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Chapter 34: Cleansing

Previously...

Fi reappeared in the underground facility on Omicron Theta and saw her Lore. She smiled, "Hey, baby. I'm back. Miss me?" 'Duster' Lore smirked, "Took you long enough." and kissed her passionately. Fi smiled feeling his lips on hers. With this kiss I accept my past. I will lay it to rest. This love I have for you will last. I will be forever Fi.

Fi saw Fenix and Data walk into the room. Pulling herself away from her Lore's embrace, she walked to Fenix and linked arms with her, "I gotta tell you something. Let's go to the oasis." 'Duster' Lore rolled his eyes, "You're running off, again?" he pouted as his broad shoulders sagged defeatedly. Fi smiled, then jumped into his arms, his hands supporting her bum, "I won't be long this time, I promise." and touched her forehead to his. Hopping off Lore, she grabbed Fenix's hand as they ran out of the facility. Outside on the dusty baron lands, 'Red' Data and Lore spotted the pair as he hollered, "Where're you going?"

"Just to the oasis! We'll be right back!" Fenix answered as her and Fi took off the ground flying, Fi smirked and added, "Don't worry, Lore! Just keeping her warm for ya!" and winked. Lore scowled and shook his head in defeat. "Women..." then chuckled.

Once the two women landed on the top of the waterfall in the oasis, Fenix questioned, "What happened, Fi? What's going on?" her eyes bright. Fi sat down, with Fenix following suit. Inhaling deeply, Fi began, "So, I uh... travelled back in time... my time and freed Arik." Fenix's eyes widened and her mouth agape. Fi continued, "I freed him so in different time-line, 'past' Fi would have a chance to be with him until... at least she can be with him a bit longer than I could've." Fenix grabbed her hand and squeezed gently, no words were going to suffice in this moment. Fi smiled kindly, remember how Arik would hold her hand when she was feeling vulnerable, "It was the most beautiful pain I ever felt in my entire existence. That was my heaven. I wanted to stay so badly, Fenix. But... I know better. I had a taste of my past and I'm... really glad I did that." Leaning towards Fi, Fenix embraced her as she silently shed tears for her. Feeling her pain, she didn't care that Fi was creating different time-lines and affecting dimensions, "How do you feel now?" Fenix sniffled, releasing her.

"Better." Fi faintly smiled with glistening eyes and wiped Fenix's tears away, "It's okay, Fenix. I'm alright." she comforted, "Oh, and Lore asked me to fix him and I did. I'm so glad he did. Took him a long time but... I don't know what happened. He just... asked me when we were flying. I felt something with him I haven't felt since Arik. I'm happy with him and Data." She sighed with a faint smile, "Seeing Arik one last time... freeing him in a way was a way for me to let him go. I'll always love him, that'll never change but now... I can move on now." she reassured. Fenix sniffled, "Fi, you are still... Fenix." You may not be the Fenix or Fi you once were but your heart is still the same. I don't care that dimension hopping is wrong. You're doing your best. Without warning, a flash of light appeared. Q appeared with a somber look on his face. Fi's demeanour changed instantly and yelled, "Hey! We're having girl talk, here! No boys allowed!" Q sighed but stayed serious, "Don't be upset with me, I'm not here to reprimand your dimension hopping, Fi. Besides, you keep doing it no matter what I say... Anyways, what you did with freeing Arik and having the strength to leave was the most honourable thing you did. I gave up on you and your dimension but perhaps... there is still hope." he faintly smiled, "It's hard when you fall for a mortal. Oh, and Fi, I think you should tell Fenix about Admiral Pressman." and disappeared. Fenix looked at Fi worriedly, "What did he mean by that?" Fi smiled coyly with a giggle, "I killed him." and twirled a strand of hair.

"Fi! I-I-it's not that I don't appreciate what you did or anything but-" Fi smirked, "Don't worry 'bout it. Don't worry that pretty innocent little head of yours one bit, okay? I took care of it and it'll give you guys some time before you figure things out." Fenix understood her reasoning and nodded with a tight smile, "Thank you, Fi." Oh boy... she killed the admiral. I'm not surprised but man, Fi! She knew I wouldn't be able to do it, not mentally. I get it, she's trying to prevent me from going down her road. Oh, Fi...

"We should get back to the boys. The Lores are probably bitching right now." Fi commented and the pair laughed.

Meanwhile...

Data sat at the desk and checked his email, "I have received an email from Deanna Troi." Lore downed his polywater and hovered over Data, "What she say?" Data's eyes darted the encrypted email, "I do not know. They are a list of names. I recognize them... They are all in Starfleet and it states their ranking, position and... location." 'Duster' Lore sat on the counter and lit his pipe, "Weird..." and puffed on the pipe looking unamused. Lore looked back at his twin, "What the hell is that?" 'Duster' Lore took another puff and answered, "Polywater crack. Well... that's what Fi calls it. You want some?" Lore walked over, reached his hand out as his 'twin' handed him the pipe. Taking a deep inhale, he blinked his eyes rapidly, "Whoa... that's... that's better than polywater. Holy shit..."

Fenix and Fi burst in running. Fenix scrutinized the pipe in Lore's hands, "What's that?" and scowled.

"Polywater crack." Fi answered. Fenix shook her head, "What the fuck, man? Your Lore's turning my Lore into a polywater crackhead! For fuck sakes... I don't want no polywater crackhead!" she exclaimed.

"Fenix, do not worry. It is completely non-addictive. Lore2 has said that it only gives him 'a good buzz'. It is a modified form of the substance." Her husband informed. Lore added, "Yeah, it isn't like what humans smoked. It isn't actual crack. I get a good high for the time I'm smoking it and as soon as I stop, it's gone. Poof!" Fenix quirked an eyebrow with scepticism, "Yeah... uh huh. Well, I know how to make 'Celestial Cookies' now so I guess it's only fair. You got your polywater crack and I got my cookies." she chuckled. "Oh yeah, Fi killed the admiral so we got some extra time." Fenix casually stated with a shrug. "Thank you, Fi!" Lore hollered between puffs. With a smug grin she said, "Anytime." and winked at Lore then discreetly flicked her eyes to the computer and Lore quirked an eyebrow. Those names of people are part of the admiral's experimentations, aren't they? I see... "Hey little brother, I think you and Fenix should spend some time together. Fi's been stealing her too often." I need you to take her away from here, Data. She's not going to like what I'm about to do. Data tilted her head but didn't argue, "Okay, shall we Fenix?" She eyed Lore and didn't take her eyes off him as she responded, "Sure, Data. Let's go to the oasis. I wouldn't mind chilling for a bit." Lore, what are you up to? Before she could leave, Lore pulled her into a passionate kiss. His lips lingered for a moment and stared into her amethyst depths. I love you, my Fenix... I'll be back soon, I promise. I'll take care of you and Data. Worry and confusion filled her stomach as she left with Data.

Once Lore knew Data and Fenix was far enough away, his cobra yellow eyes serious, "Fi, those names in that email... they're involved with Admiral Pressman's experimentations, correct?" She nodded, "Before I went to kill the admiral, I dropped in on Deanna and got her to send those names." Lore nodded as he contemplated.

Silence.

"What are you planning to do?" asked 'Red' Data.

"I'm going to kill them all. Every one of them on that list needs to die." Lore sternly stated.

"I was hoping you'd say that." Fi encouraged, "I don't want her to keep running and I don't want her to be responsible for their deaths. I don't want her to end up..." ...Like me... "I know you don't have any issue with ridding those that rightfully deserve it, Lore." 'Duster' Lore hopped off the counter, "Then I'm in. I'll go with you." He puffed on his pipe, "Fi, you coming?"

"I'm game." She cracked her knuckles and seductively flipped her hair. 'Duster' Lore looked to his little brother, "You?"

"If it is a means to prevent our three companions from harm, yes." He nodded and added, "It will be just." 'Red' Data joined in. Lore inhaled deeply, his eyes darting from 'Duster' Lore, to 'Red' Data then to Fi. I promise you that Fenix will remain as she is now. In a corrupted world, she was the only organic that fought for us. She will learn our ways eventually, but she will stay as Fenix.

"We need to install the dimensional shifter in you." 'Duster' Lore stated, his eyes mellow from the polywater crack. Lore smirked, "Excellent. Do it."

'Duster' Lore built the dimensional shifter into Lore's finger, and the four of them dematerialized for their journey of 'cleansing'.

Meanwhile...

Fenix held onto Data as she flew to the oasis. Landing softly at the top of the waterfall, he embraced her and nuzzled into her hair. "I missed having you, Fenix." she pressed herself closer to his body and closed her eyes feeling comfort and safety, "I missed you, too. I miss the simpler times of back when we were in school, Data." He smiled, "I remember all of it, I... occasionally recall them from time-to-time as well." Data released her and sat down then he motioned her to sit between his long legs. Wrapping his long arms around her small waist, she leaned into him comfortably and sighed, "Over twenty-three years ago... I was fourteen was when I first met you. It was us against the world." She chuckled, "You watched me grow and I watched you grow, too. We used to sit like this either on your bed or mine when I was nearing adulthood." She gently caressed his still uniform-clad arms. "Things were easier, huh, Data?" The pair looked to the horizon, "Indeed I watched you grow into an incredible woman. Things were much simpler, I agree. But this is part of our never-ending journey. I am glad it was you whom I would be sharing this adventure with." She chuckled as the pair took a trip down memory lane, "Do you remember how your succulents almost took over your entire room?" He faintly smirked, "Yes, and you called me the 'succulent slave'. I must admit, your 'bunny gene' fertilizer did exactly as intended." She nodded with a cheeky smile, "They bred like rabbits." the pair chuckled. "You always tried so hard to mimic humans... you really did come a long way, Data." He smiled warmly, "I learned from the best." and kissed her head. Smiling and blushing, she giggled as Data continued, "If it were not for you teaching me social skills and tirelessly upgrading me, I would have not been able to do so. I feel that... I am able to be more... myself now. Before I was merely mimicking human actions because I wanted to fit it. Whereas now, I do not feel expected by society or myself to blend in. I will never blend in, and that is alright because... I have you. You never tried to mould into society and I admired that quality greatly." Fenix adjusted herself so she was face to face with her husband, "I loved you even when you were mimicking, Data. I feel as though now... you're still you but... better if that's even possible." He smiled brightly, the setting sun illuminating his sunflower eyes brightly, he felt tears forming, "Fenix, I am... feeling... so loved right now. I am overjoyed yet I am shedding tears." She giggled and shifted, "That happens, Data." and wiped his yellow tears away. He commented, "I understand happiness can lead to tears, but it still perplexes me as to why. These actions are contradicting to how I feel." She gently kissed him, "Yeah, I feel that, too. It's like an... overwhelming feeling and your mind and body seems to not know how to express it any other way or something." His eyes flickered to her lips, "Do you remember our first kiss, Fenix?" She smiled shyly, "Yeah, I do. I could never forget that. I was sixteen and I was so shy and awkward that I wanted a kiss from you. We were in the holodeck playing Sherlock Holms, I was dressed up as Watson and you as Sherlock. Then you asked me if I wanted you to kiss me because I was all distracted from the game." Data recalled every detail and saw sixteen-year-old Fenix dressed as Watson, "Then you said 'Wait, what? N-no, it's okay. You don't have to, it's not fair to you.'" Data added using her own voice. She giggled and nudged him, "Hey! You're teasing me!" she exclaimed. Data chuckled with a shy grin, "Then I asked you 'Why would it be unfair to me?' and you said..."

"'Because you said you can't feel pleasure. Kissing wouldn't be fun if both partners didn't enjoy it. I want you to feel good, too...' Or something along those lines." She tilted her head in chagrin. Smiling faintly, Data broke the momentary comfortable silence, "Exactly... Even if I did not feel pleasure at the time, it was nice to see you satisfied with your very first kiss. And now..." Fenix blushed as he stared into her amethyst eyes. Leaning in, closing the gap and his lips melted hers with expertise and a gentleness Lore couldn't mimic. He coaxed her lips to open, their tongues teasing each other's. Slowly ending their kiss, he finished, "...Not only am I able to feel pleasure but the feeling of love... being loved and loving you makes kissing you even more pleasurable on all levels of the spectrum." and returned to kissing her again. He coaxed her to lay on the soft grass as he kissed. Her small hands ran through his dark, slicked back hair dishevelling it. She wiggled out of her leather jacket and proceeded to take off his shirt. Data slipped her shirt and bra off and kissed every new part of skin that revealed in the process. Smiling as Data's kisses lowered down her chest, kissing between her modest mounds, her forever-beating heart. I missed this... You always make me feel beautiful. I missed us... just us. I love Lore but, I missed us. Their passion burned as he made sweet sensual love to her.

Data and Fenix laid on the grass in each other's embrace as the sunset morphed into dark, star-scattered skies. With the two moons watching the lovers, Data softly whispered, "I love you, Fenix. My forever Fenix." She smiled and nuzzled into his body closer, "I love you forever, Data. You always kept me from going off into the darkness. You are my field of sunflowers." He kissed her temple and looked at the stars. A comfortable silence embraced the pair as they enjoyed each other's company. Fenix remembered why they were there in the first place, "Hey, why do you think your brother suggested this? It kinda feels like they didn't want us there for some reason." Data blinked a few times as he contemplated, "I do not know, Fenix. I am at a loss. If that is indeed the case, then we could stay here for the night if you wish?" She smiled, "Yeah, why the hell not? It's been a while when it was just us two. Like, you brother's cool and all... I love him, but I missed our moments like this. But it still bothers me..." Data quirked an eyebrow, "Yes, I agree with you. Something seems amiss. We should get back in a while. But for now... let us enjoy this." and held her close. She cuddled into his form and tried to shove away the anxiety rearing its ugly head. Data gently stroked her head and played with her hair calming her nerves instantly. You will need to sleep. I will watch over us. Sleep well, Fenix. I do not know what my brother is up to. Whatever he are doing, I hope it is not something that will hurt Fenix in the long run... I do not wish to see her suffer.

Meanwhile...

Lore, 'Duster' Lore, 'Red' Data and Fi were on the prowl as they dimension-hopped from place to place. Their kills were quick, time was of the essence.

"Fi! Would you stop torturing that man and hurry it up!" 'Duster' Lore warned as he shot the RCE phaser at his target. Rolling her eyes with a groan, she grabbed the man's neck crushing his trachea and released her RCE, disintegrating him instantly. 'Red' Data's kills where swift as he used his RCE phaser to shoot his victims in the head. She watched other Lore and saw him twist off a woman's head off like a bottle cap before shooting her with his RCE phaser, a satisfied smirk on his face. None of you will harm Fenix. All of you will die. All... He looked to Fi, "I know you're unleashing your vengeance and all but he's right. We need to hurry, it'll be nightfall on Omicron Theta by now." Fi nodded dejectedly, "I know..." 'Duster' Lore with his pipe in his mouth, shot another person off the list. Taking a puff, he asked Lore, "How many more is left?" Lore recalled the names catalogued in his neural net, "Four to go." 'Duster' Lore grinned, "One for each of us left." Fi smirked, "Well, let's go." And disappeared again to their next location.

Once arriving at their destination, the four of them attacked the remaining four people quickly. Lore looked at his 'twin', to 'Red' Data then to Fi. The four of them stank of blood and filth, "We need to get back now and get ourselves cleaned before Data-" 'Red' Data glanced to him and Lore rolled his eyes, "-my Data and Fenix notices we're gone." 'Duster' Lore remarked, "Well, I'm sure they either noticed or other Data is taking good care of her... if you know what I mean." and winked. Fi backed up Lore, "Baby, 'Lore' is right, we should get back to Omicron Theta. I don't want Fenix to find out either." he looked at her perplexed and she pleaded, "Please, Lore." He noticed her amethyst eyes were full of concern for her other self. 'Duster' Lore sighed, "Fine. Let's go back." The four of them dematerialized, Lore showed no signs of remorse and tried to hide his anxiety. Fenix... this is something I don't want you to find out but I know one day, you will and you'll probably hate me for it. But I did it for us... for you, Data and I. No more living in the shadows, we are the rightful ones, we are the unholy trio, the universe is our playground and everyone will play by our rules. Those who don't will suffer the consequences.

When the four arrived on Omicron Theta, they saw no one was around in the underground facility and Lore sighed in relief. Thank the stars they're not here to see us right now. He quickly walked to the laboratory to clean himself. 'Duster' Lore, 'Red' Data and Fi joined and washed away the sins they've just committed. Lore was first to get back to the room. Once dressed, he thought out loud, "Are they still at the oasis? It's been hours." as he ran his hand through his damp hair, a few strands falling beside his left eye. He never bothered to have his hair slicked back like his younger brother, it wasn't to his liking. He sat and pondered whether he should go fetch the lovers and began making a dimensional shifter for Fenix.

Fenix and Data walked through the corridor and rolled her eyes when she heard Fi, 'Duster' Lore and 'Red' Data fornicating in the bathroom but then faintly smiled. I'm glad that you feel better Fi. I hope things keep getting better for you. You deserve happiness no matter what you've done. Data was unfazed by the sounds they were making as the pair walked into the lab. She saw Lore with slightly damp dishevelled hair and quirked an eyebrow, "Did you have a foursome or something?" her cheeks reddened as she tried to hide her mild jealousy. Lore's eyes widened at her unexpected accusation, "What? No! Please! I don't want Fi. I respect her and she's not... you." Her tense feeling was gone in an instant and felt embarrassed that she was jealous even for a moment. Lore smirked, "You're cute when you get jealous, Fenix." She defensively crossed her arms, "I wasn't jealous!" Lore locked eyes with Data and he shrugged then back to Fenix. He pulled her into his embrace and nuzzled into her hair, "I missed you." Wrapping her arms around him, she mumbled into his chest, "So, what were you guys up to?" She glanced over his shoulder standing on her toes and saw a gadget she recognized. It was the similar to the one Fi wore around her neck. Tilting her head in confusion she began, "Hey Lore, what's that on the desk?" Releasing her, he answered as he walked to the desk, "I'm making a device that will aid in our mission. It's a dimensional shifter for you." He finished the small metal contraption the size of a locket and attached it to a leather collar similar to what Fi was wearing, "This will enable us to inter-dimensional shifting. Come here." She sauntered over to Lore and let him put the collar on her, his fingers lingering just for a moment on her collar. "There, now we can do what the other three were doing. Before you protest, it'll get us out of dire situations. Data agrees with me, don't you little brother? And I promise, I'll put one in your finger, too." his cobra yellow eyes never leaving the collar. Who would've thought you'd let me put a collar on you. And willingly so! That pleases me greatly. You just need a leash, now. Data looked to his older brother, "Yes, I do. Speaking of which, I need to make something I have been thinking about ever since the Borg incident. It will not take long." And walked to the desk and took a seat. He began working on his project. Fenix watching his fast hands and nimble fingers work at inhuman speed, she asked, "What are you making, Data?" Her tilted as she tried to figure out what he was working on, "I am making a discreet air chamber mask. When you are in need of oxygen it will recycle your exhaled breath into oxygen." He stood up with a small cuff in his palm and explained, "This ear cuff will be activated when it senses you are in need of it and turn into a mask. You can manually activate it by flicking the small switch on the inner corner of the rim with your finger." He slid her hair to the side and gently pinched the cuff shut, "I know you are not able to have any piercings due to your hyper-regeneration so I thought an ear cuff would suffice." She gingerly touched the inner rim feeling a tiny switch and activated it. It covered her entire face and touched it and then deactivated it, exposing her face again, "That's rad, man! I was able to breath perfectly, it didn't get foggy, and it didn't hinder my line of sight one bit! Thanks, 'hon!" Data shyly smiled, "I did not want you to be in a compromised position as you were when you were taken by the Borgs." Tenderly smiling, she touched the side of his face and kissed him. Lore loudly cleared his throat catching Fenix's attention. She tried to hide her chagrin, "Lore, thank you for this collar. This would be very useful if we get into some shitty situations." He raised his eyebrows and his eyes flicked to her lips. Blushing lightly, Fenix gingerly pressed her lips onto his. Lore pulled her in close and deepened his kiss. Mid kissing, he opened his eyes to meet Data's and quirked an eyebrow. This is how you properly kiss her, little brother. Slowly releasing her, she was left breathless as she cleared her throat. Fi, 'Red' Data and 'Duster' Lore walked in. Fi and her Lore had carelessly left their hair untamed but her Data had it slicked back like usual.

The two groups sat around drinking, smoking and having a good time. Amongst the jokes and overall feeling of connection she shared with her other counterparts, Fi laughed along with the others but her eyes contradicted her thoughts and squeezed Fenix's hand. Fenix... I needed this so much. I was dead for so long. But you helped me rise from my own ashes just like a... Fenix. Releasing her hand she turned to Fenix, "Hey... I gotta go." Fenix's eyes widened in shock, "You're... leaving? Now?" Fi faintly smiled, "Yeah, thank you for everything, 'little sister'." and embraced her. Fenix returning the embrace, "I'm gonna miss you, Fi. Thank you..." tears welled in Fenix's eyes and tightened her hold on Fi, not wanting her to leave. Fi smirked and quickly peck Fenix on her lips, "Try to stay outta trouble. That role's taken by me." 'Duster' Lore and 'Red' Data gestured their goodbyes to their counterparts. 'Duster' Lore piped up, "Be good to Fenix. I'll come kick your ass if you don't." Lore tutted with a smirk challengingly. 'Red' Data presented his hand to his 'twin', but Data pulled him into an awkward hug and said, "I hope you too, start to feel emotions one day."

"As do I." 'Red' Data answered as he released him. The dimensional trio dematerialized. Fenix felt a heaviness in her heart as she knew she would never see them again. Fi... I feel like I'm missing a part of myself. I promise to be as strong as you one day. Wiping her eyes, she sighed. Data spoke, "I will miss them, too, Fenix." and comforted her. Lore's eyes darted to the pair and joined in their hug, "You got jealous when you found out I kissed her thinking it was you when-." and grinned. Fenix rolled her eyes, "-Whatever, Lore..." and nudged him. Data momentarily thought for a moment, "Lore, what were you, 'other' Lore, my other self and Fi doing? Why did you want us to leave?" Lore's smile faltered momentarily and his façade was up again, "Don't worry about it. I just had to go over some details with them."

"Details on what, exactly?" Data insisted. Lore's eyes flashed a warning to his younger brother and Fenix watched him intently, "What did you do, Lore?"

"I said don't worry about it." Lore never backing down, "I had to take care of some things." he tried to alleviate the escalating situation. Fenix frustrated she shook her head, "What the hell, Lore? What happened?" His jaw clenched and tried his best to keep his calm façade, then sighed, "I took care of things. We won't be getting chased for longer now." Fenix stared into his eyes and then looked at the computer. She tried to walk over but was intervened by Lore's hand grabbing her upper arm, looking up to meet his cobra yellow eyes she warned, "Let me go, Lore. I just want to check if we had anything from Deanna." He smirked and let her go. Leaning over the desk, she looked at the email, "These are all members of Starfleet... Admiral Pressman's name is at the top of the list." Her eyebrows scowled as she put the pieces together, "This is a list of who's involved in the experiments, aren't they?"

"Not sure." Lore shrugged. The tension was thick in the air and Data answered, "It is possible those are the names of people involved in the experiments but with information given at hand, it is not possible to know entirely, only speculate." Fenix calmed down hearing Data's voice as he tried to reason with her. Still leaning over the desk, her palms sweaty, she clenched her jaw tight as she fought the internal conflict brewing within. I know there's not enough proof but I know those names are the ones that are part of Admiral Pressman's experimentations. The four of them were gone for some time... I have a terrible feeling about this but Data's right. We don't have enough evidence. I need to calm down. Chill Fenix, just chill. I need to get out of here. I need to be outside. I need to get away for a bit. Straightening herself, she quickly began walking out of the room, "I'll be back in a while. Don't follow me." and sprinted outside. Data was about to go after her but Lore stopped him, "She needs space, little brother."

She ran past the oasis in the dark, never stopping until she came across the edge of a cliff. Looking down, a gust of wind striking her face, she couldn't see the depth of the canyon even with the two moons lighting her path. She sighed and touched her collar Lore had made for her. Tempted to go anywhere but where she was, she slowly lowered her hand from the device. I can't be dimension hopping like Fi. I'm not ready for that kinda thing. Lore... what are you hiding from me? We're family, we're supposed to be honest with each other. "Fuck!" she roared and shot her RCE to the other side of the canyon lighting the distance. She backed up and dashed, jumping over the gap, and she kept running. Did you kill those people, Lore? Is that what you're hiding from me? If you did... No! I don't want to think about it! I can't even focus on flying right now, I can't focus on anything... If you killed those people... what am I supposed do to?

Meanwhile...

Lore was receiving an interrogation from Data as he installed the dimension shifter in his younger brother's finger, "Data... I don't want Fenix to know what happened. Promise me you won't say a word because it will destroy her." he pleaded as he finished installing. Data looked at his older brother with concerned eyes, "I promise." Sighing, Lore ran his hand through his hair, "Fi told me she got Deanna to send you the list of people involved with the admiral." He paused and lit his pipe, taking a puff he exhaled, "Lore installed the dimensional shifter in me and we went to rid of everyone on the list, no one else." His yellow eyes shifted momentarily with anxiety. Data processed what his brother had told him, "The four of you killed the ones that were causing pain and harm onto others through experiments." Lore nodded, "Yup. Now do you understand why I didn't want Fenix to know?"

"Yes, but keeping things of this nature will also destroy her, Lore." Data stated.

"I did what I had to do, Data. For us... us three, Data." Lore declared, standing strong behind his conviction. Data's eyes became alert, "Something seems... amiss." Data and Lore stared at each other and ran outside. In the far distance, they saw a large Cube nearing the planet.

"Shit! The Borg are here!" Lore exclaimed.

"Did you contact them, Lore?" Data asked.

"No."

"We need to get Fenix to safety."

"I put a tracker on her collar, she's still here but she's far away." Lore and ran in the direction of where Fenix was with Data beside him. Lore cussed, "Shit, shit, shit! Why the fuck did she have to run off now of all times!?" Data stayed silent as his only focus was to get to his wife to safety.