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. Lore is a master of manipulation.
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.
"It was Lore," Tasha said bluntly.
Deanna blinked as the weight of Tasha's statement hit her.
She felt a pang of guilt for ever suspecting Data could have hurt Tasha – intentionally or otherwise.
Deanna now saw the concern she had sensed from Data earlier in a whole new light. She also realised that she had seriously misunderstood her android friend and his emotional capacity.
"Then I as good as told Data to pound sand," Tasha said as she bit her trembling lip to try and stop from crying.
Deanna took Tasha's hands and tried to control her response. She could feel every ounce of her pain. It wasn't just what Tasha had shared in their counselling sessions – Deanna could feel how deeply she cared for him.
And how scared she was of losing him.
"I am sure that Data cares very deeply for you," Deanna said. "I think you should talk with him."
"I should have known it wasn't Data," Tasha said as she turned to look at the window. "I should have known but I didn't. And gods Deanna, he was so devastated. I hurt him-"
"Tasha, look at me," Deanna said. "This was not your fault."
She gave Tasha's hand a reassuring squeeze.
"I think you should go to him and talk with him about how you are feeling," Deanna stated. "Something tells me he is a great listener."
"You're a great listener," Doctor Crusher said as she twirled the wine around in her glass.
"It's hard not to when you tell such intriguing stories," Lore replied.
Beverly shook her head with a smile.
"I'm sure I've talked your ear off by now," she said as she stood.
She began to clear the table. As she reached for the dishes, Lore's hand shot out and grabbed her wrist.
"Allow me," he said.
Lore stood and began to move the dishes back to the replicator.
"Thank you," Beverly replied as she handed him the last plate.
"I am happy to serve humans," Lore replied.
Doctor Crusher looked concerned.
"Lore, you're here as a guest, not because we expect you to serve us," Beverly replied.
Lore's eyes widened slightly.
"Thank you, Doctor. I should be going," he said as he broke eye contact with her and moved toward the door.
"Is there something wrong?" Beverly asked sensing she had touched on a delicate topic.
Lore stopped and slowly turned around. He cleared his throat before proceeding.
"I am not used to humans treating me with such kindness. You see the last person that treated me this way-" he trailed off and looked away.
He paused for a moment before turning back to her, yellow tears started to well up in his eyes.
"She was special to me," Lore said.
Beverly wasn't sure what compelled her to do it, but her maternal instinct kicked in and she moved quickly to the door and gave him a hug. He froze momentarily, his arms stiff at his sides. After a moment, she felt him relax and he returned the hug.
"Perhaps tomorrow you could tell me about her?" Beverly said as she broke the hug.
"Tomorrow?" Lore asked as he cocked his head to the side.
"Yes. Why don't you join me in sick bay tomorrow and help with the inventory report," she said brightly.
Lore smiled and thanked her as he wiped away the tears from his face.
Inside, Lore was delighted.
Lore's demeanour changed as soon as he stepped into the corridor. As he made his way to the turbolift there was a bounce in his step.
When the turbolift doors opened he was pleased to see his brother.
"What are you doing on this deck?" Data questioned.
"Hello, brother," Lore replied with a smile.
"Your quarters on not on this deck. State what the purpose of your presence is on this level," Data demanded.
"Relax, dear brother. I was enjoying an evening with a friend," Lore said innocently as he stepped onto the lift and stood next to Data.
Data turned to his brother. An unfamiliar sensation took hold of him. Although Data would claim he had no such instinct, Geordi would call it his 'gut.'
"I do not know what your intentions are aboard this ship, but I know you are up to something and I intend to find out what that is," Data said darkly.
Before Lore could respond the turbolift opened and Lore grinned wickedly.
The sudden gasp brought Data's eyes to the doorframe.
"So good to see you, Tasha," Lore said sweetly.
Tasha stood outside of the lift, her eyes red and her lips swollen. It was clear she had been crying.
"Do not," Data warned as he put his arm out in front of Lore.
Lore stepped back and put his hands up.
"I am sorry, I have meant no offense," Lore replied. "Is it not appropriate for me to greet my brother's lover?"
Tasha did not reply. She had been on her way to Data's quarters.
"You will address her as Lieutenant or Security Chief, is that clear?" Data said as he stared at his brother.
"Forgive me, Lieutenant. I meant no offense," Lore said as he stared back at his brother.
He could see Data was agitated. It was clear his dear baby brother was definitely worked up over the situation.
"I do hope everything is alright," Lore said sweetly to Tasha before turning his eyes back to Data and adding, "Lieutenant."
Tasha looked at him but said nothing.
"Judging by the fact you are coming from Deck Nine, is it safe to assume you were visiting Counsellor Troi?" Lore pressed.
Data cast a dark look at his brother and kept his hand out in front of Lore.
"I should go," Tasha said as she began to back away from the turbolift door.
"Tasha, wait!" Data said in an uncharacteristically worried voice.
But it was too late. The turbolift doors closed and Data sighed.
"Has there been a falling out between you and your Lieutenant?" Lore asked as the lift began to continue on to the next floor.
Data kept his eyes facing forward and did not respond.
"Come now, brother. Why do you not go after her?" Lore said smirking.
Data remained silent but Lore didn't need a verbal response to read him.
Data's breathing had increased, and Lore could see his temperature regulation was working hard to compensate for a rise in heat.
"Humans often say they wish to be alone when, in fact, they actually seek companionship. But I wouldn't expect you to know that dear brother, as your emotional capacity is inferior," Lore stated.
"I do not follow Lieutenant Yar per her request for personal space at this time," Data replied coldly.
"What did you do to her?" Lore said teasingly.
It had the desired effect. With android speed, Data grabbed Lore's collar and pushed him up against the wall of the turbolift.
"Computer, stop," Data ordered as the turbolift paused.
Lore chuckled casually.
"There is nothing amusing about this, Lore," Data said. "You have harmed a crew member and I will ensure that you are brought to justice."
"Is this jealousy, brother?" Lore scoffed as he took in his brother's expression.
"This is my final warning that I am watching your every move, and should you deviate from our ethical programming you will be held accountable," Data said carefully.
"My brother," Lore protested. "I have done nothing but attempt to serve the humans of this vessel. Have I not assisted in sick bay and engineering? Did I not aid in the evacuation of Geiroka II?"
It was true. Lore had assisted an away team during the evacuation of a Federation colony that was experiencing extreme seismic activity. Lore had also worked in Engineering, until Data expressed his discomfort to Geordi. Much to Data's relief, Geordi had agreed to put some distance between Lore and main Engineering.
Simultaneously, Lore had taken a preference for begging for tasks in sickbay.
Data released Lore and took a step back.
"Computer, resume," he ordered.
The usual hum of the turbolift resumed as it went along it's way.
"I have only sought to please these humans as was clearly demonstrated by your Lieutenant's request that I please-" Lore had said but stopped.
Data snapped. He gripped his brother's throat. His fingers closed around the bioplast that covered Lore's synthetic trachea, android strength nearing the level necessary to crush his endoskeleton.
Lore couldn't speak.
"Data!" Captain Picard's voice boomed as the turbolift doors opened on the scene.
"Captain," Data replied.
Data eased his grip on Lore but did not release him entirely.
"Security team to turbolift 8, deck 7," Picard ordered as he tapped his combadge, alarmed at the sight in front of him.
"That will not be necessary, Captain," Data said as he released Lore and stepped away from him.
"Security, belay that order," Picard instructed.
Lore adjusted the collar of his civilian jumpsuit. He ran his fingers along the sides of neck. His internal scan told him there was a hairline crack along the polyalloy under his bioplast. He was grateful that his neck was reinforced with quadranium or Data would have crushed it.
"What is the meaning of this?" Picard asked.
Data was unsure how to respond. Lore found his voice first.
"A simple disagreement between brothers, Captain," Lore said.
Picard eyed the two brothers carefully.
Jean-Luc also knew first-hand what it was like to have a brother. He had a strained relationship with own brother, Robert. Their disagreements had turned to blows on more than one occasion when they were children.
The Captain considered that seeing as Data and Lore had only recently become aware of each other's existence, in a way they were like children.
However, Jean-Luc knew that his Second Officer would never have taken such action without a good reason. He also knew Data had been sceptical of Lore's abilities and backstory.
He knew there had been an incident the other evening in which Data had confined Lore to his quarters until an investigation could be completed. Data had been reluctant to specify details, only saying that there had been an incident involving panel R139 in which Picard had allegedly summoned Data to investigate.
Picard had made no such order. Given their abilities to mimic the sound of others, Data suspected Lore had been behind it but could not prove his involvement. An extensive search had turned up no unaccounted for combadges.
Data had shared with the Captain, he believed Lore used the panel to create a diversion. However, Data had been unable to provide any motive for why Lore would have created a diversion in the first place.
Tasha had been on her way back to her quarters when she'd heard the Captain's request for a security team to the exact turbolift Data and Lore had been on.
Although he had cancelled the request, she felt obligated to respond.
"See that you two find a more appropriate way to handle your disagreements in the future," she heard Picard state as she approached the turbolift.
"Of course, Captain," Lore said with a small nod turning his attention back to the Captain.
"Everything is in order, Lieutenant," Picard said as Tasha came up beside him.
She noticed Data and Lore were standing opposite one another in the turbolift and that Data appeared to be agitated.
Upon her arrival, both sets of yellow eyes drifted in her direction. Data looked surprised by her presence. Lore looked pleased.
"Lieutenant," he said acknowledging her with a small smile.
Data shot Lore an unmistakeable look that did not go unnoticed by the keen eyes of Captain Picard.
It was look he had given his brother Robert more than once in their youth.
Suddenly, Picard felt he understood exactly what was going on.
"Mr Data I was just on my way to see you. Would you care to join me in my ready room?" Picard said.
Data cocked his head curiously at the Captain.
It was not true, of course. And Picard sensed that Data could see through him. However, he had come to find that, at times, it was appropriate to impart some fatherly advice on the Android. Data was a competent officer. But the nature of his android upbringing (or to be more precise, the lack thereof) meant that in some ways he lacked the situational awareness of lessons most of the crew had learned in their youth.
"Why did you not use your combadge, Sir?" Data inquired.
"Data, please," Picard said.
Data nodded in understanding.
"If you'll excuse me, Captain." Lore said as he made his way past his brother before adding "Would it be possible for me to access some polyalloy and a sonic driver for the purpose of self-repair?"
"Lieutenant, please escort our guest to the engineering inventory storeroom," Picard ordered.
"I will escort Lore to the engineering inventory storeroom," Data interjected as he met Tasha's eyes.
Internally, she breathed a sigh of relief.
Data's reaction further cemented Picard's perception of the situation.
"As you wish, brother," Lore said sweetly.
"That will be fine, Mr Data. I will see you in my ready room once you are finished," Picard replied.
Data and Lore stepped off the lift and made their way down the corridor in silence.
Tasha turned to go but was stopped by the Captain, who invited her to step onto the lift.
She wanted nothing more than to go back to her quarters, but she saw no alternative.
"It seems there is some tension between Mr Data and his android kinsman," Captain Picard said.
"Yes, Sir," Tasha replied but said no more.
Her lack of additional commentary indicated she probably knew more than she was letting on. Picard had always appreciated her perspective and frank opinions about matters. It was unlike her to have nothing to say on a situation.
"The other evening, two of your security officers were sent to supervise Lore in his quarters on orders of Mr Data," Picard explained.
"Yes, Sir," Tasha acknowledged.
"So, you were aware of this?" Picard asked.
"There was a misunderstanding on the holodeck about scheduling," Tasha replied.
Technically, it was not a lie. However, Tasha knew that Captain Picard wasn't buying her vague excuse.
"Really? Then you are privy to information that I am not. Mr Data said there was an engineering access panel that was out of alignment. He was summoned to investigate the panel allegedly by me. Although, I can assure you I was not even aware of the issue with the panel," Picard explained.
Tasha listened intently. Why hadn't Data told her this?
"It seems this engineering panel caused an energy surge that rendered Mr Data unconscious for nearly thirty minutes. He suspects his brother was responsible for it. Believes he was trying to create a diversion," Picard went on. "But as to the motive for the diversion, well I am in the dark."
"He came after you to get to me."
Data's words echoed in her head.
It explained why Data had reacted the way he did. It made sense why he'd demanded Lore be detained. She should have trusted Data. She felt like a such a fool- of course, there had to have been something to make Data suspicious of Lore. Lore had deliberately planned the whole thing.
She reached out and put her hand on the wall to steady herself. Tasha felt like she was going to be sick.
"Tasha, are you alright?" Picard asked.
She hadn't noticed that she had momentarily gotten lost in her own thoughts. She was sweating, pale, and breathing deeply.
Something in her took over. It was an instinct that was as natural as breathing. It was the shell she'd grown on Turkana.
"I'm fine, Sir. Good evening, Captain," Tasha said with a small smile as she stepped off the lift.
Lore could feel Data's eyes on him as he found the polyalloy cells he would need to repair his neck. Data refused to permit him to leave with the sonic driver. Lore would have to repair himself in front of his brother before returning the driver to storage.
It was humiliating.
Lore hated the lack of privacy. He hated being watched in this manner, as if he were under scrutiny for everything he did.
There were too many memories of another time, another place when he'd been treated as such. After he'd had a falling out with the Soongs, Lore had fled Omicron Theta.
Juliana had been terrified of what would happen to him. Doctor Soong had insisted the boy would be fine.
"At the very least, he'll learn some sense even if it's the hard way," Soong had said.
Lore had been anything but fine.
He'd left Omicron Theta with two humans from the colony. They were siblings looking to start a trading business and they had been eager for the Android's help.
But less than a month after they'd set out on their adventure, they'd been quickly overtaken by a group of smugglers from the Beta Quadrant.
Lore had never told anyone about what had happened during that time.
They were always watching him. The only time he wasn't being watched was when he was restrained. If it hadn't been for the discovery of his friend, the Crystalline Entity, Lore would never have escaped.
He spent almost a year aboard that ship before returning to Omicron Theta, Soong's prodigal son home at last.
Juliana had assumed something had happened. She could see it in his face. She could tell by the noises he made when his dream program was activated at night. His sudden desire to be alone, at all times. The young, misguided boy that she had loved had returned a different man.
He used anger to hide his skittish nature. Where he had once been inquisitive, he was now sarcastic.
Lore would have liked to have told her someday, but found he never could.
Something in him had changed on the ship. He had been broken.
And something dark had consumed him.
"Are you finished?" Data asked, pulling Lore back from his memories.
"Yes, brother," Lore replied with disdain.
Picard was sitting in his ready room when the door chimed to alert him of Data's presence. He waved Data in and the android took a seat in front of the Captain's desk.
"Data, have I ever told you about my brother Robert?" Picard asked.
"Yes, Captain. Your brother Robert is your eldest sibling and retains a residency in France at your family's chateau. He is the father of your nephew, Rene, whom you are quiet fond of. In addition, he has a dislike for your-" Data stopped as Picard shook his head.
"No, Data. I meant as a brother. How things were between us. I imagine this situation with Lore must be very strange for you. You never experienced having siblings or being around other children," Picard explained.
"That is correct, Sir," Data nodded.
"A 20th century author once said, 'he is my most beloved friend and my bitterest rival, my confidant and my betrayer, my sustainer and my dependent, and scariest of all, my equal'," Picard quoted.
Data pondered the Captain's words.
"It is evident there is tension between you and your brother. I have no desire to become entangled in your personal life but given the way you both looked at Lieutenant Yar, I think I can piece together what happened on that turbolift," Picard said with a wry grin.
Data felt uncomfortable. He cocked his head to the side and his eyes narrowed.
"Data, throughout history brothers have competed with one another for the affections of the same woman. I remember in my youth, Robert and I did not speak to each for weeks after he asked Amonette Martin to accompany him to a dance I had planned on inviting her to," Picard said as recounted the story.
Picard could see Data was in deep thought. Data knew that the Captain had good intentions and was unaware of the extend of Lore's actions. However, he also considered that having no practical experience with siblings perhaps Picard was correct.
"It's natural, Data. This is what brothers do to one another. In any case, Lieutenant Yar is perfectly capable of taking care of herself," Picard said.
"With all due respect, Captain, I do not believe the current situation is comparable to the situation you have described," Data stated. "I have observed on eighteen occasions Lore using confidence tricks that are often employed by con artists, grifters, or swindlers. He has attempted to disguise his intelligence. Furthermore, although his understanding of human nature exceeds my own capabilities, he has put significant effort into portraying himself as naïve."
"What are you saying, Data?" Picard questioned.
"I do not trust Lore, Sir," Data said simply.
"Do you believe he is dangerous? Has he taken any actions to harm the Enterprise or her crew?" Picard pressed.
"I am afraid I cannot answer that question," Data replied.
Picard sighed and raised his eyebrow to indicate he was expecting more information from his Second Officer. It was unusual for Data to withhold information unless he was following a direct order.
"Why?" Picard inquired.
"Why, Sir?" Data asked as if he didn't understand the question.
"Why are you unable to answer that question?" Picard clarified.
"Starfleet Directives 102 through 106, Sir. Will that be all?" Data asked.
Picard nodded and dismissed Data.
"However, Sir. I feel that I should inform you I am continuing to monitor Lore and will take any action necessary to stop him from harming the Enterprise or her crew," Data said, pausing at the doorway.
After Data had left, Picard leaned back in his chair. His tea was now cold, but it didn't matter.
Jean-Luc knew Starfleet Directives 102-106 well. But being a thorough man, he wanted to confirm he'd heard Data correctly.
"Computer, cite Starfleet Directives 102-106," Picard ordered.
The familiar voice of the computer began to rattle off the appropriate sections of Starfleet code.
Starfleet Directive 102: any witness to a crime has the right to remain to silent under questioning.
Starfleet Directive 103: any victim to a crime has the right to remain silent under questioning.
Starfleet Directive 104: unless a witness chooses to pursue charges, the following crimes may be dismissed: assault, bigamy, burglary, extortion, juvenile delinquency, public drunkenness, theft, sexual assault, vandalism.
Starfleet Directive 105: Directive 104 does not apply if the victim is a minor, influenced by a substance or disease, incapacitated, or in any way unable to make an informed decision to dismiss charges.
Starfleet Directive 106- Directive 106 does not apply if the crime in question harms Starfleet or any Starfleet vessel, facility, or crew at the discretion of the Captain.
Captain Picard rubbed his temples. The situation was giving him a headache.
Was Data expecting him to take action against Lore for a crime he was unwilling to report himself?
Or was this an attempt by one brother to have "dad" intervene – much like Jean-Luc had expected his father to reprimand Robert when he smashed the model ship Jean-Luc had spent weeks assembling?
"Commander Riker to Captain Picard," his combadge pinged.
Riker was on night watch on the bridge. Picard sighed. This didn't bode well.
"Go ahead, Number One," Picard said.
"We've received word that a Ferengi ship has requested a rendezvous with the Enterprise in the Xendi Sabu system," Riker explained. "Starfleet has ordered us to make contact."
"Acknowledged. Did they say for what purpose?" Picard asked.
"No, Captain. Only that they've requested a meeting with you," Riker responded.
"Very well. Lay in course for the Xendi Sabu system," Picard ordered.
Lore sat down on the edge of the bed in his quarters. He swung his legs up onto it and laid back. Staring up at the ceiling, he relished in the semi-privacy of his quarters.
He knew Data would be monitoring his location but at the very least it wasn't a pair of eyes watching his every move.
It was the great paradox of his personality. At times, Lore craved attention. He wanted nothing more than a spotlight to showcase his wit and charm – qualities that he felt were far superior to his brother's.
But Lore only craved this if he was in control of the situation.
Otherwise, he hated being stared at. He'd hated the constant questions.
Why do you have yellow eyes? Why do you look like a ghost? What is your function?
He also hated their accusations.
If Old Often-Wrong made you, then there must be something wrong with you. Are you dangerous? Will he hurt our children?
Most of all, he hated being treated as a thing instead of a person. Some of the colonists expected he was there to service humans as a robot – risking his own safety in situations like accidents and explosions. He was expected to lift and transport heavy goods with no consideration for his own preferences or time. They treated Lore like he wasn't sentient, like he didn't have hopes or dreams of his own.
Well, almost everyone.
Juliana didn't. Neither had Rin or Behlor who kindly took him along on their adventure and offered him an equal role in the venture.
Nor had his old friend the Crystalline Entity.
No, Doctor Soong would never know just how clever his boy could be. Doctor Soong had always considered Lore to be too preoccupied with human pursuits to seriously study and apply himself to scientific interests.
But Lore alone had been the one to learn how to communicate with this beautiful, strange lifeform. And it was Lore alone that managed to befriend the creature.
"Sometimes I miss you, my friend," Lore said aloud as his he activated his dream programming and fell back into a state of artificial slumber.