Crush III: Sostenuto

by MissMelysse

Starting a relationship is easy; maintaining one takes work. This is the 3rd novel-length book in the CRUSHverse. Strong T over all, individual chapters may be M. ***This is a close-canon AU.*** Follows CRUSH II: Ostenato, UNACCOMPANIED: A Suite for Actress & Android, and Bedtime Story. Data/Zoe.

20. Noel - Part II

Noel – Part II

Stardate 46993.21
(Monday, 29 December 2369, 12:33 hours, ship's time)
Unknown Shuttlecraft

The feeling of a spaceship - whether it's a starship, a shuttle, a runabout, or a yacht - dropping out of warp is unmistakable once you've experienced it, but difficult to describe to anyone who hasn't done so. Just as planet-bound people would often be roused from sleep during a power outage because of the sudden lack of electrical hum, so, too, was I awakened from my enforced unconsciousness by the realization that I was in a vessel that was no longer moving through space.

I was lying on my right side, and I rolled over expecting to find the empty expanse of Data's side of our bed. I remembered him knocking me out before he'd gone to confront Crosis in sickbay, likely with the idea of forcing the oddly independent Borg drone to take him to Lore.

Instead I found myself tumbling to the floor.

"Ow, shit! Computer – lights!"

"They have been disabled."

"Data?" I heard rustling, and then a pair familiar hands helped me to a seated position. The crew cabin of a standard shuttle was pretty tiny. I could stretch my legs in front of me. He probably couldn't. I reached out to confirm it and found that he was sitting cross-legged against the bench opposite from the one I'd been sleeping on.

"I am afraid this is not the Christmas vacation you had hoped for, Zoe. Are you uninjured?"

"You knocked me out!" I couldn't help yelling at him. I was angry that he'd done that to me.

"I apologize for that. It seemed to be the best course of action at the time. I was concerned you would attempt to follow me."

"I would have at least thought about it," I confessed. "But you still knocked me out! You're damned lucky that your brain is being attacked and that I love you, or I'd be filing assault charges! What happened? Where are we?"

"As you may have surmised, we are in a shuttlecraft, the El-Baz. Crosis transported you here after we cleared the hangar bay. Then he sealed himself into the cockpit. You did not answer my original question: are you uninjured?"

"I'm pissed, but I'm not hurt. Couldn't you overpower him?"

"I considered it. However, I determined that doing so would pose too great a risk to you, while also eliminating our only chance to locate Lore." Data hesitated. I didn't have to be able to see him to know that another surge of emotion was being sent through the transceiver chip in his head. "I promised I would not let him harm you again. Zoe, I am sorry. I am…"

"Stop," I said softly. I found one of his hands and wrapped both of mine around it. "This is not your fault, and even it if it was, I'd rather face it with you than be alone and worried on the Enterprise. We're a team."

"I am afraid Crosis is still manipulating me by sending surges of emotion. I am sorry."

"That was guilt again, right?"

"I believe so."

"Believe?"

"It is difficult to put accurate names to … feelings… one has never before experienced."

"Are we going to make it out of this alive?" I couldn't help asking the blunt question.

"I do not know," Data admitted softly. "I promised I would not allow Lore to harm you, but…"

"But that's not a promise you're certain you can keep," I finished the sentence for him. "Maybe it's time for you to stop protecting me," I said. "Maybe it's time that we protect each other."

"You are not an officer. You are untrained. You are… my… res – " But he stopped speaking, as another surge of emotion moved through him. In a completely different tone, one that was dark and full of resolve, he stated. "I will kill him. I will kill Lore."

"Data…" I'd suspected - known – that this was his plan but hearing him say it was jarring. "I don't want you to be a killer," I said. "And I never wanted you to have to choose between me and your brother."

"His behavior has never been that of a brother, Zoe. He may still claim that relationship; I no longer acknowledge it. We have the same creator, but we are not family." I didn't have a chance to respond to that, before he added, in an abrupt change of topic, "We are landing."

"Crosis told you that? He can send information through that transceiver?"

"No, it is… it is one-way. I can hear the change in the engines. We dropped out of warp soon after you woke; now we are landing."

"Is it terribly wussy if I confess that I'm terrified?"

"You are never 'wussy,' and I believe… I believe… I believe… " His speech processors glitched as he felt something else that he wasn't certain how to identify.

"Data?" I squeezed his hand.

"I believe I am experiencing terror, also."

(=A=)

Stardate 46993.92
(Monday, 29 December 2369, 18:47 hours, Enterprise time)
Planet of the Borg

If the contrast between the darkened shuttle and the daylight of the planet we'd landed on was enough to make me squint in the reddish light (note to self: start wearing sunglasses as an affectation so you're prepared the next time you're kidnapped), the harsh fluorescent lighting of Lore's Great Hall was enough to make my head hurt.

Or maybe that was just that I hadn't eaten since breakfast, and my blood sugar was tanking. I was also panting lightly. Androids and Borg drones might be well-suited for forced marches across rugged terrain. College freshmen? Not so much. I made another mental note, to add running to my exercise regime. I wasn't boxing anymore and recreational swimming once a week wasn't enough.

"What is this place?" Data asked, but Crosis ignored the question.

"The One is waiting for you," he stated. "Follow me."

We skirted around the perimeter of a cavernous room full of shambling drones. None of them seemed to notice us, which is good because I'm pretty sure I would have screamed bloody murder if they'd so much as glanced in my direction. As it was, I felt like the Final Girl in a really bad zombie movie, except that, in my case, there was no hero who was going to burst through the doors and save me at the last moment.

If I was going to survive this, I was dependent on my own wits, and Data's fortitude. I wasn't much for praying, despite occasional visits to church, but I sent a prayer to the universe that my partner could fight the emotional assault that was still being sent into his brain, and that when it came to connections and family, he would still choose me.

And I hated myself for wanting him to make that choice, even though I recognized its necessity.

"This way." Crosis urged us along. Apparently, while I'd been engaged in my mental notetaking, Data had been attempting to catalogue the number of drones and identify any available exits. Or at least, that's what I assumed he'd been doing.

We entered a room that was off an alcove and under a balcony that looked over the main hall. Inside, I had to let my eyes adjust again, because it was dim – not blackout dim – but hardly bright enough for comfort.

"I have brought Data and the Pigeon," Crosis announced. "Do you wish me to stay and guard them."

"That won't be necessary," the familiar smarmier version of my lover's voice came from the shadows. Trust Lore to make an entrance. "My brother and his… partner… are family, not prisoners. Has the shuttle been rendered inoperable?"

"It has been done," Crosis confirmed.

"Then you are dismissed. I'll call you if I need you. Thank you for your assistance."

Crosis didn't respond verbally, but I had the impression that there was some other level of communication going on between them. In any case, the burly drone left and sealed the doors behind him.

Lore sat down at a desk that had two chairs facing it, fiddled with a padd for a few seconds, then turned his attention to Data and me. "Welcome to my kingdom, dear Brother," he said to my partner. "And Pigeon… I see your taste in footwear hasn't improved."

I glanced down at the purple combat boots I'd put on that morning. I usually wore them when I was feeling insecure. That I was facing him in them – again – seemed oddly appropriate.

"Can't say much for your wardrobe choices either," I said, taking in our host's body armor. "Why does an android require a codpiece?" I asked innocently. Inwardly, I was begging Data to speak up. Why was he so quiet?

"Oh, Pigeon! I have missed our banter. You might consider, though, that you're not really in a position to win a battle of wits. Your protector is mute and neutered… filled with all the emotion he ever wanted, and unable to cope."

I glanced at Data. He was still silent, it was true, but I saw the subtle changes in his expression that meant he was fighting something.

"Have a seat," Lore suggested casually. "I'm aware the walk from your landing point was a bit much for human legs. Would you like a glass of water? Or would you prefer tea. You like mint varieties, don't you?"

"Stop it!" The words came from Data and were tinged with anger – fury even – "She is not your pigeon. She is not your pet or your toy. Zoe is… Zoe is… Zoe is my fiancée." He was struggling to get the words out, and I wanted nothing more than to reach for him.

"Sit," Lore repeated, making it into a command. "Both of you."

I glanced at Data. He gave me a subtle nod and took a seat. I shrugged and followed suit. The chair wasn't particularly comfortable. One step above "principal's office" and below "hospital waiting room." But it was better than standing. "Water would be good," I added.

I expected that a Borg minion would appear with the drink, but Lore went to fetch it himself from a basic replicator in the wall. I could see more of the room now that I'd grown accustomed to the dim light. "Don't look so shocked," he said. "Even your precious Data requires hydration. And frankly, as much as I detest humankind, I do like your culinary offerings. You won't go hungry here, little bird." He glanced at his brother as he said the final two words, and I knew he was digging at him on purpose.

"So, I am a prisoner, then?"

"Not precisely. You are… insurance. If I'd brought Data here without you, he'd have done anything to get back to you. Congratulations on your engagement, by the way. How long has it been? Amazing that it's not in the media. Pity you're off the market, but it doesn't matter… I always wanted a sister."

This was typical Lore. Casual and pleasant one moment and tossing you against a wall the next. I sniffed the water, but it just smelled like water. And I was thirsty. I sipped it cautiously, waited a few seconds to see if I was going to get dizzy or fall out my chair unconscious. When neither of those things happened, I took a healthier swig.

"Insurance for what?" Data's question came in a tone more like his usual self. "Do you plan another attempt at replacing me?" He asked. "My colleagues know what to watch for and are aware that you are behind my recent… mental issues."

"Issues?" Lore snorted. "Issues… I suppose that's how you would describe being put through the emotional wringer. Tell me, Brother, how are you feeling?"

I could see guilt and sorrow crossing Data's face, but then his expression went completely blank. "You have stopped the signal."

"I've had Crosis discontinue his transmission, yes. I don't need his assistance anymore." He peeled up the thumb of one hand with the fingers of the other. "I'm in control of your transceiver now, Data. And I am not as complacent as my assistant." He pressed something inside his nail bed, and my partner's body jerked in a way that would have been painful for a human. "I've got you and your precious girlfriend in my control now, Data. Tell me, does that make you angry?"

If Data's induced anger had been intense before, now it was more so. His face contorted, and his eyes grew hard and cold. "Yes," he said. "I am angry. You have hurt my family."

"Now, now, Data. I am your family."

"No," the younger android said firmly. "You are not. You ceased to be family when you attempted to kill the Crusher boy and cemented it when you kidnapped and raped my partner." He added his own dig. "Zoe taught me desire. She taught me to love. She is my lifemate and she will be my wife. She is my family."

Slow realization spread over Lore's face, and it was not a pretty sight His visage became as twisted and dark as the soul he may or may not have had. "Love? You claim to love? You can't know what love is."

"I can," Data spit out the words. "And I do. And I did not get it from you!"

I expected Lore to explode. I expected him to yell or become violent. Instead, he spoke words that were almost a direct quotation from the play Data had done a few months before – the one that had made me uncomfortable because he had reminded me of his older brother. "It seems, dear Brother, that we have a lot of work to do." His eyes went out of focus, as if he were seeing things not present in the room, and two drones appeared – Crosis wasn't one of them. "Corvek and Siruval will escort you to your suite. You won't be locked in, but I wouldn't recommend wandering. Especially not you, Pigeon. My Borg aren't so good at identifying specific humans. I will not harm you; they might."

Data and I got up and followed the drones down a dark corridor that seemed to skirt the perimeter of the building, albeit on the upper floor. I wasn't sure, but I thought our destination was opposite Lore's personal space. He followed us, then stepped around the drones to open the door.

The chamber we were ushered into was very like a hotel suite. The bed looked comfortable, and the linens were obviously expensive. The sitting area had a couch and a coffee table, as well as a small dining table with two chairs. A replicator was mounted in the wall. An entertainment system was opposite the couch, though I was fairly certain it didn't connect to comms. The bathroom was spacious, but basic. The closet and dresser were filled with black clothing in sizes that would fit me and Data… apparently Lore had planned for a longer visit than we had.

"Dinner is in an hour. While you wait, I suggest you consider your options." With something approaching kindness he addressed Data, "I have no desire to kill you, brother, but I will if you force my hand. I'd much rather you join me of your own accord." He flipped up his thumbnail again. "Perhaps if I increase the amount of emotion you're receiving you'll adjust your thinking." He tweaked something, and I heard Data gasp. "That's better." He turned back to me. "I suggest you freshen up while you wait. Someone will be back to escort you to my chambers." He and his posse left us alone and the door closed behind us. Data immediately went to check it – it wasn't locked – but really, there wasn't anywhere for us to go.

I collapsed onto the couch and watched as Data tried to fend off the onslaught of whatever emotions Lore was feeding him. "I wish I knew how to help you," I said. "Is there anything I can do?"

Data joined me on the couch. "Allow me to hold you?" he requested. I knew he was being cautious with me because of my earlier anger at him, but the safety of his arms was something I couldn't resist. "Always."

He wrapped his arms around me, and I rested my arm across his middle, the way I always did. Nuzzling my hair, he whispered softly. "I have detected three cameras in this room. One over the bed, one over the table, and one near the door. I do not know if there is an audio feed, but we should assume we are being monitored." He shuddered and continued in a voice that sounded small and broken. "I am sorry, Zoe. I cannot… it is difficult to process anything with all of this emotion."

"It's not your fault, Data. You tried to leave me at home. You didn't make Lore what he is. It's not your fault." I paused. "You told me once I shouldn't ever deny what I felt. I would ask you to do the same. Feel what you need to feel and trust me to help you through it. Maybe if you stop fighting the emotions you can figure out how to block his signal."

"I will try," he agreed, his voice still low. "But you are wrong not to blame me. It is my fault. It is my fault that you are here and not safely at home or on campus. It is my fault that I cannot protect you." I knew part of what he was saying came from whatever he was receiving. I also knew that part of it did not.

I racked my brain for something I could say that might help him. "Did you mean it, all those months ago, when you said I was already your equal?" I knew it seemed like a non-sequitur, but I had a plan

"I did. You are."

"Then, maybe it's my turn to protect you. Lore can't mess with my mind… he can only injure me, and that seems unlikely to happen as long as you're compliant. You've been my anchor through so much. Let me be yours. I'm stronger than you think."

His golden gaze locked on me, and I could almost see his own subroutines struggling to control what he was being fed. His face relaxed, "Dearest," he said softly. "You are strong… and so brave. Thank you."

I wanted to ask if Lore had stopped the signal, but I didn't want to ask it in the open, so I let my eyes dart around the room. "This place is creepy," I said. "I have to use the bathroom, but I'm afraid to go alone." It wasn't entirely untrue. I did have to pee. Trust my bladder to ignore all kinds of jeopardy.

"I will accompany you." Data led the way to the bathroom. It was basic, but clean. He made a show of looking around at the space, before telling me. "You will not be watched here."

I moved to the toilet and prepared to do my business. I knew he was uncomfortable with being in the room while I did this, but I also knew there was no other way to really talk. "You don't have to stay, but if you're not leaving, you can close your eyes if you want," I couldn't help teasing him just a little. Doing so gave me a moment of normalcy. "You seem more in control now. Did you stop his signal?"

"I cannot risk him being aware if I block it entirely. I have isolated the frequency and routed everything to a buffer."

"You created a stopgap."

"Of sorts."

"What aren't you telling me?"

"If this continues for more than seven days, the buffer will overload."

"Then we'll have to make sure it doesn't." I said. Finished on the toilet, I hesitated. "You really should close your eyes or turn around now…" His eyes closed, and I used the toilet paper that had been provided, flushed, and moved to wash my hands. "You can open your eyes again."

He did, and I met his gaze. "Is it typical for couples to have conversations while… eliminating?" It was the sort of question he might have asked at home.

"I haven't surveyed every couple I know, but… my parents always did, and my grandparents. You've seen it in some of the romantic comedies we've watched. I think it's a comfort thing. Why are you asking this now?"

"I will have to overcome my aversion for as long as we are here."

"Oh."

"Crosis confiscated my comm-badge. I should not have let him. I am not processing as well as I should. The effort to block these emotions, to reroute them… it is almost as difficult as tolerating them." It was a lot, I knew for him to admit to me that he was struggling.

I hesitated. Lore hadn't done a physical check on me, so he didn't know my comm-badge was still pinned inside my bra-strap, where I'd taken to wearing it after Halloween. (I'd promised to wear the thing at school, but I'd never said I'd wear it visibly. It led to too many questions.) Should I tell Data I still had it? I chose not to… at least not yet. "So far, the anger and hatred haven't been directed at me," I pointed out, leaning against the sink. "If he sends you lust, you may have to act on it, to keep him from knowing."

"I do not relish the thought of him watching… us."

"There are blankets on the bed, Data. If it comes to that… I mean… you're still in there somewhere even when he's sending you those feelings, right?"

"The signals Lore sends are overwhelming for the first few microseconds, but then I adjust, yes. The experience is much akin to the surfing you enjoy. Meeting the wave and then mastering it."

I knew it wasn't really the time to ask, but I had to know… "So, when you took me against the wall in our quarters, part of that was you."

"More than I wished to admit. I never meant to injure you."

"You didn't injure me. Data, you didn't do anything I didn't want, except stop. I've told you I trust you; that means trusting that you know where the line is between an intense love bite and real injury. I think we need to work on you trusting that I won't break." I sighed. "This really isn't the place for this conversation."

"I have seen you broken," he said. "Lore broke you. I cannot… I will not allow that to happen again."

"It won't."

"But if I act on his bursts of lust… is that not the same as allowing him to rape you again, using me as his instrument?"

"Only if I'm unwilling. Data, we're in this together. You've said it before. We're a couple. A unit. I don't 'relish' the thought of him watching us, either, love, but… I'm eighteen years old, I've been engaged for barely a month, and I've barely been able to enjoy it. I'm terrified, but I trust your brain to get us out of this, and if that means putting on a bit of a show, I'll cope."

Data was silent for a moment, no doubt processing everything I'd said. He gestured for me to move aside and turned the taps of the sink back on. As he washed his hands, he said, "The 'show' I may have to put on may look like I have agreed to join Lore. Please know that anything I do is only to protect you and find a means to our greater mission."

I closed my eyes, accepting the information he was imparting. "Trust myself. Trust you. Trust us," I repeated the words out loud. "Whatever it takes, lover-mine," I said with more sass than I was really feeling. "We have a wedding to plan and eternity to enjoy."

He nodded once and left the bathroom. I lingered, splashing water onto my face and just taking a moment to be still. Then I joined my partner in the bedroom, where I selected a fresh outfit for the evening.

(=A=)

Dinner was a stilted affair, served in Lore's chambers. The older android didn't have Data's moral issues with eating meat, and he'd served steak to both of us. I saw it come out of the replicator, which spared me having to wonder where it had come from, but the thought of eating anything was nauseating.

"Data, you should try this. The sautéed mushrooms add a buttery note that can't be beaten. One of the Old Man's favorite recipes from home."

"I am sorry, I must decline. I do not eat animal flesh even when it is synthesized," Data's response was calm, measured. "And Omicron Theta was not my home."

"Picky, picky," Lore said. "Zoe… you aren't afraid of a little beef, are you?" His tone was flirtatious, and I was sure I knew what sort of 'beef' he really meant.

"I…"

"You should eat," Data urged me. "In case you don't have another opportunity."

"Starving her isn't in my plan," Lore said. He was about to add more, but we were interrupted by Crosis entering the office with another drone in tow. I took a bite and he nodded. "Good." Then he turned to his assistant. "What is it?"

"This Borg has disconnected himself from the others. He will not let me hear his thoughts."

Lore turned to the pair, ignoring his plate. "Goval," he addressed the quivering drone Crosis had brought in. "I've asked you to stay linked to Crosis at all times. You know that, don't you?"

"Yes," the one called Goval answered.

"I know this must be difficult for you. I know how uncertain you must feel. All of these sensations are new, and they can be frightening. Isn't that right?

"Yes," said the other, who then confessed, "I have doubts."

"Of course, you do." Lore's voice was almost gentle. It's only natural. No one is going to blame you for that. But in order to lose those doubts, to keep your fear and confusion away, I need you to remain linked with the others, so that their strength and their confidence can help you. I need you Goval. I need you to help me build a future for the Borg. I can't do it without you. Will you help me?"

"Yes," Goval said. "I will."

There was a pause and then his face relaxed into the zombie-like state that most Borg seemed to have. "The connection has been restored," Crosis said.

"Take him away," Lore replied. The pair left, and he turned to Data. "Do you see, Brother, why I want you here at my side? These drones are damaged, broken. I've tried to restore balance to their lives, but they will always be limited in a way that we are not. I understand your attachment to this woman."

"Zoe is my fiancée." Data's correction had a pissy note in it.

"Yes, of course. And I understand that she fears me… I harmed her, and her humanity does not allow her to forgive that harm."

"You raped her," Data said.

Lore looked at me. "I was confused, and damaged. But now I am whole. Leading the Borg has improved me. Working with me to establish an android stronghold will improve you. And your… fiancée… can stay."

"Only as long as it takes to turn her into one of your damaged subjects, no doubt."

"No," Lore stared at me, and let his lust show. "I would not change her. She's a reminder of what we must conquer, and her banter is… refreshing. Although if you keep testing me… " He turned back to Data, his expression neutral once more. "Your friends have arrived on the planet and will be here shortly. Will you greet them as my ally?"

"If I join you, Zoe will remain safe and completely human?"

"She will."

"She and I will not be separated."

"Deal."

Quietly, Data asked, "Will you share more emotion with me… Brother?"

I blanched, but I was pretty sure Data wanted me to react that way. I tried to meet his gaze, but his attention was fixed on Lore.

"Certainly. A little more." And again, he used the control under his nail bed to boost the signal. "How's that?"

I saw Data's face contort, and when he answered, even though I knew he was acting, I shivered. "Delicious."

The rest of the meal was quiet. I ate, but I felt like I was choking on every bite. Trust myself. Trust Data. Trust us. I kept repeating it in the back of my mind. But part of me doubted. What if Data couldn't buffer everything? What if he decided staying where he wasn't the only being like himself was a good idea?

What if… ?

My thoughts were interrupted as Lore abruptly got up to leave. "Data, if you'll join me please?" he invited, though it was clear that Data would not be permitted to refuse. "And Zoe, you can come and… watch."

I followed them out to the balcony – in another life, I'd have blasted the soundtrack to Evita and stood there to sing "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," but Lore had other plans.

Below us, I saw that the great hall was empty – eerily so – except for Captain Picard, Deanna, and Geordi. They had phasers and tricorders and were trying to analyze the space. I saw a security officer as we got closer to Lore's dais, but I couldn't tell who he was. Not Dana's father, at least.

"This seems to be some kind of meeting place," Deanna was saying.

"Well, it certainly hasn't been abandoned," the captain responded.

Geordi interrupted their analysis, speaking in a concerned tone. "Something's wrong. I can't get any kind of energy signatures from these light sources."

"It's a dampening field," the captain explained. "This entire structure could be shielded from our sensors." He gestured to the three people with him. "Let's go." But several Borg entered the room just after he said it.

"There they are!" Goval, the doubting Borg whose doubts had apparently been erased was leading the group. "Block the exit."

The security officer aimed at one of the Borg and fired his phaser. Immediately two Borg converged on him and returned fire. I screamed as I watched him die, and Data reached for my hand, squeezing it, and then letting go. It was all he could do.

"Stop!" Lore stepped into a position where the Borg and the three remaining Starfleet officers could see him. All of the Borg froze. The captain turned and met the android's cold fusion stare. "Data?"

But Deanna knew what the captain couldn't discern. "That's not Data."

"What?" Picard was momentarily confused.

"You should listen to her, Captain." Lore had never sounded smarmier or smugger. "She's way ahead of you."

Realization dawned in the older man's eyes. "Lore."

"Right," he confirmed. "And I'm not alone." He turned back to us. "Data, bring your… partner… and come say hello to your friends."

Data took me by the arm, but gently, and we joined Lore on the balcony. "The sons of Soong have joined together," he announced, his voice sounding cold and haughty. "And together we will destroy the Federation."

I watched as betrayal and confusion took over the features of the captain and our friends. I wanted to tell them Data was only acting, but I knew I couldn't. I wanted to fling myself over the balcony and let them take responsibility for me, but I also knew I needed to be with Data. He'd insisted we not be separated for a reason, and in the coldest, deepest pit of my stomach, I knew the reason was that without me as a focal point, without me as his anchor, he really would succumb to the emotional onslaught Lore was sending.

I assumed we'd be sent away, but I was wrong. Like many megalomaniacal villains, Lore wanted recognition for his achievements.

"What do you think of my followers, Picard. Impressive, aren't they?"

"I'm not particularly impressed. All you've done is teach them to enjoy killing."

Their conversation continued but Deanna… Deanna was focused on Data and me. I wasn't a telepath, but ever since T'Vek and I had accidentally mind-melded during sex several years before, sometimes I got flashes. And more than one of my Vulcan friends had told me I projected feelings, that melding had probably awakened latent telepathy in me, and taught me to shield. Deanna, I knew, wasn't a true telepath either, but maybe I could unshield enough for her to perceive me.

"Data," the counselor addressed my partner, but her black eyes were fixed on me. "I can sense feelings in you."

Zoe, can you hear me? Think your answer as hard as you can.

I tried hard not to react visibly, and simply thought back "yes" as Data answered her.

"Yes. My brother has made that possible."

"He gave you the chip… the one Doctor Soong made for you?" Picard took over the questioning, but Dee kept her attention on me.

Are you alright?

Again, I managed an affirmative, though I also tried to project fear and concern. Can you understand words from me? I asked in the loudest mental voice I could muster. Telepathy isn't really verbal, though, it's more a combination of images and sensations… or at least that's what melding was like… so I wasn't sure it worked.

"No," Lore was saying, "no, no, no, no. I still have the emotional program my father designed. I wouldn't want to give it up. It's what has given me such a strong sense of family, and intense desire to reunite with my dear brother, and my future sister-in-law."

But the captain was fixated on my partner. "How did he do it, Data? What made you decide to come here."

Lore's response was a bit testy. "I am talking to you Picard. I will tell you all you need to know."

Suddenly there was another mind touching mine, and I realized Deanna had managed a more direct form of contact. "Zoe?"

"I can hear you," I said, focusing on her and ignoring the conversation between Lore and the captain. "How can I hear you?"

"We'll discuss that another time, shall we?" her mental voice was much like her audible one, and I found the wry tone reassuring. "Is Data truly with Lore?"

"No," I told her. "He's fighting the external emotion but it's a real struggle. He made Lore promise not to separate us. He needs me as a focus."

Deana sent reassurance and hope to me, and then withdrew. I became aware of the conversation happening between the androids and the captain once again.

"Huge interfaced with the others and transferred his sense of individuality to them. It nearly destroyed them. My brother found them, gave them a connection, and a purpose."

Hugh, I knew, was a Borg drone who had befriended Geordi. Data had shared that experience with me, and I remembered him sharing that he understood the young drone's loneliness, as it was something he also faced.

I refocused on the present, hearing my lover say, "The Borg aspire to the perfection my brother and I represent. Fully artificial life forms. We are their future." I nearly gagged hearing him say that, because I knew – knew in my soul – that he didn't believe that. He knew that even advanced AIs like himself faced limitations that humans never did.

Lore stepped off the balcony then, taking the stairs down to the main floor. "Data, join me, please," he said. "Zoe… wait in my office."

"I will not allow him to harm you," Data whispered as he shoved me toward the office. It looked a lot less gentle than it was. "I love you," he added even more quietly.

He descended the stairs, as I heard Lore say, "The reign of biological life forms is coming to an end. You, Picard, and those like you, are obsolete. Take them, brother." I heard him tell Data where to take his friends, and also heard their protests as their phasers were taken away.

I sent a prayer to the universe begging for help and a speedy resolution.

(=A=)

Stardate 46998.77
Wednesday, 31 December 2369, 13:14 hours, local time
Planet of the Borg

Two days passed with me mainly spending time in the room Lore had given to Data and me, and in his chambers. He liked to talk and listening to him seemed the easiest way to keep him calm. As well, he wasn't particularly circumspect.

But I was feeling more and more resentful… he'd usurped the holiday that Data and I had claimed as our own, and I wasn't happy about it. As well, Data was struggling more and more to keep Lore's emotions routed into the buffer he'd set up, and I could tell it was straining him.

And now he was missing. Lore had promised we wouldn't be separated, but apparently that wasn't entirely true. He summoned me to his presence and sent Goval to ensure I complied.

"Pigeon… I'm glad to see you looking well," he smarmed, and I bristled in response.

"As well as any bird can be when she's stuck in a cage."

"I thought the room I'd given you was fairly comfortable. Certainly better than the cold bathroom floor of my ship."

"Even a gilded cage is still a cage," I replied, trying not to recall the scent of bleach and the feeling of a cold metal deck. "Where's Data?"

"I sent him to visit his friends, of course. They demanded assurance that you were well, but I'm not sure I want them to see you."

"Why? Afraid I'll kick something?"

"I have nothing to fear from you."

"Nothing? What if I tell them about Rebecca? What if I give them all the names of your victims? I've memorized them, after seeing that box. And knowing what you're really capable of would be quite the motivation. What I don't know is why my hair was on top. Care to share with the class?"

"Do you really want to know?"

I couldn't help it. Curiosity was a trait Data and I shared, and, like my partner, sometimes I was a little reckless, too. "I really do."

"You're alive."

It wasn't the answer I was expecting. I knew Lore had raped others before me – Data and I had extrapolated that information from the differences in their sexuality programming – but I hadn't expected him to have killed. Not… not on such a personal level. Using the Crystalline Entity as a weapon, sure. Setting a bomb on a starship, also not surprising. But murder… murder was intimate. Murder was… the light lunch I'd had before his summons threatened to land on his shoes, and I gulped.

"Guess the pigeon isn't as strong as she seems," Lore said.

But I wanted to know more. "Was Rebecca the first, or were there others?"

"Rebecca wasn't just the first; she was my first," he said, his tone flattening. "My first friend, my first lover. I loved her."

"You? You loved someone?"

"I'm not the emotionless son of Soong, Pigeon. You're confusing me with your precious Data again."

"I don't understand." I echoed Data's phrase, making it my own with the contraction I used.

"Rebecca and I were lovers. She looked like you – or rather, you look a lot like her. Dark eyes, chestnut hair, breasts that fill my hands… She was your age, when I knew her. About to leave Omicron Theta for art school. Out of place in a community of scientists. She gave me her attention, and she gave me her body… and Pigeon, she wanted me as much as I wanted her… but her friends, her parents… they got into her head. Told her I was cold. Told her I was just a machine. And when I told her I loved her, she laughed at me."

I remembered Data telling me one of his first lovers, one of his classmates, had only slept with him to see what it was like to 'fuck a machine' and for a moment I felt sorry for Lore.

"She laughed at me, and I knew I couldn't let her live. My hands fit around her throat as easily as they had held her breasts moments before." His tone turned into a cruel whisper, "I was still buried in her body when she died."

And my moment of pity was shattered.

"The others… you murdered them, too?"

"Murdered, yes. Raped no. I never had to rape… Well, sometimes I did because it was fun… but you… you are the exception. It wasn't fun. And I couldn't kill you, even if I wanted to. But killing the others? That was fun."

"Why am I spared? Because I'm Data's fiancée?"

"No. Well. Yes. But not only that. Anyway, you weren't then. You hadn't even fucked him yet, I don't think…" he seemed to be reliving the moment he'd taken me, on his ship. "You weren't a virgin though… that surprised me."

"I'm full of surprises," I quipped, more to shake myself out of my own memories than to amuse him. "Where's Data, really?"

"He's visiting his friends, as I said. Here," he swung the monitor on his desk around so I could see. "Watch."

I peered at the video on the screen. I saw Data outside a cell – and for them it really was a cell – holding Deanna, Geordi, and the captain. His posture was perfect, erect. His body language was cold. His face… his face looked like Lore's, and it rocked me. There was no sound – good to know that we could speak openly in our room as long as the older android couldn't see our faces – knowing Lore, he'd be able to read lips – but I didn't need sound.

I saw Data's face contort with some dark emotion he couldn't (or wouldn't) send to the buffer he'd created. I saw him extend his hand. I saw Geordi remove his VISOR and pass it through the bars. And then I saw a forcefield shimmer into place.

"Why do you want Geordi's VISOR?" I asked.

"He won't be needing it after today," Lore gave me a non-answer. "Well… perhaps tomorrow."

"What are you planning to do to him? Do you fuck men as well as women? Rape and murder them too?"

He snorted. "Men aren't my type, Pigeon. You are… and you want to know why I spared you?"

"You wanted me… the first time on Starbase Twenty-five. I almost… I almost begged you to take me wherever you were going."

He blinked at me. "You are full of surprises. Does Data know this?"

"Of course, he does. He also knows I got over it - my fantasy of joining you as some kind of interstellar Sid and Nancy. I was unhappy and I let my taste for misadventure get the better of me." I paused. "I followed you that day because we'd had a fight."

"He dated you when you were jailbait?"

"He would never!" I protested. "Anyway, I was technically legal. Barely. Age-of-consent legal, anyway. No, we'd had a fight because I didn't think he was mourning his father – your father – correctly."

"He can't grieve."

"You underestimate him."

Lore turned the monitor back to its original position. Data had long since left the frame. "Perhaps I do." He was silent for a beat. "You should go back to your rooms, Zoe. Data'll be displeased if he knows we've been chatting."

"Since when do you care."

"I care more than you think."

"But you won't tell me why you spared me."

"You really want to know?"

"I really do." It was true. God help me, but it was true. I blinked at him, leaned forward so display just a touch of cleavage. "Please?"

"Because you love him," Lore said. "Because you truly love him. You see him as a person."

"And Rebecca couldn't see you that way."

"No. But if he's a person, it means even if you hate me – "

" – more than I've hated anyone, ever – "

"- you see me as a person, too. Go away, Pig – Zoe. Go back to your rooms. You. Make. Me. Pathetic." He bit off each of his final four words, then added, "Get out of my sight."

I didn't wait to be told again.

(=A=)

Stardate 46999.59
(Wednesday, 31 December, 20:27 hours local time)
Planet of the Borg

Data didn't rejoin me in our rooms until just before dinner – Lore was still trying to play 'happy family' with the evening meal – and when he did, he seemed reticent to speak.

I let him freshen up and waited to see what he'd tell me. When he remained largely silent, I resolved to wait him out. Finally, after the meal was over and we'd been released for the evening, I put on my most innocent tone, and asked. "So, how was your day?"

My partner stared at me as if I were the one who wasn't fully functional. "I do not understand the question," he said. I knew he was lying.

"Hmm. How shall I rephrase?" I could hear the snark coloring my tone, but I couldn't help it. "Steal any visual aids from your friends lately?"

He blinked at me. "I was unaware that you had been told of my… actions."

"Lore invited me to watch you do it," I shared. "Why did you?"

He sat next to me on the couch, but refrained from touching me, though he angled his body so the cameras couldn't scan his face. "I need Lore to believe I have joined his cause. It is the only way I can find an opening. He asked me to retrieve Geordi's VISOR because he knows that with it, Geordi can discern the carrier wave sending me emotions." He softened his tone. "Zoe, tomorrow Lore will require that I aid him in experimenting on my best friend, and I do not know how I can avoid doing so."

"Experimenting, how?"

"Lore believes that the receptors in Geordi's brain that interface with the VISOR will provide a key to transforming humans into controllable subjects. He wishes an army of cybernetic beings, but disposable ones."

"And you're going to help him? Data, how far can this charade go?" I was horrified. "If he succeeds on Geordi, am I next?"

"You are to remain untouched," he said. "As to how far… I will do my best to limit what Geordi endures, but I… I cannot take Lore down alone."

I was quiet for several seconds. "When Captain Picard was on that mission… when the Cardassians had him, and Captain Jellico was in command of the Enterprise… I asked you if we were going to war. But we're at war, now, aren't we? It's a quiet war… no ships. No battles. Not for us, anyway… but we're fighting for our lives. And your soul."

"That is not an incorrect assessment."

"I don't want to die here."

"Nor do I wish for that to happen."

"Is there anything I can do? I feel so useless. I'm being fed and cared for, but I'm as much a prisoner as they are."

"There is something… but it is risky, and I am not certain I should ask you."

"Tell me."

"Tomorrow, when I am in the lab with Geordi and Lore, make your way to the holding cell and slip your comm-badge to the captain. He will need it to control the forcefield on their –" he saw my expression and interrupted himself. "What is wrong?"

"You knew I had it? You've known the whole time?"

"I have known since you woke up in the shuttle. Your aversion to wearing it on the outside of your clothing may save us all."

I took a breath. "You'll tell me how to get it into their cell."

"Yes."

"And how to get there and back, safely?"

"Yes."

"And if I fail?"

"You said you had faith in my ability to resolve this situation. Dearest, I also have faith. I have faith that you will succeed."

It wasn't the answer I wanted, but I supposed it was the answer I needed. "I'll do my best."

"May I hold you now?" Data asked. "I must release the block on the signal, and it is easier to control my reactions if we are touching."

"When I asked you to let me be your anchor, I didn't mean it quite so literally," I teased, but I moved into his space and relaxed against his chest as his arms came around me. "I love you, Data, and I trust you. Never forget that."

"I will not," he said. "I love you, also… ah… Zoe."

"Anger or guilt?" I asked as I felt him react to a surge of emotion.

"Neither. It is… it is lust…."

"Let me ease it for you."

"I do not want him to watch."

I didn't either. But I wanted Data out of distress more. "We'll be discreet," I said. "Tame, even. He'll be bored out of his mind at how vanilla we'll be."

"I cannot ask this of you."

"You're not asking, love. I'm offering." I lowered my tone. "It's New Year's Eve. Let this be for us, Data. He may be the catalyst, but he's not the final product. It's you and it's me, and it's our night. Let's not let him steal it from us."

"You are certain?"

I wasn't, really, but I knew I couldn't let him know that. "Yes. With you, Data, I'm always certain." And somehow, saying the words made them true. I guided his hands to my breasts, over the shirt I was wearing. "Love me."

"Eternally," he said. But he guided me into the bathroom, and undressed me there, except for the shirt, which was long. Then he carried me to the bed, and under the blankets we found a small amount of joy and connection, even as lust poured into his consciousness.

I never knew if Lore really was watching us that night. By the time Data was fully engaged in trying to please me and himself, I truly didn't care. Let him see, I thought. Let him see what a healthy relationship looks like. Let him see that love is real. And let him die mad about it.

(=A=)

Stardate 47000.93
(Thursday, 1 January 2370, 08:13 hours, local time)
Planet of the Borg

Data had left our bed, and our room, around four in the morning, responding to call from Lore. He returned about four hours later, looking unsettled and raw.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Get dressed while we speak," he answered. "Lore has requested your presence at breakfast."

"Family dinners aren't enough?" I asked. "How much longer, Data? You said your buffer had seven days, and today will be day four."

"Soon, I hope. There is information I believe you should have, however."

I rolled out of bed, grabbed fresh clothing, and moved toward the bathroom. I knew that whatever he had to say must be incredibly important or he'd have just whispered it. He didn't want Lore to notice a reaction.

I sat on the closed lid of the toilet and looked at him expectantly.

"This morning, Lore changed the signal."

"Different frequency?"

"No, it is the same. And I am still handling most of the emotional feedback."

"Then, what's different?"

"He deactivated my ethical programming."

"He's trying to make you into him."

"Perhaps. Or merely he wishes to see how far he can push me." My partner knelt in front of me on the bathroom floor. "I require your assistance, Zoe. I need… I need you to be my conscience."

"No, you don't."

"Did you not hear me tell you I have no ethical subroutine running?"

"I did," I said. "And I can see why that's scary for you, but Data, you don't need a subroutine to tell you right from wrong. You know you can't cause Geordi irrevocable harm. You know you have to try to protect your colleagues – your friends – and me. You didn't create a subroutine for our relationship… it's part of all of you. I think after twenty-seven years in Starfleet, those ethics are part of you, too."

He nodded. "I hope you are correct."

"I know I am," I said. "I trust you, Data, and I believe in you, and I love you. So, lover-mine, what's the plan?"

"Breakfast is unavoidable, I am afraid. Lore wants you to hear my report on the experiments. After that, I will ask him to accompany me to the lab, and you will make your way to the holding cell for your mission."

"You'll give me directions?"

"Right now. From Lore's chambers, you go down the stairs and across the main hall…" I listened as he repeated the directions twice, then quizzed me on them. "Very good," he said, and his return to 'officer mode' made me smile a little. "The Borg have been instructed that you are not to be harmed. If you get caught…"

"I'll put my acting skills to work. Really glad I took that improv class at ACT when I was there. Kind of wishing I'd had more."

"I have faith in you, Zoe. As much or more than you do in me. And I am devoted to you, eternally."

"You know, I'm still holding you to that?"

"I am aware."

"Okay, let me get dressed now."

He left the room and I washed up and put on clean clothes, making sure my comm-badge was pinned, not under the strap, as usual, but inside my cleavage. It couldn't be seen, and wouldn't make a lump under my shirt, either. As well, it wasn't in the location where Data knew I typically kept it… just in case.

(=A=)

If dinners with Lore were stilted affairs, breakfast was oddly casual. "Happy New Year, dear brother, and sis…"

"Sis?" I asked. Well, it was better than 'pigeon.'

"You two are engaged, aren't you? That makes us practically family. Did you know, when they were making you, Data, there was some debate about making you a girl. Dad overrode Mom though."

I blinked. "You had a mother?"

"Of sorts."

"I have no memory of such a person," Data said.

"Well, you wouldn't, would you? Have some coffee, sis. It's organic, ground from whole beans." He handed me a mug with a Red Sands logo. "I heard you love the place. Frankly, I find their blends a bit… pedestrian."

"Since when are you a coffee connoisseur?" I snarked.

"The thing you don't know about me are innumerable," he shot back. "Now, Data, to business. Have you had any results from the experiments on LaForge?"

"It is too early to tell if the nano-cortical fibers performed their function," Data said. His expression was neutral, but I heard the quaver of uncertainty in his voice.

Lore shrugged. "I suspect he won't survive the process. I doubt any of the humans will survive, but it's their own fault, isn't it? They should never have come here. What were they thinking?"

"They came after Data and me," I said, interrupting the conversation. "They came because they care. Does anyone care about you, Lore?"

"They came because they care," Lore mimicked me. "Humans are so sentimental," he added, derision filling his voice.

But Data was looking at me. "I betrayed them, the same way I betrayed you. If they die, I am responsible. If you are harmed, I am responsible."

"Data, it wasn't your fault." I couldn't help it. I couldn't let him brood.

"Stop saying that!" His burst of anger startled me. "Stop exonerating me just because we are partners. I chose to come here. I did not prevent Crosis from bringing you. It is my fault." He looked at Lore. "And my choice."

"Why are you talking like this? Is something wrong with your programming? Maybe I should check your systems." Lore's words may have expressed concern, but his tone was laced with danger. I didn't trust it, or him. I knew Data didn't either.

"I do not want you to check my systems. I must resolve these issues myself… and with my fiancée's input."

But Lore seemed dubious. "I think I've made a mistake," he said. "I don't believe you can tolerate the amount of emotion I've given you." He went for the controls in his thumb and tweaked something. "Perhaps I should cut back a little. How's that?"

Data's face relaxed and he glanced at me, then back at his brother. "I… I do not like it."

"Then you prefer having more emotions?"

Data's voice was almost a hiss. "Yes."

"Stop playing with him," I said. "God, let him process what you've given him before you change the levels. You claim to want him as a partner, but you're killing him," I knew I shouldn't have said it, but I couldn't help it.

"Look, brother, your pet human is trying to protect you. Bold little pigeon." I flinched at the nickname. "But she's right. Tell me Data, do these emotions… anger, hatred, guilt, lust… do they give you pleasure?"

"Yes," my lover said, sounding like a junkie begging for a fix. "Please… I want more."

Lore smiled at both of us, a cold, cruel smile. "Alright, a little more. But see that you and your little bird sort out your issues… It distresses me when you're unsure of our plan, brother."

"Thank you," Data said. "We will." He reached for my hand, gripping it more tightly than I was accustomed to, but not hurting me. I met his eyes, and I flinched, because for the first time, I wasn't certain that he was still acting.

Lore appeared not to notice. "More coffee?" he asked, all nonchalance. "It's a holiday, after all."

Data and Lore disappeared again after the meal was over. As I'd been instructed, I made my way down to the main level of the building and across the main hall. I wished I'd thought to wear different shoes – the soles of my boots echoed in the vast space – but I focused on my task, and on Data's directions.

I couldn't help thinking about what I'd seen on Lore's monitors during breakfast. Geordi had been lying on a bed in the lab, with metal probes attached to his temples and forehead, blood dripping from the punctures. He didn't look like he could survive much more of whatever was going on. And I… dry heaves overtook me, and I moved as quickly as I could to a dark alcove outside the cellblock. A few seconds of stillness… a few deep breaths, and I was ready to move again. Almost there.

Inside the cell, the captain and Deanna were making modifications to Geordi's VISOR. "Mr. LaForge was correct," he was saying softly. "The transceiver I took from that guard's interlink system does use phased-pulse technology. If only I had something to trigger it, I think we would reboot Data's program."

I stepped into view. "I might have something that would help," I said.

"Zoe! Are you alright?" It was Deanna who came to the cell door to ensure my health and well-being.

"Unlike yours, my cell has all the comforts of home," I said. "Lore says he's keeping me alive and healthy because I matter to Data and treat him like a person… I think there's more, but…"

"You don't have to elaborate." The captain joined the counselor at the bars. "Zoe, we have a plan to reset Data's programming, but we need a trigger. You said you might have something?"

"I do. Data sent me to deliver it, actually. He's sending most of Lore's emotional feedback to a buffer, but he has to allow some of it through. As of this morning, his ethical subroutine has been disabled."

"But he hasn't hurt you?" It was Deanna asking.

"He hasn't. And he's trying to keep the harm to Geordi minimal, I promise. But… he's struggling, and his processes are slowing. He told me he had a seven-day buffer… I'm afraid he's wrong about that. And I'm really afraid of what happens if it overloads."

"It's alright, Zoe. We'll do what we can to protect him," the captain assured. "Do you know how to disable the forcefield."

"I can't turn it off – it'll set off alarms – but I can reduce its potency long enough to pass something through." I reached into my bra. "Lore may be devious, sir, but he doesn't always think to check everywhere he should." I moved to the panel on the wall outside the cell and keyed in the code Data had given me. The captain followed me to the side of the cell, and as soon as I heard the hum of the forcefield change in pitch, I passed my hand through, giving him the comm-badge. It tingled, as I'd been warned it would, but I'd experienced worse.

I barely managed to snatch my hand back before the original status of the forcefield was reinstated.

"I'm sorry about all this," I said to the officers on the other side of the bars. "Data… Data didn't want me here. He tried to leave me behind. Crosis overrode him. I know he doesn't believe Lore's ideas about cybernetic superiority, but…"

"It's alright, Zoe," the captain said. "We know he was compromised. We know you're a victim."

"He said he wouldn't be able to resist the emotional onslaught if I wasn't here," I shared.

"Then go back and help him. We'll manage what we need to do." Picard was surprisingly reassuring for a captive.

"Tell Geordi…"

"We will," Deanna said.

I turned to go and ran directly into the black-clad form of Lore. "Well, little sister," he said. "Lost your way, have you?"

"I wanted to make sure they were alright," I said. "And I wanted them to know I was alive."

"My forcefield fluctuated."

"My fault," I said desperate to conceive of a lie he'd accept. "I tried to reach for Counselor Troi's hand… my ring must've caused a glitch. Good thing, too." I held up my hand, slightly reddened from even the lower impact contact. "Hurt like hell."

Lore stared at me, and for a moment, I saw his truth. He wanted to believe me. And worse, he still wanted me.

"Your officer will be returned to your shortly," he said to the captain. "Pigeon, with me." And he grabbed me by both arms and walked me back the way I'd come. "I'll see to your hand," he added casually. "You might consider taking your ring off."

"No!"

"You know your wedding is never going to happen, Pigeon. Data is mine now. Completely. He enjoyed hurting LaForge today. You should have seen his face. And since he's mine… you're mine too."

"He will never allow that…"

"Don't. Be. So. Sure."

He practically dragged me up the stairs to his office, where he replicated a salve for my hand and insisted on massaging it into my stinging skin.

"Where is he? Where is Data?"

"He'll be back soon enough. Why don't you wait with me.?"

"I think I'd like to lie down," I said.

"I think I'd prefer that you stay. Sit down."

I dropped into one of his uncomfortable chairs. "Why am I still alive?" I asked.

"I told you. You matter to Data. I want nothing more than to see him happy. And now that he's mine, you are too."

I shook my head. "No. There's more than that. You call me 'sis' and 'little sister,' but then you revert to 'Pigeon.' You've been sending gifts to me for a year. What the fuck do you really want, Lore?"

He looked at me, his expression open and honest for what was likely the first time in his life. Definitely the first time since I'd met him. "Why does anyone send gifts to a woman, Pigeon?"

"You're wooing me?"

"Did it work?"

"You raped me, you fucking bastard."

"And you said yourself, the first time we met you wanted me to take you with me."

"I was sixteen, and stupid, and crushing on Data! My boyfriend had just PCSd. I was angry and confused."

"PCS?"

I rolled my eyes. He knew so much and not enough. "Permanent Change of Station," I explained.

"You lied to me." It came out soft. "You lied to me. You told me you didn't have a crush on my… brother."

"Of course, I lied! I didn't even admit it to myself for almost a year. He's an officer. He's supposed to be the responsible one. I didn't think I had a chance."

"What changed?"

"Excuse me?"

"What changed?

"You changed."

"What?"

"Well, you changed us. You put that chip in my tongue and we had to… we had to kiss to get it out. And one kiss wasn't enough. For either of us. We were already friends. We would have ended up dating, anyway. But your little plan… whatever it was… accelerated everything. So, be smug. You created this situation, and you didn't have to rape me to do it."

"I didn't mean to."

"Didn't you?"

"Phil was integrated into my systems. He was pulsing. And you were there, and warm, and human. And you hated me, but you never treated me as a thing, and I saw your love for my brother, and I wanted to know… I wanted to know what it felt like to have that kind of acceptance."

"You killed all those other women."

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because, they weren't you, 'Becca."

I felt myself blanching. I knew Data was compromised. I didn't know Lore was still… whatever. He thought I was Rebecca. Fine. What would she say? "You strangled me."

"You said you couldn't love a machine."

I tried to figure out what someone who wasn't me would have felt, thought. I tried to keep him in the moment. "I was afraid. I knew I'd be leaving for school. You wanted more than I was ready for."

"You lied."

"I did."

"You all lie."

"All women?"

"All humans. All organics. You say we're wonderful creations, but you want us to be slaves. No more. Organics will bow before me and my - " he stopped, staring at the monitors. "Data!"

I stood up, trying to see what he was seeing. I only got a glimpse of Data, Picard, and Deanna in the main hall surrounded by Borg before he slashed out with his hand and knocked everything off his desk.

"What's going on?"

He leapt over the desk and grabbed me. "I killed Rebecca," he said. "I killed her over and over. Different names, different faces, but all the same. 'You're just a machine. I can't love a machine.' I killed her for it. Killed her in her bed. Kept her hair to remember." He dragged me out to the balcony. "But not you, Pigeon. Couldn't kill you. You have no problem fucking machines, you just didn't want me."

"So, what? Now I die?"

"Now we'll see if you matter to Data as much as you think you do."

"He loves me," I said. "I love him."

"Love is fickle, little bird." We were on the balcony, and he had me by the hair, and by my arm. He lifted me over the rail. I tried to kick back, tried to rest my foot on the cement, but he pulled my hair, wrenching my head backwards. "The more you fight, the more likely I am to drop you."

I went still. Dead weight. Oh. Maybe not a great image to have in my head.

Below us, I heard Captain Picard speaking to Data.

"It's not too late. If you remove the probes, Geordi might yet recover."

"That would not be possible."

Picard pressed on, and I suddenly wanted Lore to drop me, because if Data was arguing the point, then maybe he really had turned. "Why? Because Lore tells you so? What about Zoe? What does Zoe say?"

I couldn't see Data, but I heard him whisper my name before he said in a quivering voice, "It is… for the greater good."

"But Data, aren't good and bad, right and wrong, functions of your ethical program?"

"I do not require a subroutine to know the difference?"

"Then, tell me, Data, is it good what you're doing to Geordi? Is it good what you and Lore are doing to the Borg? Is it good that you are keeping Zoe here, away from the life she is meant to have?"

"She is my fiancée."

"And she loves you, Data. I know that, but if you love her, shouldn't you choose what is truly good?"

"You are… confusing me."

"No, Data. You are confused, my friend, but it is not me doing it. It's Lore."

"Zoe…" his utterance of my name was full of anguish.

"She's right here, brother," Lore said, entering the conversation. "She's right here, ready to assist me in a most important ceremony. You must prove yourself to me, Data. You have a choice… kill Picard or take a shot at me and risk losing your love."

I don't know where Data got a weapon from. Possible Lore had armed him intentionally. Possibly he had stolen it. I heard Picard and Deanna cry out.

I yelled. "Data, shoot him. Shoot Lore. He won't kill me."

"You will be harmed if you fall."

"It's one story, Data. I'll live through it." It wouldn't be pretty. I wasn't really pleased about the thought of pain… but I knew it would maybe be a few broken bones. Better than a broken life. Or no life. "Shoot him. End this."

At the same time, Lore was urging, "Ignore the girl. Take your place with me. Without me, you'll never have emotion again, Data. Kill your captain."

I closed my eyes, anticipating a fall.

I heard Crosis yell, "Hold him!"

I heard another voice shout "No!"

I heard the whine of a phaser.

I felt the impact as I landed on the cement floor below the balcony, heard a rush of shouting voices, of phaser fire. Smelled smoke and charred flesh. And then there was nothing.

(=A=)

Stardate 47007.98
(Saturday, 3 January 2370, 21:54 hours, ship's time)
U.S.S. Enterprise

The beeping of a bio-bed penetrated my brain, and I opened my eyes to find myself in sickbay. "Doctor," I heard Alyssa's voice call across the room. "Zoe's waking up."

"I'll be right there." There was a pause, and then Doctor Crusher's face came into view. "Welcome back, Zoe," she said. "You had us worried for a while."

"Is this real?" I asked. "Am I alive?"

"It is, and you are."

"Data?" I asked. "Is he?"

"Confined to quarters by order of the captain," she said. "He's been allowed to sit with you on and off, and he's understandably worried about you, but he's back to himself. A little subdued, but that's not…"

"And Lore?" I interrupted. I had to know.

"I think Data should be the one who fills you in."

"But he's not… he didn't escape?"

"No, he didn't. You don't need to worry about him anymore. Can you sit up?"

"Please."

I let Beverly and Alyssa help me into a seated position, let them lift the head of the bio-bed so I had support. "What happened to me?"

"Apparently you were dropped from a balcony. You broke your left leg and right ankle, and lost consciousness."

I looked down, realizing I was in a cast. "No bone knitter?"

"Not for your ankle, no. Your leg has been repaired."

"Crutches?"

"For a week. Then we'll see where you are."

"I'm thirsty. And I want to go home."

"Ice chips sound good."

"No, but you're not gonna let me have anything else, are you?"

"Not yet, no." She was kind about it, at least.

"Please, I need to see Data."

"Alyssa, will you get Zoe some ice chips while I call her partner?"

"Of course, Doctor." The Asian woman had a cup ready to offer me in no time. "Ice isn't so bad, Zoe, really."

I nodded. I was tired and confused and didn't want to argue. I took the proffered cup and popped a piece of ice into my mouth. It felt like bliss. "Thank you," I mumbled.

"Do you want me to sit with you?" she asked.

"I want Data," I reiterated. "But until then… if you don't mind?"

"Sure, Zoe." She smiled. "From what I heard, you're an incredibly brave woman."

I shook my head winced. "Head hurts," I said. "Am I lumpy?"

The friendly nurse grinned at me. "Not a bit. Your hair could stand washing, though."

I laughed around another piece of ice. "No doubt." We were quiet for the next few minutes until there was a slight noise from the entrance to the area.

"I'll just go check on our other patient," Alyssa said, excusing herself.

"Other patient?" I asked.

"Geordi is still in recovery as well." The answer came not from Alyssa, but from Data, though Dr. Crusher had been correct: he sounded subdued. "It is good to see you awake, dearest. How are you feeling?"

"Tired," I said. "Thirsty. Head hurts." I popped another ice chip into my mouth. "What happened? Did you take the shot?"

"I did not have to. Commander Riker entered with hall with a group of disaffected Borg led by Hugh. Perhaps you recall me telling you about him?"

I remembered not to nod. "I recall." I smiled, using his word.

"Hugh shot Lore, and he dropped you. The captain and Commander Riker disarmed Crosis and took charge of the Borg. There was a firefight."

"Did you get shot?"

"Grazed. I went after Lore and…"

"Tell me."

"He has been deactivated."

"You mean he's dead."

"Not precisely. I… I wished to kill him, but the captain stopped me. He wants to consult with Captain Louvois. But he has been dismantled pending her review. He cannot harm you. Or anyone."

"Data, the women in the box… he didn't just rape them. He murdered them as well."

"He told you that?"

"We had some conversations while you were busy in the lab, yes."

"Beverly said you were confined to quarters. Are you… do you still have a commission?"

"My rank and position have not been affected, dearest. I have been removed from duty for mental health reasons, however."

"You're still affected?"

"By Lore's emotions? No. I have been distracted by remorse for what I did to Geordi, and concern for you."

"Can you take me home? I hate hospitals."

"You can leave as soon as we get you a wheelchair," Dr. Crusher rejoined us. "Data, your duties for the next few days are limited to taking care of Zoe. I'll need both of you back here tomorrow afternoon, so we can get you crutches. Use the chair until then."

"I can carry her," Data offered.

"I'm sure you can. But Zoe will function better with a bit of independence, hence the chair."

"Zoe is right here," I reminded them. "And I'm fine with a wheelchair. I need to practice my queen wave, anyway. It's been years since I tried it."

"Queen wave?" both officers asked. "Mmhmm." I demonstrated, "Switch on an overhead light, clutch your pearls."

"Zoe, that's priceless."

"But handy. Especially for parades."

"Alright, if you're joking, you definitely don't need to be here. Clear liquids tonight. Eat lightly in the morning. I'm sending an order for pain meds to your replicator, Data."

"I will ensure that she takes them."

"Can I shower?" I asked.

"Sonics, not full on water," Beverly said. "Your cast is waterproof, but only to a point." Alyssa returned pushing a chair. She caught the doctor's eye and shook her head. I knew she was conveying that Geordi was still unconscious. "Alright, let's get you situated. Data, can you help her?"

With Alyssa and Data supporting me, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and slid off it to balance on my left leg. The cast on my right ankle was pink, and that made me grin. "Wow, fashion colors."

"Only the best for you, Zo'" the doctor smiled.

I settled myself into the wheelchair. "Thank you for everything," I said. "See you tomorrow."

Data took control of the wheelchair. "Thank you, doctor, nurse. I will ensure that Zoe rests as she should."

(=A=)

"You left the tree up," I observed as we entered our quarters. "Christmas is over."

"Traditionally, Christmastide begins on Christmas Day, and ends on January 6th – the Feast of the Epiphany," Data said.

"Only in some traditions," I pointed out.

"You enjoy the seasonal decorations, and you were deprived of that enjoyment. I wished to prolong the holiday spirit for you. Shall I help you to bed?"

"I'm tired, but I don't want to go to bed. Can you help me get comfy on the couch?"

"Certainly." He arranged the throw pillows and lap blankets, so I'd have a nest, and helped me move from the wheelchair to the couch. "Would you like some water?"

"Peppermint tea."

"Dr. Crusher specified that you were to have clear liquids."

"Decaffeinated peppermint tea counts as a clear liquid, and that's only so I don't puke from putting food in my stomach too quickly after being on a drip for… what day is it?"

"January third. You were in sickbay for roughly two days."

I couldn't help a soft snort. "I'm never going to have time with you that isn't counted in minutes and seconds instead of hours and days and years, am I?"

"If you are referring to returning to school, Zoe… you know it is a temporary condition."

"School, missions, psycho family members… it all adds up." I sighed. "I'm sorry, Data, I think I'm still reacting to everything."

"That is not surprising. Be still for a while, Zoe. I will make our tea."

I nodded my acquiescence.

Data brought two mugs of the steaming tea to the coffee table, pulling it closer to the couch for me. He sat at the far end, lifting my feet onto his lap.

"The cast doesn't bother you? It's so heavy."

"It does not. Would you like to watch a video, or listen to music, or…?"

"Sing to me?"

He was quiet for a moment, as if choosing the perfect song, and then he began to sing.

"The snow is snowing, the wind is blowing
But I can weather the storm!
What do I care how much it may storm?
I've got my love to keep me warm

I can't remember a worse December
Just watch those icicles form!
What do I care if icicles form?
I've got my love to keep me warm."

I hadn't yet finished my tea, but it didn't matter. I let my eyes drift closed, and just listened to Data's warm tenor wrapping itself around me. At some point, Spot emerged from wherever she'd been hiding and curled herself up between me and the back of the couch, but I welcomed her presence.

When the song ended, I opened my eyes briefly, noting that the lights on our Christmas tree were the only source of illumination, and smiled slightly. "Could you sing it again?"

"As many times as you wish."

"Thank you. Love you."

"I love you also, my Zoe," came his quiet response, and then he repeated the song.

(=A=)

Stardate 47012.10

(Monday, 5 January 2370, 10:02 hours, ship's time)

U.S.S. Enterprise

Between my cast and Data being confined to quarters, our weekend was a quiet one, but neither of us objected to that. It was good to just be home, be quiet, be together. Geordi woke up on Sunday morning, and his prognosis for a complete recovery was good, we were told, but he wasn't ready to see Data, and I didn't feel up to visiting him until he and my partner had restored their friendship. He really needed rest more than company, anyway.

Monday morning found us sitting in Captain Picard's ready room, once again sharing a couch and facing Captain Louvois.

"Zoe," she'd greeted after I entered the space on crutches. "I'm sorry I'm only seeing you under such circumstances."

"Me too," I said. "I hope you can help us."

"I'm sure we'll work something out."

Data had offered to wheel me to the meeting, but it really wasn't that far, and I was perfectly capable of standing in a turbo-lift and then walking a few meters. Anyway, he was carrying the box. Lore's box. I tried not to look at it too much.

"Zoe, Data, would you care for tea or coffee?" the captain offered. "We're waiting for Dr. Crusher."

I shook my head. "I'm fine, thank you." I didn't think I could manage a cup without my hands shaking, not during the conversation I knew would be happening. Data also declined a drink.

The doctor arrived a few minutes after us, loaded with padds, and sat with the captain on his other sofa. Phillipa took the chair facing all of us. "Alright," she said. "First, this conversation is off the record, for now, but it may become official. We are here to discuss the permanent deactivation of the android known as Lore, and to determine whether or not Commander Data should be held responsible for his… demise… or for the injuries caused to your chief engineer."

She then asked each of us to tell what we knew of Lore's activities, dating back to their initial encounter with him, before I even lived on the Enterprise. Data went first, and gave a clinical, if detailed, account. The captain and doctor added their information next, and then it was my turn.

"Zoe, you are, unfortunately, at the center of this. You were Lore's victim more than any of us. If you need to stop or pause at any point, just ask. No one will hold it against you."

I shook my head. "I'm okay," I said. "I remember asking Data once, if I'd ever get the chance to face Lore and hold him accountable for raping me, and he assumed I wouldn't. This is the closest I can get."

"Go ahead," the JAG officer prompted.

And so, I told my story, then I added, "After Data received the transceiver ping he mentioned before, and we found Lore's box, I was reeling. I knew I wasn't the first woman he'd raped, but I didn't know there had been so many, or that he'd enjoyed it. During our time as his… guests… he told me that he hadn't raped all of the women whose hair he kept, but that he had killed them all."

"In a proper courtroom, Zoe, that would be hearsay."

"Except that we have the hair. You can identify the victims, and likely connect Lore to their deaths," Data offered.

"How would we differentiate between Lore and you, Commander?"

It was a fair question. I'd thought about it, too.

"When Data rescued Zoe from Lore's ship two years ago," Dr. Crusher said, "I performed a standard rape kit on her. There were traces of Lore's ejaculate."

"A sample of mine, and a comparison of different radiation and chroniton signatures should be enough to prove the difference between us," Data added. "As well, Zoe has noted that – forgive me, this is delicate – Zoe has noted that my… fluids… have a distinct note of cashew. She has compared Lore's to acid."

Everyone was silent after that, digesting the information provided. Finally, Phillipa said, "It seems to me that this matter is best decided here, among us. First, I spoke with Commander LaForge this morning, and he has insisted that as Data was not himself, he does not wish to press charges. I have agreed to honor his request."

I reached for Data's hand and squeezed it. We'd hoped Geordi would be understanding but hadn't been sure.

"As to Lore. It is clear to me that his criminal record is lengthy. Even without the evidence provided by his… trophy collection… he has a history of murder, theft, kidnapping, and rape. This leads us to our core question. How do we treat him? Reactivating him and consigning him to life in prison is one option, but based on everything I've heard, there is no hope for rehabilitation. As well, there is no one qualified to reprogram him without sacrificing his identity. If Commander Data is a person, and a citizen, then Lore must be treated as the same."

She took a breath and continued. "However, I'm reluctant to leave him simply dismantled with the chance that someone, at some point, could reassemble and reactivate him. Therefore, I find that, in the interest of public safety, Commander Data, I must ask you to make his deactivation permanent, and destroy his body. I realize that Lore is technically your family, but I prefer to leave this as a family matter, if you are amenable."

"I agree, Captain. There is no other option."

"Can you have this completed within forty-eight hours?"

"I can."

Data's tone was neutral, but I was uncomfortable with the situation. Still, there really was no viable option.

"Alright. It's my understanding that Captain Picard has temporarily removed you from duty. It's also my understanding that you and Zoe were meant to be en route to Centaurus three days ago." She turned to Picard. "Jean-Luc, if you're able to spare Data, I'd suggest that he and Zoe continue their vacation as planned and he can resume his duties after Zoe is back at Yale?"

"I was going to suggest the very same thing," he responded. I wondered if he felt overshadowed by the JAG officer, but he didn't seem at all put out. Rather, he directed his next words to us. "Data, you are my friend as well as an officer under my command. I apologize for the task you must undertake. Zoe, I'm sorry that you've had to go through this recent ordeal."

"Thank you, sir." Data said, and I echoed him.

"Alright then," the older man said, not unkindly. "Dismissed."

Data helped me up, and we left the room, but I waited until we were back home before I spoke.

"I'm sorry," I said. "I'm sorry your privacy had to be invaded so deeply, and I'm sorry you have to deal with Lore again, and I'm sorry you had to choose between your family and me." I headed to the bathroom, intending to use the toilet and then splash my face with water, but he followed me.

"You don't like talking to me in here."

"The last week as taught me that intimacy takes many more forms than I realized."

I made a face at that but let him stay. It had never bothered me. "I did not choose between you and my family. I meant what I said to Lore when we were with him. He is no brother of mine, Zoe. He is a murderer, a thief, a psychopath, a sociopath, and more."

I finished on the toilet, dealt with my hands, splashed the water on my face as intended and then turned to face him. It was awkward in the small space, especially with crutches, but I managed. "I worry you'll resent me for it. You really will be alone in the universe now."

"No, Zoe. I will not. As you have pointed out, I have you."

"You said it wasn't the same."

"No, it is not. But it will have to be enough."

The weight of that responsibility felt huge in that moment, but I nodded. "Okay." I gave him a wan smile. "I'm sorry; I think I need a nap."

"I will leave you to rest."

"Actually, could you… could you join me? We've barely touched since we got home. You didn't even kiss me when you took me out of sickbay."

"I did not think you would want contact."

"Data, I know what you were going through. I don't blame you for any of it. You did the best you could."

"I should have tracked him down months ago. I should never have…"

"Stop it," I said. "Data, this is me, asking you to come hold me in our bed. Make sure my dreams are good ones. Okay?"

"O-kay."

We retired to bed, even though it was the middle of the morning, and while we didn't make love – my cast made that too awkward – just being wrapped in Data's arms was enough to settle me. So were the words he whispered into my hair. "I love you," he said. "Thank you for anchoring me."

"It goes both ways, love," I told him. "We anchor each other."

(=A=)

Stardate 47015.44
(Tuesday, 6 January 2370, 15:17 hours, ship's time)

U.S.S. Enterprise

We spent Tuesday morning taking down the tree and storing the ornaments our friends had gifted us with. We also took some time to pack for Centaurus, and my return to school. I didn't really want to go back, but I hadn't said anything. I knew I had to go.

After lunch, Data announced that he was going to his lab to complete the task he'd been assigned.

"I thought you were confined to quarters."

"My confinement has been released, effective this morning," he said.

"Give me a minute to put different clothes on; I'll go with you."

"You do not have to."

"You shouldn't have to do it alone." I didn't really want to watch an android die – even one who had raped me and killed others – but I felt strongly that Data needed support. I expected more of an argument, but he agreed. "I will wait."

Lore was still disassembled, his parts laid out as if someone were going to reconnect them, when we arrived at Data's lab. "I don't suppose you'd consider giving me an hour alone with him and a sonic sledgehammer?"

"I do not think that would be advisable."

"I had a feeling you'd say that. Well, then, can you walk me through what needs to be done?"

"I do not understand."

"You've been denying your relationship with him, but evil or not -and he is evil – Lore is your brother. You shouldn't have his death on your hands. If I do it… I can pretend I'm just deactivating a machine. I can even almost make myself believe it."

"Almost?"

"Lore said the reason he didn't kill me was because I accepted both of you as people. Even if I hated him, I never denied his personhood. That… meant something."

"I was not aware of that."

"It's why he killed Rebecca."

"Zoe?"

"I asked him. And he told me. He was in love with her and she said she couldn't love a machine. He basically went crazy and strangled her in the middle of sex. I… I still can't get that thought out of my head."

"And yet you would lift this burden from me?"

"You're not a killer, Data. Killing in self defense is one thing, but this… this is more than that."

"You cannot want him to be reactivated?"

"No. Oh, God no. I agree this is the best and only option. But… he's still your family. You said you could never get the image of how I looked when you found me on his ship out of your memory. You said it would never fade. This won't either. Not for you. But for me…."

"You do not have to protect me from this, Zoe. I have known that I must kill Lore since I brought you home that day. I have… made my peace with it."

"You're sure?"

He took my hands and held them. "I am certain, Zoe."

He moved first to Lore's torso, opened a panel in his back, and disconnected the power switch. "This will prevent reactivation of the main unit," he said. Then he lifted Lore's head and opened the panel on the right side. Using an attenuator, he severed several connections. "And this will prevent his cranial unit from coming back online." Finally, he went lifted the nail bed of Lore's thumb and extracted a small chip, which he pocketed before tapping his comm-badge. "Computer, please alert security to expect phaser fire in the cybernetics laboratory."

There was an acknowledgement, and then Data drew the phaser he'd been wearing, and took aim at one piece after another. One at a time, each of Lore's… parts… was disintegrated.

"Wow," I said. "I wasn't expecting that."

"The last thing he told me was that he loved me," Data said. "I did not believe he understood what love was, but I do. This is what was necessary."

"Still…"

"Let us go home, Zoe."

"Good idea."

(=A=)

We spent the next few hours co-existing in relative silence. Data seemed broody, and I just didn't have the right words for him. When our annunciator chimed just after he'd finished feeding Spot, and was about to ask if I wanted dinner, I think we were both grateful for the break in our solitude.

"Am I intruding?" Geordi asked.

"Of course not," I said. "Do you want me to give you two some privacy?"

"No, Zo'. Please stay." I nodded and made myself comfortable on the couch. "I came by to tell you I heard what you had to do today," he said. "And to let you know it's been confirmed I'll make a complete recovery."

"I am relieved that the injuries I inflicted on you are not permanent," Data told him. He pulled the item he'd removed from Lore's thumb out of his pocket and placed it on the table.

"What's that?" the engineer asked.

But I knew what it was. "It's the chip, isn't it?" I asked. "The one your father made to give you emotions."

"I was informed there are memories on it as well."

"Does it work?" Geordi asked.

"It worked enough for him to feed me emotions that he controlled, but it was damaged when I fired on him before we left the Borg planet." He glanced first at Geordi and then at me. "I am considering how to dispose of it."

"Don't," Geordi and I said it at the same time.

"Data, you've wanted emotions your whole life. What kind of friend would I be if I let you destroy that dream?"

"But emotions were responsible for what I did to you. I would never risk letting that happen again. My friendship with you is too important to me."

"That wasn't what the chip was meant to do, though," Geordi protested. "You know this."

"Zoe? Do you concur?"

"I don't think you need a chip to give you emotions, Data. I think you've already begun that journey. But… I also agree you shouldn't destroy it. Maybe you can fix it. And maybe… maybe it will give you context when you're ready to use it."

"Perhaps you can hold onto it for me?" he asked. "Until we are both ready." He pulled a box from his desk drawer, put the chip in it, and tossed it across the room to me.

"I'll guard it with… with my heart," I said, catching it. "The same way I guard you." I grinned then. "Is anyone else craving Chinese food? Geordi, you want to stay for dinner?"

The engineer matched my smile. "Chinese sounds fantastic. Data?"

"I would enjoy it if you stayed," he said. "And perhaps, if it is alright with Zoe, you might consider joining us for some of our visit to Centaurus."

"Oh, that would be awesome," I said. The three of us had been on vacation together – sort of – once before. Having Geordi would give us a needed buffer if we were too alone, but it would also be fun. "Just think," I teased. "You can meet Bertha."

Geordi's laugh was the best sound I'd heard in days. "Bertha… " he said. "Well, how can I refuse that offer."

I went to change while Data and Geordi chose food for dinner and set our table for three. I also put the chip in my jewelry box. It would be safe there. As for everything else, I knew things might be a bit uneven for a bit, but I was confident we would be okay.

All of us.

---

NOTES: Some dialogue is from "Descent, Part I" and "Descent, Part II," though I've used bits out of order. This chapter diverges a lot from the actual episode – Zoe's existence required it - but it ends up in essentially the same place. "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" is a popular song written in 1937 by Irving Berlin. The decision to keep everything off the record, even with Louvois's input, was, in part, to prevent Data and Zoe's relationship from being dragged through the courts. Bertha is mentioned in a one-shot called "Amazing, " which is Geordi's side of the Centaurus trip. And serious apologies for the time it took to write this. I have no intention of abandoning anything, but sometimes, life gets in the way.