"Because I know the truth, Major."

Sandoval's words hung in the air and it took Liam a moment before the words began to register.

"What do you mean?" asked Liam as calmly as he could – his pulse beginning to race and his thoughts in turmoil. His face betrayed little emotion, but his eyes were wide with worried expectation. Something in the back of Liam's mind was warning him. //Could it be? No, it wasn't possible!//

"You saved my life," Sandoval paused a moment.

//Oh my God! He knows — how could he know? And what will he do? Does he really know? He has to . . . the truth that I saved his life?// Liam thought. Aloud, he said, "Sandoval, companion protectors save each other all the time – we help each other out."

"No, I meant the time . . ." Suddenly Sandoval's global beeped, causing both men to jump.

As Sandoval pulled open the global and gave a terse, "Yes?," the warning bells in Liam's mind had turned into an alarm. Did Sandoval mean the time that he donated the blood? But what else could he possibly mean?

The man on the other end of the global spoke, "Sir, the Jaridians will meet with you tomorrow morning on board their ship."

"Their ship?" asked Sandoval.

There was an uncomfortable pause at the other end and then, "Yes sir, their ship. They insisted upon it. They felt that since they trusted us enough to allow the first meeting to occur on Earth, that we should reciprocate the gesture."

Sandoval sighed, obviously frustrated and more than a little annoyed.

"Sir? What shall I tell them?"

"Inform them that I agree." Without allowing time for a response, he slapped the global shut.

When Liam looked into Sandoval's eyes, he saw the fatigue of the last few days as well as what he assumed was a little bit of fear. Whether the general public knew it or not, the world was in a mess. And only the bureaucrats had been able to keep the chaos to a minimum.

"Let me help." said Liam quietly. Liam knew that though Sandoval might kill him, that his father needed his help. Sandoval opened his mouth to object, but Liam added, "I know more about the Jaridians than anyone. That information will prove valuable."

Sandoval considered a moment, the worry and need for help warring with his pride and . . . something Liam couldn't pinpoint. Finally, he answered, "Very well, Major. Meet me here tomorrow morning at 8:30. Be on time. Until then I have many things to attend to . . ." Sandoval turned back to his work, dismissing Liam.

Liam lingered only a second before turning to hurry out of the room, but was stopped when Sandoval called his name.

"Liam, whatever monster you might think I am, whatever actions you might think I'm capable of . . ." he paused and in that moment the silence and tension in the room were deafening to Liam. Sandoval finished, "I could never kill my own son."

Liam stiffened in shock and managing a weak nod, backed out of the room in a hurry.

Da'an began to explain the history of the "sentient motherships" to Joshua, but was interrupted by the Volunteer guarding Joshua's room.

"Sir, Zo'or demands to see you immediately. He says that it is an urgent matter of security."

Da'an nodded, a look of mild irritation crossing his face. But he followed the Volunteer, leaving Joshua alone once again. As Da'an exited, Joshua realized that his "guard" was also leaving with the Taelon. What could be so urgent? His curiosity got the better of him and a few minutes later, he left the room, walking in the direction of the bridge. No one paid any attention to him – this was an emergency situation. You wouldn't expect to find civilians walking around. He was able to make his way to the bridge as Da'an and the Volunteer entered. A second volunteer, was leaving the bridge in an apparent hurry. Joshua huddled in a corner and listened to the Taelons' conversation:

"What is it that you require, Zo'or? You specified that it was an urgent matter of security."

"It is Da'an. I have just been informed of a discovery which I find to be quite interesting."

"And what would that be?"

"That your protector, Liam Kincaid and the Resistance leader Jonathan Doors are alive. Why did you not inform me of this? Do you realize that this is the act of a traitor?"

"I did not know myself Zo'or. How would I have? You are the one who ordered the death of my protector."

"Perhaps you were able to fake his death . . ."

"I do not have experience with such things, as you apparently do, Zo'or. I did not keep Jonathan Doors alive after his faked death."

Zo'or looked annoyed but said, "What interests me most, Da'an is not the issue of your knowledge, for once, but how Joshua Doors came to have this information." Zo'or turned to a Volunteer, "Have Mr. Doors brought to the bridge. I wish to ask him a few questions."

Upon hearing this, Joshua inwardly cursed. They knew – they knew of his loyalties. He had to get off the bridge – without getting caught, being the key. Then he had to evade all the search parties and volunteers indefinitely. He knew that was impossible. Inevitably, he would be caught and then //. . . God knows what. There are only so many places to hide//.

The worst part of it was that in addition to getting himself in trouble, he had as good as signed his father's and Liam's death warrant should the Taelons ever return to Earth.

After Liam backed out of there – his mind in total shock, he went to the only "safe" place he could think of — Augur's home. Plus, Augur was the only one he could trust to talk to about this situation.

As he stepped out of the elevator, he noticed Jonathan staring at something on a global and Liam looked around.

Jonathan spoke, "If you're looking for Augur, he's not here. He and Renee left about an hour ago to check some of the computer systems at Doors International." He raised his eyebrows, noticing Liam's agitation, "What?"

Liam didn't look him in the eyes but took a deep breath and opened his mouth, as if to say something: nothing came out. He opened and closed his mouth several times before saying, "He knows. Sandoval knows the truth."

Jonathan's eyes narrowed, "How bad?"

"He . . . he knows I'm his son."

"How did he find out?"

"The scan . . . he studied it further and . . ." Liam trailed off.

"I see. And?" Jonathan prompted.

"He says he won't kill me."

"And you believe him?" Jonathan's voice was incredulous.

"Jonathan, he's my father . . ."

"And he's been working for the Taelons AGAINST humanity, against us."

"His motivational imperative is broken down. We know that. Otherwise, we'd both be dead now."

"We can't trust him. You can't afford to trust him. He will kill you."

"I don't think so."

"How can you be sure? He's betrayed humanity, what makes you think he won't betray you."

Liam sat silent for a moment nodding, then said in a softer tone, "When Joshua betrayed you, the Resistance and humanity for that matter, could you have killed him?"

"He's my son Liam, I couldn't . . ." Jonathan trailed off, realizing the point Liam was making. He glared at him but said nothing.

"Jonathan, I know what I'm risking."

"Well, I just hope you're right about him, for everyone's sake. And Liam, even if you are right, I don't know that I could be as trusting or forgiving as you. He's done far too much."

Liam just nodded, and without another word, walked into the back.

Jonathan sighed as he watched Liam go, starting as the elevator whirred to life. Hopefully, it was Augur returning. Maybe he could talk some sense into Liam. The doors opened and Jonathan stared disbelievingly at the three people standing before him, "What the . . ."

Joshua ducked away from yet another Volunteer search party. He knew he couldn't have too much longer. Maybe if he could disrupt the CVI programs. They were different from the ones in humans because they more like computer programs than organic entities. And though he wasn't a computer expert, he might know just enough to cause some damage. That is, if he didn't get caught first.

On to Part IV: Faith of the Heart
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