"This is unreal." said Renee, "I can't believe they're gone."

Liam and Renee's eyes had been glued to the television but turned around when they heard Jonathan curse.

"What's wrong?" Liam asked as Jonathan slapped a global shut.

"I can't reach Joshua. It keeps saying that the caller is out of range."

Now it was Renee's turn to curse, "Jonathan, as I was leaving work I ran into Joshua. He said that Sandoval was gonna take him to the mothership to meet with Zo'or."

"And the only way he'd be out of range is if he's not near Earth." concluded Liam.

This time there was a round of strong cursing.

Joshua Doors knew he was on the Taelon mothership AND that the mothership was no longer near Earth but beyond that he was at a loss as to exactly where he was. The bridge had remained in an eerie silence ever since leaaaving the solar system. The silence itself was almost smothering.

Finally Joshua spoke up, "Look, if no one else is going to ask the most obvious question here, then I am, – Where are we going?"

"Mr. Doors, your presence on the mothership during this unfortunate turn of events is quite by accident. Your questions and input are potential distractions. You are no doubt tired and would probably be more comfortable in some of our guest quarters." Zo'or motioned to a Volunteer, "Please escort Mr. Doors to one of the VIP guestrooms."

Before Joshua could object, he was already being firmly "escorted" off the bridge.

He entered the guestroom and looked around – not bad, considering it was Taelon design. He turned and peered out the door. Not surprisingly, the Volunteer stared right at him, having obviously been assigned to guard his room. He closed the door back and slowly collapsed onto the cot in the room. Joshua ran his fingers through his hair as he let out a frustrated sigh. He was now a prisoner — he was also very worried and a bit afraid. What would happen to him now — would he ever see his father again, ever be able to make things right? Would the Taelons ever let

him go even if they returned. They could always claim that he died or something like that. He had heard his father and many others speak of the way Taelons kidnapped people, said they were dead, and used them for experiments of all different kinds. He lay back on the bed, letting out another frustrated sigh. "I might as well get some sleep since I'm evidently going to be here awhile." Joshua muttered under his breath. He relaxed, as much as one could in such a situation, an drifted off to sleep.

The President's face filled the screen, "I have been communicating with the Jaridian ships in orbit. They wish to have a face to face meeting and wish us to send a representative to a neutral site. I have appointed a well-known and respected person to represent the human race, . . . . . . . Agent Ronald Sandoval."

Thompson gestured to Sandoval who was standing next to him. Sandoval nodded then began to speak, "The meeting will be held in the Taelon Embassy. No media or other personnel will be permitted to attend per their request."

Sandoval droned on for another few minutes but Liam, who had been watching the conference on Augur's viewscreen, was already in motion.

"Where the heck do you think you're going?" asked Jonathan gruffly.

"To the meeting," said Liam simply.

"But Liam," objected Renee, "They aren't going to allow you in there, and besides, you're dead."

"Hey, I'm an ex-companion protector, I think I'll be able to find a way in." Liam paused as he put on his jacket, "Jonathan, since the Taelons are gone, now would be the ideal time for us to reappear."

Jonathan Doors shook his head, "I don't think it's a good idea for me to go above ground just yet. Renee can run Doors International for awhile. I want to concentrate on finding the truth — why the Taelons left and just exactly where they're going."

Liam thought for a moment, "Jonathan, I'm going to be pretty busy doing the same. Since you are already going to be underground, you would probably be better able to run the resistance – if you want to. It seems more logical." Liam made the suggestion carefully. He knew the Resistance needed a full-time leader, something he could not be, and he also knew that Jonathan Doors, as leader, would probably be the best thing for the Resistance. However, Liam also knew that Doors was a proud man.

Doors just nodded and said, "That's probably a good idea."

Liam turned to hurry out the door but Doors stopped him by calling his name. Liam stopped and looked straight at Doors.

"Liam — . . . . . . . . thank you."

Liam nodded, then said, "When Augur wakes up, be sure and tell him what's happened — that I AM alive."

"Of course. Good luck."

"You have us ill-prepared to defend ourselves or win back Earth. You realize that it is imperative that we return. The fates of both the Taelon commonality and humanity are intertwined . . ."

"You worry too much, Da'an. I do not understand you sympathy for these humans. They are in an evolutionary state far beneath us."

"Ma'el believed that they would one day reach our level — and would soon surpass us. His knowledge and theories should not be dismissed lightly."

"Ma'el was a fool, as fascinated by the humans then, as you are now. What is to lead me to believe he was any different than you. Was Ma'el not your mentor? Your behavior shows me exactly what kind of teacher and Taelon that he was."

"How can you care so little? You have left your loyal protector behind without even a second thought. He could have been useful to us in this crisis and yet you left him — — Why?"

"You are still affected by the death of your protector – though he clearly betrayed us."

"Of course I am disturbed. Liam was my friend as well as my protector."

"We've been through this many times before, Da'an. I tire of hearing the same foolish arguments time and again."

"As I tire of your arrogant dismissal of anything relating to that which does not concern you." Da'an did not wait for Zo'or to respond. Instead, he stormed off the bridge.

Joshua had slept fine — for about an hour. After that, he found himself wide awake. He sat, staring out at the stars – thinking: of his past, as well as his now uncertain future. The door chimed, interrupting his musings.

Joshua stood up and turned, expecting a Volunteer to enter. Much to his surprise it was Da'an.

"May I enter Mr. Doors?"

"Sure, come on in."

"I apologize for the way you have been treated."

Joshua nodded, unconvinced of the Taelon's sincerity.

"You trust me no more than your father did." Da'an stared at him for a moment, noting the slight change in Joshua's demeanor at the mention of his father. "I again apologize. I have often observed, in humans, that a mention of loved ones who have already passed into the void causes remorse and grief."

"My father and I had many disagreements which we never talked about — regrets, things left unsaid."

"I understand your grief," said Da'an.

"Do you? Do you really understand what it is like to lose a loved one? Is your race capable of grief?" Joshua blurted out angrily before really thinking about what he said.

Da'an bowed his head and blushed blue. "I do indeed know your grief," he said calmly, "for I grieve the death of my protector and friend, Major Liam Kincaid, as well as the passing of William Boone, my first protector whom I was also able to call friend."

Joshua took a deep breath, "I heard about the bomb – that he died heroically," he said.

"You have seen the news reports?" Joshua nodded. "Well, they do not depict his death accurately.

Joshua feigned a look of mild surprise mixed with immediate interest, "What do you mean?"

Da'an looked at him hard – as if gauging his character – whether or not he could be trusted. After a long moment, Da'an spoke, "It was discovered that Major Kincaid was keeping secrets from the Taelons. Because of this, Zo'or ordered Sandoval to execute him. I was, regrettably absent at this time, attending to my duties. I feel responsible, Liam has been my loyal protector for over a year but he has also been my friend and the one whom I can confide in. I miss his presence greatly."

Joshua was startled by the North American Companion's openness. He had known that Liam respected the Taelon but had not realized the extent of their friendship. The Taelon's agitation over his protector reminded Joshua of his own reaction to his father's alleged "death": his grief, the regret and the pain. Da'an's seemingly heartfelt revelation also created a conflict for Joshua. Joshua knew the truth of Liam's "death" but should he risk everything and tell Da'an? Part of him longed to ease the Taelon's mind but . . . . what if he was wrong about Da'an's sincerity?

"Why are you telling me this?" asked Joshua

"Because of all those on this ship, only you could truly understand my feelings."

Nothing — that was all he had, after hours of reviewing the Taelon Database and attempting to discern a path — nothing. There was absolutely nothing on Earth to even speculate about where the Taelons were going.

Jonathan Doors let out a long sigh of frustration and settled back on the couch, opposite Augur. He picked up a picture of his son and stared at it, lost in thought.

He was worried about Joshua, had always worried about his son. Yes, they had never been very close and yes it was his fault, he did not deny that. He had allowed himself to be consumed in his greed and ambition. They HAD reconciled, only to be thrown apart again.

And the pain and guilt Joshua must have felt, the hell he must have gone through – manipulated by the Taelons against your own father, only to then watch him die — — saving you life.

Jonathan massaged his temples.

Now ironically the situation was reversed. They had found each other again but Joshua had been taken away when the Taelons had fled, not allowing the much needed conversation. Jonathan vowed that if

//No, I won't think like that// WHEN Joshua returns they would talk about it – all of it, fully reconcile this time.

He had always been proud of Joshua, since Joshua was a little baby. Jonathan knew that Joshua did not understand the extent of a father's love for his son. He hoped that someday, Joshua would have a family of his own; and a child – so that he could know the joys of being a father.

Jonathan buried his head in his hands. How much longer would the Taelons throw all this deception and discourse into humanity? How many more seasons did humanity have for that matter? Yes, the Taelons were physically gone now but their presence had to be why the Jaridians were here.

//How much pain must we suffer? But I can't put all the blame on them for what happened between me and my son. I do blame myself. I can still see the anger on Joshua's face, the pain, hatred and desire to hurt me, when we talked after the betrayal and I wonder – is any of that real? And how could it not be? I couldn't blame it if it is real. I only blame myself. I was never there for him, never expressed my love or concern till it was almost too late. Boone's death is a perfect example. I showed no emotion and my apparent lack of concern hurt Lili then, as it's apparently hurt Joshua for years. I just hope that I'll have the chance, one day, to make things right — truly right.//

Jonathan looked up at Augur (still) passed out on the couch from his drinking. "You know, Augur, I envy you somewhat, able to forget your pain. Unfortunately, when you wake up life will get infinitely more complicated again." Jonathan sighed heavily, "but Joshua and Liam are alive. At least we have that to be thankful for."

Suddenly Augur moaned and sat up slowly, "O my God, I always wondered what hell would look like."

"Sorry to disappoint you, Bigshot, but you'll have to wait a lot longer to see it. You're not dead and neither am I . . ."

"Liam's really alive? I wasn't dreaming?"

"Yes."

"Thank God!" Augur stood up, as if to jump for joy but was stopped from doing so by his pounding headache. He moaned, "Where is he?"

"He had to go check on something. He'll be back, don't worry."

"But the Taelons . . . . . . . . . . . If they find him . . . . ."

"Uh, Augur, I think there's some things I need to tell you."

"Agent Sandoval, I'll be happy to drop you off at the embassy on my way home."

"Not necessary, thank you," Sandoval replied curtly. "I have a few things that I'd like to finish up before I leave. After the other agent left, Sandoval settled down in front of his computer, called up a few files and emails, and began to study them intently. His brow furrowed and then a look of shock crossed his face, followed by a very long string of cursing. Sandoval's implant allowed him to instantly remember anything he needed to, including the more colorful terms he had encountered. Sandoval finally fully realized and totally accepted how deeply entrenched in this mess he was, as well as how shaky the proverbial ground had become.

"Why are you telling me this?" asked Joshua

"Because of all those on this ship, only you could truly understand my feelings."

Joshua remained silent, still uncertain as to how to assimilate all this OR if he should accept it at face value.

Da'an tilted his head inquisitively, "Did you know Major Kincaid?"

Joshua, looking somewhat uncomfortable, paused a moment, seeming to choose his words carefully, "I'd met him but no, not very well."

Da'an, prompted by his need for human contact, as well as his desire to take the first step in building a trust between himself and Joshua Doors, held out his hand, palm out. Da'an had always had a need for a confidante, someone he could trust. Unfortunately, his fellow Taelons were not able to understand his concerns and worries. His first protector, William Boone, had been killed, as had Lili Marquette and now, Liam Kincaid. Da'an felt a heavier weight with each loss.

Joshua just stared at him, looking quite baffled.

Da'an spoke, "I believe that both of us would benefit from sharing. I believe you to be human that I can trust."

Joshua was still confused. What in the world does sharing mean? And why him?

"Do not be afraid. It will not harm you."

Joshua lifted his hand, hesitantly, what ifs running rampant through his head. He slowly placed his hand against the Taelon's. Immediately he felt Da'an's presence and sensed Da'an's mind in his. He was able to sense Da'an's thoughts – his need for someone to trust — A need Joshua realized that he possessed as well. The touch wasn't forceful or harsh. Joshua also sensed that the Taelon would not consider prying into his thoughts. He found the mind touch at the same time fascinating and terrifying. As suddenly as the presence had entered his mind, it disappeared. Joshua opened his eyes in time to see Da'an blush blue and return to his Taelon form.

"I do not understand this. You have spoken of your regrets and your grief over your father's death and yet I sense no grief or sadness whatsoever over his passing. Is this not unusual?"

"I don't grieve because I no longer have reason to. My father is alive, as is Major Kincaid."

Even though guards AND the media were all over the place, Liam had been able to slip into the embassy unnoticed, thanks to his knowledge of the underground tunnels. He assumed that the talks would be held in Da'an's old office, as it was the only logical place for such a meeting to be held.

Suddenly Liam heard footsteps echoing down the hall. Liam quickly ducked around the corner, as Agent Ronald Sandoval passed. Sandoval briskly entered the office and Liam noted that several Jaridians had already arrived.

One Jaridian spoke, "Agent Sandoval?" he growled.

Sandoval nodded, not wanting to speak quite yet. He knew he had to play this just right.

The Jaridian continued, "I am called Korak. I speak for the Jaridians. One hundred years ago we left Jaridia for Earth. Our ship was to be what you would call a generational ship. My father was the original captain. I now have that honor. We have had no contact with the homeworld since we left and little contact with other beings. We encountered one other ship – a Kimeran ship which we ignored."

"Well, Mr. Korak, what do you want from humanity?"

"We wish to establish contact with your kind . . . You wear a skrill! You are a Taelon implant!" The rest of the Jaridian contingent grabbed their weapons and held them at the ready.

"I no longer serve the Taelons. My motivational imperative, which made the Taelons my first and only priority, is not functional. In fact, it has been unoperational for some time now."

"Why should we trust you?" the Jaridian asked, suspicion written all over his face and his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"The Taelons have forced me to kill innocent people and they are responsible for the death of my wife. Do you believe that I would work for beings like that?" The weapons lowered and the tension in the room was relieved somewhat.

"Agent Sandoval, we wish to ask some questions so we can learn about your culture."

"Very well, proceed."

The Jaridians then began to grill Sandoval for the better part of an hour on Earth, its history and especially its recent history. Liam listened to the conversation intently.

Finally the Jaridian paused, "Very well, we must discuss our options. We will contact you within one or two Earth days."

After the Jaridians left, Sandoval sat in a chair, head in his hands, obviously tired and a bit frustrated.

Liam chose this point to enter, "Sandoval?"

Sandoval's head jerked up, eyes narrowed and he jumped to his feet and crossed the room. The two men stared at each other for a long moment. Liam shifted another step forward and opened his mouth to speak but before he could Sandoval moved, shoving Liam against the wall, one arm on his throat and the skrill aimed at his head. Sandoval whispered viciously, "How dare you show your face after what has happened! What the devil were you thinking?"

Liam attempted to ease out of Sandoval's grasp but before he was able to do just that, Sandoval punched him. Liam fell back and held his chin. A trickle of blood started at the edge of his mouth.

Sandoval picked him up by the shirt collar and again pinned him against the wall, "Why Major?"

"Because I had to know."

"Know what?" barked Sandoval.

"Why you didn't kill me."

Sandoval paused a moment, letting go of Liam. He was obviously taken aback by the question.

"Why?" pressed Liam.

Sandoval said in a calm, monotone voice, that betrayed no emotion, "Because I know the truth, Major."

On to Part III: But For the Grace of God
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