Part 2 Continued

We’re not back for even thirty seconds when Data and Ann come out of the back bedroom. Data indicates that he would like to talk to me so we go outside since the coolness doesn’t affect us.

“What is it, Data?” I’ve got no idea what he wants to talk about. I’m sure he knows I heard him say he was going to resign from Starfleet.

“Ann and I will be looking at apartments for the next few days. Once we find suitable accommodation, Ann is going to accompany me back to the Enterprise so I can submit my formal resignation and collect my belongings. I wish to introduce her to my friends and say goodbye to them as well.”

“How long do you think you will be gone?” I’m a little nervous he won’t be back. What if those friends of his try to convince him to stay in Starfleet? If Ann was able to stay with him on the Enterprise - Data’s always thought of his friends as being his family and, let’s face it, if I were him I would choose them over me.

“We are planning to be away for approximately one week. We will return before initial preparations have been completed for the new project at the shipyards. Of that I can assure you.” Data hesitated for a moment before continuing. “Lore, Ann is worried that my friends on the Enterprise will not like her. I have tried to convince her otherwise but I have not been successful. I do not know what to do.”

“Just keep reassuring her that your friends will think she’s terrific. If you want me to talk to her, I will.”

“What would you say?”

“I’ll tell her that she has nothing to worry about. They’ve cared about you for years so how could they not like a great lady like Ann. After all, Counselor Troi and Geordi really liked Kissel despite hating me for years.” Data just looked at me with one eyebrow raised. “Come on, Data. You know it’s true. When they left here, I don’t think they still hated me but I can’t really say whether they actually liked me or not.” Data just shook his head and sighed.

“I am certain you will find they like you when they return to visit.”

“Have you talked to them? When are they coming?” He sounded so certain they would be here again.

“I have not spoken to them however when Ann and I marry they will be invited to the wedding.” I could feel my jaw literally hit the fucking ground when Data said that.

“You and Ann have talked about getting married already? You’ve only known each other for a few days, Data.”

“We have only spoken briefly about marriage and in very general terms. We have no timetable regarding our relationship, however, we do not wish to live together for an indeterminate amount of time without marrying.” I was still feeling stunned so when we finished talking I told Data I was going to stay outside for a bit. I had only been alone for a few minutes when Kissel came out to see how I was.

“Did Ann tell you about their plans?” Kissel nodded her head.

“If you mean the part about them living together for a while and then getting married, yes.”

“Dammit, it’s been three days. They’ve fucking known each other for three fucking days and they already have their fucking future together planned.” I had made sure I was far enough away from the house so Data wouldn’t hear what I was saying. I was doing my damnedest not to shout but my tone said it all.

“Calm down, Lore. Why does that bother you so much?”

“Why does it bother me? It bothers me that my little brother and your little sister will end up getting married before we do! That’s what bothers me!”

“You want us to get married?”

“Yes, Kissel, I do!” I’m still feeling really pissed off. “I love you and I want to marry you. Do you have a problem with that?”

“No, I don’t have a problem with that, Lore.” Her voice was so soothing. She wrapped her arms around me and held me tighter than I thought possible. “I’ll marry you any time and any place you want.”

I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I wasn’t expecting that. I tried to look at her, but she was hugging me too tight. When I was sure I had more control of myself, I pulled her away just enough for me to look her dead in the eyes. Shockingly, Kissel never looked happier. This woman is crazy - a homicidal megalomaniac asks her to chain herself to him for life and she says yes. She has to be crazier than I am.

Not only did she agree, but if my optical sensors are not malfunctioning, she is deliriously happy about this possible union between egomaniac android and delusional humanoid female. She’s fucking out of her fucking mind. Damn, I am one lucky son of a bitch.

“You’re sure about this?” I ask her. I can feel the fury melting away as I look at her. It’s been replaced by disbelief.

“I’m completely, totally, one hundred percent sure.” She raises a humor filled eyebrow at me. “Do you have doubts?”

“Only about your sanity.” I cup her chin with a hand. “You realize that I’m not going to change. I know the chip fixed me, but this is as good as it gets. I’m not gonna ever be the ‘bring you flowers’ kind of guy. I’ll remember our wedding day and all, but I may not decide to get you anything. I’m not gonna clean up my mouth and I’m not gonna try and pretend I’m not a know it all. Because I do know it all.

Shockingly, but the end of my little lecture, Kissel is giggling. Again, this is not what I’d expected. How does she do that?

“I told you, Lore. I love you. Not some puffed up, plastic image of you. You - arrogant, willful, nosy, playful, insecure you.” She wraps her arms around my neck and snuggles under my cheek.

“Hey, who you calling insecure?”

Now she’s laughing. I still want to know where she got the idea I am insecure, but she refuses to budge on that view, no matter how I glare, pout, groan or threaten. I think she can see through my threatening. Damn, I’ve lost my edge with her and we ain’t even hitched.

We would have talked more, but it was late. There was work tomorrow and lots to do. Data and Ann want us to accompany them while they look over the two suitable apartments they found listed that morning, so after work we met them at Kissel’s house. We had a quick dinner and we’re out the door by six. The places are not too far away, so we all go for a stroll over to the closest one.

It’s not a bad place. It’s a hell of a lot cleaner than my dump and bigger. Ann likes the kitchen but not the size of the bedroom. She blushes when she admits this, but obliviously, Data just agrees.

The next place is way too small. Just walking into the foyer, we are all disillusioned. Ann frowns and shakes her head. We don’t waste any more time with this one. The lady who was showing this place asks Ann if the apartment is for all of us.

“No, just Data and I. We need a place from now, while we look for a house.” This seems to pique the woman’s interest.

“Let me show you another place. It’s owned by some friends of mine and I’m watching it for them, but they really want tenants there taking care of it. They had to leave their cats behind, so I feed them, but-” she shrugged.

“Did you say cats?” Data asked, suddenly grinning.

The place was perfect. Or should I say purrrfect? As soon as we walked in, Data plopped down on the nearest couch and had all three cats climbing all over him. He looked as happy as a tribble in a mound of quadrotriticale. Pulling her gaze from her chosen mate, Ann looked over at the woman and smiled.

“We’ll take it.” 

The next few weeks were practically a blur. After they got the okay to move in, Data and Ann went to pack up Ann’s things from her apartment in Mangia. Data didn’t have much stuff at my dump so it didn’t take them long to get settled – only a couple of days. They invited Kissel and me to dinner one evening and told us they were leaving the next day to rendezvous with the Enterprise. For some unknown reason the cats seem to fucking like me so Data asked me to look after them while they're gone. I must have a servo loose ‘cause I fucking agreed to do it. I think I actually like the damn cats.

Kissel and I were really busy at the shipyards getting everything ready for the project. The area around the yard was abuzz with talk about what was going on. Only the Sethrins and the Soongs know what is being planned so there were new rumors started every other day about this mysterious activity. I was also becoming suspicious of ol’ Vaasic. He seemed too curious to me and, after spotting him snooping around areas we had just set up a few times, I talked to Kissel about it. She reluctantly agreed we should keep an eye on him. The thought of someone who had worked for her family for as long as Vaasic has being a spy was unsettling to her to say the least. Too bad Data isn’t here ‘cause he would have loved doing the Sherlock Holmes routine to figure out what the motherfucker was up to.

I cleaned out a large room that was being used for storage but was once an office. This was going to be where Data - if he comes back - and I will work on the design of the ships. After setting up the equipment we would need, I decided now was the time to find out if Vaasic was a fucking spy or not. I drew up some fake blueprints and sketches, which included a list of technical specifications, for an automated monitoring post. The thing would never actually function but I made the plans so complicated only Data would be able to figure that out. I left them in the office and waited to see what would happen. I had set up some hidden cameras to catch all the action. It didn’t take long for the rat to fall in the trap. Two days later, Crayss Shipyards was announcing they were diversifying their business to include automated monitoring posts. Kissel and I contacted Ren and he arrested Vaasic on charges of industrial espionage. Vaasic tried to deny it but when he saw the images I had recorded of him stealing the plans, he confessed. The scumbag refused to implicate anyone at Crayss so he was the only one charged. The Alexis System has a large number of companies that deal in different types of technology so industrial espionage is a very serious crime here. Vaasic won’t be out of prison for a long time.

The whole incident with Vaasic left Kissel feeling depressed. I did my best to lift her spirits and within a couple of days she was back to her old self. One really positive thing did come out of all this. Seems Kissel’s suppliers started worrying they could be dragged down if there was a scandal involving Crayss so they started charging the fair market value on parts and even agreed to give her some discounts towards future purchases to make up for what they overcharged her in the first place. I know they didn’t agree to the discounts out of the goodness of their hearts. I think Ren may have put the fear of God into them when he contacted them as part of his investigation. After all, they were putting the shaft to some close, personal friends of his.

Two weeks had passed and we were almost ready to start. We had two divisions now and some additional workers had been hired. Kissel promoted Kardec to replace Vaasic and Hausev was promoted to supervisor in the new division. They are both very qualified for the positions and it felt good to see my friends with their new titles. I still can’t get over how these guys stuck by me even when I fucked up or what they had said to Data about me when he first got here.

Okay, it’s my turn to be depressed now. Even moving my stuff to Kissel’s and getting rid of the dump didn’t help. Data and Ann haven't come back yet. They've been gone for sixteen days and we haven’t heard a word from them. I don’t know how my Kissel does it but she actually got me to fucking admit I’m scared Data isn’t coming back. She’s right. I am fucking insecure.

Kissel is asleep and has that ‘been happily fucked’ look on her face - okay, so maybe it’s actually a ‘been made love to within an inch of my life’ look, but I don’t have a lot of experience recognizing that one, not to mention putting it on someone’s face!

I have more things on my mind than is even normal for an android, so I slip out of her bed and out of her - our? - house and go for a walk. I haven’t gone two blocks when I sense Ren nearby.

“Data will come back,” he assures me, leaning up against the corner of the row houses I couldn’t afford to live in when I first got here.

“How can you be so sure?” I ask, wondering why this guy doesn’t have a sated looking woman in his bed. I’m also wondering why he’s not in it with her, making sure she stays sated looking. I may not be an expert, but Ren seems to have all the qualifications of a sexy guy to me. I mentioned this to Kissel once and she agreed, so I know I’m not totally off base on this.

“Data set up a frequency he’ll use to alert me of his return. This way, I can get him cleared with the patrol ships.” Ren sounded calm and sure.

“You heard anything yet?” I asked. I leaned on the fence that belonged to the house behind the one Ren was leaning on.

“Not yet, but I will. I bet my left nut on it.”

“Anything wrong with your left nut?” I enquire, keeping my tone even.

“Not had any complaints so far.”

I wonder if he’s tried that statement lately and then I wonder why the fuck I care? I manage to keep my mental snort just that. Who the hell do I think I’m fooling? I get a woman I can’t seem to live without now and I suddenly want everyone I know to get their own piece of ‘happily ever after’.

“Why the fuck aren’t you at home getting laid?” I can’t believe those words actually came out of my mouth.

“Because I’m out here in the middle of the night playing psychiatrist with you.” He actually looks over and makes eye contact with me. Slowly I can see him raise one eyebrow. It goes up pretty high on his forehead too. He’s grinning too. Damn. I wonder if he does actually have a girl grinning happily in his bed. “Don’t get any ideas,” he warns me. I guess he can tell I’m thinking about tailing him this time. He’s right. It’s none of my fucking business but I am sorely tempted.

Two days later I’m still thinking about tailing Ren, among 726 other things I have on my mind. I know, only 727 - it’s been a distracting week.

The sight of Ren sitting on Kissel’s porch when we walk up to the gate surprises both of us. Kissel greets him warmly and Ren even grants her one of his rare smiles. He politely accepts a glass of iced tea, but declines dinner. I come up to lean on one of the support beams that front Kissel’s house. Ren is in one of her rocking chairs and is rocking, leisurely. He’s got something like a small thin piece of wood between his teeth. He looks as relaxed as usual. If he doesn’t tell me why he’s here soon, I’m gonna kick the shit out of him. 

He doesn’t look over. He doesn’t move and, oddly, when he talks, the little stick in his mouth also stays stationary.

“Data called about two hours ago.”

“He did? What did he say?” I’m such a loser. The only way I could have kept the eagerness out of my voice was to shut off my voice simulator.

“He said he and Miss Sethrin will reach Alexis IV in two hours, twenty-seven minutes and twelve seconds.” I can’t stop a chuckle now. That sounds like Data, all right. Ren finally grins, after removing the piece of wood from between his teeth. “Looks like my left nut’s staying put.”

“Thanks for letting me know, Ren. You’re a damn good friend.” Ren lost his stone face for only a few seconds before it slid back into place. He stood up, put the piece of wood in his shirt pocket and reached out to shake the hand I had extended to him.

“I’m glad I was wrong about you, Lore. You’re a good man.” Ren nodded before leaving me alone on the porch. Ren’s words meant a lot to me. He doesn’t talk a lot but when he does speak, he means what he says. You’ll never hear any bullshit spew from the lips of Ren Willilock.

Once he was out of sight, I ran inside, grabbing Kissel’s waist to turn her around so I could throw my arms around her and kiss her.

“What did Ren have to say that has you so happy?” Kissel was finally able to ask eight minutes later.

“Data and Ann-” I didn’t have a chance to finish my sentence for five minutes as Kissel excitedly reclaimed my mouth but then I didn’t really need to.

I wasn’t sure what we should do next. Should we go to Data and Ann’s apartment to welcome them back or would they come here? Just when I thought I was going to suffer cascade failure, Kissel saw them coming through the front gate and rushed to the door to meet them. I was right behind her.

When they reached the door, Kissel and Ann exchanged hugs. When Kissel turned to hug Data, Ann looked at me unsure. I opened my arms causing her to smile as she moved to share a hug with me. As the ladies moved aside, Data and I looked at each other for a few seconds.

“It’s great to have you back, Data.” The relief I was feeling that he was here, standing in front of me, may have had an impact on what I did next. I grabbed him to give him a “man hug”. I can’t believe it. Not that long ago I wanted to kill my brother and now, for the second time, I’m standing here embracing him. What kind of wimp have I become?

“Lore, you sound as if you thought we would not return.” I tried to give Data a look like I thought he was nuts or something but he didn’t buy it. Does the whole fucking world think I’m insecure? I decided a change of subject would be advantageous at this time.

“Have you two eaten? You will have dinner with us, won’t you?” I looked from Data to Ann with a hopeful expression on my face. “Kissel and I would really like to hear about your trip.”

“We had a great time. The Enterprise is incredible and huge. Data’s friends are really nice and made me feel so welcome,” Ann started. Data reached over to squeeze Ann’s hand. “It was a wonderful visit, however I must admit, it feels very good to be home and with family once again.”

I was shocked that Ann included me when she gave the three of us a smile that indicated we were whom she was referring to with the family comment. Family had never been a priority with me before, nor had friends. Now I find myself with shits loads of both. Okay, all right. Maybe not shit loads, but from my point of view, two of either was a shit load. I now have more that two of both. Damn, it feels good.

To celebrate, we decided to go to this new restaurant that opened while Ann and Data had been away. It was a nice little place with good local cuisine and a dimly lit, romantic atmosphere. Data and Ann were eyeing each other all night. For some reason this irritated me, reminding me they were still ahead in the ‘to have and to hold’ department.

“Kissel and I are getting married next week, so I’m glad you guys made it back in time.” I said this calmly, but once the words were out, no one at the table, including me, was calm. Kissel looked shocked. Data looked surprised but happy and Ann looked about to burst from joy. I felt like all the fluid in my hydraulics had gone dry. I’m not quite sure why.

I knew I didn’t want to lose Kissel, but I hadn’t really given a lot of thought to what would be involved after the honeymoon. The idea of the honeymoon had been too appealing to get past. I wanted a two week one where we never got out of bed, but I didn’t think Kissel would like the additional week it would take for her to recover and be able to walk again. I took a few seconds to contemplate this ‘happily ever after’ stuff now.

I’m not sure I can imagine Kissel being happy with me until she dies. The fact I most likely with outlive her, by centuries, also bites ass. What will I do if she decides I bite ass after a few years or decades? Will this be just the thing to set me off and cause me to lose the even keel I’ve found? Will I kill Kissel in a crazed rage, even if by accident?

Millions of possible outcomes, both good and bad come to mind. It must be obvious I’m suddenly troubled since my tablemates are now looking at me with expectant, concerned eyes.

I stand and take hold of Kissel’s arm, pulling her to her feet. “We’ll be right back,” I tell Ann and Data. Taking Kissel’s hand I pull her to the lobby, stating that I need to talk to her and it has to be now.

“What’s wrong?” she asks, once we make it to the lobby. Only everything.

“I’m not sure I can put it into words.” I’m still not. This will take some finesse. I give her a small taste of some of the possible scenarios that have been racing through my head and as I do, my Kissel begins to smile. I begin to wonder if I told this wrong.

“You’re getting cold feet. It’s making you want to chicken out.”

“Cold and heat don’t affect me at all. I thought I told you that.” I’m teasing. I know what she’s saying. Still, I’m not sure if she’s right or wrong. Kissel must know I’m teasing because she just raises one of her lovely eyebrows and grins at me. I can’t help myself. I trace that brow with a finger and then the other. Her skin and brows are so soft. I know from experience the rest of her is soft too. This thought triggers a chain of ‘what ifs’. The bottom line is that if I don’t marry Kissel, she will eventually decide this is not what she wants and she will find someone who is willing to commit to her. The thought of any other being having her - body and mind - makes me crazy.

I’ll be damned if I let anyone take my place - in her life or her bed.

“You’re right. I was having cold feet, but I’m over it now and they’re all hot for you again, just like the rest of me.” I pull her to me and kiss her, lightly on the lips. She is not kissing back, but she is closing her eyes and grinning brightly at me. When I pull back, she opens her eyes and beams at me. Pulling me back by wrapping her arms around my waist, she hugs me.

“I love you. The threat of marriage may make you an emotional wreck, but I still love you.”

Okay, this is going down hill. First I’m insecure and now I’m an emotional wreck. I’m beginning to wonder about the wisdom of chip, women and love, but then she kisses me and it all goes away.

Kissel takes my hand and leads me back to the table. Since we are both smiling as we approach, Data and Ann take this to mean everything is okay. Actually, it’s more than okay.

“What type of ceremony are you going to have – traditional, modern, combination or something completely different?” Ann asks. I now realize I have no idea how wedding ceremonies are performed here. I’ve heard they can be elaborate affairs that take days on some planets while on others they just look at each other and declare themselves married. Maybe I should have just told Data and Ann that we were getting married soon instead of saying it was next week. Damn, I have a big mouth.

“I want something very small. I’d like to have Ren Willilock perform the ceremony and have two witnesses – that’s it. After, a party with family and friends to celebrate.” Kissel looked at me almost as if she was expecting me to challenge her plan. I don’t give a fuck how we get married but I don’t want Kissel to settle for something she doesn’t really want because I was the idiot who gave such a short time for planning anything.

“Are you sure that’s what you want? If you need more time-” Kissel placed her finger gently on my lips to shut me up.

“It is what I want, Lore. I don’t want a fancy ceremony with lots of people. Been there, done that and look how it turned out. If you want something different...” I was shaking my head before Kissel had a chance to finish her sentence. “Good. Now we have to decide who to have for witnesses. I bet Kardec and Hausav would be thrilled. Or should we have three witnesses so your friend, Chaz, can be there too?” We looked over at Ann and Data and couldn’t help laughing. The expressions on their faces were priceless. “You didn’t really believe we would get married without the two of you there, did you,” Kissel laughed.

“In your experience, Ann, is this form of humor typical for Kissel?” Ann nodded her head in response to Data’s query. “Then perhaps I should object to this marriage on the grounds Kissel is a bad influence for my brother.” We’re all laughing now.

Dinner was great. After some more teasing back and forth, Data and Ann told us more about their trip. It turns out the reason for their delayed return had more to do with business than pleasure. It seems I haven’t given Picard as much credit as I should have regarding his treatment of Data. When Data told the captain about our plans for the shipyard, Picard arranged for Data and Ann to speak with a number of influential individuals in the Federation via subspace communication. They all expressed an interest in either purchasing small ships that would be designed and built at Sethrin Shipyards or in contracting us to design larger ships that would be built at Federation shipyards. Kissel was so surprised and grateful that she looked as if she was going to cry.

When the evening ended, Ann and Data walked to their apartment while Kissel and I made our way to the house - our house? I’m still not sure what to call it. Kissel was holding my arm as we walked.

“Lore, will you carry me to our bedroom like you did before? I liked that,” she sighed contently. ‘Our' bedroom – she said ‘our' bedroom. I was so fucking happy to hear Kissel call the bedroom ours that I scooped her into my arms right there. She laughed before wrapping her arms around my neck and leaning into me. I quickened my pace when she started teasing my ear with her tongue and sucking my earlobe. We had a fucking fantastic night or is that a fantastic night fucking.

Data and I got approval on our plans and began the major work in constructing the new prototype patrol ship that next week. We had it done within days and testing was concluded by the following week. The representative for the sector police came by almost every day to monitor our progress and to make comments about his expectations. I let Data be the go between so I didn’t rip the guy a new one. Going that route, I believe Sethrin Shipyard will blow the competition off the map in under a year. The exclusivity clause in the contract Ann negotiated was genius. 

Data and Ann agreed to marry two months after Kissel and I did. I think Ren was intrigued with the idea of uniting me and Kissel instead of tossing me in jail to protect Kissel, but he stayed cool. He did, however, bring a date. She was a hot little redhead who looked like her eyes were made of steel. I think her backbone was too. She struck me as a stubborn wench, but from the constant twinkle in Ren’s eyes, I guess he likes that type. She does dance sexy; I’ll give her that. I think Ren was planning on gettin’ some once he got that redhead home. I wonder if I’ll get invited to his wedding?

Data and Ann decided that what they wanted more than anything was to build their own house. After securing a few teltaars of land near Kissel’s house, they worked out the blueprints for their dream home and began buying what they would need for construction. At night, once our women are properly sated, Data and I meet on the site and work together on building his and Ann’s love nest. Data tells me he intends to make good use of the lab he’s included in the plans. He wants children, he explains - android children.

I can’t imagine - my baby brother, a father.

Once I told Kissel of Data’s plans, she got a suspicious but happy look on her face.

“I like the idea of children. I hope you’re willing to have both kinds, Lore.” She walked out of the house and into the garden at that point, but I’m sure I’ll get up the nerve to get her to explain that comment, as soon as I’m ready, which is not today.

I’m thinking this will be my last entry of this journal. I believe I’ve learned what I intended to learn from this human inspired experiment. I’ve learned that all that was wrong in my life was not Data. I’ve learned that he was the one thing in my life that was right.

If it had not been for my baby brother, there would not have been a chip to steal from him and I would have never been fixed. Without Data, I would have never been running from him and have landed on this planet to meet Kissel. In finding me, Data gave me - no, both of us - a chance to really be brothers for the first time. We’re a family now. Shockingly, it looks like we’re going to be a growing family. The Sethrin sisters, I mean both Mrs. Soongs have appointments at the end of this month to get artificially inseminated.

Data and I may soon be fathers.

Shocking!

Well, I think that’s all I have to say. One day I’m going to give this thing to - I guess to the one being who would appreciate it most.

For you, Data.