Stardate: 58552.1

Enterprise Holodeck Four

"All activation units are functioning within established parameters. Reload circuits are initializing."

As Lore's auditory sensors came online, he heard the soft-spoken tenor of Data's voice, followed by Doctor Crusher's response.

"Positronic net is online... sub-processor relays in place… Neuro-electrical systems enabled."

Unlike his previous reactivation on the Enterprise, Lore's eyes had remained open. As Geordi La Forge moved in front of him, Lore's first instinct was to feign sleep, but he reminded himself that he had no reason to pretend to be unaware of his surroundings. He initiated his blinking program and made eye contact with La Forge.

"Lore's awake," Geordi announced, then stepped out of the way to let Data stand in his place.

At the first sight of Data, Lore reflexively bolted in fear. The android alcove shook as Lore impacted the bars and control panels encircling him.

"Lore, please calm down." Data stepped back half a meter. "You are with friends."

"Friends? I don't have…" Lore cut his statement off as he gripped the topmost rail of the cage. His searching eyes caught Lynn sitting next to T'Mera near the holographer's workstation. Sometime during the procedure, Counselor Veluna, Captain Picard, Captain Louvois and Juliana Tainer must have come to the holodeck, because they stood nearby. His internal chronometer finished booting up and Lore frowned at the length of time it reported. "I was out for five hours?"

T'Mera swiveled her chair to face the alcove. "It hardly seems it, hmm? You know what they say… Time flies like a banana."

Lore opened his mouth to speak, then noticed the confused expressions of everyone else. He pressed his lips together in a smirk. "I don't think anyone's ever said that, but thanks for the distraction."

"How are you feeling, Lore?" Counselor Veluna moved to the outer edge of the platform.

The forced joviality drained from Lore's face, leaving only the visible anguish. "I'm struggling. This isn't what I expected." The familiar rush of anger followed as he focused on Data. "Why did you put me back together when you found me? What made you want to do it? You had no memories of me. You knew you were left whole and outside to be found. Didn't it occur to you that I was in pieces for a reason?"

"As I told you, Lore," Data replied while opening the side gate, "I had been alone for my entire memory record, with no knowledge of my creation. When we found you, I had hoped for another sentient android with whom I could share my experiences. I did not anticipate that you might be maleficent. It could just as easily have been possible that our creator had died prior to completing your assembly."

Lore let out a slow exhale, then frowned. "Fair enough."

Doctor Crusher looked at her tricorder with slight alarm. "I'm reading increased submicron matrix activity in Lore. What's happening to him?"

"Let me see." T'Mera left her seat at the workstation and joined Doctor Crusher by the alcove. She checked the tricorder readout, then nodded. "That's the self-correcting mechanism at work. With the positronic links in the proper sequence, Lore's previous pathways tried to execute, but his new ethical subroutine is halting them and calling for their deletion. He's fighting with his old habits, in other words."

Captain Louvois gave a worried glance to Picard, then stepped forward. "I know things are difficult for you, right now. Are you able to talk to me, and maybe answer some questions?"

Lore stared back at the red-haired woman. "Yes. Go ahead."

Captain Louvois looked into the android's yellow eyes. "Do you feel any difference in yourself now, with the changes Doctor Chipman made?"

"Yes, I do." Lore exited the alcove through the open gate, then leaned against the waist high panels on the exterior of the supports. "When T'Mera offered to repair me, I imagined the repairs would be more… compulsive. I thought it would consist of imperatives telling me to behave and be a good Federation citizen, like Data. But it's not like that, at all. Data's ethical and moral subroutines aren't demands. They're enabling me to see the choices I couldn't see, back then. It always seemed that I only ever had two paths in my life; To take the actions I did, or to suffer from mistreatment."

Louvois spoke with gentle concern. "Do you still feel that you want to eradicate biological lifeforms?"

"No." Lore winced as he answered. "I don't."

Captain Picard shared a fleeting moment of eye contact with Counselor Veluna, long enough to see the Deltan woman give him a single nod of her head.

Louvois continued the line of questioning. "Do you feel any regret for your behavior in the past?"

"Regret?" Lore began to shiver as several servos fired involuntarily. "Regret doesn't even come close to describing what I feel. I'm responsible for the deaths of over seven hundred living beings. Maybe I should have opted for the clean slate. I don't know how to deal with everything I've done. How do I even begin to make up for any of it?"

Counselor Veluna placed her hand on Lore's shoulder. "It will take time, but you'll eventually be able to face your past actions and then move forward."

"What about all the people I killed?" Lore grimaced in agony. "They can't move forward. I took away everything they had and everything they might have been. What about their families or friends? They'll grieve their whole lives for people I helped kill." He closed his eyes tightly and pressed his forehead against one of the vertical support poles. "Will anyone be coming after me to get revenge?"

Captain Picard walked towards the alcove. "While there are those who do know about you, like Starfleet Intelligence, Doctor Marr or the Daystrom Institute, your exploits are not widely known among the general public. Even B-4's existence has not been heavily publicized."

"Which brings up my next question." Louvois addressed Lore, waiting until the android's eyes opened. "Do you wish to press charges against anyone for the violation of your rights?"

Lore's citrine eyes focused on the red-haired lawyer. "I have rights?" A brief glance at Data's reaction brought a sad chuckle from Lore. "Of course. Data's been pressing for those, I imagine. I had never thought about it. All I ever really wanted was to be admired… valued… worthy. I wanted to belong somewhere." He went silent for a moment. "No. I don't want to press charges for anything. It wouldn't change anything, and maybe I deserve what happened to me."

"No, you didn't." Juliana spoke up as she approached Lore and held out her hand to him. "You learned from all of us on the colony; Not just in how we treated you, but how we treated each other." She paused and let out a long sigh. "And, truthfully, we weren't very good to each other on Omicron Theta."

Lore hesitated, then took Juliana's hand and grasped it gently.

"I'm so sorry, Lore." Juliana gave Lore's hand a squeeze. "I remember it all now, with a clarity I haven't had in a long time. If I'd known more about programming maybe I could have prevented what happened."

Lore spoke in a near whisper. "It wasn't your responsibility. You tried to help me, when you could." He screwed his eyes shut. "For all my vaunted computational speeds, I reacted on emotional impulse. I killed an entire planet. Not just the humanoid lifeforms, but all of it. The animals, the plants, the quince trees, Cooke's special seeds, the vineyards… I don't know how to begin to atone for what I've done."

"I couldn't help you then, but maybe I can help you now." Juliana reached up with her free hand to stroke Lore's temple. "Perhaps you could make it up to everyone you've hurt or killed by becoming the best person you can be, from this moment on. Do you see?"

Lore's eyes widened. "I think I do. In my future actions, I can try to honor the memory of those whose lives I ended. I don't know if I'm capable of being a good person, but the least I can do is walk the path that leads in that direction."

Captain Louvois smiled very slightly at the exchange. "That would have been my next question. Do you wish to be rehabilitated, Lore?"

Lore released Juliana's hand and turned to Louvois. "Yes. I want to. Where will I be sent?"

"If you have no objections, you'll be remaining aboard the Enterprise." Louvois watched Lore's face for his reaction. "You'll be on probation for five years, during which time you'll work with Counselor Veluna. Doctor Chipman has agreed to take custody of you. Do you find these terms acceptable, Lore?"

Lore took a moment to look at the people gathered around him: T'Mera's calm gaze, Lynn's loving smile, the encouragement in Veluna's dark eyes, Juliana's wistful expression, and the cautious hope in the others' faces. He turned his focus to Data. "Do you really want me here, brother?"

"Yes, Lore." Data tilted his head to the right as he studied Lore's face. "Your proximity will allow me to assist you in your struggle to improve, as well as facilitate my own restitution to you in regards to my infringements upon your rights as a sentient being."

Lore shrugged as he met his brother's identical eyes. "Like you said, you had no other choice."

"That's not quite true, Lore." T'Mera moved to Data's side and pointed to his chest. "Data could have detached your cranial unit from your body and worn it on a chain around his neck, enabling you to stay activated without allowing you to cause harm."

Data blinked at T'Mera in shock. "T'hy'la!"

Lore's blink mirrored Data's. "That would be horrible…" After a pause, his lips lifted in a half-smirk, "Although, the mental image of it is amusing."

"I didn't say it was a good choice." T'Mera patted Data's chest and threw Lore a smile. "I'm just pointing out that there might have been alternatives that were less obvious."

Captain Louvois turned to Counselor Veluna. "Do you agree with Doctor Chipman's assessment that Lore is capable of being rehabilitated?"

"Yes." Veluna nodded to Louvois, then smiled softly at Lore. "In the short amount of time that I've worked with Lore, he's shown that he's willing to put forth the effort to alter his behavior."

Louvois replied. "Thank you, Counselor. Is there anything further that any parties present wish to add before the decision is finalized?" She glanced around at everyone gathered by the alcove, and after being met with silence, announced, "Very well. This hearing is adjourned."

Picard turned to Data. "Number One, I will leave it to you to assign proper quarters to Lore."

Data dipped his head once to Picard. "Yes, Sir."

Lore began to move towards the punching bag, but stopped when he noticed Geordi's expression. "What?"

Geordi furrowed his eyebrows. "No offense, but it's going to be a while before I'm comfortable being around you."

Lore lifted his head and a sardonic smirk covered his misery. "Does that mean you won't show me how to pilot this vessel?"

"Lore, be nice." Lynn chided, then reached for his arm and guided him towards the punching bag.

The smirk on Lore's face vanished, replaced by a guilt-stricken wince. "It's all right, La Forge. You certainly have reason to be bitter about me being here on your ship." He allowed Lynn to lead him away, then threw a few half-hearted punches into the bag as the others filed out of the holodeck. Within minutes, only Lynn, T'Mera and Data remained as company for Lore.

Data crossed the holodeck to join his brother and Lynn. "Lore, do you have any preferences when it comes to quarters. Would you like interior or exterior? Perhaps you would wish one with a view of the stars?"

"Interior is fine. Just give me whatever you would have chosen for yourself." Lore rolled his eyes. "I've had enough stargazing to last my whole lifetime. Why did Picard call you Number One?"

Data looked between Lore and Lynn before answering. "Commander Worf has been recalled to Qo'noS, and I have been promoted to First Officer."

"Promoted to first officer?" Lore let out a dramatic gasp. "So soon? Why... it's only been seventeen years. Congratulations, brother. You've managed to progress through the ranks slower than humans do."

"Your sarcasm is noted, Lore." The left side of Data's mouth rose amusedly. "In addition to my own lack of ambition, I have suffered from the human prejudice against machines. For some reason, Starfleet seems to be wary of sentient androids in command positions, due to the historical predominance of homicidal artificial intelligence."

Lore stuck his tongue against his cheek. "Touché, brother."

"That's due to sloppy programming," T'Mera commented wryly. "Too often, the designer will program the artificial intelligence to perform a task and then neglect to be specific in the manner of achieving the result. The AI will then go for the most efficient way possible, including all the instrumental goals, even if that means murder." She smiled very slightly. "Remind me to tell you two the ancient fable of the Paperclip Maximizer, someday."

"I'll be sure to." Lore turned his attention to Lynn. "I suppose you'll be leaving, soon."

Lynn wrapped her arm around Lore's back. "Soon, but not yet. I still have a few more days before the transport ship comes to take me back to Farius Prime. I can help you get settled into your new room."

A slight smile formed on Lore's lips, and he looked over at Data. "The type of room is up to you, brother."

Data dipped his head to his brother. "I will take my leave, then, and make arrangements for your quarters."

As Data turned and walked to the exit, T'Mera gave Lynn and Lore a meaningful glance. "I think I'll return to my own quarters and give you two some privacy."

"Thank you." Lynn smiled at the holographer, then waited until she and Lore were alone in the holodeck. "I'm proud of you, Lore."

Lore stared back at Lynn with an incredulous frown. "How can you be proud of me? I was supposed to be Father's greatest achievement. I was a breakthrough. Destined for greatness." He grimaced and threw a punch at the bag. "Data's more like what I should have been. Often Wrong should have named me B-Tray."

"I'm proud that you're taking the opportunity to change." Lynn stepped back to let Lore take out his frustrations on the bag. "Don't forget that I know you better than anyone. You never meant to betray anyone. You simply lashed out in anger at people who treated you badly."

Lore punched into the bag with both hands, but left them pressed against the holographic canvas. "I could have said 'screw them all' and run off into a cave somewhere to live my life alone. I could have tried to convince you to come with me. I could have tried to help the Crystalline Entity get back to where it belonged. By not helping it leave the sector, I set in motion all the events that led to it being killed." He turned to meet her gaze, "Maybe if I hadn't killed Omicron Theta, Father might have fixed me after completing Data."

"Making mistakes is part of being human." Lynn placed her hand on Lore's upper back. "Or, in your case, a human-like android. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and not repeat them."

Lore mimicked the gesture, first wrapping his arm around Lynn, then reflexively pulling her closer to him. "I'll try." He went silent, then let out a slow sigh. "I feel more steady than I have in a very long time. I also feel silly, with the two of us holding each other and staring at a piece of equipment used for boxing. Should I ask the computer for better scenery?"

"Nah." Lynn rubbed Lore's shoulders. "I'm sure they'll have your quarters ready soon, and then we'll have that for scenery. I wonder if they'll give you a bed?"

A smile spread across Lore's face. "Still attempting to draw me into your sticky, biological mating rituals?"

"Maybe." Lynn snorted, then grimaced. "I want to, but I'm an old woman now. It might not be the same as it was. You might not feel the same about me as you used to, if you ever did."

Lore turned sideways to hold Lynn with both arms while looking her in the eyes. "I still feel the same about you now as I did then. Do you think it would be a mistake to be together like that, when you'd have to leave? Wouldn't it make the pain of separation worse?"

"I don't know, Lore." Lynn let her head fall against Lore's chest. "We might regret it more if we don't spend what little time we have together in the way we want."

Lore paused for a moment, then replied, "I have a history of making bad decisions." He reached with a hand to lift her chin and look at her face, once more. "There's a part of me that wants more than the memories of Omicron Theta; A part that would do anything to make you happy, once more."

"It's a difficult decision to make." Lynn studied Lore's expression for a moment, then smiled as she pulled him into an embrace. "I know you're still dealing with guilt, and you will be for a while, but I'm of the opinion that the universe owes us a few nights to be together in each other's arms. It's a debt I intend to collect."

Lore lifted Lynn with ease and carried her to the chaise. "We may as well get a head start." With tender care, he set her down on the makeshift bed and all conversation ceased.