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TITLE: Ka'lin sha
AUTHOR: Mithril (perretta@entelchile.net)
TYPE: Story
RATING: PG-13
SUMMARY: How long can friendship last?
DISCLAIMERS: Earth: Final Conflict characters and Universe are from Gene Roddenberry. No copyright infringement is intended.
The idea is mine.
SPOILERS: None
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Thank you very much to Ja'el for editing my story. This is the last story of my Ka'lin sha series.
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Ka'lin sha
by Mithril (perretta@entelchile.net)

Now...

In the detention area onboard the Mothership, a blond woman was seated on her cell's floor, her arms wrapped around her knees. Ae'lia knew she would soon face the void. She sighed. All had been her fault, though. It had been her idea to go to the Taelon Embassy, but she had had to know the truth. Tired, she leaned her body against the wall, but quickly regretted it, her back still hurt and so did her hands. She eyed disgusted the strange bracelets the Taelons had put her in order to control her shaquavarah. She shook her head. Yes, al had been her fault, but what had happened next, had been completely out of her control. She smiled sadly, unnoticed tears falling from her eyes. She lowered her gaze. Through Liam's memories, she had learned that he used to spend all the time aboard the ship. How could she have ever imagined that he would be there too?

She simply had not been prepared for the deep emotions such encounter would cause. Annoyed with herself, she bit her lip. Who was she trying to fool? She should have known, though... After all he was still her Ka'lin sha... he had always been...

*************************************************************************

Five hours earlier...

Inside the Flat Planet Café -to Augur's astonishment- the white-golden swirl slowly began to change its form, until two human shapes were clearly seen. The bright light began to fade. Then, everything was over. Ae'lia and Liam stood there, their palms joined.

"Now I finally have a family," Liam whispered, tenderly embracing his sister.

"Yes. Father was right. We will never be alone," she said happily, returning the hug. "Now you are the little one," she teased.

Pulling her back, he looked at her with a raised eyebrow. She just gave him an innocent grin.

Suddenly someone cleared its throat. The siblings turned.

"Could anybody tell me what's going on?" a puzzled Augur asked.

The major smiled widely. "Sure, please, forgive me Augur. Let me introduce you to my sister, Ae'lia," he said.

"Sister?" he repeated in disbelief.

She stepped forward and offered her hand. "Yes. I am Ha'gel's daughter. Nice to meet you," she said sincerely, knowing that he was one of her brother's best friends.

The genius just looked at her with an open mouth, but could not say a word.

Seeing his reaction, she tilted her head and turned to an amused Liam. "Is everything all right with him?" she asked, concerned.

Liam nodded. "Do not worry, he usually behaves like this," he answered, a hint of mischief in his voice.

Realizing that he was making a fool of himself, Augur recovered and, after giving an annoyed look to Liam, he took Ae'lia's hand and kissed it. "Enchanté," he said in his best gentlemanly tone.

Surprised by the strange greeting, she slightly blushed.

"Augur..." Liam said in a warning tone, knowing his friend's attitude towards ladies.

"What?" he asked innocently.

The young hybrid rolled his eyes. "She is my sister..."

He was about to add something else, but Ae'lia interrupted him. "It is all right, Liam. If Augur is your friend, he can be mine too," she said gently, smiling at the genius. "Am I correct in my assumption, Augur?

Embarrassed by her kindness, he cleared his throat. "Of... course," he managed to say. "Well, I will leave you alone," he said after a moment of silence. "I believe that you two have many things to talk about."

"Bye, Augur and, please, don't say a word about this," Liam urged him.

The genius shook his head. "Of course not." Then he looked at Ae'lia and met her incredibly tender eyes. "It was a pleasure to meet you. If you ever need my help, don't hesitate to ask for it," he offered sincerely.

She grinned. "Thank you, I will," she said and, to his surprise, she approached and kissed him on his cheek. "Good bye, my friend," she said sweetly.

In spite of himself, Augur blushed in a deep red. "I think I am in love," he whispered.

With a last nod, he left them alone.

She followed him with a curious gaze and then looked at her brother. "Did I say something inappropriate?" she asked to a chuckling Liam.

He could not help but laugh aloud. "No. It's just that you made a quite impression on him."

She tilted her head and smiled. "I know that you are surrounded by good people."

"Yes... but..." he stopped and stared at his feet.

Ae'lia placed a hand on his shoulder. "I also know about your special bond with... Da'an," she said, unable to hide the fear in her voice. "He is like..."

"Like a father," he finished for her, meeting her eyes. "He is different, Ae'lia."

She bowed her head. "I do not... know," she whispered. "Taelons still scare me."

He hugged her. "No, believe me. Da'an can be trusted," he said " but you are right, they are looking for you. Zo'or will turn the planet upside-down in order to find you," he finished in a worried tone.

To Liam's surprise, she blushed golden. "Zo'or?" she asked, stiffening and walking a step back.

"Yes," he said angrily. "Killing the last of the Kimera will support his position as the Synod Leader."

At Liam's words, Ae'lia sat on a chair. *Why, Ka'lin sha?* she thought desperately. "Does he want to kill me?" she asked in such a sad voice that Liam thought that she would cry.

Worried to see her like that, he grabbed a chair and sat next to her. He held one of her hands. "Hey, do you think that I would let anyone to harm my favorite sister?" he asked in a reassuring voice.

She smiled sadly and raised a glowing hand. "Do not let my appearance deceive you. I have shaquavarah... and I will not allow anyone to hurt my little brother. Please, forgive me, Liam," she said and, before he could react, she fired a low blast of energy. Unconscious, he leaned on her. (Please, do not be mad at me) she thought to him. Then, she carefully laid his body on the floor and tenderly stroked his hair. (Please, understand. I have to know the truth... for both of us. I need to know if you are right.) With a last look at Liam, Ae'lia rose and walked away.

Twenty minutes later, Ae'lia arrived to her destination... the Taelon Embassy. After a moment of hesitation and fighting the overwhelming fear, she entered.

******

Inside the audience chamber, the North American Companion stood near the virtual glass window, looking at the city, hoping against hope, that Liam could find his sister before Zo'or did. He shook his head. This time he would interfere.

Suddenly, Da'an felt the presence of a stranger in the room. He turned around and blinked in surprise. In the middle of the chamber, there was a slender, blond woman, watching intently at him. The Taelon tilted the head, wondering how she had avoided the security. He was sure he had never seen her before, but her gaze was oddly familiar. He was not scared, though. In fact, he could see fear in her eyes... and a great sadness.

He blushed blue... Now he remembered.

"Do you know who I am, Da'an?" she asked in a soft voice.

He lowered his gaze. "You are Ha'gel's offspring, Ae'lia," he answered. "You should not be here. It is dangerous," he added after a moment of tense silence.

She smiled bitterly. "After all that the Taelons did to my people... Why the concern?" she asked dryly.

Da'an met her eyes and was surprised by the overwhelming sorrow he saw within them. "What is that you want?" he asked in a kind tone.

At his question, Ae'lia lost her temper... and her human appearance. Now a sparkling, white-golden Kimera stood before Da'an. "I WANT TO KNOW WHY!" she yelled angrily. "I want my world back!" she added. "I want my father..." she finished in a whisper, bowing her head and regaining Sarah's body.

Deeply touched by her lost and pain and, knowing that he was partially responsible for all her suffering, he rose from his chair and walked towards her. Gently, he took one of her hands to his chest. "I cannot give you what you want, but you can take my life instead. I am prepared to embrace the void. I deserve it," he said seriously.

Startled, Ae'lia raised her eyes. Seeing he was willingly to die, she withdrew her hand. She shook her head and smiled. "Could it be that Liam is right and you are different? Will you betray him, Da'an?" she asked in a low voice

He blushed blue at the intensity of her questions. "There is only one way you can learn that," he said, raising a hand.

She stiffened, but then relaxed. "I understand," she agreed. "If I remain in this form, the Commonality will not notice my presence."

Da'an nodded. "Do not be afraid, he said reassuringly, realizing the anxiety in her eyes.

She tilted her head. "I cannot help it, you are a Taelon," she said seriously, and taking a deep breath, she joined her palm with his hand.

******

In the Flat Planet Café, Liam regained consciousness. Without loosing time, he rose from the floor and hurried towards the exit. Ae'lia had taken him by surprise. He knew too well why she had knocked him out... and were she had gone. He only hoped to arrive in time... before she made a terrible mistake.

******

Onboard the Mothership, The Synod Leader's relaxing time was suddenly interrupted by a faint, almost unnoticed presence within the Commonality. He closed the energy stream and regained his façade. He lowered his gaze to his hand and, for a second, a tender smile appeared on his face. *No!* he thought, shaking his head and hardening his heart. *This time I will not allow her to escape.*

With a wave of his hand, he activated the data stream and contacted Agent Sandoval. "Prepare the shuttle and bring a group of volunteers with you. The destination is the Washington Embassy."

"Immediately, Zo'or."

The Taelon closed the stream and rose from his chair. *I am not Ka'lin sha!* he thought annoyed, as if trying to convince himself. Then, with a dark glare, he went his way to the shuttle bay.

******

After a while, Ae'lia lowered her hand, a serene look on her face. "Thank you," she said sincerely. "Now I know that Liam is right."

Then, she placed a hand on his shoulder. "I forgive you, Da'an."

He blushed in a deep blue and bowed his head. "Your forgiveness is a precious gift," he said softly.

She smiled sweetly.

"AE'LIA NO!" someone abruptly yelled behind them.

Startled, she turned and Da'an raised his eyes. Liam was in the doorway, a panicked look in his eyes. "Ae'lia, please, no. Da'an is--"

The Major stopped at the amused glances his sister and Da'an gave him. "Is everything all right?" the protector asked, approaching them.

Ae'lia nodded. "Do not worry, Liam. It was never my intention to harm Da'an. I just wanted to know if you were right."

"And?" he asked.

She looked at the Taelon and then returned her gaze to her brother. You already know the answer to that," she said with a grin.

Liam smiled back and Da'an blushed blue again.

"Liam, you should escort Ae'lia to a safe place. It is dangerous for her to remain here," the North American Companion urged him.

"Of course, Da'an," Liam agreed, worried.

"I hope we can meet again," she said to Da'an.

"So do I," he stated.

"Come on, sis," Liam said, after the salute was made. "You go first."

Ae'lia tilted her head. "Are you afraid of me, little one?" she teased.

The Major blushed and Da'an could not hide his amusement.

"No, I just want to be sure, that's all," the young hybrid said.

With a grin, she walked towards the exit and Liam followed her... But they never left the chamber. Something terrible happened.

******

Once Zo'or had arrived to the Embassy, he immediately hurried to the audience chamber. He could feel her presence within the building. With a smirk, he walked faster, Agent Sandoval by his side and the group of volunteers marching behind.

Focused on his thoughts, he distractedly entered the audience chamber... and bumped into a blond woman. Oblivious to the stares, they remained frozen in the forced embrace. A flash of recognition glowed in their eyes. Zo'or lost his façade... unfortunately, so did Ae'lia.

"I--" she began to say, but was brutally interrupted by a sharp pain on her back... caused by Sandoval's skrill.

Instinctively, Zo'or held her, carefully lying her body on the floor. (Why... Ka'lin sha?) she whispered in his mind, before completely passing out. He sparkled brighter.

"What did you do that?" a shocked Liam barked to Sandoval. At the warning glance Da'an gave him, he forced himself to clam down. "You could have hurt Zo'or," he added.

"Of course not," Sandoval said, clearly annoyed. "I just fired to leave the Kimera unconscious. You should thank me, though. It is obvious that she had deceived you."

Zo'or regained his façade and turned to Sandoval. "Put her in the energy bracelets and take her to my shuttle."

"Stop," Da'an said firmly. "I do not agree with the Synod in this matter. She is not a threat to us."

Zo'or looked at him, a strange expression in his eyes. "You know that the Synod has already decided her fate. Soon the Kimeran race will be completely extinct." With that, he left the room, a dark aura surrounded him.

Panicked, Liam saw how the volunteers and Sandoval carried Ae'lia away. Unnoticed, his hands began to glow.

"Liam!" Da'an exclaimed.

The young hybrid looked angrily at him. "They will kill her, Da'an. Zo'or will kill my sister!"

The Taelon blushed blue and raised a hand in a calming manner. "It will not help Ae'lia that you revealed your true origins," he said reassuringly.

Realizing that Da'an was right, Liam sighed and bowed his head. "I know, but--"

"Major Kincaid," Da'an interrupted him. "Prepare the shuttle. I have things to attend in the Mothership," he said serious.

Liam's eyes lit up. "Of course, Da'an."

*************************************************************************

Now...

With a shake of her head, Ae'lia stood up and walked towards the virtual glass window. Curious, she wondered why the Taelons had locked her in a cell with a view. *Maybe to give their condemned prisoners a last chance to watch the Universe* she thought. No that she complained, though. The Universe had been her home for thousands years... and, using a human phrase, now it would be her last stop.

She slightly smiled. At least she had met her brother, Liam. *I am so sorry, Liam. I wish we would have had more time* she thought sadly, loosing her human appearance. Immediately the bracelets began to glow, sending painful energy waves to her sparkling body. Scared, Ae'lia recovered Sarah's form, tears falling from her eyes. With a sigh, she dried them and fixed her gaze upon the spectacular sight... Knowing that it would be for the last time.

******

(Why, Ka'lin sha?) the soft, sweet voice still echoed in his mind, a deep sadness within those words.

Annoyed to no end, Zo'or rose from his command chair. *This will end right now!* he thought darkly. *I am not Ka'lin sha!* he yelled in his mind, leaving the bridge and hurrying to the detention area.

******

Unaware of Zo'or's intentions, Da'an arrived to the detention area, blushing blue at the sight of Ae'lia inside the cell. He was about to call her attention, when suddenly he felt someone coming. Quickly, he hid within the shadows and, when he saw who it was, he bowed his head in despair.

******

The Synod Leader quietly entered the detention area and slowly approached her cell. He was not surprise to see her as a human. He knew the painful effects that the energy bracelets have in a Kimera.

Ae'lia stiffened, but did not turn around. ""What is that you want?" she asked, resignation and sadness in her voice.

"Nothing," he said coldly. "May I assume that you know your fate?"

"I will joined my father," she answered.

Zo'or blushed blue. Why did her sadness touched him so deeply? Annoyed, he shook his head. He had vowed not to be weak again. "Everything is different now. I am the Synod Leader," he said deadly serious.

"I know," she whispered.

Zo'or stood there, his hands moving fast. After a while he realized that the conversation was over, so he turned to leave.

"Wait!" she suddenly exclaimed.

He faced her again, this time, though, she was looking at him, tears in her eyes.

"I... do not... want to embrace the void," she said.

Zo'or hardened his gaze. "I cannot let you go," he stated darkly.

She bowed her head and sighed. "I understand."

"No, you do not understand," he said in a cruel tone, that surprised himself. "I AM NOT KA'LIN SHA!" he yelled, glaring at her.

Scared and deeply hurt by his violent reaction, Ae'lia could not keep her concentration... and lost her disguise. The bracelets started to glow. Unbearable pain reached to her, but she was too distressed to regain her human body.

Panicked by the scene before him, Zo'or finally realized that he would never be able to harm her. "You must change," he urged her.

"I... cannot..." she answered, trembling, falling to her knees. "I..."

Without thinking about it, Zo'or deactivated the security shield and kneeled by her side. He waved his hand over the bracelets and they opened, falling to the floor.

"Thank... you," she managed to say, still shaking.

He nodded and, unable to stop himself, slowly he joined his hands with hers. (This was what I really wanted) he thought to her, feeling her surprise and joy. (I believe that you are still my Ka'lin sha.)

(We have always been) she tenderly whispered in his mind.

Suddenly, Zo'or stiffened and began to lowered his hands. "I will not be able to shield your presence from the Commonality," he explained at her puzzle look.

She tilted her head. "You do not need the Commonalty if you are with me," she said softly. (Do not be afraid) she sweetly thought to him. (I will never harm you).

Zo'or nodded. (I know that) he whispered in her mind, severing himself from the Commonality. Immediately, he felt the tender presence of Ae'lia surrounded him. Their bodies melted into a sparkling blue-golden swirl, their minds became one.

Ten minutes later, the incredible and intense sharing was over. Reluctantly, they lowered their hands and remained on the floor, staring at each other.

Zo'or was the firs one to recover. "Now you know what to do," he said seriously. Without another word, he rose and walked away.

After a while, Ae'lia regained her human appearance, a dreamy expression on her face. Zo'or was right, now she knew a safe way out of the Mothership. "Thank you, Ka'lin sha," she said in a low voice. Raising from the floor, she left the detention area.

******

Once Ae'lia had gone, a startled and amazed Da'an stepped out from the shadows. He still did not believe the event he had witnessed. He smiled, now he knew how she had survived the Taelon attack to the Kimeran world... Zo'or himself had saved her!

The North American Companion tilted his head and decided that Ae'lia would not need his help.

Blushing blue in disbelief, he went to the shuttle bay -where Liam was waiting for him.

During his way, the alarms went off. To his relief, through his link with the Commonality, he learned that Ae'lia had escaped.

A few minutes later, he arrived to his destination. Liam approached him with shinning eyes. "You did it Da'an. Thank you!" the Major said gratefully.

Da'an shook his head. "You are wrong. I did not do anything."

"Then, how did she escape?" Liam asked, puzzled.

Da'an looked at him through the corner of his eye. "She received unexpected help," he answered and walked towards a shuttle. He was about to boarded it, but he stopped and turned to his protector. "Liam, what does the word Ka'lin sha mean?" he asked, curious.

Liam blinked in surprise at the strange question. After a moment of thinking, he smiled and answered. "Is an ancient kimeran word. Actually it has two meanings. Between children means friend, but if it is spoken by adults -male and female- it can be translated to chosen one."

Da'an blushed in a deep blue. "That is what I have thought," he said enigmatically, entering the shuttle.

With a helpless shrug, Liam followed him.

******

Inside his private chamber, Zo'or stood by the virtual glass window, looking intently at the stars. An unusually tender expression on his face. In spite of all his promises, he knew he had been weak again, but he did not regret it. For a moment he had been surrounded by love. He could not longer deny that she was his Ka'lin sha... and she would always be.

He smiled, sure that the would meet again... After all, Earth was such a small planet...

FIN

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Copyright 1999 Mithril (perretta@entelchile.net).