Chapter 21: Family Reunion

Disclaimer: I don't own Star Trek. This is for fun. Enjoy and stay ethical.

Data sat at his desk in his quarters and checked his email and saw a letter in his inbox from Fenix. His eyes lit up and he smiled as he opened the letter.

Hey Data! Fenix here. I hope things are going good for you and the Enterprise crew. It's been two months since we last saw you and we both miss you very much. You wouldn't believe the adventures we've been through already! I'll tell you all about it. Lore says it's best if I tell the story since I'm a better story teller than he is. Between you and me, I think he's just being lazy. Anyways...

The first planet we ended up on was a weird-ass place. It was very backwards. It was like mid 1800's Earth, England. Women weren't allowed to walk around without a chaperone (another older female) and I got arrested for my indecent attire. (I was forced to wear a corset and a dress. To say it was uncomfortable was an understatement.) Since I was unmarried and I didn't have a chaperone, folks presumed I was Lore's harlot... as if! But there were some pretty need antiques there that we grabbed so we played the part of 'Lord Lore and his young whore'... Ugh. He had a good laugh at that scenario, I didn't find it amusing at all, kind of sucked. We sent you a beautiful pipe and some fine tobacco from there, I hope you like it.

The most recent planet visited was better than the last one. I believe it was called Ten No Meiyo. It was like 1500 warring states era, Japan. My adoptive mom's Japanese so I'm always intrigued by the history. We found the coolest swords there and the armoury was incredible. We found one that fitted Lore and sent it to you as a gift as well. I'm sure it'll fit you perfectly for an obvious reason. Somehow, Lore managed to get kidnapped by monks. They thought he was a God or some shit because of how he looks. A God, as if! Please. I don't know how but they overpowered him, I guess. I have a sneaking suspicion he kind of just... 'went with it' since I know he finds that kind of thing amusing. And I had to go on a rescue mission to save his sorry white ass. When I infiltrated the castle and reached the top, I see Lore dressed in one of the kimono regalia that a Tenno would typically wear and was pretending to be a fucking God! Of all the things that man put me through! He's sat on a thick gold and silk spun cushion and was all, "Ah, my Goddess finally arrived to take her place next to my throne. Come, sit and drink this sacred sake, my queen." I had my ninjaken in both hands like a total badass and ready to save this 'damsel in distress' and here he was... getting the royal treatment. I was about to go postal on his ass! But I did drink some sacred sake, it was divine and enlightening. We ended up having a few shits and giggles but that was probably the alcohol talking. This sake was so strong, even Lore got drunk! We still don't know what it is, or how it got him drunk. It was hilarious, he was giggling like a Japanese school-girl and pretending to be Emperor. I somehow ended up wearing the Empress's regalia and called myself Madam Butterfly as I danced around in the long-sleeved kimono singing Butterfly by Smile. Eventually, we left the castle and got back on our vessel. We snatched a bottle of the sacred sake on our way out. When we get together, you gotta try it! Oh, Lore wants to tell you something, too.

Hello Data, this is Lore. I hope you enjoyed Fenix's elaborate story telling skills. We're heading back to Omicron Theta for a bit before we take off again. Cute little Fenix says she misses home. If you're in our neck of the woods, let us know and we can meet. I would like that and I know Fenix would love to see you again, too. Take care, little brother.

Fenix here again, I forgot to tell you. We got hitched! I'll tell you more in the next mail, or maybe in person if things work in our favour. Don't be a stranger! Please tell the crew we said, 'hi'. Talk soon, peace out!

Lore and Fenix Soong

Data smiled after reading the mail and shortly after, he received a pipe with tobacco, and a Japanese-like ancient armour. He looked at the items curiously. He tried on the armour and sure enough, it fit him perfectly. He heard the door ring and commanded whomever it was to enter. "Wow Data. That armour looks great, it fits you perfectly!" Deanna complimented. "Yes, it is a gift from Lore and Fenix. I have just received email from them. Deanna, what does it mean to get 'hitched'?" Questioned Data. Deanna looked perplexed and answered, "It usually means 'married'. Why?" "Oh, Fenix informed me that her and Lore 'got hitched'. I did not quite understand what that meant." Data clarified. Deanna looked surprised and said, "They eloped? So soon. And she's so young." "Yes, she is young. But I believe their relationship is genuine and Lore will be good to her. He is the first android to ever marry." Data spoke in confidence. She smiled and agreed, "You're right, he definitely loves her dearly. So how are they doing?" Data perked up and replied, "They are doing quite well, Fenix had to rescue Lore's 'sorry white ass.' And they said, 'hi'." Deanna burst out laughing, "May I read that email? It was Fenix that wrote it, I presume." Data answered, "Yes, you may. She wrote most of it. Lore says her story telling skills are elaborate. I think you will enjoy it."

Lore and Fenix were about a day away from Omicron Theta. Lore looked at his left hand to see a slate grey titanium alloy ring on his ring finger as he piloted the vessel. Fenix was taking a break and eating rice and drinking tea. He looked over to her to see the matching ring on her dainty little finger and smiled. Fenix sobered up and apologized to Lore, "I'm sorry I chickened out on our wedding night. The ambiance was so sensual with the silk, fur, and fluffy bed, sakura blossoms everywhere and the candles, I wore that creamy silk kimono and feeling like a goddess. I felt like Aphrodite and I was totally in the mood, then I ate shit. I promise I'll make it up to you somehow." He laughed at that memory and reassured her, "Fenix, it's fine. I'm glad you felt like a goddess though. I want to make you feel that way more often." Lore thought back to their wedding night and it was a great night even if she couldn't make love to him, yet. It was a Japanese-like setting, very sensual. When Fenix stepped out of the shoji divider, she wore a white silk kimono-like robe that hung off of her lithe body like cream, Lore thought he'd died. She looked divine and seductive. Damn, she was a sex goddess. She displayed her body in the most sensual way, her confidence shone and reminded me when I pranked her on the holodeck, tricking her into giving me a lap dance. Except this time, she was actually dancing for me. Her sash started to become undone, her naked body peeking through every now and then. She danced closer to me, started kissing me as I slipped her robe off her body, for the first time I was able to see her fully naked. I laid her down on the bed; crushing the cherry blossoms giving off the most pleasant smell that mingled with her own delectable scent. I threw my robe off, showcasing my body for her in full. I loved how she looked at me... her face flush, love drunk purple eyes and full pink lips. My manhood stood rigid with anticipation as I leaned in to kiss her senseless. I made my way between her lovely thighs and touched her slick folds with my cock. I could tell she was ready as I suckled on her little nipple. She makes the cutest sounds when she's aroused. I loved how she squirmed; feeling too aroused to even think... my sweet innocent virgin wife just waiting to be taken by her husband... And then she suddenly backed down. Adorable. But at least she felt amazing. I enjoyed every bit of it. Still would be nice to be inside her one of these days. I wonder how incredible that would feel?

They reached Omicron Theta and parked the vessel. They unloaded their cargo and Fenix had an idea. "Lore, do you feel like jammin'? I've sat on my ass way too long even after the shower I'm still feeling ugh... You know?" Lore smiled, quirked his eyebrow and grabbed his drum sticks.

After a few hours, Lore suddenly abruptly stopped, "Fenix, collect your necessities, we're leaving now." He commanded, "What? Now? Okay..." She compelled with confusion. She grabbed her usual basics, in less than five minutes, they were back on the vessel and in space. Fenix scowled as her visit home was cut short and glanced over to Lore who piloted the vessel. What the hell, Lore? You're kinda wiggin' me out here. Then again... he looks very... focused? I wonder what got into him? Where are we going? Why the sudden need to leave? Ugh. Oh my god, just ask him. He's your husband for god's sake. Yeah, a husband that's super understanding about me chickening out on our wedding night. Man, I'm pathetic. How much am I going to test his patience!?

"Lore, why the sudden need to go wherever we're going? I'm curious." Fenix cautiously asked.

"Terlina III. Honestly, I don't know why. Please just trust me." Lore distractedly answered.

"Duh, of course I trust you. Let me know if you want me to help. I'm taking a nap." Fenix adjusted her seat and laid back; she had a feeling he needed some space.

Eventually, they reached the Terlina system and spotted the Enterprise. "Hey, isn't that the Enterprise? What's it doing here?" Fenix pondered. "It's Data. If I suddenly felt the need to come here then he would've been led here as well." Fenix pondered then it clicked, "Homing device. I bet you anything you guys have a homing device." A few moment later, the beamed down to the surface. Lore and Fenix walked hand in hand and entered a house. They saw Data and his father, Dr. Noonian Soong talking.

"Well this has turned into a family reunion. The two of you have a homing device in your brains. Data's was activated purposely. And you... well, I had no idea you had been reassembled." Dr. Soong admitted.

"No thanks to you. This is Fenix, she is my saving grace, she activated and FIXED me. I didn't need your help, I never needed you." Lore spat, full of resentment. Dr. Soong with wide-eyes looked at the very young-looking woman and asked her, "You fixed his emotional programming?" She felt awkward now as she answered, "Yes, I did. Seeing him left behind in pieces collecting dust broke my heart. We got a long enough for him to tell me about his flaw, so I fixed him. Then we became friends and the rest is history." Dr. Soong commented, "Remarkable, and so young!" Fenix blushed and meekly suggested, "Thanks, maybe I should step outside...give you guys some privacy... This seems like a family matter." She finished. "You are part of the family now, Fenix. Please stay." Data interjected. "Yes, I agree brother, Fenix, you stay." Lore reconfirmed. Dr. Soong looked at Lore and then at Fenix who wore matching wedding bands. "The apple didn't fall far from the tree." Dr. Soong quietly commented. Lore's eye twitched and ignored his comment as he confronted, "You left me in pieces, like garbage. And went ahead and built Data! Be grateful to Fenix she fixed me, old man."

"I had every intention to fix you. I'm sorry, Lore. The positronic net is meant to function logically, emotions are illogical. It was difficult to mix the two to function properly. The colonists... they were afraid of you. I had no choice. If I had known you were reactivated, I would've fixed you myself." Dr. Soong pleaded as he genuinely felt guilty how he treated Lore.

"Maybe one day I'll forgive you, but not today. I'll leave you with your beloved son. Fenix we're leaving." Lore ordered.

"Lore, wait! There are questions I can answer. You'll have no chance to ask them later. You see, I'm dying." Dr. Soong revealed.

"Dying from what, sir?" Data inquired.

"What? Wait a minute. What do you mean you're dying? You look fine. You're not that old. You look fine... What is this, some kind of a trick?" Lore's eyes held worry and sadness as he denied the obvious.

"I wish it was. You and I aren't as different as I first thought. I too, fell in love with a much younger woman; your mother, Julianna. She was young too, well... not quite as young as Fenix, but she was very intelligent, like Fenix. I can tell she's got a big heart to do what she did. Take a chance on you and never giving up." Dr. Soong spoke, he looked at his two sons and his now daughter-in-law and smiled warmly. "Lore, now is your chance to ask me anything, or tell me anything as I have with Data."

Fenix nodded at Lore to give him privacy and let go of his hand.

"Fenix, I must speak with you." Data stated. She nodded and they both stepped out. "Father offered me this, it is an emotion chip. He claims I will be able to feel emotions as Lore does. All my life, I wanted nothing more than to feel emotions and now I have been given this opportunity, I hesitate. I keep thinking back to when you told me that I already feel emotions, but differently... I am lost." Data confined in her. Fenix, touched his shoulders and spoke, "Data, if you want the chip installed, me, Lore, or your dad, and possibly Geordi can do it for you. If you want to explore the possibilities of what I said, I support you either way. The emotion chip is yours. The choice is yours. Just hold on to it." Data searched her purple eyes and came to a conclusion, "I will keep the chip, but I want to explore what I am capable of without it, for now. When the day comes, I want you to install it for me, dear sister." She smiled and embraced him into a hug, "It would be an honour, Data. I'm so happy for you. I love you, bro-in-law." Data then admits, "I wish I could feel it with you, sis-in-law." Fenix released him and reassured, "Baby steps, Data. You're doing great." They walked back into the house.

Meanwhile Lore was telling his tale on how he met Fenix, how he fell in love, her unique abilities and how she was from the 20th century. He smiled as he spoke highly about his teenaged wife. Dr. Soong was amazed of how Lore was capable of deeply loving and caring for someone; something he never expected but hoped. "Is she interested in cybernetics?" Dr. Soong asked Lore. "She probably would be, she likes fixing and creating; she's always tweaking this and that on me, making sure I'm in tip-top condition. Did you know, I'm now capable of swimming? But she's also very spirited; another reason why I gravitated to her, she doesn't want to be held down by a job, at least for now." "She could continue my research. You and her." Dr. Soong hinted. Lore thought momentarily and replied, "Only if she wanted to, it would be on her terms."

"What would be on my terms?" Fenix interjected casually.

"You and Lore to inherit my research." Dr. Soong answered.

"Oh, wow. Really? That would be rad. Lore, we could make more androids so you and Data aren't the only ones." She chirped.

"Actually, there's another one... His name is B4 and he was made before Lore. He was a prototype so he's not anywhere as advanced as Data and Lore."

"He's the eldest Soong brother. That makes Lore the middle child... Explains a lot." Fenix teased. Lore scowled not understanding her implications.

"It seems to be the case every time, whether its biological siblings or in my case, android siblings." Dr. Soong sighed. Fenix saw Lore's confused scowl and elaborated. "What we mean is that, the eldest child (B4) is praised for being the first experiment for the parents, and the eldest just tries his best so they get the love and praise from the parents. The youngest (little brother Data) is the cute baby of the family so they get the love and praise of both parents. The middle kid (that's you Lore) kinda gets the shit end of the stick by getting neglected since all the attention is spread out between the eldest and the youngest, so the middle kid usually becomes troubled and rebellious." Lore had his head tilted, ready to retort but he couldn't, seeing how unusually accurate she was.

"Fenix, you are an only child correct?" Data asked.

"Yes I am. Being the only child has its own issues. You either get spoiled or you get your parents riding your ass like crazy. In my case, it was both. Dad always praised me and got me things, I was totally daddy's little girl and mom was the dictator. I always wished I had a sibling so I didn't have to suffer my mom's wrath on my own. But now I gained a brother." Fenix concluded and winked at Data. He winked back at what she had said.

"Fenix, welcome to the family." Dr. Soong invited. She walked over and gave him a hug. "Thank you, I'm glad to have met you, Papa Soong." he chuckled at his newly bestowed nickname. "I'm so happy to see Lore come a long way. I'm glad he married you. Thank you for taking care of him when I wasn't able to..." He thanked her. "It was my pleasure. I thought he could use a second chance."

"Data, I'm sorry I expressed my disappointment in you earlier. If being in Starfleet gives your life meaning, by all means. Working on the Enterprise will enrich your life and learning. Besides... Fenix seems interested in carrying on my work with Lore... one of these days... With a little help from Lore, she won't really need much help to figure it all out." Soong kindly voiced.

Dr. Soong grabbed his chest, Lore caught him just as he started to stumble onto the floor. "Father!" Lore exclaimed. "What is wrong, father?" Data asked. "I'm not longed for this world anymore, I'm glad to have finally talk to you both before I pass... and... to meet you wife, Lore. Fenix, please take good care of Lore. He needs you more than he leads on." Fenix held his hand and nodded. "Father, I cannot grieve losing you. I am sorry." Data stated. "You'll find your own way, Data. What Fenix said... she's right... feeling emotions differently as she put it... you'll get there... I love you Data, and... Lore..." With his last breath, he left the physical world leaving only an empty shell. "Father, no!" Lore cried; his voice raspy as he held onto his father. Fenix stood up as she shed tears; she cried for Lore, and she cried for Data who couldn't grieve. Data gently touched her hand and held it; Fenix squeezed back.

They buried Dr. Noonian Soong. Data urged Lore and Fenix to join him on the Enterprise for a while especially after their father's passing. Lore stared at his father's burial site, never letting go of Fenix's hand. He held it as a life-line. "Lore, it might be a good idea to join Data. And I'm always here for you, too. I had to deal with the loss of my parents and everything I knew disappear in an instant when I was put into this time." Fenix reassured. "Does it get easier?" Lore asked. "No. But you get used to it to the point where it doesn't affect your day to day life. Eventually you accept it and by that time comes, you hardly ever cry again." Lore looked at Fenix understanding how she felt when her world and everyone she loved was taken from her. But she still stood by his side, gave him a chance at life, and didn't let her situation jade her. Lore looked to Data, "We'll join you for a bit. I'm sure you have a lot on your mind, too. Besides, I know Fenix didn't get her counselling session with Deanna before we left last time." Data nodded.