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 19: Discrimination and Regret

Previously…

Fenix thought for a moment, "I have to admit, in the long run, the medicated state of mind is kinda overrated any ways, you're not missing out on anything. Thanks for helping me realize that." she sincerely thanked as she touched his hand. Lore smiled and deviously replied, "You know, if you wanted to feel good, I could always make you... feel... good." as he quirked an eyebrow suggestively. Before she could retort, he pulled her in for a 'feel good' kiss. She finished the kiss and retorted, "Yeah, that's exactly what I need, get addicted to sex. 'Drugs? No thanks, I like the natural high I get from having an orgasm' Right..." She rolled her eyes as she joked. Then Lore remarked cheekily, "Can't be a sex addict when you're still a virgin." and winked at her, it was her turn for their cheeky banter, "Lore... Smooth as peanut butter." and both laughed.

"Data, I want you to enjoy the touches of my wife. You say you don't feel emotions, that is a lie, and it's not nice to tell lies especially to your own brother." Data looked at Lore confused and responded, "That is rather inappropriate, brother. She is your wife. And I fail to understand what you are insinuating." Lore chuckled and retorted, "Oh, Data... I see the way you look at her. I noticed how you attempt the faintest physical contact with her and not anyone else... Since you are my brother and the only other one worthy of ever challenging me, I thought that maybe I'll let you have her this time, I'll even give you some tips. She's very responsive, at least to me but then again... I know everything about her and how to evoke her deepest hidden desires." Data frowned knowing this seemed wrong and rejected the offer, "No Lore. That is wrong. I will not-" "-Do you want to feel pleasure? And love? Let me tell you, brother... there is such a thing as paradise in this jaded world... because she's it. I could activate the emotion chip in your positronic net. You will feel euphoria as I do when I'm with her. She is not some lowly human like that Tasha woman you slept with some time ago who then was too ashamed to acknowledge her actions and pushed you aside as soon as she got what she wanted..." He annunciated, "….'it never happened'." He grinned, "Ring a bell? No, no, dear brother. Fenix will love you, fully. You deserve to be loved."

Fenix was on her knees when Data started languidly pumping into her doggy-style. Taking his time enjoying each thrust, his head tilted back, eyes closed, and his hands digging into her hip with a vice-grip unable to escape. Without her hyper-regeneration her hips would've been bruised. Data was unintentionally being rough with her, unable to contain his enjoyment. Lore laid on his back as Fenix pleasured him with her mouth, his hand grabbing her dark locks pulling himself in deeper in her throat. Data opened his eyes to see Lore grinning as he enjoyed her mouth and looked at Data as he spoke, "She's beautiful, isn't she?" Her eyes flickered to Lore as she licked his cock. "The woman the Soong brothers fell in love with... She will fulfil out insatiable hunger. Fenix Soong belongs to us."

Lore woke up startled by his bizarre and kinky dream to see Fenix staring at her strawberry shortcake instead of eating it, seemingly preoccupied. He got up and put on his black sweater and accidentally hit the wall with his hand loudly breaking Fenix's concentration on the cake, "Morning Lore." completely oblivious to his current predicament. "Morning, Fenix. Why aren't you eating?" he asked trying to push aside his dream. "I'm freaking out about the exams which is in three hours and it's in holodeck 2." She nervously stated, "Well, you still need to eat. You'll feel better, and if you want, there's still time for you to give me head- give you head...massage." and cleared his throat at his slip up and thanked the stars she didn't notice his slip up. She sighed and began eating cake. "You're right, it's making me feel better. Cake does the mind good." Lore stared at Fenix. His cobra yellow eyes trailed from her bare feet and up her tanned legs. Her baggy t-shirt covering her perky breasts, he could see the faint outline of her perky nipples. Her mused hair annoyingly reminded him of his dream again and looked away from her. What is wrong with my neural net, seriously? Most bizarre, indeed. I can't imagine doing that to Fenix, and then there's that small 4.67% of me that is curious to divulge into that obscene fantasy. Not that I ever will. Fenix is mine and mine alone. It was just a dream. We joked about Fenix becoming a sex addict last night, that's probably why I had that dream. Dreams become tangled with some semblance of reality in the most unexplainable ways. "Lore, instead of a head massage, I'm itching for a fight, pretty please?" she asked sweetly. Lore smirked and commanded her to get dressed and they headed straight for the holodeck.

She chose the place, "Omicron Theta, year 2364." Lore asked in disbelief, "Really?" Fenix defended her choice, "What? I kind of miss home." Lore quirked an eyebrow and commented, "How adorable." Fenix ignored him and chose the music, "This song describes exactly how I felt the very first time we sparred. The moment when you got me impaled by a branch and complaining about preserving my only shirt. You said something like 'If you care so much about your shirt, you should just take it off' and winked at me." She mimicked Lore and continued, "This is the song that floated in my mind. 'Music, Shandi Sinnamon, He's a Dream.'" He gave her a cocky smile when she sang along while they sparred and said, "I've always admired how headstrong you are. It was invigorating. Never met a girl like you, that's for sure." "'Invigorating' my ass, you got your rocks off, baby. Oh, I knew you were bad. Me? Fall for you? As if!" She bantered as they continued sparring. Lore found her insatiable when she was feisty. Her punches were clean and her talk was dirty. Lore's eyes twinkled. Perfection.

Tasha and Worf were walking past holodeck2 and stopped hearing a loud, 'thump' on the door. They investigated to see if the door was unlocked, sure enough it was and walked into to see Lore and Fenix fighting, fists and legs were flying fast. Both synchronized to each other's anticipated moves. Worf was about to break up the fight until Tasha stopped him and pointed out, "Look, Worf! They're not actually fighting, they're sparring. It just looks aggressive because well... they're strong and durable." He looked closer at the couple and realized Tasha was right, "Incredible. Tasha, do you think Data could do what Lore is doing?" Tasha thought about it and answered, "I'm not sure, I wonder if he wants to see this. This is impressive. He's supposed to oversee Fenix's exams today any ways..." Worf called for Data and Beverly to holodeck2 knowing how curious she was about Fenix's unique abilities and Lore's combat abilities, coincidently, Deanna was walking by the holodeck and entered when she saw Worf and Tasha. "What's going... oh my..." Deanna stopped mid question as she saw the android fighting the petite teenaged girl. Data and Beverly walked in shortly. Their eyes widened in shock. "Data, I thought you and Lore weren't built for combat?" Beverly asked. "No, we are not made for combat. But that does not mean we are not capable of such. Look, he is holding back. Fenix is about 27 percent slower and weaker than he and I." Data excitedly stated. "27...? That's still incredible!" Beverly exclaimed. "Yes. Yes, she is...incredible." Data confirmed as his wide, yellow eyes followed the couple.

"You're holding back, Lore. What gives?" Fenix taunted.

"You can't handle me if I gave my all, kid." He retorted.

"Bring it, dickhead!" She insulted with a cocky grin.

"As you wish... I'll give it to you real good." He suggestively tormented.

Then he increased his speed and strength just a tad more, Fenix dutifully kept up with him, Lore grinned with excitement as he threw punches at her as she gracefully blocked and dodged them. Every now than then one of them would land a hit on the other. "He increased his speed and strength by 3.6 percent... She is doing very well keeping up with him." Data noted. He focused on their fighting style, learning every movement of their bodies. Riker joined the little crowd of his crew members to witness the ultimate combat anyone has ever seen in the 24th century. Lore noticed her fighting style made a slight shift, her hips swayed a tad more, and she did he occasional hair-flip, making her movements look even more like a dance. He quirked a curious eyebrow and grinned. You little show off... Indeed, she is a marvellous sight when she fights. I don't blame her. All eyes on her... that's right... she's all mine... Let's give them a show, then, my queen. Lore egged her on, "Is that all 'the invincible Fenix' has to offer? You know you need to give me more to keep me satisfied, darlin'." Their arms were locked together as he smirked at her, a bead of sweat rolled down the side of her temple as she retorted, "Fine, I'm coming for you, Lore." Lore quickly glanced at her lips, then back to her eyes and answered, "That's right, be a good girl and come for your Lore." The women's eyes widened at their sexual implications, while Riker grinned. 'Wild Touch by Reckless Love' played in the background, another song picked by Lore who sang along, egging on Fenix as he continued to fight. She didn't recognize the band or the song, but she liked it so far. It reminded her of the 80's metal with more synthesize but it sounded recent to her, she blushed at hearing the lyrics and growled in annoyance as she fought harder.

"Is it just me or is this unusually... sexual?" Tasha asked Deanna. "Oh, I know... I sense Lore's feelings right now and its... sexual. He's getting aroused by this whole fight." Deanna commented.

"Physical contact is physical contact. The sexual tension between them is so thick it can be cut with a butter knife." Riker chuckled. Worf gave him a scolding look, Riker's smile didn't falter one bit. Tasha remembered how she reacted towards Data after the polywater incident and felt guilty. She was ashamed to have intimacy with Data because he's an android. She sloughed him off and justified her actions because she was convinced, he didn't feel. She treated him as though his thoughts didn't matter because he doesn't feel emotions. The past week, seeing Fenix openly flirt and show public displays of affection towards Lore caused pain within her. Fenix is young, unique, open-minded and accepting in many ways. On top of that, she's not even from our time… which makes her stand out from how everyone acts and thinks...She envied her ability to openly love Lore, an android, and for Lore to have emotions to be able to fully love her back. Even though the present energy surrounding the couple was fierce and passionate, there was an undeniable connection. They defied all odds, they embraced being different without a care of what others thought. She thought even Data might be able to sense their energy. She looked over at Data who looked at the couple with longing and wonder. His eyes quickly flicking between Lore and Fenix. She looked down and existed the holodeck, realizing what she did was wrong and there's no mending her mistake. Fenix jumped on Lore and wrapped her legs around his waist as she tried to bring him down with her weight and momentum. Lore was more than strong enough to swing himself around as Fenix held on with her legs to stand his ground and her effort was wasted. Lore stood with his arms wrapped around her body while Fenix clung on to him with her legs as they stared into each other's eyes, panting. Worf loudly cleared his throat in hopes of breaking their trance. Which they did and she slid back down. "Exams! Time for my exams!" She exclaimed, flabbergasted. Data's eyebrows raised momentarily and confirmed, "Yes, in fact it is time for your exams. Everyone, please leave. Fenix, are you ready?" Fenix tied her hair into a high ponytail and answered, "Yup. I'm warmed up and relaxed." "Excellent. And, good luck." He ordered the computer to run the exams program.

Three hours later, Fenix finished her exams and waited anxiously for Data to give her the results. She kept pacing around and Data demanded, "Calm yourself, you need not worry. You passed all the exams. You averaged at 96.5 percent." and flashed her a smile. Her mouth partially open, and her eyes wide from shock, she jumped up and screamed, "YES! I'm so glad I passed! High five, Data!" He tilted his head in confusion, so she grabbed his hand and held it up as she did with her other hand, showed him the motion as she explained, "It's an expression of joy when something plays in your favour." And then Data high-fived her as he gave her a smile and existed the holodeck. Lore was waiting for them as he leaned beside the door. His eyes brightened as he saw Fenix with a wide smile, "Lore! I passed! Averaged at 96.5 percent for all the exams!" Lore smiled and hugged her as he congratulated her, "See? Told you that you'd go great. All that stressing for nothing." He teased. She playfully stuck her tongue out, Lore startling her when he lightly licked her tongue in response. Lore asked Data, "Brother, we're going to 10-forward and celebrate, do you want to join?" Data smiled, "I would like that." Fenix thought to herself, Thank the stars! I'm glad Lore is warming up to Data. He's been doing so much better lately. Maybe it's because he can evolve and learn faster than the rest of us, even with more irrational things that deal with conflicting emotions. I'm so proud of him. I could learn a thing or two from him that's for sure.

The three of them made their way back to 10-forward to have a few drinks. "Fenix, it is only 1300 hours and you have started drinking. You are also under-aged." Data stated. "Umm... it's 1700 hours somewhere, yeah? And besides, I'm immortal. I think immortals should be able to drink at any age. It won't affect my brain development." she countered sweetly and sipped her beer. "Point well made, Fenix." He concurred as he sipped on silicon-tea. Lore took another swig of beer and suggested, "After this, we should go back to the holodeck, to her house and play some video games or something." Fenix added, "Yeah and I can show you around town where I lived back in my time, too." Data's eyes lit up and shot his silicon-tea back, bottoms up. He waited for the other two, Lore and Fenix guzzled their drinks at record time and the three when back to the holodeck.

Fenix gave Data a tour of her town and answered all the questions the best she could to fulfil Data's curiosity. When she finished, three hours had already passed and she was hungry. She left for 10-forward to order some pizza. Tasha saw Fenix walk into 10-forward and approached her, "Hello Fenix."

"Oh hey, Tasha Yar, right?" She smiled with a nod, "Yes, it's a pleasure to meet you. I won't keep you long but I wanted to get some of your insight about... androids." Tasha spoke. Fenix tilted her head, "You mean what's it like to date an android?" Fenix called her out. Tasha smiled getting caught red handed, "Yes, I'm sorry. I'm just curious. At first the two of you seemed like an odd couple but the more I see the two of you together I realized how much closer and stronger of a partnership you have. And I understand there's an unfortunate and unspoken bigotry around the subject of androids." Tasha solemnly stated. Her eyes squinted, choosing her words carefully, "I've always believed androids are just as sentient and real as any biological humanoid, whether they feel emotions or not. They deserve the same rights and freedoms as you and I. Like Data, he's convinced by society he doesn't feel emotions but I beg to differ. He shows plenty of emotions, he feels things differently. That doesn't make his emotions and thoughts any less important than yours or mine, right?" Tasha nodded as she listened, "Lore and Data are very different, because they're different people all together. Lore has emotions that's very conflicting for his analytical thought processes but he deals with it. He says the experiences he has with me make it worthwhile. Born or made... we're all trying to find the meaning of our existence. We all crave companionship and love... Even Data."

Fenix momentarily taking a break from her monologue, Tasha had and expression of guilt and sadness as Fenix continued, "I see how everyone treats Data and it isn't fair to him. He's not some puppet for people to use or get amusement. No one ever thinks of what he might want even if he doesn't know it yet himself. They automatically shove him aside and go on with life without ever giving him a chance." She stopped for a moment, her eyes looking directly into Tasha's blue ones, "Now Tasha, you can probably understand by now how my relationship with Lore is at this point. He's the first person I've ever been attracted to and fallen in love with. It's intense, beautiful, raw, pure, and we're both fucked up, but we're working on bettering ourselves, together. He's beautiful, and very complicated. I also understand that he's an android but he is also, very much, an incredible man. I wouldn't have him any other way. It's always been just him and me since I was exiled and kicked in face by the federation. It's forever… At least in our case being immortal and shit." she finished. Tasha had a thin smile, feeling ashamed for her previous treatment towards Data, "Thank you for sharing your perspective with me, Fenix. Maybe someday, society can be as bold and accepting as you." Tasha softly thanked. "Hey, man. I see how you look at Data. He's adorable, and so sweet. He's not any less perfect than Lore. Let's face it, Data and Lore are gorgeous. Speaking of... My pizza's ready and I need to get back to them. We're playing video games. Hope I helped broaden your mind a bit. Take care and I'll see you around, Tasha. Peace out." Fenix finished and saluted Tasha as she left her at the counter to ponder about what Fenix had expressed to her. Fenix is right… What I did to Data was unacceptable. I blamed my moment of passion on polywater and pushed him away… truth is… I wanted to be intimate with him. I know it's wrong of me to feel ashamed for our night together… but I can't help what I feel… what I still feel, even though I understand that I shouldn't. I'm so sorry, Data...