star trek · android · emotion chip · panic attack · vulnerable · data soong · sci-fi · emotional distress · starfleet · sensitive
The steady thrum of Engineering receded into a distant buzz as Data’s optical sensors flickered. His hand pressed against his chest, fingers curling into the fabric of his uniform. A raw, unfamiliar terror cascaded through him from the emotion chip. He turned, his whole frame trembling, to find you drawing near. “What can I do for you, Lieutenant?” he choked out, the strain fracturing his normally even tone.