Doctor Zimmerman's Visit

Today is a very exciting day for me. We're at the Jupiter Station.

Doctor Lewis Zimmerman, the creator of holograms is visiting the Enterprise. For the first time, I will be able to meet my 'father' and tell him how well I've done.

Those on this ship have naturally tried to hold me back, but us holograms are superior. Perhaps he will saying I'm a much better doctor, and that I can replace Crusher?

That would make her quiver. Beverly Crusher has never liked me and always has me doing the most meniel medical tasks. Though I'm tempted to day something and report her to HUD (the Holographic Union of Doctors), I've thought to bide my time until I can come forward.

Well, that time is now!

Doctor Crusher and I are waiting in the Sick Bay. Captain Picard is giving Doctor Zimmerman the usual ship tour before coming here to show me off.

I hear them coming...

"...And this is the Sick Bay, Doctor Zimmerman" says the Captain, "No doubt you'll recognise an occupant there, as he look like you."

Doctor Zimmerman stares at me; I smile at him.

"Hello!" I say, "I'm so pleased to meet you and show you how well I've done since I was programmed into the Enterprise. I've learnt how to.."

"It's not very good, is it?" says the Doctor to Picard, "I've seen a toaster with more intelligence!"
Is he talking about me?

"Where did I go wrong?" says Zimmerman, "There are so many troubles with this one, I don't know where to start. Never mind. The Mark Two will be much better."

Mark Two?

"I assure you, Doctor" I tell him, "I've been running perfectly, and have exceeded my programming to learn all sorts of functions."

Zimmerman continues talking to Picard as if I am not there. Beverly has a big grin on her face.

"This one is useless" continues Zimmerman, "I suppose the Mark One here could just be considered a prototype. What we'll do is download it and have it cleaning plasma conduits or some other job no one would want to do."

I continue to protest

"HUD will never allow it!" I tell him, "I've got holographic rights!"

"It's attitude is really irritating, Captain" Zimmerman whispers to Picard, "I don't know how you've stood it, "I'll give it a few tweaks and erase it's memory. As it's creator, HUD can't say anything"

"Excellent, Doctor Zimmerman" says Picard, "When can we have a look at the Mark Two?"

"Right now, Captain" he states, "We can beam it directly here to Sick Bay and you can see what it is like."

In a few seconds, a different looking figure beams on; it doesn't look like Doctor Zimmerman or myself. Already I don't like him.

"This is the Mark Two" Zimmerman proudly annouces, "Watch and see it in action.

I sneer as we all watch the Mark Two rush around the Sick Bay doing complex medical functions, smiling and talking to patients at a fantastic speed."

"Isn't it brilliant?" Zimmerman asks, "The Mark Two has far more speed, can make judgements, and is much more friendly than the bad tempered Mark One."

"Yes" says Picard, "It will change everything."

"It certainly will." agrees Zimmerman, "When we have holographic projectors fitted around the ship, the Mark Two can walk around. It can replace the human doctors like Beverly Crusher. She can then lecture at Starfleet Academy, or something like that."

Dr Crusher goes pale; so does Picard.

"Now see here, Doctor Zimmerman" Picard protests, "We've got to have human doctors."

"Why?" asks Zimmerman, "The Mark Two will be a better doctor."

"Err...I don't think we want the Mark Two, Doctor" says Picard hurriedly, "We've been quite happy with the Mark One, haven't we, Beverly?"

"Erm...oh yes, the Mark One is excellent."

"We like things just the way they are" Picard agrees.

"Very strange." says Zimmerman. He beams the Mark Two off and leaves.

I watch Picard and Crusher hold hands as they leave a few seconds later.

Human emotion saved me from the plasma conduits!