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TITLE: Family
AUTHOR: Mithril (perretta@entelchile.net)
TYPE: Story
RATING: PG-13
DISCLAIMERS: The characters and situations in Earth: Final Conflict do not
belong to me, but to Tribune Entertainment, Kirshner-Roddenberry, Atlantis
and related companies.
SPOILERS: The story is set during the second season of Earth: final conflict.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Sequel to A Friend in the Dark.
ARCHIVE NOTE: More of Mithril's older work can be found here.
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Family
by Mithril <perretta@entelchile.net>

One sunny spring morning, a pregnant Sarah Boone walked through the garden with a grin on her face and her hands on her round stomach. Unable to stop herself, she giggled. She was so happy, that sometimes she believed she would wake up from a dream.

She shook her head. No, everything was real...

She blushed. He was real...

Her grin widened as the memories of the last four months came to her mind. Short time after her Kimera scientist came to her life, she sold Willie’s house and they moved to the country. There, they found the perfect place to live. Their new house was beautiful, with two stores and many extra rooms, including a basement that Ha’gel used as a lab.

The best part was that it was conveniently located out of neighbor’s sight. Yes, the house was just her childhood’s dream come true, however, it meant nothing compared to Ha’gel... He was just... her beloved. She--

Suddenly, a sharp pain in her stomach interrupted her thoughts. Slightly scared, she stopped walking and leaned on a tree for support. *Only four months!* she thought, fighting the rising panic.

Immediately, out of nowhere, Ha’gel arrived and lifted her in his arms.

"It... is... time," she managed to say, nervously grabbing his arms and burying her face on his chest, biting her lip for not to scream.

"I know, I know," he said softly, carrying her inside the house. He hurried to their chamber and lay her on the bed. "I cannot take you to a hospital. It is too dangerous. I will assist you," he explained in a soothing tone. "I promise you that you and Hope will be fine. I am a scientist, remember?"

She slightly smiled. "Yes... I know... You can cook omelets..." she teased him.

Ha’gel smiled back and gently placed one hand over her stomach and the other one on her forehead. "Breathe normally," he told her while his hands began to glow.

In a second, almost all the pain disappeared.

"Thank you," she said relieved. "I am ready."

He nodded. "Now push, little one," he encouraged her.

She looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Don’t call me little one," she protested and, taking a deep breath, she started to push...

******

An hour later, an infant’s wail announced that everything was over.

"She is beautiful!" an exhausted, but marveled Sarah exclaimed when Ha’gel placed the child in her arms. The new mother couldn’t stop the tears.

He softly dried her eyes. "Yes, she is," he agreed, glowing proudly.

He grabbed a pillow and placed it behind her back, gently helping her to sit.

"Thank you," she said and carefully accommodated her daughter against her breast, kissing her little head. "She looks so human," Sarah whispered in awe. "She has your eyes!"

Ha’gel tilted his head and gave her an amused look. "And what else did you expect?" he asked, tenderly removing a strand of blond hair out of her face.

Sarah shrugged and smiled mischievously. "Well, maybe some of your glowing personality," she answered innocently.

He grinned. "Hope is a human-Kimeran hybrid. She was born with all our knowledge and with my... glowing personality," he explained in her same mischievous tone.

Sarah nodded and suddenly turned serious, giving him a worried look. "Does she have... his memories... I mean..."

"No," he quickly answered, stroking her cheek. "When I took his body I erased all his memories from my mind. Hope is free from his evil influence."

Sarah visibly relaxed and looked at Hope. Did you her that, angel? You are safe with us," she said sweetly. As an answer, the baby waved her tiny hands and giggled.

As Ha’gel saw his daughter in his beloved’s arms, unbidden, a wave of sadness reached to him. If only he could meet his son...

"What is it?" Sarah asked, concerned, feeling his sudden melancholy.

He sighed apologetically. "Nothing, it is just that I..."

"Your son," she stated softly.

He nodded and smiled reassuringly. "Yes, but do not worry. I know he is fine," he said, don’t wanting to tell her that his son worked for the Taelons and for the human Resistance. "Yes, he is fine," he repeated.

Sarah smiled and closed her eyes. "I... am happy to... hear that," she whispered sleepy, leaning her head back.

Ha’gel gently took Hope out of her arms and pulled up the covers. "Sleep now... little one," he softly told Sarah and leaning forward, he kissed the new mother on her lips.

Quietly, he turned and sat on the armchair. He dropped his human body and looked at his daughter in wonder. She was so beautiful, just like his beloved Ka’lin sha. Carefully, he held one of Hope’s small hands and glowed brighter at the sight of a faint diamond-shaped mark on her palm. "Indeed you are our hope, little one," he whispered in his own ancient tongue.

Hope stared intelligently at him, yawned and fell asleep.

Ha’gel mentally smiled. "I believe this is enough for your first day," he said softly, tenderly cradling her.

******

Five months later...

The blond young woman was in the garden, seated on a bench with a peaceful expression on her face and her hands lay on her lap. She had her eyes closed, but she was not sleeping. She was deeply concentrated in her surroundings, her keen senses focused in every single noise.

Her palms glowed and she smiled. She could hear the warble of the birds, the buzz of the bees and the pleasant sound the wind made with the leaves. She could hear... the world.

So concentrated she was, that she had not noticed the man standing before her...

******

Ha’gel silently stood before his daughter, looking intently at her. She was only five months old, but she appeared to be eighteen human years. With her blond hair, her slender figure and her sweet nature, she seemed a younger version of Sarah.

He smiled; she was all he thought she would be and so much more, she was his... their blessing.

******

After a while, realizing that she was not alone, Hope opened her deep blue eyes and smiled at her father. "Dad," she greeted him.

Ha’gel’s eyes glowed tenderly at that word and he smiled back. "What are you doing, little one?" he asked, interested.

"Sit here with me and I will show you," she answered in her soft voice.

The Kimera nodded and sat by her side. Hope took his hand and shared with him her perception of the world that surrounded her.

Five minutes later, they lowered their hands and Ha’gel fixed his kind gaze upon at her. "Earth is a wonderful planet, Hope and I am glad to see that you can appreciate its beauty," he said, pleased.

Her face lit up. "Yes. Everything is new for me and I want to see it all," she replied with a dreamy expression on her face.

"And you will, little one. You have your whole life to do so," he told her.

The girl giggled and embraced her father. (I love you, dad) she thought to him and then she raised her head and gave him an almost pleading look. "But dad... don’t call me little one."

He chuckled and rolled his eyes. "Indeed you are just like your mother," he whispered, amused.

Suddenly, they heard a loud and slightly annoyed ‘HOPE!’ Coming from the house. Father and daughter exchanged puzzled glances and hurried to the house.

When they arrived, they heard Sarah’s annoyed voice -together with a dog bark and a cat meow- coming from the kitchen.

Quickly, they went to that room.

"Mom, what--"

Hope abruptly stopped and burst out laughing, glowing uncontrollably.

Ha’gel too seemed deeply amused by the sight that greeted his eyes. The place was a mess... and so was Sarah. She was in the middle of the room, covered with flour from head to foot, desperately trying to catch a little dog and a cat.

"Well, don’t stay there just watching, help me!" Sarah exclaimed when she saw them.

Hope forced herself to stop laughing –without too much success- and knelt. "Kelann, Thenis, stop bothering mom. Come here," she called the animals. Immediately they went to her and she tenderly held them. "Good boys."

"What have I told you, angel?" a white Sarah asked her daughter.

Hope raised her head and gave her mother a perfect innocent lost-puppy look. "You told me that I could bring home abandoned or hurt animals and heal them," she answered seriously, but knowing that that was not what her mother wanted to hear.

"And..." Sarah prompted.

Hope tilted her head and smiled in her most apologetically way. "But not let them enter the house," she finished, lowering her gaze, guilty... to meet her mother’s eyes in the next second. "But mom, didn’t you do the same thing when you where my age?" Hope asked mischievously.

Sarah looked at her with a raised eyebrow and smiled. "When I was your age, I spent my whole day in a cradle," she explained. "Besides, that is not the point, angel."

Hope knew that her mother was right. "Sorry, mom," she said sincerely, rising from the floor and giving her mother a napkin.

"Thank you and it’s okay, angel," Sarah replied softly, unable to get angry with her daughter. It was just that Hope couldn’t resist the sight of a hurt, helpless animal abandoned on the street... and neither could she.

Sarah cleaned her face and turned to a still amused Ha’gel. "I was cooking a cake, when Kelan and Thenis came here and messed up with everything," she explained.

"Specially with the flour," he couldn’t resist adding.

At his words, Sarah dropped the napkin and took her hands to her waist. "What did you say?" she asked in a mischievous, menacing tone.

He just shrugged.

"Well, my dear scientist, perhaps you can help me with this," she said and without a warning, she threw him all the remaining flour.

Unable to say a word, Ha’gel blinked in surprise and swept the powder out of his face. This time, it was Sarah’s turn to laugh.

"That was not a respectful thing to do," he said seriously.

"No, but it was funny," Sarah replied innocently.

"Mom is right!" Hope exclaimed between giggles.

Ha’gel tilted his head. "I must admit this can be considered amusing... However, I believe there is someone too... clean in this room," he noted.

"Indeed," Sarah agreed, turning to a suddenly serious Hope.

"Mom... Dad... I have to... go... and... clean my room," Hope said and tried to reach the door, but her mother was faster.

"Oh, no, angel," Sarah said mischievously, embracing her daughter.

"DAD, HELP ME!" a happy child yelled.

"No, help me!" Sarah exclaimed.

"I will help both of you, little ones," Ha’gel said, amused, embracing, the two beings he loved most.

"Don’t call us little one," Sarah and Hope protested at the same time, laughing.

******

At that very moment, in the Washington Taelon Embassy, Major Liam Kincaid was talking to Da’an, when suddenly the young hybrid kept quiet... and a second later, he started to laugh.

Intrigued by his protector’s odd behavior, Da’an tilted his head and looked at him with curiosity. "Perhaps you would like to tell me what is it that you find so amusing, Liam."

Liam tried to get serious and shrugged. "I don’t know... I just couldn’t help it," he said with shinning eyes.

Da’an slightly smiled. It had been a long time since he had seen his protector so content... almost like a child with a new toy. *But he is a child* the Taelon reminded himself. "I am glad you are in such a good mood, Liam, but shall we continue?" the North American Companion asked, amused.

Liam cleared his throat and nodded. "Of course, Da’an," he said with a grin. "Tomorrow morning we will leave the Embassy only twenty minutes before the event and the press conference take place. In that way, we will avoid or at least reduce the possibilities of an attempt and..." the protector explained.

Da’an nodded in agreement and they continued talking...

******

The next day...

Hope woke up early and immediately rose from her bed. Without losing time, she grabbed her clothes and went to the bathroom. The reason of her excitement was that her mother had promised to take her to the city. Even though the girl enjoyed her life in the country, with her animals and her beloved garden, the idea of visiting the city was always appealing.

Twenty minutes later, she emerged from the bathroom, dressed in jeans and a green T-shirt.

She looked at herself in the mirror and smiled, imagining all the wonderful new things she would see today and--

Unexpectedly, an unbearable pain reached to her, interrupting her thoughts. Trembling, Hope wrapped her arms around herself and fell to her knees. "Dad..." she whispered scared.

******

"Are you sure you don’t want to go with us?" Sarah asked Ha’gel while brushing her hair. They were in their room and she was ready to go.

He shook his head and approached her. "No. I will stay here working on my project," he answered, standing behind her.

"The virtual shield?" she asked, unable to hide her concern.

Ha’gel placed his hands on her shoulders and gently forced her to turn. "Sarah, there is nothing to worry about. The shield is just to protect us," he explained.

She slightly smiled. "I know, it’s just that--"

"The Taelons will not find us," he softly interrupted her, running a hand through her blond hair.

Her grin widened. "I know. We are safe with you."

He smiled back. (Always, Ka’lin sha) he whispered in her mind, pulling her closer. Suddenly -to Sarah’s astonishment- Ha’gel rudely withdrew his arms and walked a couple of steps back, shaking. He lost his human body and swayed. Deeply worried, Sarah hurried to hold him and led him to the armchair.

"Ha’gel, what..."

"My... son..." he managed to say. The Kimera glowed brighter. "He is... dying."

Feeling his pain and despair, Sarah bit her lip and knelt before him. "Can you... do... something for him?" she asked softly.

Grief stricken, he forced himself to recover and held her hands. "It is not so simple. Liam, my child, he... works for the Taelons... He is Da’an’s protector."

She opened her eyes wide in amazement. "That was Willie’s job," she said as a look of fear appeared on her face. "If you go..."

Her voice broke.

"Sarah, I must go to him. Liam is my son. I abandoned him once, I will not do it again," he said, meeting her eyes. "However I do not think my life will be in danger, as the Taelons believe I have joined the Void," he soothed her.

Sarah nodded and bowed her head. "I understand," she whispered, unable to hold back the tears.

"Thank you," he said softly, holding her by the arms and gently forcing her to stand up. "I will leave as soon as I can," he added, embracing her.

"Please, say you will return soon to me," she begged.

Ha’gel tenderly pulled her back and dried her eyes. (I promise beloved.)

Sarah smiled and was about to say something, when Hope abruptly opened the door and entered.

"Father!" a distressed Hope exclaimed, going to her parents. "What was that... that feeling... that pain?" she asked, crying.

Ha’gel placed a sparkling hand over Hope’s blond head. He looked at Sarah and she slightly nodded. He regained his human form and sighed. "There is nothing wrong with us, little one," he said in a soothing tone. "It was your... brother’s pain what you... and I felt."

Hope stiffened and raised her head, startled. "My... brother?" she asked in disbelief.

He smiled reassuringly. "Yes, little one. Search in your memories to learn the truth," he encouraged her. "Let me guide you," he added, taking her hand and initiating a sharing.

A couple of minutes later, they separated their hands.

"I... have a brother," Hope stated in wonder, but then, she turned serious and her eyes glowed with concern. "He is suffering... He is dying... We must help him, dad!"

"I know. I will help him, Hope. I will go to him," Ha’gel said.

"Let me go with you," the child begged.

"No, Hope," He said seriously, feeling Sarah’s sudden panic. "I cannot and will not risk your life."

"But you know I can heal him," she insisted. "He needs me."

"Hope, you do not..."

"No, Ha’gel," Sarah interrupted him, looking at him with misty eyes. "Hope... is right. You... we both know she can heal him." She slightly smiled. "Liam needs you both... Just promise me you will be careful."

"Thank you, mom," Hope said gratefully. "I promise I will take care of dad."

"I know, angel, I know," Sarah whispered, stroking her head.

An hour later, the child and her parents went to Ha’gel’s lab, located in the basement.

The scientist took a pair of belts from a table and gave one to Hope. She and her mother looked at it with curiosity.

"These are my versions of interdimensional portals," he said in his full scientific mode. "I succeeded where the Taelon’s scientists failed." Then, he approached to the wall and waved a hand. A panel slid open and a sort of keyboard with a screen was revealed. He worked on it and once finished, he turned to his puzzled daughter and mate. "This is the transportation device, where I programmed the coordinates of the point of origin and the destination, " he explained, indicating the keyboard. "The belts are the vehicles; they take us to the desired destination. From here, we can go everywhere in this planet. Just like the portals," he finished, unable to hide his pride.

After the explanation, Sarah and Hope exchanged glances. "Wonderful, dad," the girl said.

"Yes, great," Sarah added.

Ha’gel rolled his eyes. "I can assure you that they work," he stated and then turned to Hope. "Are you ready, little one?"

She nodded, her eyes shinning with excitement.

"Wait," Sarah said, "Please, Ha’gel, angel..."

"Yes, we know, mom. Not talk to strangers, specially Taelons."

"Everything will be all right, beloved, I promise you that," Ha’gel soothed her and tenderly holding her chin, he kissed her.

After a couple of minutes, Hope smiled and cleared her throat; sometimes her parents just seemed to forget about the rest of the world when they were together.

They parted. "It is time," he said.

"Don’t you want me to go with you," Sarah asked.

"No, you would draw their attention and... I need to know that you are safe here," he denied, stroking her cheek.

Sarah nodded, went backwards and watched in fascination as Ha’gel and Hope took their hands to the belts... and vanished.

"Return soon to me. I love you," she whispered sadly.

******

In one of the most important hospital in Washington, Major Liam Kincaid lay on a bed under Da’an’s and Doctor Belman’s sad gaze.

"How is he?" the North American Companion asked Julianne, nervously moving his delicate fingers.

She sighed and shook her head. "I am afraid there is nothing I can do for him, just keep him comfortable," she answered and seeing the grief stricken look the Taelon gave her, she smiled sadly. "But we can always expect a miracle. Don’t lose hope, Da’an," she added and after checking Liam’s vital signs one more time, she silently left the room.

Da’an followed her with a troubled gaze and sat on a chair, near Liam’s bed. *Hope,* he thought bitterly. *How can I have hope, when I feel his life slipping away?*

He blushed blue. The alien could not believe that his protector was about to join the void. It was supposed to be just a press conference... Who would have guessed that a tragedy would occurred? Who would have thought that one of the reporters would be... a terrorist?

He slightly smiled... Well, Liam did and that was why he continued in this plane of existence.

Da’an turned serious and lay back on the chair. True, that was his protector’s job, but was it fair that his life meant Liam’s dead?

He shook his head. "It is not fair, my friend," he whispered sadly, slowly rising from the chair and walking towards the door.

******

Two hours later...

A man and a young woman stood before the hospital’s main entrance. He held her hand reassuringly. She nodded and after a little hesitation, they entered the building.

"Where is he?" Hope asked anxiously.

"He is in the third floor, but we need a disguise before we go to him," Ha’gel said. He looked around and his eyes glowed at the sight of white aprons placed over a table. He took one and handed it to Hope.

"What about you?" she asked, putting on the apron.

He smiled mischievously. "I have my own way," he answered, indicating her a Doctor standing before the elevator.

Hope nodded in understanding, but looked worriedly at her father. "Dad..."

"Do not worry, little one. Just wait here for me."

He approached the man and somehow convinced the Doctor to go with him. They entered a room and, a couple of seconds later, only the scientist came out. He walked to her.

"Dad?"

As an answer, his eyes glowed electric blue. "Yes, Hope," he said softly.

She tilted her head and looked intently at him. "This is weird. I can feel you, but I see a total stranger. I am glad mom is not here, after all. Surely she would have a heart attack!"

Ha’gel blinked and smiled tenderly. "Yes, I suppose you are right," he said, amused. Then, he turned serious. "We must hurry now, Hope. Liam has little time left."

They began to walk, but she suddenly stopped. "Hey dad... where did you put him? I mean... your host?"

He turned to her and shrugged. "Inside the closet."

They went to the elevator and, thirty seconds later, they got to the third floor. The door slid open and they stepped out.

"We are almost there," he said.

They stopped before a closed door and, once sure nobody was looking at them, they opened it and entered the chamber.

"Are... we... too late?" Hope asked, shocked by her brother’s state.

Ha’gel did not answer, he just remain quiet, staring at his dying son. (Everything is going to be all right) he thought to him, walking towards the bed and tenderly holding one of Liam’s hands.

"Dad?" Hope repeated worriedly, approaching them.

He smiled and denied with a shake of his head. "We still have time, little one."

She smiled back, relieved. Then, she lay one hand on Liam’s chest and held her father’s free hand with her own.

"Now, Hope," Ha’gel said softly.

She nodded and closed her eyes. A second later, her hands and Ha’gel’s began to glow.

(Return to us, brother).

******

(Return to us, brother). Those amazing words echoed in his mind, just as a tender energy began to surround him. Feeling all his strength suddenly returning, Liam slowly opened his eyes. He blinked in surprise; an unknown man was holding his hand and a young woman -almost a child- had her hand on his chest. Her eyes we closed and –like the man- she seemed to be deeply concentrated... but what had caught his attention, was that both of them were... glowing!

Liam’s heart missed a beat as he somehow recognized the man. "Fa... father?" he whispered.

Ha’gel and Hope blinked, waking up, and smiled widely.

"Yes my son," the Kimera said softly, slightly squeezing Liam’s hand.

"I am so happy you have returned to us, brother," Hope said kindly.

Liam Looked at her and smiled back. "Brother?" he repeated, puzzled, turning his head to their father.

The alien nodded. "There is so much I have to tell you, child."

"Indeed," he said, giving a mischievous glance to his new sister.

"Yes, Liam, you have many things to talk about," she said sweetly and looked at her father. "Dad, what if I leave you alone, so that you can talk?" she offered.

Ha’gel tilted his head. "Yes, but remember your mother’s advice, little one. Be careful."

"Dad!" she exclaimed embarrassed and slightly blushing. Then, she kissed Liam on his cheek and left the room.

"She is special. Who is her mother?" Liam asked with curiosity.

Ha’gel smiled and blushed blue. "Sarah Boone."

"What!" the hybrid exclaimed in disbelief.

The Kimera chuckled. "It is a long story," he said, amused by his reaction. "And you are right, Hope is special, but so are you... my child," Ha’gel stated softly, sitting on the bed.

Unable to stop himself and feeling his father’s love, Liam sat and hugged him. "I love you, dad," he said sincerely, tears falling from his eyes.

Deeply moved, Ha’gel glowed and returned the hug. "I love you too, Liam and this time I... we will not leave you alone."

Then, father and son joined their hands and initiated a sharing...

******

After leaving her brother’s room, and knowing that her father and Liam would need more than a few minutes, Hope took off her apron and went to the elevator. She got to the first floor and stepped out. She looked around and seeing a half-opened door, she approached it and to her delight, she realized that it led to a beautiful garden. Without giving a second thought to it, she went there.

Deeply pleased by her discovery, she began to walk through the path, enjoying the sight and the smell of the flowers. Suddenly, a small figure lay on the ground caught her attention. Going closer, she saw it was a little bird with a broken wing. Probably he had fallen from his nest. Immediately, she knelt and carefully held him.

"Don’t move," she said softly and, as hypnotized by her voice, the bird stayed still. "Let me fix your wing," she added while a soft glow began to emanate from her hands. A second later, the bird flew to her shoulder and started to sing.

"You are welcome," she said between giggles. "So, did you fall from your nest, little friend?" she asked, stroking his warm chest with a finger. The bird seemed to nod and flew away. "You were lucky I was near."

"Indeed," a soft voice agreed behind her.

Startled, Hope rose from the ground and turned... and when she saw the pale owner of that voice, she opened her eyes wide...

******

Da’an was in the hospital’s garden, seated on a bench, but he could not enjoy the beautiful place. His thoughts were focused on Liam. He knew his protector would soon join the Void and there was nothing he could do to stop that from happening.

With a tired sigh, the Taelon rose from his seat to return to his protector’s chamber. He had walked a couple of steps, when he heard someone talking. Curious -as this was a restricted area- he approached and, surprised, he realized it was a young woman. She was knelt under a tree and she was talking... alone. Intrigued –and grateful for the distraction- he went closer and only then he noticed the small bird standing on her shoulder. He tilted his head and approached even more.

"You were lucky I was near," he heard her say in surprisingly pleasant voice.

"Indeed," Da’an noted, assuming that somehow she had help the bird.

Clearly startled, she rose and turned, opening her incredibly blue eyes wide.

"I will not harm you," he quickly added, slightly amused by her reaction.

Hope forced herself to calm down. This was her first encounter with a Taelon and she would not make a fool of herself. Especially not in front of Da’an, the North American Companion... and Liam’s ‘boss’.

She cleared her throat. "I am not afraid," she said solemnly. "I am just... surprised."

"Of course," Da’an said, looking at her through the corner of the eye. "I am also surprised, as this is a restricted area."

Thinking that she was in trouble, Hope stiffened and nervously bit her lip. "I am sorry," she apologized. "I didn’t know it... I will leave right now," she added, lowering her eyes and feeling like an idiot.

Da’an blinked and regretted his words. It had not been his intention to make her feel unwanted. In fact he did not want to be alone. He raised a hand in a calming manner. "Please, that will not be necessary," he said. "Walk with me," he invited her kindly.

Hope looked at him and tilted her head, puzzled. "Do you want me to stay?" she asked in disbelief. "Why?"

Without answering her questions, he smiled and began to walk.

Hope shrugged and followed him. He was not a bad Taelon after all.

Da’an stopped before the same bench he had used before and sat. Hope sat too.

"Thank you for letting me stay," she said after a while. "This is a beautiful place."

Da’an nodded and looked sadly at her. "No. I should thank you for staying with me. I do appreciate your company."

"Why are you so sad?" she asked softly, meeting his eyes. "Your protector will be fine."

The Taelon sighed. "You speaks like Doctor Belman. She says that I must have hope."

Hope couldn’t help but chuckle at the coincidence. "Sorry, it’s just that... well that’s my name," she explained at Da’an’s annoyed look.

Suddenly feeling her father’s call, she blinked and rose. "I must go now. Believe me, Liam is fine." Then, she graciously made the Taelon salute. "Sinahhua Eurahh," she said in perfect Eunoia and, before a puzzled Da’an could say a word, she quickly walked away.

*Hope?* the North American Companion thought, confused, tilting his head. He sighed, rising from the bench. *You just don’t know how much I wish to believe your words.*

With his head bowed, he began to walk towards the building. He entered and –as distracted- as he was- he bumped into an anxious Doctor Belman.

"Da’an!" she exclaimed. "I was looking for you."

Fearing the worst, the Taelon blushed blue and could not control the movements of his hands. "Is Liam..."

"He is okay and he wants to see you," she said with a wide smile on her face.

Da’an blinked in surprise and lost his façade for a second. He smiled back. "You were right..." he said. "...and so was Hope." Then, he went to see Liam, leaving a puzzled, but happy Julianne behind.

******

Hope joined her father in the main entrance. She grinned, relived to see he had recovered his ‘true’ body.

"Where were you, little one?" he asked with curiosity.

"In the garden," she answered innocently, don’t wanting to tell him her strange –but pleasant- encounter with Da’an. She took his hand and tilted her head. "How is Liam?"

Ha’gel grinned. "He is completely recovered. You are a true healer, Hope," he answered, stroking her head.

She giggled and hugged him.

"Let us go now, little one," he said, returning the hug. "Your mother is waiting for us," he added, with a tender twinkle in his eyes.

They started to walk, but Hope abruptly stooped and took a hand to her head. "Dad, I didn’t say good bye to Liam!" she exclaimed concerned.

Ha’gel chuckled. "Do not worry, you... we will soon meet him again," he soothed her.

Her face lit up and they continued walking...

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

Epilogue

A week later...

A nervous, but happy Liam Kincaid stood in the porch of a beautiful house, before the closed door. Taking a deep breath and giving a last glance to the bouquet of flowers he had brought, he knocked.

Immediately, a blond girl opened the door. Her eyes sparkled electric blue. "Liam!" she exclaimed. "I am so glad you are here," Hope added, embracing him.

"I am happy to be here," he whispered, returning the hug.

"Wow, they are beautiful," she said then, indicating the flowers.

He slightly blushed. "They are for your mother," he explained. "Where is dad?"

Hope released him and grinned. "He and mom are in the garden, preparing lunch. Do you like barbecue?" she asked seriously.

Liam blinked in surprise. "Barbecue?"

Hope nodded. "Yes. You should know dad is a great chef," she said mischievously and taking his free hand, she guided him to her... their parents.

Liam smiled and allowed her to lead him, knowing that finally he had a family.

Fin

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Copyright Mithril (perretta@entelchile.net) November 1999.