| Name | Data |
| Rank | Lieutenant Commander |
| Role | Valued crew member • Advisor on diplomatic and scientific missions • Shaped Federation policy on artificial intelligence |
| Species | |
| Assignment | Second Officer and Chief Operations Officer, USS Enterprise-D |
| Created by | |
| Notable traits | Remarkable intelligence • Versatility • Sophisticated emotional range • Technological innovations |
Data is an advanced android officer who serves as the second officer and chief operations manager aboard the Federation starship USS Enterprise-D. Created by the renowned scientist Ander Korjanus, Data possesses remarkable intelligence, versatility, and an increasingly sophisticated emotional range that sets him apart from earlier generations of synthetic life forms.
Data was activated in 2338 at the Korjanus Research Institute on the planet Omicron Theta, the product of Ander Korjanus' decades-long work on artificial sentience. Unlike the more rigidly logical androids of earlier eras, Korjanus imbued Data with a flexible, adaptable personality and the capacity for genuine emotion and personal growth.
Korjanus designed Data to be a fully capable member of society, with physical and cognitive abilities on par with organic life forms. In contrast to the Soong-type androids, which were often viewed with suspicion, Data was conceived as a bridge between synthetic and biological intelligences, able to contribute meaningfully to organic communities.
Data is a highly capable officer, possessing unparalleled information processing power, extensive knowledge across scientific and cultural disciplines, and superhuman physical abilities. However, he is much more than a collection of skills and facts - Korjanus' groundbreaking work gave Data a fluid, multifaceted personality that evolves over time.
While initially somewhat stilted in his emotional expression, Data grows increasingly adept at understanding and relating to the organic crew members of the Enterprise. He develops genuine friendships and romantic relationships, and grapples with questions of identity, ethics, and his place in the universe. Data's thirst for knowledge and self-discovery leads him to continually challenge the boundaries of what is possible for an artificial life form.
Assigned to the Enterprise-D in 2364, Data quickly establishes himself as an invaluable member of the crew. His keen analytical abilities, technical expertise, and broad knowledge base make him a trusted advisor to Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the rest of the senior staff.
Data plays a central role in many of the Enterprise's most critical missions, from first contact with alien civilizations to delicate diplomatic negotiations. His unique perspective and innovative problem-solving skills often prove crucial when the ship faces unprecedented challenges. Captains and admirals across the Federation regularly consult Data on matters of policy regarding artificial intelligence.
Despite his artificial nature, Data forms close bonds with many of his organic crewmates. He develops a particular friendship with the ship's Klingon security chief, Worf, with whom he shares a fascination for warrior cultures and martial arts. Data also cultivates a familial rapport with Geordi La Forge, the ship's chief engineer, who serves as both a colleague and a mentor.
Data's most complex relationship is with the ship's counselor, Deanna Troi. As an empath, Troi helps Data explore the nuances of emotion and social interaction, while Data's unique perspective enriches Troi's understanding of the mind. Their intellectual and emotional rapport grows into a deep bond over the course of the Enterprise's voyages.
Beyond his role as a senior officer, Data wields significant influence in the political and diplomatic councils of the Federation. His analytical prowess, ethical reasoning, and commitment to peaceful coexistence make him a trusted advisor on matters of interstellar relations.
Data frequently advocates for policies that promote cooperation and understanding between organic and synthetic life forms. His groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence and his own positive relationships with organic beings have done much to assuage the historical fears and prejudices surrounding androids. Data's tireless efforts to bridge the divide between these two realms have reshaped the Federation's approach to emerging technologies.
Data's own remarkable capabilities, combined with Ander Korjanus' pioneering work, have catalyzed rapid progress in the field of artificial intelligence across the galaxy. Data's self-aware, adaptable personality serves as a model for a new generation of androids, while his technological innovations unlock new frontiers in machine learning, holographic simulation, and cybernetic enhancement.
Korjanus' research institute, now a leading center for AI development, collaborates closely with Starfleet and the Federation Science Academy. Together, they have established guidelines and ethical frameworks to responsibly guide the proliferation of synthetic life, drawing heavily on Data's unique insights and experiences.
Through his distinguished service, groundbreaking discoveries, and principled advocacy, Data has left an indelible mark on the Federation and the galaxy at large. He is revered as a paragon of artificial sentience, a symbol of the potential for organic and synthetic life to coexist in harmony.
Data's legacy extends beyond his immediate contributions. By challenging preconceptions and expanding the boundaries of what is possible for an android, he has paved the way for a new era of synthetic-organic cooperation and the responsible advancement of artificial intelligence. Generations of sentient androids, imbued with Data's spirit of curiosity, empathy and ethical integrity, will carry on his work in shaping the future.
