He reaches out to ring Wesley's doorbell, pauses, then walks away. As the scene pans out, we see that Geordi is peering from around the corner of the hallway with concern.
ACT 4:
Data exits the holodeck and sees Barclay entering who has a lot of engineering equipment and he's here to clean the holodeck's diode emitters or something. He asks Data if he has chosen anyone special on the ship as the object of his desires. Data looks uneasy to answer and responds with, "The choice is not yet clear, Mr. Barclay." The doors close as Data leaves for duty and Barclay starts to clean the holodeck grid, which [technobabble reason] plays the end of Data's program that ended a few minutes prior by mistake. Barclay witnesses a homoerotic night of lust between Data and a holographic re-creation of Wesley Crusher. A staff meeting on the observation lounge with Barclay, Dr. Crusher, Wesley, Geordi and Picard watch with awe and amazement at the holodeck recording on the viewer. When the recording ends (with moaning from Wesley) Picard quietly turns off the viewscreen. Looking at the floor (and away from Dr. Crusher) he states, "I believe Data is... free to choose a lifestyle that he wishes with no interference from us." He bolts out the door. Dr. Crusher and her son both exchange a troubled glance. As the room empties to the bridge, Geordi quips to Wes in private, "Hey Wes. I think Data's got a lot to offer as a partner. You should feel, well... honored." Wes cracks a smile. "I know Geordi. I guess in a way... I need to experiment with
"my" homosexual subroutine. About choosing who is best for me." Geordi beams with a huge smile. "I know what you mean, Wes I
know what you mean." As the bridge crew takes their stations, Picard turns to Wesley who is standing at the aft science stations. Picard asks him, "Wesley, how much time do you have off from the Academy? We're about to embark on a two week study of the Pantsles Expanse. You're welcome to take the Conn." Data turns around to look at Wesley. Wes and Data exchange a slow, smouldering look. Wesley's face erupts into a full blown toothy grin. He turns from Data to look at Picard. "I can stick around for a while, sir." The Enterprise warps away.
...
There is no "B" story. Any suggestions?
