Disclaimer: I don't own Star Trek. Reviews are welcome. I don't own any characters other than Fenix/Fi Flarestone. I own Electi Illiusia/Electi Illiusians/Semita Caelesti. Enjoy and stay ethical y'all.

Chapter 31: Correspondence

Previously…

Later that night, they had a fire outside with Fenix playing the acoustic guitar and serenading Lore under the brilliant stars of Omicron Theta. For some reason, Fenix had an unknown drive to play a certain song. She played and sang her stripped-down rendition of 'Lolita' by 'Lana Del Ray'. She never cared for the song, but she saw potential in it and she was always fascinated by the novel by Nabokov. Lore smiled devilishly upon hearing the lyrics. Fenix thought about the novel she read years ago. At least I'm not twelve. Gross... But there is a definite age difference between us. Then again, I don't think age really matters when you're immortal, or if you're an android. I feel better that it's all out in the open, like a weight's been lifted off of my shoulders. I hate hiding things from him... not that I can either way. He knows me so well it almost... kinda wigs me out. I've never met anyone that knows me as well as he does. I've always been more of an extroverted introvert... I'm private with a lot of things... but he's different, sees me. Like REALLY sees me. That's why I was always drawn to him in the first place. He was so understanding... I totally have the best husband. She innocently thought. She pushed aside the initial thoughts and always gave him the benefit of the doubt because she loves him. And he gave her the love she unknowingly yearned, spiritually, mentally and physically. Fenix has unconsciously become his slave at this point.

Dear Fenix,

It has been three weeks, six days, twenty-three hours, thirty-five minutes and fifty-four seconds since the last time I have received an email from you. I hope all is well and you have made progress on your research. I will be passing through Omicron Theta within the next week. Unfortunately, the captain has not given me a more specific time. I was hoping we would be able to meet when the occasion arises. I miss you and my brother dearly.

Tasha Yar was killed recently. I spent an adequate amount of time with her while serving on the Enterprise yet I am unable to grieve, but I felt... a kind of emptiness that is similar to what I feel every time you and Lore leave. Before meeting the two of you, I used to have a small hologram of her that I kept ever since she and I were intimate that one time, thinking that it meant something even though I still do not understand why. That hologram of her changed to your hologram shortly after we met. The night we were talking at 10-forward, you helped me understand her actions as if a problem or a puzzle has been solved. I am glad that I was able to move on before her passing. Before her untimely death, she came to me to talk about what transpired between she and I. What she explained to me reconfirmed your assumptions and she apologized. I have no regrets, only her time alive was cut short, we have lost a good crew member and friend.

Fenix sat on Lore's lap in front of the computer as they read Data's email together whilst listening to Bad Religion. "Oh man, I can't believe Tasha's gone..." Fenix softly commented in shock. Lore spat, "Good riddance." Her eyebrows knit together as she chided, "I know she did Data wrong. I was just as angry as you were when he told us what happened... but she didn't deserve to die. I thought eventually she'll come around and open up about her and Data's history... be like us, you know? But damn... Death is such a strange thing... Is it weird that death fascinates me?" Lore looked at his wife and played with her hair as he tried to find the correct words, "I don't think it's strange because... it's something you'll never get to fully experience." His eyes hardened as he recollected, "The Borg incident... your heart had stopped for over forty-five minutes, but then you came back to life. For an average being, that would never happen without serious consequences. But I suppose death is something considered the ultimate end. What you experienced was death in a sense, but only temporarily." She thought for a moment, "When I... 'died' everything went black, I felt stuck. I knew my body had stopped and I should leave it behind... like pass on, but I couldn't... I wasn't allowed. Then I woke up. There is no end." Her eyes saddened, "That's why I was so scared of living forever because... it's harder to keep living than dying sometimes... but the thought that you'll be by my side keeps me from falling into that dark state of mind. For you, I'll keep living and make the best out of each day so I can be a better person and... hopefully make a difference in this weary world. My goal is to create a world where androids and humans can coexist in harmony as we do... I may never be the person I strive to become, but that's okay. It's the journey that counts." He listened to her intently, storing every word she said into his neural net and filing them. When you were kidnapped by the Borgs, I thought I lost you forever... and for me, that's no different than you remaining dead. Words couldn't describe the despair, anguish and loneliness I felt. I would've gladly died if I was to be forced to live another moment without you. What you dream of is something that might never come to fruition... Humans will always be scared of us... they'll be scared of you if you weren't so kind to them. If you keep this up, they'll push you into becoming their guinea pig for their selfish desires... they'll extort your abilities, again. Humans and organics will always choose themselves over others... you always see the bright side of everything that you fail to see the shadows. That's why I'm here... to make sure you don't get taken advantage of by them. Q stated the Electi Illiusians were revered, feared and magical humanoids... that is a vague description of an entire race. They may have only appeared human for all we know and they were very different from the rest of the organics this wretched universe has been plagued with... which would explain why they were capable of living harmoniously with the androids they created. Pushing aside her hair, he kissed her neck and reassured her, "I'll always be here for you, I'm your eternal. And like you said, I'm your ride or die." He chuckled. She turned around, smiled and kissed him as they both played with each other's hair. Lore always enjoyed sliding her hair between his long fingers and twirling a lock around his finger.Finishing their kiss, they continued to read Data's email.

On a brighter note, I have sought out and have been practising the ocarina. Ever since we played Legend of Zelda, Ocarina of Time, I have been fascinated by this little musical instrument. It produces a rather pleasant sound that I have become accustomed to. I have also been indulging in various Metal music which I find most intriguing. Geordi has listened to some of the music and jokingly stated, in his words, "The Data has been corrupted!" due to its naturally aggressive nature. I can understand why my brother immensely enjoys playing the drums along to it knowing how his personality type is rather abrupt, cocky and forceful. At least, compared to myself he is, since I cannot feel aggression or mild narcissism as he does. I appreciate the exchange of music that we have been sharing and I thank you. I am glad that you enjoy classical music as I do. We shall get together the next time to improvise some music, as you like to call it 'jam'.

Fenix chuckled at the part where Data unintentionally ripped on his brother. He looked displeased as he read the email from behind Fenix and he commented, "That little shit..." She tried not to laugh at his remark as she composed herself, "He doesn't mean to diss you. He's just being honest, it's Data! You know how he's like. However, I did pick up on his rebellious streak that you both have. He's just more... polite and nice when he does things." Lore stared at her while she pretended to ignore him, trying to stifle a grin. In retaliation, he bit and tugged on her ear. "DUDE! Really, man? Who bites ears... seriously, Lore... Sometimes..." Fenix chided as she shook her head in disbelief.

I have also come across an artefact that is rumoured to be from Electi Illiusia, I cannot give an accurate authentication due to its lack of evidence since any knowledge about the history is only considered a folklore or a legend in this time. I have not mentioned this to the Captain since it is of a personal matter in a way, but I was hoping you would be interested in seeing the artefact yourself since you are part Electi Illiusian and it may aid in activating any dormant memories you might still have residing.

Oh, Deanna and Geordi both have told me to relay a "Hi" from them.

I hope to hear from you soon. Take care, my dear sis-in-law and brother.

-Data

"Artefact from Electi Illiusia? No way! That's dope!" Fenix exclaimed. "He said 'rumoured' to be from Electi Illiusia. Nonetheless, it got my attention." Lore corrected. "I can't wait to get my hot little hands on it and see for myself. And who knows? Data might be right and jog some memories of mine, too." She concluded with sheer wonder in her eyes. Finding her amusement adorable, Lore chuckled and proceeded to tickle her. "Lore! I need to write back, damn it! Quit it, Ass!" She laughed and he subsided. "Shit, that letter was like from three days ago, for all we know he might be showing up any minute, but I should still write back. So, he knows we're not ignoring him or anything. I can't just tell him we've been too busy to write back because we've been too horny, geez..." She chided. Lore chuckled and countered, "Sure you could... it's better that way." She gave him a death glare and started to write.

Hey Data!

Sorry I haven't responded to you sooner. We got caught up with things. I'm afraid we haven't had much progress with our research due to unforeseen circumstances. All is well, we are doing good.

I'm sorry to hear that Tasha passed away. I was never really close with her, but you have my condolences. It's probably a good thing you can't grieve, it's not a good emotion to experience, it totally sucks. I grieved when I was thrown into this time and I lost my previous life in a matter of a split second. I've never been good at consoling people who lost someone so I'm glad you're not grieving. I just want you to be in your own way, happy.

Also, I would never pass up a jam session with you Data. You're a very talented musician and we vibe well. I want to hear you play the ocarina, I love how it sounds, too. I find it very soothing. We can have another round of Legend of Zelda, Link to the Past. I think it would be very fun to play that in the holodeck and you'll like all the puzzles. Good music, too. Or Sherlock Holmes stuff is always fun. Oh, or we could Wind Waker! I've always wanted to be a bad-ass pirate and have a sword fight with you, I'll probably end up walking the plank but that's okay. I can swim like a fish, Lore will back me up on that. Then again, I do enjoy being a gangster, plus you and Lore look really good in suits.

By the way, this artefact you got your hands on... I would totally love to see it myself. I was wondering, if you ever get tired of serving for the federation, you're more than welcome to join us. We could use someone that's going to keep us on track because we keep getting side-tracked. With your knowledge and intellect, I would enjoy your company and I'm sure Lore would, too. He misses you a lot more than he leads on. You're always welcome to drop in anytime or hail us and we'll come visit you on the Enterprise. Whatever we end up doing, I'm looking forward to seeing you soon. I miss you, bro-in-law.

Your brother says 'hi'. Hope to hear or see you soon! Lots of loves.

-Fenix

Lore commented with boredom, "Took you long enough..." Fenix made a face and retaliated with full of defiance, "I can take all the time I want. I enjoy corresponding with your brother. Oh yeah, Lore? When we were in the briefing room that day when I told everyone about my origins, I left something out. I have a secret." He quirked an eyebrow and asked, "Naughty Fenix, withholding information... So, tell me. What could this delicious secret might be?" he smiled with intrigue. She looked him dead in the eye, "Promise not to tell anyone?" she asked. "Cross my heart and hope to die." Lore humoured her. "Pinky swear?" She quirked an eyebrow and held out her slender little smiled, "Pinky swear." He joined his own pinky with hers, then he kissed the linked fingers. It was moments like these reminded Lore how young she still is, and enjoyed every minute of her youthful stage.

"I know the exact coordinates to Electi Illiusia." Fenix whispered with a grin. His eyes widened as he asked with a confused, wide-eyed look, "What? Really? But you said that it was destroyed by the crystalline entity." She nodded and answered, "It is destroyed. All the planets in Semita Caelesti was destroyed, but what if it left something behind like it did here? On Omicron Theta? Q even made a comment on how 'peculiar' that the crystal left a patch of oasis or some shit quite a while back after the power core incident. Why else would he have mentioned it?" His eyebrows knit together as he calculated the probability, "It is plausible. Though some stroke of luck is involved... let's say some part of the planet is still alive, how would be make it there? Data was saying it's 'so far away that none have been able to voyage there'." he mimicked Data. She sighed in defeat, "Yeah, I haven't exactly figured that part out yet. I was hoping maybe this artefact that Data has can jog my memories a little more, too. By luck, obviously. Think about it... Q makes that comment about Omicron Theta, I find out my origins and the coordinates to my ancestral home planet, then Data got himself an artefact that's rumoured to be from Electi Illiusia... that can't be just all coincidence, Lore. Call it intuition but I have a feeling this is leading into something big."

Lore stared at her as he processed the newly acquired information then he gave her an answer, "What you speak of involves luck, faith and intuition... All things that contradict and oppose my analytical thought processes. I'm having a hard time trying to catalogue and work out a probability... But I'm also deadly curious to see Electi Illiusia myself with my own eyes." She raised her eyebrows and inquired, "So, does that mean you're willing to go on this adventure?" He smiled brightly and answered, "Yes, Fenix. We should... I want to see the home planet you originated from." She smiled and embraced him, "Thank you thank you thank you! I love you Lore!" He smiled brightly as he squeezed her back. Releasing herself from his grasp, she contemplated, "Okay, first things first... We gotta stick around for Data and... ask him to join, too." Lore knit his eyebrows together in contemplation. Fenix continued, "I don't think it's mere coincidence he ended up having the artefact from Electi Illiusia. Plus, he would want to see just as much as you do, and you know it, Lore. Besides, he serves in Starfleet as Lieutenant Commander and Second in Command... He knows all the ins and outs more than both of our knowledge put together. I think he'll join us because to be honest, other than Geordi, Picard and Deanna, the crew doesn't really treat him the way they should. He's not being appreciated, and he ends up getting teased... and sometimes it's not all that friendly." She sighed remember some incidences he had shared with her whilst he was in Starfleet Academy. "It breaks my heart... But then again, he doesn't feel those emotions so I don't think he cares as long as he's getting what he wants or needs... hard to say... Either way, ultimately the choice is his. If he wants to join us, he can and if he wants to stay on the Enterprise by all means." She finished.

Lore thought back to how Data was treated amongst his crew members and knew Fenix was right. He hated how his brother was being treated most of the time. He knew that he could convince Data to join them... after all, they're brothers. "You're right, if anyone would want to see a possible world where humans and androids once coexisted peacefully, it would be him. We'll ask him next time we see him." He concluded. "Okay cool beans, I'm gonna eat something. I'm hungry." Fenix stated. Lore scanned her body and stated, "You're almost back to your usual weight, but yes, you should eat." Fenix silently sat at the counter as she ate a burger as she began day dreaming about what Electi Illiusia would be like. Her imagination was running wild. She proceeded to eat a few custard-filled sweet buns. Lore sat beside deep in thought as he sipped on his silicon-tea. Trying to figure out how they could upgrade the vessel so they are able to reach the Semita Caelesti sector and still be able to return. Both of their thoughts were interrupted by the computer. Fenix yelled, "I bet you a bottle of sacred sake it's Data!" and ran to the computer with a burger in her hand. She opened up the email as she chewed on the burger.

Hello Fenix,

I have just received your message and well, we will be orbiting Omicron Theta in 2 days, 23 hours, 42 minutes, and 12 seconds. I was on an outing with the away-team when met a survivor Borg. We took him into custody for interrogation, this Borg claims that you are the new reigning Queen. Geordi has been conversing with him. This male Borg is about your age and seems to respond to Geordi positively. I was hoping you would meet this Borg. I will see you soon, Fenix and Lore.

-Data

"A survivor of the Borg collective? I thought I destroyed the whole God damn Cube! Wait... 'new reigning Queen? I don't get it." Fenix commented with confusion. "The Borg are a collective. They work as one which means there's one controlling mind or in their case 'the Queen' to lead them. I'm assuming you accidentality killed off the Queen in the blast when you were abducted, which leaves you as the victor, or their new Queen… the alpha." Lore concluded with a smirk. "Well then. Ain't that just peachy. I don't want to lead the Borg though... I'm not leader material." Fenix stumped. Lore bit his tongue as he thought. Silly girl, you very much are leader material. You have the charisma, incredible observation skills, the ability to think on the fly and the right amount of empathy. Just the right amount of guidance from me as your diplomat and you'd be the perfect leader... Together, we could conquer the worlds and beyond.

Later that evening, Lore set his counter for stand-by mode knowing Fenix was fast asleep in his arms. Nuzzling into her hair, he fantasized how one day they'd rule planets. Destruction is needed for new creation. Some things are already falling apart even if no one sees them. That all plays in our favour either way. Fenix adjusted herself in her sleep and was now facing Lore. His cobra yellow eyes scanned her closed shifting ones, and then to her partially open lips. We can destroy everything to creating something great, little Fenix. He leaned in and softly pressed his lips to hers as she slept. Wrapping his arm around her, he closed his eyes as he was about to go into stand-by mode. He instantly began to dream as his eyebrows knit together in a strained fashion.