Chapter Four; Iracundia
Iracundia. Noun. 1. Anger. 2. Resentment. 3. Passion.
Data had noticed that as their relationship had intensified, new subroutines were activating, governing his behaviour in strange ways. The subroutine he was fighting at that moment was the one trying to force-activate his dream program in response to the post-coital bed sharing. He was propped on one elbow, watching the man next to him. He had lain still until Geordi had fallen asleep, and was waiting now for him to slip into a deep-sleep state.
He watched him closely, monitoring eye movement, breathing patterns and skin temperature, until he was sure that Geordi was sleeping deeply. Then he carefully left the bed and dressed himself in silence and crept from the room. He checked his internal chronometer as he made his way to the turbolift, and was pleased to discover that he still had ten minutes.
He arrived in the lobby, nodded to the security guard and made his way to the holding cells.
"Leave us." He said to the guard, who quirked his head in acknowledgement and went, the door hushing closed behind him. Data's voice had been low, but apparently it was loud enough to wake the Zibalian, who sat up in his bunk and rubbed his eyes as he focused blearily on the android.
"So," Fajo sneered, "this time you are here to gloat?"
"No." Data walked over to the cell, regarding the prisoner dispassionately. He reached out and deactivated the force field, and moved inside the cell to stand in front of the Zibalian. Fajo's face fell, his eyes darted from side to side anxiously.
"Now, now hang on, Data, you can't just..."
"I assure you I take no pleasure in this." The android murmured before wrapping one slender white hand around Fajo's throat and lifting him bodily from the bunk. Fajo squeaked and grabbed at Data's forearm, nails scrabbling futilely at his sleeve.
"I need the name of the person you were delivering me to."
Fajo gurgled in reply, and Data allowed his feet to touch the floor, releasing his hold enough to allow the Zibalian to breathe.
"I... I can't..." Fajo croaked. Data frowned and tightened his grip again. Fajo's eyes bulged as he panicked, kicking the android's legs as he was lifted again. Data's frown deepened and he held Fajo at arm's length to prevent his feet from connecting. The tattoo on the Zibalian's face stood out starkly against his reddening cheeks, and he grabbed at Data's forearm, trying to lift himself and relieve the pressure on his throat.
"The name, Fajo." Data rested the Zibalian's feet back on the floor and allowed him a breath.
"He... he'll kill me..." Fajo's voice creaked, his eyes wide with terror.
"You will be leaving here to go to a high security penal colony. There will be no opportunity for you to be murdered. The name, now."
Fajo managed a broken chuckle. "Oh, he'd find me, trust me. He scares the hell out of me."
"We will protect you. Tell me his name."
"Fuck you."
Data lifted Fajo again, and slammed his back against the wall of the cell. The android's lips were drawn back in a snarl, bearing his teeth, golden eyes fiery with his rage. He pressed his palm into the Zibalian's windpipe and was rewarded with a panicky gurgle of froth from Fajo's mouth.
"Data!"
Data released his grip so suddenly that Fajo crashed to the floor, his limp legs unable to support his weight. He scrambled back into a corner, clutching his throat and drawing in great ragged, wheezing breaths as the android calmly left the cell to greet Commander Riker.
"What the hell, Data?" Riker barked, his eyes wide and horrified.
"I apologise, sir, I must have gotten carried away." The android murmured, his face once more impassive. Riker turned to Fajo, looking down at him.
"K..Keep him away from me!" Fajo's voice rattled. Riker nodded and knelt by the Zibalian.
"Of course. I am so sorry, I promise that he will be dealt with."
"He should be dismantled," growled Fajo, "he's obviously dangerous."
"He will be dealt with." Riker repeated. "Now, I came down here to have a chat with you, find out a bit more about this person you're supposed to be passing Data on to. Can you help me?"
Fajo looked at Riker, wide-eyed. Then he began to laugh, the sound harsh in his raw throat.
"Oh, I get it, good cop, bad cop, right? Very good." He clapped his hands mockingly. "I honestly thought you Federation types would be smarter than that."
"You got me." Riker shrugged. "Although, I am surprised at how eager Data was to be the bad guy. Usually he's the nice one, but I guess there's something about you that brings out his violent side. Now, I've never seen him this angry, so it really is in your best interest to give us the name quickly."
"You can't frighten me." Fajo grinned his lop-sided grin. "You're not allowed to torture me."
"Yes, that's true." Riker seemed to consider this point. "However..." He stood. "The security team will attest to the fact that Data came in alone, and a lot can happen in a few minutes. Now, the good Lieutenant Commander here..." He gestured to the motionless android, "He's been on medical leave for a while, psychological problems you know. So, I figure, what happened is..." Riker rubbed his bearded chin thoughtfully. "He came down here, full of righteous anger, and took it out on the man who beat him, tortured him, and raped him. Then, I came in, but by then, he had already been working on you for a while, so..." Riker shrugged. Fajo goggled at him.
"You... You're not seriously saying that you'll... that he'd..."
Riker shrugged again. "Or you can just tell us."
"I... I can't. You won't let him..."
Data took two long strides towards Fajo, who threw up his hands in supplication.
"Wait wait wait!" Fajo wiped a trembling hand across his brow. "If I tell you, you promise you'll keep me safe?"
"Of course!" Riker seemed surprised that he would even ask. Fajo looked at the two figures towering over him and made his decision.
"Send the android out," Fajo tilted his chin at Data, before fixing his eyes on Riker, "and I'll tell you."
Riker turned and nodded at Data, who inclined his head in reply and strode from the room. Riker turned his attention back to the Zibalian, who was pushing himself up on trembling legs.
"Well?" Riker raised an eyebrow, and the Zibalian took a shaky breath.
Geordi came to slowly, luxuriating in the feeling of cool sheets and a warm body pressed against him. He hummed appreciatively and stretched, pressing himself back into the warmth behind him. He heard Data make a small nose in his throat, and then a strong arm wrapped his waist.
"Morning." Geordi murmured. "How you feeling today?"
In answer Data pressed a kiss to the nape of his neck and pulled their bodies together, and Geordi felt the android's arousal pressing against his buttock. He chuckled.
"Damn, you're like a teenager. Are you ever satisfied?"
Data's hand slid across his stomach, tickling and teasing, the fingers drifting through the curly hairs above his slowly awakening sex. He grabbed Data's hand and turned his head to find his mouth, the kiss gentle and tender, but promising. Geordi pulled away and laughed lightly.
"Okay, okay. But give me a minute, alright? I'll be right back."
Geordi found his visor and went into the bathroom. Data watched him walk, noting the play of muscles in his back and legs, bunching and shifting under the dark skin. Data sighed with anticipation as his hand found his sex. He knew well enough that he wouldn't be able to climax, but knowing that Geordi would return to him he felt free to indulge in his own pleasure. He rolled onto his back and bent his knees, reaching down with his other hand to stroke his opening. He closed his eyes as he penetrated himself, two fingers reaching and sliding, while his other hand slid up and down his erection. He gasped as he found that place inside himself. Not as intense as when Geordi did it, but pleasurable nonetheless. He added another finger, spreading himself, stretching the tight synthetic muscle in preparation. He groaned, clenching his jaw, pressing his fingers into himself as deep as they would go, writhing on his own hand.
"Wow." Geordi was standing in the doorway of the bathroom, watching with every sign of enjoyment as his lover pleasured himself.
"Geordi." Data moaned. Geordi shivered and came to join him on the bed, bringing himself to fullness and cupping his other hand behind the android's head to draw him into a deep kiss.
"I want you." Data said, gazing at his lover as their mouths parted.
"I want you, too." Geordi moved across the bed to kneel between the android's legs, and Data hooked one foot over his shoulder. Geordi quirked an eyebrow and Data nodded, removing his slick fingers from himself to smear lubricant over the man's hard shaft. Geordi sucked a breath between his teeth and leant over him, pushing the android's leg up and past his chest. He took his cock in his hand and pressed the tip to the opening, gasping as he almost immediately slid inside. Data gave a sharp moan and grabbed his ass, pulling him in.
"Oh God!" Geordi exclaimed as he slid in up to the hilt. The angle encouraged him in, deeper than the night before, and he had to slow himself.
"No, Geordi, I want more, I... I want..." Data looked unsure.
"Are you okay? What do you want?" Geordi paused, looking down into those golden eyes. Data fixed him with his gaze and took a breath.
"I want you to fuck me."
Geordi breathed a trembling laugh. "Okay. Yeah."
"Forgive me." Data frowned. "I have been told in the past that my attempts at 'talking dirty' have not precisely had the desired effect."
"No! No it's fine, it's just... I don't think I've heard you swear before. It's kinda hot."
"You like it?"
"Yeah... You know what, don't worry about me. You say whatever you want, you..." Geordi gave a breathy moan as Data shifted under him. "You make whatever noises you like. I want to hear you."
"Yesss..." The word became a drawn-out hiss between Data's clenched teeth as his lover moved, pulling out and pressing in, sliding across that delightful place inside that made his head fill with sparks. Geordi's movements became more determined as the android gave voice to his pleasure, gasping and moaning with abandon and clutching at his hips to encourage him.
"God, you're beautiful." Geordi moaned, watching the halo glow around his lover as his systems heated, the golden brightness pulsing with the waves of pleasure passing through them both.
"Yes, Geordi, please, fuck me, harder." Data's voice broke off into a wordless cry as his lover obliged, pushing himself up onto one hand and grabbing Data's raised leg to thrust himself deeper into him.
"Oh, yes. Data, fuck, I love this." Geordi growled. "I'm getting... I think..."
"Riker to Data."
Data gave a trembling cry of shock, and Geordi stopped still in surprise.
"Riker to Data, come in, please."
Data's head snapped sideways to the table by the bed, where his combadge was humming with the first officer's voice. He reached over, gasping as the movement sent shivers of pleasure rippling through him as he moved Geordi's cock inside himself. Geordi groaned and bit his lip as Data twisted to slap the combadge.
"... Data here."
"Hey, couldn't reach you at your room, shoulda figured you'd be up and about already."
"Yes... yes, up." Data knew his voice was strained. Geordi grinned wickedly and shifted, rotating his hips and making the android's eyes roll as he bit back a cry.
"Just gotta let you know that the shuttle departure's been moved up, we're leaving in twenty minutes. Everything okay?"
"Yes! Fine! Thank you, Data out!" Data batted the combadge again and then howled as Geordi thrust into him again, pressing him into the mattress with his body.
"Oh fuck, Geordi!" His fingers scrabbled at the man's back as he tilted his hips into his lover's movements, rocking them both together, urging him faster, deeper. "Please, please, I..."
"Riker to La Forge."
"Oh God..." Geordi moaned, trying to still himself. Data gave a desperate sobbing groan, and it was Geordi's turn to reach out, the other way this time, to the small com unit fitted to the side table.
"Yes! I'm here!" Geordi panted. Data was writhing under him, and he was finding it increasingly difficult to focus on anything other than the insistent thrums of pleasure that seemed to shake his whole body.
"Morning Geordi! Just letting you know that the shuttle..."
"Yep, twenty minutes, I heard you before." Geordi was trembling, stretched out ready to cut the com link. Data groaned and slapped one hand over his own mouth.
"Oh! Uh, how..."
"Not. Now. Will." Geordi growled and smacked the panel, breaking the link.
"Geordi, Geordi, Geordi." Data's eyes were wide, his mouth open, and Geordi could see that bright glow centred around the android's chest, waiting.
"Yes, yes, God..." Geordi hauled himself back over his lover's body, giving himself over to his instincts, driving the android into the mattress and thrusting himself into him with powerful strokes. Data screamed, his vocal synthesiser giving up on trying to make anything intelligible from the wild signals and instead emitting an electronic wail, and that was Data's voice, not just Soong's recorded and played back, but a noise that only an android could make, only Data, and Geordi lost all control. He leant back, one hand on the android's shoulder and the other clutching his pale leg, and drove himself into him, fucking him into the bed and howling as the pressure inside him built to an almost painful intensity. Data shrieked again and suddenly the synthetic muscles gripped him, clutching his cock tightly as Data's back arched off the bed and he screamed a burst of static at the ceiling and a spurt of golden fluid erupted from his pale cock. Geordi shouted his own release, pressing himself into that tightness as his orgasm swept through him in a white-hot cascade of pure pleasure. He felt Data freeze under him, the tight heat of him wringing him of every shred of pleasure.
"Fuck... yes. God, that was..." Geordi allowed his trembling arms to lower him onto Data's body, and he lay there gasping for air as Data came back online with a gulp of breath and a shudder that ran through his whole body. The android wrapped his arms around his lover, holding him tight and close, unwilling to relinquish the contact. Geordi's breathing gradually slowed to something closer to normal as he allowed his body to relax, trusting Data's strong body to accept his weight. The android's chest was heaving under him.
"You okay?" He breathed into Data's ear.
"Nyuh. Yuh. Yeh." Data was panting, his chest hot against Geordi's body as his overtaxed system tried to keep up with the sensory information.
Geordi laughed softly. "Well, sounds like we've got places to be. I'll go take first shower while you recover. You gonna be okay?"
"Yarhs."
Geordi laughed again. "Well, let me go, then." He pressed his lips to Data's cheek and pushed himself up, peeling his body from his lover reluctantly. Data loosened his grip with a groan and lay staring at the ceiling as Geordi went to the bathroom. The world seemed to be receding, his senses numbed and dull after the sensory storm that has swept through him. His eyes closed in a slow blink, and then another.
"Data? You okay?"
Data's eyes shot open and he lurched into a sitting position. Geordi was regarding him from the end of the bed with his brow creased in concern.
"You said that you would take a shower." Data shook his head groggily. Geordi's frown deepened.
"I... I did. I'm done. Is something wrong?"
"... Yes." Data checked his internal chronometer, to discover an absence of input lasting eight minutes fifty three seconds. "It is the dream program. I did not activate it last night, and now..." His eyelids drooped again, and he shook himself reflexively. "... and now it is trying to force start in response to our recent coitus and my subsequent sexual release."
"Oh!" Geordi grabbed his clothes and started to dress. "Like the subroutine you were telling me about before, right? The... the bed-sharing thing?"
"Similar, yes, although..." Data's chin hit his chest and he snapped his head back with a start. "... This seems somewhat excessive under the circumstances..."
Geordi grinned. "So you came, and now you're sleepy? You're getting more human every day!"
"This could prove to be something of an inconvenience." Data grumbled as he stumbled into the bathroom to shower.
Five minutes later Geordi went in and woke him up again.
The others were already gathered in the lobby when they emerged from the turbolift, Geordi practically dragging Data behind him.
"Sorry, sorry, we're here." Geordi smiled apologetically.
"Not like Data to be late for anything." Riker raised an eyebrow. Geordi shook his head a little.
"Well, he's not exactly himself this morning..." Geordi jerked his head at the android, who was swaying slightly where he stood, staring off into the middle distance.
"What did you do to him?" Said Riker, his bearded face creasing into a grin.
"Let's just get to the shuttle." Crusher rolled her eyes at them, already turning away.
On the short walk to the shuttle pad, Geordi explained as best he could, and without going into too much detail, how Data's programming was changing to incorporate new subroutines as a response to his emotional development and their strengthening relationship. Data was almost totally unable to contribute to the discussion, the dream program endeavouring to override everything else.
"Of course, we may need to make some programming adjustments for the long run, this is pretty impractical." Geordi was saying, when Data's jaw creaked open in an enormous yawn. Geordi stopped dead to stare at him.
"Wow! A yawn! That... that's a brand new autonomous reaction!"
"Fascinating..." Said Data blearily, allowing himself to be dragged into the waiting shuttle, where he slumped gratefully into a seat. Geordi sat next to him, opposite the other three senior officers. Riker spoke to the pilot, and the craft lifted gracefully from the surface to begin its journey back to the waiting Enterprise.
Slowly, Data slumped sideways, eventually ending up with his cheek on Geordi's shoulder. The engineer chuckled and put one arm round the android to support him as he finally allowed his dream program to activate.
"Guess the journey back's going to be a quiet one." Murmured Riker. He hadn't stopped grinning all the way to the shuttle, and now he turned that smile on Geordi, who grinned in return.
"It's okay, he's pretty hard to wake once the program activates. You can talk normally."
"But seriously..." Riker leaned forwards. "What did you do to him? I've never seen him... well, tired! I mean, you wore him out! That's gotta be some kind of record!"
"Will!" Deanna smacked him in the ribs with the back of her hand, and he looked at her in mock hurt. Crusher rolled her eyes again, although she was smiling too.
"What?" Riker rubbed his ribs. "I'm just saying..."
"You're embarrassing him, so stop it. Not everyone wants to discuss their... liaisons as eagerly as you do!" Deanna raised an eyebrow at him, and he gasped as if in shock.
"I am just concerned for my friend, that's all. It's perfectly innocent."
"Oh please!" She shook her head, setting her dark curls dancing. "I've never known anyone to pry into other people's relationships as much as you! You're a glutton for it."
"I just want to know that my friends are happy." Riker waved his hand airily. "If they're happy, then I'm happy. And being curious is just a part of my nature, because I'm such a caring guy..." He tailed off as he realised that Deanna wasn't listening to him, her mind focused elsewhere. Her brows came together and her lips narrowed.
"Deanna?" He touched her arm. "What is it?"
"Fear." She murmured. "And pain. And... shame..." She gasped, putting one hand to her head. Riker gripped her arm firmly.
"What?" He said. "Where from?"
"Here. Him. Data." She dropped her hand and looked across at the android. One of his legs was twitching spasmodically, and Geordi twisted slightly in his seat to look down on him.
"He said he'd been having nightmares." Geordi muttered, pulling Data closer. Data shivered in response, his foot drumming a rapid tattoo on the metal floor of the shuttle. Deanna winced again.
"Wake him up." She whimpered. Riker looked at her, shocked.
"Are you sensing that much from him?"
"Please, wake him, now. It's too horrible." She looked to be close to tears, and Geordi shook Data, jostling his body with his shoulder and calling his name. The only reaction was a mumbled 'no' and another shudder. Geordi twisted again, grabbing Data by both shoulders and shaking him firmly.
"Data! Wake up!" He barked. Faster than thought the android's hands came up to grip Geordi's wrists and his golden eyes flew open.
"No! Stop, please, no!" He gasped, looking but not seeing, and clawing at Geordi's sleeves. The engineer gripped his shoulders.
"It's okay, it's okay, I'm here. Look at me. It's Geordi. You're okay, you're safe." He murmured, and gradually Data's eyes focused on his face. The android drew a deep shuddering breath.
"Geordi..." He whispered, before letting his forehead sink onto the man's chest. His hands dropped from Geordi's wrists to bunch the front of his lover's uniform into his fists. Geordi wrapped his arms around him as best he could and murmured soothing nothings to him as he began to sob.