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TITLE: Scorpion's Reprieve
AUTHOR: Gray
TYPE: Scene Filler
RATING: G
DISCLAIMERS: Earth: Final Conflict and all characters are the property of Tribune Entertainment. I'm just borrowing them for a while. This is my first EFC fanfic so let me know what you think. Do the personalities match the shows characters? Should I get my CVI checked out? I love feedback. Enjoy.
SPOILERS: "Scorpion's Dream"
NOTES: Missing scene from Scorpion's Dream. Feel free to post this to a site if any of you like it well enough. Just remember to give me the credit and let me know so I can see it myself :).
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Scorpion's Reprieve
by
Karolyn Gray <kmgray3@aol.com>

Commander William Boone quickly strode into the chamber careful not to show any outward sign of curiosity for his summons at this time of the day. He stopped a few feet away from Da'an and gestured a Taelon greeting to the Companion.

"It pleases me that you hasten to come here despite the hour." The Taelon said with what appeared to be an approving smile.

Wil glanced over at the seemingly ever present Ronald Sandoval and nodded his head gently. "You summoned me, so I came." He explained simply. "How may I be of service, Da'an?"

The Taelon leaned back in it's thronelike chair as if considering what to say for a moment. This pause allowed Wil to take a closer look at Sandoval. This time he noted that the other Implant did not look pleased at all. But wether that was from his presence or what Da'an had called him here for, Wil was unsure.

"There has been great deliberation in the Synod over your recent request." Da'an spoke softly. "Many do not see any benefit in the course of action you have requested of us. And yet, your words have proven uncannily accurate in their assessments."

Wil simply stared at the Taelon as Da'an paused, as if expecting the Implant to speak. He wasn't sure what to do deciding to remain silent out of caution.

After another moments silence Da'an tilted his head slightly to the side. "Do you still believe that Taelon interests would be served by keeping the skrill alive?"

"Yes, Da'an." Wil replied immediately, trying to ignore the sudden, and surprisingly quite happy impressions he was receiving from Condor, his skrill. He quickly silenced the skrill with a command form his CVI. "While the Gamma series skrills are most efficient in their role as peace keeping tools, there may come such a time that a more potent force may be needed."

The Taelon suddenly looked at him sharply. "You believe there is a threat to us? Why have you not spoken before of this?" Da'an's voice was slightly more sharper than normal.

"Yes. Who do you suspect is conspiring against the Taelons?" Sandoval asked suddenly very interested in Boone's words.

"There is all ways a potential threat." Wil said, trying to reassure the agitated Companion. "What I meant is that we have suffered a few security breaches in the past. The incidents with James Pike, Doors, and especially Captain Chandler's theft of a Shuttle were all great threats. I fear more violent means may be used in the future."

"Boone could be right in that, Da'an. Recent anti-Companion rallies in some of the other regions of the world have had instances of violence." Sandoval agreed, after a moments consideration.

"And since Doors launched his Liberation movement there are bound to be some disturbed individuals who may take extreme measure to harm the Companions." Wil finished.

Da'an closed his eyes and "blushed" for a moment revealing a glimpse of his true form. He opened his eyes again and nodded sadly. "Unfortunate, the Synod has also considered these thoughts as well. As much as we abhor such violence we have come to understand that such behavior does exist in humanity."

Wil was surprised at the sudden flash of concern he felt as the American Companion looked at the floor as if greatly saddened. "I am sorry if I have upset you, Da'an."

The Taelon looked back at him in apparent surprise at his words. "Be not concerned, Commander. It is my own high hopes and expectations that perhaps blind me to more basic human instincts at times."

Wil nodded slowly. "I understand."

"Thank you for sharing you're thoughts with me again on this matter." Da'an said nodding to both Implants. "It is the decision of the Synod that..."Mother"...the Alpha series skrill shall not be destroyed. Instead it will be kept for further study and research."

'Clarke should be happy to here that.' Wil was barely able to keep the smile he felt off his face but was surprised by the sudden light hissing Condor made. Both Da'an and Sandoval looked at him oddly.

"Is there something wrong with your skrill?" Sandoval asked.

"Uh..no. Cond..I mean, my skrill was just happy that Mother was not to be destroyed." He explained, feeling like a fool as he did so.

"I see." Da'an replied, as if having heard a dubious answer.

"You allow your skrill constant contact with your mind?" Sandoval asked in surprise.

"At a certain level, yes. I decided to take your advice and develop a relationship with it." Wil explained, relieved that Da'an had apparently taken at face value his explanation. He quickly turned to face Da'an again with an expectant look on his face. "Is there any thing else you need me for?"

"No. You many return to you duties." Da'an said gesturing gracefully with one hand.

"Thank you." He bowed and quickly strode from the room. He had a meeting to get to with Clarke that a few minutes ago he had not been looking forward to.

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Copyright 1998 Karolyn Gray and Skrillwerks