Revenant 4: Double Blind
by Karolyn Gray <kmgray3@aol.com>

Part 1

London, UK

"Look, Boone... Laisren...or..whoever you're calling yourself these days. I know who you are. I know you don't have any reason to believe me, let alone trust me. But I am telling you the truth!" The Asian doctor whispered fiercely, loud enough to be heard over the muted tones from the band playing inside the pub they had just left. Puffs of his breath drifted away into the cold night air with each word.

William Laisren smiled slightly at the Doctors use of his old name as he stamped his feet on the cracked pavement lightly. It was a forgivable mistake considering only he called himself by his chosen name. Everyone else still saw him as Boone. He mentally shrugged as he had hundreds of times before. What others called him didn't matter. He may not always know who he was at times, but he knew what he was. And for now that was enough to satisfy him.

He gave the man before him a considering look. A small, humorless smile graced his features. Only the calm and serious gaze of his eyes gave any indication as to the Companion agent's dark thoughts.

"I should simply hall you in and let Sandoval and his boys have a go at you." He growled slowly, his tone carrying the promise of terrible things should he decide to carry out his threat.

"If you do that they'll find out about you and Marquette." Takage threatened.

He instantly regretted his words as Boone grasped him by the collar and shoved him into the brick wall behind him. Takage groaned in pain as he slammed into the hard surface painfully. When his vision cleared it was filled the view of a glowing and hissing skrill.

"And I could simply skrill you into oblivion, couldn't I Doctor?" Wil asked, fury lingering terribly in the implants eyes. Takage sneered in contempt knowing Boone wouldn't kill him. Hurt him a little...maybe, but kill him? Never.

"B-but y-your..." Wil squeezed a hand painfully over the Doctors throat, severely tempted to carry out his threat. Takage gagged knowing instantly his assumptions about the implant were wrong. Dead wrong.

"What do you have for me?" Wil asked, shaking the Doctor once before releasing him in the realization that his rapidly growing anger could not be contained much longer in the presence of this man.

Takage rubbed his throat, fear plainly on his face. He swallowed nervously. "The Front is back." He whispered.

Instantly Wil's CVI instantly provided him with the unwanted memories of another lifetime. His simmering anger spiked for the barest of moments into rage as he remembered those dark days. Wil's eyes narrowed dangerously "What do you mean? The Front for the Liberation of Earth?"

Takage nodded his head hurriedly, clearly terrified now of the Companion Security agent before him. He had seen something pass behind those cool eyes. Something indefinable and yet it still terrified him. "Mac's managed to gather up some followers."

"Mac Thorvald? Littleton's lieutenant?" Wil asked, sharply grasping the man's shoulder painfully.

The Asian nodded quickly. "Yes. He's managed to avoid Companion Security down in Guatemala while building up a group of followers. He's now back in North America."

"What are his intentions?" Wil asked, releasing his grasp on the Doctor.

Takage slowly smoothed out his now wrinkled blue sports coat and white tee. "I don't know." Seeing the sudden frown on the implants face he raised his hand in a warding gesture. "Honest! I don't. When I refused to re-join, he sent out a hit team on me. I barely escaped to Britain with my life!"

Boone stared at the man long and hard, deciding after several moments that the doctor spoke the truth. "Then why come to me?" He asked suspiciously.

"I didn't intend to contact you." The Doctor stated, relaxing somewhat as he noticed the skrill's glow had dimmed. "Hell, I thought you were dead!"

"And were quite happy with that news, I'm sure." Boone commented sarcastically.

"Yeah. Yeah I was." The Doctor looked down shamed by the admission. "But look I didn't know what to do. Mac's assassins are after me."

"And you want protection from me? From your worst enemy?" Boone asked, snorting in derision.

"Yes!" Takage agreed, looking nervously down the alley towards the street for an instant before returning his gaze to Boone. "I know you have no reason to believe me, let alone trust me. But isn't this information worth something?"

Boone tilted his head slightly, sending a creeping chill down the Asian doctors spine. The gesture was far too reminiscent of the Taelons to make him comfortable. "Maybe." He finally said after a moment. "I'd have to take you directly to the UK Companion, you know that don't you?"

"Yes, I know." The Doctor replied, resignedly.

"You'll probably go to jail for the rest of your life for your role in the FLE." Boone noted, watching the Doctor closely as he said this.

Takage closed his eyes and sighed, nodding his slowly. "I know." He raised his head until his dark eyes locked with the implant's own. "I'm just tired of running."

"Let's go then." Boone nodded slowly and gestured towards the street with his head. "Do you need to retrieve anything first from your domicile?"

Takage looked at him oddly, surprised at this thoughtful gesture from the implant. His eyes widened suddenly as he noticed a small glowing tendril appear and then fade as quickly as it came trailing from the implants ear to the back of his neck. Seeing the odd look he was receiving, Boone returned the gaze. "Is there a problem, Doctor?"

"What did they do to you?" He whispered backing away in fear of what he had just seen.

Boone actually chuckled lowly at that, an almost soft growl of delighted amusement, as he turned to fix a predatory gaze on the Doctor. "You should have phrased that as what they did not do to me."

"You were dead. Weren't you?" The Doctor asked in amazement. "They brought you back!"

Boone snatched the Doctors arm painfully dragging him close as they Doctor turned to flee in panic, unable and unwilling to accept the obvious resurrected man before him. The Doctor struggled, kicking and punching wildly for several moments. He knew he felt his blows land on the implant, but quickly realized they were ineffectual. The implant didn't even seem to feel them.

The lazy smile on the implants face after he had been subdued was clear evidence that his attempted escape had been pointless. Fear rose in him again as the red headed implant leaned close to his face. An odd, not quite sane look entered the man's eyes. "An avatar must die in order to be reborn. Remember that Doctor and you may yet live a normal life." Boone whispered.

Doctor Takage suddenly found his limbs free again as the implant released him and quickly stalked down the alley, clearly letting the Asian doctor decide his own fate. Face certain death at the hands of his former comrades or face the possibility of death with his sworn enemies

Still trembling in fear the Doctor slowly followed the implant. There was no other choice for him.

---------------------------------------------------------

Washington, DC

"Are you sure this information is correct? Look at the source it's coming from." Liam gestured to the holographic image of William Laisren née Boone and his nervous Asian prisoner. His tone and gesture were vague enough as to implicate both men and yet at the same time neither. Laisren's eyes narrowed ever so slightly at this insult but otherwise showed no indication that the other Protector's words had affected him.

Da'an stared at Liam for a moment before returning his gaze to the holographic image of the red haired implant. "While Major Kincaid's words may be ill chosen, his reasoning is not. Are you certain that Dr. Takage is telling the truth?" Da'an gestured gracefully to the Asian man standing with a subdued expression beside the implant.

Laisren looked over the Asian once, an odd smiled flitting across his face as the Doctor involuntarily shuddered. Turning his attention back to the American Companion the implant nodded once, sharply. "Yes, Da'an. I do not doubt the Doctors intentions."

Da'an nodded once; unable to stop the odd sense of déjà vu he felt whenever he looked upon Boone.... no Laisren...he corrected himself. It was the implants own chosen name, a break with his past in order to create a new identity, a new life. Da'an tried hard to honor the implants decision despite his own misgivings. "Very well, Mr. Laisren."

"And what do you recommend be done to rectify this situation, Mr. Boone?" Zo'or stated via holographic transmission, having silently watched the proceedings from the homeship.

Undeterred in the least by the arrogant and condescending tone of the Synod Leader, Laisren smiled shooting the Taelon a knowing look. "I should think that was obvious. I and my security detail shall leave for Washington immediately to aide Da'an and his protector in apprehending Mac Thorvald and his followers."

Zo'or actually smiled at this, clearly seeing the implant had given him an opportunity to embarrass Da'an. He cast a cool eye to Da'an as he spoke. "Very well. Proceed as you have stated, Mr. Boone. Perhaps you can rectify the alarming number of security breaches that have occurred in North America."

"I would most pleased to do so." Laisren replied, as he bowed his head ever so slightly and cut the connection.

Zo'or smiled inwardly, greatly pleased. He found he actually enjoyed this version of Boone. He was wily one and quite unpredictable. But he was loyal. Of that Zo'or was certain. The implant had no imperative directing his motives other than to destroy the Jaridians. He worked for the Companion because he chose to do so. Even better, he knew his place within in the Taelon hierarchy and accepted it without question. It was very refreshing.

He turned his attention on Da'an to see his former mentor watching him impassively, only the occasional twitch of his fingers giving any hint as to the North American Companion's thoughts. He wanted to sneer at this show of emotion, however small it was.

Instead all he could feel was pity and sadness for his one time mentor. Da'an simply no longer understood. He allowed his thoughts to be clouded by these primitive humans. Perhaps it would have been better that he had taken Boone's offer to kill Da'an several weeks ago.

'He event calls Boone by his new name of Laisren!' Zo'or thought incredulously. He too had allowed the genetically engineered human this insignificant change in appeasement for the clone's ill-planned entrance into this existence. Even Zo'or was willing to admit he had allowed Doctor Abraham too many liberties with the Bellator Project.

Then he had overheard several of the humans talking and discovered their own unease at the choice. The meaning of the name still caused Zo'or concern.

'Lazarus.'

There was no possible way Revenant could have known what Lazarus had done but even now Zo'or could not help but feel a tremor of fear as he remembered how close that human had come to killing him and all his kind aboard the ship. He had personally seen to keeping the matter kept silent to prevent any future problems of a similar nature.

But in that instant of revelation he had returned to calling the implant by his progenitors name. As expected, Revenant accepted the Synod's Leader change of mind without comment. In some ways the lack of response concerned him but he had long since accepted the scientist's caste's recommendation not to ascribe the usual human response to the clone.

"See to it that Boone and his security detail are properly supported." After a moment's pause Zo'or instructed Da'an. "Our representative to the United Kingdom has returned to the Homeship and shall remain here until such time as Boone is available to return to his duties as Protector."

"That situation has not been resolved?" Liam asked somewhat surprised to hear Revenant was still acting as head of security for the UK Companion.

"The security needs of the Companions require careful screening, as you well know Major Kincaid." Zo'or said with a sneer.

Liam smirked back at the Synod Leader, surprising Zo'or somewhat with his audacity. "Yes, well you would be the one to decide what constitutes the needs of the Companions on Earth, wouldn't you?"

"I assume Mr. Laisren's detail still numbers three?" Da'an asked, politely interrupted what was a rapidly devolving conversation.

"No. Melissa Henderson, political attaché to the embassy, shall be joining the crisis team as well." Zo'or replied.

"Very well." Da'an replied, taking the addition of the UK Companion's diplomatic attaché to the detail without apparent concern.

Exchanging gestures Zo'or ended his transmission leaving Da'an and Liam alone.

"I don't like it, Da'an. It seems too contrived." Liam instantly stated.

Da'an shook his head. "Were this information to come from Zo'or, I would be cautious."

"But because it's Revenant, you'll believe it?" Liam asked incredulously.

"No." Da'an stated emphatically, casting a sharp gaze at his protector. "Mr. Laisren has worked hard to rebuild a life for himself. It appears he has inherited much of his progenitors sense of justice."

"Da'an, you can't expect him to be Boone based on his body language!" Liam stated. "He's still the Revenant, no matter how many names he takes. He's still programmed to be a killer."

"If he were as you say, Liam, then why did he not simply kill Doctor Takage and take his team in hunt of Mr. Thorvald and his followers? As you well know he has the Synod's authority to eliminate threats to the Companions by any means necessary." Da'an noted coolly.

"You mean slaughter everything in sight." Liam muttered darkly having heard in great detail from Lili, Sandoval, and others the last time Revenant had shown his face North America.

"And yet he hasn't." Da'an replied. "It is what the Revenant would have done."

Liam stopped suddenly realizing Da'an could be right, but something made him ill at ease. He didn't like Laisren. He could tell the man was playing by his own set of rules and not those that the Liberation and Companions thought he followed.

But he knew no one would listen without compelling proof, the type of proof that would damn the genetically engineered clone to a terrible fate at the hands of the Taelons. Liam knew better than to think Revenant and his supporters would let anyone survive long enough to accomplish such a feat.

He sighed, raising his hands in defeat. "I know." He shook his head, deciding to voice his own fears to Da'an. "Something just doesn't seem right about him. It's like he's got his own angle on everything and is using the rest of us to achieve his goals."

"You would not be incorrect in your assumptions." Da'an stated.

"What?" Liam practically yelped. "You know what he's doing?"

Da'an smiled. "I am not as unaware of his actions as you seem to think. William Laisren can be a dangerous opponent. He has the ability, mentally and physically, to make life very difficult for those who become the focus of his attention. For him there are only two possibilities: victory or defeat."

"But the world doesn't work that way." Liam noted.

"Mr. Laisren is fully aware of that fact and yet he still seeks to define his vision of the world in those terms." Da'an stated gesturing slowly to himself as he did so. "I am simply trying to channel his energies in a fashion that would be more beneficial to all involved."

"While Zo'or pushes him into actions that are in the best interests of the Taelons." Liam finished.

"I believe that to be true." Da'an replied with a nod.

Liam frowned slightly. "You forgot a third option. He could decide to do what's most beneficial for himself."

"And what would that be?" Da'an asked curiously.

"To kill everyone who knows what he is." Liam replied.

"No. I do not believe his capable of doing such a thing." Da'an stated.

"He's tried it once before. Don't think it wont cross his mind again at some point." Liam countered.

Da'an blinked slowly and fixed his stare on the human-kimeran hybrid. "Then we must be doubly sure that he never has reason to think such thoughts again." Da'an replied.

---------------------------------------------------------


Part 2

Symposium For Metasensory Phenomenon, New York

"I still think this is a bad idea." Liam said.

"So do I, but Zo'or insisted and it's not our place to question the actions of the Taelons." Sandoval lectured, closely eyeing the discussion between Zo'or and Da'an nearby.

Liam sighed in exasperation, earning a curious glance from the implant.

"Major, you seem troubled by something. May I ask what it is?"

"Revenant." Liam replied.

"Laisren you mean." Lili interjected, speaking up for the first time since their arrival at the symposium. Liam glared at her for a moment but backed down with a small shrug at her cool gaze.

"Fine. Laisren, then."

"I see no need to be concerned. Mr. Laisren and his team have done an excellent job since they arrived yesterday." Sandoval noted.

"I'm not questioning his abilities. It's more to do with the sudden decision on the part of the UK Companion to come to the symposium." Liam hedged, unwilling to voice his concern over Laisren's presence. "It's totally upset the security arrangements."

"Then I would think you'd appreciate Laisren's offer of assistance." Sandoval smiled slightly. "After all, his specialty is protecting Companion interests"

"And humanity's interests." Lili added.

"They are one and the same, Captain." The Asian implant replied matter-of-factly.

"Maybe." Liam muttered. "You can't tell me you don't have some concerns over him though. He did almost kill you, after all. That alone should make anyone a little concerned."

Sandoval frowned, tugging his dark dress coat down to smooth out a few wrinkles. "What I should and should not be concerned about is not your domain, Major." With that the implant stalked off towards the two Companions.

"What was that all about?" Lili wondered.

A speculative look passed over Liam's face. "I don't know but there is more going on there than Sandoval's letting on."

"Do you think he's suspicious of Laisren?" Lili asked. Liam gave Lili a look that caused her to chuckle. "Never mind. Dumb question."

"I have rarely found any questions to be, as you put it, dumb, Captain. Knowledge may only be acquired by inquiring into the unknown." Lili and Liam turned to see Da'an standing with a slight smile curling his lips. Over his shoulder they could see Zo'or was speaking with Sandoval.

Da'an gestured gracefully towards Lili. "What is the nature of the question?"

Lili and Liam quickly exchanged nervous glances, before Lili smiled slightly. "The level of suspicion and trust inherent in various individuals."

Da'an tilted his head slightly, casting a knowing look over his shoulder towards the Synod leader and his implant. He blinked slowly, nodding once as he did so. "I understand."

Liam heard two quick beeps in his earpiece. Catching Sandoval's eye he nodded once.

"They're here." He informed Da'an.

-------------------------------

Da'an was more than a little surprised by the arrival the UK Companion. Not so much in the fact that his fellow Companion had come to the symposium but more or the fact of who accompanied him. Or more precisely who did not accompany him.

Cael O'Bannon strode before the Companion, his eyes coolly taking in everything before him with practiced ease. Da'an felt a pleasant, albeit unexpected, surge of emotion, pride perhaps, at seeing the confidence of the young man. Beside him walked a petite dark haired woman dressed a dark dress that only emphasized the paleness of skin.

Stopping a few feet away, the pair of humans gestured a Taelon welcome to the awaiting reception committee before stepping aside to allow the Companion they escorted through. Zo'or and Da'an exchanged similar gestures with the UK Companion.

"I am pleased that I could attend the symposium this year and am equally honored by your welcome." The UK Companion stated.

"While I find this function to be of questionable merit your insight into this phenomenon may prove enlightening. Our previous attendance of such an event last year proved to be rather inconclusive." Zo'or said.
"It was hardly inconclusive, Zo'or. Human psychics are a reality." Da'an stated. "Or have you already forgotten the incursions?"

"That is why I am here." The UK Companion interrupted. "Humans have shown a remarkable psychic ability. I am merely here to determine what level of threat it may pose to our Commonality and report my findings to the Synod."

"Of course." Zo'or said smoothly, he and Da'an exchanging knowing looks at one another.

"I believe you already know Companion Agent Cael O'Bannon, my acting protector. May I introduce Melissa Henderson, my public relations analyst." The UK Companion gestured to the pair in question. Both merely nodded in reply.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Ms Henderson." Da'an gestured carefully to the trio of humans beside him. "May I present Agent Sandoval, Major Kincaid and Captain Marquette."

"A pleasure to meet you." Melissa Henderson replied with a soft voice bordering on shyness.

"Forgive my presumption, but if I may ask. Where is Agent Laisren?" Sandoval glanced into the nearby crowd.

"Mister Laisren felt that it would be best that he...kept a low profile...is I believe the term he used. He is currently ensuring security arrangements are properly arranged." The UK Companion replied.

"I see." Sandoval murmured, somewhat irked that anyone questioned the procedures he and Major Kincaid had arranged.

"I believe I shall mingle with the crowd. I have had little contact with humans such as these." The UK Companion announced. Cael and Melissa instantly moved to join the Companion but stopped as Zo'or raised his hand.

"Your presence shall not be needed, Agent O'Bannon, Ms. Henderson. I and Agent Sandoval shall accompany him."

"I am honored." The UK Companion replied with some apparent surprise.

Quickly the trio glided off into the crowd, some humans instantly getting out of their path, others trailing behind them in amazement. Sandoval shot O'Bannon an angry look before following the two Taelons.

"Implants." Melissa Henderson muttered disdainfully. A light cough from O'Bannon was enough to make her smile apologetically. "Present company accepted Mister O'Bannon."

"Thank you, ma'am."Cael replied with a small smile.

"So you are the famous Melissa Henderson?" Liam spoke, pleased to finally have met this woman. He had missed her arrival with Laisren's team due to other security concerns and hadn't had a chance to meet with her since. A situation he had found mildly disturbing, as Laisren himself had stonewalled him at each attempt to meet her.

Melissa turned her eyes to the questioning voice. Liam extended his hand. She grasped it firmly as they shook hands. "More like infamous."

Liam chuckled at that. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Major Liam Kincaid. Protector to the North American companion."

Instantly her face fell. "Oh. You're another one."

"Another one? Another what?" Liam asked in confusion.

"Implant." Cael supplied. "Don't take any offence, Major. Ms. Henderson dislikes implants."

"Well then you'll be happy to know I'm not an implant." Liam said with a slight smile.

The sudden frown on her face let the hybrid know instantly that his words had angered her, though he wasn't certain how or why. "I see, Major. So you willing serve... them."

"Uh. Yes. Is that a problem?" He asked.

"My apologies, Major." Da'an interrupted. "I should have informed you of Ms Henderson's rather.... unorthodox views about the Companions and our implants."

"You don't like the Companions?" Liam asked. "But you work for them."

"A client is a client. My job is to make people look good. Even when they aren't people." She replied coolly.

"How did you get involved representing the Taelons then?" Lili asked.

"Because I'm the best analyst available in England, of course." Melissa replied.

"Of course, " Lili murmured, her expression lingering somewhere between disgust and respect.

"I don't have to like the Taelons to represent them or their implants." Melissa stated. She frowned as she raked her eyes up and down Liam with an obviously disapproving look. "Though I think I may have found something even more repulsive than one of their automatons."

"Melissa." Cael hissed in warning while Liam simply stood there, dumbfounded at the woman's behavior.

"If you dislike such work, may I ask why you accompanied Mister Laisren?" Da'an asked.

"Because the UK Companion thought Laisren's observations of my work would improve his own ability to deal with social events such as this." Melissa explained, her tone making the task sound as if she had been assigned the most odious job she had ever performed in her life.

"Well, I'm sure you two get along just great." Lili commented, earning an amused sound from the young implant. Cael's snicker instantly turned to coughing when he realized Melissa was glaring at him.

"Actually, Mister Laisren seems more tolerable than most implants I have met." She commented. "He has quite a..... unique...perspective on things. I sometimes wonder what planet he was born on."

"Yes. I too have noted Agent Laisren's most unorthodox views." Da'an agreed. "For a human he has very many Taelon ideals."

Melissa Henderson leaned in close to the alien. "Not really surprising given your people rewired him to be a human version of yourselves." Melissa whispered with loathing and disgust.

Da'an locked his gaze with the human women, his lips thinning in displeasure. "I find it curious that one who is skilled as you in the art of diplomacy could possibly think such ill conceived thoughts let alone speak them."

Melissa smiled coldly. "And I find it curious that a people as obviously advanced as yours could possibly think they could keep the existence of a human-taelon hybrid a secret, especially when you hide him in the guise of a deceased protector."

Da'an blinked in surprise before quickly recovering with a casual gesture. "And where did you get such a fanciful notion?"

Melissa shook her head in disgust. "Somehow I expected more than that from you given Wil's description. I guess I shouldn't be surprised you are no better than the other Taelons I've met." She sighed.

"Never mind." She waved off the Taelon's questioning gaze. "One, I have eyes and I watch the news. William Boone was a rather striking man for those who paid attention to the company you keep, Da'an. Two, Wil told me who and what he was."

"No offense, Ms Henderson but why would he tell you about his...background?" Liam asked.

"I don't know." Melissa shrugged. "He just showed up at my flat one night a couple of weeks ago and asked to talk. He seemed.... distracted, upset. So I let him in. Next thing I knew he was telling me everything." She laughed nervously. "I thought he was crazy until I saw.... the...uh..." She waved her fingers in front of her in a vague fashion.

"I understand, Ms Henderson." Da'an replied. "And what do you intend to do with this information?"

"Nothing." Melissa replied. "I may not like implants, but I'm not about to use this information against a man who never had a choice about his situation."

"Very commendable." Da'an replied, both relieved and surprised by the woman's response. He smiled slightly as realization dawned. "You consider him your friend."

Melissa opened her mouth as if to protest but stopped as she considered the Companions words. "Yes, I suppose I do."

"Then perhaps we are not so different."

"Perhaps."

---------------

Marie sat in silence, unmoving. Listening. Feeling.

She had been waiting for hours for the right moment. Waiting with a mixture of trepidation and resoluteness that had begun the instant she felt Their arrival. But her concern was not for Them. It was for the Other. A strange new presence that was old, familiar, and yet new.

She felt the shift, a brief flare in the universe she knew, and smiled slightly. Raising her hand, she felt her assistant instantly at her side. "Take me to Da'an."

Moments later she felt her chair stop and her assistant back away. Sensing the curious gaze of the Taelon, Marie smiled slightly but refrained from greeting him for a moment.

She could feel the presence of the ones beside Da'an. The one Augur called Liam. A strong presence and yet so unassuming. She could learn much from him, but he was not who she searched for this day. With some regret turned to the matter at hand.

"He is here. May I speak with him?" Marie asked without preamble.

"And who is this person you wish to speak to?" Da'an inquired curiously, glancing over to Liam to find his protector seemed equally baffled.

"He who has returned." The psychic replied with a slight smile.

"Perhaps if we were to know this persons name?" Da'an inquired.

"It isn't important. The child understands." She waved her hand towards Cael O'Bannon, who had serripticiously opened a channel on his communicator. Seeing all eyes focused on him he froze.

"Who are you contacting, Mister O'Bannon?" Da'an asked.

Sighing, Cael tapped the earpiece gently and lowered his hand. "Revenant."

"One who returns." Liam murmured.

Da'an gave a long displeased look to the young implant, which was met with a calm gaze. Only the flicker of emotion in his eyes gave any indication that O'Bannon knew he had just received a warning from the Companion.

"Why do you want to speak to Laisren?" Liam asked, recapturing both Da'an and Cael's attention.

"That is a matter between us." Marie stated, her tone and expression clearly indicating she would speak no further on the subject.

"But.."

"Liam." Lili interrupted. "Let it go." Liam gave her a hard look but relented, choosing instead to stand by Da'an in silence.

"Captain Marquette I assume you know this woman?" Da'an asked.

"Yes. I met Marie at the conference last year. The one were Ms. Patrenko died." Lili replied carefully. Da'an merely tilted his head slightly as he observed the wheel bound psychic with interest.

"Lili? It is good to hear your voice again." Marie said a wide smile breaking out across her face. A smile Lili couldn't help but return. "You are well?"

"Yes, Marie. And you?"

"I'm fine, dear." Marie said, reaching out and grasping Lili's hand. She closed her eyes for a moment. "I am pleased to see that you have begun to forgive him. It shall take time for the wounds to heal but do not doubt that they will."

Lili looked down for a moment to cover the sudden rush of emotion she felt. The sudden release of her hand from Marie's grasp caught her attention. Looking up she saw Marie had her head held high, as if listening to something.

"He's here."

William Laisren broke through a crowd of passersby at that moment, wearing a suit as somber as the dark expression on his face. He was obviously not pleased about so many people being present. Marching straight towards the group he jerked to a halt a few feet away as Marie turned to face him. For the briefest of moments recognition flickered across his face and then was gone. Turning his gaze on Cael, he started to speak.

"I am the one who asked you here, William. I have come to speak to you and you alone." Marie said calmly. Her words seemed to surprise the implant who stared at her for a long moment.

"Why?" He finally asked suspiciously.

"To warn you."

"Warn me? Warn me about what?" The implant asked, obviously loosing his patience with the psychic before him. His very tone caught the attention of the others.

"The path you walk will only lead to your destruction." Marie warned. Gesturing to the others, she smiled sadly. "And perhaps theirs as well."

Balling his hands into fists, William's body seemed to vibrate with the tension he felt being around so many psychics. A tension the others now noticed in his stiff stance. "And what do you know of 'my path'?" He asked coldly.

"You are trapped between the glories of heaven and the firmament of earth. Choose carefully lest you destroy both." The psychic warned cryptically. William's brow furrowed at her words. Marie held out her hand. "I shall show you if you wish."

After a moment's hesitation, William kneeled down before the psychic and took her offered hand in his own. He jerked once, his yes widening in surprise before closing as he leaned his head down. A moment later he stood up jerking his hand from her grasp. A mixture of regret and relief lurked in his eyes.

"I'm not sure." He said softly.

Liam, Lili and Da'an exchanged puzzled looks at this comment.

Marie merely smiled softly for a moments appearing to actually be looking directly into William's eyes.

Nodding slowly, he bowed his head as if in acknowledgement. "I understand."

With that Marie smiled raising her hand to catch the attention of her assistant who had accompanied her here. With out a further word the pair disappeared into the crowd.

After a moment's consideration of the psychic's retreating form, Da'an turned to the William. Da'an could feel the hint of Laisren's psychic presence as he noted the deep concentration on the implant face and wondered at what it meant. "Mister Laisren, may I ask what that was all about?"

The question seemed to snap William out of his reverie, as he blinked his eyes rapidly for a moment. In the same instant, Da'an felt the psychic presence retreat from the Commonality. The startled look on Wil's face was quickly replaced by his normally neutral expression. "It was personal."

The look the Taelon gave the implant made William sigh resignedly. "It concerned my.... place...amongst you."

Da'an could tell the implant was keeping something from him, but allowed the omission to pass without comment. He could easily arrange for a more secluded meeting to discuss what had happened at a later time. "I see."

"With your permission, I'll return to my duties." William requested in a tone that even Da'an recognized as lacking humanity.

"Of course." Da'an replied with a permissive gesture. In an instant the implant strode into the crowd, seemingly to disappear in moments.

"Mister O'Bannon."

"Yes, Da'an." Cael practically snapped to attention at the clipped tone to Da'an's voice. A sure sign the Taelon was annoyed by something. And the something just happened to be his boss and best friend.

"Have you noticed any odd behavior from William Laisren lately?" Da'an inquired, fixing a steady gaze on the young man.

"No, sir." Cael replied instantly, certain he kept his own thoughts from betraying him through facial expression. No Taelon could be allowed to know the truth. Not yet.

"You have done as I have asked regarding him?"

"Of course, Da'an." Cael replied, noting both Liam and Lili looked in askance at Da'an's comment. Apparently neither had been informed of Cael's assigned task. A fact that surprised him given that Da'an seemed to hide little from his protector. "The psychiatrists have indicated he is quite stable and adjusting well. A fact I'm sure you are already aware of."

"Yes." Da'an replied evenly. "But Laisren is trained in such deception."

"I have seen nothing to be cause for alarm." Cael shot back, a hint of anger entering his voice.

"Good. See that this remains so." Da'an directed, turning to greet another approaching delegation.


---------------------------------------------

Part 3

Tzerchenov Dacha, Ural Mountains, Ukraine

"Come on. Hurry up." Tomas Gallager urged in a harsh whisper, carefully eyeing the darkened forest surrounding the small dacha.

"Ready?" Cael O'Bannon asked the young couple beside him.

"Yes. We're ready." The man replied with a heavy accent. The young woman beside him nodded uncertainly.

"OK. The shuttle is two kilometers north of here. We're going to take it slow and easy. Just do as I say and everthing will be all right." Cael said.

"Why are they doing this? Why do they want to take our baby?" The woman asked.

"Irina, we knew this may happen once we were told the truth about our son. Even with as much power as our families have the Companions are still stronger. " Andrei explained gently.

"I know." She whispered. "I'm just scared for the baby. Not for myself."

"Don't be. That's why we're here." Cael replied gesturing to himself and Tomas Gallager. "We'll take care of everything. The Companions will never even think to look for you once were done here."

"How is that possible? You work for them and found us." Andrei noted.

A lopsided grin came to Cael's face at that. A grin mimicked by Tomas Gallager.

"It's a long story. Just trust me."

-------------------------

Pyotr Rik squinted trying to make out the ghostly green images around him better, not for the first time lamenting his Resistance cell's recent difficulties in acquiring quality high tech weapons and equipment. Scrambling up the short bush covered hill, he kneeled next to his second in command, a Russian named Maksim Asnaev.

"What do you see?" He asked in Ukrainian.

"No movement yet." Asnaev replied. "Could you source be wrong?"

"No." Pyotr replied. "She and I may be rivals but she is well connected."

"We should have waited until the Tallin or Moscow cells could confirm the presence of the Taelon scientist. They have greater intelligence resources than we do." Asnaev said, earning a snort from Pyotr.

"And let them take the credit? Never." He replied. "Ever since I ousted Segerova, we've been considered weak willed fools. This is our chance to prove our worth to the Liberation."

"And we're relying on her information to do this operation? We can not trust her!"

"That is for me to decide." Pyotr snapped. "No more discussion on this matter. She can be trusted."

"I hope your right. It's a long walk back to Minsk." Asnaev replied.

"I am right."

Asnaev visibly tensed up. "I've got movement."

--------------------------

"Target acquired. All teams engage." Carlos Vasquez ordered, his voice as calm and cool as the night that surrounded them.

Around him the Companion Security shock troops instantly advanced on the small house before them. While they were not implants such as him he still had little concern over the success of this operation. They had been given he highest level of training outside of Earth Defense.

Success was a certainty. He was merely grateful that the Companions had allowed him the honor to lead the elimination of an entire Liberation cell personally. Success would guarantee him a position within the ranks of the CERT. As with success on this he was certain as well.

He smiled slightly as he slowly stalked forward, his skrill-bearing arm glowing dimly.

"We've got movement." One of the shock troops reported over the comm.

--------------------------

"We've got movement out there."

"Time to go."

A massive explosion engulfed the house in flames and knocked the four people to their knees.

"What the hell was that?" Gallager asked.

"Who cares?" Cael replied, tapping his global once.

Instantly the four disappeared and weapons fire and screams shattered the once peaceful night air.

--------------------------

Companion Research Center
Seattle, Washington, USA

Mac Thorvald grinned at the sight of the twisted and blackened remains of the Companion Research Center. People milled about gawking at the spectacle, the police unable or unwillingly to clear out the immediate area. Normally he would despise such people, but in this case he tolerated them. After all they were providing he and his followers a perfect means to move about undetected.

"We should go before Companion Security arrives."

Mac looked over to Natasha Segerova, his smile never faltering to reveal his irritation with her. "Why? They cannot know we are here. Otherwise we would be dead already."

"Maybe, but Raoul also has some disturbing news." She replied.

"Very well then." Mac shrugged and followed the Russian expatriate to an awaiting car.

Once inside and the vehicle underway to the safe house, Segerova passed him a global. Flicking it open Mac frowned at the thin-faced Hispanic man. "You have something for me?"

"Takage's been captured by Companion Security."

Mac snorted derisively. "So what? He knows nothing that can harm us."

"He could tell them we exist. In fact he already has!" Raoul protested.

"And how is this information of concern to us?" Segerova called out.

"We just got this video from our supporters in Washington." Raoul said.

A moment later his image was replaced to reveal a Companion shuttle landing and debarking four individuals. The first three Mac took little interest in, recognizing Melissa Henderson, Tomas Gallager and Cael O'Bannon from various world news press releases. Mac gasped at the sight of the fourth person, shaking his head in disbelief at what he saw.

"Who is that man?" Mac asked softly.

Raoul's face reappeared on the small screen. "Our sources have confirmed the fourth man is called William Laisren, though it is said the Companions call him Revenant."

"Revenant." Mac repeated slowly. "He's the one credited with destroying the Peru cell of the FLE."

"Unofficially, yes." Segerova reminded him. "Officially the local Companion Security branch took them out."

"It is most fortunate you were not present when the attack occurred then." Mac replied.

"I suppose." Segerova replied with a shrug.

"Where is his current location?" Mac asked.

"The DC Embassy. According to Resistance sources he's here to find us."

"You're certain he is searching for the FLE?" Mac asked, a thread of fear winding its way into him.

"The Front was mentioned by name in the security report. As were you."

"Damn." Mac snarled angrily.

"Do you want a team to take him out?" Raoul asked.

Mac slowly shook his head as he considered this turn of events. "No. Proceed as normal." With that he snapped the global closed and tossed it onto the seat beside him.

"You're not going to go after him?" Segerova asked. "If half of the Liberation rumors are true we'll be dead within a month. You should have ordered the strike team to take him out"

"There are other ways to deal with this." Mac countered, earning a puzzled look from Segerova in response.

--------------------------

Companion Embassy Washington DC

"I will not tolerate any more attacks by the Resistance upon Companion interests." Zo'or stated.

"The Resistance claims these attacks are being perpetrated by the Companions." Da'an countered.

"Utter fabrications to try and sway the human public away from us. They have no proof." Zo'or sneered.

"Neither do we." Sandoval reminded the two Taelons, essentially ending the growing argument between the powerful aliens.

"Then the evidence in the Ukraine was inconclusive?" Da'an asked, casting a questioning glance to both Sandoval and Kincaid.

"Quite the contrary. The evidence was conclusive as to who was there. But not as to what they were doing or why." Sandoval replied.

"Explains your meaning." Zo'or demanded.

"Agent Sandoval means that the Liberation sent forces into the area. Companion Security forces were also in the area. The clashed and a number died on both sides." Laisren spoke turning from his observance of the US capitol. Sandoval glared at Laisren for interrupting but remained silent as the implant continued." The problem is no one knows is why they were there and what it was they were fighting over."


"And what of your interrogations of the Companion Personnel involved, Agent Sandoval?" Da'an inquired, noting the hostile look Sandoval had given the other implant.

"Vasquez claims he received orders to strike at that location." Sandoval replied.

"And did he?"

Sandoval swallowed uncertainly. "We have not been able to confirm or deny the orders were sent out."

"And why not?" Zo'or demanded, eyeing the implant with fury.

"Because a system crash has corrupted that entire section of the datastream." Laisren replied, earning a surprised look from Sandoval.

Zo'or eyed the hybrid implant carefully. "You're teams have confirmed this corruption?"

"Yes, Zo'or. We also had techs aboard the homeship confirm our analysis. They agree that someone attempted to introduce a computer virus into the Taelon worldwide databases. The system recognized the attempt and tried to counter act the attack. Unfortunately the information we need was lost before the virus could be purged." Laisren replied calmly. He gestured towards the dataports near Da'an's chair. "The full report awaits your review."

The Synod Leader merely stared the implant for a long moment, his face unreadable. "You acquit your position well, Mr. Boone. Others could learn well from you."

The redheaded implant bowed his head in acknowledgement. A small smile crossed his face as his eyes flicked over briefly meet Sandoval's angry gaze. "It is my pleasure to serve."

Sandoval and Kincaid, who had remained silently alongside Da'an, exchanged a brief glance at those words. Both obviously uncomfortable with the level of trust Zo'or seemed to have for the strange read headed implant.

"That doesn't really help us with the escalating violence between Companion and Resistance sympathizers." Liam noted. "A newspaper sympathetic to the Resistance had both its corporate office and printing plant destroyed last night in Florida. That's on top of the Companion center blown up in Seattle a couple of days ago."

"The Major also has left out the fact that this is going on worldwide. There have been increasingly violent clashes in Kiev, Jakarta, Hermisillo and Seoul since this morning. Some are claimed to have been started by the Resistance others by the Companion Security teams." Sandoval added.

"But neither side can confirm or deny that they did or did not order these attacks. Both are claiming they were attacked by the other first." Liam put in, earning a concerned look from both Taelons.

"Can we not confirm Companion Security was not responsible?" Da'an asked.

"I'm afraid, the clashes in Jakarta and Hermisillo were started by Companion Security agents. All involved are currently under arrest and being held at Companion detention centers for further questioning." Sandoval informed them.

Zo'or considered this silently, his fingers twitching slowly. After several moments he waved his hand as if in disgust. "Agent Sandoval, have all Companion agents and security personnel are recalled to their posts immediately. They are to do nothing further until directed to do so."

"But Zo'or!"

"Did you not understand my directive, Agent Sandoval?" Zo'or snapped causing the implant to wince.

"Of course, Zo'or. My concern was only for maintaining proper security." Sandoval replied. "We can not simply allow the Liberation free reign to terrorize Companion interests."

"On the contrary, Agent Sandoval. Allowing the Liberation such freedom would bring about their demise should they continue these attacks." Laisren interrupted, a small humorless grin gracing his features as he rejoined the main group at the center of the chamber. "The Companion maintain their peaceful guise while the Liberation shows themselves to be the criminals that they are."

Da'an nodded his head towards Zo'or "An simple and yet elegant plan but with one minor flaw."

"And what is that?"

"We assume that our nemesis is Jonathan Door's organization when we are all quite aware that the Front for the Liberation f Earth has been reformed." Da'an pointed out.

"The FLE has shown no capability to perform such attacks like these before." Sandoval replied.

"Then I assume Mister Laisren's team has been able to contain this band of terrorists?" Da'an inquired.

Laisren shifted slightly. "My team has been unable to locate any major FLE presence in the United States. All attempts at securing suspecting FLE members have resulted in the deaths of the suspects."

"Then you can not confirm or deny the size or capabilities of the FLE?" Liam asked.

"No." Laisren replied.

"I was under the impression your team had this situation under control, Mr. Boone." Zo'or stated coldly. "Explain to me how such a misconception could occur."

Liam instantly felt an unexpected flash of sympathy for the hybrid implant. He had simply been doing as directed and now was caught between two conflicting directives. While a part of Liam pleased to finally see the redheaded implant falter. A greater part of him was concerned. If neither the Liberation nor the CERT could find the Front than all they could do was await the next attack.

Laisren didn't even blink, matching the Taelon's cool blue eyes with his own amber gaze. "Explain to me why my team was diverted from our pursuit to attend a frivolous affair of human psychic phenomena."

Liam was sure who was the most stunned in the room. Zo'or who blushed a furious blue, Da'an who has cocked his head sideways intently watching the implant, or Sandoval whose mouth openly gaped in stunned surprise. For Liam's part, he couldn't stop the smirking grin that came to his face despite his best efforts.

"My team diverted our attention away from the search for the FLE as a courtesy to the Synod Leader. I shall see that that mistake never occurs again." Laisren continued.

"Your team operates at the discretion of the Synod Leader." Zo'or reminded the implant threateningly.

"But my teams authority comes from the Synod itself." The implant replied.

"Mr. Laisren is quite correct, Zo'or. While the CERT operates freely under the auspices of the Synod, it is you who directly controls them." Da'an gestured towards the other Taelon. "You would be held accountable for the CERTs failure as it was you who caused them to diverge from their intended goal. Not Mr. Laisren."

Zo'or considered this carefully for a moment before nodding. "Perhaps we have had a simple misunderstanding between us. I certainly did not intend to infer disrepute upon you or your team, Mr. Boone."

"Nor did I intend any of my words to offend, merely to remind you of recent circumstances." Laisren replied, bowing his head submissively.

Zo'or nodded. "Very well. You may proceed with your pursuit of the FLE, Mr. Boone. Use all resources available to you to stop both the FLE and these attacks. Let nothing dissuade you. Do you understand?"

"Perfectly, sir." Laisren gave the Taelon gesture in a crisp, almost military manner and departed the room.

--------------------

"Segerova."

"Everything is proceeding as planned?"

"Where's...?" Segerova narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

"Unimportant. Is everything proceeding according to plan?"

"Yes, but there may be a problem." Segerova noted worriedly casting an eye around her to be certain she was still alone.

"What is it?"

"Thorvald knows about Revenant."

"It changes nothing. Proceed as planned. We are entering Phase 2 in an hour."

"Phase 2? Already?"

"Confirmation was received a few minutes ago."

"Understood." Segerova bit her lower lip for a moment in concentration. "What about Rik?"

"Taken care of. Just be prepared to move."

"Understood."

Natasha slapped closed the global, feeling a gloating sense of joy overwhelm her. Revenge truly was sweet. And this was just the beginning.

---------------
Taelon Homeship.
"I did not appreciate being made a fool of in front of Da'an."

William Laisren merely clasped his hands in front of him in response, his eyes calmly watching the Taelon before him. He felt more than saw Agent Ronald Sandoval shift slightly beside him, as if nervous.

"Do you have nothing to say for your behavior?" Zo'or demanded.

"I have nothing to say that warrants your attention." Laisren replied.

Zo'or's eye narrowed in anger. "You made me appear weak in front of Da'an. That is something I cannot afford."

"Appearances are meaningless, Zo'or." The red headed implant replied. "But your actions could have damage my units charter with the Synod had I acted in any other fashion than as I did."

"I was doing what was in your best interests." Zo'or said.

Laisren smiled at that. "If that is what you choose to believe. But know that I was doing what was in the best interest of completing my mission even if my words were ill chosen."

"Your mission is what the Companion assign you to do." Agent Sandoval chided.

Laisren looked at the other implant from the corner of his eye. "My mission is to defeat the Jaridians. Anything else falls under your concern, does it not?"

Sandoval seemed to consider this carefully for a moment before nodding. "I stand corrected."

"So good of you two to agree on something." Zo'or remarked sarcastically. "However, you have left an opening for Da'an to use against me."

"He will not use the CERTs failure against you. He may disagree with the CERT's actions but not with our overall goal." Laisren replied.

"I must agree with Mister Laisren. Da'an himself commissioned the formation of the Volunteers. He also voted with the majority of the Synod in the formation of CERT." Sandoval shrugged noncommittally. "It is as you said, a simple misunderstanding that occurred."

Zo'or blinked slowly and eyed the red headed implant coolly. "See that such a misunderstanding does not occur again. You may return to your duties, Mister Boone."

Laisren merely nodded and departed the chamber.

"Agent Sandoval."

"Yes, Zo'or?"

"Have you done as I asked regarding Boone?" The Taelon asked. Receiving a nod in response the Synod leader smiled in anticipation. "And what have you found?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing?"

"I've done a thorough investigation and found no indication what so ever that the CERT or any of its operatives were near the incident in the Urals. Numerous witnesses, system logs, and portal records clearly indicate that members of the CERT was at Mare Orientalis, their assigned duties in England, or on the Homeship." Sandoval replied quickly.

"You are certain of this? Witnesses can lie." Zo'or noted.

"Why would Taelons or implants lie about the presence of CERT members?" Sandoval countered, wondering at Zo'or concern. "May I ask why you are having Laisren surveiled?"

"That is my concern, Agent Sandoval. You may go."

"Yes, Zo'or."

----------------------
Companion Embassy, Washington DC
"You have nothing to support your suspicions." Da'an stated, never once turning away from his view of the capitol.

"Maybe, but we have nothing to start with as it stands. Besides you have your suspicions. Don't you?" Liam asked.

A small smile crossed the Taelons lips. "We all have our suspicions of one another, Liam. That doesn't necessarily mean they are true."

"Then explain how Laisren seems to know so much about the Liberation, the FLE, and all the attacks but can't seem to find those actually responsible?" Liam asked irritably.

"I could ask the same of you." The Taelon replied stonily.

Any retort from the human-kimera hybrid was cut off by the soft footfalls that echoed in the chamber.

"You are late." Da'an said without even turning to face the new arrival.

"My apologies, Da'an. My duties did not permit me time to come here until now." Cael O'Bannon replied neutrally.

Liam turned to face the young implant not bothering to hide his surprise at his presence.

"Do you have anything to report to me?" Da'an asked.

"Nothing that you have not already heard from Mister Laisren." The young implant replied.

Da'an turned slowly, giving the Agent a skeptical look. "I had hoped you could expand upon Mister Laisren's report. While it was thorough I find I have no answers to some obvious questions."

Liam looked at Da'an questioningly, but remained silent.

"And what questions are those?"

"Where exactly was the CERT at the time of clash in the Urals?" Da'an gestured towards the implant.
More precisely, where were you, Agent O'Bannon?"

"I was on maneuvers with the CERT at Mare Orientalis, as stated in the report." Cael replied easily. "Anything more on the subject is classified information."

"Really?" Da'an blinked. "I am a member of the Synod and thus of sufficient authority to require this information."

"I have my orders, Da'an." The Agent replied reluctantly.

Da'an lowered his eyes, blushing the faintest of blue in annoyance. "Very well, Agent O'Bannon. But you will answer me this: Why was a trace of your DNA found at the site of the destroyed building?"

"There must be an error. I have never been to the Ural mountains or anywhere in that region of the world." The Agent replied. "CERT record..."

"...verify your presence at Mare Orientalis. Yes, I know." Da'an finished. "Records can be tampered with."

"As can any evidence." O'Bannon countered. "Especially DNA."

Da'an remained silent for several minutes, his fingers twitching ever so slightly in a gentle rhythm, his eyes locked with the icy blue of the implant. "You are hiding something from me, Mister O'Bannon." Da'an finally said.

"We all have something to hide." The implant replied. Cael's features softened for a moment. "I'm sorry, Da'an but you must trust me when I say that I can't tell you what you want to know. It's too dangerous."

"How dangerous?" Da'an asked, curiously.

"And who is this 'we'?" Liam interjected.

Cael flicked his eyes between the Taelon and the hybrid several times as if trying to come to a decision. He sighed heavily. "Dangerous enough to keep secret from everyone, especially the Synod."

"Has Revenant gone rogue?" Liam asked.

O'Bannon actually smiled at that. "Quite the contrary, Liam. But I can't say more than that."

"You leave my questions unanswered and invoke more, Cael O'Bannon." Da'an said as he glided over to his chair and seated himself gracefully. "In that light I shall ask a simple question of you. Were any members of the CERT responsible for the recent anti-Companion attacks worldwide?"

"No agents of the CERT were a part of those disturbances." Cael replied promptly, looking highly offended that Da'an had even asked him the question but some how managing to keep the offense from his reply.

"Very well. Please return to your duties."

Gesturing the Taelon salute O'Bannon quickly departed the chamber.

"Well that got us no where." Liam commented.

"On the contrary, Cael O'Bannon has given us more information than we had." Da'an replied.

"But he said no CERT Agents were involved in the attacks. Frankly I'm surprised you even asked him that." Liam said.

"He said no *CERT agents* were involved." Da'an noted.

"But he didn't eliminate other Companion Security agents." Liam said, realization dawning on his face. "Or those who can be hired to carry out such actions."

Liam's eyes strayed to the passage O'Bannon had just exited through with a speculative look. "He was trying to tell us the CERT suspects elements from within Companion Security for the attacks." Liam returned his eyes to the Taelon. "He implied the Synod was in on the attacks, didn't he? That's why he couldn't say anything openly to you."

"Obviously Laisren and O'Bannon are in a unique position to discover such activity. It is my hope that it proves to be in error." Da'an conceded, trepidation clearly in his tone.

"And O'Bannon was asking us to help the CERT from this end by going after the mercenaries that could have been hired." Liam smiled in renewed appreciation of the young agent and his commander.

Da'an nodded. "It would seem you now have a place to begin your search. Be careful where it may lead you."

--------------------------
Taelon Homeship.
"There you are. I do not like being kept waiting, Te'ul." Sral'al snapped at the younger scientist.

"My apologies, Sral'al, but my duties required me elsewhere." The newest rising star of the scientist caste replied bowing his head in defense to the powerful Synod member.

"I'm sure. And the status of the CERT?" Sral'al asked.

"As to be expected. William Laisren continues to operate as expected, as does Cael O'Bannon. Most surprising has been the successful reintegration of Tamara Salawu. She is a bit more violent that would be hoped, but then they were intended to fight." Te'ul noted, feeling an unexpected pride in knowing he had achieved such successes. "They are quite amazing indeed."

"Do not become overly enamored of your new position, Te'ul. You know as well as I that Alpha manipulated the Synod into assigning you to the CERT." Sral'al lectured.

"I have not forgotten." Te'ul replied softly, rather surprised at the lack of resentment he had felt previously. He still did not like the human-taelon hybrid he had helped create, but he respected him.

"Have you inserted the new parameters as I directed?" Sral'al asked.

"No. None of the implants have sustained injuries sufficient enough o allow for the new procedure to implemented." Te'ul replied reluctantly. Truth be know he had no desire to implement Sral'al's plan though he knew it was probably for the best. There needed to be something to prevent the CERT from becoming uncontrollable.

"You will implement it at the first possible moment." Sral'al ordered.

"Of course." Te'ul nodded.

Sral'al turned to the small virtual screen before them waving it from opaque to transparent. Te'ul paled at what he saw within.

"I thought all the experiments had failed." Te'ul said quietly, feeling a wave of revulsion cross over him.

"They did. But I'm sure you recognize the value of this particular experiment." Sral'al smiled maliciously as he critically watched the being within.

"Of course."

"You sound doubtful, Te'ul." Sral'al noted with some humor. "Have a little faith in your old project."

"That is precisely why I am doubtful. Look what happened last time." Te'ul replied.

"Which is why we are proceeding more slowly. We shall avoid the errors of the past." Sral'al replied.

"I hope you are correct. I do not relish the consequences for failure."

---------------------------------------------

Part 4

Taelon Homeship.

"I think we have our solution to finding the terrorists."

"What?" Sandoval asked. "So soon?"

Laisren gestured to the screen before him. "There appears to a concurrent exchange of funds with the timing and locations of the recent attacks. A transfer of funds needed to buy equipment and qualified professionals for these acts of destruction, perhaps."

"What's the interval?" Sandoval asked, scanning through the information quickly to confirm for himself the other implants results.

"It appears t be a ten day delay between transfer of the funds and the attacks." Laisren replied.

"Are you absolutely certain?" Sandoval inquired, earning an offended snort from the red head beside him.

"Nothing is absolute, Agent Sandoval, but the percentage is quite high. Ninety eight percent probability." The implant replied.

Sandoval considered this, his eyes drifting over to the global map on the far wall, small points of red light indicating where the attacks had taken place. Something wasn't right. He could feel it. "This is too easy."

"Too easy?" Laisren replied, shaking his head in disbelief. "We've been tracking this for a week now without success."

Sandoval glanced over at the other man. "What made you look through the global banking exchanges?"

A small smile crossed Laisren's face. "You did. It was you that located me through such means wasn't it?"

"Actually it was through your hacking into Taelon secured datastreams that tipped us off." Sandoval reminded the implant.

Laisren chuckled and shrugged. "Same concept, different means in this case then. It still is quite effective."

"Have we been able to determine who made the exchanges?"

"Not yet. There seems to a lot of activity on the global exchange, much of it through a blinded party I have not been able to identify as yet. Possibly hackers who support the Liberation and are trying to throw us off track in our search."

"So it would seem." Sandoval agreed.

He noted the slightly annoyed look on Laisren's face and remembered well the ill concealed contempt the implant and his teams had after being assigned to track the Liberation by Zo'or himself. Sandoval's own personnel had been less than pleased as well by the no nonsense members of CERT.

"Transfer the search for this double blinded party to my teams. That'll free up some of your resources to concentrate on the Liberation."

Laisren's eyes flicked up to meet with Sandoval's own before returning to the screen before him. "Understood." Came the simple reply, but Sandoval heard the note of thanks therein.

"I'll inform Zo'or of our discovery." Sandoval said feeling rather pleased at the understanding between himself and Laisren.

Laisren merely nodded once and turned back to his work allowing Sandoval a moment to study the implant carefully. The red headed implant efficiently ran through the datastreams, cool, calm, emotionless. Pausing only once and again on something that caught his attention. For some reason he could not explain, Sandoval found Laisren's single-mindedness disturbing. Shaking himself from his reverie he left to make his report.

He never saw Laisren tap in a quick series of codes into the computer.

--------------

"Here it comes now." Augur crowed in delight. "Not bad for an implant."

"So can we use the information?" Doors asked.

Augur quickly gleaned through the information he received. Nodding slowly he blew out a breath. "Yeah. I think so."

"You don't sound certain." Doors noted. "Why?"

Augur shrugged. "I don't know. Something seems.... off. Like we're missing part of the puzzle."

"Do you think he's doing it deliberately? Setting us up?" Doors asked in concern.

"No. I don't think so. If he were setting us up, I think he'd have covered his tracks better." Augur sighed. "I think he's letting us know that he needs our help and is willing to help us in return."

Doors frowned at that. "Why now? He made clear his concerns about us."

"That's what has me worried." Augur admitted. "Think about it, the Companion's top hit man asking us to find his target. Why? He's got all those resources and still can't find the FLE!"

Doors considered this carefully before nodding. "He's telling us he thinks there's more to these attacks then just a simple Liberation faction gone rogue."

"Awful big jump to conclusion there, Jonathan." Augur remarked, scanning further through the records he'd received. "I thought you didn't trust Laisren?"

Doors snorted "Laisren? Never." He shook his head. "That damnable imperative they gave him is another matter. He needs the Taelons united and strong to fight the Jaridians. A power struggle threatens that imperative."

Augur blinked in surprise and turned to Doors. "You mean, he thinks a Taelon is engineering these attacks?"

"Could be." Door nodded. "And he's decided to eliminate the threat before it disrupts his own operations further."

"That sounds like Laisren." Augur agreed. He turned a speculative eye to the older man. "So, do we work with him on this?"

"As much as I hate the thought of doing so, yes. I see no other way to save our movement." Jonathan replied reluctantly. "For now."

"Shall I contact Lili and Liam?" Augur asked.

Door merely nodded and walked off with a troubled look on his face. Augur shrugged and went back looking over the records searching for answers.


--------------

CERT Headquarters, Mare Orientalis, Moon

"Pulse rate is dropping. EKG is erratic." The nurse reported calmly.

The blood soaked woman on the table started to spasm.

"We're loosing her!" Doctor Anne Xiang called out. "Where is that suspension tank?"

"Got it." Cael replied pulling the liquid filled tank into the room with the help of Gallager and Salawu. The suspension tank was a smaller, portable version of the larger tanks used on the homeship. Only to be used in emergencies.

Anne Xiang looked at it in distaste but knew it was the only way to save the woman before them. And the child she carried. She pointed to the nurse and Salawu. "Get it hooked up. Cael, Tom help me her get in it."

Within moments the machine was active and the woman now floating in a viscous blue fluid. Her vital signs were weak, slow but steady. When satisfied they could do no more Anne allowed the others to leave. Not surprising to her, Cael and Salawu had remained behind. They would need to file a report with Laisren over what had happened.

She sighed, trying to ignore the throbbing headache she now had. "What happened?"

"We don't know. Somehow, Companion Security found out about Cassandra Boyd. A team was sent in. Fortunately one of our agents was able to get us out a message before his team was activated." Cael looked at the young woman sadly. "As you can see tings got messy."

Anne nodded. "Does Billy know?"

"Not yet." Salawu replied, her eyes never leaving the tank. "Gallager is looking into her matter as we speak."

Anne frowned at this, "What about your agent? Why hasn't he reported in?"

"She was killed along with most of the strike team. Official story is it was a faulty containment system for the interdimensional drive that destroyed the shuttle on a training mission." Cael replied.

"What really happened?" Anne asked uncertain she wanted to know the truth. Cael hesitated long enough to actually draw Salawu's attention.

"The agent engaged the shuttles self destruct mechanism." Salawu replied, a small cold smile gracing her lips.

After a long moment, Anne nodded her head. "I see."

"The sacrifice was worth it." Salawu stated defensively. "The Jaridians must be stopped at any cost, Doctor Xiang. You know this."

"But is it worth it if we aren't even human any more?" Anne retorted angrily.

"Yes." Salawu replied instantly. "Revenant has repeatedly said as much."

"I'm sure he has." Anne replied softly.

Cael coughed lightly to regain both of the women's attentions. "Is there anything else that I need to tell Rev?" He asked.

Anne nodded slowly, gesturing to the Boyd's medical readout. "She won't survive long, even with the tank. Certainly not long enough for the child to be born."

Cael blew out his breath and closed his eyes. "Damn." He whispered sadly.

"I'm sorry." Anne said, gently resting a hand on the young implants shoulder.

Cael opened his eyes and shook his head. "Don't be sorry for me." He glanced at the woman in the tank noting she was only a few years older than he was. He tilted his head towards Cassandra Boyd's body. "Be sorry for her."

"And for those who are responsible for this. Rest assured they will be punished." Salawu added.

Cael looked at the dark skinned woman and nodded. "Why don't you go and assist Gallager while I finish up here."

"Yes, sir." Salawu nodded and departed.

"Thank you." Anne breathed out.

"For what?"

"Getting rid of that...." Anne shrugged at the look Cael gave her. "Sorry. Salawu is just so hard to take. She's so cold blooded about everything."

"She was a mass murderer, Doctor. Technically still is. Only the imperative keeps her under control." Cael reminded her.

"I know." Anne nodded and turned to look at the dying woman before them. "She seems so calm. So peaceful. All she wanted a baby. A life to nurture and all I've done was bring her death."

"You could not have known this would happen." Cael noted.

"That doesn't change anything. I'm responsible." Anne countered. "And now both she and the child will die."

"Perhaps not, Doctor."

Cael swung around fired his skrill at the intruder.

-------------

Ronald Sandoval's eyes widened at what he saw on the screens before him. Shaking his head in disbelief he quickly reran the numbers in his CVI to double-check his findings.

A slow smile came to his face as he saved the data to his global.

Straightening his dark suit he turned to a nearby human Volunteer. "Please inform Zo'or we may have discovered the source of these attacks."

"Yes, sir." The Volunteer nodded and quickly headed off.

Sandoval opened up a comm channel, not surprised that within a second his communication was answered. "Prepare your team."

"Understood."

-------------

Revenant's eyes glittered dangerously. And Te'ul had no doubts that at this moment the human known to many as William Laisren was indeed Revenant. The bioluminescent strands the blossomed and pulse dully across his face left erased any doubts of that. He was merely glad those cold eyes were no longer directed at him.

"Will she survive?"

Te'ul's fingers twitched nervously at the question. "Of course, Revenant. It is the same procedure we used on you and your fellow siblings."

A soft humph from the other implant, Cael O'Bannon, actually caused Te'ul to blush half expecting the young human to skrill him again. A sensation Te'ul would gladly do without experiencing anytime soon. The Taelon scientist was merely grateful that O'Bannon's imperative had only left him rendered unconscious instead of facing an eternity of the Void.

"As per your instructions the process has been slowed somewhat. The female child will be ready to be removed from the artificial womb within three days." Te'ul continued.

"And the mother?" Revenant asked, never taking his eyes off the tank before them.

"Deceased." Cael supplied. "Her injuries were too severe."

Revenant looked his friend over carefully, noting the too calm expression on the young man's face. He felt a surprising twinge of guilt knowing how difficult it was to not allow personal feelings get in the way of the job. "Next of kin?"

Cael sighed, some of his true emotion slipping into his words. "Both parents dead. Husband was killed in initial assault. All media reports place cause of death as a car accident."

"Our competition moves fast. Don't they?" Revenant replied absently.

"So it would seem." Cael agreed. "However, Companion Security could not have known about Cassandra Boyd's child."

Revenant frowned, shaking his head. "We have a leak then."

"Yes, sir." Cael nodded, turning to face Revenant to await the instructions he knew were coming.

"Find it."

Cael nodded to both Revenant and Te'ul and departed the room.

For a long time neither the Taelon scientist nor the hybrid spoke, both simply watching the small tank before them. Finally, the hybrid turned to the scientist, his face as normal looking as any other humans.

"Why did you come here, Te'ul?"

"Sral'al wishes you destroyed." The Taelon replied simply. "He believes you are a corruption. A disgrace to the purity of the Taelon race."

"You believe this as well." Revenant noted, a hint of anger in his voice.

Te'ul looked down, nodding in agreement. "This is true, but I would not wish you destroyed. Life once given cannot simply be taken away."

"Why this sudden change of heart, Te'ul?" Revenant growled. "I remember well what you and the others did to Gamma, Kappa and Lambda."

"And what about what you did for Psi and Rho?" Te'ul countered softly. The hybrids eyes narrowed dangerously at that, but he remained silent. Te'ul met the hate filled gaze calmly, though inwardly he felt a tremor of fear. He knew better than anyone living, Taelon or human, what the hybrid was capable of. He only hoped no one ever discovered that truth.

A memory quickly flashed through Te'ul's mind.

A young human male, a child with red hair and green eyes standing over the battered and bloody corpse of another identical child. No emotion. No remorse. Just the quick flash of white light, the smell of burnt human flesh, and the first ripple through the Commonality of an awakening darkness.

Te'ul quickly pushed the memory aside, still disturbed by it after all these months. His fear only matched by Doctor Abraham's enthusiasm. In that moment he had joined Sral'al's faction, to prevent his people from becoming the very monster he had caught a glimpse of that day.

Silently Te'ul broke his gaze, settling it once more on the small tank before them. He was fully aware that the implant's eyes tracked his every move, a feeling that unsettled him.

Te'ul desired nothing more than to leave instantly, but there was still one more thing to do. The reason for his visit. "I am aware that you are searching for a weapons project codenamed Achilles. Correct?"

"Yes."

"I will give you all the information I have on this project." Te'ul announced.

"Why?" Revenant asked suspiciously.

"Because I do not want a reoccurrence of you, Revenant."

-----------------

"You are certain of this information?" Zo'or asked suspiciously.

"Yes. I have had Agent Gallager confirm my findings. There will be another attack in three hours." Sandoval replied, noting the curious look Da'an gave him at these words out of the corner of his eye. But it was the Taelon in front of him that was his primary concern.

Zo'or had fixed him with a decidedly nasty look. "What do you mean you had your information confirmed by Agent Gallager? He is no longer under the command of Companion Security."

Sandoval swallowed nervously, outwardly remaining calm and impassive as ever. "Agent Gallager was completing the work initiated by the CERT in regards to tracking potential terrorist activities. It seemed logical to have the CERT provide independent confirmation."

Zo'or looked over the implant carefully, before nodding once. "I assume Boone is aware of your activities?"

Sandoval frowned slightly at the Synod's leaders use of that name. He supposed it was technically correct, but somehow it didn't seem proper. "Mister...Boone...supported my request."

The Synod Leader blinked slowly as if in consideration of the implants words. After a moment a smile crossed his face. "Very well then, Agent Sandoval. Assemble your strike team."

"Already done, Zo'or." Sandoval replied crisply.

A slightly irritated look crossed the Taelon's face at the implant's unintended interruption. "I am also dispatching a team from the CERT. Do you have a problem with this?"

"None at all, Zo'or." Sandoval replied easily as he gestured to the Taelon and departed. He didn't let the concern he felt at the addition of the CERT to the operation reach his face. He knew William Laisren would not be pleased, imperative or not.

----------------

Sral'al smiled maliciously at his visitor. A smile that the other Taelon had no thought possible for one of his kind until this moment. Te'ul had to use all his will to keep his own surprise from being discovered by the Synod member.

"It is done?" Sral'al asked.

Te'ul nodded slowly. "Alpha's team has been informed of their assignment."

"Good. Then everything is proceeding according to plan." The Taelon blushed in pleasure, causing a tremor of fear to pass through Te'ul.

"What plan?" The scientist asked with more than a little concern for Sral'al's decidedly un-Taelon like behavior.

"That is none of your concern, Te'ul." Sral'al snapped.

Te'ul instantly bowed his head submissively. "My apologies."

The other Taelon waved his hand dismissively. "Return to your duties. I shall contact you when the time is right."

'Right for what?' Te'ul wondered silently as he merely nodded and left the Synod members chamber.

----------------

Liam's eyes widened in surprise at the image that appeared on his global. The serious expression on the other man's face was enough to quell his first reaction. "Laisren, what can I do for you?"

"I have some information that may be of interest to some of your associates." Laisren replied. "Transferring information to your global now."

Liam silently watched the information scroll by, his surprise turning to shock and then concern at what he read. Some of the information he already knew, much of it he did not. "How did you get this information? Why are you giving this to me?"

"How isn't important right now. I'm giving it to you because it serves my purpose." Laisren replied.

Liam heard the chill, emotionless tone he associated with what he termed as Laisren's Revenant-mode but it was the look in the other man's eyes that told him it was something more. A touch of Boone's old Resistance loyalty, perhaps.

What ever it was, Liam wasn't going to question it right now. There were to many lives on the line.

"Thank you. I'll see that our..associates get the information." Liam replied. Laisren merely cut the connection without further comment.

----------------

"Are you certain we can trust this...informer?" Segerova asked.

Mac Thorvald nodded slowly as he rewatched the message again. He shook his head slowly. "No. But I've had other reliable sources confirm what he passed on to me."

"We should stop this attack. It's too risky." Segerova urged, gaining several nods of support from the others around the table.

"We proceed as we discussed." Mac countered. "We know they are coming, when they will be there and event he number of troops they will have. They won't even know what happed until it is too late."

"I don't like it, Mac. We've already lost too many operatives so far." Segerova pointed out.

"She's right, Mac/" Raoul added. "Doors has the Resistance laying low. If we move now we may make ourselves vulnerable to the Taelons. The one they call Revenant..."

Mac snorted. "Revenant is a traitor. He was one of us and killed James Littleton! He betrayed us and humanity to the Taelons."

"All the more reason not to move now. Revenant has a stake in seeing us destroyed. Our very existence stains his reputation with the Taelons." Raoul countered. "They faked Boone's death for God's sake to hide his failure!"

Mac actually laughed at that. "Is that what you believe? They did it to hide his mistake?" Mac leaned forward his eyes locking coldly with Raoul's. "He volunteered to be come one of their soldiers, Raoul. He let them pervert him into that *thing* that he is now. And no one is going to stop me from seeing him dead. Are we clear n that?"

Raoul glanced over at Segerova before nodding. "Yeah. Crystal clear."

Mac looked at the others. "Anyone have a problem with that?"

The others shook their heads in silent reply. Some uneasily, others with a hint of anticipation for the coming battle. "Get your teams ready."

Following the others out Segerova simply shook her head.

---------------------------------------------

Part 5



"...And there is still no official word from the Companions regarding yesterday's mysterious explosion at an abandoned oil refinery in the outskirts of Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

"King Fahd has said the Companion's have assured him that the Companion Security forces seen in the area were merely there performing anti-terrorism exercises and that he has no reason to believe this to be false.

"Meanwhile, Farouk Amir el-Sahib, leader of the Reformed Palestine Liberation Front, claimed..."

A wave of a pale hand closed the datastream. Da'an slowly turned to face the three humans before him with a displeased look. "How did this information become available to the media?"

"Unknown, Da'an. I am having my sources at the FBI track where the information could have come from." The Asian implant replied calmly, ignoring the aches and pains he still had from his all to be brief participation in the previous day's battle.

Sandoval was not particularly worried about the leak over the previous days disaster in regards to the Taelon's standing in the public's eyes. No. His concern was the fact that there had even been a leak at all. The previous days fiasco in Saudia Arabia could prove to be a nightmare if the truth were ever known. His only consolation was the fact that the Liberation seemed to suffer as heavily in the attack as Companion Security.

'If it wasn't for Revenant...' Sandoval let the thought slip away.

"The news could have come from Resistance sources." Lili offered, glancing out of the corner of her eye towards Liam.

"Or more likely, the Front." Liam added. "They would be he ones most likely to benefit from allowing news of the battle to become public."

"I was under the impression that the FLE suffered a serious setback to their operations. Is this assumption in error?" Da'an asked archly, his finger twitching in irritation.

"Not entirely, Da'an." Sandoval replied, clasping his hands behind his back as he stepped forward. "That was part of the reason Zo'or sent me here. I was to inform you personally of Companion Security's apparent underestimation of the FLE."

"This.." The implant waved vaguely towards the location the datastream had been moments before, "...occurrence was not unanticipated."

"But it happened sooner than you thought it would." Liam finished with an exasperated sigh.

Sandoval ignored the protector's comment and continued on. "Steps have already been taken to minimize any potential problems that may arise."

Da'an eyed Sandoval for a long moment, an unreadable expression on his face. "Very well, Agent Sandoval. I assume your full security briefing is available via datastream?"

"Of course." Sandoval replied with a nod.

"Thank you, Agent Sandoval. You may return to your duties." Da'an waved his hand dismissively. The implant bowed and departed without looking back. Lili reluctantly followed, the look on her face clearly stating her hope that the Companion would ask her to stay.

Once alone, Da'an stood and stepped down from his throne like chair and walked over to the view of the Washington Mall. After several moments of silence passed, Liam joined him sensing the Taelon wished to speak with him on terms other than a Companion to his Protector.

"This situation is rapidly becoming untenable, Liam. If it were not for William Laisren and his team a number of lives would have been lost yesterday. Yours included." The Taelon said quietly.

Liam nodded, rubbing his still sore shoulder as he remembered the short battle.
What should have been a simple interception of an FLE attack quickly degenerated into a pitched battle between the Liberation and Companion Security with FLE elements taking the opportunity to strike at both groups at once.

Liam shuddered in remembrance of the carnage. He was grateful for the timely arrival of Laisren and his CERT but also concerned at how easily the Liberation had been duped into this foolish battle.

Liam shook his head. "I know. I'm not sure how Laisren knew something was wrong, but I'm glad he showed up when he did."

"As am I." Da'an confided.

"I know his wounds were superficial but has he recovered?" Liam asked, curious as to why he hadn't heard anything about the implant or the CERT since they had departed back to their base on the moon.

"I do not know. There is a communications sanction currently in effect at Mare Orientalis." Liam didn't miss the concerned tone in the Companion voice. Or the determination, that brought a small smile to the hybrids face.

"You will accompany me on my inspection of the Mare Orientalis facility. See that the arrangements are made. I will join you at the portal shortly."

Liam nodded and set forth on his task, surprised at the unexpected sense of dread he felt. 'Revenant is not going to like this.'

------------

CERT Facility, Mare Orientalis, Moon

"Sir?"

Cael O'Bannon looked up in annoyance from the report he was working on to see the nervous Volunteer waiting. He knew from the look on the young woman's face that she was not pleased with what she had to report. Ignoring the pain from his still healing, and sling bound, arm he stood. "Yes, Sergeant?"

"Someone with level five security has just accessed the permission codes required to use the portal station." The Volunteer replied.

"Level 5." Cael repeated, already suspecting the persons in question. "Who?"

"Da'an's protector, sir."

"Very well. I'll deal with them. When they arrive, please direct them here." Cael glanced at the smooth metal door behind him as he spoke. 'Not now!'

"But, sir..." She started to protest.

"You are dismissed, Sergeant." Cael snapped.

Instantly she came to attention, said a quick "yes, sir" and departed without further comment.

Cael caught the hint of defiance in her eyes, which brought a smile to his face as he watched her stalk off to her duties. She was one of the potential candidates for the next round of implantations. 'She'll make an excellent addition.'

And new additons were exactly what the CERT were looking for after this morning's announcement by Zo'or that the Synod had approved his plan to expand Laisren's new unit after their successful, abeit unsanctioned, participation in the battle with the Liberation and the FLE.

Cael frowned slightly. While the battle had gone amazingly well for the CERT they still had lost some implants in their counter attack. The losses did not bother him so much as the fact that the FLE had managed to escape them. That and Revenant's unusual willingness to allow the Liberation to escape as well when it would have been a simple thing to wipe them out.

Revenant would explain his reasons for this soon enough. Of that he was certain. For now is concern was for his friend and the impending arrival of Da'an.

Glancing down once at his simple gray Earth Defense clothes, Cael nodded to himself. There simply was not enough time to change to more appropriate attire and deflect the bases' unexpected arrivals away from Revenant. Rubbing his still sore shoulder, Cael sat back down to wait. 'I thought these CVIs were supposed to prevent me feeling pain.'

"Your gift only allows you to suppress the pain, not eliminate it from your conscious." Came a familiar tone tinged with just an edge of humor.

"Da'an." Cael bolted to his feet, aware of his injury, but as the Taelon had said suppressing the pain. He gave a quick gesture of welcome to Companion. "Welcome to Mare Orientalis."

The Taelon blinked, slowly surveying the large room's other occupants. "Strange that I should feel so unwelcome by your actions when your words are of such a solicitous nature."

"My apologies, Da'an. I'm afraid the CERT is somewhat in...disarray at the moment." Cael supplied, internally cursing himself for providing such a poor diversion.

"And yet the CERT suffered few losses in the recent encounter in Saudi Arabia, nor does there appear to be anything amiss here." Da'an noted, gesturing to the other personnel in the room. "I find this discrepancy most disturbing and in need of explanation, Agent O'Bannon."

"Mister Laisren is not available at the moment, Da'an. I can send him a message and provide what answers I can at this time." Cael offered.

"I require Mister Laisren's presence now." The Taelon demanded in a tone that indicated he would brook no dissent.

Cael swallowed nervously, noting the curious look Major Kincaid was giving his Companion. "As I said, Mister Laisren..."

"Is here. I will see him now." Da'an demanded.

"That is not possible." Cael replied evenly. "I'm sorry, but I have my orders."

Da'an actually looked surprised at that. "Are you defying me, Agent O'Bannon?"

Cael looked down for a moment then shrugged in resignation. "I suppose that I am, Da'an. Revenant's orders were quite clear."

"And he is answerable to the Synod and its membership." Da'an gestured to himself. The Taelon fixed a cold stare on the young implant. "As are you."

"Mister Laisren is unavailable, Da'an." Cael replied stonily, refusing to allow himself to be intimidated.

"He's in there, isn't he?" Liam asked, nodding towards the door behind Cael's back. Cael flicked his gaze from Da'an to the protector and back but remained silent.

"That is a biological containment cell, Agent O'Bannon." Da'an stated, earning a simple nod of acknowledgement.

Da'an lifted his head imperiously "I desire to know why William Laisren is in there. Open the containment cell."

"You don't have authorization, sir." Cael replied instantly, taking a position that blocked easy access to the door.

"You've been given an order, Agent." Liam stated sounding more puzzled than anything else by O'Bannon's actions.

"I am fully aware of that."

Da'an lowered his head slightly as he stared at the young implant with obvious displeasure. Cael could not help but shiver under that blue, unwavering gaze, some of his resolution starting to waver.

A heartbeat later Da'an's gaze softened. "Is William Laisren injured in some manner that you wish to keep secret from the Synod?" He probed gently.

That threw Cael off balance for a moment. "No. No, he isn't injured, Da'an. He's merely.... rejuvenating."

"Rejuvenating?" Liam asked, exchanging a puzzled glance with Da'an.

When the young implant remained silent, Da'an glided towards him gesturing carefully towards the door. "You will take me to Mister Laisren."

"I-"

"Now." The Taelon interrupted softly.

Cael heard the unspoken threat in the Companions voice. The loss of his position, perhaps even termination by order of the Synod. Even knowing that he took several moments to allow his CVI to consider the options available before finally bowing his head subserviently and turning to the door's locking mechanism.

"You understand, that I cannot be held accountable for what may happen should you enter this place." The implant said over his shoulder. The warning tone in Cael's voice concerned Liam more than if the implant had spoken his words in a threatening manner.

"What do you mean?" Liam asked. Cael said nothing as he quickly punched in the security codes.

"I believe Major Kincaid asked you a question, Agent O'Bannon?" Da'an prompted.

As the door slid open, Cael turned to look at Da'an and Liam with an unreadable expression. "I am not at liberty to say." He flicked his blue eyes towards the open passage and remained silent, obviously awaiting Da'an and Liam to enter before him.

Liam moved to the door first, sensing something was definitely wrong but uncertain as to what and why. Da'an did not wait for Liam to nod his clearance and simply followed.

"Revenant is more than he appears to be, Da'an."

That stopped the Taelon for a moment, as if surprised at the tone in Cael O'Bannon's voice. For a moment, Da'an swore he had heard an underlying threat of violence from the young implant. He turned his ever so slightly to find Cael right beside him, his eyes cold.

Da'an had seen eyes like that only once before. His hand twitched nervously at the unbidden memory that arose. 'It could not be!'

"What the..."

Liam's shocked words drew Da'an attention back to his protector. The gaping look on Liam's face compelled Da'an to fully enter the chamber. What he saw caused him to loose his facade for a moment in utter shock.

******

"Welcome to the real Project Bellator."

Neither Da'an nor Liam so much as blinked at Cael O'Bannon's words, too fixated on the sight before them.

Before them Te'ul stood on a ramp overlooking one of the suspension tanks, it's blue light casting an eerie glow to the dimly lit room. The Taelon scientist looked nervously from his patient, who was just exiting the tank, to their unexpected visitors and back.

"Leave us, Te'ul." William Laisren ordered. Te'ul quickly nodded and departed.

Laisren strode down the ramp, dabbing his still damp torso with a towel. The blue fluid of the suspension tank still clung to much of his skin that did not glow with the rhythmic, pulses of Taelon energy or were covered by the bodysuit the implant wore.

Cael came to stand between the hybrid clone and Da'an and Liam. "I tried to keep them out, but..."

Wil waved his hand dismissively, his face, torso and right arm flaring a bright white before the bioluminescent strands faded to normal pale skin an muscle "It doesn't matter, Cael. They would have found out sooner or later anyway."

"What is going on here, Mister Laisren?" Da'an demanded, now over his initial shock.

Wil shrugged, a half smile coming to his face. "Correcting an unexpected side effect of my...creation, Da'an."

"I do not understand. None of your examinations aboard the homeship show any anomalies like those I have just seen. What error, as you call it, has occurred to cause what I witnessed a moment ago?" Da'an asked, his hands twitching nervously. He did not relish the feeling of genuine fear he now felt towards this implant.

Wil cleaned his face of the remaining tank fluid before flinging the towel over his shoulder. "The implants given to me for the Bellator Project have had an unanticipated reaction with my unusual physiology. The CVIs within me are designed to change, readjust whenever needed to do so for my body whether it is to alleviate an injury, compensate for a deficiency or simply to improve my body's current physical state. Every so often, I need time to readjust."

"Then why all the secrecy if its nothing more than a natural evolution of your implants?" Liam asked in confusion.

"Because these changes can cause radical behavioral changes. Since my primary function is to fight..."

"You first reaction is often violent." Da'an finished. Wil merely nodded once.

Anticipating the next question, Wil gestured towards the half filled tank he had been in mere minutes ago. "The tank allows me to focus on controlling the changes, without distractions or stimuli that might otherwise prove harmful." Wil actually chuckled for a moment. "Believe me it is not an experience I enjoy. It can be quite...painful...at times."

"And these adjustments to your implants? How have they affected you?" Da'an asked.

"I'm not sure. Te'ul has noted some small changes at the genetic level and some nearly infinitesimal increases in my implant's efficiency. He has theorized that the greatest change occurs after severe distress or physical punishment." Wil replied.

"Which would explain your changes after you near death in the shuttle accident." Liam put in, earning a nod from the implant.

"And yesterdays battle." Wil agreed.

"Why has this information been kept from the Synod?" Da'an asked. On one level he was actually relieved that this information had been kept hidden but on another it disturbed him. Greatly so.

The smile on Wil's face was gone instantly. "I think you already know the answer to that, Da'an. The Synod is already wary of my very presence. This information may well promtp some to seek my termination. Nothing can be allowed to stop me from accomplishing the task set before me. Nothing."

Da'an ignored the warning he heard, knowing it was the implant's imperative and not the true man who spoke. The accompanying flash of his own guilt was harder to ignore.

"Has Te'ul surmised what the long term affects of these unanticipated changes may lead to?" Da'an asked.

"No, but be assured it will have no bearing on my ability to serve." The implant replied, as Da'an felt something shift within his link to the Commonality. A vague flash of memory that was indecipherable to the Taelon but left him with an impression of darkness and fear.
In that very moment Da'an knew the red headed implant had changed more than anyone knew, perhaps even Te'ul.

"I will destroy my enemies." The implant finished.

Da'an blinked slowly at that, lowering his head sadly. "I fear that you words are all to correct, William Laisren."

---------------------------------------------

Part 6


Taelon Homeship. Several Hours later.

"Your analysis of the situation is most troubling." Zo'or said, watching the implant before him intently. He was pleased to see no doubt in the other man's eyes. It was far more satisfying than seeing the concerned expression he witnessed on Agent Sandoval's face.

"I believe it is accurate, sir." William Laisren replied. "It is the only conceivable way that the Liberation could have surprised Companion Security."

Sandoval bristled at that. "Our security measures are..."

"Adequate, Agent Sandoval." Laisren interrupted. "But not impervious to outside interference."

"What are you suggesting, Boone." Zo'or demanded genuinely curious about what the implant had to relay.

"Companion Security has obviously been infiltrated by Liberation sympathizers." Laisren replied.

"And you believe you can find and eliminate these infiltrators?" Sandoval asked with a mixture of hurt pride and contempt. "All personnel are thoroughly screened before obtaining positions in Companion Security."

Laisren smiled at that. "Not only find and eliminate them but remove their support structure as well. Perhaps even locate Jonathan Doors."

Sandoval snorted. "Impossible."

"For you perhaps, Agent Sandoval. After all you are only human." Laisren replied coolly, before fixing his gaze on the Synod leader. "You know what I am capable of achieving. I only need your permission to proceed."

Zo'or silently stared at the implant, his fingers twitching slightly. He finally nodded his head in assent. "Proceed, Boone." Zo'or shifted his gaze to a silently seething Agent Sandoval. "Use the utmost caution on this matter. The Taelon's cannot afford another embarrassment like yesterdays attack."

"As you wish, Zo'or. Thank you." Laisren made a gesture of leave taking and departed the chamber.

After several moments of silence passed, Zo'or smiled at the still silent Sandoval. "You have something you wish to say, Agent Sandoval?"

"He cannot be trusted." Sandoval said simply.

"And why is this so?" Zo'or asked with an almost amused tone.

"I find it convenient that he survived yesterdays clash given the odds against his team." Sandoval replied.

"Then you believe is in league with the Liberation?" Zo'or asked with a look that gave the impression that he was mocking Sandoval.

"Of course not, Zo'or. I only meant that he is obviously procuring equipment not sanctioned for use by his teams nor disseminating information his team has acquired to the full benefit of the Companions." Sandoval explained quickly.

"And do you always tell your subordinates what you are doing when it is not in the best interest to do so?" Zo'or replied.

"Of course not."

"Then why do you expect the same from Boone?" Zo'or asked.

Sandoval blinked in surprise before bowing his head in acknowledgement. "My apologies, Zo'or. Obviously you are more aware of the situation than I."

Zo'or rose gracefully, an approving smile on his face. "You simply had the best interests of the Companions at heart, Agent Sandoval. Your concern only equals your loyalty. Rest assured that should I have any doubts about Boone, you will be made aware of them."

"Of course." Sandoval replied.

-----------------------

Te'ul slowly entered the chamber, his feelings of trepidation growing despite the soothing patterns that comprised the meditation chambers walls. Before him he could see Sral'al standing before a view port, his energy signature glowing brightly and steadily.

"Your report." The Synod member demanded, turning and reasserting the facade the Taelon's preferred in the presence of their human servants.

"All members of the CERT have been treated and released back to duty." Te'ul replied bluntly, barely containing the ripple of displeasure he felt at Sral'al's unseemly behavior.

"And Revenant?"

"His wounds were mostly healed before I even saw him." Te'ul replied, keeping his curiosity and concern over Sral'al's growing obsession with the taelon-human hybrid from his voice.

"And did he relate how he survived the Liberation ambush?" Sral'al asked, his eyes glittering with an intensity that made the scientist nervous.

"No. He attributes his team's survival to their training and loyalty. Nothing more." Te'ul replied. Te'ul could not help but feel a spark of almost familial pride as he spoke his next words. "Zo'or public praise of Revenant and his team has echoed through out the commonality for hours now."

Sral'al blushed, his anger momentarily emanating throughout the commonality with shocking clarity before he composed himself. Te'ul could clearly see the unreasoning hate in the Synod Members eyes for the implant.

"You sound pleased by this, Te'ul." Sral'al said slowly. "Have you now become enamored of this creature?"

"Of course not, Sral'al. But I do take pride in the fact that he has excelled in his duties in part because of my actions." Te'ul replied. "Do not misinterpret my satisfaction for affection of Revenant."

"I want to find out how he survived the ambush. Find out what you can and report back to me when you have something." Sral'al waved his arm in an angry gesture of dismissal.

Te'ul merely nodded and left the chamber as quickly as possible to be out of the presence of the mercurial Taelon.

-----------------------

CERT Facility, Moon base

"So how did it go?"

Wil grinned at Cael, still slumped in the couch, his eyes never leaving the television on the far wall as he had asked the question. Around them several other members of the CERT chatted, ate, or like Cael watched the screen.

"As expected." Wil said as he sat next to his young friend. He glanced at the sling Cael wore. "How's the arm?"

"Sore, but I'll live." Cael replied, a small smile curling his lips as he turned to look at the redheaded implant. "So. Give us the gory details, Rev."

"We're now in charge of eliminating the Liberation plants in Companion Security. Zo'or doesn't trust us. Sandoval is suspicious. That about sums it up."

Cael chuckled. "What? No catch or kill Doors speeches this time?"

"I believe his name did crop up." Wil replied.

Cael shrugged. "When doesn't he? So what now?"

"We find the real leak."

Cael looked warily at his friend hearing the cold tone he used. "You know who it is, don't you?"

"I have my suspicions." Wil allowed. "But for now we'll wait and see. I have a more pressing concern that needs to be dealt with."

"The FLE." Cael muttered.

Wil nodded. "They're getting a bit too troublesome. Bad enough with the mainline Liberation faction seeming to gain support everyday. The FLE are far to dangerous to go unchecked."

"Then your watcher program isn't working?"

"Not as well as I had hoped." Wil admitted.

"I can initiate the terminations if you wish." Cael said.

"No. Not yet. I have need of the FLE one more time. Then and only then will they be eliminated." An evil grin came to the implants face. "If all goes well, we may not even need to lift a finger to do it either."

Cael looked quizzically at his friend's cryptic remark, but his question was cut off by Wil's sudden rise. "I have a meeting to get to. I'll be back in a few hours."

Cael just shook his head in mild confusion and turned his attention back to the television, pushing his concerns to a small corner of his mind for his CVI to work through.

-----------------------

"I thought you said he would be here?" Jonathan Doors asked gruffly, tugging at his over coat nervously as he glanced around the small deserted park. He didn't like being out in public like this, but it was the only way he could meet with his new contact. Nearby his bodyguards kept alert, by all appearances relaxed if not for their too attentive eyes.

"He'll be here. You know he has to be careful after everything that's happened." Lili admonished the Resistance leader.

"I would of thought getting out unnoticed by the Taelons would be second nature to him by now." Liam groused.

Lili ignored the barb knowing recent events had strained an already unsteady truce between the kimera-human hybrid and the genetically engineered implant. "The Taelon's are nervous. They don't take well to unexpected surprises and what the FLE nearly did..."

"Scared the hell out of them." Liam nodded in acknowledgement.

"And us." Doors reminded them. "You should know that I've diverted some of our best people to finding and stopping the FLE."

"That won't be necessary, Mister Doors."

Instantly a half dozen guns were swung in the direction the voice had come from, a shadowy figure emerging from behind a small cluster of trees.

"There is no need for violence." William Laisren said, his smirking grin draining much of his peaceful tone into the realm of arrogance.

"That's a good way to get your self killed, Wil!" Lili snapped in irritation as she reholstered her pistol.

"Perhaps." The red headed implant shrugged, the smug look on his face not changing in the least as the others followed Lili's lead.

"All right, we're here. Why did you want to meet with me?" Doors asked, deciding the implant would prefer getting right down to business.

"We have a mutual problem. One that needs to be rectified." Wil stated.

"The FLE." Doors nodded his head. "I've got my people working on it as we speak."

"Recall them. I'm taking care of the situation." The implant ordered, earning a suspicious look from the Liberation leader.

"What do you mean 'taking care of'? Sandoval and the FBI are completely stumped on how the FLE is able to operate." Liam asked.

A small knowing smile crept over the implant face. "While Agent Sandoval is quite adept in his search, I'm afraid he has been misdirected by others who have an interest in the FLE."

"You." Lili said matter of factly, earning a nod in response.

"You've got someone inside the FLE?" Doors visibly shook at the realization that someone in the resistance, even such a far-flung group as the FLE had switched their loyalties to the aliens.

"Yes. My operative has had a difficult enough time with the FLE as is. If you send out squads to hunt them down, it will make the situation even more difficult. I'm asking you to leave this to me." Wil said.

"Hand over liberation members to the Companion's minions. You know I can't do that. They may be extremists, but I will not have the whole lot slaughtered simply because of their foolish leadership." Doors replied.

Wil pulled out a small disk, twirling it in his hand for a moment before extending it toward the older man. "Perhaps this would make you more amenable to my request."

Doors raised an eyebrow at this but silently took the disk as he flipped open his global.

"What's on the disk?" Liam asked, suspiciously.

"The identities and location of four FBI operatives that have infiltrated the Resistance as well as the schematics for the Taelon's second generation personal portals under development." The implant replied, giving the hybrid a brief once over before turning his attention back to Doors.

"You're just giving us this technology?" Liam glanced at Lili, noting even she seemed a bit uncertain about the offer.

"Hardly giving, Kincaid. Within a year it will be outdated as newer systems become available. I give you a temporary advantage in exchange for your people remaining temporarily out of *my* business." The implant tilted his head slightly.

"You answer, Mr. Doors?"

Doors nodded once. "Agreed. But if the FLE become a problem again be assured I will settle the matter by any means necessary."

Wil bowed his head and made a Taelon gesture. "As you say, Jonathan Doors." With that the implant walked off down the path that went through the center of the park.

"You can't be serious. His people will slaughter them all!" Liam said.

"Oh, I have every intention of allowing Laisren to deal with the FLE." Doors replied. He sighed at the matching looks of surprise on Lili and Liam's face. "Despite what I said to Laisren about protecting our membership, we all know the FLE is a lost cause. My concern now is learning the identity of the one who turned traitor to the Liberation."

"Laisren never said his operative was Companion Security." Lili noted a considering look coming to her face. "Maybe it's someone in the Liberation who decided to destroy the FLE on their own to save the rest of us."

"That's about as likely as Laisren becoming a pacifist." Liam snorted.

"Stranger things have happened." Lili retorted, spinning around as she left.

---------------------------------------------

Part 7


A figure slipped from the shadows onto the pathway winding throught the park, it's silent movement bringing a small smile to the implants lips as his new companion joined him. He cast a sidelong look at the woman beside him.

"You did well, Natasha. The coordinates transmitted were quite accurate despite the disruption." He said, glancing around them casually as they walked through the moonlit park.

"I'm simply glad it worked. Did everything else go as planned?" Natasha Segerova asked.

"Not exactly. We lost a few agents on the way, but nothing serious." He replied with a shrug.

"Good." Natasha replied, uncertainty causing an unexpected hitch in her voice as she srealized she meant it.

An uneasy silence arose between them. Neither the implant nor the Liberation member liked one another but respected each other none the less. They were using each other to achieve their own agendas.

'So why do I not want this alliance to end?' Wil wondered to himself. 'It is necessary but...'

'He's my enemy. I can't allow myself to get close. If all goes as planned he will die.' Natasha chastised her self, surprised at the regret she felt.

"The Minsk Resistance?" Wil asked, feeling compelled to fill the silence arising between them.

"Ours now. We can begin the procedures at anytime." She replied, brushing a strand of hair out of her eyes.

"Good. Send the first three tomorrow. Make sure they're your best." He cautioned as they approached her awaiting car.

She smiled slyly. "Of course."

She quickly sat in the car and drove off, the man never taking his eyes off the vehicle until she turned the corner. A small smile crept on to his face. She would never see what was coming until it was too late.

----------------

Earth Defense Facility, Moon base


Ronald Sandoval entered the darkened chamber, unable to stop the nervous thread of fear that he suddenly felt. The bluish light from the tanks cast an eerie glow to the otherwise sterile surroundings. It was unlike Zo'or to ask him to such a place, especially a place like this.

His eyes drifted over to the rows of suspension tanks, the image of William Boone's shattered body involuntarily flashing into his mind with vivid clarity thanks to his CVI. He quickly banished the image from conscious thought, continuing down the short aisle created by the tanks.

He purposefully ignored what he saw within the blue fluid, unwilling to allow himself to consider what their possible purpose could be and yet fearing the Taelon he now approached had called him here to reveal that very fact.

Stopping a few feet away he folded his hands in front of him and waited for Zo'or to acknowledge his presence. He didn't wait long as the Taelon's eyes drifted from the tank he had been observing to the implant with an oddly pleased expression.

"Agent Sandoval, you perhaps than any human who serves the Companions are aware of the needs we have for humans that can be bioengineered to fight the Jaridian threat are you not?"

Sandoval raised a curious eyebrow at that question, but nodded. "I believe so." He replied uncertainly.

"You have also seen the final results of such bio-engineering." Zo'or said.

"Yes, they have proven to be quite effective." Sandoval replied.

Zo'or smiled slightly. "Yes. They have. Unfortunately Da'an is correct when he stated the augmentation process is costing us too much. Not so much human lives as wasting our technician's times that could be better spent elsewhere. Don't' you agree?"

"Yes, Zo'or." Sandoval replied reluctantly. "While the warriors are superb they high level of...erratic behavior and rejection of the implants is of concern."

"What is your opinion of William Boone?" Zo'or asked, throwing the implant for a moment with the unexpected question.

"He is fine agent, a better soldier. Unquestioningly loyal to the Companions." Sandoval summed up.

"Then you have a high opinion of his combat abilities?" Zo'or asked.

"I do not believe Companion Security or Earth Defense has anyone comparable to his skill level." Sandoval admitted with all honesty.

His CVI flashed to the recent battle with the FLE. He remembered well seeing the arrival of the CERT and Laisren's gambit to land his troops in the middle of the FLE forces. It had been dangerous, but ultimately successful.

He repressed a shudder as he clearly saw the impassive face of Revenant as he killed one FLE after another without concern for himself. "I have seen his work first hand. I can safely say his combat abilities are superior."

"I am pleased to hear this from you Agent Sandoval." Zo'or said, turning away from the tanks to face the implant. "I have read many reports from our scientists and the Volunteers. They speak only of reaction times, mental capabilities, and regenerative properties. They tell me nothing of Revenant himself or what he is capable of."

"I am pleased that I can be of some small service in that regard." Sandoval stated, amazed he was able to keep the irritation he felt from his voice. He'd been called here to discuss Boone?

"Ah, but your service shall become even greater very soon, Agent Sandoval." Zo'or replied. "A very important service that only a handful shall ever know of until it is the proper time. I'm placing the security of a very special project into your care. A project that some have opposed in the past. And will oppose again should they learn of it."

Sandoval cocked his head to the side, curiously. "And what project is that?"

Zo'or smiled proudly and gestured to the tanks around them. "Welcome to Project Bellator, Agent Sandoval."

Sandoval slowly turned to look at the rows upon rows of suspension tanks, the color draining from his face as he realized what Zo'or was saying. And what he was seeing.

An army waiting to be born.

And that sudden realization changed everything. In spite of all his training, everything he believed in, he knew what he had to do. There was no other choice.

----------------

Taelon Homeship.

"Can you explain to me how is it that Alpha survived the battle?"

Te'ul bare suppressed the urge to blush in surprise as the other Taelon's words. Instead Te'ul calmly placed the scanning device he held down and turned to face his visitor. He was not surprised to see that Sral'al could barely maintain his facade due to his agitation.

He allowed a small, very human, smile to come to his face as he acknowledged the Synod member. "I would think the answer obvious. Alpha is a warrior, a survivor. Obviously the skills we gave him were sufficient for him to survive the battle."

"Obviously." Sral'al replied with obvious disgust.

Te'ul cocked his head to the side in curiosity. "You did not expect him to survive the battle with the Liberation."

Sral'al paused, eyeing the scientist before him warily. After a moment he nodded as if coming to a decision. "You are correct. I did not expect him to survive."

"Why?" Te'ul asked bluntly, earning a disapproving look from the other.

"Let us simply say my own sources gave me reason to believe that the CERT would take casualties. As Alpha was leading the team, I naturally assumed he would be among that number." Sral'al replied smoothly.

"Of course." Te'ul agreed. "My apologies if my inquiry was inappropriate."

Sral'al nodded his head in acceptance of the scientist's words. "I forgive them in as much only you seem to share my concern in this matter."

"Then the others are not concerned by what happened?" Te'ul asked in genuine surprise.

Sral'al smiled maliciously. "Zo'or and Da'an have convinced the Synod that the Companions achieved a moral victory today. They believe the blame can be placed upon renegade factions of the Liberation by ordering the Companions to admit we were duped into rash actions by the Front for the Liberation of Earth. By accepting some blame, they show the humans that we allowed our benevolence and concern for humanity to blind us to the truth."

"I'm surprised Zo'or would admit such a thing, especially if Da'an presented it to the Synod." Te'ul commented.

Sral'al blushed at that. "It was not Da'an who presented the measure to the Synod."

"Then who?"

"Alpha."

"Revenant was allowed to address the Synod?" Te'ul couldn't help but stare in amazement.

"I suspect Zo'or only allowed it because he realized the Synod would be too polarized had he or Da'an offered suggestions on how to regain the public trust that was lost." Sral'al admitted.

"Does this alter our plans any?" Te'ul asked with concern.

"No." Sral'al replied. "I angered some of my supporters by voting with the majority on this resolution, but I believe they will come to see that we can use this to our advantage."

"How is making Re...Alpha...more popular amongst the Synod leadership going to aide us? He already has earned a great deal of respect from the Volunteers for his actions." Te'ul countered.

"All in good time, Te'ul." Sral'al said, waving his hand. "Now. How is the Achilles Project progressing?"

"Everything is progressing as expected. There have been no discernable deviations." Te'ul reluctantly brought up the datastream to allow the Synod member to see for himself.

Sral'al watched the image for a short time before waving it closed himself as if disgusted.

"Is there something wrong?" Te'ul asked, suddenly nervous.

"No. I simply find it ironic that we continue the work of a human that has created the greatest threat to our race since the Jaridians." Sral'al blushed at that.

"But in this case there is no concern for contamination." Te'ul noted.

"True. But to even look at that thing, knowing that I am responsible for its creation fills me with loathing." Sral'al said.

Te'ul blinked it surprise at this admission. He too had great reservations about the Achilles project, but never imagined Sral'al would harbor such misgivings. He was certain Sral'al's concern was far different than his own.

"We can still terminate at any time, if you wish."

"No." Sral'al replied resolutely. "Achilles will be the ultimate weapon for us. With it there will be no use for Alpha and others like him."

"Or the humans." Te'ul added.

"Especially them."

--------------

Flat Planet Café.


"I'm surprised you came."

"I'm surprised you asked me to."

Liam grinned at that, passing over a glass of beer to the red headed implant. "I said I owed you a drink. Least I could do for saving my life."

William Laisren accepted the drink, a small smile crossing his face as he sat on the stool beside the Protector. He took a sip, a pleased look coming to his face. "Glennfinnan?" He asked.

"Seems only fitting. One Irishman to another." Liam replied, earning a chuckle from the implant.

An uncomfortable silence arose between, only the conversation from nearby patrons of the Flat Planet Cafe making the situation bearable. Liam finally sighed, realizing that the implant had no intention of breaking the silence between them.

"How's Agent Gallager's recovery going?" Liam asked.

"He's already back on duty." Came the succinct reply.

"Ah. Good." Liam muttered.

"I assume our mutual associates are...recovered?" Laisren asked quietly.

"Yes." Liam replied.

Silence arose between them again as they sipped their drinks.

"This isn't going to work. Is it?" Liam finally asked.

"I don't think so." Laisren agreed.

"Then why did you agree to come?" Liam asked, noting the resigned look on the implants face. And the hint of regret.

"I've been thinking about a lot of things lately. About how to fit in." Laisren replied. "Or more precisely how I don't fit in."

Liam looked down at that, knowing he hadn't exactly been the most accepting person towards the implant. "I think I know how you feel there."

Laisren looked at him oddly at that before nodding. "Yes, I suppose you would at that."

"You know, we could do a lot of good if we cooperate more." Liam ventured.

"I have no interest in your.... activities outside of Companion security." The implant replied with a frown.

"I know. I wasn't talking about that." This caught the caught the full attention of the red headed implant.

"Then what are you talking about?" Laisren asked slowly.

"I think you know." Liam said.

Laisren closed his eyes as images flashed through his mind. A church, lights, Ha'gel. And with it an unexpeted and nearly uncontrollable rage. A rage he had not felt in a very long time. Not since...

Laisren stood up suddenly, the fury in his hazel eyes focused solely on the kimera-human hybrid. Liam remained still and calm sensing that he had pushed the implant in the very direction he had hoped to avoid.

"Stay away from me, Liam Kincaid, or you will pay severely for not heeding this warning." Laisren hissed and stormed out of the Flat Planet.

Liam shook his head sadly, realizing he had probably just ruined any chance of reconciliation with William Laisren tonight.

--------------

FLE Basecamp. Location unknown.

Mac Thorvald slammed his fist into the table, toppling over several empty cups and earning nothing more than a bored expression from the rooms only other occupant. "A year of planning--gone! A full years worth! We had them and then we lost. How?"

"I may have an answer for you if you would sit down and listen calmly." Segerova replied with a small smile.

"I already know the reason. It was that damned traitor Boone!" Mac raged. "What I want to know is how he survived the trap. He should be dead!"

"I'm sure the Taelons are equally as curious as to how he survived." Segerova said.

"What do you mean?" Mac asked suspiciously.

"Some of my new associates have been keeping tabs on Companion Security inquiries. It seems someone is quite concerned about Revenant's activities. They've been back to the site several times since the official investigation closed." Segerova noted.

"Does Doors know about this?"

"Why should he care? The Resistance came out relatively unscathed this time. He's not going to push and see what the Taelon's are hiding." Segerova replied with a laugh.

"If the Taelons are nervous, maybe we can use that to our advantage." Mac thought out loud.

"Patience, Mac. Patience. Let the Taelons get lulled back into the arrogant complacency." Segerova smiled acidly. "Then we take care of them and Revenant in one fell swoop."

Mac leaned forward in interest. "You have a plan?"

Segerova smiled. "Of course."

Continued in Revenant 5: The Watchmen