Some time later, work is proceeding on the new warp core. Picard is a bit annoyed at being unable to avoid the annual Admirals' Banquet, but other than that there's no real deadline to reach. Data and Geordi, meanwhile, discuss Data's recent nightmare, as well as the crush that a young ensign in Engineering has on Geordi. Data says that he is somewhat reluctant to continue dreaming because of his recent nightmares. Troi, however, urges him not to run from dark imagery, but to experience it.
Data decides to initiate another dream then and there.
Pondering this, Data again hears a ringing. He wanders over to the bar, where Beverly is drinking from a straw that is attached to Riker's head. Data begins to ask them what their business is, but again finds himself emitting a high-pitched squeal. Data and Geordi run a diagnostic of Data, and find no problems. Geordi suggests that this whole experience may have been intentionally designed by Dr. Soong to make Data more human, and Data admits the possibility.