...More Human Than Human...
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 33: Darkness Sorts the Shine
Previously…
Data looked to Fenix and Lore then answered, "So is my family. I have already come to a decision, dear sister." He went pulled out the artefact from his desk and handed it to her. It was a thin marble looking slate with unrecognizable, yet elegant inscriptions written on it. Fenix took it and observed as she touched the stone, "I... I know what this is. They're a list of light and... twilight... spells... I can... read it. There's a name on the corner... Fa... lor... ay. Faloray." Data and Lore simultaneously echoed, "Magic?" She looked up them, "Yeah. Magic." Data commented, "But magic does not follow or fit science. Unless, magic is a type of science we do not comprehend yet." Lore thought and concluded, "Q said that the Electi Illiusians were revered, feared and magical. Its possible Q meant it quite literally when he said they were magical." Fenix gently ran her fingers over the words and mumbled, "I guess we'll just have to find out."
Lore, Geordi and Fenix were in the brig to meet with a survivor of the Borg. Fenix scrutinized Hue, and felt that he's an in-between, the halfway point between her and Lore. She had her guard up as she began, "My name's Fenix, I guess we're about the same age, huh?"
"I have no age." he answered. Fenix asked, "Do you have a name?" "No." She put her head to her chin, "How about… Hue? Would you like to be called that?" The male Borg tilted his head, "Hue… I am… Hue." His black eyes stared at her. Fenix nodded, "Alright, Hue it is!" Hue began, "We have been waiting for you." Fenix sighed, "Please listen, I'm not your new queen." She pleaded."You have slain ours... you are the alpha." She rolled her eyes, "I'm more of a sigma… but do continue." "You are the new queen. We are... lost without a queen. Empty." Hue stated. Fenix looked at Hue with compassion, "Geordi, can you get rid of the force field? He won't hurt..." She sighed with a cringe, "...the queen." Geordi opened up the cell for her. Fenix put her hand out, her palm facing Hue, he mirrored her action. Hand to hand, palm to palm. She sighed, choosing her words very carefully, "You're not alone, we're all connected. I, too, am not fully human... Free the assimilated, those who want to stay can stay. Only assimilate the ones that cause pain onto others. Those are my orders." Geordi's mouth opened and about to protest, but Lore stopped him and smiled. Seeing a glimpse of Fenix becoming a leader filled his non-existent heart with joy. "Thank you, queen." Hue appreciated. She held his hand in hers and squeezed. With her free hand, she lightly touched the components attached to his face remembering when she had them. "Please, don't call me that. Just, Fenix. The Borg collective will need someone to look up to. You should be the one to lead them while I'm gone. I know you will carry out my orders well." Hue kneeled on one knee as he concluded, "You will still remain our Queen for when we are in need of guidance. Until then, I promise to follow your orders to the best of my ability... Fenix." She smiled with compassion and added, "Stay safe, Hue. I have to go. Always remember, you are not alone... we're all connected." She walked out of the cell and signalled to Geordi bring up the force shield. "Alright Geordi, I think we're going to the holodeck and brighten up the mood, I take it you have to stay here and guard Hue?" She asked. "Yeah... unfortunately I can't join you guys for one of your holodeck adventures but hey, thanks for talking to Hue. I think you made a huge progress back there." Geordi complimented. "Well, I can't change the whole 'queen' thing. So, I figured can give them a new direction in life... so to speak. Besides, when I destroyed the Borg Cube... I felt... kinda bad I did that, you know? I don't hate the Borg. I didn't agree with what they did but that's what they do. They're whole purpose is to assimilate. That's how they survive, right?" She shrugged. "You're more compassionate than I first gave you credit." Geordi stated. She flashed him a smile and turned to Lore to leave for the holodeck.
Data was in the Captain's ready room talking to Picard. "Captain. I am here to give you my formal resignation." Data stated. Picard looked at him dumbfounded. "Resign?" A look of shock and sadness crossed Picard's face. "I regret the decision, but I must." Data inclined his head. "May I ask your reasoning?" A look of concern donned Picard's face. "It is of a personal matter. I wish to be with my family. I miss them very much whenever we part ways, I feel an emptiness without them." Data answered. "I understand, but why now?" Picard insisted. Data took a moment before answering. "This is off the record, Captain." Picard nodded, "Fenix has informed me she and Lore are planning on venturing to Electi Illiusia. She knows the coordinates and believes there might be some remnants of the former world that may have been left behind. I wish to join them in their journey to see a world that previously had humans and androids coexisting harmoniously with my own eyes." Data confessed. "Data, you know you would have a better chance of making it there if we took the Enterprise. It would be the Federation's greatest discovery to find the legendary Semita Cealeste system and the legendary Electi Illiusia." Picard exclaimed. Data's eyes darkened protectively,"That is exactly what I want to avoid. Semita Cealeste system is protected from all outsiders. There is surely a reason why, I hate to remind you the Federation you speak of is unfortunately, the exact same Federation that conducted in human experimentations on my sister-in-law. If Electi Illiusia in fact, still have technological advancements, I do not wish for the Federation to get hold of anything of the sort. I do not think humans are ready for such power. With great power comes great consequences..." Data reminded. Picard sighed, unable to counter his argument. He's right… The Federation is corrupt. Yet I am still part of it and trying to rectify things so people aren't getting exploited as Fenix have. "You're right, Data. I'm afraid I have run out of rebuttals. I can't stop you from leaving, that much I'm aware. But know that you will always have a place here... on the Enterprise. I'm only listing you for temporary resignation for if you want to re-enlist with Starfleet." Picard concluded. "I thank you very much for your offer, Captain, even though I am not sure if I will ever be returning. I have thought many times about joining Lore and Fenix. Until they came into my life, I did not have a family. She treats me with kindness, understanding and patience." Data stated. "That's true. I don't think I know anyone who's as patient as she is. I understand, Data. I want to thank you for the years of your outstanding service and refreshingly unique perspective. We will have to learn how to see things the way you see them in order to improve ourselves as a human race. You've taught us that, Data. I will miss you very much, dear friend." Picard smiled with saddened eyes. Data nodded and handed his communicator to Picard.
Lore and Fenix had their bags packed on their re-modified Vulcan vessel and ready to embark on an adventure of their lives. While they waited for Data to give his resignation to Captain Picard, they were in the holodeck for one last time. They rode a luck dragon named Falcor through the plains of Fantasia and into the setting sun. "This is incredible! My childhood fantasy has come true again!" She screamed into the soaring wind. Lore had his arms wrapped around her torso as he brightly smiled, "You said this was from a movie?" he asked. "Yeah! I watched it as a kid. It's called the Neverending Story. Contrary to the name, it does end! I still can't believe this... I've always wanted to ride Falcor and fly!" She answered. Lore enjoyed seeing her so excited, it was another trait of hers that reminded him how young she is at times. He kissed her temple as they enjoyed the ride. Lore saw the door of the holodeck open down below and saw his brother. Data signalled Fenix to fly back down.
The three of them boarded the Vulcan vessel and kept the goodbye very hushed as Data preferred to keep things low-key. He had already bid goodbye to his best friend, Geordi and to Deanna. They started the vessel and bid the Enterprise a farewell. Data and Lore went to inspected the power core and asked, "What is this power core running on? It is not running on dilithium… I have never seen this before." Lore sighed, "Fenix's 'crystal power' as she calls it. Don't get me started, I was against it from the very beginning but, it was logical to harness her power to run the vessel." he answered. Data stared into the glowing light which tinted in pale purple, "Intriguing." Lore smiled and added, "She insists on charging it every now and then as long as she's sufficiently fed." Data walked around and inspected the central circuits, "Lore, I am capable of enabling the power core to recycle the... 'crystal power' then Fenix would not have to keep risking her health." Lore's eyes brightened, "You can do it?" Data nodded, "But I will need your assistance. I am assuming she is capable of piloting the vessel for the next 2 hours, 34 minutes and-" "-53 seconds." Lore cut in with a grin. Data tilted his head. Lore smirked, "Fenix was right, we do share some quirky traits." Data agreed, "Why would we not? After all, we are brothers."
Meanwhile why the Soong brothers were working on altering the circuits for the power core, Fenix was enjoying piloting the vessel at her leisure. A bag of chips and a bottle of tequila whilst listening to 'Your Love' by The Outfield. She shamelessly sang her heart out as she piloted the vessel, loving the sight of endless stars that scattered the endless dark canvas. Who woulda thought that I would be on a Vulcan vessel with two androids going on an adventure to find the lost Electi Illiusia? Not me... never in my life could I've predicted this. Things are happening and moving so fast at times I feel like I'm on a roller-coaster… when 'scared' and 'excited' become one. I'm glad Data decided to join our little family. It always felt kinda incomplete without him around, I don't feel as incomplete now, yet, somehow... part of my still does for some reason. It's not enough to irk me or anything... just thought it was... strange. Is it because I still have feelings for him? No. Don't. I can't have feelings like THAT for him. It's not right. I'm married to Lore, I chose him with a clear, honest conscience. She took a big swig of tequila to clear her mind, shaking her head. I love Lore... with every fibre of my being. I gave him my heart, soul and body and he did for me, too. So why am I still attracted to Data? No, not just attracted... drawn to him, as I was drawn to Lore. Why? I don't understand. Does it have something to do with the fact that I'm part Electi Illiusian? She flicked her wrist and created a ball of energy. Letting it hover in her palm for a moment before clenching her fist shut. The ball of energy disappearing. I don't know. I hoped that my feelings for Data would dissipate over time, the three of us had been doing so good. I enjoy spending time with the both of them. But I'd be lying if I said that I didn't notice Data's sunflower eyes occasionally lingering on my lips or how he purposely grazes his fingertips on my arm or hand… and fingers. Sometimes I'll feel his finger very lightly tug on a small strand of my hair with child-like innocence. I'd also be lying if I said that I didn't enjoy his miniscule attentions he slyly hides right in front of Lore. Like a child trying to steal cookies right under their parent's noses, that lingering feeling of the possibility of getting caught. I'm surprised Lore hadn't noticed Data's little gestures. But then again, Data's his brother... he probably knows how and when to do these things so he doesn't get caught. Oh boy, I really shouldn't have thought about this... I already chose Lore and made my boundaries with Data. There's nothing to worry or think about. With her last thought, she took another swig of tequila. Fenix's next song she picked was 'There is a Light that Never Goes Out' by 'The Smiths'. Sometime later, Lore and Data came back from altering the power core circuits. She smiled at them as they greeted her. "Did you want me to take over?" asked Lore. "I wouldn't say no. It would be nice to stretch out." She agreed. "Then move." teasingly demanded Lore. "Alright, alright! I'm getting my fat-ass off the chair. Geez..." Fenix grumbled as she moved. "Leave the tequila and the chips." commanded Lore. Fenix rolled her eyes sighing, "Okay..." Lore grinned as he grabbed her forearm and pulled her into a kiss, "I was only teasing, kid." She stuck her tongue out and hip-bumped him as she got out of the way only for her bum to be smacked by him making her yelp. Data watched their exchange in intrigue, he asked Lore as he watched Fenix leave the deck, "Why do you eat or drink? We do not require any sustenance." Lore took a sip of Fenix's tequila answering, "I hardly eat, but it helps Fenix give a feeling of familiarity. If she's in the mood to have a few drinks, she said that it's nicer to drink with someone than drinking alone. So, I drink with her." Data nodded, understanding. He proceeded to leave the deck before Lore stopped him, "Where are you going?" Data turned around and answered, "I wish to take a look around the vessel and make sure the maintenance is sufficient. I was, after all, in charge of operations during my service in Starfleet." Lore's expression stayed neutral, "It's nice to have you around to make sure we're sound." Data acknowledged him and left the deck.
Data wandered around, inspecting this and that to make sure everything was in working order. He was pleased to see Fenix and Lore did a great job at fixing the Vulcan vessel that crash landed into Omicron Theta. He continued to wander and saw Fenix in the main storage bay practising meditation and Jeet Kun Do. He watched her from afar, watched the movements and energy her body made, and the turmoil that clouded in her eyes. She was struggling to concentrate. She did a handstand using both hands at first, then moved into a single-handed stand, her eyes closed and balance never faltering. She took a deep breath in and exhaled trying to find her focus. Her shirt had fell into her face causing her to lose her balance and fell unceremoniously onto the cold floor. Instead of jumping back up like usual, she laid there defeated by her thoughts. Sighing as she laid on the floor staring at the ceiling. Data then walked in. She turned her head to see Data walking toward her and jumped back on her feet. "Hey Data." She smiled, pushing her inner emotions aside. "Hello Fenix. You were practising Jeet Kun Do." He eyed her limbs. "I was trying to, but I guess today isn't the day for it. I can't seem to focus." She defeated concluded. "I find it quite fascinating. Though, Lore is ultimately better at it than you." He noted. "Yeah, I taught him. But he surpassed me pretty quick but I expected that would happen. He's a mandroid after all. You guys were made to be better than any biological humanoids." Her eyes trailed his shoulder-line to his collar, his jaw, and then to his lips. Her eyes momentarily lingering there before meeting his eyes. There it is again, that pull. I feel it… Data. She saw it in Data's eyes, he felt it too. The yearning to be near each other. Averting her eyes, she looked down and sauntered around the cargo bay as she sighed, "Data... I, um... never mind." He tilted his head like a puppy, she faintly smiled at his adorable gesture. "Actually Data, how do you feel about this right now? Us? Alone?" She asked motioning with her dainty hands. His eyebrows knit together deep in thought before answering, "I find myself holding back from touching you... afraid of what it could possibly lead to. I am fighting back the desire to kiss you. I still and always will love you, Fenix. No one else can fill this... void that I feel. I understand that you cannot reciprocate the love I crave from you, and this is the closest I will receive." Fenix walked around the room and took a deep breath, she whispered under her breath, "Me too." His eyes widened at her response, she didn't see it. She shook it off with a smile and grabbed Lore's sweater and pulled it back on, "Any ways, I'm heading back to the bridge, I'm sure Lore wants some company." She smiled. "You can join me if you want." He agreed and the two of them walked back to the bridge.
Fenix walked behind Lore's chair and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, "Hi." She casually greeted. He grinned and pulled her onto his lap, finally able to see her face he replied, "Hi." with a grin, his eyes lingering on her lips. She smiled as she kissed him. Data sat in a co-pilot's chair as he looked at the controls. Everything was in Vulcan and he didn't understand, his brows knit together in confusion. Noticing his confusion, she turned to him and started teaching him the controls and what the symbols meant. It was easy teaching Data, he caught on quick... just like Lore. Lore would glance over to observe the two of them interacting as he steered the vessel. He was listening to Reckless Love with the song 'Sex', it was one of his and Fenix's favourites, and thought to himself. There she goes... she leaves my arms to teach and help my little brother. Your feelings for my brother are showing, dear wife. He scowled. You have chosen me, Fenix. Not Data. And dear brother, she is off limits... so why do I feel guilt for holding onto what's rightfully mine? Because I know that my brother can't feel emotions with anyone else and I'm inadvertently preventing him because I'm too selfish. What's so selfish about not wanting to share my wife? Isn't that a normal human emotion? I WAS made to be the perfect human wasn't I, Dr. Soong? This is preposterous. He looked at his wife. Her eyes were warm and caring, just as when she looks at himself when they're together. Lore's eyes flickered to Data who innocently watched her with his puppy eyes, longingly. His chest hurt feeling torn. Part of him was like a selfish child wanting to hold Fenix tightly like the most exotic flower he's ever seen, and another part of him feeling guilty for not letting his brother have it, too. Damn it to hell... Reality is... he would treat her better than I have. He doesn't manipulate her like I do. Then again, I know her like no other... she needs a bit of a monster in her man. Isn't that why you are so drawn to us, my Celestial Queen? Data is kind, and sincere but you must remember... he is very capable of everything I do. He's no different than me in many ways. He too, is and will always be, an android. You'll never admit this but there's one thing the three of us share: we get pleasure from taking lives and causing pain to the ones that deserve it. Why do you think you get so aroused when we spar? Taking lives bring pleasure... not as good as being intimate with you, but it's the next best thing. If Data doesn't get any pleasure from Fenix, he'll surely turn to killing to get his rocks off... We don't need another of my 'me' running around, two of me would be a crowd. He needs to stay as he is. He will balance out my dark side for Fenix. And my darkness help to sort the shine. He sighed, "Light and dark. Creation and destruction. Yin and Yang. Both are needed to keep things in motion. Equilibrium." and smirked while he steered the vessel.