This fan fic story chronicles Lore's life prior to his initial encountered with Data.
Contains mild violence and sexual content

Journey to the Dark Side: A Lore Story, REDUX
Written by: S. Bell

Chapter Nine: An Intervention

Jacqueline spent the day with some of her friends reminiscing about old times. She thought about how much she would miss them and got choked up before excusing herself. She returned to her quarters that evening to begin packing some of her things since she'd be leaving within the next few days. When she entered her living room, she was surprised to see a romantic setting complete with lit candles, champagne and many roses. Soft music was playing in the background.

"Good evening, Jacqueline." a smooth voice greeted from the other room. She already knew who it was before she saw him emerge from the shadows.

"Lore, what are you doing here and what's the meaning of all this?"

"I'm staging… an intervention."

"What?! An intervention for what?"

"Love." Lore answered with an adoring smile, "You're afraid to love me and you're trying to run away, but I'm here to show you that my love will help make your life better. We belong together. It wasn't Alex you fell in love with, it was me all along. I sent you the gifts, flowers and messages but he tricked you into thinking they were from him. He's deceived you into believing he was something he wasn't. I didn't want to tell you before now because I thought you'd get angry at me."

"You're damned right! How dare you slander the name of a dead man?! Didn't Dr. Soong program you with a… a self-respect subroutine or something?!" Jacqueline angrily exclaimed.

"Where true Love burns Desire is Love's pure flame; It is the reflex of our earthly frame, That takes its meaning from the nobler part, And but translates the language of the heart." Lore quoted the poem Alex had stolen from him, "You see Jacqueline, I sent you that poem, not Alex. That's why he couldn't remember the name of the original author. It was composed by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, an 18th century poet."

Tears welled up in Jacqueline's eyes. She was still grieving for Alex and was filled with so much confusion. As badly as Alex had treated her, she still loved him even though she wasn't exactly in love with him anymore. More than anything, she wanted some time alone to sort out her feelings, to process them and to figure out what she wanted. Lore wasn't making that process easy for her.

"Lore," she replied faintly, "I think you should leave."

"I'm afraid I can't leave until I'm satisfied that you know the truth; that I've been genuine and that Alex has repeatedly deceived you."

"Well Lore, since you simply refuse to leave, then I'll go."

"Jackie wait!" Lore implored and she turned her teary gaze to face him.

"Lore, don't do that. Don't call me Jackie." she replied as tears fell from her eyes. Alex was the only one who could call her Jackie and get away with it. She turned to walk away once again.

"Please come back. I love you!" Lore exclaimed as he grabbed her wrist. She winced since his grasp was a bit too tight.

"No!" she demanded harshly in an attempt to mask her intense fear, "Lore, what are you doing?"

"Shh, it's alright you'll see, just relax." he whispered as he held her close.

Jacqueline struggled against him as he pressed his lips hard against hers as he caressed her body. His kiss was unrelenting and she tried to pull away. Lore on the other hand didn't understand why she was fighting. Based on his assessment, humans usually wanted to be loved; they're supposed to enjoy love. Maybe Jacqueline still didn't understand him. He figured he'd done everything else. He'd been affectionate towards her, defended her, doted upon her, gave her compliments and had supported her during times of hardship. He wondered what else was left to do but to love her physically, to show her his affections in a way that would be the most tangible to her, to share a bond that humans value as one of the most intimate in a relationship.

Jacqueline screamed for help when he finally ended the kiss, but sobbed when she realized that no one else was around to hear her. She was afraid, not just of Lore, but afraid to let go. She was conflicted, she had feelings for him and was attracted to him, but she felt it was too soon to move on. Besides, Alex's grave had yet to cool.

"Lore, I thought you were my friend. Why are you doing this?" she cried.

"Because I love you. Our love will improve our lives. You might not like it but it's the truth. You might not understand it now, but you will later. I know you love me Jackie, you're just in denial."

Jacqueline continued to cry as she struggled in his grasp.

"Shh. Jackie, don't be frightened. I love you. Please, just let me show you. I need you to know how much I love you! Once I make you feel it, you'll understand." Lore desperately proclaimed.

Jacqueline feared that something had gone very wrong with Lore's system. She tried her best to fight him and to get away, but she was powerless against him.