Chapter 1: Starfleet Academy
Disclaimer: I don't own Star Trek. I own Fenix Flarestone. This is for fun. Enjoy and stay ethical.
Previously on More Human Than Human...
Q retaliated, "Oh yes, because her only option was you or be alone. Do I have to remind you it was just the two of you stuck on Omicron Theta, indefinitely? What if she met Data first? Ever thought of that?" Lore scowled as he answered, "She probably made friends with him in an instant. Looked out for him, and ultimately, she would've..." Q cut in, "Fell in love with him instead of you, dear Lore." Q smiled then continued, "I know this for a fact because... well... even this great and fabulous Q is capable of making mistakes."
It was the year 2002 as fourteen-year-old Fenix Flarestone drove around Long Beach, CA in her 1974 Chevy pickup blaring Turbo Lover by Judas Priest. She was cautious to avoid the police since she was underaged and didn't have her license, but neither of those things ever stopped her. She drove to a hidden location where it overlooks the beach. Parking her truck, she got out. Wearing a leather bomber jacket, jeans, high-tops and a pair of aviators, she watched the sun set mirrored by the ocean liner. She breathed in deeply as the wind kissed her, making her long dark hair dance hauntingly. Q popped in her truck and turned on the stereo. She looked back with a scowl to see who would dare touch her beloved truck. Taking her aviators off, her amethyst eyes shot daggers at the man, "What the hell do you think you're doing, old man?" she asked intimidatingly. Q smiled, unfazed, "Oh hello, Fenix. I hope you had your fill of 2002. It's not like you've been doing much other than getting yourself into trouble and causing grief to your parents." He snidely remarked. "What the fuck are you talking about?" Fenix interrogated. Q looked unimpressed as he answered, "My name is Q. I'm taking you to the year 2341. You're not needed in this time. Ready or not, we're going." And snapped his finger with a quirked eyebrow.
Everything around Fenix changed in an instant. No more beaches, no more cars, her truck was gone. It was replaced by green grass and walkways with buildings looking like a university of some sort. Passer-by's looked at her with confusion at her 'strange' attire. One of on lookers was a pale, albino looking man with yellow eyes who looked at her curiously from afar going unnoticed by her and Q. Q sighed, "Look, I'll walk you to the office and get you enrolled in Starfleet Academy. Try not to make a scene, you're already attracting attention from your attire." Even Fenix knew when to listen even though she didn't know what was going on. He was the only one that was willing to help her even though he was the cause of this time jump. After she was set up in her room, Q said to her, "I'm sorry if this is a shock for you. But this is permanent. You'll be living your life from this point on. Starfleet Academy is a decent school. I know you'll excel in this environment." and disappeared. She clutched onto her given uniform and sat on her bed. Tears began rolling down her face as reality hit her; she'll never see her parents, her beloved cat Mr. Big, or her truck, or see Long Beach during golden hour. Feeling out of place and lost, she cried until she couldn't produce anymore tears. At least I have a week to grieve and get used to things around here. Dad... I'm going to miss you. That's right, we're in the year 2341, Dad's been dead for a long-ass time now. What would he say to me right now? 'Take care, love! Don't let anyone ever push you around. You were raised by an Irishman, remember? Stay strong, kiddo.' Yeah... I'll remember Dad. Q said something about the replicator if I get hungry or something. I wonder what else it can replicate? Can it replicate a skateboard? A guitar? I should try it out. I gotta learn to adapt to the 24th century way if I'm going to survive.
She played the with replicator for a couple of hours testing what things it could replicate. She had a skateboard, a pair of combat boots, an acoustic guitar and a plate of donuts. She was satisfied and intrigued with what she had. Finishing up her donuts, she looked outside to see the sun was beginning to set, grabbing her skateboard she went outside. People weren't bustling anymore and she was mostly alone as she skateboarded the walkways, exploring the grounds. Fenix grinned upon seeing a fountain with many ledges and stairs with railings. Perfect place for doing tricks! She hopped onto the railings and did a darkslide. Proceeding to do more freestyle tricks, she pretended to be the 24th century Rodeny Mullen.
Meanwhile, Data opened the window in his room to let some air in for his succulents and ferns he was growing. He looked outside hearing clattering and rolling. It is that same girl from earlier. What is she doing on that board with wheels? Oh, I see. It takes muscle control, mind-body coordination, and physics to achieve what she strategically doing. Intriguing. I have never seen anything like that. What is that contraption called? "Computer, what is a board with four small wheels which a person uses to ride or glide on?" 'Skateboard.' "A skateboard? Computer define skateboard." 'A skateboard is generally used in means of a sport called skateboarding. Skateboarding started in the early 1950's California. Skateboarding gained in popularity due to surfing. Skateboarding was initially referred to as side-walk surfing.' Fascinating. I wonder how she found out about skateboarding? He watched her with great interest as she continued to freestyle around the fountain until she went back to her dorm. Data went back to researching everything skateboarding related.
Fenix was back at her room as she laid on her bed contemplating about the change of pace. Eventually calling it a night, she undressed and snuck under the blankets. She fell asleep sooner than she expected.
The next few days, she explored the buildings and learned where everything was. She walked into the library and spent an ample amount of time there as she got herself up to speed with the 24th century. Data spotted her from across the room, he stole a few glances of her as he continued to read a book on the human psyche. He visually traced her youthful face, scrutinized her different attire and looked at her unusual coloured eyes that reminded him of amethyst crystals. She finished the book and put it with the rest of the stack of her finished books. Standing up, she gathered her books and proceeded to return them to their rightful place. Data noticed that she was coming over to his direction and immediately averted his eyes back to his book. Fenix noticed how the pale-skinned man kept looking in her direction, she shrugged it off since she was used to people of this time staring at her. It didn't bother her the slightest. Passing past by Data, she casually put one of the books away and went to put the rest of the books away before leaving the library. Data watched her long dark hair swish behind her as she inadvertently stomped out of the library wearing her combat boots.
Fenix woke up on time and got dressed into her school uniform. She looked in the mirror and cringed. Dude, this is so gay... I hate conformity. First day of school. I can't believe I'm going to school. Ugh... Oh man... Whatever. I'm here to learn, I don't care that I can't wear my bomber jacket. She sat down and ate a slice of strawberry shortcake for breakfast. I love replicators. They're the best invention ever. And they stopped enslaving animals for consumption! Booyah! I'm starting to like the 24th century. Finishing up her cake, she left her dorm and headed for her first class.
She was running a little late due to getting lost in the process, she ran into the classroom, she was the last one to enter. The teacher in his mid-thirties sighed, "This must be the new and the youngest student. You must be Fenix Flarestone." She grinned and answered, "The one and only. I got kinda lost because 'I'm new' as you put it, but I made it in the nick of time, didn't I?" and quirked an eyebrow. The teacher knew she was already trouble from the get go, "Yes, yes. Please have a seat, everyone else is ready and waiting." She smiled and scanned the room. There was one seat left, it was beside the albino looking man, she walked over and sat down beside him and held her hand out with a smile, "Hey dude, I'm Fenix." Data looked perplexed momentarily and shook her hand, "My name is Data." Fenix replied, "Data, huh? Well, it's nice to finally meet you. I've seen you around and you seem pretty chill. I got a feeling we'll hit it off really well. We'll be chillin' like villains, bro." He tilted his head in confusion at her unusual lingo so he just smiled.
When the class ended, Data asked Fenix, "What dialect was that you spoke? I have never heard anything like it, before." She had to think for a moment, "Oh, um... I'm new to the area. I'm from... the west coast! Yeah." She answered, looking chagrined at her own not-exactly-a-lie but a very vague answer. Data's eyebrows scrunched together hearing her strange answer, "I know a few students from the west coast and they do not sound anything like you do." Fenix bit the corner of her bottom lip knowing she was cornered, "Can I give you a rain-check on my answer? It's a bit of a long story, but I have tactical training next and I need to find what room that's in." Data blinked a few times and answered, "I have tactical training, also. We can walk there together, then you can tell me about your unique dialect." She faintly smiled and sighed, "Sounds good. Let's roll."
They walked the halls together and in a hushed voice she gave her answer, "So... This is gonna sound really far-fetched but I'm not from this time." Immediately, Data turned his head with wide eyes and answered, "I suppose I should appropriate my question to 'when' are you from instead of 'where'." She cringed and answered, "Year 2002, Long Beach California. This guy named Q told me I didn't belong in my time so he put me in this time and place. I don't know how else to explain that part but that's all I can do... I hope that answers your question on why I speak the way I do. It's basically a lot of slang from my time." Data commented, "Intriguing. I wish to know more." Fenix realized this could be a start to a good friendship and invited, "Hey Data, after classes today, we could hang out so you can interrogate me." She teased. Data looked concerned as he tried to rectify the situation, "Oh, I did not mean to intrude." She chuckled, "I was just joking Data, so did you want to hang out or what?" He smiled and answered, "Yes. I would like that." She smiled with a nod, "Okay... how about we meet by the fountains on the West Wing?" Data nodded, "That would be adequate. I believe we have arrived at our destination." She smiled, "Sweet. Well, it's a date then."
Trying to hide her anxiety, Fenix fidgeted with her fingers while she listened to the instructor during tactical training. They had to partner up and she looked to Data, "Will you be my partner?" Data nodded, "Yes. I must warn you. I am an android and I am much stronger than most even though I do hold back so no harm is done to you." She smiled and whispered, "I'm stronger than most humans, too." and winked. Data have her a confused look and tilted his head while she giggled. It was her to begin the attack, she grinned and didn't hold back when she flipped him on his back with ease. Data lay on his back with a surprised look. She grinned, "Don't hold back too much. I'm durable goods." He stood up and calculated her stature, weight, height... I do not understand. She is five foot three, about 115lbs, small thin frame, she has adequate lean muscle build... but nothing can explain her speed and strength. Is she an android? Impossible, I would have noticed any tell-tale signs. He attacked her quick, and she was on her back in an instant. She laughed, "You're really strong and fast." She jumped back up and the two of them began to spar. The instructor and the rest of the class watched the two with slack jaws and wide eyes. Fenix smiled and laughed with joy feeling invigorated and alive as she sparred with Data. He too smiled, intrigued at how such a small girl could be stronger than any Vulcan.
Last class ended, Fenix and Data realized they were in the same classes the entire semester together as they compared schedules. They walked over to the fountain located in the west wing and sat on a nearby bench. Fenix asked, "So, what did you want to know? Where do you want me to begin?" Data thought for a moment and answered, "I suppose when you were born. Since, you are obviously from the 20th century. Times were different then." She smiled and began, "Well, I was born April 13th, 1988. I was adopted into an interracial couple. Mom was Japanese, and dad was Irish. She was really strict, and dad always had my back. I started off going to grade school but I was kicked out. The teacher said I was too smart to be in school and I caused a lot of problems for the other kids." She looked to him and confessed, "I was a trouble-maker. Then I was home-schooled. I graduated when I was nine-years-old." Data inclined his head in understanding, "Ah, I see. You are a born genius. Explains why your scores on our pop-quizzes rivalled my own. It is the first time anyone has ever come close..." He faintly smiled and asked, "About your strength and speed..." She cringed at that question, but answered honestly, "Truth is, as far as I know, I'm human. I have other abilities that I would rather show you, but not to anyone else... not here, though." Data politely asked, "If you are comfortable around me, would you like to come to my dorm and tell me more? I would like that." She smiled softly and agreed to go with him.
They entered his room, Data offered, "The bed would be much more comfortable to sit on and I can take the chair."
"Sure, thanks Data." And hopped on the bed cross legged and began, "This ability I have... there's a reason why I don't want anyone to know. I don't know why I wanted to tell you... but I feel comfortable around you. Anyways..." Data's eyes brightened upon hearing her confession as she continued, "I have hyper regeneration... I'll show you." Standing up to walk over to the sink, she reached into her pants pocket and pulled out a pocket knife. Opening the knife, she rolled her sleeve up and firmly dragged the knife down her wrist to inner elbow drawing blood into the sink. Data's expression changed into worry as she watched her inflict harm on herself, "Why did you...?" His question was answered as he watched her arm heal immediately leaving no trace of a gash, she ran the water down her arm rinsing off the blood. He stood up, never taking his eyes off of her arm as he walked over to her to inspect her thin arm. Gently, he held her arm as he gingerly touched the part of her arm that was once slit open with sheer astonishment. He whispered, "Intriguing..." She took the opportunity to really see his face and noticed how his yellow eyes shone with interest as he scrutinized her arm and began, "I can regrow fingers, too. Do you want to see?" She asked innocently. Data momentarily became excited but shook his head and answered, "No. I do not wish to see you harming yourself. Unlike myself, you feel pain. I saw you wince when you cut open your arm." He stated as his gaze shifted to her face whilst still holding her arm. He looked down again at her arm and pulled her sleeve down for her. He acknowledged, "I can understand why you would want to keep this a secret. There are people out there with bad intentions. People who would exploit this ability and use for their own selfish purposes." She smiled sadly and confessed, "You're the only one that knows about this. Not even my parents. I've wanted to tell someone about my secret for a long time... I feel like a weight's been lifted off my shoulders. Thank you, Data." As she touched his hand. Data then confessed, "I have an off-switch." He lifted his shirt and opened the skin just below his ribs, he led her hand to it as she gently grazed over his components as he explained, "This here... is my off-switch. And here... is an android alarm clock. It keeps track of when and how long I was turned off for. Does that amuse you?" He smiled. She looked at him with a quirked eyebrow and answered, "Dude... that's so gnarly... You seem like a normal human and yet... when you show me this, it reminds me that you're an android. It's incredible... But to me... you're a friend and you're showing me your vulnerable parts." he watched her purple eyes that reminded him of amethyst crystals and replied, "Just as you have. I never had a friend until now." She took her hand away from his components, closed the skin and pulled down his shirt for him. Looking into his yellow eyes she said, "Same here, dude." and smiled warmly at him.