Sandoval stalked down the corridor in the mothership, silently fuming. He had seen Major Kincaid and Zo'or sharing and it bothered him. Zo'or had chosen to investigate that artifact with Kincaid's help rather than him. And HE had fallen out of the Taelon's good graces. However, the reason he was so angry at the moment was related to the contents of a message he had just received: Zo'or had called for him to meet so that they could discuss his current position with the Taelons. It had been a very ominous and foreboding message and knowing Zo'or, the conference would not be pleasant. Zo'or had already ordered his execution once, but had immediately let him off the hook. Sandoval was wondering if maybe Zo'or had changed his mind and was really planning to carry through with his earlier threat. Sandoval arrived at the door to the bridge and paused a moment, closing his eyes and drawing in a deep breath to regain his composure. He then entered the bridge area.

Zo'or had his back to the agent and Sandoval patiently waited to be spoken to, noting with some annoyance that Major Kincaid was already there.

"Agent Sandoval, you have arrived on time." the Taelon stated unemotionally.

"Yes Zo'or, per your request."

An uncomfortable moment of silence passed and Sandoval spoke again, "You wished to discuss my position with the companions, Zo'or."

"I do not need to be told or reminded of what I wish to discuss, Agent Sandoval." Zo'or snapped. Another long uncomfortable moment of silence stretched on before the Taelon spoke again. "Agent Sandoval, I have come to another decision regarding what position you occupy within the service of the Taelons. I have decided that you should return to serving Da'an."

"But Zo'or, who would protect you?"

"I have decided that perhaps Major Kincaid is the best choice, as he has shown great loyalty and devotion to the companions," said Zo'or rather pointedly. "You will report immediately to Da'an."

"But Zo'or . . ." Sandoval started to protest but his words were halted by the look on Zo'or's face. Sandoval looked at his "replacement" and saw the hint of pleasure in the Major's eyes as well as the slight smirk on his face which also revealed his pleasure at Sandoval's demotion. Sandoval knew the uselessness of protesting but also did not understand Zo'or's choice. He had always thought that Kincaid was a member of the Resistance, though, of course, he had never been able to prove it.

"Do you have a problem, Agent Sandoval?" questioned Zo'or menacingly

Sandoval shook his head, "If my service to the Taelons is better spent elsewhere then I am more than happy to comply Zo'or."

Zo'or's eyes narrowed, "Then report to Da'an at once, Agent Sandoval."

"Yes Zo'or."

Sandoval left the bridge of the Taelon mothership to report to Da'an but his mind was far beyond his current position. He was already planning his next move. He knew things, and though he wouldn't go so far as to seek out the resistance, it wouldn't hurt to make life a little more difficult for Zo'or and Major Kincaid.

Liam felt a little bit sorry for Sandoval, as he had just lost favor with the Taelons. But, he did have to admit taking some pleasure in the fact that HE, the leader of the Resistance, had ironically just been promoted to the highest position any human could ever hope to obtain. After he had left the mothership, he had decided to drop by The Flat Planet and had told Augur of his promotion. Augur had been impressed and yet slightly suspicious. Sandoval HAD been in the Taelons' good graces for years and to suddenly demote him - seemed almost too good to be true. Liam knew that his father hated what had happened and blamed and perhaps even hated HIM for it. Liam glanced at his watch and found that it was getting close to time to leave to meet with Zo'or, his new boss. After the meeting Liam would be free till the next morning. Sandoval, on the other hand, would be forced to supervise the volunteers as they updated the mothership's systems. Also, that evening, he was going to meet Renee, Augur, and Joshua for dinner at the Flat Planet. He grabbed his coat and put it on as he hurried out of the room.

Sandoval was getting more and more upset with his circumstances. He had already been subjected to the humiliation of being demoted, but now he was forced to do grunt work? He had been assigned to supervise the Volunteers as they installed and set up the new scanning system on the Mothership. The Taelons were taking precautionary measures against the Jaridians. The new scanning system would ignore regular human and Taelon DNA but would set off a silent alarm should anything with any other type of DNA - Jaridian or otherwise– were to come aboard the ship. The Jaridians HAD learned to mask their biosignature from many of the Taelons' scanning systems. Therefore, this system was necessarily sensitive, already having set off alarms because someone had brought their pet on board. The system was the most sophisticated and the latest in scanning technology from Doors International. ANY different DNA at all would be detected. As if they would need some system to tell them that a Jaridian replicant was on-board. A jaridian replicant would make its presence known faster than any scan would. And there would be no other beings to detect – everyone on the mothership would be either human or taelon.

Joshua Doors was in the middle of an important call when he was interrupted by a knock on the door. That someone would interrupt him was not unusual but the fact that someone was actually here in the office this late was an unusual thing.

"Come in," he called, in an exasperated tone of voice as he ended the transmission. Agent Sandoval stepped thru the door. Joshua looked up and sighed. "Well, if it isn't, Agent Sandoval, companion protector to Zo'or, oh excuse me, you're protecting Da'an now aren't you?"

Sandoval remained silent

"What is the matter Agent Sandoval?" Joshua broke the silence but began to type on his computer, semi-ignoring the agent.

"I have some information that might be of particular interest to you Mr. Doors." said Sandoval unemotionally.

"There's no information of yours that I would be ‘particularly interested' in Agent Sandoval," said Joshua Doors in a mocking voice as he continued to type.

"I think you might be interested in this information because Mr. Doors, it's about your father and his activities with the Taelons." Joshua stopped typing and looked up as Sandoval paused a moment, also noting Joshua's look of confusion. "Are you still ‘uninterested' Mr. Doors?"

"I'm listening, Agent Sandoval. What kind of information have you got?"

"I'll let you know in due time, Mr. Doors, in due time. Just continue to do a fine job running DI and providing aid for the Taelons."

After Sandoval left, Joshua wondered at Sandoval's ominous words. They sounded like a threat if he ever heard one. But what had Sandoval meant about his father working with the Taelons on some project? His father would never have collaborated with the Taelons on any project that didn't help the resistance. Well, he felt sure that Sandoval would let him know soon - but anything that Sandoval told him would have to be backed up with plenty of evidence, evidence that he could trust. He was supposed to have dinner with Liam and Renee that evening - they were having "dinner" to discuss some further resistance projects. He'd tell them about it, surely Liam or Renee would have heard something. His communication panel beeped - it was Renee.

"Hey there, long day?"

"You could say that. I just had a very interesting visitor."

"Who?" Renee's voice betrayed curiosity.

"I'll tell you and Liam at dinner. By the way, where are we going to eat?"

"Well, I just talked with Liam and he said that he found this place he'd like to try. It's somewhere that he's never been before."

"And where would that be, Miss Palmer?" sighed Joshua.

"McDonald's." Renee said with a straight face.

"McDonald's? As in the fast food restaurant?" Renee nodded. "You mean to tell me that Liam has never eaten at McD's? Where did he grow up?" Joshua groaned.

Renee raised her eyebrows and grinned, "I'll meet you there in ten minutes. It's the one nearest the Flat Planet." Renee cut off the communication and turned to talk to Liam.

"McDonalds? I mean I knew you were part alien but really! You need to learn to live a little!"

The restaurant was empty - they had just missed the dinner rush, so they ordered their food and sat down to eat at a corner table. Joshua told them of his unusual visitor.

"I just can't understand it . . . my father would never have been involved in any Taelon project."

"Well, not willingly anyway," added Renee helpfully.

"I never heard Da'an mention anything like that," offered Liam

"Not that THAT means anything," Renee said.

"Look, I know that Da'an and I aren't as trusting of each other but he has helped us on numerous occasions."

"And hurt us too, don't forget that." Renee reminded Liam.

"Well, have you heard anything, Miss Palmer?" asked Liam.

"No, but I should know something if it were really true." She turned to Joshua. "I wouldn't believe anything that Sandoval tells you."

"Well, he hasn't told me much of anything yet, but guess what - I have a meeting with Zo'or the day after tomorrow - coincidence?"

"I think not," said Renee.

"But Sandoval isn't working for Zo'or anymore, Renee." said Liam. "And it wouldn't serve the Taelons interests to give you information because if it's true - then odds are it's dangerous, and if it's not - then you should have the resources to disprove it."

"Could it be a distraction?" asked Joshua.

"Or is Sandoval really following the will of the synod?" Renee asked.

The conversation paused - all considering the implications of Renee's question.

Renee broke the silence. "So, what is Ronnie doing on the mothership while you get a day off?"

"Well I heard that RONNIE is supervising the installation of some new sensors or something of that nature." Liam shrugged. "I really don't know exactly what he's doing since I've been promoted."

The next morning Liam sat the shuttle down neatly on the shuttle bay of the mothership. He was to report to Zo'or and find out his new assignment. Liam climbed out of the shuttle and strode across the bay, nodding at Sandoval as he passed him. Liam also noted the obviously new gadgets on the wall - what he presumed was the new scanners . . .

Renee's global beeped in the middle of the board meeting she was having with several other company leaders. She quietly slipped out with a minimum of glares. She pulled the global out and opened it.

"I thought I told you, don't call me on my global while I'm at work."

"Unless it was an emergency and believe me, this IS an emergency. Get over here right away."

"Augur, I can't just leave - what's the big emergency?"

"Just get over here - I can't really explain right now."

"But Augur . . ."

"Find a way." Renee could here the urgency in Augur's voice and was already figuring out how to get out of the meeting as she closed her global.

Liam was almost to the bridge when he heard Sandoval call his name.

"What's the matter, Agent Sandoval?"

"I just wanted to . . congratulate you on your promotion."

"Well . . . thank you," said Liam, unsure of how to respond. Sandoval was never actually nice.

Liam added, "I'm glad you're not terribly angry with me. I didn't ask for the promotion, though I can't say I mind it. I'm glad to be able to serve the Taelons even more."

"I understand that Major, and I'm confident that I WILL regain my status soon." Sandoval said evenly.

Liam realized and understood the implication - Liam would have to lose his place in order for Sandoval to regain his.

Sandoval's global suddenly beeped. "Excuse me a moment Major." Sandoval moved to the side and began a rather intense conversation with someone. Liam was only able to catch bits and pieces though he did see the sidelong glance that Sandoval gave him.

After the conversation was over, Sandoval came back over and spoke to Liam.

"Zo'or wants to see you right away, Major . . ."

"Is something wrong?"

"Zo'or will explain the situation . . ."

As Liam entered the bridge, he felt suddenly very uneasy. The bridge was too quiet.

Liam stopped a few feet from Zo'or's chair with Sandoval standing next to him. Zo'or turned.

"Did you expect that we wouldn't find out Major Kincaid?" the alien said icily.

Liam's heart began to pound . . . "I don't understand . . ." he said calmly.

Sandoval pulled a small disk out of his pocket, circled the Major and handed it to Zo'or. "The new scanners alerted us to your rather interesting and quite unique physiology, Major."

Liam opened his mouth to protest but Sandoval held up his hand, stopping him. "Don't b other, Major, we have the evidence." To the Volunteers he simply said, "Arrest him."

Liam didn't even bother to struggle as the Volunteers placed him in some kind of strange cuff, which covered his shaquarava. He had known that this day might come and was very aware that he could be killed . . . or worse . . .

"Betraying the Companions is a heinous crime. One that demands that the perpetrators be executed, Zo'or." said Sandoval loudly.

"I agree, Agent Sandoval. Deal with Major Kincaid."

"I understand Zo'or." Sandoval nodded to the Volunteers who grabbed Liam and escorted him off the bridge.

Liam was in total shock. He was going to die . . . and his own father was going to be the one who killed him . . .

Renee entered Augur's home followed by Joshua Doors.

"What took you so long?" Augur asked anxiously.

Renee spoke, "Well, he wouldn't let me go till I told him what I knew of the situation AND then HE had to tag along. So what's the emergency, Augur?"

"We have a BIG problem. You know how Liam mentioned that Sandoval was installing new sensors?" Renee and Joshua Doors both nodded. "Well, I did some checking out of curiosity and these are not just any ordinary sensors. There sensors are extra sensitive, designed to sound a silent alarm should any DNA be detected that is neither Human nor Taelon."

"And your point would be . . ." Joshua started.

"Well, you don't know this but . . Liam is not totally human. He also has Taelon DNA as well as Jaridian and of course, Kimeran. And I can't reach Liam."

Joshua blinked in astonishment but before he could question Augur further a special news report flashed on Augur's vid screen. Augur stopped what he was typing and turned the sound up.

"This just in . . . a remotely detonated bomb just went off in the Taelon mothership killing one companion protector and wounding another. Major Liam Kincaid was killed while trying to defuse the bomb. Agent Ronald Sandoval, who was helping Kincaid, suffered only minor injuries. Kincaid, Da'an's former protector who was just recently promoted to work for Zo'or, originally replaced Commander William Boone, Da'an's first protector. Boone was also killed in the line of duty. The Taelon Synod is deeply saddened by Major Kincaid's loss."

Joshua Doors had not known Kincaid that well, hardly at all but he lowered his head - saddened by the loss and feeling for Augur and Renee, Liam's closest friends.

When Renee heard the news she put her hand to her mouth and sat down silently in shock. She felt numb. She felt Joshua put a hand on her shoulder and the phrase "O My God" was running through her head.

Augur's reaction was much different. He began to yell, "It was no accident!!!! They killed him!!! THEY KILLED HIM!!!!!! And it's all my fault!!" Augur proceeded to curse the Taelons using every name he could think to use and began throwing everything within reach.

Renee had recovered somewhat, "Augur, Augur calm down." Augur hurled a radio across the room.

"Oh God!!!!" Augur sank to his knees and buried his face in his hands. Renee heard sobs and saw Augur's shoulders shake uncontrollably.

"Augur it's not your fault," she began

"Yes it is," he sobbed, "I should have known, should have checked - and I couldn't reach him and now they've killed him. He was my best friend and now he's gone and it's my fault. Oh, God."

Sandoval loaded the body of former protector, Liam Kincaid onto his shuttle . . .

Liam moaned as he shifted awake. The first thing he realized was that he was alive but still cuffed. The second thing he realized was that he was in a shuttle and Sandoval was the pilot. Liam hadn't known that Sandoval possessed that skill. He tried to sit up but his head was pounding so hard that he fell back. Liam had been sure that he was going to die when Sandoval had skrilled him. Why was he still alive?

"Wh . . ." Liam cleared his throat, "Where are you taking me?"

Sandoval remained silent but the view thru the shuttle's viewport made the answer all too clear. Sandoval was taking him to the moon base. He had heard plenty of horror stories about the experiments that the Taelons were performing on humans there. What would they do to a Taelon/human/Jaridian/Kimera hybrid? He shivered.

Da'an was sitting in the embassy meditating, or at least attempting to do so. His mind was on Major Liam Kincaid, his now dead protector. Liam's loss weighed heavily on the Taelon. Da'an also knew that it was only a matter of time until Zo'or came to question him on his knowledge of the Kimera hybrid.

As if on cue Zo'or strode into the room. His manner exuded a sense of anger and perhaps even hatred.

Zo'or did not bother with pleasantries or even the normal greeting. "You knew," he said in his most icy voice. It was a statement and an accusation, not a question.

"To what do you refer, Zo'or?" Da'an asked innocently.

"You know to exactly what I refer. I refer to Major Kincaid's Kimeran physiology."

Da'an blushed blue. He was upset over the loss of his protector and he felt responsible. Liam had protected him, would have given his life for the Taelon and yet, Da'an was even unable to save his protector's life from his own offspring. It was a lucky thing indeed that Zo'or had not known of Liam's position in the Resistance. Had Zo'or even suspected, he would have tortured Liam to death to learn his secrets. However, Da'an was somewhat surprised that Zo'or had acted as fast as he had. Under normal circumstances Zo'or would have kept Liam around as a pet project - an experiment, not a person. However, because of the inevitability of the soon-to-come Jaridian invasion and with the threat that Liam's shaquarava presented . . . to Zo'or that was an unnecessary risk. After this moment of pensive silence Da'an finally responded to Zo'or's statement.

"Liam did not choose his heritage. He is an innocent in this matter, a child whom you have murdered. You have punished him for something that was not within his control."

"He lied to the Taelons. He posed a threat - a threat that has now been extinguished permanently."

"He was a child. He swore an oath to protect me and has carried that directive out impeccably. He was and could still have been a powerful ally, even after your discovery. He could have protected us from the Jaridians - instead of allowing his help you destroyed our last, best hope of salvation because he was different."

"You claim that the last member, and barely that, of a dead species would help us, their killers? You are terribly naive if you believe that his intentions could have been good."

"He had a good heart and was sincere in his oath to protect us."

"How do you know this? He had no CVI and was a danger to the safety of the Companions. He would have killed us, given the chance."

"We see the faults we possess in others. But that does not make him evil. Perhaps you should look inside yourself Zo'or, for that is where the evil lies." Da'an turned. The conversation had made him angry. Zo'or was his child biologically only. Liam, his now dead protector, was his child, in every sense of the word but biologically – the universe was full of ironies.

The funeral for Major Liam Kincaid was a public, but small gathering. Joshua and Renee attended as representatives of Doors International. Da'an was also there but Zo'or had elected to not make an appearance under the guise of having very pressing security matters because of Kincaid's death. However, only Da'an knew the truth. Zo'or did not consider any human worthy enough to cause his attendance but had attended similar events before because it would make the Taelons look better. The fact that Liam was a hybrid of any kind, but especially a Kimera/human hybrid, made him less than human beings in Zo'or eyes.

Renee stood solemnly at the graveside. She mourned Liam as a friend but also she mourned the last hope for the human race. She looked at the rest of the crowd – Joshua nodded at her slightly, Da'an did not even look at her, the camera crews continued on with their job, and several members of the crowd were crying, obviously those who looked up to Liam. Some less known resistance members were there and a few Taelons. Lastly Renee turned her gaze on Liam's human father . . . Sandoval. Sandoval stood there silently and had his usual face on – one that spoke of no emotion. Renee felt her blood boil – this man, Liam's father no less, was the one responsible for Liam's death and he did not even have the decency to show any emotion whatsoever. How dare he!

Joshua Doors was tired, tired of funerals, tired of seeing his friends and family die. He had no doubt that the Taelons had murdered Liam and Liam and Renee had shown him that the Taelons had killed his father. How many more? Would he be next? Which friend or loved one would the Taelons kill?

Augur was forced to watch the funeral from his home. Because he was a wanted man he could not even attend his best friend's funeral. Augur's anger had changed and twisted into hatred for Liam's killers. Augur was being consumed by his grief. Since he had found out about Liam he had been trying to keep busy, keep his mind off the pain of losing a friend. However, Augur found that his mind kept wondering back to the Kimera hybrid.

The lift activated and the doors opened moments later. Renee and Joshua exited the lift. Renee's eyes were red and Joshua's face looked shadowed. Augur did not even acknowledge their presence but kept staring at the funeral on the vid screen.

"Augur," Renee started.

"Just leave me alone," he replied in a monotone voice.

"Augur, I know you're upset over Liam's death but we're worried about you."

"Why can't you just leave me alone, you couldn't understand – I'm the one who killed him."

"She may not understand but I do Augur." said Joshua quietly. "I still blame myself for my father's death."

Augur had no reply for that.

Sandoval landed the shuttle on the moon base quickly and efficiently, with expert precision that came from having performed the maneuver many times before. Before he climbed out of the shuttle he waved his hand, activating the screen to the news. Liam lay in the back of the shuttle listening quietly. On the screen, Liam saw Da'an and Renee standing at what appeared to be a grave. //No!// he thought //Please don't be what I think it is.// Liam watched as a name - HIS name – flashed across the screen. He had been declared dead!

"What game are you playing Sandoval? What have they ordered you to do to me?"

Sandoval ignored the question but pulled Liam to his feet, "There are some things you will never understand about me, Major."

Sandoval led him down a long hall and oddly enough they didn't run into any Volunteers - or anyone else for that matter. Finally they stopped in front of a Taelon cell which Sandoval opened, shoved Liam into and quickly reactivated the forcefield. A moment later an opaque shield slid across the front of the cell. Liam lost his balance and fell to the floor. He looked up, scrambled to his feet, and gasped in shock at the shadowy form moving toward him from the other side of the cell.

Liam stared in astonishment, "You . . . you're dead . . ." he finally managed to utter.

"Is that the way the Taelons are telling it? Apparently reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated. The Taelons approached me about participating in an experiment of theirs. Naturally I refused, which they decided to not accept."

Liam nodded, still in shock at seeing the former leader of the Resistance, and in fact the man behind it all still alive.

"The Taelons were experimenting with the Jaridian replicant technology. I was the first experiment. They created a Taelon replicant, like the Jaridian one except it would use a human form, mine. The problem was that the copy was complete - or so I heard. They wanted the secrets of the Resistance but the replica they made had the same allegiances and the same feelings about the Taelons because it had my brainwaves. You could basically say that it was a sophisticated clone. They were going to test it at One Taelon Avenue because the facilities would affect any being that went in – Taelons as well as humans. I was told that the replica of myself was killed by the building but its actions were not affected. At that point I suppose they announced my death. I was moved to the moon base by Sandoval. I've expected them to kill me for some time now because they have no reason to keep me alive. But here I am."

"We've both been announced as dead to the world." said Liam. "No one knows we're alive."

"What happened? I never found out the truth about "my" death." asked Doors gruffly.

"The replica of you died protecting your son," Liam started gently, "He was under the control of the building – the Taelons. He is no longer under their control and is actively helping the Resistance."

"But he blames himself for my death." Doors stated.

"Yes."

"Liam, if you get out of here - tell him the truth, and that I love him no matter what."

"We'll get out of here somehow, Jonathan." Liam said with more confidence than he felt.

"Why are you here?" asked Doors.

"Well, the Taelons sort of found out about me . . ."

"Which part - the resistance leader part or the alien part?"

"The alien part. Jonathan, Sandoval first said that what I had done merited execution, which Zo'or agreed with and then Zo'or ordered Sandoval to take care of me but I'm still here – why didn't Sandoval kill me?"

"I don't know. I just don't know."

"It makes you wonder why they're keeping both of us alive." said Liam, "Or if maybe it's not THEM but HIM keeping us alive."

"Sandoval?" Jonathan practically choked, "Why would he keep us alive?"

For the second time in the last week, Joshua Doors received a visit from Agent Ronald Sandoval. When his secretary announced who was here to see him, Joshua let out a long sigh of frustration. He then had the secretary tell Agent Sandoval to wait. Joshua took some satisfaction in making Sandoval wait - ten, fifteen, twenty, minutes. Finally after half an hour, Joshua had Agent Sandoval admitted.

"May I help you Agent Sandoval?" asked Joshua, careful to control his irritation.

Sandoval was not so controlled, "Mr. Doors, I have been sent here because Zo'or wishes to discuss some things with you."

"Like what?"

"There are certain Taelon projects that he would like to ask . . ."

"No," Joshua interrupted, "I don't want any part."

"Are you so sure, Mr. Doors?" Sandoval asked in that irritating voice that said ‘you better come or else.'"

Joshua sighed. You can't win against Agent Sandoval. "Since I have nothing better to do, like run a company or anything, I guess I could come." he shot sarcastically.

"I have a shuttle ready to take you now."

"How convenient." Joshua muttered.

Joshua followed Sandoval out of the DI building and to the waiting shuttle.

On the way to the mothership Sandoval received a message on his global.

"Well, Mr. Doors it looks like we'll have to make a detour before we can meet with Zo'or. There is an emergency on the moon base which requires my immediate attention."

"Of course," muttered Joshua.

The twosome passed by the mothership and headed directly for the moon base. Sandoval landed the shuttle and hurridly climbed out into the landing bay. Joshua started to follow but Sandoval held up his hand, "Stay in the landing bay Mr. Doors, this situation should be rectified shortly."

Joshua sat back down until Sandoval was out of sight, then immediately got up and, making sure no one was watching, exited the bay.

//You forgot one thing Mr. Sandoval, telling someone NOT to do something only makes them actually go ahead and do it. I'm the first civilian human on the moon base, well, officially anyway, and you want me to pass up the opportunity to explore - YEAH RIGHT!//

Joshua made his way down the hall, slowly, to ensure that no one noticed the out of place man in a business suit. //Maybe coming wasn't such a bad idea. I could get some information for the Resistance, prove my worth// Joshua pondered. Joshua took several lefts and rights desperately hoping he'd be able to remember how to get back to the landing bay. He entered an area that appeared to be the Taelon moon base brig. He continued walking down the hall until he came to a dead end. He turned to go back but heard voices coming from the other side of the wall. He moved closer and pressed his ear against the wall. As soon as he made that step, a panel slid aside and revealed a hallway, a previously hidden hallway. Joshua peered around to see if anyone was watching him and, finding himself alone, he stepped into the hallway and proceeded down it, cautiously.

Joshua reached a corner in the hallway and turned left, coming face to face with a cell. He froze, and his mind was suddenly paralyzed in shock. He couldn't form a thought, for there, before him – sat Liam Kincaid crosslegged on the floor of the cell talking to his father???? Neither man had their face turned toward the outside of the cell and therefore did not see him.

Joshua tried to talk, to speak, to say anything at all. Finally, Joshua was able to gasp. Doors and Liam turned at the same time.

"Joshua?" Doors said softly.

Joshua, still unable to speak, mouthed the word, Dad several times. He managed to work through the shock and whispered, "Dad." Joshua's eyes darted over momentarily to Kincaid.

Joshua sank to the floor and put his head in his hands, unable to believe his eyes. His father, as well as Major Liam Kincaid, both of whom were supposed to be dead were really alive. He rubbed his temple. "Oh my God!"

Jonathan spoke, "Joshua, you have to snap out of it. There's no time! I don't know what you've heard but we'll have time for this later." At first Joshua didn't move, and his father spoke louder. He looked up, shut off his emotions and went into "action" mode.

"We only have a few minutes to get out of here," observed Liam, "Can you lower the forcefield?"

Joshua studied the controls for a moment. "Yeah, I think this will do it," he said finally while pressing a button. The field shimmered into nonexistence. "Come on, the landing bay is way down the hall."

Liam and Doors stepped out of the cell and followed Joshua down the hall. Liam managed to grab a weapon from a locker just as an alarm sounded. They ran and heard footsteps coming from behind them - the Volunteers that had been absent earlier. They heard Sandoval shouting orders as they raced into the landing bay and locked the door behind them.

"Joshua, if you come with us then you'll have to go underground."

"I know, it's okay." he replied, unconcerned with his own freedom.

"No, it's not," said Liam, "We need you above ground."

"Well what do you suggest - I'll be in trouble if you just leave me here – I would have seen you."

Liam suddenly held his weapon up, aimed at Joshua and said, "You heard some shouting, got out to investigate and were shot. You didn't see who or what hit you." Liam fired and Joshua slumped to the floor, unconscious.

Liam grabbed Joshua's global and, seeing the look on Jonathan's face, Liam reassured, "He'll be alright, we need him where he is though. Get in."

With one last look at his son, Jonathan Doors climbed into the backseat of the shuttle as Liam hurridly settled in the pilot's chair.

Liam piloted the shuttle expertly keeping it at a relatively normal speed.

"Where are you planning to land?" asked Doors.

"I really haven't thought that far ahead yet. You?"

"Not really, but we do have some advantages."

"Like what?"

"Well, for one it's night time in DC and no one will expect us to even be alive, much less roaming the streets of Washington."

"We could ‘park' near the embassy - which would appear quite natural," suggested Liam.

"Fine, do it."

"Get ready to run as soon as I land. We need to get as far away from the embassy as we can – or we're as good as dead."

Joshua woke up staring into the face of an obviously frustrated Agent Sandoval. He picked himself up slowly, clutching his throbbing head. Couldn't Liam have hit him in the shoulder or something?

"What happened?" Joshua asked in a slightly confused voice.

"We had two escapees, very dangerous, and armed, run through this way."

"So that was the shouting I heard. I got out to investigate, though I really wasn't supposed to do but I was curious - I thought something might be wrong and I could help."

"Did you see anyone?"

"No, I just felt the shot before I blacked out – I thought it was going to kill me but I guess I got lucky."

"Yes . . . These things happen, it's just that the Taelons don't always admit it, Mr. Doors."

Joshua nodded but did not respond verbally. Did Sandoval know? Or suspect? No, he couldn't possibly. Joshua turned to get into one of the other shuttles. Agent Sandoval studied him a moment and then also climbed into the pilot's seat. Joshua mentally gave a sigh of relief. He couldn't wait to see his father and Major Kincaid. Maybe some bridges could be mended properly now - without death. Joshua felt a certain excitement to be able to tell his father those things he had not yet been able to tell him. However, common sense kicked in and he kept his face in a intense look of boredom as Sandoval took him to the mothership to finally meet with Zo'or.

By the time they got to the bridge of the mothership, Joshua Doors really was bored out of his mind. He had made this trip several times before. The first few times it was fascinating but by now, it was just routine. Joshua followed Sandoval to the bridge. Sandoval had not said one word since the moon base.

//The man's a wonderful conversationalist// thought Joshua sarcastically.

As they approached Zo'or's chair, Sandoval gave the Taelons symbol of greeting and then glared at Joshua, silently commanding him to do the same. Joshua pretended not to see Sandoval's glare.

Zo'or nodded at them and spoke, "Mr. Doors, nice of you to come." To the average human being, the way in which Zo'or spoke would be very intimidating. Joshua had been around enough people like Zo'or and Zo'or himself that it bothered him little, if at all.

Joshua spoke, "I wasn't given much choice. Agent Sandoval is rather, abrasive."

"Indeed?"

"Just get to the point Zo'or, why have you called me here?"

"I have a few business transactions for Doors International that I was sure you would want to participate in, given the amount it would benefit your company and win our . . . the best human term would be favor." Zo'or began to outline his plan but before he got very far Joshua interrupted him.

"No."

"Explain." stated Zo'or.

"I find it interesting that you're trying to do business so soon after one of your own was killed. That in itself is bad for business. Also, I have no interest in joining with Taelons in any ventures or transactions at this point."

"Interesting. Mr Doors, I was under the impression that you had a more ‘open' mind than your father did but I see that the old saying is true. Like father, like son."

"You could not have paid me a higher compliment. Thanks for the offer, see you around." Joshua turned and strode off the bridge, eyes firmly planted ahead, and followed by Agent Sandoval, who exchanged a glance with Zo'or.

Renee sat in HQ, waiting for Augur, worried about him. She had come by after work and Augur was not there – fairly unusual at that time of day. She had been waiting for over three hours. Renee would have worked on Augur's computer, but it was locked up with a password other than the regular one - Augur had obviously changed it.

Rene had a lot of work she needed to do for the next day, so finally, after three hours of waiting, she got up to leave. Just as she reached the elevator the door swished open and Augur stumbled out. She could smell the liquor on his breath.

"Augur! You've been drinking."

"Yepthatsright," he said, his words slurred.

"This won't help anything."

"Yeahitwill, I can forget."

"Forget what?" she asked.

"Aboutliam,"

"You haven't forgotten a thing! Do you think this is what he would want you to be doing?"

"Who? Doing what?" asked a familiar voice.

Renee turned and her face paled, there before her, were Liam Kincaid and Jonathan Doors, both of whom had been declared dead.

"It's really us," confirmed Liam, "This is no Taelon trick."

"But how?" she gasped.

"We were both taken to the moon base, for some experiment we guess. We did escape though."

Renee was in shock, first they were dead and then alive? She turned to Augur, to find out his reaction, only to see that he had passed out on his couch.

"What happened to Augur?" asked Liam as he circled to stand in front of the couch.

"He's drunk?" asked Doors incredulously.

"Drunk? Why would Augur be drunk?" said Liam in a confused voice.

"He's been taking your ‘death' very hard. He blames himself." said Renee softly.

"You will take me back to Earth now," stated Joshua Doors simply.

"I'm afraid, Mr. Doors, that you will have to wait, for I have urgent business to attend to and I do not have the time to return you to Earth." responded Sandoval in his usual manner. Sandoval gave Joshua a rather pointed glance, obviously remembering when Joshua had made him wait. Of course, turnabout IS fairplay.

"By all means, Agent Sandoval," sarcasm was evident in Joshua's voice. "I'll just hang out here for awhile."

An annoyed look flashed across Sandoval's face, then disappeared. He glared at Joshua then turned and headed toward the shuttle bay.

Joshua returned to the bridge, silently pleased to see the annoyed look on Zo'or's face. Joshua also noticed several Taelons whom he had not seen before and the ship itself seemed more full of activity than usual.

Suddenly a volunteer approached Zo'or and uttered something to the Taelon in a low voice. Zo'or whispered something back urgently. Joshua slowly edged closer, attempting to hear.

Da'an, who was close enough to have heard, spoke, "The worst has occurred."

"We must leave at once," decreed Zo'or.

"We cannot . . ." began Da'an.

"It is my decision, not yours." stated Zo'or haughtily. Speaking to the Volunteer he said, "Prepare for departure at once."

"I don't understand," said Joshua in a slightly confused and puzzled tone.

Silence permeated the atmosphere of the bridge.

Finally Da'an spoke, "We have detected Jaridian ships, Mr. Doors."

"But what about . . ."

Zo'or broke in, "All Taelons were secretly recalled an hour ago. As for humanity – humanity is expendable."

As the Taelon mothership jumped to ID space, Joshua felt a hint of fear forming in his chest. What would happen to his father? His friends? To humanity? Would the Jaridians kill them all or were their intentions really good? Where would the Taelons take him? And what would they do to him?

Joshua felt very alone, as the only non-implanted human on the ship (all the Volunteers had an implant somewhat similar to a CVI though not quite as advanced). What if they never came back? What if he never saw his father again, they never got to say what needed to be said?

Liam and Renee tried, quite futilely, to rouse Augur from his . . . . inebriated state. Jonathan Doors sat watching, but his mind was obviously elsewhere, on other things. Finally, Liam and Renee just gave up trying to wake up Augur. Liam flopped into a chair across from Doors and Renee leaned back against one of the counters, arms crossed.

The long moment of silence that followed was finally broken by a rather insistent beeping. "What is that?" asked Doors.

"It's one of Augur's computers. He's changed the password so no one can use the computer."

Doors walked over to the computer and began typing in a few buttons.

"You'll never get it." said Renee

Suddenly the computer lit up, accepting the password. "I have the master password, remember?" said Doors.

Renee mentally kicked herself – and started to say something but Augur's holo-person appeared – a very familar holo-person. Renee's eyes narrowed. Doors looked slightly amused while Liam didn't even bother to hide his amusement, grinning widely.

"If he weren't passed out drunk, I'd kill him for this," said Renee, indicating the holo-image of herself. "Turn that thing off, I'll kill him when he wakes up."

The holo-image started to object but was cut off as Renee slapped the OFF button. She turned to Liam, "What are you smirking at?"

Liam just shook his head and became suddenly very interested at the wall though Renee was sure that she could still see the smirk at the corner of his mouth.

The mood changed from lighthearted to serious moments later when they saw the current news report.

"We have just learned that all Taelons on the
Earth have been recalled to the Taelon mothership
for an as of yet undetermined reason. Neither
President Thompson nor any of his staff have
offered any comments as to why. It is believed . . ."

Suddenly the reporter was cut off and one of the studio new reporters began urgently reporting:

"Breaking News — we have just learned that
the Taelon mothership has broken orbit and
is headed away from the Earth. It has also
come to our attention that other ships, which
have been identified as Jaridian in origin, are
approaching the Earth. We will keep you
updated on the situation, bringing you the news
as soon as we get it in the studio . . . ."

The three sat in a stunned silence at the shocking and quite unexpected turn of events. They had always wondered what would happen if the Jaridians came.

"I never expected the Taelons to turn tail and run from the Jaridians." Jonathan commented. "I thought they'd spent years preparing to fight the invasion. This doesn't make any sense."

"Maybe they hadn't prepared for the invasion to be this soon." suggested Liam, "As far as I know, the Taelons aren't ready yet."

"People of Earth, we, the Jaridians, are here to remove the Taelon menace from your planet. We have no quarrel with humanity and wish to aid your world."

AUTHOR's NOTE:

In case you're wondering what foods they ordered here's what the waitress, whose name was CadetDru told me they ordered . . .

Liam - Cheeseburger happy meal with a small coke, and of course - the toddler toy for children under 3.
Joshua - Big Mac value meal with Sprite.
Renee - Garden shaker salad and water.

AND FOR DESSERT

Liam - hot fudge sundae with nuts and a cherry on top
Joshua - Apple Pie
Renee - No Dessert.

On to Part II: Red Sky at Morning
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