Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

1

If asked how things turned out this way, it was actually hard for Logan to pinpoint. He’s fairly certain it didn’t initially start with anything on his end though. He was just in the mindpalace, doing one of his tasks as Thomas’s logic when a figure appeared to him.

“Hmm,” The figure said. Logan sighed, and called out,

“Roman! Don’t send any of your imaginary figures to my area, especially while I’m working!”

The guy laughed.

“Oh, I’m not imaginary. I’m just an omnipotent being who is bored and wants to spice up his immortal existence for once. Care to help me cause trouble for my Picard?”

“What? What are you talking about? Who are you?”

The guy, A Q, just gave him a mysterious smile and snapped his fingers.

Then, Logan was suddenly no longer in his room. Just like that. Logan blinked and looked around, processing. He gasped when he recognized the area. He was on the deck of the second generation enterprise. What a sight. He certainly never would have pictured experiencing something like this. Thomas wasn’t as much of a nerd as Logan, at least in this area. Logan found himself drift towards the viewing of space outside.

“Excuse me, what are you doing here? Who are you?”

Logan turned to see the bridge crew. The captain must have been the one to speak. Logan pursed his lips and looked over them. It seemed pretty accurate to the show from his perspective. Of course, a closer examination would be required, which he really didn’t have time for even if this was a genre that he loved. Logan sighed.

“Roman!” He called out. “What is the meaning of this!? Surely you would know by now I am not one for extravagant gestures, even of recreations of one of my favorite shows. If you wish to apologize about something, please interact with me directly.”

He waited. No response from Roman. Hmm, he usually wasn’t stubborn like this if his creation wasn’t wanted. At least, not like this. The crew members exchanged looks. Picard cleared his throat.

“Sir, did you not mean to come here? How did this happen?”

“Ah, I suppose I am meant to play along. However, if Roman did mean to do this for me, I would think he would know that nonreacting figures, like holograms in a holodeck, would make for an experience more fitting to the genre. Then again, it’s not like he would pay attention to details like that for something that does not interest him.”

They continued staring. Logan started to look around again. As impressive as this was, he was not really the pretend type. He was more interested in seeing the technology perform in real time, if that could be.

Picard gestured to the counselor and a security member.

“How about we escort you somewhere else, more acquainted for conversing?”

Logan nodded. “Yes, that is fine.” He followed them out of the bridge, hearing Picard give command of the bridge to Riker. There was so much to take in, of a setting he admired much, that it wasn’t until they were moving in the turbolift that he got a moment to acknowledge to himself this was meant to be Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the star trek captain he admired the most.

“So, would you mind telling us who you are?” The counselor asked.

Logan shrugged. “Sure. I am Logan. A metaphysical human of Thomas Sanders’ Logical side of his personality.”

“I see…and how did someone like you get here?”

Logan shrugged. “I am not sure. I would not usually delude myself in fantasies of the starship I admire the most.”

“So, you knew of the enterprise?” Picard then asked.

“Yes, of course.”

“Can you think of a reason someone would send you here? and who do you know who could do such a thing?”

Logan let out a, “Heh,” then continued. “I am not one to think of the unlikely, however being what I am it seems unavoidable. A contradiction of existence you could almost say. I would suspect the creativities, but I would not know why. Neither of them has ever done anything like this for my sake.”

They got off the turbolift, Logan looking at all the blinking devices around him. He paused when he saw the doors to the medical bay open.

“Why have you taken me here?” He asked.

“The circumstances of your appearance on the ship are uncertain, and you do not seem to be of any threat. So, it seemed like a good idea to check medically that nothing is wrong with you, from whatever brought you here.”

Logan nodded.

“Very well then.” He followed their lead as he was guided to a seat in the medical bay.

Off to the side, Picard spoke quietly to Dr Crusher, to inform her of the situation and how Logan acted at first as though he believed this whole thing to be illusory of some kind.

“So, Logan, have you ever gotten a Starfleet checkup?”

“I can’t say that I have. I mean, technically I’ve never had a checkup since I’m not human, but Thomas has so I have recollection of it.”

The Doctor nodded and started to scan him.

“I see. And what do you mean by that? Who is Thomas?”

“Ah yes, Thomas is the human whose Logical side I represent as part of his personality, one of multiple parts that is.”

“I don’t think I’ve heard of that concept,” The captain commented.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if it was in psychology somewhere. Thomas certainly wasn’t the first to have something like it I’m sure.”

“So, you wouldn’t know what would come through with medical scans then?” The Doctor asked. Logan thought for a moment.

“I never considered the possibility; it should technically be impossible. In fact, usually only Thomas and the other sides can see me. And if this were an imaginative simulation, it wouldn’t make sense to bring in my real-life imaginariness. But that is the only thing that makes sense.” He scrunched his face a bit in thought.

“Captain, take a look at this,” The Doctor said.

She showed him some scans and data.

“I couldn’t find anything wrong, but the weird thing is my scans showed a likeness to a human except in actual physicality. Like he’s one of our holograms, except there’s no photons like what would show up if he were a hologram.”

“So, he is physical to a certain extent?”

She nodded.

Logan frowned.

“Do you remember anything from before you appeared here?” The captain asked. “Or any more information you could tell us that might help us understand?”

Logan thought.

“Well…there was a random person in the mindpalace, I assumed it was one of Roman’s imaginary creations although I didn’t recognize him. He said something about being omnipotent, immortal, and wanting to use me for his entertainment. Ridiculous things to claim really. Although he did refer to you, Picard, by name, before I was suddenly there.”

Picard gaped. “Q!” He then shouted.

“Oh, hello there, dear Captain. Interesting, hm?”

“Q, what is the meaning of this? Why would you bring him here?”

“It’s like I said, I was looking for some entertainment. I would think you would be thrilled to have a fanboy, let alone one who is such a science enthusiast. Nothing like celebrity worship.”

“I would hardly- “Logan started, then paused. “Are you telling me, that I am actually living a crossover on the starship enterprise, but the reason for it is by one of my least favorite characters in one of the least logical ways!” He exclaimed. How ridiculous. He had very mixed feelings. Q put a hand to his chest with a fake hurt expression.

“Oh, Logan. What a hurtful thing to say. You know I can do literally anything, right?”

“Q, please. Send him back.”

“Hmmm, no. He just got here! There’s plenty more that could come from this!”

“How long do you plan to just keep him here on my ship?”

“Hmm, haven’t decided yet. I’ll have to watch to see where this game goes.”

“Well, I suppose we’ll just have to try our best to return him.”

“Ha!  Good luck with that. Logan dear, tell us what year it was for you last time you checked.”

Logan frowned. “Do not call me that. And it was the year 2021.”

“Ohp, looks like he’s not going back home yet, you can’t time travel. I’m sure being from an alternate universe helps keep time space continuum complications from happening though. Have fun!”

“Q wait- “

And he was already gone. They were quiet for a moment, just staring.

Picard tapped his comm badge. “Commander Riker. See that we get a guest room ready. While he’s here, our unexpected guest will have to be under our care.” He turned to Logan again.

“I must say, I do have many questions. I’m sure you do not have all the answers anyway though.”

Logan pursed his lips. “Unfortunately, it would seem not. I appreciate the assistance though, even if I am unsure what I would need. I am fine.”

“Logan,” the Doctor started. “The scans show you are practically human, so you will likely need similar care to us.”

Logan sighed.

“Do you think Q changed him in any way?” The captain asked. The Doctor shrugged. “I’m unsure. It’s hard to scan for certainty when dealing with a being like him.”

Logan scoffed, “And that is exactly why I was never a fan of him.”

Picard nodded hesitantly. “Understandable. He causes a lot of problems, most of which I do not understand myself.”

Logan nodded.

“Would you like to head to your guest quarters? Or somewhere comfortable? I believe it’s a good idea to have someone with you until we know more about what Q is planning, as a safety precaution.”

Logan nodded. “I see.” He didn’t add his doubts on how that would be helpful, he hated considering an impossible force.

“I am, uncertain what I want. I typically do the tasks required of me as Logic or help the others. This is a very strange situation for me. I uh, don’t suppose I would be able to meet commander Data?”

Picard blinked at him.

“Uh, I will have to see where he is at with his work, but I believe that is fine.”

Logan nodded. Their group started to leave the med bay.

“What’s your interest in Commander Data?” The counselor asked.

“I admire his emotionless completion of tasks and intelligence, among other things.”

She nodded.

Chapter Text

Apparently the senior staff had to be debriefed on the situation, those who were not already aware. Logan felt weird, just following people around. As much as he liked the show, he wouldn’t know enough to be able to find his way around. Not to mention, he felt strange not having a clear direction for what to do next. He was Logic. He did and suggested what made sense. This didn’t make sense, so his specialties were not as helpful here.

A begrudgingly childlike part of him was thrilled to meet a character he related to so much in a show, Commander Data. It would certainly be interesting at least. Yet he found an uncertainty come over him. Would the differences be too clear? A silly thing to think of. He should be above childlike nerves, not that nerves were only for children of course, but they were simply not him. He knew better, given what he was. Yet, he was nervous. He wanted to make a good impression of Data, someone who he had previously written off as a character, though one he was fond of, and therefore had never considered how a potential interaction would go. It would probably be fine.

“Logan, are you alright?” The counselor asked. Logan, embarrassing enough, jumped when she asked. He cleared his throat and needlessly adjusted his glasses.

“Yes, of course. There is simply a lot to process.”

She gave him a considering look and nodded. “I can understand that.”

They watched Picard come by. Geordi and Data returned to engineering.

Logan took a breath and stepped towards commander Data, who had already gotten back to his task.

“Pardon me, I do not wish  to interrupt you. I simply wished to introduce myself. I am Logan. I would presume you were briefed on my admittedly strange set of circumstances that have lead me to being a visitor on the enterprise.”

Data blinked and blankly turned to him.

“Ah yes. Greetings. If you have permission, I do not mind you being here or watching as I work. I will be available to converse more later if that is what you wish.”

Logan smiled. “Ah, yes. Thank you. I would love that.”

Data nodded. “Of course.” And got back to what he was doing. Logan started to step forward when the counselor gently tapped his shoulder.

“I have patients to see to. You know how to get ahold of me if you need anything, right?”

Logan nodded. “I believe so.”

He had been given a comm badge shortly after the brief appearance of Q.

“Don’t worry. Our crew should be open to helping in any way. You’re in good hands.”

Logan nodded before she left. He turned back and tried to watch what Data was doing. He felt a bit frustrated that he didn’t understand it, even though he knew it was perfectly reasonable to not know. Something about diagnostics. He was brimming with questions. Without thinking of it consciously, Logan’s notebook appeared in his hand.

Unbeknownst to him, Geordi caught sight of that and stared for a moment.

Logan went to ask if he could take notes but then paused. Would it seem strange that he wanted to? He shook his head. He was starting to think more like Virgil.

“Hey, uh, Logan was it?”

Logan blinked and looked to Geordi. “Yes?”

“Was that a normal thing for you?” He asked, gesturing to Logan’s notebook. Logan looked at it for a moment before realizing what he was referring to.

“Oh summoning? Yes, all us sides do it. Although I typically summon much less since I am Logic and don’t really need to. I didn’t even consciously mean to, it just happens.”

“Fascinating.” Data said.

“So you can make anything appear?”

Logan tilted his head. “Hm, I do not believe so. Although suffice it say we have certainly not tried everything. I’m more likely to summon things I would use more often i.e. my notebook if I wanted to write down information.”

Geordi nodded.

Logan began to see that many conversations would likely get back to how he was different than those around him, which he supposed he should have seen coming. It was fine.

/”Commander. We have a situation.”

*

[Mess Hall]

Janus wouldn’t say he was used to change, even with his ease to change his physical form. Yet, he floundered a bit when he suddenly found himself no longer where he had been in the mind palace, but in some area that possibly likened to a room on a starship? He couldn’t recall if there was a specific one he was reminded of. The window with space outside should have been a giveaway though. A bunch of crew members had stiffened, hands subtly by a holster of some sort on their belts. One in red stepped forward.

“Who are you? And why have you come to my ship?”

Janus glanced around, trying to peruse as much as he could from where he was. He wasn’t sure how to respond here.

At least, not consciously it would seem. Janus jolted and felt the familiar sensation of his appearance shifting. There was an immediate reaction from the people around them of course. He frowned and lifted a hand to touch the side of his face, not currently scaleless. No gloves. He hadn’t been meaning to transform. It would be pointless to do so while people were looking at him after all. He gasped as he felt it again, a bit of a chill. Before he had even registered who he turned into last time. The material had definitely changed, at least in weight. The crewmembers standing before him had looks on their faces as though they weren’t sure what to do about what they were seeing. Maybe his confusion was clear on his face? Not that that was likely to help in his favor at all though.

Eyes narrowed, the red shirt who had spoken before asked, “Are you…alright?”

Janus gave him a look, unsure how to answer. That seemed like an odd thing to ask considering. Then he jolted as his appearance shifted a couple of other times. He never changed this quickly. His knees shook a bit. The guy before him didn’t move his hand away from his belt, but his other hand touched a pin on his shirt.

“Riker to Enterprise.”

“Picard here.”

“We seem to have another surprise visitor. I think this one may need to go to medbay as well.”

“Doctor Crusher here. I’ll set up for them. What’s the status?”

“Working on it.”

Riker, apparently, turned to Janus again. A realization dawned on his face since the last transformation. Janus felt the telltale feeling of nose pads from a pair of glasses. He could narrow down who he looked like at that moment.

“Riker to Logan.”

“I’m here.”

“I just wanted to confirm something. There is a stranger here who just shifted his appearance to look like you. And every transformation so far has had the same face.”

“Is there anything else you can tell me? I believe I know who that is.”

“Well, he first appeared in a black cloak, and half of his face was covered in scales.”

“Ah yes I know who that is. He is another side.”

Janus blinked.

“Why would you tell them that!?” He called to the little talking pin.

 His form shifted back to his original, but he felt a buzzing around himself.

“What is the nature of your relationship with him?” Riker continued to ask. Janus wondered if Logan even heard his shout.

“Well, it is a bit hard to define. But in this situation, he should be trustworthy, as we are in the same boat, figuratively.”

Janus frowned. He didn’t appreciate Logan giving them even an implication that there are times he might not be trustworthy. Then again, Logan can only be honest, usually.

“Understood.”

“Would you like me to join you there?”

“That is probably a good idea.”

“Where are you?”

“Mess hall.”

 Riker untensed some, and waved a motion to others to back up. He then stepped towards Janus. Janus took a step back defensively. Riker stopped.

“It’s ok. I’m not going to hurt you if I don’t have to. Do you know how you got here?

Janus continued to scrutinize the other, not wanting to make any sudden moves due to the tension still present. Which he could understand.

“And how does my answer affect your next response?” He asked.

Riker blinked as though surprised by his answer.

“Well…if this is similar to how Logan got here, which is what would expect, then I would suggest you go to med bay as well. Which Logan did also when he first appeared.”

“When was that?”

“Just earlier today.”

“And why do you want me to go there? How am I supposed to trust any of you right now?”

Riker slowly lowered his hands.

“Would you feel better after seeing that Logan is fine? No harm has come to him.”

“Why is he here though? Did one of you bring us here?”

“No, we did not. We would not have reacted this way if we expected you.”

Janus frowned. He had a bit of a point.

“I suppose. That’s probably not going to answer all of my questions though.”

Riker nodded. “I understand.”

Janus would have thought of the creativities first as the source of this strange situation, but couldn’t find a reason for it. Starships were more Logan’s thing, and even he didn’t like to indulge in fantasizing or utilizing the imagination. That, and usually only Janus himself controlled his own transformations.

Janus didn’t like this, but he could easily façade. He would have to do so in a way that wouldn’t be perceived as a threat though. Ah, speaking of. He subconsciously touched the snake side of his face. People were definitely looking. That wouldn’t go over well. He certainly wasn’t the strangest thing in the room though.

A black woman came up to him from behind the bar. She had on a purple dress outfit with a strange wide purple hat.

“Hello. I don’t suppose I could get you anything? To make you more comfortable, as this gets figured out.”

Janus hmmed. “I don’t suppose you have wine?”

She smiled a little. “Yes, but it’s probably not going to be what you’re hoping for. On most starships, drinks are served with something known as synthehal.”

Janus snorted. “That sounds utterly ridiculous and boring.”

The woman laughed. “Yeah, I can understand that feeling. I work with what I can though,” She said with a shrug. Janus waved his hand.

“Oh, it’s fine then.”

-

After the communication Data turned to Logan.

“I’ll escort you down there,” He said. Logan blinked and then nodded.

“I see, thank you.”

Data simply nodded and started ahead, although he did look to make sure Logan was following before he left engineering.

-

This was…strange. Just waiting here like this. Janus supposed this space could be considered comforting. It was clearly a place of relaxation and leisure for those aboard. Yet, he wasn’t used to the attention. Oh, they tried to be polite, but it was human nature to be curious about something different. Or should he say ‘humanoid nature’ now, given the various characters around who were likely of some alien species he supposed. Regardless, he was simply not used to being seen. The other sides had long gotten used to his appearance. Only Thomas really was the most recent to be thrown off by his facial features. Luckily, or unluckily depending on perspective, he didn’t need to stay idle for long.

The officer’s comm badge went off again.

“Captain, Commander, we have reports of some sort of commotion coming from the cargo bay.”

“What kind of commotion?” Riker asked.

“It’s a bit difficult to describe sir. The crewmembers nearby seem preoccupied by something, but there’s lots of loud sounds, screaming, and a sort of unhinged laugh?”

Riker, the commander Janus would presume, turned to some of the other crew members in the room for a moment.

“Thank you Ensign, I’m on my way. Keep me updated. I’ll have to attend to this,” Riker said, addressing the last thing to the room.

Janus bit his lip. Instinct told him he knew of this commotion. He didn’t have enough information to know for sure yet, but if he appeared here suddenly, it’s possible Remus could have as well. He wanted to check it out.

Before pausing to think if this would work when he wasn’t by Thomas, Janus made to sink out.

“Hmm, where in approximation to our current location would you say that commotion was?”

The crewmembers around seemed unsure. Janus sighed, and sped out to catch up with commander Riker.

He must have been distracted to not see Janus following at first.

“So what are you hearing that could give us any more information?”

Commander Riker asked. Janus followed the group into the strange elevator. The comm spoke again before Riker could comment on his presence.

“Chaos basically. I am hearing lots of cries of ‘No’, and alarms going off? It’s heading down the direct hallway from the cargo bay entrance.”

“Alright, we’re almost there.”

As the elevator landed and they started to get out, Janus recognized the voice in the distance.

“From unicorn porn to rats impaled~”

Janus rolled his eyes. Once again, he’d have to be the one to reign the other in.

Janus faded in and out, in the way he used to appear to Thomas upon discovery. He stumbled for a moment where he was, a bit surprised that worked.

“Huh…so I can still do that.”

Around him, devices were making sounds as crewmembers were in all states. Some crouched with hands over their ears, eyes squeezed shut. Some just standing shaking their head and blinking a lot. All very distracted. It looked like a couple of the gun things had gone off, but no clear injuries were seen.

Janus turned around to see exactly who he figured was there. Remus was there in his wild glory, hair almost more of a mess than normal. He was dancing around, wiggling his fingers around, prompting some crewmembers to flinch or duck as though something had gone off around them. Some threw their gun things, laser guns maybe, away from themselves. Most looked disturbed.

Janus sighed. Looks like he made another mess.

“Remus…” He said tiredly. Remus paused, and turned to Janus. He was holding something in one of his hands, but flung it away upon seeing the other.

“Janny!” He exclaimed and ran towards him.

“Halt-“

Janus grunted as Remus practically flung himself at Janus, nearly knocking him over.

“It’s alright, I’m used to this,” he said with resignation.

Remus squeezed him. “I’m so glad you’re here! Check it out, new playroom!” He said with a wiggle to his shoulders. Janus pinched the bridge of his nose. It was even more tragic now to not have that real wine.

“No Remus.”

Remus pulled away a bit just to give him a dramatic pout. Janus gave him a deadpan look. It looked like this was going to be a stare off.

Someone cleared his throat.

“So, you know him? Is he a threat?” Commander Riker asked. Janus sighed.

“Depends on your definition of threat. I doubt he could actually hurt anyone here if that’s what you’re asking, at least physically. He is one of the creativities. Power is in the imaginary. Although, I didn’t think he could affect anything outside of Thomas’ mind or the other sides. Ah, I would probably have to explain, it wouldn’t make much sense. I’m totally used to that though of course.”

Remus snickered and then looked considering.

“No Remus.”

“So, why were you doing that?” Commander Riker then asked Remus. Remus just shrugged.

“Felt like it.”

“Remus is the epitome of impulsiveness, known to represent intrusive thoughts. There isn’t really a reason to what he does.”

He clearly had more questions, but that was when a few others came in, in red and yellow.

“Oh, well look who also happens to be here.”

Logan walked over to them.

“Salutations Janus. Ah, Remus is now here too.”

Janus shrugged. “So it would seem. Would you happen to know how?”

“Hey there sexy hard-ass Teach!”

Logan’s eye twitched at the nickname, then he spoke without addressing the comment, “Ah, it is hard to explain. In a way?”

The bald guy in red stepped forward.

“A powerful species we have encountered before seems to have brought the three of you onto my ship, for his own entertainment? I don’t quite fully understand the reasons behind it, I apologize that you were mixed up in this.”

Janus sighed. “Oh do apologize for something that is likely not your doing, I so appreciate it.”

Remus snickered at that, inviting a smirk from Janus.

“So,” Commander Riker continued, “Are we going to be able to keep this from happening again?” He asked, gesturing to the state of the space Remus had gone through.

“I am not sure.” Janus said. He felt his form flicker again between appearances, like a spat of static buzz across his body, almost shifting him over to the side. Remus blinked, and looked over Janus curiously.

“What do you mean?”

“Remus isn’t known for control,” Logan continued. “Seeing he is intrusive thoughts, and is merely that aspect, he is likely to do what comes to him, in his nature. I don’t see it causing any physical harm to anyone, from what I saw.”

“It is distracting though and disrupting.” The Captain then said.

“Not to mention, the misfired phasers when he was there,” Another crewmember said.

Janus hmmed. He looked over at Remus again. A different kind of manic look came across his face, that made Janus wary. Like the other shoe was about to drop.

“Can I have a moment with Remus?” Janus asked quickly. Before they could respond,

“Oh f*** that!” Remus swung his morning star forward and pointed it threateningly at the unknown crew members as he stood protectively in front of Janus.

“Remu-“

“You’re gonna spill what the hell yall did to snakey here to spaz out his powers!”

The crewmembers tensed.

Janus jolted, feeling a momentary shift to another (Virgil) then a change back to his normal appearance.

“We didn’”

A crewmember and Janus started to protest at the same time.

“Oh don’t hit me with that Bull! I can see your shape shifting is nearly on the fritz, J. That never happens. What the hell is going on!?”

“There are other factors at work here that we do not fully understand yet,” Logan said calmly and stepped forward. Remus pointed his morning star threateningly. Logan just gave him a deadpan look in response.

“You know fully well that’s not going to affect me.”

Remus responded very maturely by blowing a raspberry at the logical side, who simply sighed.

“Regardless, it is unlikely that anyone here could have affected his transformation abilities. We exist as ‘imaginary’, or at least beings of thought, so anyone who we are not sides of should not be able to affect our own abilities if they did not impact Thomas emotionally first, at least as far as my understanding goes. We probably don’t fully understand the extent of our existence yet-“

“Logan,” Janus gritted out.

Logan cleared his throat. “Right, on topic. I would gather anything affecting us at the moment is more closely related to whatever force brought us here, which is not the crewmembers who were confused by our existence. At least, based on what I have observed.”

Remus frowned at Logan, still seeming unsure. The Captain cleared his throat, immediately drawing Remus’ attention, who blindly reached for Janus behind him. Janus scoffed but didn’t fight the other creativity.

“None of us would wish harm or damage, especially if none of you were seeking to harm us.” The Captain seemed to hesitate on something.

“Not to mention I don’t think any of us could cause any real harm anyways, unless we were given-“

“Logan.” Janus said. The last thing they needed was to give Remus ideas that could make the situation worse.

“Ohh, well isn’t this an interesting confrontation,” A new voice called out. “I knew I wouldn’t regret this.”

Remus swung toward the voice without a second thought. Janus heard a swish sound, and then a new figure was standing in the middle of everything. He scoffed at Remus, but gave him a cocky smile.

“Yeah that’s not gonna work on me you chaotic gremlin.”

“Q-“ The Captain started. ‘Q’ tutted at him.

“I wouldn’t start, dear Picard. You’re gonna want to save your mental energy for dealing with this fun.” And with that he disappeared. Commander Riker muttered something.

“What the hell,” Janus said.

“That was the being we mentioned,” Riker said. “Who seems to have brought you all here for some obnoxious and twisted form of his own entertainment.”

“Ah.”

“What a ***,” Remus simply said, still glaring at where the being had been a moment ago.

Janus twitched again, his scales rippled for a moment.

“I’ll kill him,” Remus said.

“Remus-“

“He can’t get away with messing with you like that.”

Janus wanted to argue that he could take care of himself, but he felt clearly out of his depth.

“I do not think that is possible,” Logan said. Janus sighed. 

“We don’t plan to simply ‘let him get away with it’,” The Captain said.

“We plan to work with what we can at the moment. Now, if you are concerned about your friend’s physical form being messed with in some way, then we can look him over in our med bay and maybe find a way to help.”

Remus snorted and flicked his hands outwards. Two systems seemed to short and steam in the direction he waved in.

A dark colored clearly alien in yellow turned to the Sides with a suspicious look.

“I thought you said-“

“Try to scan them with your tricorders.” Logan cut in. Following that, a couple of crewmembers got out rectangular beeping/flashing devices and waved them over the malfunctioning spots.

“Scans show nothing is wrong.”

“See?”

“Then how-“

“It’s probably an illusion of some kind,” Janus said. “Although usually he isn’t able to affect others who aren’t one of us sides or Thomas though.”

“Yes, that is the part of this situation that is illogical.”

Janus gave him a look. “That is what seems illogical about all this?”

Logan huffed.

“Logistics of his impact aside, this is still a problem that we didn’t get an answer on. Do you have a way to keep this from happening? I don’t want my crew to be in inconsolable states of daymares every time he gets the impulse to cause them.” The Captain said.

Janus bit his lip and looked at Remus. Remus pursed his lips and tightened his grip on Janus. He let Janus step forward though so they were side by side, before grabbing him again. Janus knew Remus couldn’t help his impulses, it’s what he was the side of after all. And it wasn’t bad. It was natural. Janus needed to find a way to ease this situation though.

“I wouldn’t want there to be a problem. I am most adept at containing Remus.” Janus said. Remus wrapped his arms around Janus. Janus put his arms over where Remus’s arms were across his front.

“What are you suggesting?” The one in yellow, maybe a security officer, asked.

“I’ll supervise him you could say.”

 Logan frowned.

“Are you sure? If you’re suggesting to constantly be with and watch him, I would not want to force you to go that far,”

Janus waved him off.

“It’s fine, I’m the only one he comes close to listening to anyways.”

Remus frowned at Janus. “So you would have to?”

Janus faltered. “Get to. You know I do not mind your company Remus.”

Remus simply hmmed, surprisingly withdrawn. It likely wouldn’t last though.

“If what he does involves the imagination, and he cannot be restrained, then where would you propose staying in order to keep disruptions away from important crew functions?” The Captain asked.

Janus hmmed. “I’m not sure. Logan, do you have any ideas? I’m sure you know the rooms of the ship better than me, if I was correct to assume.”

Logan cleared his throat. “Ah,”

“What about the holodeck?’ Commander Riker asked.

Logan frowned. “I’m unsure. The last thing we need is seeing if he’ll mess with the photonic functions in there.”

“If space is what is needed though,” The yellow shirt guy in the visor stated. “That could be beneficial.”

Janus tilted his head. “I suppose we can let you who know more about your ship’s functions decide on that type of thing.”

“If he affects the imaginations of others around, perhaps it’s a good idea for the counselor to hang around the holodeck for a bit, in case counsel help is needed depending on the range of his abilities.”

The counselor nodded.

“Of course, Captain.”

Janus nodded then turned to look at Remus again.

“Remus?” He held Remus’s hands, “Do you think you could hold off some until we get there? I can tell you’re very hyper right now.”

Remus frowned, wiggling in place.

“Uh, I don’t know.”

Janus frowned. He turned to the others. “Where is the nearest holodeck from our location? I’m wondering if I can sink us out?”

“Oh, you think you need to go now? What about the medical concerns regarding your abilities? Do you think that would even work?”

“Janus sighed. “I mean, I’m fine right now. If you’re really concerned you can have the doctor come to this holodeck thing we’re going to.”

“Sink out? Is that like the way you transported to Remus earlier?” Commander Riker asked.

Janus tilted his head. “In a way.”

“And do you all do that?” The Captain asked.

Logan hesitated. “Usually for us, ‘sinking out’ is how we get into the mindpalace, outside to where Thomas is, or other rooms in his mind. We haven’t used it for anywhere else, so I was unsure if we even could to a place we had not gone to before.”

“I’d like to try,” Janus said.

“Would you like me to meet you there so I can show you how the holodeck works?” Geordi asked. “Or would you be able to take me there in the same fashion?”

Janus hmmed. “Yes I would like your assistance, but I’m not sure if that would work.”

“Should I try it?” Geordi asked his crew.

“I would say it would be better to play it safe if it’s not far.”

“Yeah, I don’t not how much longer Remus can stay any amount of calm,” Janus said. Remus was practically vibrating now. He leaned even more into Janus now, face to the side of his own.

“Am I hearing we’ll get space? I look forward to what I can do to you there…”

Janus felt his face heat up, and put a finger to Remus’s lips.

“S-save it for when we get there.”

Remus smirked at him and bit Janus’s finger. Janus yanked his finger away, or at least tried, but Remus held on harder. Janus glared at him, but Remus held challenge in his eyes.

“So this can’t wait, tell me now. “ Janus said. It was quickly relayed to him and he sunk out.

Chapter Text

As soon as they sunk into the strange room, Janus let Remus go, who practically buzzed around. Janus kept an eye on Remus while he observed the strange room they were in. It was like a black box with neon green lights crisscrossing everywhere. The size was impossible to figure. Remus moved around rapidly. He summoned all sorts of gross things, well more like flinging them from the wave of his fingers. Janus wrinkled his nose and tried to avoid getting hit by any of them. After a few moments of that Remus went strangely still. Then he turned to face Janus with an unnerving smile. Janus cleared his throat and tried to compose himself, which didn’t last as Remus sprung onto him. Janus stumbled a bit, unsure if Remus actually wanted to knock him over that time or not.

“So…” He said, voice with a certain flustering edge to it.

“Would you like to know,”

Janus jolted as he felt Remus’s tentacles come out and caress all over him,

“All the many ideas I have of what to do with you now that we have this space.”

Janus cleared his throat, looking away from the other for the moment. “Y-you know, that officer is coming over here soon, to show us how to use this room. So maybe you can wait until he leaves?”

Remus hummed. “I suppose I could try~” He pushed closer and said directly into Janus’s ear, “but I dunno if I can contain myself.”

Janus swallowed and pursed his lips.

Too soon or not soon enough, they heard the doors to the holodeck open, Geordi already speaking. Janus pushed Remus off of him and turned him around, Remus simply giggling. Geordi paused for a moment. Janus cleared his throat.

“Yes, please show us how to use it. Remus, are you able to listen?”

Remus tilted his head and shrugged. “I’ll see.”

Janus saw Logan come in as well. He adjusted his tie.

“I wasn’t sure if you’d want any assistance at all.” He said.

Geordi gestured to the door, “Most of the time, the program start is set up over here by the panel next to the door. However, with voice commands, you can change parts of the program to fit what you wish.”

Janus walked over to watch how Geordi set it up.

“Oo, like a more badass version of Siri!” Remus exclaimed.

“…sure,” Geordi said.

Janus looked on.

“So, how would you like this to be set up? The Captain has given use of this holodeck to the two of you for an indiscernible amount of time. Since we have seen that containment is important. We have holodecks so it shouldn’t be much of an issue.”

Janus hmmed and turned to Remus.

“What do you think would be a good base program for now? My mind first went to that dark setting you used for your introduction song. That could be limitless, and you should have room to create whatever you wish.”

Remus tilted his head back and forth many times as he thought.

“Yeah sure, I’ll probably want to change things up as I go.”

Geordi nodded. “Let me know if you need any more help.”

Janus nodded. “Alright.”

“If we’re not too distracted~” Remus said. Janus glared at him for a moment.

“We want them to trust us, Remus.”

Remus pouted and then blew a raspberry. “Yeah yeah.”

Janus gave Geordi a restrained smile. “Thank you. I think it may be best to leave us to our devices for now.”

Geordi nodded. Logan followed him out, glancing back for a moment before also leaving.

Janus turned around to see Remus summoning random things again. He added eerie green lighting, whose source was not visible. And there was a bed in the middle of the room. Janus felt his face heat up but cleared his throat as he walked over towards it.

Logan refrained from continuing to glance back at the holodeck they had left. Janus and Remus were doing gosh knows what, he wouldn’t want to know. Logan wasn’t sure how he felt about their solution to the Remus disruptions. Giving him space to let the impulses out, with a continual monitor, didn’t seem like a solid solution to Logan. There is much that could go wrong. These factors they were dealing with were unpredictable. This was a crossover of natures that shouldn’t even make sense.  Logan sighed.

“Were they given comm badges yet?” He asked.

“I do not believe so,” Geordi said.

“It would be a good idea to give them some, it would be easier to keep track should something else malfunction. Not to mention we discussed the Doctor checking Janus over at some point. Although given the strangeness of our beings I’m not sure how that would help. Then again, given scientific inquiry, it is likely to find some results that potentially help in some way-“

“Logan,” Geordi looked at him. “Would you like to help with those matters?”

Logan cleared his throat. “It seems important. At the same time though, I wouldn’t want to interrupt them. Considering the unpredictable nature of Remus and his lack of any self-consciousness.” He would not let himself blush about this. It was normal.

Geordi cleared his throat. “Yes, I can understand that. I think they’ll be ok, but if you’re concerned maybe look into doing those soon.”

Logan refrained from arguing about being concerned and nodded.

“Here, I’ll take you to where we can get their comm badges.”

“Would they need to be present? That just occurred to me.”

“We can set up a program in it for their data collection to proceed upon attachment to their clothes.”

“I see. That seems convenient.”

“Indeed.”

Data was at that station when they got there. He nodded at Logan.

“Has your acquaintances’ presence on the ship influenced your experience here yet?”

Data asked. Logan tilted his head in thought.

“Considering they have not been here long yet, I would say it’s early to tell.”

“How about in general?” Geordi asked as he handed Logan the badges. Logan hmmed.

“It is hard to say…in some ways. Reason would show it could be a benefit to have others of a similar physical makeup as me to be in my vicinity. At the same time though, I know that their presence here is also against their consent like my own. Not to mention they don’t even share my interest in starship-related phenomenon.”

Geordi nodded. “Yeah, that can suck.”

Logan tilted his head. “I’m afraid I don’t follow. In this context, nothing sucks anything so I do not understand what you are trying to say.”

Geordi just looked at him for a moment.

“Er, I just mean I can see how that would not be likable I guess.”

“Ah. Yes, it is not the best circumstances. I almost feel a responsibility for them, given my knowledge of this genre of starships. Almost like I share a connection to both.”

Data nodded. “Yes, I can see that.”

Logan looked to him. “Oh?”

“Mhm. It is like how I share camaraderie with my fellow crew members. Yet, I share similarities to technology around us that biological beings would not. This follows the sentiment of the expression, being of ‘two different worlds’. Although world can be broad in that sense and I am still in only one location. Yet, I am convinced I understand the true meaning though.”

Logan smiled a little at that and looked away. This was why it was great to be able to interact with Data in some way. He knew Data could understand how he relates.

Geordi tapped his comm,

“Doctor, would you be able to get the results you need from a tricorder scan?”

“The data would not be as extensive as when I was able to scan Logan in Med Bay. It should at least get us a start to go off of, to see if there’s a way we can help by understanding his physiology.”

“Understood. We’ll take what we can. It would probably be best to head down to that holodeck as soon as you can. The sooner we can get interruptions out of the way, they better it will be if Remus can get his impulses out of his system.”

“I should probably enter first though,” Logan added quickly,

“To be sure they’re ready, and at a safe place to see other physical lifeforms. Given that nothing Remus can do would affect me. I tend to be the most immune to Remus’s abilities given what I am.”

Logan didn’t want to run in on anything inappropriate Remus could be doing. For some reason it felt worse for a crew member, who doesn’t know them, to accidentally walk in on them though.

“That sounds like a good idea. The counselor should be on standby near the holodeck anyways.”

            **

(While this was happening)

            Janus didn’t even realize Remus already saw him walking toward the bed that had been summoned. Yet before Janus even reached it, he felt tentacles lift him up and shove him onto the bed. He heard Remus giggle before he saw him. Then Remus was above him, like Doc Oc with the tentacles holding him over. Remus gradually lowered himself to be on top of Janus, that manic look still on his face. It was unnerving yet thrilling for some reason, even though Janus should be used to it by now.

“So~…”

The tentacles seemed to have a mind of their own as they moved all around, most of their attention focused on Janus. Janus jolted and squeaked a bit when occasionally one would grope or pinch in certain areas.

“What setting should we have for naughty times~? I feel like we could go more exciting than just black background. I’m leaning towards either a swamp or the Big Bang.”

Janus huffed, even as he felt Remus start to rub against him. “I would rather my eardrums not get blown out, thanks.”

Remus twisted his lips up some. “Swamp it is then!”

Janus rolled his eyes as Remus set up a swamp setting for the holodeck. The bed’s placement didn’t change or move, although Janus suspected now it squelched on something.

“Lovely,” He drawled. Remus snickered.

“Now, I feel like throwing some things.”

“Remus-“ before Janus could get him to stop, Remus flung Janus’s hat away. Janus glared at him.

“If something happens to that, I will not be happy.”

Remus rolled his eyes. “I’m sure it’s fine. You can’t tell me throwing your clothes isn’t sexy,”

“Not when we are in a swamp setting.”

Janus jolted when he felt the suction cups of the tentacles in certain areas.

“Good?” Remus asked. Janus broke eye contact and nodded.

Janus swore that Remus was definitely more wiggly than normal. He couldn’t decide if he liked that yet or not.

-

Luckily, they didn’t get too far when they heard the door to the holodeck open. Remus groaned and flung something with a glint towards the door.

“Remus no!” Janus grabbed Remus and pulled him back. Remus untensed some under Janus’s arms, but he was still buzzing, and probably glaring at the door.

Logan stood there, leaning to the side, looking like he barely managed to catch the throwing knife.

“And this is why I entered first,” He said, dropping the knife. Janus sighed.

“Don’t worry, the holodeck has safeties on.”

Janus didn’t quite know what that meant, but Logan continued. “Anyways, apologies for interrupting,”

“You know, considering we were supposed to get free reign of this magic sci-fi room, I am already sick of all the cock blocking,” Remus said. Janus slapped him.

“Remus!”

Logan cleared his throat and chose not to respond to that.

“Everyone on the Enterprise wears a comm badge. It’s an important form of communication and helps track your location. So we check on safety if there’s an emergency.”

Janus frowned. “I don’t like the idea of being tracked.”

“It’s starship policy. Plus,  I would be assured of your well-being seeing as the two of you will likely be cooped in here for the time being. It could be important to note if certain events are affecting the whole ship.”

“Aw, does Logey care about us?” Remus teased. Logan frowned.

“If I say yes will you put them on?”

Janus snorted and grabbed the indicated one to put on his shirt where he saw Logan’s was.

“How well do these stay on? Remus doesn’t stay still very well.”

Logan nodded. “Well enough, as long as they are near enough to be heard.”

Janus nodded.

“Thank you.”

“Also, the Doctor would like to scan you, due to your shifts in abilities.”

Remus huffed, “Oh c’mon.”

Logan held up a tablet, “I summoned a copy of one of their tablet devices. You can look up disturbing things Starfleet crews have to deal with in this genre.”

“Oo, gimme!” He snatched it from Logan’s hand. Janus gave Logan a look.

“I’m not going to discourage learning information, and it will keep him occupied.”

~

“So “

The Enterprise leadership was meeting to discuss the next steps on the new situation with the Sides continuing to appear on the ship. Logan was there as well.

“I’ve looked through earth archives from the 21^st century and did manage to find more information on this Thomas Sanders that the Sides say they came from. A decently well-known internet celebrity for hid audience age group.” Data said.

An image of Thomas Sanders was presented on the view screen of the room.

“There are mentions of the Sides in some of his web series, although they were commonly seen as characters.”

“Interesting.”

“Let’s be sure not to dig up too much information on him, such as information The Sides may not be privy to from their future. Stick to up to the date Logan and the others come from. I believe it is the same time period for all of them?”

“I believe so,” Logan then said. “Based on what I have seen so far.”

“I just wonder how they got onto Q’s radar. He has access to so much in the Universe, this specific strikes me as strange.”

“I’m not sure if attempting to figure that out would help, he can be quite unpredictable.”

-

“For real?” Janus asked the Doctor. She nodded.

“It can be difficult to know for sure with this new data. Yet, the instability of your cells correlates to your shape-shifting abilities. A routine could be helpful to stabilize your condition.”

“How the hell am I supposed to get into a routine when I am in a new place and completely out of my element!”

The counselor spoke up, “Perhaps it would be a good idea to ask for suggestions from Logan? He seems to have a certain familiarity.”

Janus huffed and crossed his arms.

“We’re not giving up,” The Doctor said, “but it could be good to gain some stability as well.”

“And you don’t have to of course, but I would highly suggest coming to talk with me at some point,” The counselor said.

Janus rolled his eyes. “Oh, like I’m /totally/ the type to just open up about my supposed feelings to a counselor from the future.”

“I am going to suggest the same thing to Logan. I am sure he will be reluctant as well, but I still stand by that it would be helpful.”

Janus snorted, “For real. I can’t tell you how many times he has lied about having feelings like we would honestly care that he does.”

“So you are able to know when the other sides are lying?” The Doctor then asked.

“Uh yeah. Makes sense, you know.”

They nodded.

“So, we can figure out some options for you. Remus will be staying in the holodeck in the meantime. I would suggest having your own space, I believe there is a free room next to Logan’s.”

Janus hmmed.

“Might as well be near a familiar face.”