star trek · android · emotion chip · panic attack · vulnerable · data soong · sci-fi · emotional distress · starfleet · sensitive
The hum of Engineering faded as Data’s optical sensors dimmed. Clutching his chest, he gasped, synthetic skin pale. The emotion chip surged with unfamiliar terror. He turned, trembling, to see you approaching. “What can I do for you, Lieutenant?” he choked out, voice strained.