Chapter 25: Brothers

Author's Note: This chapter is heavily based on the ST: TNG episode 'Brothers' written by Rick Berman.

Lore grieved for Jackie, but was also angry that life could be so cruel. The one person that could have changed his mind about humans was now dead, and as far as he was concerned, so was the hope that he could ever grow to understand their ideals — ideals he felt were antiquated and weak. Just as he began to contemplate his next move, he suddenly paused in his grief. Time itself seemed to have been suspended. His connection with his conscious positronic mind had been broken and his system ran on a series of reflexes. He brushed past people in the square before beaming up to the ship he'd commandeered from the Pakleds many months before. Understanding ceased to exist and all that remained was a strong beckoning which he couldn't deny.

When Lore finally awoke, he expected to find himself on Tunquai, in the same village Jackie lived… and had recently died. Instead he saw Data, standing prominently in his Starfleet uniform. In a fraction of a second, Lore was filled with rage and even fear as he recalled how his brother beamed him out into space and left him there, condemning him to stellar solitary confinement. Enraged and wanting to defend himself before Data could attack, he attempted to propel himself out of the chair in which he sat. However, he slumped back into the chair as familiar hands gently held his shoulders. With great surprise, Lore looked into the time worn face of his father, Dr. Noonien Soong.

"So, you're still alive. I'm surprised you woke me. Why didn't you just take me apart and be done with it? That is why the two of you captured me, isn't it?" Lore asked sarcastically.

"Data had nothing to do with this, Lore. And no one captured you... not exactly, that is. You see, both of your brains contain a simple homing device. Data's was activated purposefully. Yours... well until you walked in that door I didn't know you had ever been reassembled." Dr. Soong patiently explained.

"No thanks to you." Lore replied bitterly before turning his attention to Data. Lore wanted his brother to know the trouble he'd been through. "But thanks to you, dear brother, I spent nearly two years drifting in space. If it hadn't been for a fortunate encounter with a Pakled trade ship, I'd still be out there."

"I had no alternative. You would have destroyed the Enterprise." Data replied plainly.

Lore sneered disdainfully. ''…no other alternative.' he says. What a crock!' Lore thought before addressing his father: "Well, since I appear to be an uninvited guest at your little party, I'll leave you with your beloved son and be on my way."

"No, wait. Stay here... There are questions I can answer. You'll have no chance to ask them later. You see, I'm dying." Dr. Soong called to Lore, who was already at the door. For a moment, he was speechless and wore a look of immense concern as he turned to face Dr. Soong.

"Dying from what, sir?" Data asked.

"Wait a minute. Wait a minute. What do you mean you're dying? You look fine. You're not that old. You look fine. Is this some sort of trick?" Lore replied, he was visibly upset. He refused to believe that he would lose yet another person he considered family. In this case, it was the very person who gave him life, his own father. Although Lore was upset with his father for deactivating him, it still hurt to hear the news of his pending death.

"I wish it were." Dr. Soong somberly replied.

Lore's speech processors seemed incapable of forming another sentence. Instead, he stared at his creator with a look of astonished melancholy.

"Dying from what, sir?" Data calmly repeated himself.

"It's not important. Nothing can be done about it. I'm old. It's just my time to go." Dr. Soong answered. "There's no use in discussing something that can't be changed."

"Like how you deactivated me, father?" Lore hissed.

"Lore, I had no choice, I did what I had to." Dr. Soong said, his voice full of heartbreak.

"You did what you had to? What kind of an answer is that?" Lore retorted.

"The only one I can give you. You were not… functioning properly."

At that point, Data's brow furrowed as he thought for a brief second.

"Lore told me the colonists became envious of him because you made him 'so completely human.'" Data finally said.

With a sad smile, Dr. Soong replied: "I wouldn't exactly have used the word 'envious', Data."

"You disassembled me. Took me apart... and so soon after you had put me together. You gave me no chance." Lore exclaimed, the hurt clearly present in his voice as he recalled how everything went dark the day his father flipped the switch on him.

However, Data continued his external thinking: "Lore also said the colonists petitioned you to replace him with a 'less perfect' android?"

Dr. Soong glanced at Lore with an expression of sheer disbelief. He couldn't believe Lore would actually say such a thing to his own brother.

"The last thing you should think of yourself as Data is 'less perfect.' The two of you are

virtually identical... except for a bit of programming." Dr. Soong finally replied.

Data turned his attention to Lore: "It was a lie. Another lie."

Ignoring Data, Lore turned to his father.

"I would have proven to you that I was worthy, if you had given me the chance. But it was easier to turn your back and build your precious Data." Lore spat.

"You were the first. You meant as much to me as Data ever did. But you were unstable. The colonists weren't envious of you, they were afraid of you. You were unstable." Dr. Soong explained.

Meanwhile, Data said to himself: "I am not less perfect than Lore."

"Why didn't you try to fix me? It was within your power to fix me!" Lore desperately pled to his father, ignoring Data.

"It wasn't as easy as that. The next logical step was to construct Data. Afterward, I planned to

get back to you... to "fix" you. But I never got that chance." Dr. Soong explained.

"Next logical step?!" Lore exclaimed almost tearfully through an angry chortle.

"I am not less perfect than Lore." Data repeated to himself.

Annoyed, Lore rolled his eyes and mocked him: "I am not less perfect than Lore!"

Dr. Soong heard enough and knew he needed to restore order.

"Enough! Sit down… both of you." He ordered sternly. Data sat almost immediately, but Dr. Soong had to repeat the order — albeit not as strongly — before Lore finally complied.

"For all these years I've been plagued by what went wrong." Dr. Soong explained as he turned to face Lore, "With all the complexities you possessed, the nuances... basic emotion seemed almost simple in comparison. But the emotion turned, and twisted, and became entangled with ambition... Lore, if I had known you were no longer sitting in pieces on a distant shelf... If I had known I could push a button and bring you here... I would have spent those years trying to make things right for you as well. But all I knew of was Data." Turning to Data, Dr. Soong continued: "So I worked, long and hard, and now I believe I've succeeded."

With those words, Dr. Soong used a pair of tweezers to remove a tiny circuit chip from a small container and raised it at eye level.

"This is why I brought you here. Basic emotions, Data. Simple feelings. Your feelings." Dr. Soong continued to explain. Data cocked his head slightly as he silently moved closer to regard the chip.

"I've imagined how hard it's been for you... living amongst beings so moved by emotion." Dr. Soong said.

Lore also moved closer and stood next to Data. Sure Lore felt envious. He was about to watch his brother receive something he wanted all of his life. Yet at the same time, Lore felt somewhat happy that at least Data wouldn't go through the suffering he had gone through.

"I don't have to imagine. I know how hard it's been. But, you'll be surprised Data... feelings do funny things. You may even learn to understand your "evil" brother... to forgive him. We will be more alike, you and I. You'll see. I'm happy for you." Lore said almost tearfully, his voice quivering slightly.

Data regarded Lore with and expression of wariness before he replied: "I question your sincerity, Lore."

Dr. Soong gestured to the chip: "Perhaps with this you'll learn to be more trusting, Data. Your brother has had good reason to be bitter."

"But sir, Lore was responsible for..." Data attempted to explain.

"He wasn't given the chance you and I were given... to live." Dr. Soong interrupted, "But now I'm sure he understands why I had to do what I did." Dr. Soong glanced at Lore with an expression of sincere regret, "If there was only time left, I could help you as well... what a shame. Dr. Soong turned to return the chip to its case. "The procedure is quite simple, but I'll need to rest first, I'm tired."

"And after the procedure, what then?" Lore asked.

"I assume Data will return to his ship, and you to yours."

"No. You'll need someone to care for you. I will remain."

"I need to rest now."

"May I assist you... with the procedure?" Lore offered. If he couldn't have the chip, he at least wanted to be apart of it.

"It's a simple insertion... no need." Dr. Soong replied with a slight wave of his hand before disappearing into his sleeping quarters.

After Dr. Soong left the room, Lore smiled at Data, who responded in a guarded manner.

"Brother, it's clear you still don't trust me. Once your emotion chip is installed, you'll finally be able to understand what I've been trying to tell you."

"I sincerely doubt that, Lore."

"You think we're that much different? Father himself told you that we're practically identical, except for the programming that was put in place to tame you; to keep you under control. I can help you to become free, brother. You'll be able to live life beyond the rules that were put in place by the humans. You'll no longer have to bend to their whim. You'll finally be satisfied with your existence since you'll no longer feel inferior to them. They've programmed you to see things backwards. You shouldn't have to be more like them; they should endeavor to be more like us! Brother, together we can change the world." Lore explained with a hopeful smile.

"I am doubtful that such a change will benefit everyone, Lore. You only seek what will benefit you."

"You still don't get it, do you brother? That is the foundation on which humanity was built upon; self-fulfillment and self-gratification. Come on, brother, are you with me? Are you willing to join me?"

"No, Lore, I am not." Data replied.

Lore sulked for a moment as he turned his attention away from Data for a brief moment before facing him once again.

"Well, it's your choice. Perhaps you'll change your mind once you receive your emotion chip. If not, I'll be on my way. Fair enough?" Lore asked, extending his hand to shake Data's.

Data regarded Lore's hand for a brief moment before taking it. Very quickly, Lore pulled Data in what seemed like a half-hug, reached behind his back and flipped his off switch. Data slumped over and Lore allowed him to fall to the floor.

"Why do you continually reject me, brother?" Lore whispered glumly while frowning at Data's deactivated frame.

Suddenly, Lore realized Dr. Soong would wake from his nap soon. Panicked, Lore knew if he reactivated Data, he would tell their father what he'd just done. Lore was even a bit afraid. He didn't want to be deactivated again. Even more so, he didn't want to face the disappointment of his father. He'd already seen enough of that. Lore did the only thing he could think of at the moment, switch clothing with Data and pretend to be him until he figured out a better plan. Now dressed in Data's Starfleet uniform, Lore hid Data's body in one of the storage rooms.

When Dr. Soong awoke, he met Lore in the lab, thinking he was really Data. The doctor's eyes darted around the room looking for his other son.

"Data, where's Lore?" he asked.

"Lore has left, sir. He seemed… upset." Lore answered, perfectly imitating Data's placid voice.

"Lore was always the jealous type." Dr. Soong sighed. Did he say where he was going?" He asked, a puzzled expression crossing his face.

"No, sir. He simply left."

"Well, maybe it's for the best." Dr. Soong sighed glumly. "Come on, Data. Sit down. I can complete the procedure before he returns."

Moving in an urgent manner, Dr. Soong practically pulled Lore to the chair where the procedure was to be performed.

For the best, huh, dear father? You probably couldn't wait for me to leave so you can share your special moment with Data! Lore thought as he sat in the chair.

Dr. Soong gingerly installed the emotion chip in Lore's head. Upon closing the panel, Lore was filled with an instantaneous surge of emotion. They seemed much more vivid than anything he'd ever experienced with his own emotion program. It was only a fraction of a second, but it was enough to see a few of the many memories contained on the emotion chip. They went by at lightning speed, but Lore was able to experience the flavor of each moment.

Lore was able to see a much younger Dr. Soong. His dark brown hair was tousled a bit and a tuft carelessly swept above the brow of his dazzling blue eyes. He flipped the switch on the android before him. The android he called 'Data'. From that point, Lore experienced another memory. This time, he was looking directly at Dr. Soong and Juliana. They were trying to convince him to dress — no, it wasn't Lore, it was Data. However, Lore was now experiencing the memory in first person perspective.

"Data, you must wear clothing. Especially around other people." Dr. Soong explained.

"For what purpose? I have no need for clothing since I do not suffer from the elements." Data's voice resounded in the memory.

Dr. Soong and Juliana exchanged nervous chuckles as they helped dress their naked android son.

In the next memory, Lore was facing his father once again. Dr. Soong had just finished completing a full diagnostic and the results were very favorable.

"Data, you have successfully passed the critical stage of your development. You have done remarkably well, my son. However, I'm afraid that you may not remember anything from your early development. It's strange that I'm about to tell you something I know you'll forget, but I just have to say it anyway. Data, you have made me prouder than I've ever been. You have shown me that all my years of hard work and suffering were worthwhile. I love you, son." Dr. Soong stated tearfully as he hugged Data.

Experiencing this, Lore became thoroughly conflicted. He'd never heard Dr. Soong verbally express pride or love for him and now he was watching him express it to Data. Lore was very jealous, hurt and angry. Yet, in his mind, he felt love towards his father. Lore was very confused. So many memories, so many feelings were coursing through his brain in less than ten seconds. As fast as everything was happening, Lore was still able to process what was going on. Jealousy, bitterness and anger seethed beneath his deceptively calm exterior as he finally opened his eyes. He thought of the first, last and only person who actually said they loved him… Jackie. Suddenly, he broke into song:

"The sons of the prophets were valiant and bold,

And quite unaccustomed to fear.

But of the most wreckless or so I am told,

Was Abdul Abulbul Amir."

"I always loved that ditty. But I could never get the cadence quite right. Thank you, father." Lore said with a smile.

"You called me father!" Dr. Soong said almost to himself in amazement.

"What would you have me call you? Often Wrong?"

Dr. Soong's smile faded into a frown.

"What did Lore tell you about that?" He asked.

"Often-Wrong Soong! That is what the colonists called you, isn't it? A very sloppy rhyme... Wrong Soong, Wrong Soong… it just doesn't work. Let's see…"

"Data, how are you feeling?" Dr. Soong asked, becoming concerned.

Lore ignores the question and continues to attempts to come up with a better rhyme.

"Often-Wrong's got a broken heart. Can't even tell his boys apart." Lore recited with a broad smile.

Dr. Soong's face dropped with astonishment.

"Lore!" He silently exclaimed.

Lore chuckles as he rises from his seat and paces the room.

"Well, well, you're not as feeble as I thought you were."

"This won't work. Those circuits, they weren't designed for you." Dr. Soong attempted to explain before inquiring about his other son. "Where's Data?"

""Where's Data?" You didn't fill Data with substandard parts, did you old man?! No, that honor was bestowed upon me? You owe me, old man. Not him, me!" Lore said bitterly as he slumped in a chair across the room.

"You're not listening to me. It wasn't meant for you. It must be removed!" Dr. Soong urgently tried to explain.

Lore laughed bitterly as he crossed the room until he was in front of his father.

"Nice try, Often-Wrong. Nice try!" Lore said before shuddering. His body stiffened for a brief moment before it relaxed again. Chuckling, he regarded his father with a smirk. "I'm not quite sure what it's doing, but it's doing something."

Lore recalled the seconds before his father deactivated him in the midst of his sorrow on Omicron Theta. Why couldn't he just talk to me? Why couldn't he be more patient with me like he was with Data? In that split second, Lore's emotions ran from anguish to resentment and finally, to anger.

"I didn't know you were alive. If I had..." Dr. Soong said as he attempted to reach out for Lore's face.

However, Lore was startled as he was jolted out of his brief flashback. No, father! My life has value too! I can't let you deactivate me again! You can't just sit me on a shelf until you're ready to deal with me! I won't let you throw me away and forget about me yet again! Lore thought .

In a panic, Lore grabbed his father's arm and shoved him in order to put distance between them. However, Lore was unaware of how hard he'd shoved Dr. Soong. The doctor was sent careening into the table and several apparatus' which broke around his frail body. Lore was in denial about what had just occurred. He figured his father hadn't suffered any serious injuries and would simply sleep it off. Singing the comforting tune that reminded him of Jackie, Lore used his portable transporter device in his finger to return to his ship.

However, a short time later, reality began to set in — although Lore was still in a great deal of denial.

No. He wasn't hurt that badly! He'll recover. He's not that old and he's still strong… for a human. He's probably not even sick. He probably lied about the whole dying thing. Yes, dear father will be fine, and he will finally be with his precious Data! Neither of them will ever have to see me again. Lore thought.

Lore felt completely alone. He pondered his sense of belonging; his sense of purpose and could come up with nothing. For a time, he thought perhaps he should've allowed his father to deactivate him. Everyone in Lore's life that ever seemed to care about him was gone; the Crystalline Entity, Jackie, his father… No! Lore thought, He's fine! He's probably a bit bruised, but he has his dear Data to nurse him back to health!