================================================================================
TITLE: Zo'or's Adventure: The Gathering
AUTHOR: Mithril
TYPE: Story
RATING: PG-13
DISCLAIMERS: Earth: Final Conflict characters and Universe are from Gene
Roddenberry. No copyright infringement is
intended. De'lan, Tel'kar, Va'der, Va'rel, Susan, Elizabeth Crane, Dr. Simon
Morrison and General Lucien Philips are my
creation. The idea is mine.
SPOILERS: The story is set after the second season's episode of Earth: final
conflict, "Between Heaven and Hell", but from
there it goes to a parallel universe.
NOTES: In the middle of a conspiracy, Zo'or learns to accept her humans feelings.
Also, a new friendship begins, with
unexpected consequences.
================================================================================
Zo'or's Adventure: The Gathering
by Mithril <perretta@entelchile.net>
Inside her private chamber -onboard the Mothership- a nervous Taelon stood near the virtual glass window, with her gaze fixed upon the blue planet below. She sighed. It had been three weeks since her strange... change had taken place. Three weeks where her thoughts had been focussed on a particular human male, but she had not been able to face him. Three weeks where she had been avoiding Da'an, but that would finish today. Today the Synod would meet, not only with their minds, but also physically. She shook her head. She could not simply excuse herself and not attend to The Gathering, after all she -SHE!- was Zo'or... their leader.
At least I appeared to be the same to all of them, she thought, well, except to Da'an.
She blushed blue and turned around. Agent Sandoval stood there, waiting for her to address him. He wore an amused expression on his eyes. "What do you want?" she asked, a little annoyed by his expression.
The Agent went serious immediately, his face an expressionless mask. "The Meeting Chamber is ready. Do you want to inspect it?"
Zo'or thought about it for a while and then raised her hand to deny it. "That will not be necessary. Have you made all the arrangements?"
"Of course," Sandoval answered matter-of-factly. Everything have been prepared according to your instructions."
"Good. Then I do not need to attend to it," she said, turning to the window again. Suddenly, she tilted her head. Annoyed, she could feel Agent Sandoval's gaze fixed upon her. Maybe he has noticed something different in me. Can it be that he knows? she thought worriedly, but quickly realized that it was impossible. "Is there anything else?" Zo'or asked coldly, without turning.
The startled Agent cleared his throat. "No, Zo'or, I... I will go to the Meeting Chamber to check up the final details," he said and after making the 'Taleon salute' -that Zo'or did not bother to answer- he quickly left the Synod Leader's private room.
Zo'or slightly smiled. Well, I have not changed that much, she thought, amused. She still had her "personal touch" with humans. Seconds later, she turned around. Maybe I should check the arrangements after all, she said to herself.
******
"So, what is this Gathering about, Sandoval?" a curious Lili asked the Agent. They were in the Meeting Chamber, checking the last details.
He looked at her. "It is an instance where all the Synod Members get together to decide their course of action about different matters," he answered.
"Do you mean that they will vote?" she asked, incredulous.
The attaché slightly smiled at her question. "More than that. Each member has the right to make a proposal or to support other's proposal... Although Zo'or, as the Synod Leader, has the last word.
Lili looked disappointed. "Then why getting together? Zo'or can do what ever he wants to."
Sandoval shook his head. "No. Even Zo'or needs the support of other member."
"Then why..."
"Captain Marquette," Sandoval interrupted her. "It is not our duty to question the Companion's customs," he said, a little annoyed with her insistence.
Lili rolled her eyes. "Of course sir," she said, hiding a smirk.
As if reading her mind, Sandoval looked at her seriously. "Captain Marquette, security will be the number one issue today. No shuttle leaves the Mothership without my approval."
Lili nodded in agreement. "Will you need me now? If not, I would like to go to the Earth. I want to check the security in Washington," she said, changing the subject.
Sandoval gave her a knowing look. "Do you mean, perhaps, in Mr. Doors office?" he asked, amused.
Lili flushed and looked at him coldly. "I was talking about the Embassy," she answered, serious.
Amazingly, Sandoval smiled. "Of course, but return in two hours. The meeting will begin in five hours."
Lili just managed to nod. What was happening to him? He was acting almost human. And what if she planned to visit Joshua? Didn't Sandoval -and everybody else- know that Joshua and she were now nothing more than friends? At least, that was what she kept telling to herself.
None of them seemed to notice a sparkling Taelon leaving the Chamber in a hurry.
******
Zo'or quickly entered to her private room, still in her true form. After Sandoval had left her, she decided to go to the Meeting Chamber. There, she had "accidentally" listened to his conversation with Captain Marquette.
Why am I feeling like this? she thought annoyed, struggling to regain her façade... and her control. Suddenly, she stiffened in surprise. It was not the first time she felt like this. She had experienced something similar three weeks ago, when she had seen a picture of Joshua Doors and Captain Marquette.... She began to walk around her room, thinking of it, wondering about their relationship.... She stopped. Why am I acting like this? So... human? I am a Taelon and not a mere Taelon. I am the Synod Leader! She lowered her gaze, embarrassed. She knew that deep inside she was... jealous. She shook her head and sighed. After a moment, Zo'or forced herself to sit on the chair, but she could not stop the movement of her hands.
Enough! she thought. Today I must remain calm, the others must not notice. With an unusually rude wave of her hand, she activated the energy stream. Maybe this will help, she thought, lying back on the chair. Minutes later, her hands lay on her lap, but her thoughts and that strange feeling did not let her relaxed completely for a long time.
******
Joshua was in his office -seated behind his desk- but he could not work. All that he could do was to stare the wall in front of him and think... about her. Sophie, he tenderly whispered in his mind. He closed his eyes. It had been three weeks since the murder attempt and... her disappearance. God knows how desperately he had searched for her, in hospitals and even in morgues, but she had simply vanished. A week after the dreadful incident, he had quit his job with President Thompson and the Taelons. He was forced to. He would have not been able to face Zo'or without making a scene. He was almost sure that the ruthless Taelon was responsible of the attempt that had cost so much to him. God, he didn't even know he could hate so much another being, he just wanted to see Zo'or dead... He shook his head. Maybe Susan is right and I am exaggerating, he thought, trying to calm himself. No! No. He knew deep inside, that Sophie was the one, without her, he was... incomplete. He opened his eyes and swept tears away. I must work now, he said to himself.
Outside his office, although Susan attempted to work in her computer, her thoughts always turned to Joshua. In truth, she was very worried about her boss. Joshua has not been acting like himself since the murder attempt. He has been acting like a zombie. Hey! Even a zombie is more alive than he is now. How can this be? All for a woman, she sighed. All for love. You should wake up, Joshua! she thought desperate, and sadly bowed her head. Suddenly her thoughts took a different course. She sighed again... and flushed. "I wish that someone could love me so deeply..." she whispered, a dreaming expression on her eyes. She blinked in surprise. Wow! I must quit reading those stupid novels, she thought, embarrassed and nervously stroked her red hair.
Susan was an intelligent, kind woman, with a slender figure, long red hair -always strapped on a pony tail- and amber eyes. She was only a couple of years older than Joshua, but since they were kids, she had had a maternal attitude towards him. In this moment, she would have give anything to find Sophie and make him smile. He was her best friend and she had never seen him like this. Not eve when he broke up with Lili Marquette. She shook her head. Something must be done, she thought, worried, but what?
In that moment someone entered to her office. Susan raised her eyes to see who it was and smiled. "Captain Marquette, I am glad to see you," she greeted Lili.
"Please, just Lili. Hi Susan, may I see Joshua? Lili asked.
"Of course, wait a second," Susan said. She went to his office. Lili was not her best choice for him, after all she had dumped him before, but she had arrived in a very good moment. Joshua had been really zombie today, more than ever.
Susan knocked the door and entered, without waiting for an answer. He was seated behind his desk, attempting to work. "Mr. Doors... Joshua?," she said gently and after seeing that he had noticed her presence, she continued, "Lili is here, waiting outside."
Joshua lowered his gaze. "Please, Susan, I... do not..." His voice broke before finishing the sentence.
Susan rolled her eyes and, with a sigh, she walked towards him. "Joshua, please. I am not asking you to marry Lili, just talk to her. Don't make me get mad at you." She put her hands on her waist, a sure sign of her annoyance. "Come on Joshua! If you don't receive Lili, I... I will..."
"You what?" Joshua interrupted her, a hint of mischief in his sad eyes.
She blushed. "I... I will bother you to death! Please, Joshua," she finished with a lost puppy look.
Joshua met her gaze and smiled tenderly. "Okay, just give me a minute," he said. "Why am I not surprised?" he asked, amused.
Susan just smiled back and went to meet Lili. "He is all yours," she told the Captain with a wink.
"Thank you," Lili answered and immediately entered to Joshua's office. "May I come in?" she asked, a little nervous. Do not be ridiculous, she thought, annoyed with herself, he is just my friend.
Joshua smiled. "It has been a long time, Lili... It is nice to see you again," he greeted her.
Lili rolled her eyes. "Come on. I have two free hours and I am here to invite you to have lunch."
"Lili, sorry, I..."
Lili interrupted him with a mischievous grin. "No, no. You can't say no to me. Susan told me that you were all mine."
Joshua rolled his eyes, sometimes Susan could be really stubborn-- and he was thankful for that. "Okay, okay, you win," he said. If I don't go out with Lili, Susan will kill me, he thought amused.
"Hey! Don't think that I am dying to have lunch with you, I just want to be... with my friend," she added quickly.
"Of course," Joshua answered, standing up and smiling. He knew that friendship was the only kind of relation he would be able to have with her or with any other woman.... except Sophie.
Lili smiled back and grabbed his arm. "Let's go, then."
A few minutes later, they left the office and a smiling Susan behind. Thank you, God, she thought gratefully.
******
Inside the Washington Taelon Embassy, Da'an, the North American Companion was in his private chamber. He was seated on his chair, preparing himself for The Gathering -the first one since their arrival to Earth. I hope that the meeting will prove... useful, he thought. Even though he knew that the fate of humanity was on their hands, he had to admit that Zo'or's attitude towards humans had been less cruel. Da'an tilted his head and smiled slightly, he knew why that was.
Yes, he had to prepare for the meeting... but he could not... Although important matters would be treated there, such as the Jaridian threat, his thought were focussed on Zo'or... on her. He blushed blue. He had been trying to contact her for the last three weeks, but she had closed her mind to him. He was curious, though, it seemed that he had been the only one who had noticed Zo'or's change. He knew that that was a good thing. If her state were known by the others, surely they would force her to embrace the void. I will not allow that! he thought.
He had also tried to contact Joshua Doors, but the human had severed all his relationships with the Taelons. Da'an tilted his head, he knew the reason of his decision. Ironically, Joshua Doors blames on Zo'or the murder attempt... well, he is right, but what he does not know is that Zo'or herself saved him. Da'an blushed blue again. Things will be difficult for both of them, he thought worriedly and with a wave of his hand, he activated the energy stream. I will require extra energy in the evening.
He was starting to feel relaxed, when Liam entered. "Yes?" Da'an said, not very pleased with the interruption.
Liam cleared his throat, embarrassed. "Excuse me, Da'an, but there is a man that wants to see you, ex General Lucien Philips. He is the new chosen Representative before the Taelons. I thought that you would like to meet him. If you don't, I will tell him to come another day," Liam informed him.
Da'an looked at his protector and smiled slightly, guessing Liam's thoughts. "You were right in your assumption. Please escort General Philips to my audience chamber. I will be there in ten minutes."
"Yes, Da'an," Liam said, smiling back. Immediately he left.
Da'an blushed blue. This will be a problem, he thought. He knew that Zo'or would not accept any other human, but Joshua Doors, to be the President's Representative. He realized that he would have to talk with Mr. Doors to make him change his mind... and that would be really difficult. Indeed I will need extra energy today. He tilted his head and spent the last ten minutes in the stream.
******
Inside Da'an's office, former General Lucien Philips and his assistant, Miss. Elizabeth Crane, awaited for the North American Companion. Mr. Philips was a retired General, considered a true war hero, decorated by President Thompson himself. The perfect choice for the job with the Companions. The former soldier was a tall, strong man, with short black-silver hair and a cruel smile, being the most stunning aspect of his appearance his keen, green eyes, always seeming to look deep into his interlocutor's eyes. He wore a grey suit, well-tailored. His assistant and most trusted operative, was a slender blond woman with a dangerous gaze. She rarely smiled and, like Mr. Philips, she wore a grey tailored dress.
She shook her head. "I wonder why this Taelon takes so long," she said, clearly annoyed, "I don't like to wait."
Philips looked at her and smiled. "Relax, Miss. Crane, patience is a great virtue in our line of work," he said, "besides, it is not wise to speak like that in the enemy's territory. Remember the importance of our mission."
The woman lowered her gaze. "Sorry, sir," she said a little embarrassed by her fault.
"It is okay, I do not like to wait either," he said in a reassuring way.
******
Exactly ten minutes later, Da'an entered to his audience chamber, followed by Liam Kincaid. Once seated on his throne-like chair, he looked curiously at the two humans that stood before him. Both humans wore the expressionless face of an implant and he slightly stiffened at the man's eyes.
After the formal presentation was made, Da'an began to talk. "May I assume that you will fulfill Mr. Doors work?" he asked in his soft voice.
The man smiled coldly. "More than that. Actually I have been given completely freedom in my negotiations with the Companions," he answered in a superior tone.
Da'an looked at him through the corners of his eye. "Do you understand that I will have to discuss your appointment with the Synod, before any word is said?" Da'an asked, serious.
"Yes, I know that, but I am sure that your Synod will be pleased with my performance," Philips said matter-of-factly.
Da'an tilted his head, a little annoyed with Philips' arrogant attitude. "We will see," he said and then raised his hand. "I am afraid that our meeting will have to end now. Major Kincaid will escort you out," he finished, abruptly ending the interview.
Without giving the visitors time to react, Liam walked quickly towards them. "This way, please," he said and seeing that there was nothing else to do, Mr. Philips and his assistant nodded to Da'an and then followed him to the door.
Da'an remained on his seat, thinking. If there had been any doubt, now he was sure. Zo'or would never accept Mr. Lucien Philips as the President's Representative... nor that he could blame her, Da'an had not liked the man either.
Liam returned a couple of minutes later. "I don't trust them," he told Da'an.
The North American Companion looked at him. "I agree," he said simply.
"Though," Liam continued, smiling to himself, "I must admit that his assistant was not bad, not at all," he finished.
Da'an looked at him through the corners of his eye and then rose from his chair. "I will be in my private room," he informed, "... and please, Liam, I do not need any other interruption," he said, almost teasingly.
Liam flushed and cleared his throat. "Of course, Da'an."
Da'an slightly smiled at his reaction and return to his chamber.
******
Outside the Taelon Embassy, the new Representative and his assistant walked toward their car. "Do you think that they will accept you, sir?" Elizabeth asked, while going inside.
"Oh, they must. I am the most qualified man for the assignment," he answered, sure of his qualities. "Besides," he continued, "that is not what matters. Did you get all what we need?"
"Yes, sir," she answered, "the security codes are here," she said, indicating her eyes. She had a hidden micro-camera in her contact lenses.
"Good. All that we need now is to analyze them and see if they will work in any Taelon Embassy. Son we will have an specimen to work with and the perfect place to develop my project," he finished with a sinister smile.
******
Lili had taken Joshua to a nice Chinese restaurant, she knew that that kind of food was his favorite. They had been talking for a while. "So... how are you?" she asked concerned, "and do not even think of lying to me, Susan almost threw me to your arms," she teased.
Joshua smiled slightly. "Poor Susan, I know that she has been worried about me."
"You know..." Lili started to say, looking at him with a raised eyebrow, "sometimes I believe that Susan has a crush on you." She didn't bother to say that, during their affair, she had felt jealous of Susan... more than once.
This time Joshua really laughed. "Are you kidding?," he asked, still laughing. "Susan is like... like mother hen, always looking after me. She is my best friend and that will never change," he finished with a wide grin on his face. "More than that, she is my family."
Lili smiled back, happy to notice that he had not lost his sense of humor. She knew about Sophie, Liam had told her... She also knew that Joshua had never felt like that when they had been together. This is not the moment, she thought, maybe later...
The two hours passed quickly and Lili blinked in surprise when she saw her watch. Wow! Time really flies... when I am with you, she thought, blushing. She cleared her throat. "Well, I am afraid I have to go now, my time is over," Lili said, hoping that he didn't notice her nervousness. "Do you want me to drop you to your office?"
Joshua smiled and denied with his head. "No, thank you. I prefer to walk through the park."
She looked at him and smiled. "Hey! You know that you can count on me," she said gently while tenderly holding his hand. Really...
Joshua looked at their joined hands and realized that she was truly worried. "Of course I do and don't care about me, Lili, I will be Okay."
With a sigh, she withdrew her hand. You are an awful liar, she thought sadly.
Five minutes later, Lili and Joshua left the restaurant. Lili went in a taxi to the Taelon Embassy -where she had left her shuttle- and Joshua went his way through the park. The air was chilled, but that didn't matter to him. He just started to walk with his head bowed and his hands inside his coat's pockets.
******
She did not feel the hours under the energy stream, but she did feel his arrival. "Da'an," she whispered, stiffening on her chair. With a wave of her hand, Zo'or closed the stream. She rose and walked towards the virtual glass window. She gave a last glance to the Earth and sighed. She was deeply confused. A month before, her path had been clear. She would have enslaved humans without giving a second thought to the idea. She would have used them almost without mercy in countless experiments.... but now.... Now she was not so sure. Maybe humanity deserves a chance... or maybe not, she really did not know. Enough! she thought angrily and then turned around, blushing blue. I am Zo'or the Synod Leader. I will always do the best for the Taelons, she said to herself, but deep inside she knew that she could never harm a particular human... man.
She smiled coldly. It is time, she thought, the others had arrived too. She dropped her façade and went to The Meeting Chamber, where The Gathering would be taking place.
******
The Meeting Chamber, or Main Observatory, was a beautiful part of the Mothership. A dome, completely made of virtual glass, gave the user of the room the illusion of being standing in deep space. Normally it was unfurnished, but now there were a few throne-like chairs disposed on a circle. According to the Gathering's rules, Zo'or, as the Synod Leader, was the last one to enter. After the salute was made, all the Synod members -in their true Taleon form- sat on their chairs. Zo'or was not surprised to see that Da'an was seated next to her.
"Why have you demanded for The Gathering?" she asked, a hint of threat in her voice, looking intently at them, one by one. "Are you not pleased with my performance?"
She did not talk seriously, of course. Those two questions were part of the traditional beginning of the meeting. However, if one or two Taelons were to have a different opinion, they were wise enough to keep it to themselves. They knew well that Zo'or was the youngest Taelon, not the kindest.
After a moment of silence, Zo'or began The Gathering itself. "We have important matters to attend to," she said. "Please begin."
As a higher ranked Taelon, Da'an spoke first. "Two important matters need to be discussed," he said, gesturing with a hand. "The imminent Jaridian arrival to this planet and our future actions towards humanity. We should understand that a wrong decision may doom our specie." He stopped to look at each one of his fellow Taelons and then continued. ""We have been travelling through the universe, always taking what we have needed out from their rightful owners. Never we have stopped to think on the consequences of our actions."
"There was nothing to consider," a member called Tel'kar said, showing his disagreement. "As a superior race, we deserve to survive."
Da'an raised a hand in a calming manner. "I understand your reasoning, but I do not share it. We should survive, but not risking innocent, sentient beings."
"Da'an is right," a member called De'lan said, "We, Taelons, do not kill."
"In order to continue our existence, certain sacrifices must be made. That should include taking other beings lives."
"We must avoid that course of action," Da'an said, sparkling brighter.
"Complete domination of humanity is the safest way to ensure our survival," other Taelon, Va'der, said.
Da'an looked at him. "I do not think that complete domination will solve our trouble. This time we must act different."
"What is that you suggest?" another higher ranked Taelon, Var'el, asked, suddenly interested in Da'an's point of view.
The North American Companion turned to him and tilted his head. "We should try to ask for their help," he answered simply.
"Do you think that they will fight for us freely?" De'lan asked, a hint of amazement in his voice.
Zo'or, who had been following the discussion in silent, slightly bored, almost fell from her seat at De'lan's question. She remembered when she had asked the same to Da'an... three weeks ago. Annoyed, she felt Da'an's gaze on her. He remembered too. Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a disruption in the Commonalty. It was pure anger... and hate. She realized that the source of that strong emotion was Tel'kar. She turned to him and, startled, she saw him sparkling furiously.
"Of course they will not fight for us unless we oblige them to do so, "Tel'kar answered rudely to De'lan. He faced Da'an. "Your words are unwise, Da'an. I do not understand your protective attitude towards humans. Do you not see that our only hope is to enslave them?" he finished seriously.
Da'an bowed his head. "I see that you are blind with anger. Why do you not want to give humanity a chance?"
Tel'kar raised a hand to emphasize his answer. "They are an inferior race," he said in a superior tone. "The only purpose of these humans is to be enslaved by us, used by us."
"I pity you," Da'an said simply, with his head still bowed. "It saddened me to see you so consumed by hate."
Losing his temper, Tel'kar rose from his chair. "You are a traitor to us, Da'an. Your thoughts and ideas will cause our extinction. You--"
"ENOUGH!" Zo'or interrupted him, clearly annoyed. His words had startled her. How often she had said the same, but she had never listened to them spoken in such a hateful tone. She raised a hand in a threatening manner. "I will not allow this behavior during The Gathering. "All of the members have the right to speak and to be treated with respect," she said, deadly serious.
Tel'kar just remained with his head raised in a defying way... a way that Zo'or did not like. She looked intently at him. "Am I clear enough, do you understand that, Tel'kar?" Zo'or finished, glowing dangerously.
"Yes," Tel'kar said with respect, looking apologetically at Zo'or. "We need to concentrate in our problems, the Jaridians," he stopped for a while to turn his glare on Da'an, "and the only solution I see is to create slaves warriors..."
Realizing that Tel'kar was about to make his move, a proposal, Da'an decided to play his card, he only hopped that it would work. "I have a proposal," he said, rising from his seat.
"Speak," Zo'or said, ignoring Tel'kar's evil glare. She was really getting tired of him, not to say that she did not like him at all. He was dangerously similar to her and she did not trust him.
Da'an looked at all of the members, one by one, and then spoke. "I ask you only one thing, let me try to prove humanity's worth."
All the Taelons stiffened on their chairs and began to talk with their thoughts. Zo'or just looked at him in disbelief. What is he planning, she thought. What kind of proposal is that? She tilted her head, puzzled. "Silence," she said. "Does anyone support Da'an's petition?"
"I do," De'lan answered immediately. Da'an was his friend and he trusted him.
Da'an mentally thanked him. He only needed now Tel'kar's right reaction, that came almost immediately.
"Wait," Tel'kar said. "I have a proposal too".
Why you cannot remain in silence, she thought. "Speak," Zo'or said in a tired tone.
Ignoring the Synod Leader's tone, he continued. "It is obvious. I just want to enslave humanity," he said simply. He was so focused on himself that he did not feel Da'an's slight smile.
"Does anyone support Tel'kar's petition," Zo'or asked again.
"I do," Va'der said.
"As the Synod Leader, is up to you to decide, Zo'or," Var'el told her.
Of course Zo'or knew that the choice was hers. A month ago it would have been easy, but now she had doubts on her mind. Enough, she thought, I do not even need to think about it. I know what to choose. I can take care of Tel'kar later.
She proudly rose from her chair and looked at all the Synod members, each in turn. "I have made my decision," she informed them. She had made up her mind in a short while. Yes, all was clear on her mind... Unfortunately, her mind was not the part of her that took control of the situation. "I will support Da'an's proposal," she found herself saying. Why did I say that? she thought alarmed... but deep inside she knew the reason. She had wanted to give certain human a chance...
All the Synod members looked at her in disbelief, except Da'an. She composed herself and answered all the glances with her superior look -that works with or without a human guise.
"I support your decision," Var'el said after a tense silence. "Da'an will have thirty one Earth days to prove humanity's worth."
Suddenly, Tel'kar rose angrily from his chair and glared at Zo'or. "How can you do this to your own people? How dare you to call yourself our leader?" he almost shouted.
Tel'kar has lost his mind, De'lan thought to Da'an. Da'an just smiled. He knew what his friend had meant. Despite her change and youth, Zo'or had the unique talent to scare even ruthless Taelons like Tel'kar, being herself the most ruthless one.
Her body suddenly stiffened, sparkling with barely contained anger. <No, how dare you!> Zo'or thought to him, furious. She slowly walked toward Tel'kar and stopped only a few steps before him. "Are you defying me before the Synod?" she asked in a deadly threatening voice, gesturing dangerously with a hand. "Remember that I am your Synod Leader," she finished in the same powerful tone, sparkling even brighter.
An intimidated Tel'kar, realizing that he could be facing the void any time soon, quickly bowed his head and returned to his seat. "Of course not," he said in a very respectful and defeated tone. You will pay for this, he promised to himself.
"That was what I have thought," Zo'or said and slowly returned to her place. When she sat down, she could feel Da'an's gaze on her. Suddenly, she understood Da'an's plan. He manipulated the whole Synod! Not that she was really surprised, she had done the same thing several times. What really surprised her, was to find out that Da'an had been capable of such a thing... He manipulated me! She looked at him almost with respect. Da'an slightly bowed his head in return.
After The Gathering was finished, one by one the Synod members disappeared from the Meeting Chamber, until Zo'or and Da'an were left alone. Her mind is still completely closed to me, he noticed sadly. After a while, they regained their façades. Da'an looked at her through the corners of his eye. "Thank you for supporting my proposal," he said.
Zo'or gave him one of her do-you-think-I-am-an-idiot looks. "You manipulated me!," she accused him.
Da'an smiled. "Just because you let me," he said innocently.
Zo'or blushed blue. "What are you talking about?" she asked on the defensive.
"You already know it," he said. "Why do you deny what you feel?"
"You are confused," she said agitated, moving her hands fast. "You are tired after the meeting."
"No, you are confused," Da'an said kindly. "I can sense your turmoil."
Zo'or looked at him coldly and rose from her chair. She walked slowly towards the virtual glass wall. Da'an followed her and stood by her side. "I know what you are hiding..." he said and after a moment of silence he continued. "I know that you... love him."
At his words, Zo'or lost her façade. That Da'an had learned her weakness was beyond humiliation. She turned around to leave, but he gently held her arm. "Please, no. You cannot run forever," he said.
Zo'or regained her human appearance and gave him a desperate look that startled him. "I am not running," she said. "I..."
"Maybe I did not use the right word, but do not leave, we need to talk," he interrupted her kindly.
"We have nothing to talk about," she said with a smirk.
Da'an smiled amusedly at her reaction. "Did you know that President Thompson has chosen a new Representative?" Da'an asked, meeting her eyes.
Zo'or blushed blue. "It does not matter, I will not accept anyone, but..." she suddenly stopped, she had almost said it!
Da'an gave her a knowing look and finished for her. "...but Joshua Doors."
Zo'or lost her façade again. "You are pushing too far, Da'an," she managed to say after a moment of silence.
Da'an looked at her through the corners of his eye. "I am not," he said. "I just want to make you see. You must help me with humanity, at least for this time. You know that Tel'kar will not stop."
Zo'or tilted her head. "I gave you my support before the Synod, what else do you want?"
"Nothing, just to listen... Joshua Doors' demands."
Zo'or regained her façade and looked at him. "I can do that," she said after a while. In fact, all that she had wanted for the last three weeks, had been to see him again. Suddenly a thought occurred to her and she bowed her head. "I do not believe that he wants to see me," she whispered in a surprisingly sad tone.
Da'an blushed blue at her sadness and smiled slightly. "I will convince Mr. Doors to return to his... job."
She raised her head. "Do it. I will call President Thompson to tell him that his choice is not acceptable," she finally said and quickly left Main Observatory.
After a while, an amused Da'an left the Meeting Chamber too. He went to the shuttle bay to meet Liam. "Did all go well?" Liam asked him.
"Better than I had expected," the North American Companion answered enigmatically. Yes indeed, he thought, now I only have to find a way to prove humanity's worth... But first I must convince Joshua Doors. He tilted his head. "Please, Liam," take us to the embassy."
"Yes, Da'an," Liam said.
******
Zo'or returned to her private chamber and, feeling exhausted, she sat on her chair and activated the energy stream. She sighed, worried. The recent meeting had showed her that she would have to take care of Tel'kar. She shook her head. On the other hand, her conversation with Da'an had been... unsettling, but if all turn out right, she would be soon seeing Joshua Doors...
Suddenly she stiffened. Da'an is right, she thought, embarrassed. I cannot run from my feelings. As humiliating as it was, she knew what was happening to her. I must face it, I, Zo'or, the Synod Leader, am in love with Joshua Doors... She blushed blue and smiled slightly, ...and soon I will see him, she finished in her mind.
******
At the same time that Zo'or started to relax, two Taleons were having a dangerous talk. Tel'kar and Va'der were in Tel'kar's private chamber. "Zo'or will pay for this," Tel'kar said, still in his true form. "How could he jeopardize our survival by supporting Da'an's proposal?" He stopped and raised a hand, then he continued. "When Zo'or was chosen as the Synod Leader, I was pleased. Now I am disappointed. He is not able to fulfill his duties any longer. I will not allow him to destroy us."
"Do you have a plan?" Va'der asked interested.
"Of course. In spite of Da'an's effort, humans will be our slaves. We do not have to worry, though, he will never be able to fulfill his request," the Taelon answered with a smirk.
Va'der looked at him through the corners of his eye. "What do you mean?"
Tel'kar smiled coldly. "You will see, but do not worry, I am already working on that," he answered enigmatically. "All I can tell you is that we will need... a new Synod Leader... soon."
Va'der slighted smiled in agreement. Suddenly Tel'kar turned serious. "Leave me now," he commanded. "I have things to attend."
"As you wish," Va'der said, "but please, tell me if there is anything that I can do to help."
Tel'kar grinned. "You have already done so, my friend," he said coldly, "already done."
Pleased, Va'der made the salute and left Tel'kar's chamber. Once alone, he bowed his head, worried about the future of his race. No, he thought, I will not let Zo'or nor Da'an to ruin my plans towards humanity. Fortunately, I have means to achieve my objective. I am the only Taelon qualified to be the Synod Leader. A few minutes later, he raised his head and activated the data stream.
The image of a man with green eyes appeared before him. He did not seem happy to see the Taelon. "This is a bad moment," the man said, without hiding his annoyance.
Tel'kar gave him a superior look. "Did you see your account?" he asked with a smirk.
"Yes," the man answered with barely contained anger.
"Did you receive the package?" Tel'kar asked, ignoring the man's tone.
"Yes, I have it here with me, he will not deny my offer. The project is almost set, but he must leave the Mothership," the man informed him.
"Leave that to me," the alien said.
"I must go now. He is coming"
Without a word, Tel'kar closed the communication. He tilted his head. He did not trust this human, but he had a secret card, as he liked to call it. With a wave of his hand, he activated the data stream.
"Yes, Tel'kar?" a expressionless, male voice asked.
"I do not want any mistakes. All must be done as I have told you. He must embraced the void."
"Of course."
With a cold smile, the Taelon closed the link and relaxed under the energy stream.
******
After ending the annoying conversation with Tel'kar, the man quickly put the global link inside his pocket, he had heard footsteps coming from the other side of Saint Michael's Church. A minute later, he could feel that someone stood behind him. He turned. "Jonathan Doors," he greeted him.
"General Philips," Doors said, "finally we meet."
Philips smirked. "Interesting place," he said, while looking around.
Doors smiled proudly. "You have not seen anything yet. Follow me." Doors guided him to the hidden elevator and to the Resistance Head Quarters. Philips had made him an interesting offer... a suspiciously interesting offer.
"This place is perfect!" the former General said in amazement. Despite himself, he was truly impressed.
Doors smiled, but he didn't notice the faint glow of Philips eyes. "Come on, you can see more later. Now we have to talk," he said while leading him to his office. Once inside, he sat behind his desk and Philips took another seat.
"Well," Jonathan said. "What can I do for you, General?"
"Please, just Philips," he said and then continued. "This is the deal. I give you the content of this briefcase," he offered, while placing it on the desk, "and, in return, you let me work here with my collaborators."
Doors looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Do you understand that if I agree to lend you a space here, you should give me something really valuable," he said.
"Of course, Mr. Doors," Philips said and then he opened the briefcase.
Jonathan looked inside and almost fell from his chair. Its content was amazing: sparkling samples of Taelon tissues and an also sparkling Taelon-human fetus-- Alive-- in a small virtual glass container.
"How.. did you obtain these?," he asked in disbelief.
Lucien Philips chuckled and shook his head. "I am afraid that I cannot tell you that," he said a little amused by Doors' reaction. "Well, do we have a deal?"
"Of... Of course," the startled Jonathan Doors managed to answer.
******
The next day, Da'an called Liam early in the morning. "Good morning, Liam," he said.
"Good morning, Da'an," he greeted him. "I will be in your audience chamber in a minute."
The North American companion raised his hand to deny. "That will not be necessary, please meet me in the shuttle bay."
"Yes Da'an," the protector said, a curious look on his face.
******
Susan was so intense on her work, that she didn't notice the two people who entered to the office. Abruptly, someone cleared his throat to call her attention. "Yes?" she asked, without raising her eyes. "Sorry, I am really busy," she apologized.
"Good morning, we need to see Mr. Doors," a man's voice said.
"I am afraid that it cannot be possible, Mr. Doors doesn't want to see anybody today." And maybe during his whole life, she thought sadly.
"Please, I must talk to him," a soft, peculiar voice said.
Where have I heard that voice before? she thought. Curious, she raised her eyes... and opened them wide. In front of her was the North American Companion!
"Da'an!" she exclaimed, but quickly composed herself. She smiled kindly at them. "Sorry," she said, "but I was not lying. Mr. Doors has told me that he don't want to see anyone, however..."
"However?," Liam prompted.
"However I can asked him again," she finished with a grin, looking at Da'an. Surprisingly, he smiled back.
Susan rose from her desk and went to Joshua's office. Distracted as she was, she left the door half open.
"Joshua..." they heard her say.
"What is it, Susan?"
"Someone is waiting for you... outside."
"Susan, I do not..."
"No, please, Joshua, is Da'an. He wants to talk with you."
"I do not want to speak to the Taelons," they heard him say annoyed, "even if the Taelon is Da'an."
Liam looked worriedly at Da'an, whose head was bowed. It appeared that they would have to leave. Suddenly Susan spoke again, "Come on, Joshua, he seemed to be very concerned about something... besides... he is so cute, that it will break my heart to say no to him," she said serious.
At her words, Da'an raised his head startled and lost his façade for a second. Humans had said many things about him, but no one had never, ever, called him... cute. Curious, he noticed that Liam was trying hard not to laugh. "Perhaps you could tell me what do you find so amusing," he said, tilting his head.
"Oh, It's nothing, Da'an," Liam muttered staring at his feet.
Da'an just rolled his eyes.
They heard Joshua's surprised voice again. "Susan, he is a Taelon!"
"I know that... he is a cute Taelon. Come on, will you see him?" they heard her plea.
"Okay, okay. I don't believe that you are going to give me other choice. Tell him to come in."
"Thank you, Joshua."
******
When Susan returned to her office, Da'an was not able to control his reaction, he blushed blue. She looked at him, worried. "Are you not feeling well, Da'an?" she asked concerned, "you are... blue."
This time, Liam couldn't help but laugh aloud. Susan Looked at him, puzzled.
The North American Companion ignored Liam's laughter and met her eyes. "I am fine," Da'an told her.
She smiled. "Mr. Doors will see you right now."
"Thank you... Susan," Da'an said kindly, remembering the name Joshua Doors had called her. Then he turned his blue gaze to his protector. "Wait here, please."
"Of course, Da'an," Liam answered, a grin on his face.
******
Da'an entered Joshua's office. The young man was seated behind his desk, looking directly at him. The alien noticed that his eyes were full of sorrow. "Please, have a seat," Joshua invited him.
Da'an sat on a comfortable chair and tilted his head. "Thank you for receiving me," he said.
Joshua smiled. "Susan was very... convincing," he said amused.
Da'an knew the reason of his smirk and, in spite of himself, he felt... unaccountably embarrassed.
Joshua watched him for a moment and then he spoke. "What can I do for you?," he asked sincerely. He liked Da'an and wanted to help him.
"I am here to ask you to return to your old... job. You are the most qualified human to be the President's Representative before us," Da'an said, gesturing with a hand.
Joshua's face went pale. He bowed his head. "Above all people, you should know the reason of my resignation. Why are you asking me this? he said in a sad tone. "I am sorry, Da'an, but I cannot do that," he finished in a low voice.
Da'an looked at him for a while. He was not surprised by his negative answer, but this was too important to just let it go... And he still remembered Zo'or's desperate gaze. He tried again, "I understand that this is not the best moment to ask you so, but it is imperative that you return to your duty."
Joshua raised his head and met his eyes. "Can you assure me that Zo'or had nothing to do with the attempted murder?" he asked in an unusual cold voice.
Da'an could not answered that without betraying Zo'or's secret. He just lowered his eyes.
"Of course you can't," Joshua said, then he rose from his desk and walked towards the door. "Sorry Da'an, I cannot help you," he said sadly. "Do you understand why?"
Realizing that the meeting was over, Da'an rose too. "Yes, I do, but I can tell you that you are wrong. The one that you are looking for is closer than you think," he said enigmatically and then left the office.
******
After they were gone, Susan entered and soon noticed his sad mood. "Are you ok, boss?" she asked worried.
Joshua looked at her. "Please, Susan, cancel all my appointments for today."
"Where are you going?"
Joshua smiled. "To the park." Then he grabbed his coat and went away.
******
"How did it go?," Liam asked Da'an once they had arrived at the Embassy.
"He did not accept," he answered calmly.
"You don't seem surprised," Liam noted.
"I am not. However, I believe there is someone who can help me to convince him," Da'an said, tilting his head.
Liam smiled slightly. He knew the person Da'an had in mind. "Of course she will help you. After all... she said that you were... cute," Liam said, unable to stop himself.
Da'an blushed blue and gave him an annoying look. Why is he so amused with Susan's words? he thought, curious. I am... confused... She confuses me... She-- He shook his head. "The situation is serious," he said after a while.
"Sorry, Da'an, Liam apologized lamely.
Da'an rolled his eyes. Since his association with the young hybrid, he had made that gesture very often. "You may leave now. I will need you in the afternoon," he said.
"Yes Da'an," Liam answered, leaving the audience chamber.
******
Zo'or was seated on her chair, in her private chamber. She had asked Agent Sandoval to investigate Tel'kar's recent activities. She was convinced that he had plans that did not suit Taelon interests... Dreadful plans.
Da'an is right, he will not stop with humanity's complete domination. He is after my chair! Well, it does not matter, he will fail, she thought with a grin, I will see to that.
In that moment, Sandoval arrived and made the 'Taelon salute' -that Zo'or did not bother to answer. "Well?," she asked, trying to hide her impatience.
"You were right, Zo'or," he said. "Tel'kar is up to something. He had made several unauthorized transmissions to Earth, however, that's not enough to charge him."
"I know that," Zo'or said, annoyed by the uncompleted report. "You should watch after him."
"Yes, Zo'or," Sandoval said and left her chamber.
Once alone, Zo'or rose and began to walk around her room. She was nervous, but the reason was not Tel'kar's treason, she could handle that. What she could not handle were her feelings... her overwhelming human feelings. Why Da'an has not contacted me?, she thought worried. Deep inside she feared Joshua's answered. She shook her head and stopped walking. I cannot continue like this, she thought angrily, but I cannot help it...
She sighed and decided to focus her mind on Tel'kar. I will show him how ruthless, Zo'or, the Synod Leader, can be. How ruthless I can be!
******
Joshua was in the park, seated on a bench with his head bowed. It was winter, the trees were naked... and so was his heart. It had been in this spot where he had first met Sophie. He sighed. How could Da'an ask me that?, he thought sadly. Suddenly, someone sat next to him... and embraced him. He was not surprised, though, he knew who it was.
"You know, Josh, sometimes is not good to be alone," Susan said kindly.
Joshua raised his head and slightly smiled. "I must look terrible. You have not call me 'Josh' since I was ten."
She tilted her head and grinned. "Yes, and I was twelve, but now I am..." she stopped and slightly blushed, "Oh... never mind. Come on, since my boss took a day off, I have nothing else to do," she teased. "I am hungry, let us go to a nice place I know," she invited him.
"Sorry, but I cannot eat," he said.
"That's ok. You can just watch while I eat. Come on, I invite and you pay... after all, you are the boss."
Joshua looked at her with a wide smile on his face. "I believe that I will never be able to tell you no," he said amused.
"You are absolutely right," she answered with a grin and then grabbed his arm. "Let us go, we will walk under these wonderful trees."
******
Zo'or's suspicions about Tel'kar were shared by another Taelon aboard the Mothership. De'lan was worried. He wanted to talk to Da'an about it, privately. For that reason, he went to his chamber and activated the Holographic Communication System. His image suddenly appeared before the startled North American Companion. He greeted him and Da'an returned the salute. "I need to talk to you," an anxious De'lan said.
Da'an raised his hand in a calming manner. "I know, my friend," he said in a gentle tone. "I am worried about Tel'kar too, but also I know that Zo'or can handle him."
De'lan blinked in surprise at his words. "You seemed to trust Zo'or," he said, "though his attitude towards humans is not less cruel than Tel'kar's."
Da'an smiled slightly. "You are right, but believe me, Zo'or is on the side of humanity this time." Well, at least on the side of one human, he thought.
De'lan tilted his head. "I do not understand," he said puzzled.
Da'an smiled kindly. "Do not worry, but I cannot explain it to you. Please trust me."
De'lan smiled back. "Of course, my friend," he said. "However I, will check on Tel'kar and Va'der, to quote humans."
Da'an nodded, though he did not like the idea. It was too dangerous. "Please, be careful," he urged his friend.
"Do not worry about me," De'lan said, "I can take care of myself. I have studied interesting human's films about espionage," he finished serious and, after the salute was made, he disappeared.
Da'an blushed blue. Espionage films? he thought puzzled and then rolled his eyes. Sometimes De'lan reminded him of Liam.
******
Inside the Resistance H. Q., Lucien Philips and his assistant, Elizabeth Crane, worked on their secret project. "Sir, do you believe that the shield will work?" she asked him.
"Of course," he answered without hesitation. "We have the most brilliant minds working on this." He turned serious. "That stupid Taelon thinks that he bought me. Doesn't he know the meaning of honor? I don't care about the money. He has not realized that he bought the destruction of his own kind. The information that we will gain during the execution of the project will be invaluable."
"It is a pity that the Synod didn't accept you," she said angrily. "The mission would have been easier that way."
He looked at her. "Yes, but don't worry, they -and especially he- will pay." For a moment he seemed to lose his temper. "He dared to tell President Thompson that I was not the better choice!" he said in a bitter voice and then smiled. "Yes," he repeated, "he will pay."
After a moment of silence, Elizabeth spoke again. "What about Jonathan Doors and the Resistance? They are already asking too many questions."
"Simply..." he began to say, "we tell them... nothing. They are wrong to think that they are the only force fighting the Taelons."
"What will happen to them... later?"
Philips shook his head. "In every war there are victims... and this is a war." He paused for a while and then continued. "I am afraid that they must be sacrificed... after all, killing the Synod Leader must be considered a capital offence," he finished seriously.
Elizabeth just nodded, sometimes General Philips really scared her.
******
In another section of the H.Q., Augur talked to his boss. "I don't like it, Jonathan. I don't understand why did you let them in," he said worriedly. "General Philips is a dangerous man. No wonder why the Taelons didn't accept him as the new Representative."
Jonathan Doors seemed concerned for a second. "Yes, for an odd reason, Zo'or asked for Joshua. He shook his head to vanish the idea and then smiled. "Well, don't you know what they say, Augur?" At the puzzled look Augur gave him, he continued, "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer."
Augur smiled mischievously. "So... you don't trust them either."
"Of course not. He gave me an incredible thing in exchange of a small room," he said and then gave Augur one of his I-am-the-real-genius looks. "I want you to enter their system."
Augur's eyes lit up, "It would be my pleasure," he said.
Doors rolled his eyes. In that moment Dr. Melissa Park joined them, her eyes shinning in excitement. She began to speak quickly. "Jonathan, it’s amazing. I have been examining the fetus that Philips gave you and it is in perfect good health. I believe that in two or three weeks it will be ready for implantation..."
Doors raised a hand in a calming manner. "Melissa, please relax. I can't understand you."
She took a deep breath. "The fetus, Jonathan. It is almost ready for implantation"
"Are you saying that it is doable?" Doors asked in disbelief..
Her smile widened. "Didn't you hear me? Of course it is! All we need is a volunteer host and a proper transference device," she said, even more excited.
"Maybe we can use the interdimensional portal technology," Augur suggested. "Do you think that it could be possible, Dr. Park?"
She tilted her head. "I don't know, but we don't lose anything if we try," she answered. "It will be amazing, Jonathan. The fetus will develop in a human host and, once it is born, I just can't imagine all the things we will be able to learn. This time, we will not let the hybrid go."
"Do it," Doors said, "but do not forget our previous talk, Augur."
"Are you kidding? I can do that during my free time."
"Yeah, sure," Doors said with a smirk.
Dr. Park just looked at them, puzzled, but happy at the imminent realization of her project.
******
Susan spent the whole day with Joshua and returned to the office late at night. She was deeply worried about him. She sighed and sat on her chair. She had lied to him, there was a lot of work to do. Well, as if I had anything else to do tonight... other than sleep, she thought and shook her head. Suddenly her monitor turned on and Da'an's image appeared. She almost fell from her seat... literally. "Da'an!" she exclaimed, blushing in embarrassment.
The North American Companion tilted his head, amused by her surprise.
"Sorry," she said, regaining her balance. "Josh... I mean Mr. Doors is not here, I..."
Da'an interrupted her. "It is not my wish to speak with Mr. Doors, but with you."
"With me?" Susan asked puzzled, but a second later she understood. "Does this has anything to do with your previous visit?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
He looked at her through the corners of his eye. "Maybe," he answered. "Can you come to the Embassy?" he asked.
"Maybe," she teased and seeing the strange look Da'an gave her, she added seriously, "Of course, but I can't be there before an hour, the traffic..."
Da'an interrupted her again. "Do not worry, I will send Major Kincaid with a shuttle."
Susan's eyes lit up. "A shuttle!" she said and realizing that she was acting like a little girl, she composed herself. "I will be ready," she said seriously.
Da'an smiled kindly and closed the link. He tilted his head intrigued. Why do I feel that Susan is more... interesting than other humans I have met? He knew that, according to human standards -and Liam's-, she was a beautiful woman. Her slender figure and red hair were... cute, but what he really liked were her warm, intelligent eyes. ...And the eyes are windows to the soul... he thought. Can it be that Zo'or feels something like this? He blushed blue, confused by his untaelon thoughts. A moment later he called Liam through the data stream.
"Yes, Da'an?"
"I need you to go to Mr. Doors' office and bring Susan here. She is already waiting for you."
Liam seemed serious, but Da'an could tell that he was trying hard not to laugh. "Of course, Da'an, but do you think that she will come with me? After all... I am not as cute as you," he said with innocent looking eyes, and before the startled North American Companion could say anything, Liam made the salute and closed the link. Da'an just rolled his eyes and, to his despair, he remembered that Liam had a total recall memory.
Approximately ten minutes later, Susan and Liam entered to Da'an's audience chamber. Liam noticed, interested, that Da'an was not seated on his throne-like chair, as he always received people. Instead, he stood near the virtual glass window, his gaze fixed on his guest.
"Thank you for coming, Susan," Da'an greeted her.
She smiled and slightly bowed her head. "Good evening, Da'an," she said, but didn't try to made the formal salute.
Da'an then looked at Liam. "You may leave now, Major."
Liam made the 'Taelon salute', and secretly gave the North American Companion a knowing look. Then he nodded to Susan and left the chamber, chuckling.
"Is everything all right with him?" she asked. "He laughed all the way here."
Da'an tilted his head, knowing that he would have to talk with his amused protector. "Please, just ignore him," he said, gesturing with a hand.
Susan walked towards the window. She looked at Da'an and suspicious raised one eyebrow. "So... what do you need?" she asked kindly. "What can I do for you?"
Da'an looked at her through the corners of his eye. "Did Mr. Doors tell you the reason of my visit?"
She bowed her head. "Yes... and I must agree with his decision. You just do not know how much he has suffered," she said sadly. "I would give anything to find Sophie..." she whispered.
Da'an blushed blue at her sorrow. "Susan... I do know that Mr. Doors is in pain, but believe me, it is imperative he accept his former position."
She raised her head and met his eyes. "Da'an... he is my friend," she said, then lowered her gaze again. "I don't want him to suffer anymore".
"I know and that is the reason I am asking you to do this. Please, trust me, it is the best for him... and for humanity."
Susan looked at him directly into his beautiful blue eyes and saw that he was telling the truth... upon other things. "I do not promise anything, but I will try," she said with a shy smile.
"That is all I ask of you," Da'an said, smiling back. I am sure that you will succeed, he thought.
******
Da'an's expectation was fulfilled, but it took Susan almost three weeks to convince Joshua. During that time, some important things happened, including the successful development of two projects. General Philips' and Dr. Park's projects were ready to be executed.
******
"You don't need to come with me, I am fine," Joshua teased her. He knew that Susan would never miss a trip to the Mothership. They were on the limo, going their way to the Taelon Embassy.
"Are you kidding?" she just asked him in the same tone.
"Sorry, I should have guessed that you would like to see your... cute alien again," he said, almost laughing.
Susan blushed in a deep red. "Joshua!" She turned her head to the window.
He smiled. "Come on, you 'carrot head', I was just joking. Of course I want you to come with me to the Mothership."
She faced him again... and grabbed his nose. "Do not call me like that. You know I hate it!" she said, amused despite herself. "Besides, he is not my alien," she finished, still embarrassed.
Joshua smiled again... and suddenly wondered why she had blushed. Maybe I should talk to her, he thought.
As if knowing what was on his mind, Susan gave him one of her I-know-what-you-are-thinking looks. Joshua blushed. Sometimes he believed that she could read his mind. He looked innocently at her. Susan just rolled her eyes, but by her smile, he knew that she was deeply pleased to see him in such a good mood.
Half an hour later, they arrived to the Embassy and joined Da'an and a strangely serious Liam in the shuttle bay. "Thank you for coming, Mr. Doors," Da'an said.
Joshua smiled and nodded. "I couldn't say no to a--" he was suddenly interrupted by a blow on his arm.
"Sorry," Susan said innocently, while three pairs of eyes were staring at her, "... There was a fly on your jacket."
"As I was telling you, I couldn't say no to a friend," Joshua finished, emphasizing the last word and slightly looking at her.
Da'an tilted his head in confusion. He had the amused idea that 'friend' was not the word Joshua Doors had had in mind. Then he looked at Liam through the corners of his eye, but the face of the young hybrid was the mask of seriousness, as Susan's face was the mask of innocence. Da'an decided to ignored what had just happened. He spoke again. "We will arrive at the Mothership in approximately ten minutes. May I assume that you prefer to travel in normal mode to watch the sight?"
"Yes, thank you," Susan said, unable to stop herself. The three of them smiled. She bit her lower lip.
They boarded the shuttle and went to the Mothership. Joshua was feeling strangely nervous and he didn't notice Da'an's gaze. I hope that this meeting prove... useful, Da'an thought a little worried. Then he looked at Susan and smiled. Her eyes were wide opened, and she was holding her breath in amazement. Suddenly she turned her head and their eyes met. She blinked in surprise and shyly lowered her gaze. Da'an blushed blue... in embarrassment and he did not know the reason of that feeling. He only knew that it was related with Susan. Fortunately for him, Liam broke the silence.
"Two minutes to arrival," he informed them.
Susan raised her eyes and looked at him, curious. "Why are you so serious, Major Kincaid?" she asked interested.
Liam cleared his throat and Da'an slightly smiled. "I had a nice talk with a friend," the young hybrid answered. He remembered too well his last words with Da'an. The North American Companion had 'kindly offered' to recommend him for the Implantation Program. Obviously, Liam had politely refused.
Susan just looked at him, puzzled, but her attention soon was caught by the sight of the sparkling Taelon Mothership.
******
Zo'or had been waiting this moment for the last two weeks and now she really did not know what to do. Why shall I suffer for this... human, she thought annoyed. Why do I want... need his company? I do not want to feel like this! she said desperately to herself and lost her façade. She shook her head. No! I must focus my mind on other thing, she thought and with a wave of her hand she activated the data stream. She read again Agent Sandoval's report about Tel'kar's activities. This time, the report was complete. Now she had enough information to take that treacherous Taelon before the Synod... and being herself the Synod Leader...
Zo'or smiled at the thought. Suddenly her body stiffened. He is here! she thought amazed. Why can I feel him instead of just feeling Da'an?
******
They were walking through the corridors of the ship and suddenly Joshua stopped. "Sophie?" he whispered.
"Joshua, are you okay" Susan asked, concerned.
He nodded and smiled, but his face was pale. "Yes, sorry."
They continued walking and nobody noticed Da'an's slight smile.
******
Agent Sandoval entered Zo'or's chamber and greeted the Taelon. "Yes?" she asked.
"Joshua Doors is waiting for you," the Agent informed her.
"I know. I will go in a moment," she said. "You may leave now."
Sandoval made the 'Taelon salute' and went to meet the human guest.
Once Sandoval had left, Zo'or walked towards one of the walls of her chamber and waved her hand. A small panel disappeared to revel a secret compartment. She introduced her hand and took out two things. She looked at them and blushed blue. These two items, so important for her, were a coin with two heads sides and a picture... of Joshua Doors. She quickly returned them to their place... and, nervous, she went to meet him.
******
Joshua and Susan were looking out through the virtual glass window, while Liam and Da'an stood behind them. Agent Sandoval arrived, he saluted Da'an and nodded to the others. "Zo'or is waiting for you," he said to Joshua and then turned to Susan. "Zo'or will only receive Mr. Doors, I will escort you to..."
Da'an interrupted him, raising his hand. "That will not be necessary. I will escort Miss..." he stopped and looked at her, curious.
"Bluestone," she said.
"I will escort Miss Bluestone. You can escort Major Kincaid if you so wish," he said with a hint of mischief in his voice.
Susan and Joshua chuckled. Liam remained serious, but his eyes betrayed him. He was really amused. The annoyed Agent Sandoval cleared his throat. "Follow me," he said to Joshua and then turned around to leave.
"Good luck," Susan said kindly.
Joshua smiled at her and, after nodding to Da'an and Liam, he went behind Agent Sandoval.
After they were gone, Susan looked curiously at Da'an. "Where will you escort me?" she asked teasingly.
Da'an looked at her through the corners of his eye. Susan talked to him as if they were equals... and he liked that. He had met several humans and all of them looked at him with respect or hate, but none of them seemed to be really interested in him. However, he knew that Susan was different. He also knew that he wanted to begin a friendship with her... and that maybe she would be interested too. After all, she had said that he was... cute.
He smiled slightly and answered her question in the same teasing manner. "To a place with larger windows." To Da'an's delight, Susan's eyes lit up. She smiled warmly.
******
While they were walking, Joshua turned serious. He really did not want to see Zo'or. I agreed to come here, but I did not agree to be polite. Zo'or will listen to me! Yes, Zo'or will listen! he thought disgusted.
"Please enter here," Agent Sandoval said, indicating a door.
They entered to the audience chamber. Zo'or stood there, looking outside through the virtual glass window. "You may leave now, Agent Sandoval," Zo'or said, without turning.
"But Zo'or..." Sandoval began to protest.
"Leave us now!" she commanded in a cold voice.
"Yes Zo'or," Sandoval said, hiding his annoyance. He made the salute and left the room.
Joshua watched him leave and then looked at Zo'or with hateful thoughts in his mind. You will now hear my opinions about the Taelons. You will know how much I hate y--
He suddenly stopped. Zo'or turned around and looked at him... Their eyes met and her gaze was surprisingly... tender. Joshua felt a strong feeling running through his body. He stiffened. SHE?! he thought surprised, wondering why he was thinking about Zo'or as a 'she'. He knew that the Taelons were not male nor female. However, for some odd reason, thinking of Zo'or as a female felt right, but made him strangely nervous. Zo'or as a female... distracted him. He also wondered why his heart was beating so fast and why his legs seemed to be turning into jelly.
They remained for a while, in silence, just looking at each other.
Minutes later, Zo'or could not keep her concentration at Joshua's stare. She lost her façade, despite herself. I must control myself, she thought, embarrassed beyond words. He is just a human, he-- In spite of her effort, she glowed even brighter.
Joshua's eyes opened wide at the sight of the sparkling Taelon. He flushed. She was so beautiful and so... amazingly familiar. He shook his head, annoyed. What is happening to me?, he thought angrily. She is Zo'or, she tried to kill me, she... she reminds me of Sophie...
I--
He blinked in surprise at his own thoughts and lowered his eyes. Zo'or blue gaze was too... intense to resist.
After their eyes contact was broken, Zo'or regained her human appearance, but she could not stop what she felt. She slowly walked towards Joshua and stopped a few steps away from him. "Mr. Doors," she greeted him in her soft voice. "I have been waiting for you," she said, gesturing nervously with her delicate hands. You just do not know how much, she thought embarrassed.
Joshua was amazed. Where had gone Zo'or's hateful glare and disgusted voice? In fact, he could have sworn that she was pleased to see him... A second later, he realized that he was pleased too! This cannot be! he yelled in his mind. He cleared his throat, nervous. "I... I am here as the President's Representative," he managed to say.
She met his eyes again and, shyly, lowered her gaze. "I am prepared to hear your demands," she answered simply. This time I will listen...
Joshua looked at her in disbelief. He had been expecting a ruthless Taelon, the one he hated, but instead... He realized that he could never hate the being that was in front of him, even if the being was Zo'or... herself. Despite himself, her blue gaze had touched him deeply. He blushed again. Oh, my God! I am acting like an idiot, he thought nervous. I must regain control. He took a deep breath to clear his mind. "My demands... have not changed," he said.
She tilted her head and seemed amused. "Of course. I will take them before the Synod," she said, walking a step closer.
Joshua realized that he could not move, nor take his eyes away from her... and that he didn't want to. "The... the last time, the Synod did not hear," he said, feeling strangely dizzy.
"This time they will," she said in a superior tone, "I am the Synod Leader, they will listen to me," she finished almost in a whisper, while slowly continuing towards him. She stopped and dropped her façade. Now they were only separated by a couple of centimeters... but that was still too far for her. Shyly, she raised a trembling hand to touch his face, but immediately withdrew it. What am I doing?! she thought, ashamed.
Joshua held his breath. Zo'or's beautiful presence and nearness were really overwhelming. He couldn't believe it, but all that he wanted to do was to hold her and...
Suddenly he closed his eyes and went a step back. His face was deeply red and his heart was beating crazily. "I... Please forgive me... but I must go... right now," he managed to say and, without waiting for an answer, he made a little bow and quickly left the room.
Zo'or regained her guise and watched him leave, with a puzzled look in her eyes and a wide grin on her mouth. She tilted her head, amused. Her meeting with Joshua Doors had been really... interesting. For a terrible moment she had been afraid of his feelings, afraid from his possible hate, but now... she was not. Please, return soon to me... Joshua, she thought. A second later she shook her head, embarrassed at her own thought.
******
Once outside the audience chamber, Joshua started to think about what almost happened... he reddened. Zo'or, the ruthless Taelon, leader of the Synod, had never scared him before... Now he had escaped from Zo'or... from her. Why does she make me feel like this? Why does she remind me... of Sophie? he thought puzzled. In fact, he had to admit that, during the time he had spent in Zo'or's presence, he had felt Sophie's presence too. This cannot be! He sighed. Why can't I forget her blue tender gaze... TENDER?!
He shook his head, annoyed with himself. He kept walking quickly and was so focussed on his thoughts, that almost bumped into Agent Sandoval. "Sorry," he said to the startled Agent. "The meeting is over," he added.
Sandoval looked curiously at him. Why is Joshua Doors so nervous? he thought and soon assumed that it was because of Zo'or. Perhaps Zo'or scared him, he thought amused. He smiled coldly. "I will call Major Kincaid for you."
"Thank you," Joshua answered in the same cold tone.
Liam arrived few minutes later and guided Joshua to the shuttle bay. Then he went to the Main Observatory, to get Da'an... and Susan.
******
Da'an took Susan to the Main Observatory. When they entered, Susan held her breath. The whole place was made of virtual glass. "It is beautiful," she managed to say after a long while, where she had been staring the stars in silence.
Da'an smiled, pleased by her joy. "Indeed," he said, "this is the place where the Synod deliberates."
She turned to face him and a thought occurred to her. "Here the Synod decides humanity's fate," she said, but seeing Da'an's reaction, she immediately regretted it.
At her words, Da'an blushed blue and bowed his head, "Yes," he said sadly, suddenly afraid of Susan's opinion about him.
What have I done, she thought worried, feeling guilty and miserable. "No, Da'an, please forgive me," she said quickly. "I didn't mean it," she added and, to Da'an's surprise, she held his hand. "Please, do not be mad at me, it's that sometimes I... I talk too much," she whispered. "I... I trust you," she finished with tears in her eyes.
Da'an, startled, raised his head. Through their contact, he could feel her guilt at his reaction. Why is she feeling like this? I am the one that must be ashamed, not her, he thought, deeply moved by her feelings. He felt his façade slipping away. With his free hand he dried her eyes. "Please, do not apologize, you were right," he said gently, "and I could never get mad at you." No, never, he repeated on his mind.
Susan smiled. "Thank you," she said and then realized that she was still holding Da'an's hand. She bit her lower lip, "sorry... for holding ... your hand," she finished embarrassed. She slowly released him.
"Are you afraid of touching me?" Da'an asked.
She shook her head. "Of... of course not!... I...." she began to apologize, but suddenly stopped at Da'an's amused gaze. She composed herself and looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "I didn't know about your... extraordinary sense of humor," she teased.
Da'an tilted his head, amused. "Neither did I."
Susan looked at him and smiled. Then she walked to the virtual glass wall. Da'an followed her... and sighed.
"What happened?" she asked, seeing his reaction.
He smiled sadly. "When you look outside, the sight amazes you."
"More than that," she said. "I just can't put it into words. What do you see?" she asked curiously.
"I see the same, but I do not feel it."
Moved by the sadness of his voice, Susan laid her hand on his shoulder. Da'an blushed blue at the new contact.
"I wish that you could see through my eyes," she said sincerely.
Da'an stiffened, an incredible thought occurred to him. He looked at her with wide eyes. "I can... If you let me," he told her.
Susan looked at him, surprised. "How?"
"If we touch I am able to know what you feel," Da'an explained.
Susan reddened and stroked her hair. "When I held your hand... you knew what I was feeling?"
Da'an bowed his head. "Yes. It was not my intention, but I could not stop it," he said, knowing too well that some humans were very jealous of their privacy. Maybe Susan was angry with him now.
"Go ahead," she said kindly and a little nervous.
Da'an blinked in surprise and raised his head. Susan smiled at him.
"Do not worry," he said, "I will only see through your eyes..."
"And feel what I feel," she finished for him.
"I will respect your privacy... as you will respect mine."
"Are you saying that I could read your mind if I want to?" she asked amazed.
Da'an looked at her through the corners of his eye. "No. I am saying that you could read my mind if I let you."
She looked at him with a raised eyebrow and smiled. "I am ready," she said.
"Just relax and look outside," Da'an said gently. Then he held her free hand and allowed himself to look through her eyes... and to feel through her heart. He lost his façade almost immediately, Susan's feelings were overwhelming. He had never imagined that a human being could feel so deeply... and be so alive. Susan had been right, he was not able to translate to words the beauty of the sight.
When Da'an held her hand, Susan felt an incredible tenderness within her body. As he told her, she looked outside and relaxed, letting Da'an looked through her eyes. A moment later, she turned her face and looked at him, sparkling in his true Taelon form. She opened her eyes wide. She had never seen someone so... beautiful. She blushed in a deep red, embarrassed beyond words. She realized that Da'an knew exactly what she was feeling.
Da'an, startled by her feelings, began to sparkle even brighter. Gently, but reluctantly, he released her hand.
"Sorry," she said shyly, "I..."
Da'an regained his façade and raised hid hand. "Thank you," he said with his intense blue gaze fixed upon her. "It was an honor to... feel with you."
Unable to answer, she just smiled.
Da'an suddenly stiffened.
"What is wrong?" she asked worried.
"Nothing. The reunion is over," he said and seeing her curious look, he added, "do not worry, it was a successful meeting."
Susan smiled happily and they remained in silence, watching the stars together. A few minutes later, Liam arrived and looked at them with wide amused eyes, but remembering Da'an's 'kind offer', he said nothing.
"Yes, Major Kincaid?" Da'an asked seriously, knowing well what the young hybrid was thinking.
"The meeting is over," Liam informed them.
"Where is Joshua?" Susan asked, surprised not to see him with Liam.
"He is waiting for us in the shuttle. He told me that he was tired... and can't say I blame him. A meeting with Zo'or must be really exhausting," he said while shaking his head.
Da'an just gave him an annoyed look. Susan chuckled, noticing Da'an's slight smile. Then, the three of them left the Main Observatory and joined Joshua in the shuttle bay.
******
Twenty minutes later, Susan and Joshua were back on Earth -inside the limo- and she was worried. Joshua's face was deadly pale and he had been quiet the whole ride. Da'an told me that the meeting was successful, so why he is like this? "Joshua, are you okay?" she asked kindly after a long silence. "What happened there?"
He looked at her and smiled. "Don't worry, Sue, nothing bad happened."
"Oh my God!" she exclaimed. "You called me Sue. You are hiding something, you always call me Sue when you are lying to me."
Joshua tilted his head amused. "You know me too well," he said and then held her hand. "Susan, calm down. I am okay, just a little bit confused. I will be fine tomorrow, believe me," he told her.
She didn't buy it, but smiled at him. "Are you sure that you are going to be alright?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Of course," he answered.
She just rolled her eyes, knowing that he was lying.
A moment later, they arrived to Susan's building. "Bye, Boss," she teased him.
"Bye Susan."
She had not realized how exhausted she was until she laid on her bed. "Da'an," she whispered softly and fell asleep... to dream of a sparkling blue universe.
******
The next stop the limo made was in Joshua's house. After saying good night to the driver, Joshua entered his house and sat on his favorite arm chair. He laid back his head and tired, closed his eyes. To his annoyance, immediately, the image of two blue eyes, looking tenderly at him appeared in his mind. What is happening to me? Why can't I get Zo'or... her out of my mind? he thought desperately, but that didn't stop another vision of Zo'or. She stood before him, in her sparkling true form... and was so beautiful, she raised her hand to gently touch his face and... NO!
He stiffened on his seat and opened his eyes wide, blushing furiously at his thoughts. He shook his head annoyed. Hating Zo'or, the Synod Leader, was easy, but what he felt now was... was... disturbing. He sighed and slowly rose from the arm chair, knowing that only one thing could help him in this very moment. He went directly to the bathroom and took a cold shower. He urgently needed one.
******
During that same night, former General Lucien Philips, was still in the Resistance H.Q., checking the last details of his lethal project. "Perfect," he said to no one, with a look of satisfaction in his keen eyes.
******
Aboard the Mothership, Tel'kar was in his private chamber, seated under a stream of energy. A low noise suddenly interrupted him. Annoyed, he regained his façade and activated the data stream. The image of a man appeared.
"All is perfect," Philips said. "Everything is ready."
Tel'kar's eyes glowed in anticipation. "Good," he said. "Be prepared for tomorrow. It will be in the New York Embassy." Without another word, he closed the link. All my plans are in motion. Soon I will be the new Synod Leader, he thought excited. He only regretted the lost of a hybrid fetus, but it did not matter, the Taelons had plenty of them. Stupid human, he thought with disdain, Do you think that I can be so easily deceived? He smiled evilly and contacted his secret card, as he called it. "Do not forget it. Zo'or must joined the void tomorrow."
"You will not be disappointed," the expressionless voice. "I am personally in charged of the project."
With a smirk Tel'kar closed the link and activated the energy stream again.
******
Fool Taelon, Philips thought after the link was closed, you have doomed your kind just for power. I will show you who has the real power! he finished angrily.
******
The next day, Zo'or was in such a good mood, that almost she forgave Tel'kar's interruption... almost. "What is that you want," she asked with a smirk.
Tel'kar bowed his head apologetically. "Please, forgive my intrusion, but it is important," he said in a soft voice, hiding his anger well . You soon will know what I really want, he thought back in his mind.
"What is so important," Zo'or asked curious, despite herself.
Tel'kar raised his head. "I know that there is a conspiracy against you... and that your life is in danger," he said in a studied worried voice. Yes, in danger indeed.
Zo'or looked at him through the corners of her eyes, she did not trust him. "Are you sure?" she asked simply.
"Yes and I am afraid that the responsible of this act is my friend Va'der." Friend?!
Zo'or opened her eyes, wide. Sandoval's reports had always pointed to Tel'kar as the leader of the conspiracy. As if knowing her thoughts, he continued. He bowed his head again. "The worst part is that he had incriminated me to turn you against me."
"Do you have any proof?" Zo'or asked, completely convinced by now.
Tel'kar shook his head. "No, but I know that he is working against you from the New York Embassy."
Zo'or blushed blue in anger. "How dare he! In my own Embassy! I will send Agent Sandoval..." she suddenly stopped. "No! I will go there to unmask him!
"That is a wise decision," Tel'kar said. You just have no idea.
"Leave me now, I have things to do," Zo'or commanded.
Tel'kar made the salute and left her. While he was walking through the ship, he could not erase the smile from his face. Humans should give me one of their Oscars for my brilliant performance, he thought amused. Zo'or reacted exactly as I had expected. He glowed evilly. Enjoy your last day on this plane of existence, Synod Leader.
******
Joshua arrived one hour later to his office. "Hello, Susan."
"Hello, Josh... O my God, your eyes," she said, looking at him.
He flushed. "Yeah, I didn't sleep well... strange dreams," he muttered and quickly entered to his private office.
Susan followed him with a puzzled gaze. Dreams? she thought... and suddenly she blushed too. "Dreams," she whispered and then continued working.
******
"Dreams?" De'lan asked, puzzled. He was in his holographic form, before the North American Companion.
"Yes," Da'an answered, strangely embarrassed. Dreams, he thought, secretly smiling to himself.
"Are you saying that you entered a woman's dream?" De'lan asked, fascinated. "That particular human must be really interesting if you are so attracted to her," he said, truly amazed.
Da'an blushed blue, 'attracted' was a strong word. He shook his head. "No, I just heard her call..."
"Did you share with her?" De'lan asked, even more fascinated.
"Not exactly," Da'an said and then, not being physically there to make a sharing, he told him what had happened in the Main Observatory.
De'lan looked at him, impressed, wondering if he would have the chance to do the same... with another human, of course. A thought occurred to him. "Are your minds linked?" he asked.
"Yes, but the link is faint."
"Will you allow it to get stronger?" De'lan asked, amazed.
"I do not know..." Da'an said, and knowing his friend's endless curiosity, he raised a hand, indicating him to stop. "Please, we can discuss this later. You were about to tell me your discoveries."
De'lan looked disappointed, but recovered quickly. "Yes," he said. "Humans spying films and detective novels had proved useful. They had a particular interest character called Sherlock Holmes..."
"Please, De'lan," Da'an interrupted him gently.
"Sorry, Da'an. After all my research, I have concluded that Te'kar is planning to gain the Synod Leadership and that he has the help of some humans," he said, proud of his work.
Da'an tilted his head and looked at him with concern. "Do you know the human's identities?"
"No, but I will soon know," he answered.
"The information is important, but please, be careful."
"Of course, My Dear Da'an," he said in a teasing tone and, after saluting him, his holographic image disappeared.
My dear Da'an? Da'an thought puzzled and then decided to talk with his friend later. One Liam was more than enough. He tilted his head, despite their odd behaviour, both of them were dear to him... and so was Susan. He smiled.
******
Zo'or spent the whole day thinking of Tel'kar's warning and reading all Sandoval's reports. She knew that someone was lying and the only way to learn the truth, was to go to her Embassy. Suddenly, something occurred to her. She blushed blue. Maybe I could also pay a visit to Mr. Doors and discuss... his interesting demands, she thought with a wide smile on her face. Immediately, she went to the shuttle bay.
******
In the Resistance H.Q., Augur's tampering with Philip's security system succeeded. Jonathan Doors stood behind him. "During your free time, eh?" the billionaire asked in a mocking tone.
Augur flushed. "All right, all right. I admit that it took me a little more time and effort that I had thought," he said annoyed.
"A little more time? It took you almost two weeks," Doors said.
Augur turned to face him. "But remember that in the mean time, I completed Dr. Park's Transference Device. As you should know, only the host is missing."
Doors gaze softened. "Okay, okay and both of you did a wonderful job. Can we see that information now, before dawn, I mean?
Augur turned to his monitor again. "Of course. I just have to push a key," he said, a little annoyed by Doors tone. He stroked the key and the information appeared on the monitor. "Interesting," Augur said. "It seems to be the matrix of a new kind of virtual glass."
"Can you make a simulation to see what they are going to do with it?" Doors asked after a while.
"Yes, wait a minute." A second later, the simulation was displayed on the screen. "Here it is," Augur said. "How strange, it looks like a..."
"Like a prison," Doors finished for him.
"A cell, yes, but due to the incredible amount of energy that the walls generate, it would be fatal for a human."
"Yes," Doors said, deadly serious, "but they are not after a human, they are after a Taelon!"
Augur turned and looked at him with wide eyes. "Jonathan! Are you saying that Philips is planning to bring a Taelon here?" he asked in disbelief.
"Yes, damn it!" Doors said slamming the table with his fist. "If they bring a Taelon here, we will have this place full of implants almost immediately." He stopped for a moment to calm himself and then continued. "Augur, activate the alarm. We will evacuate General Philips' project with or without his cooperation..."
"I am afraid that it will not be possible," a serious voice said behind them. They turned and saw Philips and several of his men pointing their guns at them.
"Get away from the computer," Elizabeth ordered Augur. He rose carefully from his chair.
"Philips, don't be stupid. If you bring a Taleon here, we will be doomed," Doors said angrily.
Philips just looked at him and smiled. "No, Mr. Doors, you will be doomed, but do not worried, it will worth the sacrifice. You and your associates will be martyrs," he said.
Doors gave him one of his best glare. "Where are my people?" he asked, furious.
Philips chuckled. "You know, this place is interesting, with a large security room. Yes, they are safe there, for now," he said, answering Doors question. Then he looked around. "Yes, this place is interesting..." he repeated. "...I believe that Zo'or will not be disappointed," he finished, looking directly at the annoyed billionaire.
"Are you planning to kidnap Zo'or?!" Jonathan asked in disbelief. "Do you think that the Synod will negotiate with you? Do not be ridiculous..."
He was rudely interrupted by a blow on his stomach, courtesy of one of Philips men. "No," Philips said angrily, "you are the stupid. I have no intentions to negotiate. Zo'or will die here... at the hands of the Resistance," he finished.
Doors and Augur just managed to look at him with opened mouths.
******
It only took her ten minutes to arrive at her embassy in New York, since her departure from the Mothership. "Wait here," she ordered to the shuttle pilot and quickly stepped off the craft. She started to walk, but suddenly stopped. Something was wrong, the shuttle bay was completely deserted. Where are all the humans who work here? she thought, slightly worried. She heard a strange noise and turned around... to see the pilot walking, shaky, towards her. "Didn't I tell you to wait in the shuttle?" she asked annoyed.
He opened his mouth to say something, but the answer never came. He fell to her feet, unconscious. Zo'or opened her eyes wide, a sudden fear ran through her body. Immediately, she understood. It was a trap... Tel'kar's trap! I must get out of here! she thought desperately and started to walk towards the craft.
"Where do you think you are going, Taelon?" a harsh voice said behind her. She stopped and realized that she was surrounded by humans... heavily armed humans.
"You will never get out of here," she said coldly, hiding her fear well.
"Oh, but we have already done so," one of them said in a mocking tone.
"Henderson," the one who seemed to be the leader ordered, "activate the nullifier now."
"Yes sir," Henderson answered and took out from his bag a strange device.
Zo'or looked at it, curious. It was like a Global Link, but bigger, with sparkling little lights all around it. "You cannot harm me with that, human," she said to the leader, while giving him one of her I-am-superior-you-are-nothing looks.
"Silence, Taelon," the leader commanded and then smiled evilly. "We will
not harm you... yet. We only want to isolate you from your precious Synod,"
he said