#ooc: the enterprise crew playing some 'capture the flag' as part of their mandatory field training on some alien planet

[my-timing-is-digital]

first study the enemy, then seek weakness. — Tasha

Instructive, if not a trifle redundant; his programming was equipped with a feature that automatically permitted him to conduct thorough analyses and seek out the vulnerabilities in his enemies and utilise these flaws to his advantage. It was a part of his programming he did not, and would never, take pride in; terminating the life of another individual, be they organic or synthetic, was unethical. Therefore, he had always endeavoured to resort to different, less permanent avenues to neutralise his foes; the Vulcan nerve pinch was exemplary in this regard. He had perfected the prowess on the holodeck, but though it worked immaculately in a simulated and semi-governed environment, in reality, this technique required him to be within the adversary’s immediate proximity before he could accomplishing the desired effects, which consequently entailed jeopardising his own life...

Obediently, he retrieved the binoculars to his eyes, although he did not require the synthetic enhancement ⸺ he could discern their opponents from afar without this visual aid. The blazing sun scorched the back of his head as he lay on his stomach in the sand, obscured by strategically positioned rocks on a barren mountain that provided an adequate view of the wasteland, the red team and their asset.

‘Ensign Vozenilek is remiss in her duty to guard the south-east flank of the flag, Commander Riker still appears to be assigning tasks and contriving an assault team. Lieutenant Worf and Lieutenant D’Sora are absent, therefore it is plausible to postulate that they are already en route to establish the location of our flag,’ Data inferred as he scanned the sun-drenched location the computer had randomised for the red team. ‘It is difficult to extrapolate where the precise vulnerability of their team will manifest itself. Perhaps it is part of Commander Riker’s strategy; he must have made the prognosis that you would deploy me as a scout. If that is the case, this could be his stratagem to misguide me as I attempt to assess their tactics, situation and approach.’

The android lowered the binoculars and observed their opponent for several hydraulic circulations before his yellow eyes settled on Tasha, awaiting her acknowledgement. They could not remain here until Commander Riker effectuated his plans. They were not supplied with means of long-range communication; if they wished to apprise the rest of the blue team of their progress and their findings, they would have to do so in person...