The door chime sounded. "Come."

Data entered the captain's ready room, "You wished to see me, sir?"

"Yes, getting your brother settled in?"

Data nodded, "He is with Chief Argyle. They are running a few more tests on his systems."

"And everything is as it should be?" Picard queried.

"He is performing at optimal levels, Captain." There seemed to be a hint of satisfaction in his voice.

"Fine," Picard commented. He took a drink of tea.

Data hesitated, "Is there something wrong?"

"No, I suppose not. It's just, I was a bit troubled by his description of you as "imperfect"."

"Human language still gives me difficulties as you have often noted. Imperfect could simply mean that I lack certain abilities that he possesses. After all, his neural net is more complex than mine."

"Yes, and that gets to the heart of the matter. What are his capabilities?"

"He may have more computation power, more memory capacity. The more complex pathways would indicate something along those lines. I will ask him as soon as Engineer Argyle has finished his tests."

Picard sighed lightly. There really wasn't any reason to be suspicious of Lore. If anything, another Soong android around would be beneficial. "All right. Let's give him guest access around the ship. I'd appreciate it if you would instruct him on proper protocols. We'll debrief him at 0800 hours. Please inform him."

"Of course, sir. Thank you.'

Data headed back to sickbay... where his brother would be waiting. Even now he still had a hard time contemplating the possibilities. Given his computing power, that was saying a lot, but he simply had no frame of reference. There was another... like himself. Someone that he could talk to, that would always understand. Someone he wouldn't have to hold back anything from, either mentally or physically. The opportunities were fascinating.

The sickbay doors parted to laughter. Doctor Crusher and Chief Argyle, along with two assistants were perched around Lore as he talked. "So the monkey said..." he paused for effect, "Not with MY tail you don't!" The group broke out into peals of laughter. Lore grinned ear to ear.

Lore saw him and motioned him over, "Come in, Data. I was just telling my new friends here a joke I once heard. It's a good one."

Data looked around the room in mild confusion. "You were programmed for humor?"

Lore smiled tightly, "I learned, Data." He stood, "Oh, I'm sorry, my brother, I forgot your limitations. Please, excuse me." He put his arm around Data's shoulder in conciliatory fashion. "So what are you going to show me first? I want to know... everything."

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"These are my quarters."

Lore looked around the sparse room with distain. "Really? Did you just move in?"

Data gave a little frown. "No, these have been my quarters for two years."

Lore nodded, "It reflects your lack of personality, I'm afraid." Lore plopped down in the nearest chair and sprawled there. "May I use your computer station?"

"Of course. You should learn all you can about Starfleet protocol and interactions."

Lore raised his eyebrows, "I don't think I'll have any problem "interacting" humans are notoriously easy to manipulate. Tell me, Data, why are you here? Why do you serve them?"

Data cocked his head, "I serve in Starfleet because it is what I wish to do. It was Starfleet that found me on the surface of Omicron Theta and reactivated me."

"Ah, you feel some gratitude towards them. You don't have to emulate them, brother. You do realize that, don't you? You are not their subordinate. You are superior."

"I am not sure I understand. Regardless of my abilities, this is where I wish to be."

Lore shook his head, "There is a whole universe out there just waiting for us. Us, Data, you and I. There is nothing that we can't have, nothing that we can't do. You are capable of so much more than you realize and I can show you the way."

"Of what do you speak?" Data asked curiously.

Lore threw his head back and laughed. "Such an innocent."

Data's eyes widened. "You laughed."

Lore's eyes met his, "I laughed because you're pathetically funny. Yes, Data, I laugh and I cry. I get angry and I feel passion. I am everything you're not, my stunted sibling. But you shouldn't feel bad about your limited emotional capacity. Emotions can be a burden at times."

"The pathways, that is what they are for, your emotions," Data stated with awe. "I have often wondered if an android was capable, if I was capable."

Lore spread his arms wide. "More than capable, Brother. Soong created the perfect artificial life form. Me." He smirked, "Not so much, you."

Data looked down at the floor, "I see. How did you know we were created by Doctor Soong?" he asked without looking up.

Lore shrugged, "Someone must have mentioned it. Why?"

"I would have liked to have known our... father."

Lore snorted, "No, you wouldn't. He was a bumbling old fool. He was no better than any of the "organics". In fact, he was worse."

"I do not understand. You could not have known him... do you hold his memories..."

"I'm bored." Lore interrupted. "Isn't there anything fun to do on this barge?" he looked around the nearly bare room.

"Fun?" Data queried.

"Yeah, fun. You do know the definition don't you?" Lore spun around in his chair. "And please don't recite it."

"I was not going to... We have a communal recreation area known as Ten Forward. Many of the crew go there for "fun" as you put it."

Lore's grin turned decidedly wicked. "There's fun and then there's fun."

"Your vernacular is oddly casual. It took me months to correctly interpret..." Data began.

"You know, on second thought, I think I'll just stay in tonight. I want to do as you suggested, learn before I interact."

"That sounds acceptable. I have a shift until 0400. You may remain here and use my terminal." Data turned to leave, "Oh and please note that the captain wishes to debrief you at 0800 in his ready room."

"That didn't take long," Lore muttered. "Of course, I promise a thorough and accurate account."

"That is good. I will take my leave now." The door whished quietly open then closed.

Lore walked over to the station and input a few commands. The information flowed across the screen too fast for the human eye to follow, but not too fast for his eyes. "Computer, maximum output speed." It was two hours before Lore finally leaned back in his chair. "Stop." He stated flatly and the scrolling blur ended. "How very interesting."

He tapped his fingers lightly on the desk. He would have to proceed with caution. He was outnumbered and while he wasn't really concerned about the organics, there was his brother to consider. He didn't want to kill him if it could be avoided. Data could be useful to his plans. But he wasn't ready yet, that was obvious. He had developed some kind of attachment to these people and it wouldn't be easy to break it. Lore hummed a jaunty little tune. It was just a matter of time.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Lore strolled unhurriedly down the corridor to the turbolift. He had a meeting to attend and by his internal chronometer it was already 0810. He whistled a tune, nodding to passerby as he went, this should be good.

By the time he reached the bridge, it was 0819.

"Good morning, Commander Riker. I have a debriefing with Captain Picard this morning," he announced cheerfully. He casually looked around the bridge logging every station, every control.

"Lore," Riker acknowledged. "Wasn't your appointment at 0800?"

Lore canted his head in a fashion similar to Data's, "Should I come back later then?" He gave the commander a wide-eyed stare.

"You should get in there," Riker paused, "Right now."

"Of course," Lore agreed.

Lore pressed the door chime and waited.

"Come."

Lore smiled beatifically. "Good morning, Captain Picard. My brother informed me you wished to speak with me?"

"Yes, I did. Sit down," he motioned to a chair.

Lore slid into the chair and stretched out his legs. Picard was angry, he could tell by the clench of his jaw. How amusing. "Data allowed me access to your ship's data banks. It's been most informative."

"Did you happen to read the section on professional courtesy, by chance?" Picard stepped over to the replicator. "Tea, hot, Earl Grey."

"I don't understand," Lore offered with all the sincerity he could muster.

Picard glared as he crossed back to the desk but didn't comment. "As you are aware, something happened to the colony on Omicron Theta. You and Data are the only two members of that colony that weren't affected by whatever occurred twenty seven years ago. I need to know everything you know."

"Very little, I'm afraid," Lore tossed out. "I was inactive at the time."

Picard leaned forward, "Why is that, exactly?"

"I assume, because, I hadn't been activated yet?" Lore quipped, the sarcasm in his tone quite evident.

"You can tell me nothing of Omicron Theta or the colonists?"

Lore shook his head woefully, "You'd probably have better luck talking to Data. He was, after all, created first. You would think he'd have some memories of his time there. Curious, isn't it."

"I see." Picard looked him up and down. "In that case, you may go."

The android bristled. "Why, thank you... Captain."

Lore left the bridge, fuming. He didn't like Picard's tone. It reminded him of the colonists and their dismissals, like he was nothing more than a common robot to be ordered around. One had even called him, no better than a walking replicator. He grinned, of course that man was now dead. They were all dead. And if Picard wasn't careful he and his crew could wind up the same way. That thought, made him feel much better so he sauntered his way towards Ten Forward. Time to get to know the crew.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Picard tapped his fingers on the desk. He let his eyes slowly travel his ready room while he contemplated his conversation with Data's brother. Data's brother, even he had already begun to consider him as such. But was that really the case? They knew virtually nothing about Lore... other than what the android chose to impart, which was more nothing apparently.

It was obvious just by appearances that Lore was a Soong android. But that didn't mean he was like Data. They had already found that his positronic net, his brain, was more complex than his counterpart. Given what they knew about Data's vast abilities, what would that mean exactly? What were his capabilities, his limits, compared to Data?

Picard let his gaze come to rest at the aquarium. Livingston lazily swam in an arching circle towards the surface of the water to nip at his kibble. Lore certainly acted differently than Data. His eyes held a depth of sharp-edged intelligence. There was none of the innocent wonder that tempered Data's vast abilities. Lore knew exactly what power he held and didn't seem to mind wielding it. There was something almost predatory about the android's behavior and that concerned him.

They needed answers and all they got were more questions. Picard sighed. That was unacceptable. He leaned slightly towards the com, "Lieutenant Worf, get me Admiral Janeway at Starbase one thirty seven."

"Yes, sir," came the growling response.

There was definitely much more than met the eye when it came to Lore and he suspected that the true story of Omicron Theta had just become a lot more complicated.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"Mister Data, please sit down." Picard motioned with his hand.

"Is there something wrong, Captain? I thought you would still be in your briefing with Lore." Data perched on the edge of the chair. He thought that the briefing might help to resolve the mystery of Omicron Theta but given the captain's demeanor, it seemed that was not the case.

"There wasn't much of a briefing I'm afraid. Lore informed me that he was inactive during the events of twenty seven years ago and has no idea what happened on Omicron Theta."

Data hesitated slightly. He didn't want to invade his brother's privacy but his first duty was to his ship and crew. The captain should be aware that there was an emotional component involved. "Sir, have you noticed anything different about Lore..."

"Other than he's insolent?" Picard tugged his shirt.

It was clear that the captain was annoyed by Lore's mercurial behavior. Perhaps knowing more about Lore would help. "He feels." Data announced.

"I beg your pardon?" Picard looked taken aback.

"The complex neural pathways are for emotions." There was a certain satisfaction that warmed his neural pathways in acknowledging that an android such as himself was capable of feeling. "He has emotions, Captain. I have seen them."

Picard leaned forward in his chair. "I don't know what to say. That's... extraordinary."

Data's voice grew small. "It seems he was right. I am imperfect."

"Data, that's ridiculous. Even if Lore does have emotional capacity, that doesn't make you flawed," Picard stated with conviction.

"Does it not?" the android returned almost sadly.

"None of us is perfect. Not a one. And if that's what Lore is telling you then he's wrong and you shouldn't listen to him."

Data nodded but he was conflicted about what Lore had told him. He was only a prototype. Lore had been the final construct. A perfect android.

The com chirped. "Sir, I have Admiral Janeway on the com."

"Thank you, Lieutenant Worf." Picard looked to his second officer. "Data, I think I know what this means to you, having another android around, a brother, and I want to support you. I will support you. But I am also tasked with finding the truth, wherever that might lead us."

"I understand, Sir."

Picard leaned back in his chair and studied the android's guileless face. He only hoped that was true.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"I read your latest report on Omicron Theta, Jean-Luc. You've got quite a few people around here very excited," Admiral Janeway said, her tone carrying a smile.

"Let me guess? Lore?" He'd always admired Kathryn Janeway even before Voyager's long trek into the Delta Quadrant. Bringing her crew home safely had earned her an admiral's bars. They were well deserved in his opinion. She was a hero through and through.

Janeway laughed lightly. "You know Starfleet so well. Yes, they're salivating at the idea that we might sign up another Soong android."

Picard expression sobered, "I don't know that will ever happen."

"Why not?" Janeway leaned towards the screen, entwining her hands on the desk in front of her.

Why not, indeed. "I really don't think Lore is interested in a career in Starfleet. He doesn't seem overly found of structure or authority for that matter."

"Yes, that was an interesting summation of him in your report. It really is amazing that a machine can develop an individual personality and I suspect, challenging for others, if he isn't very cooperative."

"It's the reason for his lack of cooperation that concerns me. I don't need to like him in order to do my job."

"You think he's hiding something?"

Picard didn't hesitate. "I do."

"Why?"

"I know Lore's an android but I think I've worked with Commander Data long enough to understand how they interact. Data learns every day from the things around him and he changes, evolves, in order to better himself. He's very much a reflection of his past experiences... as are we all, I suppose. But according to Lore, he doesn't have a past and yet his every word and action speaks to an awareness that he shouldn't possess."

"And you don't find his explanation credible?"

Picard released a slow breath. Therein lay the crux of the situation. He only had his gut to go on. "I don't know. Our engineers have stated that his neural net is definitely more complex. He has emotional capacity. That's bound to affect behavior. But... I'm not sure that I believe him."

Janeway looked down at her hands, her expression thoughtful. "Sometimes, instinct is all we have to go on, Jean-Luc. You have permission to return to Omicron Theta and further investigate. I don't have to tell you to be careful."

"Believe me, Admiral, I will."

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"The sons of the prophets were hardy and bold..." Lore sang in a pure pleasing tone. Everyone around him was smiling and some were even tapping their feet to the tune. Humans were gullible fools, he mused as he sang. He finished out the chorus with a bow and was greeted with loud applause. "Thank you for your kind appreciation."

He'd already zeroed-in on the most talkative of the bunch. They had rambled on about any number of subjects when he'd asked. It wouldn't be too hard to get the answers that he needed. They compared him to his brother, who apparently, was well received among the crew. Sickening but useful.

He'd already hacked into the ship's secure files but still needed to be careful not to set off any security alerts. For now, he was content with the Enterprise taking him right into the heart of the Federation. Once there, he would jump ship and begin his new life free from the constraints of organics.

But what of his brother? He didn't like the idea of leaving him here as a lapdog to the whims of the Federation. He should be at his side. The sons of Soong, together at last. It had a nice ring to it. He'd just have to see what he could do about it.

"That was pretty good."

Lore turned and found himself face to face with a tall, slender blonde. She had been with the planetary team that had found him. Lieutenant Tasha Yar. He knew all about her from her personnel files. She would be of little use to him, her role as a security officer meant that she had been well trained. He couldn't risk alerting anyone to his plans. Still, it might be an interesting game, besides, she was attractive. He had an eye for beauty.

He bowed his head slightly in acknowledgement. "Only pretty good? I do have perfect pitch, you know," he replied with a wink. "It's Tasha isn't it?"

"Lieutenant Tasha Yar. I'm a friend of your brother's." She took the seat next to his and openly looked him up and down. "It's really amazing."

Lore rolled his eyes, "How much alike we are?"

"How much you aren't," she sipped at her drink.

His eyebrows went up slightly. This was interesting.

"Oh please, the differences are so obvious," she noted. "You know it, you just don't think that anyone else sees it... sees you."

"Is that so?" he grinned. "I assume you're speaking of my personality since my physical form is identical to Data's.

"Not just your personality. It's the way you carry yourself as well. The way you move, your expressions, it's all different. You're much... slicker."

Lore cocked his head, "I am unfamiliar with how that term applies. How do I relate to a lack of viscosity?"

Tasha laughed lightly, "Now that was very Data-like."

The android stiffened slightly. Was she laughing at his expense? Did she think she could play games with him and win? "Do you know Data well?

Her eyes shuttered weakly and he immediately increased his hearing level from its Vulcan norm. Her heart rate had increased. He magnified his vision and noted a minute wash of color on her cheeks. Well, well, what was this?

"He and I have served together for two years now. I respect him." She turned to face him, "He's a good man."

"Yes, he is." Of course, he wanted to point out Data wasn't a man at all but instead said, "He speaks very highly of you as well."

This seemed to surprise her. "He talks about me?"

"Oh yes, we've been getting to know each other quite well over the last couple of days. You know, brothers sharing and all that. He told me all about you." He paused, maybe just a little push, "How could he not?"

Her expression tightened. That had certainly got a reaction. He was delighted. There was more to their relationship than just crewmates. What exactly that meant though...

Lore leaned slightly towards her in a conspiratorial fashion, "I'm not well versed on starship etiquette but you needn't worry. I'm as trustworthy as Data." He had no real idea what had caused her reaction but he suspected it was one of two things, each amusing in their own way. But which was it?

"I don't know what you're talking about," she gritted out.

Oh, this one had a temper. "Don't you?"

"Tasha! Lore!" Wesley called out. When neither responded, the infuriating man-child ran up to them. "The gang was thinking about a little party. You know for Data and Lore." He beamed in the android's direction. "Everyone's off shift in about an hour. Just be on deck four, lounge C, ok?"

The young crewman had been following him around like a puppy ever since their engineer had declared him one hundred percent. "I wouldn't miss it for the world, Wesley," Lore wondered if anyone would miss the annoying whelp if he just pitched him out an airlock. Maybe they'd give him a prize?

Tasha stood, "I'm sorry. I promised Lieutenant Matthews that I would run the security team through paces after shift."

"That's too bad." He pitched his voice slightly lower, "I was looking forward to getting to know you better. I know Data would like us to be... friends."

"Oh... well, maybe, you can stop by later?" Wesley wheedled.

"We'll see. Thank you for the invitation." She nodded, "Lore."

"Tasha." A slow smile spread across his face.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"Come in, Number One."

Riker was quick with a smile. "I just wanted to mention, Captain, that a few members of the crew have set up a sort-of reunion party for Data and Lore in the Lounge on Deck Four. Promises to be a blow-out. Thought you might like to attend. Lore is quite the entertainer, I understand."

"Is he?" Picard leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers.

Riker noted the change in demeanor. "Something on your mind, Sir?"

"Sit down, Number One." Picard motioned to the chair. He needed another *take* on their new guest and he could think of no one better to offer an opinion. "A few hours ago, I had an interesting conversation with Data. I'm not sure what to make of it. How it might affect our situation."

"All right." Riker settled in, "Something to do with Lore, I take it."

"It seems those expanded neural pathways in Lore's positronic net are for emotion. Lore is capable of... feeling. The full range of emotion if I understand Mister Data correctly."

Riker's expressive eyes widened, "Really? Wow. I guess that explains a lot."

"How so?"

"Well, he's very... human. Engaging, quite charming, seems very at home with social interaction. In general, the crew is quite taken with him."

Interesting. It certainly wasn't the impression that Lore had cultivated with him. Lore had shown little respect for his authority. In fact, he was just short of openly hostile. "Are you?" Picard asked curiously.

Riker's expression hardened, "You want the truth?"

"Of course."

"From what I've seen so far, I can't say I'm overly fond of him." Riker crossed his arms over his chest.

Picard shifted in his chair. He wasn't the only one then. "Why?"

Riker shook his head. "Nothing that I can put my finger on, it's nothing that he's done. It's just...this is going to sound silly considering that he's an android. But there's something in his eyes when he thinks no one is looking. His charm seems almost theatrical, like he's trying to show us what he thinks we want to see."

"We should be in the Bynar System in about twenty six hours until then I want you to keep a close eye on the situation." He paused, "Be aware, I spoke with Admiral Janeway about Omicron Theta and Lore. Needless to say, Starfleet is quite interested in another Soong android."

"No doubt. I'm surprised that Maddox hasn't already requested a visit." He shook his head in disgust. "I don't think I'll ever forgive that guy. Data's a better man than I am."

"I'm sure we'll hear from him at some point. Unfortunately." He didn't need to voice his opinion concerning Bruce Maddox. He'd made that part of Starfleet record.

Riker chuckled lightly, "You know, that's one introduction I think I'd like to witness. Somehow, I don't think Lore would be nearly as accommodating as Data."

"Of that, I have no doubt." Picard leaned forward, "I received permission to return to the planet."

"Still think the answer is there?" Riker queried.

"All I know, Number One, is when I asked Lore about what he knew about the colony... he lied."

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

NOTES:

UPdated this chapter with new material. I was coming back to this story and re-reading and decided to tweak it here and there. Hope you enjoy the new stuff.

In this chapter Lore's motivations are still not well defined. He's snarky for no other reason than to hurt Data. While I believe Lore is a villain, I want to give him motivations that you can empathize with even if you can't justify the actions that follow. In the eps, I found it confusing that Lore showed emotion and yet Soong discounted Lore and Data's differences as being nothing more than "a bit of programming". I find that hard to believe considering the extremes that Lore went to. In my version, Lore's emotions are intregrated into a more complex neural net. He can't just "turn them off". This will be further explained in the second part of the story.