Disclaimer: I don't own Star Trek. Reviews are welcome. I don't own any characters other than Fenix Flarestone. Enjoy and stay ethical y'all.
Chapter 15: Loud Emotions
Previously...
Without warning, Data picked her up bridal-style unsure if she was completely okay or not from the blast. "Data! That's nice of you, but I'm fine. Really!" She felt mildly embarrassed when everyone they passed kept staring at them. "I will agree with you when Doctor Crusher confirms that you are okay. Looking unmarred does not confirm that you are 'fine'." He insisted. Lore walked beside him and rolled his eyes, but he understood Data's thought processes. He too, went through the same thing the first time he saw the first time she had hyper-regenerated. He remembered how intrigued he was the first time he witnessed Fenix's incredible abilities right in front of his eyes. The difference being Data was concerned, Lore on the other hand was mostly curious the first time. Later on, when he realized started having fond feelings for Fenix was when he started to become more concerned every time she injured herself. He knew that she still felt pain unlike him and Data.
Fenix sat on the table as Doctor Beverly Crusher checked her vitals with her tricorder to find nothing wrong with her. Data explained the situation to Beverly but couldn't explain Fenix's accelerated regeneration, or her unusual strength that Data was intrigued with. Her readings still resulted as a human and that she was completely fine. The only thing Beverly found was Fenix's antibodies were outrageously efficient. Data gently touched Fenix's fingers, hand and elbow inspecting where the severe burns once occurred. He proceeded to look over her other arm gently caressing it, then her face. She let him continue with his inspection, remembering Lore doing the same thing with her head and stomach the first time he found out her unique abilities, too. Beverly noticed how Data used physical contact with Fenix more than anyone else in the past ever since their guests arrived. Lore was scowling slightly feeling territorial, but he held back understanding what Data was doing.
Afterwards they met with the captain and the chief officers in the briefing room. Fenix and Lore told their story about how they ended up on Omicron Theta to this very moment. Riker remembered seeing 'Nixon Stone' in one of his historical books on chemistry, "Q called you 'Nixon Stone' earlier. You said you don't go by that name any more... Are you the 'Nixon Stone' or 'Sir Lord Nixon'..." Creator of 'Celestial Snow'?" Riker inquired. Grinning, Fenix hollered, "In the flesh! The one and only!" her demeanour nonchalant, "But yeah, I invented 'Celestial Snow' back in 1997, I was like 9." She smirked and quirked an eyebrow. She was slowly and unknowingly beginning to mimic some of Lore's mannerisms. It didn't go unseen by Lore who was sitting beside her as he was attempting to suppress his grin the whole time, amused by her cocky behaviour. "You invented a completely safe and legal recreational drug that was later then refined and processed to be used as the best and safest treatment for anxiety, depression and other mental instabilities with the highest success rate. Because of you, our society is free of any mental disorders. You were praised by the medical community." Beverly stated.
Fenix smiled brightly and yelled, "Booyah! Guess I wasn't the disappointment mom always..." She calmed down and explained, "Sorry, she and I butted heads quite often, though I don't blame her... What nine-year-old invents recreational drugs, really?"She shrugged then continued, "Any ways, I invented 'Celestial Snow' because I was bored, and I wanted to make some money but I didn't want to work for anyone. Working for someone is SO overrated. Let's face it, everyone wants to feel amazing- but not just amazing... it makes you feel like… 'you-could-conquer-the-world' amazing. I just made the world a happier place, one sprinkle at a time." She arrogantly winked as she leaned back in her chair. Then she continued, "To tell you guys the truth, I'm still kind of pissed that the federation listed me as 'dead' when they did those..." Her eyes widened, dread-stricken, lost in a terrible nightmare. She shook it off, "… I was experimented on by Admiral Pressman. Then thrown onto Omicron Theta to die." Her eyes hardened, the tension in the room was thick, the air was suddenly chilly. Lore noticed the changes in Fenix and grasped her hand, gently squeezing it. Now isn't the time, kid. I know you're angry at Admiral Pressman and everyone involved. I know you never want to go into details since it was horrific for you. Maybe one day, you'll open that part of your past to me when you're ready. Their time of suffering will come, I promise. She squeezed his hand back, returning to her normal self, "In hind-sight, I'm glad I was cast out there or I wouldn't have met Lore but the whole experimentation part was-"
"-Inhumane..." Lore interjected. Humans… they're willing to harm another for control and power. Disgusting.
Everyone in the room was clearly frightened in that moment. They understood, when an android sees other human's actions as inhumane, that word spoke louder than had it come from anyone else. No one could ignore nor argue that.
"It is also very human to want to experiment on someone or something disregarding their well-being without consent, is it not, Lore?" Data asked.I do not agree with experimenting or doing something to someone against their will. It is morally wrong to do so.Lore flashed him an eerie smile, "That's right, little brother. It's very human." Perhaps there's hope for you. Maybe a chance for you to fully embrace what you were meant to be… If you realize what it means to be human, you wouldn't want to be one, little brother. On cue, Q appeared, "Hmm... Yes, I DID foresee that happening but it was rather a necessity. I do sincerely apologize for that. Here, I'll fix that 'death certificate' right now. I promise that the federation won't be hunting you down, ever again." He snapped his finger, "Good thing you're... special. You survived the odds, 'celestial queen'." Everyone looked perplexed at his little 'hint' about Fenix's possible origins. Q changed the subject, "Oh, on a different note, isn't it most peculiar the crystal entity left a small pocket of paradise on Omicron Theta?" He shrugged, "Just a thought. Bye now." Then he disappeared with a smile. Lore remembered himself calling her that in one of his dreams he had not too long ago. He tried to make sense of it but he was at a loss. "Yes, speaking of the crystal... Lore, do you know anything about the crystal entity?" Inquired Picard. Fenix tried to keep her facade neutral not wanting to bring attention to the truth. "Other than it drifts around space devouring any source of life in order to survive? No." Lore answered, not necessarily telling the full truth about how he's able to communicate with it. Unseen by everyone, underneath the table, Fenix squeezed his hand in understanding his reasoning. She didn't want Lore to be taken away from her. He squeezed her hand in acknowledgement. Counsellor Deanna Troi noticed something had transpired between them, but couldn't pin-point it. The only thing she could sense was that they didn't want to be separated from each other. "Alright, I think we spent long enough time on this topic. Fenix?" "Yeah?" "Think about Riker's offer to challenging the exams so at least you've completed your studies and possibly in the near future, you could even work here on the Enterprise. You would be a major asset to the crew with your intelligence and strength indeed." Picard announced. Everyone dispersed, going back to their duties. As Fenix put her hand on the table to stand up, Data gently touched her hand and asked, "Fenix, if you are available, may I speak with you in private later?" "Sure, when and where?" She asked. "My quarters at 1500 hours. It is located on deck 2, room 3653." Data answered. "Oh, that's like pretty much across the hall from our room! Cool beans, I'll see you in a bit, bro." she smiled and left with Lore. "Hey Lore, Riker-dude said we can use holodeck 2. Do you want to spar with me?" "Sure." Lore suppressed his displeasure upon observing their friendly exchange as they made their way to the holodeck. Fenix sensed his distracted behaviour but she decided to let it slide.
When they entered the holodeck, Fenix began to think about finishing her studies as she stretched and warmed up her muscles, "I've been thinking more and more about challenging the exams. Picard and Riker-dude are right: at least finish school. I don't plan on joining Starfleet anytime soon or ever will especially when they were involved with..." Her face paled remembering the experiments that were performed on her. Lore noticed this and worried. Snapping out of her terrible memories, she continued, "I still want to go on adventures with you, and I kind of don't want them to end… There's so much to see, so much to do and it wouldn't be as much fun with anyone else." she confessed as she gently caressed the side of his pouting face.What horrors did you have to endure, little Fenix? I want kill Admiral Pressman and everyone involved that's harmed you. He nuzzled his face into her small palm as he demanded, "Then kiss me." she blushed as she kissed him gently and clumsily. He slid his arms around her slender waist and he took control over her kiss. When their lips parted, Lore kissed her forehead and began, "If you want to finish your studies, I'll support your wishes. It's not like we don't have all the time in the world." And they chuckled, "Thank you, Lore." She smiled kindly, "You're so sweet. I'll finish up school and then we'll get back on the road. We can be space pirates, sailing through space, hopping from one planet to the next... Would that please you?" She asked sweetly. "Yes, that would please me greatly." And he kissed her passionately. After the kiss, he smiled brightly, "Computer, 'Location: Palsang-jon, Beopjusa temple, Songnisan National Park, South Korea, 1973." He commanded with a Cheshire-cat grin. Fenix's eyes widened and marvelled at the sight, "Lore... this is the pagoda Bruce Lee filmed 'The Game of Death'! The one he never finished! We're basically here!" She exclaimed with pure joy and squeezed Lore, "Lore, you're all that and a bag of chips." He chuckled as he petted her head, finding her lingo utterly adorable. "Computer, 'Music: Hooked on a Feeling by Blue Swede'." He added. Fenix laughed as she said, "Really, Lore? Don't get me wrong, I like song and everything…" "What can I say, let's just say I can... relate to this song." He teased and began singing along to it as they started to spar. Lore enjoyed their sparring as it brought joy not only for himself but to Fenix as well. I want take away those painful memories you still hold, replace them with moments like these… Moments with me and only me. I will kill Admiral Pressman, I promise.
After a couple of hours, the two made their way back to their room so Fenix is able to change her blood-stained, singed shirt. After a few cheeky protests from Lore, Fenix exited their room and made her way to Data's quarters. Deanna Troi was walking from the end of the hall, catching Lore stealing a quick kiss from Fenix, she smiled.They may be different, but the love is real. I can feel that.Once the door closed, Deanna called out to her, "Hi Fenix!" "Hey counsellor Troi!" Deanna shook her head with a smile, "Deanna's just fine, Fenix. I was wondering if Lore was around, I was hoping to ask him a few questions." "Yeah totally, he's just in the room. We're in room 3650, it's like right there." Fenix pointed out in a friendly fashion. "Thanks, Fenix." Deanna smiled. "You're welcome, see you around, Deanna." saluted Fenix as she continued to walk a few more feet to Data's quarters.
Fenix was about to ding the buzzer but Data already beat her to the punch as the door opened for her. He sat at his desk, finishing up some work. Looking up from his computer, he greeted, "Hello, Fenix." She saw a classical guitar near the couch and smiled. "Hey Data, I see you have a Yamaha NX series. They're bomb. Very versatile sounds for various styles of music for sure." Then Data's eyes lit up as he spoke, "Yes, I have taken a liking playing classical, I have dabbled in flamenco as well." "Flamenco is so fun. I do appreciate the sounds of acoustic guitars... so warm and stripped-down sounding. Very beautiful, very raw." She leaned over his desk and braced herself on her elbows, "But on the contrary, I do hold dear to classic metal. All in all, I have an appreciation for various styles of music for sure. Oh Data, your brother likes to play the drums. He likes to play metal with me." Fenix raised her eyebrows and Data's eyes lit up. Their conversations took off with Data asking various questions, questions that had nothing to do with what he originally wanted to inquire about from getting side-tracked. He was intrigued with her music style, to her and Lore playing music, and what it was like in the 20th century. Hearing first-hand experience is far more different than to than reading or immersing in the holodeck. There are many things that I did not know of that most would not realized unless they lived in that time.He was curious about her and Lore's relationship. Fenix had pulled up a chair and sat next to Data at his desk as she suggested musicians and bands he might find interesting. Whenever Data got into an informative tangent Fenix let him finish without ever interrupting him. It didn't go unnoticed by Data and he stopped talking all together and stared at her with his innocent yellow eyes. He stated, "No one has ever let me finish talking. I am usually interrupted or stopped due to the impatience of other crew members." That's not fair to you, Data. That's just down right rude. "Well, you got something to say and as a friend, I'm here to listen and conversate."
He tilted his head, "I think the word you are looking for is 'converse'." She thought for a moment, "You're right… I knew it sounded kinda weird..." "It is alright, you have a unique speech, but please do continue." She smirked, "As I was saying, you're just... being you. I'm not going to stop you from being you. It's a dick-move when people interrupt. And I'm not a dick." She stated. He blinked a few times surprised by her answer and agreed, "No, you are most definitely not a dick." Then she asked, "Data, you originally invited me here to talk to me about something, and I'm pretty sure that it wasn't about music." she chuckled. His eyes widened at her reminder as he spoke, "Ah, yes. Actually I wanted to talk to you about challenging your exams. If you were to challenge them, commander Riker informed me you would be under my tutelage for one week in preparation for your practical exams which I will be overseeing. I have always been curious about becoming a professor or teacher of some sort much later in the future… Thus, it would give me an opportunity to 'test the water' so to speak." Lore already supported the idea, might as well bite the bullet. Fenix answered, "I thought about it and I want to challenge the exams. I want to finish school." Data faintly smiled at her decision. "Excellent. I am glad to hear that, Fenix. I see a lot of potential in you." She thanked him for his compliment. "I will inform commander Riker of your decision and we will be able to start tomorrow morning at 0900 hours in my quarters." Data concluded. Her face lit up as she asked, "Really? We can start that soon?" "Yes, I am on night-watch for this week, so during the day I will be available to tutor you." He stated. "Thank you so much Data and can you please thank Riker-dude for me, too? I'm very grateful to be given this chance. That's awesome." She smiled as she stood up and stretched out unknowingly as Data watched her. She is categorized as human. But there is something special about her. Her hyper-regeneration, increased strength and speed… though she is not augmented. Intriguing. His thoughts were interrupted by the captain as he was summoned to the bridge. "Well, Data, I'll let you go since you got places to be and I'm sure Lore is getting antsy, too. I had fun hanging out with you today." He nodded, "Likewise, Fenix." "I'll see you tomorrow morning, bro." As she gently squeezed his arm in acknowledgement. Data watched her leave, touching the left biceps where she squeezed and thought of what she had said. She is... different. 'You're just being you.' she said. Once again, Fenix has surprised me with her unique perspective once again. 'You're just being you.' Lore is also an android and he is able to have a romantic relationship with Fenix. Initially, I assumed a relationship was possible between them only because Lore is able to feel and express emotions... I now know I cannot give him all the credit, I also have to take into account Fenix's rare ways of thinking. Curious young woman.
Meanwhile back at room 3650 Deanna was having a difficult time trying to talk to Lore, trying not to wince. She was getting bombarded by his thoughts of irritation, boredom, his overbearing love for Fenix, worry, and strong feelings of his own insecurities. He was attempting to hide his irritation about being interrogated by her and the fact that his Fenix was with his younger brother as they spoke. Then his prayers were answered when Fenix walked in the room and greeted the two of them. Lore's face lit up seeing her, he stood up from the couch and shamelessly kissed her. Deanna blushed at the emotions she sensed from Lore. Initially he was glad to see Fenix and how much he loved her, then it quickly turned into possessiveness bordering on obsession, then to lust. His emotions are busier than anyone I've ever been around. Good thing Fenix isn't a Betazoid. I can't imagine how intense it must be had I been full-blooded. Fenix pulled back slowly and cleared her throat. Deanna knew she wasn't going far with Lore so she politely left their quarters and quietly loiter around their room for a moment to see if she could feel Lore's thoughts a bit more since they were rather loud. No harm in just listening, right? Deanna thought.
"So, what did my little brother want to talk to you about?" Lore questioned uneasily. "Well, he was telling me about challenging my exams and if I were to take them, he would be the one to tutor me for a week until the exam day which he's going to be testing me. And I already knew I wanted to finish school so I said 'yes'." Fenix nonchalantly answered. Lore's eye twitched once upon hearing that she's going to be spending even more time with his little brother but he pushed his annoyance aside knowing this was important to her, "That's fantastic, Fenix. I'm glad that you're pursing your education, and it's only one week. What else did you two talk about?" Fenix noticed his restless pacing but she decided to not bring it up and replied, "Oh yeah, he likes to play guitar- classical guitar and that kind of sparked a conversation on music and stuff. He also asked about you and me. I'm certain he's curious seeing his older brother in a relationship since you're the only other android he's ever met. Did you enjoy talking to Deanna? She's really chill." Then Lore sarcastically answered, "It was the best time of my life, it was absolutely peachy." She chuckled at his response and defended Deanna, "Oh Lore... Deanna is a counsellor… and half-Betazoid after all, she probably just wanted to talk about our relationship, you know? It's not every day you meet a couple like us, right? Mandroid and his immortal-teenaged-girlfriend. Come on, man, chill. Both Deanna and Data just want to know, you know?" Lore's eye twitched once more hearing her mention Data again and something within him snapped.
He grabbed Fenix a bit too rough and kissed her aggressively. She was shocked at first since he's never been rough with her, ever. She let him keep kissing her as she tried to pry away from him but with no luck. She must be with me, only me. She is mine. Mine. Mine. Mine. I will not lose her to my little brother. I love her. I want her. I want everything from her. If only I could put a collar on her... I'd keep a very short lease on her most definitely. No one will dare try to take her away from this, Lore. She is my Goddess and she needs only me- her God. She will give herself to me... I will make her see that. Lore thought to himself as he continued assaulting her. Fenix was starting to panic with how fast Lore was taking things but she was torn whether to stop him or not because he was being unusually aggressive. She knew she wasn't ready for what's to come, but his touch was addicting to her since she's never experienced pleasure akin what he gave her before in her entire life. Before she realized, she was on her back, on the floor with Lore on top of her. She was beyond confused and mildly frightened, only that she knew she didn't want for her first time to happen like this. Tears welled in her eyes realizing she was unable to stop him. Even if she tried, he'd only overpower her, she knew even with her strength it still didn't come close to his. No… I don't want our first time like this… I'm scared. I'm scared… Why am I scared? This is Lore… my eternal, I shouldn't be scared, right? But it feels wrong right now… just ignore it… but I'm scared. Grabbing the hem of her shirt, he slipped it off. He saw her teary frightened eyes and stopped, "Are you scared, Fenix?" She frightened of me… Even when she looks terrified… Even if she says she's scared… I don't know if I can stop. She smiled with tears rolling down the sides of her face, "...No, I'm…" She gulped trying hard to hide her fear, "...I'm okay." He closed his eyes shut tight and his eyebrows knit together. What am I doing? What have I done? She's clearly scared. She's not ready for this… I was about to... No... I... How could I? How could I do this to her... to the love of my life? She's terrified to the point where she's trying to appease me… I'm a monster... I'm losing my mind, all because I wanted to keep her by my side so desperately. I was afraid of losing her to Data, he's always been the kind and sincere one. I've always been the family disappointment... His thoughts were broken when he felt a soft dainty hand gently caress the side of his face. He lowered his head into the crook of her neck in shame.
Fenix had a few tears running down the sides of her eyes as she lay there and embraced him trying to subdue him. Her glistening purple eyes held an understanding for him. He adjusted himself to put his head on her chest, unable to face her, "Fenix... I… I'm so sorry. I just... I didn't mean to..." He apologized but she hushed him as held him in her arms trying to calm him. He felt tears well up in his eyes. He silently shed tears. I don't deserve her. Her kindness, understanding, compassion... it all hurts, especially knowing that I don't deserve these things from her. Shameful. I'm a shameful monster. She should've left me in pieces, left me to rust. Fenix felt his tears on her shirt and looked down to see her shirt was stained yellow, one would think she could almost read his thoughts with what she said next, "Lore, I know you're hurting. I know you feel bad for what you did. I forgive you. But you need to let go of the past and heal. It's hard... because that's one thing I can't fix for you. You gotta do that, but I'm here for you..." He listened to her heart beat as he let her words sink in. She caressed his hair and continued, "I love you, Lore. And, I won't let you go either. I won't let you get lost in the passage of time." He clenched his eyes as more yellow tears poured out feeling utter shame. He memorialised the moment he held her in his arms and comforted her under the stars of Omicron Theta. He remembered declaring those words to her when they made that sacred promise. This was the very moment when he learned that love is stronger than hate.
Deanna Troi walked back to her quarters with tear-stained cheeks from sensing Lore's powerful, complex emotions and Fenix's momentary frightened state. I almost ran into their room to stop him when I sensed Fenix's emotions. She was scared… But I'm glad he stopped. She knew Fenix and Lore's relationship was very deep and complicated, but to experience Lore's emotions was the most intense experience of her life and to feel compassion as deep as Fenix's was the purest, and beautiful thing she's felt in a very long time.