Chapter Three

"I assume you have a plan for Argelius II?" she asked once the transport had left Risa and gone to warp.

"I always do, my love."

Training was fun, frustrating, funny and infuriating, but it did take up some of the boring trip time. Lovemaking and some sleeping encompassed the rest. Lore decided he would indulge in activating his dream program while Ja’hara slept. The ship would warn him if anything untoward happened. With his beautiful bride tucked under his chin, Lore closed his eyes and took his cognitive functions off-line.

He hadn't used his dream program before he met Ja’hara. She had encouraged him to try it mostly for his own enjoyment but also because she didn't like sleeping alone. He had only one dream he would call a nightmare and it involved Ja’hara being taken from him by Data. This night though, he dreamed of Ja’hara. He dreamed he did not know her, but met her and was intrigued by her. She was a pleasure slave on Palz II and she was very good at it. He stole her away from her owner and they ran for their lives the rest of the dream. It was hot, exciting, fun and REALLY HOT!

Lore awoke with an erection that had been caused by images in his dream. But there was a proximity alarm going off and it was not the one that meant they were near their destination! They both threw on some clothes as they ran to the bridge to check out what had set off the alarm. There was a ship just coming in to their sensor range.

"It's a Federation supply ship. Nothing to worry about," Lore said.  As soon as the words were out of his mouth, the comm panel lit up.

"Incoming message from that ship," Ja’hara told him. She grimaced. "It’s a distress signal, Lore."

"We could run."

"And if we do, they will note our call letters and transponder code and report us. Let me handle this, love."

She answered the hail from the ship and discovered they were in desperate need of a warp field coil. Ja’hara found out from Lore that they did have an extra so she bartered with them for the coil. Ja’hara was very skilled at negotiating with the supply ship. She was able to coax much more from them than Lore thought possible.

"Ma'am, do we have a deal now?" the supply ship captain asked desperately.

"Almost. There is one last thing. Do you have any champagne on board - the real stuff."

"We do have some Andolian Grand Premier."

"Excellent. Include a case of that with everything else and we have a deal."

They exchanged transport coordinates for the supplies. Ja’hara gave them different coordinates for the champagne. Once Lore checked to make sure everything was there they beamed the warp field coil to the supply ship.

"It was a pleasure doing business with you, Captain." The captain confirmed they had the warp field coil aboard and thanked Ja’hara for her cooperation. "I hope all goes well for you, Captain," she said before signing off.

"You have the touch, my pet." Lore told her, beaming his approval.

He came over to turn the ship back to their previous course, but before he could the proximity alarm sounded for the second time. Lore ran a scan of the approaching ship and Ja’hara decided that if it was possible for the golden android to look ashen, he was doing it now.

"This is impossible! DAMN! It’s the Enterprise!" He seethed.

"What the hell are they doing here?" she asked, feeling just as much shock as he was.

"I'd bet they are here on a goody-goody make sure everyone is okay mission. I can't believe this, Data's so close I can almost smell his sickly sweet scent from here!"

"Let's wait and see what happens. Maybe both ships will leave since the supply ship is okay now," Ja’hara speculated.

They didn't have to wait for long to find out. The comm panel lit up again. They were being hailed by the Enterprise. Lore moved out of viewer range as Ja’hara calmly responded to the hail.

"This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation Starship Enterprise. With whom am I speaking?" he asked authoritatively.

"My name is Ka'sor of the transport ship Horizon. What may I do for you, Captain Picard?" she responded.

She smiled at Picard as she studied the faces on the bridge. She could see Data sitting at a forward station and the one that Lore had said was empathic was there as well. Ja’hara knew that wouldn't be a problem. She had fooled Betazoids before and this one was only half. She found her eyes were drawn to Data. All of Lore's good looks, but none of the spark. He had such a placid expression on his face as he stared at the view screen, her and kept track of the reading on his console.

"We are patrolling this sector, Ka'sor. If you are in distress, we are here to offer our assistance."

Ja’hara grinned at him, but kept her mental shields locked firm and her thoughts clear.  "I'm afraid I beat you to the punch, Captain Picard. That supply ship needed help, but I was in the right place at the right time and bartered fairly with the captain of their ship for an exchange. They have the warp field coil they need and I have a nice trade. But I thank you for your kind offer of assistance. A lady always loves to be rescued by handsome men." ~ Let me know if you run across any, ~ she thought, dryly.

"Well then since there is nothing we can do for you, I thank you for assisting the supply ship and wish you a safe journey."

"Thank you, Captain. It is always a pleasure to lend assistance to the Federation. Ka'sor out."

Ja’hara turned off the view screen and was rejoined by Lore. They reset their course and went to warp leaving the Enterprise behind.

"You are much sexier than your brother."

Lore tried to seem as though he thought this was a given, but in the past he had won so few competitions against his waywardly soft brother. Often Wrong preferred Data. Starfleet loved Data, that Yar chick had even fucked Data, but she had thought “Data” was acting strange and turned Lore down when he had tried to get her into bed long, long ago. Now here was Lore's blushing (sort of) bride saying Data just didn't stack up against him and try as he might to deny it, Lore was overwhelmed to hear this.

"You were brilliant, my love. Their precious empath didn't have a clue. So you really think I'm sexier than Data?"

"Much, much sexier and I could tell from looking at him that you are much more fun to be with too. I feel so alive with you. Data would bore me to death."

"I knew there was a reason I married you."

“I take it you mean my superior taste in men?” She joked and poked him in the side.

“That too!” he teased back and pulled her into his seat with him as he took the pilot station. They were still two days from their destination and Lore wanted to get there more than ever now. Planet side, they were less likely to run into the Enterprise again! Lore reset his course and locked in the auto helm control. This complete, he lifted his bride, whom he had not been inside in hours and decided to rectify that situation...or was it erectify?

Lore walked quickly towards their quarters with Ja’hara in his arms.

"Stop," she called. "Back up." He took a few steps backwards until she told him to stop. "We need a bottle of that champagne!"

"My hands are full but I'll try to get a bottle," and with that he threw Ja’hara over his shoulder, giving her a slap on her sexy butt for good measure. He reached down with his free hand to open the case and pulled out a bottle of the champagne. He studied it for a moment. "I haven't had Andolian Grand Premier since I celebrated my reassembly with my brother," he laughed and proceeded to their quarters. When he got there he put the bottle on the bedside table and threw Ja’hara onto the bed. He popped the cork to the champagne and drank from the bottle before handing it to Ja’hara. She took a long swig, smiled and nodded her approval.

"Good year," she commented.

Lore laughed. "Yes it is. So, why don't you show me just how much you prefer me over my brother."

She gave him an evil grin. "Are you saying you're going to invite him over so I can sample his wares and compare?"

Lore looked decidedly unhappy with that suggestion. "No, I did not! You are MY wife, let Data get his own!"

She took another swig from the champagne and handed the bottle back to Lore. He started to raise the bottle to his lips when Ja’hara grabbed him and pulled him down on to the bed. The champagne spilled onto her clothing.

"Oh no, I guess I'm going to have to take these off," she said in mock disappointment.

"I'll help you. We need to get these off you right away. I wouldn't want you to catch anything from wearing wet clothes," Lore laughed. He undressed her quickly before removing his own clothing and lying next to her on the bed. They shared the champagne and this time Ja’hara "accidentally" spilled some of the champagne on her breasts.

"Oh no! I spilled. Help clean me up?"

"I'm only too happy to. The only thing I want you to catch is me!" Lore grinned.

He then turned his attention to her full breasts and the liquid that was running between them and pooling about her navel. He decided she was a lovely glass and he preferred to sip from her more than any other vessel he had ever known.

She giggled some as he traced his tongue down her body, but when he encouraged the champagne to drip down lower, she gasped as the cold ran past her clit. But Lore's hot mouth was there to warm her right back up. She was soon moaning her approval. The magic Lore was performing on Ja’hara soon had her thrashing on the bed. He knew exactly what to do to bring her the most pleasure. He loved watching her expressions when she was in the throws of passion. She moaned his name and then reached for his face removing it from between her legs. She kissed him with great enthusiasm and pulled him higher until he was on top of her. He entered her and began to bring even more pleasure to his lovely wife.

And she in turn brought him more pleasure. Lore wondered if all married couples were as perfectly suited and as happy as he was with Ja’hara. Would it always be like this? Would she always turn him on like this? Would sinking into her like this always cause him to sigh or moan with passionate delight? He hoped so. Lore was sick and tired of shitty things happening to him. It was like everyone was out to get him, but now he was not alone and together Lore and Ja’hara were going to take on the universe!

Ja’hara's body was quaking in delight as she experienced orgasm after orgasm from Lore's skill. It had become almost a contest for him to see how many times he could bring Ja’hara to climax before he came. It was certainly a contest they could both enjoy. When Lore finally exploded within her, Ja’hara was completely exhausted from the intensity of her multiple orgasms. As Lore lay beside her on the bed, she caressed his face gently and then cuddled next to him as close as she could get.  Lore grabbed her ass and used his grip here to plaster her body as firmly against his as he could get her. What would the future hold for Lore and his sexy bride? He could not wait to find out.

Deanna Troi was off duty now, but the seemingly ordinary events of her duty shift kept coming back to her. Giving up, she made an inquiry and then headed for the quarters of Lieutenant Commander Data. Once there she asked Data if the woman on the Horizon had seemed familiar to him.

“No, Counselor. I am quite certain I have never met Ka'sor before this day. Why do you ask?”

“I had trouble reading her, but I did notice that she looked long and hard at you, Data. Also the only thing I could pick out from her mind was your face.”

Data was puzzled by the Counselor's observation. "My face. That is odd. I know of no reason Ka'sor would have me in her thoughts, Counselor. Are you certain on this fact?"

Before Troi could answer Data was informed of a subspace message that had been received addressed to him. The name of the sender was unfamiliar to Data and, as he did not know anyone on Risa, he was curious regarding the contents. He thanked the ensign and asked that the message be put through to his quarters. Troi started to leave but before she reached the door to his quarters he called her back. The urgency in his voice surprised her.

"What is it, Data?" she asked.

His eyes were glued to the view screen on his desk. "Lore! This message is from Lore."

He began to replay the message when she reached his desk. It consisted of some text and some holographic pictures that had obviously been taken on Risa. The text read:

"Hello dear brother. Long time no see. I wanted to send you a few pictures from my wedding as it is the brotherly thing to do. Sorry we couldn't invite you but that's life."

"Counselor, you will note, this woman's face cannot be seen in these pictures, however her hair is the exact same style, length and color of-"

"Ka'sor," Deanna finished for him.

"Precisely. We must inform the captain of our suppositions at once." The golden android came to his feet as he tapped his comm badge. "Data to Captain Picard."

The Enterprise was making a course change and increasing speed in seconds.

Back on the transport the lovers were lying contently in each other's arms. They had no way of knowing Lore's message to Data had been sent early and the Enterprise was going to be looking for them.

On the Enterprise, Data and Troi were discussing the situation with Picard and Commander Riker.

"Now Data," Picard asked, "you are certain this Ka'sor is the same woman in the images sent by Lore."

"Yes sir. I have completed a more detailed analysis of the images and discovered something else." He brought up one of the images on the view screen and zoomed in on the woman's head. "Please take note of the earring this woman is wearing. The design is quite unusual and is identical to an earring Ka'sor was wearing. I believe this woman and Ka'sor to be one and the same, sir."

Riker looked closer at the earring design. "Look, it looks like this is an 'L' and a ‘J’. Now look at her shoulder in the wedding picture. You can just barely make out a mark there."

"You could be right, Commander," Data agreed. "Computer, enlarge and enhance area 127B." The computer complied with a chirp and the tattoo on the bride's shoulder became more obvious.

"It is! That is most definitely an 'L'. My God, that woman married Lore!" Deanna remarked, aghast.

"Well, we know she has no taste. No offense, Data," Riker said, with an apologetic smile.

"None taken, sir."

"Data, can you speculate on where they may be heading?" Picard inquired.

"Yes sir, based upon their last known coordinates as well as the items they had bartered for with the supply ship and my knowledge of my brother, I believe the Argelius system would be a likely destination.

"Risa, Argelius II. It would appear they are looking to hit all the fun spots," Riker commented.

"Picard to the bridge. Lay in a course for the Argelius system. Warp five."

The Horizon was just entering the Argelius system when sensors picked up a ship entering the system with them. Lore did not even have the chance to scan the ship before they were caught in a tractor beam. The ship rocked as it was jerked out of the orbit it was trying to achieve.

"Looks like the honeymoon’s over or the fun has just begun!" Lore commented dryly.

"Captain Picard to Horizon, respond. Lore, we know you are aboard," the familiar voice said through the comm.

"Do you want to wager which one it’s going to be?" Ja’hara asked Lore, reaching out to take his hand.

The hail from the Enterprise repeated. Lore sat at the con while Ja’hara went to the comm station. She turned on the view screen.

"Lore, by order of Starfleet, we are taking you into custody," Picard announced and before Lore had any time to respond they were transported to the brig of the Enterprise.

Soon they were joined in the room by Picard, Data and Troi. Troi was especially curious to get a closer look at this woman who was Lore's wife.

"Brother how nice to see you again," Lore said mockingly.

The three officers walked past Lore to look in the adjoining cell. Ja’hara was sitting on the bed, trembling, tears streaming from her eyes.

"Why am I here?" she asked between sobs.

Troi turned to Picard "She's terrified, Captain."

"We know Ka'sor is not your real name. What is it and how did you get mixed up with Lore?" Picard asked.

"My name is Ja'hara. We met when he saved me from an attack by a Klingon. Under my world's laws, I became his wife."

Troi turned to Picard, "I believe she's telling the truth, sir."

Counselor Troi had no idea how wrong she was.

"Please, Captain, have mercy on the girl, or at least have mercy on my ears.“

“He raped me over and over and over and over...” Ja’hara kept repeating this until Lore, feigning fury, screamed at her to shut up. This was all it took for Picard to decide to beam Ja’hara directly to sickbay.

"Thanks, Picard. She's quite the feisty one. She even scratched some of my skin away one of the times we were together. That was a time I’ll not soon-“

“Spare us the details of your atrocities, Lore. We are not impressed.”

Lore smirked. "You should be. It takes quite a bit to break through our skin, right brother?"

“Captain, I think I should go to sickbay to help Ja’hara. She's been through quite a trauma," Troi stated.

"Of course Counselor. Please provide me with your report as well as one from Dr. Crusher," Picard replied. Troi left the brig to make her way to sick bay.

"Captain, may I remain for a few moments to speak to my brother."

"Of course, Mr. Data. Take as long as you need."

When Troi reached sickbay, Dr. Crusher had already started her examination.

"I've given her a mild sedative to calm her down," she informed Troi. "I can't believe the results of my exam so far. She has internal bruising from continuous and very deep penetration. I have found bruising on various areas of her body. I even healed a hairline fracture of her arm. I believe she’s been brutalized."

Ja'hara could hear them talking. Her plan was moving forward nicely. She lay back, relaxing. The sedative was taking effect. Ja’hara didn’t fight the drug. She closed her eyes and just let it do its job. Making love with Lore was exhausting, so she needed the rest. She would have plenty of time to put her plan into effect once she woke.

Data stood before his brother, with only the force field between them. “You will have to pay for your crimes, my brother. I cannot protect you, nor would I, as your crimes solely against the woman I find appalling.”

Lore grinned at Data. “You still haven’t learned the joys of sex, have you, brother? I guess you never took a second dip into the sexy waters of that Lieutenant Yar then, did you?”

Data was so shocked his brother knew of a secret that Data had never revealed to anyone outside a certain courtroom.

"So brother I take it you got my wedding pictures. Would you like to hear some more about the honeymoon?" he smirked.

"When we reach Starbase 183 you will be deactivated and sent to the Daystrom Institute where you will be disassembled. Good-bye Lore." With that, Data turned leaving the brig.

Ja’hara woke up several hours later feeling very refreshed and ready for the next step of the plan. She knew if she could free Lore from the brig they would be able to escape together. She glanced about to see if anyone was around. The only nurse on duty was in another area of sick bay.

~ Perfect, ~ she thought, ~ night watch has started. ~ She quietly got off the bed, grabbing a hypospray of a sedative as she went by a supply table, and made her way from sick bay. She made it to the turbolift unseen and headed for the brig. There was only one guard posted outside the entrance to the brig.

~ This is too easy, ~ she thought. She walked down the hallway towards the guard appearing to be disoriented.

"Excuse me ma'am but you shouldn't be here. May I call someone to assist you back to sick bay?"

She moved to the guard and pretended to faint. When the guard tried to stop her from falling she used the hypospray to knock him unconscious. She removed the phaser from his belt and opened the door to the entrance of the brig. There was only one other guard on duty. The phaser was set for stun and she fired before the guard knew she was there. She pulled the first guard into the brig area, rushed to the control panel and lowered the force field to free Lore.

"You're so sexy when you're shooting people," Lore told her with an amused smirk.

"And you're cute captured. Now, shall we get the hell out of here?"

Lore nodded. Once he was free, he dragged the other security officer inside and in the cell with his sleeping friend. "Sweet dreams, fellows!"

"I think it's time for Data to get a small taste of what he's been missing, my love." As he spoke, Lore ran through computer files, pulling up just want he wanted. "There are empty quarters two doors up from those assigned to my beloved brother. I’ll hide there." Lore straightened and took hold of his bride’s shoulders. "You, my peach, will go to Data and do your best to seduce him. Once he’s out of the way, I’ll take his place and we’re out of here."

"You have a great deal of faith in my abilities, don’t you? Will they actually fall for you impersonating Data?” Ja’hara asked incredulously. Lore smirked as he drew her close and kissed her.

"Yes, my beloved. It's an old trick, but a good one. You pretend to need someone to talk to about how cruel I was to you and Data, the sap, should take pity on you. If you get him into bed, my dear, I won't be jealous. Just make sure you know that rule does not hold true for any other circumstances!”

They left the brig making sure no one saw them and took the turbolift to deck two. Lore pointed out Data's quarters to Ja’hara before ducking into the empty one.

Ja’hara went to Data's door and rang the chimes. When the door opened, Data was surprised to see Ja’hara standing there. She looked upset.

"Please come in. Is there something I can help you with, Miss?"

"Thank you Commander. I didn't know who else to turn to. I really need to talk to someone and I thought that since you’re Lore’s brother you would understand. If you're busy..."

"No please, come in and sit down. May I offer you a refreshment?"

"No thank you. It’s so amazing how different the two of you are. You are so much kinder and gentler than...him."

Data showed her to a couch and chair grouping, Data taking the chair, while she sat on the couch.  "I apologize for my bother’s mistreatment of you, Miss. He will be dealt with, I assure you," Data told her.

"What will happen to him?" she asked, trying to just look mildly interested.

"He will be taken to the Daystrom Institute to be dismantled."

"What!?" she exclaimed feigning anger. "That’s all! Shouldn't he be sent to a labor camp or something where he can suffer?"

Data looked confused. "He is an android. Such methods, were they in use in the Federation, would be ineffective in this case." Data's tone was matter of fact.

"Oh, right." She covered her face with her hands and began to sob softly. As she expected, Data moved to the couch and touched her shoulder, tentatively.

"Should I call Counselor Troi?" he asked, sympathetically.

"I don't want to wake her at this hour. Can we talk instead? You know him and what he's capable of better than the counselor. If you’re uncomfortable talking to me I can leave."

"Please do not leave. I wish to help if I can. However I do not know if I would be the best to comfort you."

"I think you’re already doing a fine job, Commander," she smiled slightly.

"Please Miss, call me Data." It was the first time he had seen her expression change.

"Then you must call me Ja’hara," she said as she squeezed Data's hand gently.

"Thank you, I would be honored to...Ja’hara. May I ask how you came to be ‘rescued’ and then wed to my brother?"

"I was walking down the street, alone, when a very large and very angry Klingon grabbed me and told me he was taking me to his quarters. Lore decided he wanted me and killed the Klingon. He was seen to be saving me, but he wanted the same thing the Klingon did. My family unknowingly handed me over to him." She again started to sob.

"I am sorry, Ja’hara." Data said, softly.

She gave him a weak smile. "I have only met cruel men in my life. Men who couldn't be gentle, tender and loving. Are there any men who are not like that in the universe, Data?"

"There are, Ja’hara," Data replied, trying to sound comforting.

"Data, you won't tell anyone will you? I can trust you?"

"Ja’hara I will not divulge anything you tell me to anyone. On that I can assure you."

"You’re so different. You look so much the same but you are so different," she ran her hand gently along his cheek. "Data, where I come from the females are considered property. Do you know what it is like to be considered property?"

"I was almost declared the property of Starfleet. If it were not for Captain Picard, I would have been," he replied.

"You are so lucky to have people in your life who will help you when you need it. I've never had anyone." She moved closer to Data and rested her head on his shoulder. He put his arm around her to try to comfort her as he thought that was the appropriate thing to do.

Ja’hara allowed herself an inward smile. Slowly she brought her hand from her own knee to Data's. "I bet you are a gentle lover, aren't you, Data? You would be tender and caring, wouldn't you?"

Data tensed slightly. "I...have never...exactly...I have...I do not know," he stammered.

"Oh, I do. I can see it in you eyes. They don't have the cruelty that your brother's have." She lifted her head to look him in the eyes. She moved closer still, until she was almost, but not quite in his lap. But Data was not taking the hint and she was actually rather curious now about just what it would be like to have this twin brother in bed. "Data, will you hold me close to you. I feel so safe here with you. I've never felt safe with anyone before," she smiled and climbed on to Data's lap, laying her head on his shoulder. Data was unsure what to do but decided that, as she was in discomfort, it would be appropriate to hold her. "Thank you, Data. I need to feel the touch of a gentle man." She kissed him lightly on the cheek.

"You are welcome,” he said, hesitantly.

She realized that she had to either calm him down, or rev him up. “Are you and Lore exactly the same, physically that is, Data?” she asked, placing a hand on his chest and slowly moving it across the fabric that covered him.

“Yes, we are identical, except for programming,” he told her. “Is this comforting to you?” His voice sounded affected by what she was doing.

“Oh, yes. I know how strong you are, but you would never hurt me, would you, Data? That knowledge is very comforting and I find your gentleness very attractive."

Data's eyebrows shot up. "You do?" he asked, sounding stunned.

"Yes I do. I haven't known gentleness in my life. I've been used, abused, discarded like garbage...gentleness is what I need most. Why does that surprise you, Data?"

"It does not surprise me that you require gentleness. It does surprise me that you consider that quality in me attractive."

"I find you to be very attractive Data. I wish you had saved me from that Klingon. I wish it had been you."

"But would that not have required you to become my wife?" Data asked, alarmed.

"Yes. Is that such an unappealing concept, Data?" she asked, moving her hand back to caress his face. "If the man and woman care for each other, marriage can have some very nice benefits for both of them. He has someone to take care of him and see to the home, she has a protector and is safe from other men. Then there is the bedroom."

"I assume you are referring to intimacy?"

"Yes. Have you ever been with someone who loved you?"

Data thought of Tasha. It may have been many things, but he knew it was not love. "No," he admitted.

"I was taught there are two forms of intimacy, Data. There is having sex and making love. Sex is for strangers but making love...making love is the most amazing experience a person could ever share with another. To feel the gentle touch of a lover," she caressed his face. "Their tender kiss on your lips," she kissed him gently on the lips. He didn't quite respond but he didn't pull away either. She kissed him again, this time a little longer and harder. When she kissed him the third time he responded as she hoped, kissing her back passionately. "Data, make love to me."

"Ja’hara, you have suffered a trauma. I...I cannot take advantage of you."

She kissed him again and he responded with even greater enthusiasm.

"You won't be taking advantage of me. I need to be with you. I need to be with a gentle, kind, and sexy man like you. Please, Data make love to me!"

"Yes," Data stood up with Ja’hara in his arms and carried her to his bed.

Data deposited her on his bed with great care. Ja’hara could see though that he was taking a shine to this idea. He did not take his eyes off her as she slowly began to remove her clothing. Data moved nervously to unseal his uniform so she jumped to her feet and stayed his hand.

"Let me do that," she cooed.

He looked so lost, yet eager. She removed his uniform shirt and, from behind, ran her hands over his chest. Data let slip a deep sigh. He took hold of the hands that caressed him, using this grip to pull her around and into his arms.

He kissed her with growing passion. Ja’hara noted she could feel the evidence that Data was built with the same size equipment as his brother...between his legs too. As they kissed at the side of the bed, Ja’hara slid her arms around Data's waist gently caressing his back. She wanted to make sure Data's off switch was in the same position as Lore's. She could tell Data was starting to relax more and enjoy what was happening between them.

"Now Data," she whispered, moving him closer to the bed using her body to guide his. She kissed him long and hard as she swept her fingers down his back and then it was over. Data fell back onto the bed as Ja’hara smiled. "Data, you are the first man I've ever turned off," she laughed. She got dressed quickly so she could get Lore.

Once dressed, Ja’hara went to his closet and found more of Data's uniforms neatly stored there. She removed one, grabbed a storage bag that was on the floor of the closet and folded the uniform inside. She picked Data's communicator off his discarded shirt and, finally ready, she leaned down to give Data a kiss he would never know about before leaving him to join her husband.

When Ja’hara entered Lore's hiding place, he grabbed her and kissed her.

"So how does he compare to me?" he asked, only half joking.

"No one compares to you. He saw me naked but we only kissed so you have nothing to be jealous of," she teased.

Lore changed into Data's uniform and attached the communicator.

"We don't have much time. We have to be out of here before the shift change or they'll know I've escaped."

The couple collected themselves and calmly walked from the empty crew quarters. "Data" nodded at anyone whom they happened to pass and led Ja’hara to the lift that would take them to a corridor near Engineering and then to the bridge. Lore had not been idle while she had been seducing Data. He had been going over the blueprints for this ship. Lore tucked her in a corner and climbed into a Jeffries tube, making a few special adjustments.

Once this was done, they headed towards the bridge where "Data" dropped her off at transporter room two, just off the bridge. Once there, he relieved the lieutenant from command and ordered the Horizon be released from the tractor beam. He then ordered the transporter chief to beam Ja’hara to her ship and to allow her to go on her merry way. They exchanged a "formal" good-bye with "Data" wishing her well and assuring her Lore would never trouble her again.

"Mr. Sanderson, you have the bridge. I will be in Engineering, should I be needed."

"Data" left the bridge and returned to the empty quarters. Ja’hara locked on to Lore as soon as she returned to the transport but needed to wait until they were sure no one would see him being transported. Within a few moments, Lore was back on the ship and they were reunited. Lore laid in a new course before going to warp. He then turned to Ja’hara.

"You were fantastic!" He kissed her with a vigor she had not seen before.

"Where are we going now?" she asked, between kisses.

"Out of here and as far away from the Enterprise as we can get. So, you said you kissed my baby brother. Is he any good?" Lore asked, pulling her to the bedroom after beginning to undress her. Ja’hara had to bite her lower lip to keep focus as Lore was also mouthing her body as he removed her clothing.

"His technique is good but he doesn't have your passion," she managed to say between sighs of delight. "You are much, much better."

Back on the Enterprise, the shift change was in progress. Picard and Riker came to the bridge.

"Report, Lieutenant."

Before the lieutenant could answer, Dr. Crusher was contacting the bridge.

"Crusher to Picard. I was trying to locate Ja’hara to run some more tests and the computer tells me she is no longer on board."

Picard and Riker looked at each other in disbelief.

"Lieutenant, do you know anything about this?"

"Yes sir. Commander Data ordered the tractor beam be discontinued so she could leave," the lieutenant answered.

"What? Picard to Data." There was no answer. Before Picard could act further, an urgent communication came through from another area of the ship.

“Lieutenant Stanford to the bridge. There has been a security breach in the brig. The prisoner has escaped. I repeat, the prisoner has escaped.”

“Mr. Worf, go to the brig and find out what the hell has happened,” Picard ordered. The Klingon security chief nodded to Picard before quickly leaving the bridge. "Computer, locate Lieutenant Commander Data."

"Lieutenant Commander Data is located on Deck two, Room 3659."

Picard and Riker rushed to Deck two where they met up with members of a security detail. Security was first to enter the empty room. Lieutenant Rill came back out holding the discarded uniform and communicator a moment later.

They then quickly made their way down the corridor to Data’s quarters where, not surprisingly, they found him shut down. His state of partial undress did raise a few eyebrows though. Picard ordered the security personnel to wait outside Data's quarters while Riker re-activated Data. Data sat up, looking confused as he saw Picard and Riker staring at him.

"Worf to Captain Picard."

"Go ahead, Lieutenant."

"The prisoner is no where on the ship, sir. Lieutenant Iago and Ensign Phelps were found in a detention cell. It appears Iago was drugged and Phelps has a phaser burn on his uniform. We have notified sick bay."

Picard turned to Data. "Data, what happened?"

"I am not sure, sir. Ja’hara came to my quarters last evening. She said she needed someone to talk to about Lore. She...seduced me." Data was as shocked as he was embarrassed by this admission. "The last thing I remember was her kissing me and guiding me to the bed."

"Well Data, it would appear we were all fooled by the helpless act of Ja’hara. Her behavior from the first moment she was in the brig was part of a ruse to free Lore so they could escape." Picard filled Data in on Lore once again impersonating him to free the transport from the tractor beam. "Picard to the bridge. Scan the area using the long-range sensors and find that transport!"

"Sir, the sensors have been tampered with. Commander La Forge estimates it will take another forty-five minutes to repair."

Data accepted his uniform top from Riker, who had brought it from the other room. "I will go to Engineering and assist Geordi, with your permission, Captain."

"Granted, Commander." The captain said with a nod.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Riker couldn’t help grinning at Data as he exited the room in a hurry to put this moment in his life behind him.

"I would have paid a hundred slips of latinum to have seen what happened here," Riker commented as he followed the captain from the room.

"If you ever tell anyone I said this I will deny it, but so would I," Picard whispered to his first officer.

Data told Geordi what had happened while the two sat in the Jeffries tube repairing the damage caused by Lore. Geordi wasn't sure what stunned him more - the idea of a woman wanting to be with Lore or the fact this woman was able to seduce his emotionless friend.

When the repairs were finished, the three senior officers met in the ready room to discuss the situation. There was no sign of the transport on any of the sensors. Data, still feeling unsettled by his experience, apologized to Picard and Riker for being compromised.

"Data, you do not need to apologize. We were all deceived. I am going to contact Starfleet Command to update them on the situation. Lore was dangerous before but this new partnership of his makes him even more so. Dismissed."

As the two officers returned to the bridge, Riker turned to Data and said, "My friend, don't be too hard on yourself. I'm sure if it had been any other man she would have accomplished her task except it wouldn't have taken as long."

Data looked confused by this. "It took her thirty-six minutes, eight seconds from the time she entered my quarters to get me to agree to intimacy, Commander. How long would it have taken if she had intended to seduce you?" Riker was surprised it had been that short, and his face displayed this fact.

"Data, you are more human than you’ve been letting on." He patted his friend on the back and walked away after whispering "Not that long," into Data's ear. Data took his place at Ops, still thinking that over.