A/N: You all are fantastic. Thank you for the kudos, likes, and reviews.
This is AU. It's dark. Eventually there's smut. If that's no' your cuppa tea, then read something else.
This will be multi-chapter. Inspired by the TextsFromTNG Tumblr meme "I accidently slept with my boyfriend's twin last night and he didn't stop me."
I would like to make clear that - in no way – do I attempt to speak for an entire community. Sexual violence impacts everyone differently. This story may not reflect your own experience or the experiences of others you know.
I can only write from my own experience. Some people prefer the term "victim" others prefer "survivor." In my head canon, I envision Tasha as being someone that prefers the term "survivor."
C/W: Contains abusive behaviour, smut, and dub con/rape. Will contain Data/Tasha fluff and eventual smut. Lore is a master of manipulation. Lore/Beverly (but it's not what it seems).
This is a fic in which Lore (still his loveably flawed, chaotic self) plays the long con before showing his true colours. Also, Lore and Data have significantly greater capacity to feel than canon suggests.
For a bit of trivia – the origin of the name 'Yar' is Kurdish and it means "lover or my love". I utilised this in the storytelling on Tasha's background.
Data left Captain Picard's quarters feeling more unsure of himself than he had before entering. He felt that despite good intentions, Captain Picard didn't quite grasp the situation. But there was something nagging at him inside.
The Captain was right. He had absolutely no practical experience with siblings. He had certainly read extensively on the subject and was aware that the sibling bond could be at odds with itself due to competitiveness and animosity.
He couldn't explain it, but this wasn't sibling rivalry. It just didn't feel right.
Data told himself if this truly was the human experience of having a sibling, this was one human aspect he didn't want to know.
He stopped in front of his door and punched in his access code to his personal quarters.
The door slid open, and Data's breath hitched.
Tasha.
She was asleep on the sofa in the main room of his quarters, face buried into a pillow.
He lightly padded his way across the floor and silently knelt down next to the sofa.
"Tasha," he said quietly as he gently put his hand on her back.
She shifted under his hand and rolled to her side.
"Hey," she said as she opened her eyes.
She grabbed Data's hand and brought it to her lips.
"I'm sorry," she told him.
"You have nothing to apologise for," he assured her.
"I shouldn't have snapped at you," she replied.
"It's quite alright," he responded.
Tasha sat up and pulled her legs back to give Data room to sit on the sofa properly.
"Why didn't you tell me about the incident in the Jefferies tube," she asked.
"I did not have sufficient evidence to implicate Lore," Data stated.
"But I'm the Chief of Security. It's my responsibility to investigate it, Data. Not yours," Tasha replied.
Data looked down as he contemplated her words.
"Data, I know you're trying to protect me, but I need you understand I can't face this if you aren't going to let me do my role," she explained.
Data didn't respond.
"Please understand that I have a lot of conflicting feelings about what happened. I couldn't – I mean I had to tell myself that," Tasha stopped as she struggled to find the words. "I just thought that was all behind me. I didn't think I would ever have to do this again. Not here. Not in the Federation."
She wiped her eyes with her sleeve.
"May I hold you?" Data asked.
He was uncertain if physical intimacy would be unwelcome. The last thing he wanted to do was make her uncomfortable.
Tasha looked at him apologetically before looking away. Data nodded in understanding. He wanted to pull her close and let her know he would keep her safe, but he knew it was important to go at her pace.
"It was supposed to be safe. It's my job to make sure this ship is safe. And I failed," she said as she ran her fingers across her cheeks, wiping away a fresh batch of tears.
"You did not fail," Data reassured her.
"I should have known," she said, the feeling of guilt overtaking her.
"You could not have known. I believe it was his intention to deceive you. We are identical in almost-" Data started to say but Tasha stopped him.
"You're nothing like him," Tasha said firmly as she turned to look back at Data. "I'm sorry I didn't understand before."
"I apologise that I did not inform you of the incident with the Jefferies tube," Data said.
"I don't want to lose you," Tasha confessed.
"I do not intend to 'go anywhere'," Data assured her.
Silence fell between the two. Tasha reached out and tentatively took his hand.
Internally, Data breathed a sigh of relief.
"What do you want to do about it?" Data asked her.
Tasha inhaled sharply and tried to steady her voice before answering.
"Data I can't," she swallowed hard. "I can't go through that again. We don't have any evidence to prove it. I think it was clear the intention was to hurt you. We can't prove anything."
"I will be with you," Data said as he gave her hand a small squeeze. "Every step."
Tasha paused and threw her back against the sofa.
"I don't want to. I can't. I don't want the questions and the gossip and the stares. I don't people to think I was somehow overpowered. And if the truth came out about it, I don't think I could deal with-"
She trailed off. Data did not respond; he wasn't sure what he could say.
"There would be questions, Data. Questions about my ability to do my job. Questions about why I allowed it. Questions about us," she said softly. "And not that I'm embarrassed about us. But we both know we can't have this relationship out in the open."
"I understand," Data said, nodding.
He knew Tasha felt no shame or embarrassment about their relationship. They had mutually agreed it was best to keep their partnership private for the safety of the crew and for their own sanity. They did not wish to run afoul of Starfleet regulations. And neither wanted to become a piece of gossip amongst the crew.
There were plenty that viewed Data with prejudice. He was already a topic of conversation behind closed doors. The last thing he wanted was to drag Tasha into that.
"May I suggest we develop a form of security question to ensure there is no further deception," Data recommended.
Tasha froze.
Would Lore try something again?
"I do not believe he will attempt such an act again," Data said, suddenly realising his comment probably planted the alarming thought in her mind.
"Right," Tasha said cynically, not fully believing that to be the case.
"I am monitoring him," Data told her.
"I figured," Tasha sighed.
"As for the matter of the security question, it would seem a common one for humans is the mother's maiden name," Data said.
"I don't know," Tasha shrugged.
Her parents had died when she was five. She never knew their names. They'd been taken in by traders that had found them while rummaging their camp a few days later.
"We don't really have family names on Turkana. Their based on your occupation or allegiance not who you're born to," Tasha explained.
"Then what is the meaning of Yar?" Data questioned.
There was little available on the Turkanan language.
"At one time it meant 'lover.' It was a title used to refer to the primary wife of a warlord. But it hasn't been used that way for at least hundred years," Tasha explained. "Now it's the term they use for people that are sold in slavery. As the man that sold me once said - it's the name they give all the whores."
Data looked taken aback, his golden eyes wide at the realisation that she'd been living under this term for years and they had never known.
"So, you see, Data. I don't want to have to talk about being a survivor. I can't go through that again because I already have to wear that label every day," Tasha said.
"You sent for me, sir?" Beverly asked as she stepped into Captain Picard's ready room.
"Yes, Doctor. Sit down. Look, this perhaps may be nothing, but I've been feeling a bit odd of late. Fatigued. And now I've got this damned headache," Picard explained.
Beverly looked at him with concern. Headaches were extremely rare outside of injury or medical conditions that could cause them. Although once common on ancient Earth, it was extremely uncommon for humans to naturally encounter a headache.
"A what?" Beverly asked incredulously.
Jean-Luc was in good health. There was no sensible reason he should be experiencing a headache.
"Headache. Headache, Doctor. Surely you know what a headache is," he replied, frustrated.
"Of course," she assured him. "But I don't often encounter them."
Jean-Luc knew it was unusual, hence why he had summoned her. However, he was certain it was nothing more than the stress of their upcoming meeting with the Ferengi.
Starfleet had ordered them to rendezvous with a Ferengi vessel that had requested a meeting with the Enterprise in the Xendi Sabu system. They had been given no detail about the reason behind the encounter and that left Jean-Luc apprehensive.
Beverly pulled out her tricorder and began to scan the Captain.
"The reason is obvious, of course. What are the Ferengi up to? 'Stand by Enterprise.' Stand by for what?" Picard said with an exasperated sigh.
"I don't see a thing wrong," Beverly said as she snapped her tricorder shut.
"No, neither can I. Unless, they're baiting some kind of trap," Picard surmised aloud.
"With your head," Beverly said smiled to herself. "I see nothing physically wrong, but I want to run some additional scans in sickbay."
While the tricorder was a handy device, it was no match for the medical equipment at her disposal in sickbay. She suspected it likely was the Ferengi troubling him, but she wanted to rule out any medical reasons to be safe. Jean-Luc was not a man that enjoyed rest and she had warned him numerous times before that he needed to take care of himself.
"Doctor all I've got is-" Picard started to protest but was cut off by Doctor Crusher.
"Is an order to report to sickbay," Beverly stated before adding, "from the one person aboard this ship who can give you an order."
Suddenly, Captain Picard's combadge pinged.
"Captain, they're finally sending us a message," Commander Riker's voice rang out from the combadge.
"On my way, Number One. Sorry Doctor, duty calls," Picard said as he tapped his badge to acknowledge that he would step out to the bridge.
Captain Picard stepped into sickbay and was escorted over to an examination table by Doctor Crusher.
He laid back on the table and she began to hook up a more advanced scanner.
"Are you always accustomed to getting your way, Doctor?" Picard teased.
"Only when my way makes sense, Captain," she chastised him.
She tested the connection to ensure she was getting a clear reading of his brain scan. Glancing back to the computer screen she could see it was working properly.
"It seems an awful lot of effort for something as simple as a headache," he said.
"As simple? You should not have a headache unless there's something wrong, Captain. It may be true that headaches were once quite common, but that was in the days before the brain was charted, before we understood the nature of pain," she explained.
"So, what's the cause of my headache?" Picard inquired.
"I haven't the slightest idea," she replied casually as she gave him a hypospray. "That will mask the pain for the time being. I'll check back with you in a few minutes once the scan is complete."
Beverly left him alone on the exam table and Captain Picard leaned back and closed his eyes.
He breathed deeply and tried to relax but suddenly the rapid tapping of fingers against a computer PADD drew him out of it.
He sat up and opened his eyes. Turning to the side, he noticed Lore in the corner at one of the medical workstations.
"Captain," Lore said brightly as he continued working.
"Mr Lore," Captain Picard said with a small nod.
"This Ferengi business giving you a spot of trouble?" Lore asked.
"Our limited contact with the Ferengi has not been positive," Picard replied.
"You're right to be sceptical. The Ferengi cannot be trusted, Captain," Lore said without looking up from the workstation.
Picard did not respond so Lore decided to take advantage of the situation.
"The Ferengi were frequent traders on Omicron Theta," Lore said as continued to type away, hoping the Captain would bite.
"You have encountered them before?" Picard said as he sat up properly and swung his legs over the table.
Lore stopped typing and looked up at the Captain.
"Many times, sir," Lore replied with a small nod in a manner he hoped would imitate his brother.
"Mr Lore, once this scan is complete, I would like you to accompany me to the observation lounge for a briefing before the Ferengi arrive," Captain Picard said as he leaned forward.
"Of course, Captain," Lore responded before adding, "as long as that is alright with Doctor Crusher?"
Beverly came back in and began to remove the scanning equipment.
"As long is what is alright with me?" Beverly asked eyeing the pair with concern.
She knew Captain Picard had a knack for trying to get out of medical procedures if he could. It certainly wouldn't the first time he'd asked an assistant in sickbay to unhook him or release him.
"The Captain has requested I accompany him for a briefing," Lore explained.
"It seems our Mr Lore has experience with the Ferengi," Captain Picard informed her.
"I think it's wonderful you can help," Beverly said as she turned to Lore with a smile.
Lore grinned back at her. The Captain's request for help and Beverly's approval surged through his inorganic body like electricity.
"I can't believe they're coming here," Worf said from the end of the conference table.
"I'd like your permission to double the security team on alpha shift," Tasha asked Commander Riker.
"That's a good thought," Riker agreed with a nod.
The senior staff were seated around the conference table awaiting Captain Picard and Doctor Crusher to join their briefing in preparation for the arrival of their Ferengi guests.
In the corridor outside, Beverly gave Lore's hand a small squeeze of reassurance before they walked in.
Lore stopped and looked to the Doctor, cocking his head to the side.
"You'll do great," she said with kind smile.
Lore gave her what he hoped was a nervous smile back.
Inside, he was smirking. She was eating out of the palm of his hand.
Stepping into the observation lounge, Lore noticed his brother's posture stiffen almost imperceptible.
Captain Picard took a seat at the head of the table and Commander Riker filled him on their progress thus far.
"Lieutenant Worf has a plan to conduct some advanced scans of their vessel during the visit," Riker explained. "And Lieutenant Yar has plan to double security on the alpha shift for the duration of their visit."
"I'd also like to conduct a level 2 security sweep of the ship once they depart," Tasha informed them.
"That is most wise, Lieutenant," Lore said, chiming in. "The Ferengi are known for leaving monitoring devices behind."
"I've invited Mr Lore to join us for this briefing as he has experience with the Ferengi," Captain Picard explained as he acknowledged Lore.
Under the table, Data's hands curled into fists. He briefly met Tasha's eyes before she cast her gaze back to the Captain.
On the Captain's request, Lore walked senior officers through standard trading procedure with the Ferengi and what their expectations would be once aboard. He warned them about their exceptional hearing and advised they put significant distance between the Ferengi and any sensitive conversations. Lore had an unusual expertise regarding the Ferengi 'Rules of Acquisition' and was keen to warn the senior officers to be wary of any offers made by the Ferengi.
"The Ferengi are a patriarchal society. Discrimination and misogyny are deeply engrained in their laws and customs. They will not take kindly to Mr Worf. Nor will they find the concept of a woman as a medical doctor, counsellor, or security chief acceptable," Lore said as his eyes settled on Tasha.
"We are aware of that aspect of Ferengi culture. We've encountered them once before and we know they aren't fond of women," Data replied thinking back to their encounter with the Ferengi on the planet where they had met the Guardian of the T'kon Empire.
Lore smiled and turned his head to the side to signal amusement with his brother's statement.
"It's not that they aren't fond of women. They don't view women as people at all. Ferengi women are not permitted to work or own possessions. They aren't allowed to travel freely without the escort of a male relative. Ferengi women are not even permitted clothing," Lore explained.
He noted the look of revulsion on Lieutenant Yar's face.
"We'll I can assure you they'll just have to learn to accept that we don't operate that way," Beverly said with an air of frustration.
Lore gave her a quick smile of appreciation.
"Quite right," he said with a nod. "There are some with Ferengi society that are working to bring about reforms against these ideas, but so far change has been slow to come. There are also some renegade Ferengi that are not so different than us."
"Have you ever encountered this DaiMon Bok before?" Picard asked.
"No, Captain. I am not familiar with that particular DaiMon," Lore answered.
"Do you have any experience with the DaiMon family or house?" Picard questioned.
"DaiMon is a rank, Captain. It would be similar to your Starfleet rank of Captain," Lore clarified.
Captain Picard nodded in understanding.
Lore went on to explain that the main mission of any DaiMon was to earn profit. DaiMon's were authorised to set up new trading alliances and had full authority to speak on behalf of the Ferengi government.
On his suggestion, the crew brainstormed as to what technologies and items aboard the Enterprise could be possible targets for the Ferengi. Lore had recommended they refuse any attempt by the Ferengi for a tour of the ship.
"They may also be seeking people," Lore stated.
"As in slaves?" Tasha snapped angrily.
Lore noted the idea of slavery seemed to touch a nerve with the security chief. He made a mental note to look into that further once this business with the Ferengi was settled.
"Yes. The Ferengi engage in trafficking people. Humans are highly valued as labourers. And I must say, they will likely see my dear brother and I as nothing more than machines for sale," Lore advised.
Lore paused briefly and looked down to the table. He stayed silent like that for a moment before he pretended to regain his composure.
"Captain, if it is your intention to sell me to the Ferengi may I request that I instead to be let off at the nearest starbase," Lore said solemnly.
Captain Picard was taken aback. Beverly brought her hand up to chest, horrified by Lore's thought.
"We don't sell people," Beverly said defiantly.
"I can assure you Mr Lore, we would never consider the notion. You are a guest aboard the Enterprise and as for Lieutenant Commander Data, he is a Starfleet officer," Picard assured the pair.
Two hours later, Tasha and Data were exploring the bridge of the Stargazer by torchlight. They had beamed over and were conducting a preliminary security sweep of the vessel with Geordi and Worf before anyone else would join them.
It was certainly odd that the Ferengi had shown up with a lost starship that Captain Picard had previously served on and then turned it over to them without expecting anything in return.
Lore had warned them to be cautious of this 'gift.'
'There is nothing free from a Ferengi,' Lore had advised. 'Eventually there will be a cost of some kind.'
Data ran his fingers across the bronze plaque on the bridge.
"USS Stargazer. Constellation Class. Starfleet Registry NCC 2893," Data said as he traced the name across the plaque.
It was cool to the touch and something Data had never expected to see in person. The Stargazer had been lost nine years earlier. He'd been serving on the Trieste at the time and recalled hearing the news that the Stargazer had been lost in battle against an unknown adversary.
"Data I don't feel right about this," Tasha said as she scanned along the ceiling with her torch. "Something about this is just too odd."
Data spun around and looked at her. She squinted and put her hand up over her eyes to block out the light in her face.
"Sorry," Data apologised before aiming his torch down to the floor.
"Thanks," she replied.
"What do you mean?" Data asked her.
"It's just a bit odd, don't you think? If this 'gift' is supposed to be a gesture toward opening trade relations, then why isn't there some kind of proposed trade agreement? Or at the very least, a meeting scheduled to negotiate a trade agreement?" Tasha thought aloud.
"It did seem like the other Ferengi aboard were surprised by DaiMon Bok's offer, as if they were unaware of his intentions," Data said, concurring with Tasha's concern.
"I've got a bad feeling about this," Tasha said. "Like something's coming."
Suddenly, the emergency lighting came on.
"It would appear Geordi was able to get the emergency power cell back online," Data said as he turned off his torch.
Worf and Geordi emerged a moment later and Geordi gasped in wonder as he took in the sight of the bridge.
"I read about this ship at the Academy, I never dreamed I'd be on her," Geordi told them.
"The rest of the ship is clear of surprises, Lieutenant Yar," Word informed her.
Tasha radioed back to the Enterprise the ship was clear and the group was joined by Captain Picard and Doctor Crusher a moment later.
"The last entry dated nine years ago, sir. By you. We are forced to abandon our starship. May she find her way without us," Data said reading from the computer screen. "Apparently she did, Sir."
Beverly noticed Captain Picard rub his temple as if the pain had returned. The blocker she gave him should have still been active. There was no reason he should have been experiencing pain.
"How do you feel, Captain?" Beverly asked.
"Oh, I'm fine, Doctor. Lieutenant Yar, run a structural analysis on the Stargazer for an impulse tow. Data, download all computers to the Enterprise and file. I'm going to look at my old cabin," Picard ordered.
Tasha set to work at the tactical panel, and she began to evaluate the structural integrity of the ship. She noted there was some heavy damage on decks four through nine on the port side. A tow could result in a critical hull breach. She sealed those decks as a precaution.
"We've got a couple of weak spots that could result in a hull breach, but I've sealed those decks. The aft thrusters appear to be intact," Tasha reported to Data. "Commander Data, could you please include my structural analysis in your upload? I think we can learn a lot about Ferengi weapons capabilities studying the damage on this ship."
"Of course, Lieutenant," Data acknowledged. "Upload initiated."
Sometimes it surprised Tasha how professional they still managed to appear when on duty. They had observed Commander Riker and Counsellor Troi for some time and Data and Tasha were keen to avoid any of the rumours that had circulated about the First Officer and ship's Counsellor.
There was an obvious intimacy there, despite the pair's best attempt to hide it. Tasha knew they had been an item at one point in the past. And she suspected that there was still something going on between the two. But Tasha knew it wasn't her business.
It was hard enough for senior officers to lead any semblance of a normal life. She wasn't about to begrudge the two for finding a little happiness with one another. She was just grateful their interactions had left her and Data with an example to grow and learn from.
Next door, Captain Picard and Worf were exploring the remains of his ready room. Most of the room appeared intact aside from the typical damage that came from being fired upon. There was some smashed glass, and the desk was in shambles, but otherwise the room was exactly as he had left it.
Captain Picard flipped through an aged copy of The Brothers Karamazov before setting it down on the shelf. The trunk on the ground caught his eye and Picard fondly realised it was the same trunk he had taken from home all those years earlier.
Eagerly, he opened the trunk and was excited to see a sweater his mother had knitted for him was still intact. Setting it aside, he found a picture from his brother Robert's wedding.
Jean-Luc sighed to himself. He had been a much younger man then.
Reaching further into the trunk his hands found a metallic spherical device. Picard didn't recognise it. There was a sudden flash of light.
Jean-Luc dropped the device back into the trunk and fell back clutching his head in pain.
Doctor Crusher came rushing in and immediately began to scan him with her tricorder.
"Captain? Are you alright? Another headache?" she asked, worried that the pain had returned.
Captain Picard remained on the floor, unable to speak as the blinding pain throbbed behind his eyes.
"This really worries me. I want you back on the Enterprise straight away," Beverly said urgently as she requested they beam the Captain to sickbay.
"But my things," Picard protested.
"I'll see they are sent over to your quarters," Beverly promised.
Three hours later, Data, Tasha, and Geordi were in the main security office pouring through the records they had obtained from the Stargazer.
They had analysed Captain Picard's final log entry numerous times and had reached the conclusion that it was a forgery. There were faint signatures that indicated the sounds had likely been artificially created off a sample of Picard's voice.
"Probably pulled from the Stargazer records themselves," Geordi surmised.
"I think we've got more than evidence to convince Starfleet that Captain Picard did not fire on that ship unprovoked," Tasha advised.
"But this still doesn't explain why Captain Picard has been experiencing these headaches," Data said.
The Captain's mysterious headaches had grown stronger and more painful as the day had gone on. In addition, Captain Picard had been acting strangely – as if he were caught up in the past. He has mistakenly called a number of the crew by the names of his former crewmates. He was preoccupied, unable to focus.
"Our security sweep turned up nothing. And I expressly forbid transporting anything over from the Stargazer," Tasha explained.
"Captain Picard was in his old quarters before he came back. I think we should conduct a search there," Data recommended.
"And I'd like to get another look at the records on the ship," Geordi added.
"I'll notify Commander Riker," Tasha volunteered.
Several minutes later, the trio were beamed into Captain Picard's old quarters aboard the Stargazer. Geordi set to work out on the bridge while Data and Tasha scanned the ready room and captain's quarters.
An initial scan revealed nothing unusual. Tasha began searching through the built-in drawers and closet along the wall. To her surprise there was a nothing aside from some towels.
There was no clothing, photographs, books, or other personal belongings.
Glancing around the room she noted there was a spot on the carpet where something large had been recently moved.
"Lieutenant Commander, I think I've got something," she called to Data.
He poked his head around the corner and nodded. He closed his tricorder and stepped into the main room of the quarters.
Tasha opened the closet and waved her hand.
"Look, there's nothing here," she said excitedly.
Data cocked his head at her, confused.
"There's no clothing. No personal effects. He had to store them somewhere," Tasha clarified.
"I see," Data nodded in understanding.
"And see that? Something was there before. I'd say a large trunk of some kind," Tasha explained pointing to the spot on the carpet.
Data knelt down and observed the spot closely. All the evidence at hand indicated there was a large, rectangular object that had been recently moved. Critically, it had not been dragged away.
"Yar to Enterprise," Tasha said as she tapped her combadge. "Was anything beamed aboard from the Stargazer?"
"Worf to Yar," Worf replied. "I know you ordered us not to, but on the Captain's orders we did bring over a trunk of his personal effects."
Tasha shot Data an angry look.
"Acknowledged. Geordi, we need to get back right away," Tasha ordered.
"Understood," Geordi's voice rang out from the combadge.
A moment later the three were back aboard their own ship. Stepping down from the transporter pad, they made their way to the bridge.
Over in sickbay, Captain Picard was growing worse.
Picard was sitting on an exam table. Beverly had doubled the blocker that was masking the pain, but her efforts seemed to have little effect.
"You didn't tell me it had been this bad," she said chastising him.
"I wasn't before. It's getting worse," Picard said.
He was worried. He didn't know what was happening and he was starting to question his own sanity.
"It's got be some kind emotional trauma from the Stargazer," Beverly said. "I can't find any medical cause for your symptoms."
"I don't know anymore. I destroyed an entire vessel. All her crew, gone," Picard said solemnly.
"Commander Riker informed me of the altered log. You were defending yourself," Beverly said, hoping to assure him that his feelings of guilt were misplaced.
"The last three nights I've heard these voices. As if I am the bridge of my old ship. And then she shows up mysteriously, dropped in our lap by the Ferengi," Picard said in a strange, faraway voice.
Lore was in the corner, typing away the report he was preparing for Beverly. He didn't show it, but his audio receptors had perked up at the Captain's statement.
"So, you were experiencing these memories before the Ferengi arrived?" Beverly asked, confused.
"Yes, Doctor," Picard admitted.
Lore smiled to himself. He had a feeling he knew exactly what was happening. The Ferengi were known to posses a device known as the Thought Maker. It was capable of altering human brainwaves to make them susceptible to power of suggestion.
A rush of excitement raced through him and he had to supress a shudder.
Lore had a deliciously wicked idea and the Ferengi had just dropped the means to accomplish it right in his lap.
"What was that?" Picard asked as Doctor Crusher gave him a hypospray.
"Something to help you sleep," Beverly advised.
"I can take him back to his quarters," Lore offered as he stood.
Beverly nodded and two helped Captain Picard off the exam table.
"I will make sure he is safe," Lore said.
"Thank you, Lore," Beverly said as she gave his arm a squeeze.
Once they had reached the Captain's quarters, it was clear to Lore than Picard was sufficiently under the influence of the object. Although the object did rely on a certain level of proximity to function properly, it still maintained a level of influence even when not in the immediately possession of the target.
And with this latest Ferengi incident, it became obvious to Lore the range was, in fact, much greater than he had previously been aware of. The Stargazer had shown the device was capable of producing some results even when lightyears away.
Lore did hold true to his promise to Beverly. He saw Captain Picard to bed and ensured the man was sleeping before starting his search for the object.
Lore spied the dusty chest on the floor and took a wild guess the Ferengi had used this to get to object into the Captain's possession.
Opening the lid, Lore quickly spotted the glowing, silver circle.
Stepping over to the replicator, Lore instructed it to make an object resembling the Thought Maker in appearance only.
Within a matter of seconds, Lore had planted the fake Thought Maker into the chest.
He asked to replicator to produce a few physical books and a box. Lore set the object in the bottom of the box and then covered it with the books.
Lore then left the Captain's quarters and headed for the nearest turbolift.
At the lift, he ran into Data and Tasha, both eyeing him suspiciously.
"Hello brother, Lieutenant," Lore said greeting the two.
Data cast his gaze at the box.
"Captain Picard suggested I read these," Lore said innocently.
Looking at the books, Data did observe there were titles that Captain Picard was fond of and the copies at hand resembled those the Captain possessed.
"Surely I am permitted to read," Lore said, testing his brother.
"C'mon," Tasha said as she gripped Data's arm, guiding him past Lore.
Stepping onto the lift, Lore turned and waved at Data with a broad smile as the lift doors closed.
First officer's log: Captain Picard has beamed himself to the Stargazer, which is now moving away from us under its own power.
It was a log that Commander Riker did not want to enter.
Geordi was kicking himself for not disabling the emergency power once they had suspected something was wrong with the Captain.
"I should have shut it down," Geordi said, the weight of guilt overtaking him.
"Don't beat yourself up Geordi, this isn't your fault," Riker said.
Now they were facing down the possibility that they may have to destroy a ship with their Captain onboard. The Stargazer was not responding to their hails.
"Mr Data, what was the Stargazer's condition?" Riker asked.
"Considerable fire damage to the interior surface of the main bridge, sir. But none of her main systems were crippled," Data explained.
"They are six photon torpedoes short, sir. Probably used when the Captain destroyed the Ferengi vessel nine years ago. Otherwise, she's fully armed," Tasha warned.
Geordi was holding the fake Thought Maker as he analysed the device. His scan couldn't tell much, there was no circuitry or typical signs of what would be present in a standard transmitter.
"I don't know what to make of this, Commander," Geordi said as he turned the device over in his hands.
"Let's find out, Contact the Ferengi vessel, Lieutenant," Riker ordered.
Tasha punched in the proper command code and opened a channel to the Ferengi vessel.
"Hailing frequencies open, sir," Tasha informed him.
Down on the lower decks, Lore decided to use the opportunity of the crew being distracted to his advantage. He managed to secure a small sonic driver and some extra polyalloy from the ship's stores. He slipped in and out without the ensign on duty even noticing.
Returning to his quarters, Lore used the sonic driver to open a ventilation hatch in his quarters. Using the polyalloy as a blocker, he placed the device in the ventilation shaft before closing it again.
He would wait patiently for interest in the device to wear down and then he would slowly incorporate into his use.
Laying back on his bed, Lore felt giddy.
He was due to have dinner with Doctor Crusher again. If the Captain were saved, Lore would be willing to praise her careful concern and professionalism in ensuring the Captain's safety.
And if they were unable to save the Captain, Lore was more than ready to provide a shoulder to cry on.
"Captain Picard, listen to me!" Riker commanded. "The Ferengi are you using a thought device on you."
Captain Picard was wandering around on the bridge of the Stargazer. He was delirious with the memories of his last few moments aboard the vessel.
"You have to destroy the device! Look for a silver sphere," Riker said, encouraging Picard.
Picard stumbled around for a few moments before spotting a silver sphere near the science station.
"Destroy the sphere," Picard muttered.
He raised his phaser, aiming at the object and hesitated.
"Destroy it!" Riker cried.
Trusting his instinct, Picard activated the phaser.
There was a small explosion and Captain Picard was flung across the bridge onto his back.
"Captain? Captain are you alright?" Riker shouted.
Picard rubbed his eyes as he glanced around, suddenly alert.
"Where am I, Number One?" Picard demanded as he took in his surroundings.
There was something familiar about this space.
"You are aboard the Stargazer, sir. The Ferengi have been controlling your thoughts," Riker informed him.
A moment later they beamed Picard back to the bridge where the relieved crew was eager for his safe return.
"DaiMon Bok has been removed from command, sir. He's been placed under guard for his act of personal vengeance. Seems there was no profit in it," Riker said, filling in the Captain.
"In revenge, there never is," Picard replied knowingly.
With Captain Picard back safe aboard their ship, the Enterprise set out to tow the Stargazer to nearest Starbase. On the way, they were going to drop a research team off on a nearby planet to begin a three-week research expedition.
The Enterprise would swing back and pick them up in a few weeks' time.
Doctor Crusher had escorted Captain Picard to his quarters and was giving him a medical once-over to ensure there were no lasting effects from the mind control device.
Down a few decks, Tasha was on Data's sofa writing her final security report on her PADD.
Data was seated at his workstation, reading through the scans they had completed on the device they still retained.
"This is most unusual," Data said aloud.
"Hmm?" Tasha asked.
"There is no circuitry. No wires. No isolinear chips. It is almost as if the device were nothing more than a shell," Data explained as he scrolled through the schematics.
"Maybe its some kind of technology we've never seen," Tasha suggested.
"Geordi and I are going to take it apart tomorrow to get a better look," Data told her.
He got up from behind his workstation and stepped into the main room of his quarters. Stepping over to the replicator, he ordered a cup of hot black tea with honey. After it appeared he removed it and ordered the replicator to produce a glass of real whiskey.
He dumped the shot of whiskey into the tea.
"Salt, sweet, and peat in that order," he said as he set down the beaker in front of her. "Just the way you like it."
"Thank you," she replied as she looked up at him.
Data took a seat next to her on the sofa and decided how to best approach the idea that had formulated in his head.
"Would you like stay here tonight?" Data asked.
He noticed she stiffened at the suggestion.
"I would stay out here at my workstation," Data clarified.
Tasha relaxed her shoulders as she felt the fear of intimacy slip from her mind. She wasn't afraid of Data, but she couldn't stomach the thought of being close to anyone at the moment.
She set the beaker down on the table and turned to Data.
"We'll get there again," Tasha said as she took his hand and gave it a small squeeze.
Across the ship, Beverly returned to her quarters to find Lore waiting patiently outside.
"Oh," she said as she slapped her hand to her forehead. "I am so sorry, Lore. I was occupied with the Captain and I didn't mean to leave you hanging."
"It is quite alright, Doctor," Lore said as he offered her his arm.
"I haven't prepared anything and I'm knackered-" Beverly started to say but Lore shushed her.
"No need, Doctor. I've prepared a meal that will sufficiently meet human nutritional requirements. If you would like to get your son, I will escort you both to my quarters," Lore explained.
Beverly leaned back against the doorframe and smiled curiously at her newfound android friend.
"That was incredibly thoughtful," Beverly said.
She asked Lore to give her a moment. Heading into her quarters she dropped off her medical bag and called for Wesley.
"Wes, we've been invited to dinner," Beverly called as she took off her medical jacket and threw on a cosy sweater.
"No thank you. I already ate," Wesley said as he came into the main room of their quarters.
"Alright, if you're sure," Beverly shrugged.
A moment later she joined Lore and they headed off to his quarters.
Upon entering, Beverly noted the table was laid out for three and she smiled to herself at how thoughtful Lore had been to include her son.
He pulled her chair for her and then poured her a glass of wine.
"My mother always said wine made the meal," Lore explained.
"Your mother?" Beverly questioned.
Data had always been unaware of his lineage before Lore. And up until this point, Lore had only spoken of their 'father' and creator Doctor Noonian Soong.
He had never mentioned a mother.
"Yes, Juliana Soong," Lore said with a smile as he stepped over to the replicator.
He set down a plate in front of her before grabbing one for himself.
"This was one of her favourite dishes and I was fond of preparing it for her," Lore said as he sat down across from her.
"Well thank you for sharing it with me," Beverly said as she took a sip of her wine.
"You did great work today, Doctor," Lore said as he raised his glass to her.
Beverly nodded and blushed.
"You weren't so bad yourself. All your expertise on the Ferengi was a great help," Beverly said. "Have you considered joining Starfleet?"
"I am afraid that if I were to join Starfleet, I would have to leave the Enterprise. I have been alone for so long that the thought of leaving my brother and my friends is not something I find desirable," Lore said seriously.
"Have you spoken with the Captain about this?" Beverly inquired.
"Not at length, but I am hopeful he will permit me to remain here," Lore said.
Internally, Beverly made a mental note to speak with Jean-Luc about Lore. He had proven to be a great help around sickbay. Truth be told, she was quite fond of him.
Beverly swirled the wine her glass and took another sip.
"Is this real wine?" she asked.
"Of course," Lore responded as he cocked his head and looked at her, face full of confusion.
Beverly laughed.
"Is that humorous?" Lore inquired.
"We usually don't drink real alcohol," Beverly explained. "It has a tendency to make us humans lose our inhibitions."
"I am sorry, Doctor. I was unaware of this Earth tradition," Lore advised.
"It's quite alright. I indulge from time to time when I'm with friends. People I can trust," she said with a wink.
Lore felt his metaphorical heart skip a beat.
Once dinner was completed, Lore cleared their plates and poured Beverly another glass of wine.
"This was really grand," Beverly said as she took another sip.
Lore procured fresh ice from the replicator and replaced the ice in the chilling bucket.
Suddenly, Beverly felt Lore's hands on her shoulders.
"Relax, Doctor," Lore said as he began to rub the knots out of her shoulders.
Beverly wasn't sure if it was the wine or his fingers, but she felt the stress of the day begin to melt away. It had been a long time since someone had taken care of her like this.
Leaning forward a bit to give him better access, Beverly let her head drop forward as she closed her eyes and let the relief wash over her.
"You work exceptionally hard for a human," Lore commented.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Beverly replied saucily.
"I meant nothing but admiration," Lore clarified.
Beverly laughed as she sat back and stretched. She could feel herself starting to feel things she hadn't in a very, very long time.
Lore removed his hands and took a step back as she stood and faced him.
"Lore," she said in a low voice.
"I'm sorry, Doctor. Have I-" Lore said to say attempting to feign ignorance to the look she was giving him.
Beverly was at him in two paces as she grabbed the sides of his face and captured his lips.
Internally, his neural net felt like it was going to explode as the thrill of the act struck him like lightening. He wanted to respond passionately, to pull her close and deepen the kiss.
But he knew he had a role to play if he wanted to earn her trust.
No, he knew humans were fickle. He wanted there to be no doubt in her mind in the morning that he was anything other than honourable and truly concerned for her welfare.
It was a small sacrifice, but the payoff would be worth it.
Instead, he only kissed her back softly as he put his hands on her shoulders, as if to keep her at a safe distance.
After a moment, Beverly broke the kiss and stepped back looking slightly dejected.
Lore tilted his head to the right and gave her a small smile.
"Doctor?" he said breathlessly.
"I'm sorry, Lore," she said quickly as she stepped back from him, suddenly embarrassed. "I misread the situation. I didn't mean to-"
As she made a move for the sweater she had hung over the back of her chair, Lore gripped her wrist to stop her.
He turned her toward him and stared at her with wonder.
"You kissed me," Lore said with feigned astonishment.
"I apologise if I made you feel uncomfortable," Beverly said.
"No, I am not uncomfortable. Pleasantly surprised," Lore said shyly as he looked down at the floor.
A beat passed before either of them spoke and Lore did not let go of her hand.
"May I ask a question?" Lore said, his eyes still cast downward.
"Of course," Beverly replied.
"Would you consider repeating the act a second time?" Lore asked as he looked up at her.
He could see her eyes light up at the suggestion and she took a step forward.
Their lips met again. There was an urgency in her kiss.
And this time Lore gripped the small of her back and pulled her close. His other hand ran up the length of her back and came to rest on the back of her head, tangled in a mess of bushy red hair.
To Beverly's surprise, there was nothing mechanical about the way his mouth felt. His lips were so like a human's, his tongue wet, and his breath hot.
She ran her hands down from his face, across his chest, and let them rest on the sides of his waist.
His hands were firm, and Beverly felt a thrill of desire as her thoughts drifted to how she had watched his deft fingers tap away at the computer workstation in her office.
She surmised she must be out of her mind. But she wanted this.
She pressed against him and felt his sexuality programme activate. He felt her hands leave his waist as they found the zipper at the front of his civilian jumpsuit.
He suddenly put his hand over hers to stop her.
"No," Lore said in a low, husky voice.
Beverly looked up at him, confused.
"You don't want me?" she asked.
"I do," Lore responded.
He felt her breath hitch as he rubbed his erection against her.
"But not like this," he explained.
He didn't back away. He held her against his body, so close to what she needed but unable to touch what she wanted.
"You have been drinking. I do not wish for you to do anything you may regret because of lowered inhibitions," Lore said sweetly.
Beverly was frustrated.
"I'm not that incapacitated," she replied as she rocked back against him.
"Please, Beverly. I am not used to people seeing me in this way. I would prefer that if you truly feel this way about me that you would show me when you are sober," Lore told her.
She let out an exasperated sigh and resigned herself to the fact she was not going to get what she needed tonight.
But being a stubborn woman, Beverly decided to make one last attempt.
She reached down and gripped his erection through his jumpsuit. Lore could have stopped her if he wanted to, but he was counting on working her up and leaving her frustrated.
Instead, he put his hand over hers.
"Please, Beverly," he said, letting it hang in the air for a moment.
She tried to stroke him, but his hand stayed firmly in place and she had to settle for just holding him.
"If you are serious about your interest in me, then may I suggest we explore this tomorrow without the wine," Lore suggested.
"Tomorrow," Beverly agreed.
"And I can promise you, Doctor that I am programmed for a wide variety of pleasuring," Lore whispered into her ear as he activated the function that made his cock twitch in her hand.
Out in the corridor, Beverly felt like she could breath again. She couldn't remember the last time she had felt like this – Jack, probably – she surmised.
He had been so thoughtful, so considerate, and shockingly arousing.
She felt like she was on cloud nine, floating the whole back to her quarters.
Stepping onto the turbolift she ran into Deanna.
"You seem to be having a good evening," Deanna commented as she could read the excitement coming off the Doctor.
Beverly gave her a knowing smile.
"Well, are you going to fill me in?" Deanna prompted.
"Not yet, but soon," Beverly said with a wink.
Once she reached her own quarters, Beverly stepped inside and ordered the computer to lower the ambient temperature a few degrees.
She gingerly slipped out of her shoes and threw her sweater into a chair.
Thankfully, Wesley was asleep.
Beverly stepped into her quarters and fell back onto her bed, smiling to herself.
She felt alive. Her heart skipped a beat as she realised what tomorrow would bring. A rush of excitement flooded her body knowing she would be returning to Lore's quarters tomorrow to make good on her offer.
"May I suggest we explore this tomorrow without the wine?"
She replayed his words in her mind.
"Computer, lights," Beverly commanded.
She would need to be sure she good a night's rest.