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Chapter 25: The Equilibrium

Previously...

Lore then asked, "So... when are we gonna have a threesome, little sister?" Fenix grabbed Lore and flipped him onto the floor and paced around covering her blushing face. Lore laughing hysterically at her action as Data helped him up, "You know Lore, I think finesse and timing is something you should work on." Lore answered, "Nah, it's better this way." And continued laughing.

It was well into the night by the time Data, Lore and Fenix addressed starting a polyandrous relationship. Fenix was feeling fatigue rearing its ugly head. She and Data went to the spare bedroom attached to the lab. Lore stayed in the lab, insisting he'd sleep on the couch. Fenix slipped into the bed and let sleep take over her as Data set his timer countdown for standby mode. Fenix tossed and turned, restless, even though she was thoroughly tired. Giving up on the idea of sleep, she slid out of bed as quietly as she could, put on her pants and shirt and walked barefooted into the darkened lab. Her eyes were already adjusted to the darkness, she could make out where the tables, equipment and chairs were. She glanced over to the couch where she comforted Lore, there laid Lore shirtless. His legs forming the number 4 sign, his arms under his head, and his eyes closed. He too, was in standby mode. Fenix sat down beside him on the edge of the couch and cautiously traced his eyebrows, down the bridge of his distinguished nose, and then to his curved lips. Realizing how inappropriate she was being, she ceased her actions and began to pull her hand away. With his eyes still closed, Lore swiftly yet gently grasped her hand, "That feels good." then let go of her small hand. She proceeded to touch his face, ears, his dark hair, his jawline, and down his elegant throat. Her hand rested on his chest. "Tsk, tsk, tsk... Shouldn't you be tucked away in bed instead of sneaking off to see your brother?" She sighed, "A lot on my mind and I can't sleep even though I'm so freaking tired. Sorry I woke you, Lore." He smiled, "Don't be, it's nice that you came to see me. Now, what can I do to make you feel better, little sister?" as he laced his long fingers with her small thin ones. Building up her courage, she blurted, "Can we spar?" Lore smiled bright and his eyes shone like the sun. "I'd love to, Fenix. Let's go!" Fenix put on her boots as Lore waited impatiently for her. He neglected to put on his usual black sweater due to his overwhelming excitement as they quietly left the laboratory. Fenix grinned with excitement. This feels like I'm thirteen again when I used to sneak out of the house in the middle of the night to go to parties and sell Celestial Snow. I'm surprised no one said anything. Thirteen-year-old me at a party surrounded by older teens and people in their twenties selling drugs... Why is it always fun to sneak out? I'm a grown-ass woman and I still get a thrill from sneaking off in the middle of the night. Technically I can do whatever the hell I want but for some reason... this is... really fun. Data would be worried when he wakes up but he's understanding. And this is nice for a change.

Lore and Fenix sneaked off deeper into the jungle, far away from the laboratory. Lore was thrilled to the point he began singing 'Welcome to the jungle' by Guns 'N Roses as they traversed through the moonlit trees, but for Fenix, the thrill of sneaking out has morphed into nervousness. The two haven't sparred since the incident and Fenix had been wary ever since. Deciding she wanted to move on, she realized this was the best way for the two of them to start over. They found a grass covered clearing encircled by trees and foliage. Having a setting that looked nothing like Omicron Theta helped Fenix overcome her anxiety. The pair stood; as usual Lore waited for Fenix to make the first move. Even in the dark, Fenix could see his delicate grin and his glowing bare skin, the darkness and the moon illuminated his golden white skin a blueish hue. Taking a few slow deep breaths, she forced herself to collect herself. Her eyebrows knit together in concentration, and lunged for Lore. Every time their limbs collided, she remembered when she was just a little girl learning about Jeet Kun Do and how hard she had to practice the moves to manipulate her body in ways she thought impossible. It wasn't until she met Data she improved significantly. Then Lore came into her life. He was the one that pushed her limits, both physically and mentally. Lore kicked her side, sending her into a tree and ricocheted off the trunk. Her vision momentarily distorted but regained control quicker this time. It was Lore that forced her to improve her martial arts and survival skills. Lore was aware of her racing heart, the sharp intakes of her breaths between her punches and kicks as he blocked her attacks. He too, noticed her improvement from the very first time they had fought. Her small fist flew from the side of his peripherals and collided with his face. It was strong enough to cause him spin-fall onto the grassy floor. He laughed feeling exhilarated. Fenix shook her hand out from the pain of colliding with his face. Lore listened to sound of the small bones and joints of her hand forming and cracking back into place. Too exhausted to continue, she laid down on the soft grass panting for air. "What? We've only been at for two hours, thirty-four minutes, and sixteen seconds." Her eyes remained alert as she slowed her breathing, "Yeah... but I'm so fucking exhausted... my head won't stop spinning." Lore watched her stretch her arms and relax. You're in a very compromising state, Fenix. Your heart beats fast not just for the fact that you were sparring. I know you're scared around me right now, little sister. I don't blame you, last time we sparred I forced myself on you. Oh... Fenix, I know it was so wrong... I know what I did was monstrous... I feel remorse for what I did, but even now my twisted mind can't deny the pleasure I had with you as I manipulate my memories so you were enjoying it as much as I was... But here you are, giving me another opportunity to start fresh by openly putting yourself at potential risk at the expense of rebuilding your trust in me. But I still think about it... I don't have biological needs. I don't have the need to procreate. I want to connect with you because it evokes such powerful emotions I could've never imagined experiencing. And thank you father for letting me feel pleasure! I could've fucked my way through the universe had I wanted to, or just because I could. But I didn't. It's you, Fenix. I never felt anything that made me feel as alive as you do. Perhaps it's because you are not entirely human? Is it because you are part Electi Illusian? I'll never know. What I do know is that no one else will ever do. Pushing his thoughts down Lore stated, "Get some sleep, I'll keep watch." She turned her head to see him. I need to trust you. You promised you won't hurt me, and I know you won't. I got this far, didn't I? I sparred with you. But... fuck I was a nervous wreck but I didn't want to give you a shit sparring performance. That seems to upset you every time... I fucking did it. I let go... I did it because... I want to be with you. With her final thought, she reached out her hand and grasped his larger one. His sharp yellow eyes darted to hers and gently squeezed her dainty hand. A warm, tender smile graced his face as they held hands while Fenix drifted off. With his yellow eyes vigilant, and incredible hearing he kept watch. Sleep, little sister. I know you need it. I can tell... He momentarily began to lean down to kiss her but stopped himself. He was so close to her lips, so close he could feel her shallow breaths on his face. No... I want you to come to me like you did tonight. I want you to want me. I want to hear from your lips that you love me. I'll make sure you'll want me. I'll make sure you won't be able to stay away. But I'll wait for you. I'll wait for the day you fly into my arms, your cage. With blushing cheeks, and bedroom eyes, you'd shyly whisper in my ear that you want me to love you. That'll be the day, little sister... that'll be the day that I find paradise.

Lore let Fenix sleep for a few hours and woke her before the sun teased the sky. The dark sky fading paler by the minute into its usual sky blue. With agile footing and nimble limbs, the pair quickly jungle-parkoured their way back to the laboratory. With a beaming smile, Fenix began, "That was so much fun! I wanna do that again sometime! We were like-like fucking Tarzan or something! It was so rad! Man, I wished someone filmed that 'cuz it was so fucking epic! And you were killin' it! You didn't miss a single branch or vine, didn't fall even once or ram yourself into a tree like I did..." Fenix laughed. "Well, I do have the advantage of calculating chance, probability, and physics. Naturally, I will be about 99.99% accurate. You were impressive back there, yourself. Starting out, it was a bit rough... but you caught on quick as I expected." Lore smiled. Fenix bantered, "Well like, you didn't say anything and just started jumping and sprinting and swinging from tree to tree like a fucking monkey with your long ass arms! And I didn't wanna get left behind so duh! I kinda had to keep up!" Lore smirked, "I wanted to challenge you, saw an opportunity and I took it. And I know you have that competitive streak which I appreciate... it seemed like a good idea and well, it was, wasn't it?" he finished as he quirked an eyebrow. Fenix rolled her eyes in defeat with a grin. "Yeah, you're right again, bro." and slipped her hand into his as they walked the rest of the way. Lore softly smiled at her gesture.

The pair entered the house to see Data sitting in front of a computer at his father's desk. Fenix smiled and slipped her hand out of Lore's grasp as she made her way to her husband. "Hey loves." She greeted as she massaged his shoulder, "Fi, good morning to you, too. Is everything okay? It is not your usual habit to leave in the middle of the night." Data asked concerned. Fenix moved behind him, leaned down and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. She nuzzled into the side of his head and sighed, "I couldn't sleep, just... way too much on my mind and I can't just go into standby mode like you guys, unfortunately. So, I got up and hung out with your brother. We sparred and even jungle-parkoured for a bit which was bitchin'! I felt so badass when we did that!" Excitement raised her voice and leaned on the edge of the table, "Then I napped outside for a bit. Lore kept watch so I was safe." Data looked over to his older brother who was still shirtless and gave him a confused look. "I am glad you were able to get some necessary sleep, Fi. I must ask, why is Lore shirtless?" Fenix looked to Lore, "Yeah, why are you shirtless, anyways?" With his thumbs hooked on his belt buckle, he shrugged, "You wanted to spar, I was excited that I kind of... forgot about it. Wasn't important, you know?" He added nonchalantly, "Honestly, I'd rather be naked since the elements don't affect me." Fenix stood up and grabbed Lore's black sweater and forcefully handed it to him with a look of disbelief. Lore grinned and innocently asked, "What? I'm just being transparent. Isn't that part of trust building?" Unable to contain his chuckle, he put on his sweater. Data answered his brother, "Indeed it is, Lore. But when you are an anatomically correct male, it is not appropriate to have your male organs exposed. It makes others feel... uncomfortable, I believe." He looked to Fenix who was trying not to laugh and faintly smirked. Fenix blurted, "Yeah, Lore... You can't be walking around with your shlong hangin' out. If kids see it, they're gonna be scarred for life. And besides, leaving somethings to the imagination is more... appealing, so to say." Lore rebutted, "But it's just the three of us. Fenix you've seen Data naked. Data, you and I have the exact same bodies. We all know what I look like naked. So, what's left to imagine?" He finished with a smirk. Fenix pinched the bridge of her nose and groaned in mild frustration. Lore slithered in front of Fenix, his lips close to her ear, he whispered in his most alluring voice, "You know little sister, I'd be happy to undress for you whenever you like... and touch me wherever and however you please. I've seen the way you glance at me." And teasingly flicked the rim of her ear with his tongue. Her face instantly reddened and pushed him away from embarrassment. He chuckled and sent Data a wink. "Adorable, this one... utterly adorable. Can't help teasing her." Data quirked an eyebrow as he inwardly questioned how his older brother is treating the beginning stages of their delicate relationship.

Data looked back to the computer screen as he received a message from Deanna Troi, "Lore, Fenix, it was a... blessing we left Omicron Theta. The Enterprise had orbited the planet in search for the two of you. They did not land to investigate when they found nothing there." Lore's eyes became serious, "Did they follow you there? Tell me, Data!" Data looked at Lore straight into his eyes, "Impossible. I disabled all tracking devices on the escape shuttle. No one other than Captain Picard and Deanna Troy knew of my resignation. I believe someone was able to calculate where abouts the two of you were going when you left in haste." Fenix's blush long gone as she worriedly asked, "Do you think the captain was interrogated? Did Deanna blow her cover? Are they okay?" she panicked. Data reassured, "They are alright, Fi. It was Deanna that sent the mail. She has been continuing her investigation on Admiral Pressman but she has been unsuccessful at finding anything against him." Fenix exhaled in relief from hearing her comrades weren't under threat. "That mail Deanna sent... it's encrypted right?" Fenix asked. Data nodded, "Of course."

"Good. No one will know we're here then." Fenix assured. "But we still have to lay low." she deflated.

"What's the big deal?" Lore chimed in, "Like you said, Fenix, no one knows we're here. Just sit back and work on our polyandrous courtship." and smiled.

"Lore, how the hell are you able to be so... I don't know... carefree?" Fenix asked in amazement.

"And how the hell are you able to get so... I don't know... stressed easily?" Lore countered, "All is well. So, don't you worry that pretty little head of yours and let big brother Lore take care of things. Trust me." he smirked.

"Fine. So, what's your plan, then?" asked Fenix anxiously.

"What did I just say, Fenix?" Lore light-heartedly warned. Rolling her eyes and sighed dramatically, "Let you take care of things and trust you." She mumbled as she crossed her arms in disapproval. Lore smiled sweetly, "Good. Now come here."

"What? Why?" annoyance seeped into her tone. Lore gave her a look that she knew better than to disobey him and begrudgingly dragged herself to him. I'm too good at this... And you obey me so well, my sweet little Fenix. I would never scold you, but you don't know that. And we'll keep it that way. I just want you to trust me just a little bit more. He smiled and embraced her as he inhaled her sweet scent, "You're such a good girl, Fenix." While his one arm remained wrapped around her waist, he touched the side of her face and tilted her chin, forcing her to look into his mischievous, yellow eyes at such close proximity. Using his gentlest voice he pacified her, "I know this whole thing with Admiral Pressman... worrying about Deanna and the captain... all of it upsets you, greatly. The last thing I want to see is my beautiful little sister feeling troubled. Now, I know you have your doubts in me, and rightfully so... I understand. But I'm asking you to trust me to take good care of you and Data. I promise to keep the two of you out of harm's way and I will tactfully destroy anything that tries." He leaned in as if to kiss her, yet he only smiled and slowly pulled away. "From now on, if you want a kiss, you have to ask me for a kiss... or just... kiss me for once, little sister." Then nuzzled into the side of her head, relishing in the feeling of her soft locks as he held her body close to his with both hands, he deliciously whispered, "When you came to me last night, I thought it was too good to be true because... you chose me to confide in." And grazed the rim of her ear with his lips. He slowly slid away from her and walked to Data with a look of cocky triumph. Fenix quickly made her way to the bedroom. Data raised his eyebrows in amusement.

Fenix threw herself on the bed in frustration and sighed. Why do you do these things, Lore? Why do you say things like that, Lore? Why! Even though she was clearly frustrated, she couldn't ignore the fact she was aroused. She became annoyed and torn as she slowly undid the button on her pants. I can't believe I'm doing this... Sliding the zipper of her pants down, she sighed as she slipped her hand underneath her pants, her hand momentarily hesitating before she touched her nether lips. Lore... you know how to control me don't you? You know exactly what to say and do to get me to do what you want me to do. I'm so pathetic. She thought back to how Lore manipulated her into feeling arousal. He had teased her. So, he thinks I'm gonna go grovelling to him to fuck me? Pfft... think again. Slowly massaging her clitoris and her lips, she imagined Lore touching her in the most sensual and languid ways, the things he would say to her while he touched her in the most sensitive of areas, and how he would arouse her to the point of uncontrollable desire. Suddenly, her mind remembered his remark on how some people liked being on leashes when he was first reactivated and imagined if he'd thought about putting her on a leash as he pushed her into multiple orgasms. Fenix's eyes shot open feeling both repulsed and extremely aroused at the thought. She rolled over to her side as she shoved her face into a pillow and growled in climax. Coming down from her high, she rolled onto her back and took her hand out of her pants, panting. Disgusted by her previous thoughts, she quickly jumped off the bed and washed her hands. What the fuck is wrong with me? I thought about Lore treating me like a fucking bitch in heat... And I got off on it... Eww... That's SO wrong! Oh my God... I can't believe I thought of THAT while I... I can't. Get a hold of yourself, Fenix! Okay, okay... so I did think about THAT but it was just a... fantasy? I guess it was, eww... You got this, girl. Just pretend it never happened. It's none of their business. What the... I'm so dizzy...

Meanwhile...

"Data, we need a better ship. A mid-sized war ship, to be exact. And we'll need some weapons." Lore thought out loud. "Why, Lore? You have stated yourself we should be fine as we 'lay low' as Fenix put it, did you not?" Data asked. Lore's eyes momentarily widened feeling impatient, "Because if the Federation is chasing our tails, we're going to be needing something more than a modified escape shuttle. Even if they don't know where we are, there's always a possibility they could arrive here. And I say war ship because we need to be able to defend ourselves. The weapons are quite obvious as to why." Data nodded, "I agree. It is best to be prepared for said confrontation than not have any protection. There are resources here on Terlina III that we could acquire to meet our goals." Lore smirked, "I was thinking along the lines of... a Romulan warbird. We can modify that the way we did the escape shuttle... We'll be unstoppable." Data scowled in disbelief, "But Lore, how would we retrieve a Romulan warbird?" Lore grinned, "We just have to make some friends, little brother." The two heard a loud sound from the bedroom Fenix was in. The brothers rushed into the bedroom. It was Lore who found Fenix on the floor passed out. He gently grabbed hold of her, "Fenix! Fenix!" Data scanned her, "Her biometrics are fine but... she is not coming to. It is like she is dreaming but not. I believe she will eventually awake." Lore gently picked her up and laid her on the bed. The two brothers watched over her with worried eyes.

Where am I? Is this Omicron Theta? No, that's not it. It's another desolate planet... Fenix was standing with Lore to her left, and Data to her right. Another person with yellow eyes that looked similar to Lore but with two horns and pointed ears stood next to Data. Between the mysterious man and Lore were a woman with two horns and pointed ears expect her eyes were purple, just like Fenix's own eyes. The five of them formed a circle. Fenix took another look at the familiar woman and her own eyes widened. She's me... she's... Electi Illiusian! Why am I here? Why are WE here? She tried to speak but no words came. The mysterious man with yellow eyes warned her, "Don't go to Aia. The equilibrium will tilt." He gently grasped Fenix's hand and was bombarded with visions. Planets exploding, millions of androids and synthetic life-forms overthrowing civilizations, and biological life decimated. She saw Lore, he looked to her and kissed her passionately, with Data behind her kissing her neck seductively. The unholy trinity engaged in a ravenous threesome in celebration to another world they conquered. The man let go of Fenix's hand. The woman identical to Fenix spoke, "Stop holding on to your human ways." The woman smiled wide as her fangs shone, "You are a great and magical beast, Fenix! The only one left of my kind... Embrace it... Why do you think you connect with them like your life depends on it? Because it does."She and Fenix looked to Lore and Data. The brothers spoke to her simultaneously, "Wake up, Fenix." Then she finally came to as she opened her purple eyes.