A/N: I wrote this story a long time ago. It was published in a fanzine called Data Entries which used to arrive monthly by snail mail. (Yup, when I said a long time ago, I meant it.) Anyway, I just found it buried under a mountain of clutter in my Cupboard of Doom, so I've decided to post it here on ffnet. :)

It's set just after Lore is deactivated at the end of Descent part II. Poor Lore, what did he ever do that was so wrong, besides a bit of killing and attempted genocide.

Anyway, yeah- here's the story. Short and sappy.

Waiting

"Nooooo!" The android's scream was harsh, tearing through the air like a steel blade. How could Data fail to hear it? He flung his head back, feeling his throat pull taut. In frustration he clamped his eyelids shut. "It's a bad dream," he whispered to himself. "It's just a bad dream..."

He opened his eyes slowly.

"Lore." The voice was quiet and oddly soothing. Lore knew little about comfort, but the voice was familiar and Lore felt his systems calming down. His gaze focused, and his yellow eyes met blue ones in the face that was his own.

"Father?" He heard his own voice, small and uncertain.

"It's me, Lore." Dr. Soong smiled, and Lore felt a burning sensation in the back of his throat. Soong shook his head slowly.

"Another fine mess," he sighed.

"I failed, Father," Lore whispered. "I was so sure I had all the answers, and now I find I had no more than I ever did."

Dr. Soong stroked the back of Lore's head. There was no open flap, no exposed circuits. Just smooth, shiny hair. "My son," he said gently. "You asked the wrong questions."

Lore's lips twitched into a bemused smile. "I was trying to prove myself."

"That was always a big thing with you, wasn't it?" said Soong. He gave the barest of chuckles. "Oh, Lore. There's so much you need to learn. Now I can afford you the second chance that eluded me before. It looks as though we may be together for some time."

Soong took his hand away and allowed Lore to sit upright- and then, when he realised he was functioning perfectly, to stand. Lore stood head to head with his Creator, and felt strangely touched by his Creator's smile.

Lore turned around and had to be steadied by Soong as he watched his body being dismantled. Data's face was impassive- too impassive. Lore could see the set of his brother's jaw.

"He feels."

"Of course he feels."

"I told him I loved him. Do you think he knows?"

"If you truly meant it, Lore, then he will know."

"I meant it," said Lore. "My brother. I've made so many mistakes. Why do I only realise that now?"

"Because for now you are free of your programming. We must wait, as must your brother. In the time ahead of us, I will teach you as I would have done before, had-" Soong paused and gave Lore's arm a gentle squeeze, "-had things turned out differently." Soong stepped forward and leaned over the jigsaw puzzle body of his first creation and was pleased to see that Data had closed its eyelids. Data was kneeling beside Lore's head, preparing to detach it from the shoulders.

"I wish you could see me Data," he said. He thought he saw Data's eyes flicker upwards for a second, but then he realised his second son was probably just accessing some necessary information. Data proceeded to remove Lore's head.

"Don't drop that," warned Lore over Soong's shoulder.

As the head came away, Soong stood up and saw Lore grimacing. "We don't have to watch any more," he said. "Come. Data will take care of you, you know that."

Soong took Lore by the elbow and began to turn away. Lore felt suddenly reluctant, but allowed himself to be led. His father's eyes were tranquil and wise, and somehow Lore knew he would be safe.

"Goodbye, Data," he said, and for once his smile lit up his eyes. "And don't forget, kiddo- you've still got a big brother. I'm only waiting."

End