Mysteries and Discoveries

Chapter One

Two ships suddenly appeared out of nowhere on the main viewer. The crew's energy level spiked as they all reacted in shock. Even though they had been expecting something, it was still a surprise.

Vila said in amazement, "Where'd those come from?!"

Argus looked down at his nav panel and saw that more ships were ranged behind and to the sides as well. His voice was calm and commanding as always but full of alert energy. "We're surrounded. There are five other ones."

Avon said with significance, "They know we're here." This wouldn't have been much of a statement except that the Justice was in stealth mode. They had Avon's anti-detector screen on and no one should have been able to see them on their scanners.

They all turned their attention to their guest.

Marlena, seated on a couch next to Corinne and opposite Sester, said, "You wished to know our level of technology and how we would respond to conflict?"

**********

There had been many discussions between the crew and Marlena over the last few days. Debates over how a matriarchy and a society dedicated to peace worked in an environment even more hostile than the Federation in some respects. Even though she had explained it, the jaded experience of the crew made it hard for them to envision that such a thing was possible, not unless they employed some of the violent methods of their neighbours. In their opinions, in a hostile atmosphere, the only way to win against an unreasonable aggressor was to beat them at their own game.

Avon had been most cynical of all. He had very little faith in humanity's ability to find a peaceful solution to anything. At least not one that fit within the frame of rationality and not foolish dreams. In his experience, ideals such as peace were little more than empty emotional sentiments but when it came to living it, people always compromised themselves by using the same methods as those they spoke out against. Such hypocrisy didn't surprise him at all; for him it was a fact of humanity and something that made him hate them. Anyone who claimed to be otherwise, he viewed with little confidence; either they fooled others or they fooled themselves. He had never found anyone who could do differently and highly doubted if one existed. Avon was no longer foolish enough to believe in anyone who professed they did. At times, he spoke with cold cynicism and at others, barely controlled anger tightened his throat and his chest seemed to strain with the effort to breathe.

Cally had been watching him carefully. They all had but she was the only one who understood that something was driving him. He seemed obsessed during the talks with Marlena, pushing and questioning her on every point; never satisfied with her calm and undisturbed answers.

The crew's journey to the Tellar Union's region of space had been uneventful except for the normal minor incidents. Normal because shooting first and asking no questions was routine in this Sector of space. Vila had made the comment that having the Federation here might actually be an improvement. Minor because no ships could match the speed, firepower and shield capabilities of the Justice. At least none so far. They hadn't even bothered to use the anti-detector screen until they neared Tellar space.

Marlena was not bothered by the crew's inability to believe what she was saying. She always remained reasonable and pleasant, answering all questions to the best of her ability and with great patience. Avon seemed to puzzle her and she took great care in responding to his queries and challenges. Marlena had proposed a practical test.

**********

This was the test. They would come into Tellar space, act aggressively, and wait to see how the people of peace would respond.

Argus hesitated for a moment as everyone turned to him to wait for his decision, then his orders came fast and clear. "Dain, anti-detector screen off and activate the force wall. Zen, bring the navigation and battle computers online."

Dain said, "Screen off. Force wall activated, sir."

Zen reported a moment later, / Navigation and battle computers online. /

"Avon, anything about the ships?"

"Nothing in our database."

Zen said, / Information. Incoming communications from ship bearing two two mark three eight. Audio and visual portion. /

Argus said, "Put it on the main view screen, Zen."

/ Information, hull sensors register scanner beam activity. /

Avon looked sharply at his information panel as his fingers were busy entering commands. He said in warning, "Their sensors have penetrated the hull."

A man in a blue and white uniform appeared on the viewer. He was an older man with greying hair and intelligent eyes. There was no aggression in his manner and his voice was hospitable but there was a definite firmness in his tone when he spoke. "My name is Captain Varro. You have crossed over into the region of space commonly known as the Tellar Union. Do not be alarmed. We mean you no harm. We only wish you to identify yourselves and to state your purpose here."

Avon said in a low tone that only the others could hear, "Very polite, considering they have us surrounded."

Sester said in a quiet voice as well, "They can afford to be." The faint amusement on his face indicated he was enjoying this.

Vila also muttered lowly, "I thought this was a matriarchy. Shouldn't there be a woman in charge?"

Argus asked, "Avon, have they been able to access Zen or any of the onboard computers?"

"Not as yet," replied Avon. He knew that the Federation had unsuccessfully tried to create a computer interceptor but failure had forced them to use Auron technology to access the weaker point of a ship, the human element. "But that doesn't mean that they can't." The Tellarans would definitely interest him even more if they were successful. Without ORAC, they no longer had that capability themselves.

Argus acknowledged, "Point taken. Keep an eye on it. They know more about us now then we do about them. Can you interfere with their efforts if they do try to access the computers?"

Avon thought for a moment. "There is something. A rotating encryption might slow them down. It'll take a few minutes."

"Do it."

Argus looked at Marlena once again.

There was quiet confidence in Marlena's manner as she said, "It is up to you how to proceed with the test. All I can assure you is that you will not be able to hurt them, nor will they hurt you. My people will understand that you needed this test once it's explained to them."

Argus said, "Alright. Zen, open up a communications channel to the lead ship. Let's begin the test."

/ Communications channel open. /

He said curtly and with a distinct lack of friendliness, "This is Argus. Why do you have my ship surrounded? I consider this a hostile act."

Captain Varro's eyes seemed to brighten with momentary amusement but his voice was firm, pleasant and neutral again when he spoke. His words were pronounced carefully, almost slowly, as if he was anticipating speaking to someone who would require much patience. "It was not our intention to appear hostile…Argus is it? But neither are we defenceless. We are very capable of protecting our own region of space. You will not be harmed if you do not make an aggressive move."

Argus seemed to gather himself and he deliberately lowered his voice in a harsh warning, "I recommend that you don't either. None of the ships in this Sector can match us in firepower or shield capabilities."

Captain Varro's manner did not change in response to Argus's increased belligerence. He was still friendly but firm and reasonable. "We are aware of that, Argus."

Avon said quietly, "Their scanners must have told them that."

Argus said, "I would recommend that you get out of our way or we will make you get out of our way."

Varro sighed. "You do not want to do this, Argus. As I said, we will not harm you unless you make an aggressive move. That unfortunately would qualify as one." Varro sounded sadly regretful but resigned.

Argus said with an angry sneer, "We'll see about that! Zen, cut communications. Dain bring up the radiation flare shield. Vila, ready the neutron blasters. I want a third power only."

"A third?" Vila asked with surprise.

"Can you do it?"

"Yes." Vila began working at his panel.

Argus directed, "Cally, switch to manual. Head to…" He looked down at his panel and said, "Two two mark four nine. Stay below standard by seven. Be prepared for evasive action."

Cally took hold of the manual flight controls. "We're trying to go between them?"

Argus sat back in his seat. "That's the idea. Let's see what they do."

Cally said, "Alright. Whenever you're ready."

Avon remarked dryly. "This will be interesting. We are not going to harm them and Marlena swears they will not harm us. What do we plan to do to each other? Speak loudly as we pass by?"

Argus said, "Oh, I expect them to do more than that."

Vila asked, "How do you know?"

Sester said, "Because of what they did to Marlena."

Vila turned to him. "How does that make sense?"

Argus was finding it to be a full time job to stop himself from appearing annoyed whenever Sester said something. The man seemed to think that his help with the Chandar situation entitled him to be part of the ship's activities now. Argus had refrained from barring him from the flight deck because of Reya.

Argus replied before Sester could, causing the other man to smile. "The only way the Chandarans were able to defeat them was through the use of trickery. That means that they have some way of protecting themselves either defensively or offensively."

Vila said, "Then should we be doing this? That way of protecting themselves might not be good for us either. Whatever it is."

Argus grinned. "That's why you're using a third power."

Vila asked, "We're going to pretend to hurt them? But what if they don't know we're pretending? What if they overreact? It's not like its unknown here." He turned to Marlena. "No offense." He hoped that Corinne wouldn't take any either.

Marlena gave him a warm smile, "None taken. After your experience in this Sector, it's a reasonable expectation."

Argus said, "We still have Marlena if things don't go...as we hoped."

Marlena agreed, "Yes, I can always step in to explain."

Vila looked at Corinne's mother and then to Corinne. "I suppose that's alright."

Argus directed, "Alright, Cally. Take us out. Let's see if you can get pass them. Avon, let me know if they power up their weapons."

The ship began to move slowly forwards heading towards one of the gaps. The Tellaran ships responded immediately and moved to block their way.

Cally said, "Hang onto something." The ship suddenly increased in speed and quickly swerved to the left. Everyone grabbed onto various pieces of the flight deck to prevent themselves from becoming flying objects inside the ship.

The Tellaran ships shortly appeared in front of them again, blocking their way before they could get through. Cally made several more quick and unexpected manoeuvres but each time the Tellarans blocked their way before they could escape.

Cally sounded as if she was running a race as she said, "They're good. And they are not firing on us." She made a sudden climb with the ship and then a drop to the left.

Argus said, "Not so far. Which is a good sign."

Avon was hanging onto his control panel but he was also trying to program the encryption and keeping an eye on his monitor panel and the view screen. "Not only that, they're fast. You've noticed that they're at the same distance they were when we started moving?"

Argus looked down at his own nav panel. "You're right. We're no closer to them. Cally, increase speed to standard by eleven."

Cally said, "I would recommend holding onto two somethings then." The view screen registered the increase in speed as they rushed towards the ever-elusive gaps, jerking in one direction then another.

Vila remarked, "I think my stomach needs something to hold onto."

Unexpectedly they were in one of the gaps between the Tellaran ships. Everyone held their breaths. Suddenly the Justice began losing speed rapidly.

With confusion on his face, Argus looked down at his panel for information. "What's happening? Cally, why are we slowing down?"

Cally was also looking at her own flight console. She said with equal bewilderment, "I don't understand it. According to our instruments, our engines are at standard by eleven. We're still drawing on power."

Avon was also looking at his own monitors. His was the only face that was not confused and still searching for answers when he looked up again. "We're caught in a tractor beam. Two to be precise. Powerful enough to stop this ship at almost full power. I would recommend a different course of action or reducing speed before we overload our engines."

They could all feel the strain of the ship very noticeably now. The ship seemed to be shaking with the effort of trying to escape its invisible bonds.

Argus said, "Not yet. Can you identify where the tractor beams are originating from? I mean, where on the ships."

Avon entered several commands on his panel. "I have a possible location. Port side."

"Send the location to Vila. Vila, aim close to their tractor array without hitting them."

Vila leaned forwards over his console and set several controls, "Two blank shots as ordered." Two neutron blasts raced towards the ships, passing near them without hitting.

Argus said, "Zen, open two-way communications channel to the lead ship."

/ Communications channel open. /

Argus demanded, "This is Argus, deactivate your tractor beams or we will fire on your ships again and this time you will feel it."

There was no response.

Argus said, "Zen, close communications. Vila, let's see how good you really are. I want you to just clip one of their tractor arrays. Can you do that?"

Vila looked down at his panel. "We're close enough. I suppose it's possible. I've never tried something that specific before."

Argus said encouragingly, "Go ahead, Vila."

Vila set the controls. "Well, here goes nothing." He pressed the button and a neutron blast stream sped towards the lead ship. It was very precise and Argus had opened his mouth to praise the accuracy when the energy disappeared against a shield that wasn't there before.

Avon had been looking down at his console monitor. This time his voice hinted of excitement. "That's remarkable."

Argus asked, "What is it, Avon?"

Avon turned and looked at him, "Their shields." His finger pointed at the readings on his monitor. "They didn't just deflect or dissipate the energy. It absorbed it."

Argus rushed over to look. "That's impossible."

Avon said, "Apparently not. This means that as long as we fire against their shields, it replenishes their shield energy."

Argus grimaced, "But it drains our energy banks?"

"As I said, remarkable."

/ Information, incoming communications from… /

Argus walked back to his flight station as he said, "Put it on the main viewer, Zen. Enable two-way communications."

Captain Varro's voice came over the main speaker. "Argus, let's be reasonable. You are not from this region of space. You do not have to do this."

Argus quickly asked, "Avon, have they gotten into our computers?"

Avon checked. "There is still no indication of outside access or interference." He quickly continued working on the encrypting algorithm again.

Captain Varro said, "We didn't require access to your computers to determine that you're not a native of this Sector."

Argus said, "Our ship. You don't recognize it."

Varro said, "Not that. If you had been from this region, you…"

Sester said at the same time as Varro, "We would have shot first and not tried to miss."

There was a slight smile on Varro's face as he replied, "Yes." He turned his head slightly and seemed to be trying to look to the left edge of his screen at the man who had spoken but was not on his screen. Varro looked towards the front again. He said with formality, "Commander Argus, of the Justice."

Several mouths around the flight deck dropped open in shock.

Argus said warily, "You know who I am?"

Varro's manner was guarded but friendly. "Your reputation precedes you as does those of the rest of your crew. Kerr Avon, Cally of Auron, Vila Restal, Reya Reeve and Charles Sester. And of course, your ship is hard to miss."

Argus's jaw tightened at the inclusion of Sester as part of the crew. He said guardedly, "You seem to be well informed." Avon left his station and stood beside Argus.

Varro looked at the new arrival on his screen and said, "Too well informed, Kerr Avon?"

Avon's posture stiffened at being marked by the Tellaran. "You can never have enough information."

Varro said with understanding, "But unfortunately our level of information about you presents a threat, does it not?"

Avon said, "It depends on how the information is used."

Varro responded, "Very true. Rest assured that our information is only used for defensive purposes, never offensive."

Avon said, "Words are only proven by action."

Varro nodded in acknowledgement of the truth behind his words.

Argus directed, "Cally, cut the engines before they overload."

Varro addressed Argus again, "It did surprise us that you made such an aggressive move against our ships without provocation. But our guess is that someone must have told you about us and this is a test of our true nature."

This time Argus said, "Zen, suspend audio channel. Cally, do you sense anything? Are they telepathic?"

Cally closed her eyes and extended her awareness towards the ships.

Avon remarked, "If they were telepathic, cutting communications would be pointless, as it seems this entire exercise is also becoming."

When Cally opened her eyes again, she said, "I sense no hostile intentions and no indication of telepathic abilities. They are guarded but…" There was curiosity in her voice that was reflected in her eyes. "Peaceful."

Argus said, "Good. Zen, open audio channel again."

/ Audio channel open. /

Argus said to Varro, "You are correct that this was a test."

Varro asked, "And did we pass?"

Avon said, "It depends on when you recognized this was a test."

Cally's voice projected to Avon, * Avon, I sensed they were peaceful. *

He turned his head slightly towards her when he answered. * I know, Cally. I do not mean to doubt you. But peace, like neutrality can mask many things. We need to be certain about these people. *

Cally asked, * Why, Avon? Why must you be certain? Why is this important to you? Why have you been pressuring Marlena and now the Tellaran captain? *

Avon refrained from turning his head fully towards her. She always read him too well.

His tone when speaking to her with his mind was always slightly warmer. * I will explain later. Can you trust me? *

* I have always trusted you. * She reinforced her statement by sending the barest ripple of how she felt.

Avon turned his full attention back to the screen.

Varro smiled. "I had heard that you were a cautious man. You see much farther than others."

Avon said in a voice infected with cynicism, "Not that it ever did much good."

Varro looked at him speculatively. He looked as if he wanted to say something further but decided not too. There was a brief hint of sympathy in his voice as he said, "I know many who would disagree with that but it's not the time to talk about such things."

Varro said to Argus, "Avon is right. Regardless of what we say, there isn't enough of a level of trust built up between us yet. I invite you to come to our central governing Council and you can increase your knowledge of us. Then we can build some trust."

Sester had come up to stand by Argus. He asked, more as a statement in the form of a polite question, "You already trust Argus and the others?"

Varro smiled at the new participant. "Sester, the psychostrategist. Yes, our trust comes from our study and observation of your characters and actions."

Avon's eyes narrowed, "You've been investigating us?"

Varro said, "Information is key to our survival as well as advanced science and technology."

Sester said, "There had to be something, otherwise a society like yours would never have survived. Especially not in the hostile environment of this Sector."

Argus asked, "What if we had been from this Sector and had a ship like the Justice? How would you have handled being fired on first?"

Varro said, "You are persistent." He seemed pleased for some reason. "We have analyzed your weapons yield. According to our estimates, you were only using partial power."

Argus said cautiously, "Perhaps."

"Our calculations indicate that even at full power, a full spread from your neutron blasters will have no noticeable effect on our shields."

Avon said, "There will always be someone who can penetrate your shields. Even your advanced energy-absorbing shields. No one is invincible."

"That's true. But we have many other contingencies." Varro paused for a moment to think about something. "Excuse me for a moment." Varro cut the audio link. They could see him turn to the side to talk to someone but they couldn't hear what he was saying.

Argus said, "Zen, mute outgoing audio on our side."

/ Confirmed. /

Argus asked, "What do you think?"

Avon said, "They do appear to have superior technology. Even more advanced in some ways than the Justice." His eyes were bright with interest. "I wouldn't mind taking a closer look at their shields. As far as I know, there is no one with this kind of technology."

Vila said, "It's a good thing they're on our side then."

Avon said, "That still remains to be seen. There are many sides."

Vila said, "I think you're just being paranoid. I mean, if they were going to kill us, with their superior technology, wouldn't they have by now? Why go through all this?"

Avon said, "You're…" He glanced at Corinne. "Not paranoid enough."

Sester spoke up, "Did you notice something interesting about their superior technology? So far, it has all been defensive in nature."

Captain Varro's voice spoke over the speakers again. "As a commitment to establishing trust between us, we are prepared to show you our advanced technologies. If you wish, you can even accompany us on one of our missions beyond Tellar space and you can see how we deal with hostile threats. But for now, we invite you to meet with our current governing Council."

Argus directed, "Zen, re-establish communications."

/ Confirmed. /

Avon asked Varro, "Why would you expose yourself like that? Why show us your technology?"

Varro replied, "As Sester has identified, from our own research and observations, we have already determined that we can trust you. It only remains for you to learn to trust us."

Argus said, "My apologies for the test. It is…"

Captain Varro said with sympathy, "Hard to believe? We understand and we take no offence. It is hard to have hope when you live in such dark times. It is hard to believe in anyone."

"Belief is hard but we are open to trying. Before we follow you to your planet, I have someone to show you. You guessed right when you said that someone told us about your people. She's here with us." He held out his hand to Marlena. Sester vacated his space beside Argus and she came over and faced the screen.

Varro's eyes regarded Marlena enquiringly.

Marlena's voice and face was full of emotion as she said, "It is good to see one of my own people again."

Varro's eyes widened. "You are…"

"My name is Marlena Seros. I am from Tellar. I have not been home for twenty-nine years. I was captured by the Chandar Alliance but Argus and his people rescued me."

Suddenly Varro's side of the screen was crowded with many people, male and female in white and blue uniforms, all trying to crane their necks towards the screen to catch a glimpse of her. The joy on their faces was evident. Varro said warmly, "It is good to see a lost daughter of Tellar again, Marlena Seros. We are looking forward to seeing all of you."

Chapter Two

The medical unit was empty of other occupants as Cally helped Avon take his shirt off. It slid down his back revealing the scars that still marked his body; an unpleasant reminder of what he had endured for her and a frustrating sign of her failure to remove them.

It made no sense. The advanced tissue regenerators should have been able to remove any physical marks. Nothing in the medical databases had been able to explain it or provide a solution. It was almost as if these scars had a different source other than a physical one. What was even more disturbing was that Avon was still resistant to her attempts to erase them. Cally was always careful when she came in contact with these scars, either in her role as the ship's medic or in the more intimate setting of their cabin.

No matter how hard Avon tried to suppress his reactions or to mentally convince himself that there was nothing to fear, it always produced an involuntary shudder in his body, at times even repulsion from her touch. Then they would have to stop what they were doing because anything further invoked sensations connected with Servalan; with each moment of pleasure wrapped in pain and a destruction of self.

The shirt was placed on the table next to the bio-bed. Cally noticed his stiffness and his careful movements as he climbed onto the bed and sat on the edge, waiting for her examination.

She picked up a medical scanner, turned it on and pointed the sensor towards him. "Should I bother to ask how you are today? Or have you discovered a new way to say that you're fine?" Despite his protests at her constant monitoring of his condition, they both knew that they enjoyed this game.

A flicker of amusement crinkled the corner of Avon's eyes but he quickly suppressed it and returned to his normal impassive stare. There was a faint tone of petulance as he said, "It doesn't matter what I say. You're only going to believe that machine."

A grin touched Cally's lips and carefully avoiding any scars, she laid her palm lightly on his bared chest. "You mean as opposed to this machine?"

"Perhaps I should reprogram yours?"

Cally lightly placed her hand over his heart. "I would like one to reflect… what is in here."

"I believe the scanner already does that quite adequately. Unless there is a malfunction. Would you like me to take a look at it?" He reached out for it.

She placed the machine behind her back and his arm followed hers. "And have you reprogram it to read that you're fine?"

Avon said mischievously, "Would I do that?" His arm wrapped around her waist, trapping her arm with the scanner behind her.

"I do have other scanners."

Avon grinned and let her go. "So you do."

Cally brought the scanner forward again and proceeded with her examination. "I would like to add something new to your rehabilitation session today."

His eyebrows lifted. "Oh?"

"You've been working too hard. Despite my medical advice. The muscles in your back are causing pain and the ones in your neck and shoulders are so tight that you've been getting headaches. I felt a massage would be more helpful than your continual use of drugs to alleviate the symptoms."

"I suppose that any denials to the contrary would be pointless since you've obviously checked the medical inventory?"

She said dryly, "You could deny it. That is your choice."

Avon decided not to say anything. He wondered if she had discovered something else in her check of the inventory.

Cally put the instrument down and said, "The scanner says that there's no change. You're as stubborn as ever."

Avon slid off the bed. It was such a familiar routine that he knew what came next. "You didn't need a scanner to tell you that."

Cally took hold of one of his arms and began to test his range of motion.

Despite his efforts, Avon had an involuntary grimace at one end of the test.

Cally asked, "It's still bothering you?"

He gave her a deliberate smile and said, "No."

"I take it back. You're getting worse," she said with mock exasperation.

After the tests, Cally told him, "Lie down on the bed, faced down."

As he slowly lowered himself onto the bed, an unwanted memory surfaced from the depths of Avon's mind.

A familiar hated voice inside his head. No questions, just lie down on the bed, faced down.

Servalan! A hot knife of pain accompanied the memory. Avon hissed through clenched teeth and his whole body stiffened in reaction to the agony from his back. He stifled a groan.

"Avon!" Cally exclaimed in alarm as she placed her hand on his back just in time to feel the muscles spasm.

Avon was caught halfway between lying down and trying to lie down, hardly a comfortable or useful position to be in. And it was doing his back no good either.

Cally rushed to get the required medication and injected them into him.

Avon breathed a sigh of relief as the pain faded and his muscles relaxed enough for him to lie down with Cally's help.

She felt gently along his spine as she asked, "Why didn't you tell me that it was this bad?"

"It wasn't."

Avon's continued refusal to acknowledge his physical disabilities until they became too much for him to deny made Cally sigh and say with light sarcasm, "You mean, not with the drugs masking the pain?"

Avon tried to roll over to face her but only managed to turn his head. "No. Not until just now."

He knew they couldn't continue with what Cally wanted to give him. It would bring up too many memories he wanted to remain buried. Avon reached out and grabbed her hand. "Cally. No massage. Not right…" He let go of her hand and said again. "No massage."

There was such tension in Avon's voice that it alarmed her. She asked gently, "Do you want to tell me why?"

There was no response and he was no longer trying to look at her.

Cally put a comforting hand on his back and focused on sending him mental ripples of peace and reassurance. "I know what you've been doing lately. All of the efforts you've made to relate with people. You want to give everyone what you think we need, because you don't think you have much longer. You don't have any confidence that…"

A strangled-sounding voice from the bed said, "Don't…"

"But what about what you need, Avon?" With her hand resting on Avon's back, she could feel him tense again.

His voice was flat but not because it had no emotion, but because it had no hope. "Does it matter anymore? What purpose would it serve?"

Cally placed herself so that he could see her face without having to move. In a voice that sounded almost angry but was really fear spurring her to try to break through his dangerous mood, she said, "It matters to me." She took hold of his hand. "Do you think it would make me feel any better if your fears came true; knowing that your last days were spent denying your own pain so that you can give us some pleasant memories? Avon, what logic possessed you to think this is what we would want?"

Avon's eyes were full of pain, guilt and struggle when his eyes met hers but he managed to keep most of it out of his voice, except for the words, which came haltingly. "I…didn't know what to do. When… I was a prisoner with Reya. In the cell. She thought she was going to die. She asked me to…it was important to her…to leave a message…for Argus. She wanted to give him something."

"So because of her example, you decided that you had to give us something too? So you have been giving Vila the friend you thought he needed and you gave me the Avon you thought I wanted?"

A reluctant admission escaped Avon's lips. "Yes."

"Are you saying that what you've been giving us is not real?"

Avon grabbed onto her arm again. "No! Yes. The sentiments…" The words contained a raw pain, as if someone was deliberately cutting him open, without the benefit of an anaesthetic, in order to reveal the living heart beating inside. "Were real. The words were true. The Avon, is one…I could be. Someday."

"If you choose?" She covered his hand with hers. "Avon, is this something you would want?"

Avon's eyes were still locked on hers; like a drowning man unable to let go of a lifeline. Whenever he needed someone to bring him out of his deep depressions, she was always there. She wanted the truth from him, and he had to give it to her.

Avon pulled her arm towards him and with great effort rolled his body until he could place her hand over the left side of his chest. "I…want it. Here." He touched his fingers to his temple. "It's not as easy, here." His hand dropped and he stared at her for a moment and then his lips curved in a smile. "It requires some reprogramming."

As Cally helped him get up from the bed, Avon asked, "No more massage?"

"Not until you're ready."

With sudden viciousness, Avon said, "Not until Servalan is dead."

Cally's voice reflected his. "Shall we do it now?"

He stared at her change in attitude and the fierceness on her face, then his eyes softened and Avon asked with amusement, "You mean go and kill her now? This must be a very special massage."

His unexpectedly lighter tone caused her to say wryly, "I suppose we should wait until you're fully recovered." She picked up his shirt and handed it to him. Her tone changed again and she said softly but with firm belief, "You will recover, Avon."

Avon took the shirt and stared at it without putting it on. If hope could be borrowed from someone else, it might have sounded like the hesitant words that came from his lips, "I will."

**********

Vila looked nervously at Corinne's mother as she stood in his cabin. She had never come to visit him before. He had two choices, well, three but he was too squeamish to kill himself. Either he could invite her to sit down or he could excuse himself and run.

Why was there never an option four when you needed one?

Vila's voice was an octave higher than normal when he asked, "Would you like…" He coughed several times to clear the nervousness from his throat. Fortunately, it worked and he was able to sound more like his normal anxious self, "Would you like to sit down?" He offered her a chair.

Marlena sat and gave him a friendly and reassuring smile. Vila liked these kinds of smiles. There were fewer chances that he was in trouble when someone gave him one of these. Of course, he had been known to be wrong before. Not often but there was that one time on Gitel Major and the glowing hoops dancer... Not to say that Marlena was one of those. What on Earth was he thinking? Running seemed good about now. Maybe he should do that before option three started looking good too.

Wait a minute. Why should he be nervous? It wasn't as if he'd done anything. Yet. Suddenly the friendly look in Marlena's eyes didn't seem that friendly. On the other hand, maybe he was just being paranoid or feeling guilt he was sure was going to come into it someday.

Marlena had a warmth to her personality that could reassure almost anyone. Unless you felt guilty about something which was really nothing but you felt guilty anyways. Evidently, warmth couldn't overcome a wildly imaginative and irrational guilt.

Marlena said, "You don't have to be nervous, Vila."

Vila's voice had gone annoyingly above baritone again, which is a nice way of saying he just barely missed sounding like a soprano. "I don't?" He settled down again under Marlena's continued friendly manner. "Of course, I don't. Nothing happened."

All right, maybe he shouldn't have added that last bit.

Marlena's eyes gleamed with amusement. "I believe you."

Vila found that even though he was nervous enough for ten people, he liked Marlena and he respected her a great deal. Anyone who had gone through what she had, tended to come out angry, bitter, and bent on revenge. Not Marlena.

Apart from how Vila felt about Corinne, he didn't want to do anything that would disappoint someone he respected. He swallowed nervously and said, "I like your daughter. Very much."

"I know, Vila. She likes you very much too. That is part of the reason why I asked her to come with us to Tellar so that you could have more time together."

Vila said with surprise, "It is?"

"I appreciate that you've taken your time with Corinne. You must recognize that she isn't experienced in the ways of men like yourself."

"I've noticed." It was very strange talking about this with the mother of someone you're interested in.

"I have taught her to be able to defend herself from unwanted attentions."

Vila's words came out in a rush, "I won't hurt her."

"I know you won't, Vila. I trust you. As does Corinne. And her father." Marlena smiled. "At least he does now."

"Are you sure?"

"Yours is not an unwanted attention. You have proven yourself to be a good man and you have good companions. We support whatever relationship may develop between the two of you. You are both independent adults. I just ask you to be careful with her. She is well equipped with all that I could teach her but she is inexperienced."

Vila didn't know why he had been so nervous. "I'll take care of her. If she wants."

Marlena said, "Thank you, Vila."

**********

"Marlena!" A tall, angular woman with sharp eyes rushed forward to greet her as the crew came into the Council meeting chambers. She hugged her warmly, almost crushing her with the force of her joy. "It's good to see you! We thought you were dead. There are so many people who want to see you."

"Alyse?" Marlena was in tears as she clung onto a friend she thought she would never see again. She waved Corinne towards her, "And this is my daughter, Corinne." No more words were possible as the emotions of coming home overwhelmed her.

Alyse held out her hand and included Corinne as well. "We have much to talk about, my friend." The people in the Council chambers surrounded Marlena and Corinne and there was great joy as they added their greetings, hugs and kisses.

Argus and the others stood by the side almost unnoticed, trying not to interrupt the emotional reunion.

Alyse approached them with a welcoming smile and held out both hands to him. "I did not mean to ignore you and your crew, Drel Argus. It was too much of a shock to see Marlena again after all these years. Welcome to the Tellar Union."

Following what he assumed may be the custom here; Argus held out his as well and said, "We understand. Your name is Alyse?"

The woman lightly grasped his forearms in greeting. "Yes. I am Alyse Vail, the current Coordinator of the Council of Tellar."

Argus grasped hers in return.

Avon asked curiously, "You are the leader of the Tellar Union?"

Alyse let go of Argus, turned her welcoming smile to Avon and said, "You must be Kerr Avon."

It always made Avon nervous when other people seemed to know a lot more about him than he did about them. This disparity of information was a danger that needed to be resolved as soon as possible. Avon answered guardedly. "I am."

Alyse tilted her head slightly and regarded him with curiosity. "To answer your question, I provide leadership when it is required but my main function is to facilitate the work of others and provide coherent direction."

Avon asked, "Hence the name Coordinator?"

"Yes."

"Interesting."

Alyse said to Argus, "I will introduce the others in the Council when they are free. The majority of them are here."

Argus made his own introductions. "You already seem to know who we are but this is Cally, our medical officer, Vila, the access engineer, Sester, and you've met Avon."

Alyse seemed genuinely pleased to meet them. "You are all welcome here. We look forward to getting to know each of you."

Avon asked, "Why?"

Alyce viewed him with interest. "It disturbs you that we know so much about you, Avon?"

Ever the realist, Avon said, "Information is a powerful weapon."

"Or a tool which can be used for both good or bad."

Avon countered, "Intentions are not everything. It is actions which count in the end."

"You speak as one with experience," said Alyce.

"What does your information tell you of me?" asked Avon.

Alyce's face was full of compassion, "It tells me that you have been looking for answers."

This woman's self-assurance and warmth made Avon uneasy. But even more unnerving was the feeling that, like Cally, she understood far more about him than was comfortable. His voice did not allow her any quarter and his manner remained cold, "Does your information tell you if I've found any?"

Alyce's eyes reflected a faint sadness, "Part of you decided long ago that you would never find any except the ones you did not want. Part of you hates yourself because despite your best efforts, you are still susceptible to hope. You consider it a weakness because it has given you nothing but pain and bitterness."

"Hope is irrational."

Alyce glanced at Cally and then Avon. "Many things are irrational but we do them nonetheless."

Cally asked, "Why do you know so much about us?"

Alyce said, "We know what we need to know because we are also looking for hope. It is difficult to face the darkness alone."

Chapter Three

Sester sat back and observed as the central Tellaran Council listened to Marlena and Argus speaking. Observation was barely adequate as a description of what he was doing. Psychostrategists didn't just watch, they delved beneath the surface in order to find truth; objectively studying a myriad of details and nuances such as the Tellaran Council chambers.

The room reflected the character of its designers and to an extent of the people that used it. It was a circular meeting room with tiered levels of seats behind curved tables. As far as he could tell, the Council members sat in loosely functional groupings. There was no real hierarchy that he could discern. There were scattered individuals who seemed to command more respect than the others did. The tiers were for functional purposes rather than any indication of precedence or rank. Argus and the team were seated together near Alyce.

As part of his overall analysis Sester's eyes took in the colours of the room and let them wash over his mind, allowing them to blend and impact him on a visceral level. The blue and green hues of the walls radiated a comfort and peace that would produce a soothing effect if he allowed them to. However, he was an observer, not a participant in the room at the moment so he filed it away.

There were embellishments of yellow in various places, most noticeably making up one of the three intertwining circles in the symbol of the Tellar Union. The brighter colour added a strong splash of energy; conveying an impression of vibrant spirits and friendly cheerfulness.

Peace. Reflection. Caring. Friendliness. Energy. Those were what the colours conveyed to him. Whether it was a true reflection of the Tellar people remained to be seen.

Sester's mind turned from the observation of non-living things to the living as Marlena began speaking. His eyes slowly swept the curved chamber, positioning each Council member by sight. Soon he would be able to close his eyes, envision them in his mind, and begin building each one as a construct of name, face, body, posture, voice, mannerisms and a myriad of other things. All the factors essential for a psychostrategist to be able to understand the human element they were so good at manipulating.

There was hushed silence as Marlena recounted her experiences to the Council, telling them about her capture and treatment by the Chandarans. There was a hint of tension and pain in her voice that was reflected in the looks of sympathy around the room. There were other conflicting looks; a natural propensity for peace disturbed by a rising anger. But layered over that was an overriding desire to understand.

Marlena quickly moved onto her relationship with Brent. Here her tone changed. She lingered over the details of discovery about Brent and his people, his desire to free her, her decision to stay in order to help them and their combined efforts to facilitate Brent's rise to a position where he could make a difference.

Sester studied each face intently as they reacted to Marlena's account. There was compassion and sympathy on their faces as she told them about her ordeals. He noted the way some of them leaned forwards to catch every word, while others leaned back with eyes half-lidded, listening intently or still others whose faces reflected her emotions like a reflecting surface.

They were all active listeners.

It was amazing. In Sester's experience, people generally didn't listen very well. At best, they were preoccupied half-listeners, caught up as much in themselves as they were in the object of their attentions. These Council members were focussed on someone else; it was a room full of empathetic people. Either it was a requirement for leaders of the Tellar Union or they were trained that way. He doubted if all of the Tellarans were like this. They were human.

The circular room radiated the energy of the yellow accents, as each person seemed to be bursting with the desire to ask questions. They were all thinking, processing, and full of the need to understand. There were constant and curious, but friendly, glances at their visitors.

When it came to the arrival of the Justice and the events of the past few weeks, Argus added his voice. In contrast to Marlena, his voice was cool and reflected his military competence and detachment.

After the accounts, they both explained the needs of the Chandar Alliance and the plans to defeat the Andromedans.

Alyce inclined her head in their directions and said, "Thank you, Marlena and Argus."

She turned to face her fellow Council members with an eager but solemn expression on her face. "We have several things to decide, my friends. First, according to the tenets of Tellar, we must help those who are in need regardless of who they are. Unless there are strong reasons why we cannot or should not. Do I hear any objections?"

Alyce watched and waited until a red-haired woman in a red and pink robe broke the serious air and said, "Oh, come on Alyce. Let's do it."

Some of them grinned with amusement and others started laughing. Someone else said, "You know us, Alyce."

Another man in a green studded jacket said, "One of these days one of us might object just to see what you'd do, Alyce."

That brought more good-natured laughter.

The shorthaired man beside him said with a grin, "You'd better get a stretcher just in case she faints."

Alyce's serious face grew a wide smile, "Alright, alright. Let's get on with."

The levity died down and they all returned to business but the light air remained.

Alyce said, "There are two goals here. The first deals with the Andromedans. The second with the Chandar Alliance. Thanks to Argus and his team and the courage of Reya Reeve, the first round has been won on both fronts. Cambrin, your department flagged the arrival of Argus's group at Chandar. What's your assessment of the situation there now?"

**********

Avon leaned his head towards Argus and whispered, "We need to understand these people."

Argus nodded and said, "Yes. But they seem genuine enough and they're not hiding anything."

Avon kept his voice low and flat, "Not as far as we know."

Argus glanced at him. "And what if they're not hiding anything and they are who they say they are?"

Avon didn't answer but his eyes were deep with interest as he tried to find what he was looking for.

**********

Cambrin, a balding man in a dark purple shirt and white slacks stood up. His voice was cultured as he reported, "My department has been looking into some anomalies in Chandaran society lately. We didn't realize it was due to Marlena's influence and that of the Andromedans but now it makes sense.

Cambrin addressed Argus, "We were shocked by the arrival of your team and everything that happened afterwards." There was an appreciative look on his face as he said, "Your team seems to make things happen wherever you go. You've been keeping us quite busy."

Cally asked, "Is that why you've been watching us?"

Cambrin looked at Alyce and she nodded to him. He said, "It's one of the reasons but not the primary reason. We have been following some of you for quite some time. We have an interest in people who make things happen. We may be a people devoted to peace but we are not neutral."

Sester found Cambrin very interesting. The man had a watchfulness he recognized. "Let me guess. You've been tracking Avon and Argus?"

Cambrin turned towards him and said, "Yes. And…" Sester got a strong impression that Cambrin was going to add another name but the other man smiled strangely and said instead, "When we've been able to. It's not easy being this far from Earth Sector but we try to keep up with what's happening."

All eyes turned to Alyce as she said, "I know that you may have concerns. It may be discomforting to discover that we have been watching your activities. But be assured that it was never with any ill intentions. We have been hoping to meet all of you."

Cambrin said, "When you started showing up in the neighbouring Sector, you can imagine our surprise. And then to find you making an appearance on Chandar and seeing what Commander Reeve did…it was beyond our expectations, even for you."

Sester noted the rustle of excitement and the looks of admiration being directed towards the crew. With barely suppressed amusement, he also recognized the looks of discomfort from the crew as they suddenly became the focus of attention.

Argus almost seemed at a loss for words as he said, "We…Reya…all of us did what we had to do."

"That is why we have been interested in your crew," said Alyce. Her eyes seemed to radiate the warmth of her feelings towards them.

Cambrin said, "We have a team calculating the impacts of what you've achieved. The existence of the Champions has always been a focus for us. We knew that if change were ever to come to Chandar, it would most likely be through them. I imagine it was your psychostrategist who identified that?"

Argus replied, "Yes. It was Sester. He came up with a strategy that utilized their influence."

Cambrin inclined his head in Sester's direction, "You are welcome, psychostrategist."

Sester nodded.

Cambrin said, "You may be interested in my department. Perhaps we could talk later?"

Sester's fingers casually traced the curve of the table in front of him as he smiled. The games had begun. "I would like that."

A quip of a grin appeared on Cambrin's face and then he turned to the others again. "From our initial assessments, the Chandar Alliance has a possibility for change now. We believe they will help to fight the Andromedans and defend against any further incursions into this Sector but as for anything else, it will have to be handled carefully."

Hope had many faces, and most of them were currently reflected in the chamber.

The long, red-haired woman who had spoken earlier asked, "Marlena, if we send an action team there, do you think they'll be willing to work with us? The Chandarans will know better how their own people will respond, but we might have expertise that may help them. I know that they want our help. But that help seems to be limited to our role in being able to talk to their women."

Marlena replied, "I know that those who have been working with my bond-mate and I will be willing. Some of the Champions as well. Dannon and Trist in particular. I believe that the other Champions are open to dialogue."

Alyce said, "Tamar, why don't you and Cambrin put a team together? We'll need people from both your areas."

Tamar, who was the red-haired woman, asked, "Do we have a time frame? I think we need more information before deciding on the composition of the team."

Argus said, "I've been keeping in close contact with Brent. I'm sure he'll be willing to provide any information you need. We do have time. At the moment, things are settling down and the Champions are restoring order. I get the impression they'd prefer to be given time to do that before we introduce something new."

Avon remarked, "Not too much time. We'd be giving the Andromedans time as well."

Alyce said, "That will depend on the Chandarans. We will need to have some meetings with them. Argus, can you arrange that?"

"I will speak with Brent."

**********

Avon and Cally sat out in a secluded corner of the gardens surrounding the Tellaran Council chambers. After several hours of discussing the Chandaran situation, Alyce had called for a period of rest and refreshment. Argus and the others had accompanied the Council members on a tour around the building.

Cally knew that Avon needed to spend some time away from people in order to be re-energized. He would start getting irritable if he couldn't have the time alone. At most, he could tolerate her presence, but no one else. They had sought a quiet, undisturbed corner where no one would bother them.

Avon stared out across the beds of beautiful shrubs and flowers. His eyes were deep in thought. Cally shared a companionable silence, knowing it was what he needed. She was aware of his mind as a close and comforting presence.

Alyce had gladly arranged a meeting for them with some of the top medical people of the Tellar Union. They were going to do a comprehensive examination of Avon. A tentative hope lifted Cally's spirits. She found it easy to relax in this garden. Its natural beauty surrounded them with the promise of life and hope. She could tell that it was also affecting Avon's mood. There was more light amidst the darkness that had been dragging him down into depression.

After awhile, Cally heard Avon take in a deep and calming breath and found herself following suit. The sweet scent of many flowers formed a fragrance that tickled the senses and lifted the mind to a place of peace.

Content, she turned and leaned back against Avon. She felt him hesitate and then put an arm around her. She said, "I like these people."

An amused smile played at the corner of Avon's lips. "You would."

Cally said with light humour, "I know you don't like anyone so I won't ask you."

"You're wrong."

Cally turned to look at his side profile and saw that the tension that hardened his face into an unresponsive shell had relaxed somewhat.

He said, "I like you." There was a mischievous spark in his dark eyes. "And Vila."

Cally grinned and said, "But don't tell him?"

A brief smile relaxed Avon's face even further. "Not if you want to keep my reputation intact."

"I think you're reputation deserves a kick once in a while."

"You think so?"

"I know so."

The complex beauty of the garden drew Avon's eyes again. It was interesting that something that intricate could also produce a simple, pleasing effect on the mood. His eyes deepened in thought. "He already knows."

Cally leaned against him again. "Well, he has to know by now."

"I told him."

Cally's turned her head towards him with surprise. "You did?"

"I thought it was something he needed to know."

Cally asked, "What about the others?"

Avon's eyes were still focused on the flower structures. He said absently, "When they need to know, I'll tell them."

Cally leaned against him again and there was a teasing tone in her voice, "If you keep doing that, your reputation will never recover."

**********

As Argus, Marlena, Alyce, and some of the Council members continued talking after lunch. Corinne had suggested that she and Vila explore some more of the grounds on their own before the meeting. Marlena had thought it a good idea.

No one seemed to mind, least of all Vila. All of this political talk wasn't for him. He liked doing things, not talking hours about doing things. Corinne was taking the lead, following corridors that interested her. The whole place seemed to be a maze of corridors. No one stopped them. The people they ran across only smiled or nodded in greeting and walked on.

The walls of the current hallway were lined with paintings. Real, old-style paintings with canvas-like material and paint.

Vila was amazed as he examined the depictions of Tellaran society. He reached out sensitive fingers to touch the texture of the paint. An energy screen flared slightly and tickled his fingers, causing him to withdraw them. "It's protected by an energy barrier. It makes sense. I heard these old paints deteriorate."

Corinne was looking at several of them intently. Her eyes seemed to drink in the details. "They're so colourful and beautiful. I like the clothes here. The ones back home are so bland and functional." She looked down at her unimaginative clothing, a formless dark brown skirt and matching shapeless brown shirt. Only someone with a vivid imagination, or who was blind would find it interesting. Or someone who liked her a lot.

Vila said, "I don't mind. You look beautiful in anything."

"But wouldn't you want to know how I look in something beautiful?"

"I don't know if my eyes could take it. It might be too much."

"Oh, Vila," she said in mock-consternation.

He grinned at her. "It's true."

"I'd like to go shopping."

Vila's mouth dropped. "Shopping?"

Corinne's eyes were hesitant and she touched the collar of her shirt self-consciously. "I think it's called that. I've heard that people do it on some worlds. You go to a market with lots of shops and buy what you want?" She sounded wistful. "I thought it might be nice."

Now he was really shocked. He thought that shopping was a basic fact of life for most people, and especially women. "You mean, you've never gone shopping before?"

Corinne's eyes lowered in embarrassment. "No. On Chandar, the men control all the money and they give us what they want to give us."

"I thought that your father would give you nicer things. He loves you."

Defensiveness crept into Corinne's voice, "He does. He gave us the best that he could but he didn't want people to notice me. He thought it might not be safe. He didn't want anyone asking for me. He didn't want to have to explain why he didn't want to sell me."

"Sell you?" Vila's faced flushed with outrage. He had known the facts about Chandaran society but hearing it connected with Corinne made it too close.

"He would have died before he let anything happen to me."

Vila put his arms around her in a fierce protective hug. "Me too. They'd have to go over my dead body." He let go of her and said, "We're going to go shopping and we'll buy the whole street if you want."