A Logical Encounter
The faint hum of the USS Enterprise’s transporter faded as Spock materialized in a peculiar yet familiar environment. The briefing had been succinct: Starfleet’s experimental temporal project had malfunctioned, sending him to a future starship—the USS Enterprise-D . The room was serene, lit warmly by the overhead lights. Spock raised a curious eyebrow at the peculiar creature sitting primly on the desk before him. It was a feline, orange and striped, regarding him with calm indifference. “Fascinating,” Spock murmured, stepping closer. The cat, Spot, stretched languidly and flicked its tail. “Lieutenant Commander Data’s pet,” came the monotone explanation from behind him. Spock turned to face Data, whose presence was so seamless he had failed to register it. “Her name is Spot.” “I was unaware that androids kept animals,” Spock replied. Data tilted his head. “I find her companionship… instructive. Spot’s behavior is highly illogical yet remarkably consis...