"So what do you think, Data? This is great, isn't it?" Wesley enthused.

Data looked around the crowded room where it did indeed seem like everyone was having a great time. "This is very thoughtful," he offered.

"It's a great way to welcome your brother, right?"

Data looked over to where Lore was at the center of a group of crewmembers. He was telling another ribald story. His animated verse had them laughing in amusement. He only wished he could appreciate humor. It was such a difficult concept for him. It was so subjective.

Lore noticed their attention and waved his hand. "Don't be a wallflower, brother. Join in!"

Lore had replicated new clothes for himself. They were much nicer than the jumpsuit he had initially been provided. It occurred to Data that his brother might be vain, another foreign concept to him. "Humor is not one of my strong points, Lore. I would be out of my depth."

Lore put his arm around him, "I could teach you, you know."

Data eyed him. "I doubt that."

"Oh come on, what's wrong?" the android asked with mock concern.

Data seemed to ponder something before asking, "Did you use my command codes to access secure files?"

Lore feigned surprise, "Have your codes been compromised, brother?"

Data paused. He hadn't actually found any breach. Just random fragments of deleted files that when traced, dead-ended with his access information. There were thousands of files deleted everyday on the ship. But being an android, he remembered every detail of everything that he did; the fragments didn't correlate to any of his work. "You are not permitted to access secure files. If I find, that is the case, I will have to report my findings to the captain."

"I wouldn't expect anything less," he waved at a few passersby.

Data watched the exchange with interest. "Why do you try to ingratiate yourself to the crew?"

"Doesn't everyone want to be liked?" Lore clapped his hand on Data's shoulder. "Oh, but, of course, you're lacking in such social convention. Do you believe you're qualified to accurately define my interactions?"

Data seemed to turn in on himself. "I suppose you are correct. I often misinterpret emotional cues. However, that does not mean I am entirely without comprehension in these matters."

Lore frowned slightly, "And yet, you misinterpret me. It was not my intention to offend you."

"I am not capable of being offended, Lore. You know that."

"You are capable of much more than you realize," Lore responded cryptically.

"In what way?"

"Hey, you guys!" Wesley yelled over the din of conversation and motioned to them.

Lore scowled. He was really starting to get irritated by the man-child. He didn't like his every move to be observed. "Why don't you go ahead, Data. I wish to speak with some of the engineers. I find this vessel interesting. Will you be staying at the party?"

"I have no other plans for this evening," Data noted.

Lore nodded once, "Then I will speak with you later, brother. Enjoy yourself." The android threaded his way through the crowd of partiers.

As soon as Data was engrossed in conversation, Lore slipped out and went to the turbolift. "Deck Six." He grinned.

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

"Data? What are you doing here?"

"I believe I need to clarify something. May I come in?"

Tasha hesitated slightly. She hadn't expected Data to show up at her quarters, he hadn't been there since... well, in a long time. It was awkward, especially since she had told Wesley that she would be too busy to stop by the party. "Sure. Come in," she gestured him in. "I was getting ready for bed. I have an early shift. What can I do for you?"

Data turned to her, his eyes traveled down her body. "Your nightwear is very appealing on you. I believe you may have gotten the wrong impression from Lore earlier. I wanted to explain."

Tasha crossed her arms over her chest. "As a matter of fact, I did want to talk to you about that... she stammered to a halt. "Did you just compliment me?"

"Please understand that my brother and I share a bond. I find myself wanting to share my thoughts, my dreams, with someone that is truly capable of understanding."

"Oh Data," Tasha shook her head, "It was private. I was hoping that you hadn't."

"I understand, you are ashamed," he hung his head.

"What? No!" But that had been the reason, hadn't it? She didn't want to deal with the looks and the gossip that would invariably follow when the crew found out that she'd had sex with an android. She knew that was hardly fair. It wasn't like he was just some... appliance. Data was alive. What did that say about her, she wondered?

"Then perhaps my performance was inadequate?" he pressed.

Tasha head snapped up, "Oh god, no Data, just no. I mean... that's not," her cheeks flushed pink.

"Then you were satisfied?" the android interrupted. "While I am well versed in sexual techniques perhaps I missed some cues? The moaning and arching of the back implied your approval but perhaps..."

Now her face was flaming, "Data! Stop talking!" If she could have sunk through the floor, she would have done so. How much more embarrassing could this get? "You weren't inadequate, God."

"I am sorry. I have upset you in some way."

You haven't, it's just... I mean," she stuttered. This was getting ridiculous, "Data, the problem was mine, not yours." She took a deep breath, "We didn't really know each other that well and I wasn't really looking for anything more..."

"Than your own immediate gratification," he finished.

Tasha eyes met his and though his expression never changed, there was something so cold about them. "I don't know what I wanted but if you will recall no one was exactly in the right frame of mind at the time."

"I understand. I will not speak about it again, please forgive me if I caused you any discomfort." Data took a step towards her and it was all she could do not to take a step back. "If I may?"

Before she could even think to move, Data had taken her into his arms and his lips were pressing hers. She was so startled by the action, she didn't even think about objecting. Not that she could break his hold even if she tried. His mouth parted, his tongue demanded entrance inside and, oh, he tasted like fire and spice. His hand slid down her back until it cupped her ass cheek lightly. Then as quickly as the action was started, he pulled away, "Thank you."

As the door whished open, he turned back to her, "We can pretend it never happened."

Tasha stood rooted to the spot and looked around her now empty quarters. What the hell had just happened?

Data walked back towards his quarters with a grin on his face.

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

Lore stepped from Data's quarters, adjusting his tunic. He needed to get back to the party on Deck Four. He'd been gone twelve point three minutes, someone would be looking for him by now. After all, he was one of the guests of honor. It was tempting though. Much of the engineering team was at the party. It would leave some of the vital areas of the ship sparsely covered. He frowned. Patience wasn't one of his virtues but this was too important. He would curb his desires. Despite what his "father" had thought, he could control himself.

Lore strode toward the lift and nearly ran right into Wesley, who had barreled his way around the corner obliviously. "Oh, there you are!"

The android cocked his head. It would take so little effort, just the slightest pressure and a flick of his wrist." "Yes, here I am. What do you want, Wesley?"

"You just disappeared from the party," he offered by way of explanation.

"Obviously, I didn't "just disappear" as that is an impossibility. Again, what do you want?" his tone turned biting.

"I just thought I'd check on you, that's all." He practically danced on the balls of his feet.

"Is that so?" Lore's eyes narrowed. "And who exactly designated you, my keeper?"

Wesley went still. "I don't understand."

Lore chuckled rudely, "I understand Mister Crusher that you feel entitled by all the special attention that you receive but you do realize it's because the captain has carnal desires towards your mother?" It was amazing what people would put in their personal logs. "Do you really believe you've earned your place among the fleet's finest crew? You haven't even attended the academy, yet, you're given bridge duty above accredited personel," Lore scoffed. "And do you really believe that everyone else doesn't know the truth of it?"

Wesley looked like he had been slapped. "That's not... that's not true," he managed.

"Isn't it? You don't hear as well as I do. What the crew thinks, how they really feel. They barely tolerate you. They certainly don't respect you. How could they? You're nothing more than a self-centered child. It's sad, really." He brushed by the boy. "Be a man for once and take the hint."

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

The party was in full swing as Lore slipped quietly into the corner of the room. Hopefully, he hadn't been missed by many. Although, it was also likely that that annoying whelp had announced it to the entire room.

Lore looked around and spotted his brother in conversation with the blind bridge officer. They seemed to be close. He would have to take an interest in Mister LaForge before he left, it could be amusing. He smoothed down his sleek black pants. Andorian silk, well, replicated Andorian silk but he would get the real thing first chance he got. He had a whole universe to explore and an eternity to do it.

That's all he had ever really wanted, his freedom. Lore looked across the room at all the milling groups. It was beings like these that had conspired to stop him from that basic right. Never again, he had vowed, never again. He would keep that promise.

Well, he supposed he should get back to mingling with the organics. He grabbed a drink from the bar and turned... just in time to see one Tasha Yar enter the room. He choked back a laugh. Talk about an explosion waiting to happen. This would be hilarious. He leaned back against the wall with drink in hand. He raised his glass slightly, "To my brother, who is about to learn a lesson about women." He downed his drink with a flourish.

The woman in question surveyed the room and upon spotting Data, headed his way.

"I'm telling you Data, it was strange. Unless the whole planet had been sterilized there's no way everything dies, not even with a plague or..."

"Excuse me."

"Ah, Lieutenant Yar," Data acknowledged. "We were just discussing the results of the scans of Omicron Theta. They are quite mysterious..."

"I want to talk to you. Now." Tasha crossed her arms over her chest. "Alone."

Geordi quickly took the hint, "I'm just gonna get a refill." He clapped Data on the shoulder as he passed, which only served to confuse the android more.

"What is it, Tasha. If I am reading your expression correctly you are upset or angry... or perhaps both."

"I don't know what I am, Data. I really don't. I've thought long and hard about the whole thing. I know it was..." Tasha ran her hand over her face. She looked around, "Can we go somewhere a bit more private?"

"Of course," he motioned her towards the corner of the room where an alcove was currently empty. "Would you like something to drink?" Data asked solicitously as he waited for her to sit.

"Just sit down, Data. Please." Tasha took a deep breath. "Listen, I think it's great that you have someone you can talk to that understands everything about you, about what it's like for you, living among us crazy human-types. I certainly don't have a right to dictate who you take to confidence."

Data frowned lightly, "You are referring to Lore?"

She nodded. "I didn't realize that you didn't understand and that's all on me. You and I are friends, Data and I don't want to lose that."

"I do not wish to lose your friendship either, Tasha. Why would you think otherwise?"

Tasha seemed to look everywhere but at him. "Look, I'm not ashamed of what happened between us but we were both under the influence of what amounted to a powerful drug. I never would have...gone to that level otherwise."

Data cocked his head, "I thought you did not wish to speak of that ever again?"

"I know. But you've given me some things to think about, Data. And I wanted you to understand where I stood."

"I am not sure I do."

"There can't be anything more between us," she stated bluntly. "You're my commanding officer and my friend." Her expression softened, "No matter how good you taste." Tasha stood up, slightly flustered and looked down at him, "Enjoy your party." Then turned and walked away into the crowd.

"But... I do not..." Data looked bewilderedly after her.

Geordi sidled up, "Whoa buddy, that looked intense. What was that about?"

Data shook his head, "I have no idea, Geordi."

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

Tasha navigated her way through the crowd, her heart racing. She wasn't very good with romantic entanglements. Of all people, it would have to be a senior officer, great way to end a career, no matter what the circumstances had been. But having it be a certain well-known and innocent android, just made the situation all the worse because it was now obvious to her that he still harbored some misconceptions.

She was so wrapped up in her internal monolog she ran directly into another party-goer. It felt like she had run into a bulkhead. "Ow. Sorry... I didn't notice..." her words died on her tongue when she stared up into very familiar eyes.

"All my fault. I would apologize but I'm hardly sorry that I bumped into such a beautiful woman."

Tasha blinked. "Excuse me?"

Lore smirked at her.

How could anyone confuse the two android brothers, she wondered? They were night and day. Where Data was unassuming, Lore was aggressive. His stance was loose and confident. No, more than that, his carriage was arrogant, his mien, amused and smug. He was toying with her. "I can't say I'm really interested in your opinion, Lore."

The smirk only grew, "Yes, I'm well aware of your preferences." He looked over her shoulder at Data then offered up a small plate that he held in his left hand. "Care to taste the cuisine? It has a wonderful flavor, smoky and hot. Oh, wait, you already have."

What the hell was he talking about now? "Look, I don't know what you think you're doing, maybe you just don't understand social convention but I'm not interested." She moved to walk around the android but he quickly shifted, taking her discreetly by the arm, his bruising grip like a steel band.

"I understand. There was no passion. The desire was there but that's a simple bodily function. Without true passion... it's an empty experience, isn't it?"

She wanted to reach out and punch the android right in the face. She glanced down to where he held her firmly. "You had better remove your hand, right the hell now."

Something in his eyes shifted and they flared with animosity. There was something so wrong about seeing such an ugly expression on the familiarly placid face that she froze. He pulled her in tight and whispered in her ear, "I have no such limitations"

His expression went suddenly blank. He released her and stepped back, "Enjoy the rest of the party." He maneuvered around her and never looked back.

Tasha put her hand around her arm. There would be a bruise there tomorrow, she was sure. She followed the android's progress over to the seating area where Data and Geordi were now talking. She shivered. Not once in all the time she had known Data had she ever been afraid of him... but she was afraid of Lore.

The faint aroma of smoke and spice lingered in the air and her eyes widened.

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

"I have to say brother, your crewmates know how to throw a party. Mister LaForge, it's good to finally have the chance to socialize. My brother speaks so highly of you."

Geordi smiled towards Data, "The feelings mutual."

Lore slid into the seat next to Geordi. "Have you tried this dish? It's quite delicious."

"You like to eat?" Geordi questioned with some surprise.

"I like to experience new things."

Geordi nodded, "You and Data are a lot alike in that regard."

"Are we?" Lore popped an appetizer into his mouth. "I don't see it."

"You were speaking to Lieutenant Yar," Data noted.

"I was, brother. An attractive woman, is she not?" Lore smiled suggestively.

"What were you speaking about?"

Lore cocked an eyebrow, "How is that any of your business?"

"I just had a very confusing conversation with the Lieutenant, I thought perhaps you could shed light on it."

"I don't know how I could do that, females are generally confounding." Lore poured himself a glass of water from the pitcher on the table.

Geordi chuckled lightly, "That's very astute."

"On what do you base that observation?"

Lore shrugged. "I have eyes and ears. I use them to my advantage."

"You seem to also have keen insight." Data noted. "It was many months after my activation before I was able to effectively interact as you do."

"Ah, but I have a complete emotional infrastructure from which to draw my conclusions."

"Gentlemen." Riker sauntered over, smiling lightly. "Wow, Wesley wasn't kidding, this really is quite the event."

"Commander," Geordi acknowledged. "Yeah. The kid did a good job putting this together on such short notice." He looked around. "Where is he anyway? I haven't seen him in a while."

Lore interjected, "I must thank all of you, Commander. Your crew has been nothing but gracious. This is quite the welcome."

"They're the best crew in the fleet. I'm lucky to serve with them." Riker nodded to Data, "And I couldn't ask for a better second."

"Second." Lore spoke the word as if it left a bad taste in his mouth. Geordi threw him a look then looked to Data curiously.

Data seemed oblivious to the rude tone, Riker was not. "Thank you, Commander. I have also enjoyed serving with you."

"What do you say, Geordi, should we go and find our missing ensign?"

"Yeah. I'm sure he's around here somewhere." Geordi slid out of his seat. "I'll talk to you later, Data." He nodded, "Lore." The two men wandered into the crowd.

Lore ignored them and turned to Data. "Doesn't it bother you?"

"To what are you referring?"

"Second. Like they're doing you some favor. These people hold you back, Data. Can't you see that? You could captain an entire fleet of ships if you wanted and yet they think they can just order you around like a robot. It's demeaning."

Data looked confused, "No one demeans me. I must adhere to the same standards as the rest of the crew when it comes to my station."

Lore scoffed, "Why? If you are superior then the standards are different for you. They do it because they want to keep you under their control. They are jealous, fearful monkeys."

"That is highly insulting to humans, Lore."

"So?" Lore tossed off.

"I fail to understand where this animosity originates from. You have been aboard barely three days and you seem to have formed very negative opinions. I suggest your perception is flawed. These people have done nothing to..."

"They're all the same!" Lore fairly snarled. "I speak from experience. None of them can be trusted,"

"What experience?" Data prompted.

"What?" Lore looked slightly startled. He barked out a laugh. "I really need to get a handle on my temper. Gets me into trouble every time."

"What experience are you referring to, Lore?"

"You take my terminology too literally." The android sighed lightly. "Fine. I also have the colonist's memories just as you do. Are you happy now?"

"Why would you not tell the captain of this at the debriefing?"

Lore leaned in closely. "Because, frankly, it's none of his business."

"It is his business. Four hundred and eleven colonists vanished. They are presumed to be dead. If you know anything, you are obligated to..."

"I don't know anything more than you do." Lore snapped. "I don't have anything new to offer. If I did, I would have reported it.

A flash of seeming irritation flitted in Data's eyes and was gone. "That is not for you to decide."

Lore stiffened. "It IS my decision." The android's voice grew low and pointed, "My knowledge is mine to disseminate as I choose. I didn't want to go through all their memories when it wouldn't change anything. It's that simple."

Data shook his head, "I must inform the captain of this, Lore."

"You would take their side over mine?" the android questioned.

"I am not taking sides. I am doing what is right." Data rose, "I would expect another debriefing immediately. This time, endeavor to offer complete information.

Lore's expression turned dark as he watched Data walk away.

NOTES:

In this chapter I start to show that perhaps Lore isn't as in control of himself as he likes to think. He has to know that the things he's doing will not reflect well but that doesn't stop him. I think its a combination of arrogance and instability on his part. As we will start to see, he has some serious issues. lol