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TITLE: Walking in Moonlit Shadows
AUTHOR: Karolyn Gray <kmgray3@aol.com>
RATING: G
SPOILERS: Season 2's Moonscapes
DISCLAIMERS: All Earth: Final Conflict characters is the property of Tribune Entertainment and all related affiliations (Kirshner-Roddenberry, Atlantis, etc.)
Author's Notes: Perceived errors in this story were placed there intentionally by the author.

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[ATTENTION: ATTEMPTING FILE RECONSTRUCTION]

CLASSIFIED
SECURITY CLEARANCE: Synod Members only
ENERGY PATTERN: Da'an
SUBJECT: Private Journal: Lazarus
IDENTIFICATION 16411PED-A1
ENTRY NUMBER: 1 of 1

I'm not sure why I'm doing this. It seems rather pointless to put my thoughts down so that others may read it after I am no more. I have no doubts as to the success of what I am going to do. If all goes as I have planned, no one will ever see this journal. And yet despite this knowledge here I sit in my final moments futilely recording thoughts that those on this vessel will never read, let alone understand.

After all, how can they understand my thoughts when I find I am becoming a stranger to myself? Perhaps that is why I record this. Not for them, but for myself.

Where to start?

The beginning is as good as any I suppose. The problem is I'm not sure which beginning to start with. I suppose it doesn't matter. I'll start from where my thoughts became so disjointed and my awakening began. It seems a reasonable time to start my tale.

#%1@@101Au0er10

Who is this odd man that haunts my thoughts so? So familiar and yet not. I know his name as I see his image. How can this be? I have never met him and yet I know he is my friend. He needs my help but I must fulfill my duties. Perhaps I may do both.

"I shall handle this one myself." I tell the Taelon beside me. It has been sometime since my last recruitment on Earth but he simply acknowledges my statement and moves on to his appointed tasks without question.

Without further delay I go to the portal chamber. I have the oddest feeling as I look upon that blue white globe. It is as if I do not belong here but I know I do not belong down there either. I have been forbidden to tread upon the lands that compose the American continent but I do not question this for I have no attachment there. It is but mere land. There is plenty of ground upon which I may tread.

And yet now.... now I look upon it with wonder. Something is wrong, out of place, missing. But what? It does not matter. To Russia I now travel, my purpose clear.

The light envelops me. A strange sensation, dizzying and yet allowing clarity I yearn for. An understanding of the dreams I encounter nightly but forget upon my awakening. For a moment I understand all.

The light fades. The clarity gone and with it my understanding. I find myself in a forlorn place. Cold, unforgiving cement walls that comprise this 01 #%1@@101 facilities passages. Without pause I tread to my destination. I have been here so many times before that no one questions my presence. It as if I am nothing but an apparition to those around me.

Some how it seems appropriate.

Soon enough I am before his cell. He seems quite hopeful as he realizes my presence and the opportunity it presents him. Typical of him. Always playing the angles as if this is some game. #%1@@101 He listens to my offer. What choice does he have? Life or death? He accepts my proposal, of course. As I knew he would. He has much potential. I can see it in him.

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Oddly, I find a part of me wishing he had chosen death. Why is this so? The project I serve in will save many like he and I living on this world. It is an honor. A chance for this man to become something more than what he is. But I must go now to make the arrangements. Such thoughts I shall save for a more appropriate time. Duty is of the utmost importance. The enemy must be stopped. They #%1@@10101010

As before the arrangements go smoothly. No different as before. In short order I am escorting him down the corridor to the portal. He seems so blissfully unaware and confident of himself. Good traits for what we need.

I wonder if he'll ever know…1010001001010101100010101001010001001010101100010101001010101
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[WARNING: REMAINING FILE CONTENTS CORRUPTED]

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[END FILE RECONSTRUCTION]
[SUCCESSFUL RECOVERY: 40%]

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Da'an closed the file with a wave of his hand over the datastream. A profound silence hung in the air as he turned his eyes to the man before him. Oddly, he found he could not speak. A strange emptiness seemed to fill his being. An emptiness he recognized all too well in this instance.

"Is everything alright?" Liam asked starting to feel unnerved by Da'an expressionless stare.

"Where was this journal recovered?" Da'an asked slowly.

"In Lazarus' personal suite on the homeship. A note attached to it specifically directed that it was to be given to you and you alone." Liam replied, curious at the sudden look of understanding that passed over the Taelon's face.

"Thank you. I wish to be alone now. Attend to your other duties." Da'an waved his hand dismissively.

Refusing to be so summarily dismissed, Liam crossed his arms. "Who was he, Da'an? Who was Lazarus?"

"He was a member of Project Earth Defense. Zo'or's prized implant. What else is there to know?" Da'an replied coldly.

"He knew you. He told me he was connected to you. You and Augur." Liam informed the Companion.

Da'an blinked slowly but remained silent.

"Who was he, Da'an?" Liam asked again. "Obviously he was someone important to you or you wouldn't be acting this way right now."

After several long moments of silence passed Liam slowly headed for the egress from the chamber stopping once at the top of the sloping floor to look back. Da'an remained motionless in his chair, staring out into the city's skyline. Shaking his head in frustration he turned to leave.

"He was but a shadow of a man now at peace." Da'an's softly spoken words stopped Liam in mid step. Turning Liam found the Companion looking at him with sorrow. "Speak no further of this in my presence." The Taelon ordered.

Liam slowly nodded and continued on his way. He had his answer. Not the one he expected but it was answer. Perhaps it was best he never know the truth of the matter.

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Copyright 2000 Karolyn Gray