Disclaimer: None of them are mine... *sighs* oh what a world.
Summary: second verse, same as the first (see chapter one summary in otherwords ;)
Author's note: Expanding from Chapter One a bit. Nothing much new. Its not exactly supposed to be action packed. I know I am really twisting Sandoval and maybe even Lili here, but oh well ;) Welcome to the world of Fan Fiction!
*** When Stars Collide -- Chapter 2 ***
(Sandoval's POV:)
It was dark. Very dark. //How long have we been out here?// he wondered. Just walking through the park, in the middle of the night... He smiled and realized that it didn't matter. Nothing mattered. Whatever had existed only an hour or two ago didn't matter anymore. It all just faded into the background of what was the present moment. But he couldn't shake a terrifying feeling from the back of his mind somewhere.
Ron rubbed Lili's hand, which held onto his arm, as they strolled around the park, talking about inconsequential things. The conversation was surprisingly comfortable; probably because he knew they were both avoiding the issue. Why ruin this by talking about the 'Why' and the 'How' -- but he had to admit to himself, it was extremely confusing, almost troubling, for part of his mind. He had to fight to keep it away, to keep it from sabotaging what he had right here, right now. He gave an gentle but audible sigh.
(Lili's POV:)
She wasn't sure it could get any darker. No moon, no stars. Where the sun had shone brightly on the horizon was covered with a thick glaze of clouds. Possibly rain coming... but she wasn't thinking about that now. She had taken the arm offered to her by Ron Sandoval, and they walked through the park for what must have been a couple of hours. And yet she couldn't remember any of the surroundings, though she must have passed them by many times now. She spoke with Ron on fleeting things, that kept the conversation moving, but left the moment to just be.
Thoughts raced through her mind. What was she doing? She couldn't do this. What was *he* doing? He couldn't do this either... So many things to think about. Its a trick, its a trap, its not real.. what about his CVI? about his alternative agendas.... did she want to get wrapped up in this? Was he using her?
She looked nervously over to look at his eyes. They melted her every time. Eyes she had seen so many times before, but now had such a profound effect on her. Eyes which before were so cold, so unrevealing, so hard and unyeilding, now were soft and open, almost innocent, yet very confused. //He doesn't know anymore than I know,// she thought to herself. Just as confused, if not more. But although there were a few things she couldn't explain, she knew most of her fears were not valid. Something in her mind wanted to ruin this moment... it wasn't meant to be, she could never have this and neither could he. They were on two different roads, as different and seperate as two ships passing in the night. But not now, not here. It was all different. It was all changing.
(Everyone's POV:)
Sandoval froze in his tracks, jerking Lili to a rough hault by accident from their walking pace. Lili thought the worst.. it was all about to come crashing down now. He realized what was happening. None of this was real... she stared for a moment, waiting for him to speak. He searched his memory for a moment.
A slight gasp escaped his lips, and he reached back and grabbed his global. Opening it to check the time, he roughly shut it and shoved it back into place, the word "Zo'or" escaped his mouth.
Lili looked confused, "I don't understand, I didn't hear the global go off."
Sandoval shook his head, starring off into the distance for a moment, and then shaking himself back to reality, "No, the time. I was supposed to meet with Zo'or on the mothership an hour ago." His eyes showed a look of genuine fear -- Fear? Ronald Sandoval? Nothing had shaken this companion protector over the years... he was the one who instilled the terror, not the other way around.
Lili pushed those thoughts out of her mind, and continued, "You forgot?" In all the time she had known him, Ronald Sandoval was not someone to forget anything. Especailly considering the fact that the CVI retained every little detail about everything -- but only accessed upon intention, she reasoned. "Are you sure? Wouldn't he have contacted you?"
Ron shook his head nervously, "Zo'or loves to torment.." he moved off down one of the paths with Lili in tow, "I'm sure he's never going to let me live this down. Ever." //What's happening to me?// He thought to himself as he heard his voice audibly shake with his last words. Even he realized that this was not like him... no. It was like him. A long time ago, when he used to be more than a servant. More than a gopher, and an expendable subordinate. He sighed as they walked quickly for another moment.
He stopped, and turned to Lili, taking both of her hands. "I'm going to have to go deal with this," he stated in an unsure voice. Lili felt his pain... he continued, "Promise me something?" he squeezed her hands.
Lili nodded, "Sure, what is it?"
"Promise me that this wasn't a dream," he looked at her with hopeful eyes.
Lili gave a small smile, "I can do that... but if it were a dream, and you asked this question, would the dream tell you the same thing?"
He smiled back and shook his head, "No it wouldn't. Because if it were a dream, I'm positive I would have woken up before hearing that answer." His smile faded as he continued, "But if it were a dream, this would be the point where it would turn into a real nightmare."
He brushed his hand against her cheek before turning off down another path. Lili stood for a few more moments, unable to move. She wondered what would happen come morning.
--- Taelon Mothership ---
"... and furthermore!" stressed the disgruntled companion. Ronald Sandoval sighed inwardly, holding back his need to run Zo'or out the nearest window. How long had it been... it seemed like days, but it must have only been a matter of hours. The minutes slipped by slowly, each one taking a lifetime to pass, as Zo'or lectured him on his extreme tardiness. He was nothing but an implant, afterall. Here to do Zo'or's bidding, and nothing else. Personal experiences were second to the Taelon needs. Sandoval tried desperately to hide the fact that he was indeed detained by something on a personal level.
Afterall, Sandoval hadn't had a personal life for a long time now. He had no need of one. The Taelons *were* his new life. This was his purpose. He was an implant, and he was to do as he was told. His mind started to wander a bit... how in the world did it come down to this? How could he have let himself be manipulated like this? To be ordered around without a thought, and to be considered so expendable he was sure and as he was constantly reminded. But no... Zo'or most likely would never get rid of him. He had become Zo'or's favorite play-thing for all intents and purposes. Something to toy with on the side, while getting service and loyalty at the same time.
But this was not loyalty. It was never loyalty.
He envied Liam Kincaid at this moment... his relationship with Da'an was a close one, it seemed, and developed so quickly since he became a companion protector. There seemed to be so much mutual respect and understanding... he had forgotten what mutual respect felt like.
"Agent Sandoval, are you paying attention!" came the loud and startling voice of the Taelon standing in front of him. Sandoval's mind came snapping back to reality, and he breathed out another, 'Yes Zo'or' before silence filled the room with the arrival of someone knew.
"Da'an," Zo'or stated with a bit of contempt in his voice, "You are interupting a very important.." he hesitated, ".. meeting I am conducting with Agent Sandoval." He glared out of the corner of his eye at his companion protector, who's head was bent toward the floor.
Da'an did not look amused with Zo'or's behaviour, and interjected, "A meeting, or an interrogation?" His voice was cold towards the younger Taelon. He had heard the loud voice of Zo'or from quite a distance, and new that Sandoval was the one taking the brunt of it as usual. He had sympathetic feelings towards the companion protector for all he endured, despite many things that had happened in the past between them.
Zo'or's face contorted in disgust, but he moved towards the door, "Agent Sandoval, we will continue this in the morning." He exited, leaving Da'an and Sandoval alone.
Sandoval looked up from the floor. It nearly shocked Da'an to see the look in his eyes... one he had not seen before. Much had been drained from the protector. But it was more than that this time. Sandoval sighed a sigh of relief, and moved closer to the remaining Taelon, "Thank you, Da'an. And I really, really mean that."
Da'an nodded and felt Sandoval's words shake slightly. He inquired, "Is anything the matter, Agent Sandoval?" he paused for a moment, hands moving gracefully as always, and then continued, "Besides the obvious, of course."
He shook his head slightly, and some of the color started to return to his face. "I think I'm alright," he stated, "but thank you for asking." Da'an realized that his words seemed less sure than usual.. if there was one thing Sandoval had always been, it was sure of himself. But he nodded in response, and retreated from the area, giving him some moments alone.
Sandoval leaned back against a wall and closed his eyes.
--- Meanwhile, back at the ranch... um, Earth rather ---
Lili strode through the night crowd at the Flat Plante Cafe. She thought peace and quiet was the answer to her restless mind, but it turned out to be being alone with her thoughts was harder than normal. She thought she needed a little noise for awhile..
"And who do we have straggling in here at this hour, hmm?" smiled Augur, as he approached her from the side. He got very close and whispered in her ear, "Little noisey down here tonight... but you and I could always go back to my place, I could put on some soft music, a little champaign.." he grinned ear to hear.
Lili's sarcastic-disgusted look wiped the smile from his face, and he backed up, arms raised in an I Surrender pose, "Ok, well don't say I never offered." Lili laughed to herself, as she moved towards the bar to meet up with Liam.
"Lili, what brings you here tonight," Liam waved to the bartender to bring a drink over.
Lili sat down and smiled, "Oh, not much." Liam fully expected a bit more of an answer than that, but took it for face value. But the look on her face told him to press on a bit. He put a hand on her shoulder, "Hey, you ok?"
Lili nodded, seeming a bit spaced-out. She turned to look around the cafe for a moment, and wondered how she got here. Things were slipping in and out of her memory. Her thoughts were drifting in and out of reality it seemed, and she had a hard time concentrating on the present. All she could do was think back. She smiled to herself upon reflection of earlier in the night..
Liam shook her gently and smiled, "Earth to Lili, can you hear me? What are you smiling about now?" he grinned.
Lili snapped back and turned towards him, "Sorry Liam. Right, I'm here, in tune with reality again. I'm doing alright." She allowed her facial expression to return to normal, convincing Liam that everything was good. Liam nodded, satisfied with that, and handed her the drink he ordered, "Well then, here's to showing up at Augur's cafe in the middle of the night for no apparent reason and 'doing alright' " he said with a smile.
Lili laughed and raised her drink to his, "Well, that's a tall order, but since we both fit the bill," she clinked his glass with hers and nodded slightly. Liam's company was always a welcome thing for her. She loved him dearly, like a close friend, or like a brother. She sighed for a moment, her thoughts drifting away on that note...
Liam wondered what was capturing Lili's thoughts this evening. She was usually so upfront with him about what she was thinking or feeling. He noticed Augur do his usual hit-routine on her as per usual, and usually they would always get at least a few minutes of conversation and laughs at poor Augur's expense. But tonight there was nothing. As she starred into her drink, Liam watched her carefully. It wasn't a bad look she had on her face... more a thoughtful look. He could tell she was pondering something big, he just wished he knew what it was. He was satisfied knowing that she seemed to be alright despite her lack of connection to reality this evening... he settled for having her silent company over Augur's constant egotistical babgling though. He smiled to himself on that note. He knew if Augur ever were to stop being Augur, that he would miss that 'unique' personality of his. Even Lili would probably miss it...
After a long period of sitting in their own bubble of silence within the crowded room, Lili spoke up in an energetic tone, "I don't know what to do."
Confused, Liam could only ask, "You don't know what to do about what?"
Realizing that she had said that out loud, and not just thought it in her head, she shook the fuzz from her mind and concentrated on Liam's face for a moment. She brought her voice down low, "I just had the strangest experience..."
Liam's brow furrowed for a moment, "Strange in a bad way?"
Lili thought about it for a moment. She sifted quickly through all her thoughts, all her emotions. She had felt so many things, weighed so many ideas, so many fears.. but in the end, it all seemed to pan out into one organized answer in her mind. She smiled and shook her head, "No. Definately strange in a good way."
(just expanding on chapter one a bit... more to come)
Summary: second verse, same as the first (see chapter one summary in otherwords ;)
Author's note: Expanding from Chapter One a bit. Nothing much new. Its not exactly supposed to be action packed. I know I am really twisting Sandoval and maybe even Lili here, but oh well ;) Welcome to the world of Fan Fiction!
*** When Stars Collide -- Chapter 2 ***
(Sandoval's POV:)
It was dark. Very dark. //How long have we been out here?// he wondered. Just walking through the park, in the middle of the night... He smiled and realized that it didn't matter. Nothing mattered. Whatever had existed only an hour or two ago didn't matter anymore. It all just faded into the background of what was the present moment. But he couldn't shake a terrifying feeling from the back of his mind somewhere.
Ron rubbed Lili's hand, which held onto his arm, as they strolled around the park, talking about inconsequential things. The conversation was surprisingly comfortable; probably because he knew they were both avoiding the issue. Why ruin this by talking about the 'Why' and the 'How' -- but he had to admit to himself, it was extremely confusing, almost troubling, for part of his mind. He had to fight to keep it away, to keep it from sabotaging what he had right here, right now. He gave an gentle but audible sigh.
(Lili's POV:)
She wasn't sure it could get any darker. No moon, no stars. Where the sun had shone brightly on the horizon was covered with a thick glaze of clouds. Possibly rain coming... but she wasn't thinking about that now. She had taken the arm offered to her by Ron Sandoval, and they walked through the park for what must have been a couple of hours. And yet she couldn't remember any of the surroundings, though she must have passed them by many times now. She spoke with Ron on fleeting things, that kept the conversation moving, but left the moment to just be.
Thoughts raced through her mind. What was she doing? She couldn't do this. What was *he* doing? He couldn't do this either... So many things to think about. Its a trick, its a trap, its not real.. what about his CVI? about his alternative agendas.... did she want to get wrapped up in this? Was he using her?
She looked nervously over to look at his eyes. They melted her every time. Eyes she had seen so many times before, but now had such a profound effect on her. Eyes which before were so cold, so unrevealing, so hard and unyeilding, now were soft and open, almost innocent, yet very confused. //He doesn't know anymore than I know,// she thought to herself. Just as confused, if not more. But although there were a few things she couldn't explain, she knew most of her fears were not valid. Something in her mind wanted to ruin this moment... it wasn't meant to be, she could never have this and neither could he. They were on two different roads, as different and seperate as two ships passing in the night. But not now, not here. It was all different. It was all changing.
(Everyone's POV:)
Sandoval froze in his tracks, jerking Lili to a rough hault by accident from their walking pace. Lili thought the worst.. it was all about to come crashing down now. He realized what was happening. None of this was real... she stared for a moment, waiting for him to speak. He searched his memory for a moment.
A slight gasp escaped his lips, and he reached back and grabbed his global. Opening it to check the time, he roughly shut it and shoved it back into place, the word "Zo'or" escaped his mouth.
Lili looked confused, "I don't understand, I didn't hear the global go off."
Sandoval shook his head, starring off into the distance for a moment, and then shaking himself back to reality, "No, the time. I was supposed to meet with Zo'or on the mothership an hour ago." His eyes showed a look of genuine fear -- Fear? Ronald Sandoval? Nothing had shaken this companion protector over the years... he was the one who instilled the terror, not the other way around.
Lili pushed those thoughts out of her mind, and continued, "You forgot?" In all the time she had known him, Ronald Sandoval was not someone to forget anything. Especailly considering the fact that the CVI retained every little detail about everything -- but only accessed upon intention, she reasoned. "Are you sure? Wouldn't he have contacted you?"
Ron shook his head nervously, "Zo'or loves to torment.." he moved off down one of the paths with Lili in tow, "I'm sure he's never going to let me live this down. Ever." //What's happening to me?// He thought to himself as he heard his voice audibly shake with his last words. Even he realized that this was not like him... no. It was like him. A long time ago, when he used to be more than a servant. More than a gopher, and an expendable subordinate. He sighed as they walked quickly for another moment.
He stopped, and turned to Lili, taking both of her hands. "I'm going to have to go deal with this," he stated in an unsure voice. Lili felt his pain... he continued, "Promise me something?" he squeezed her hands.
Lili nodded, "Sure, what is it?"
"Promise me that this wasn't a dream," he looked at her with hopeful eyes.
Lili gave a small smile, "I can do that... but if it were a dream, and you asked this question, would the dream tell you the same thing?"
He smiled back and shook his head, "No it wouldn't. Because if it were a dream, I'm positive I would have woken up before hearing that answer." His smile faded as he continued, "But if it were a dream, this would be the point where it would turn into a real nightmare."
He brushed his hand against her cheek before turning off down another path. Lili stood for a few more moments, unable to move. She wondered what would happen come morning.
--- Taelon Mothership ---
"... and furthermore!" stressed the disgruntled companion. Ronald Sandoval sighed inwardly, holding back his need to run Zo'or out the nearest window. How long had it been... it seemed like days, but it must have only been a matter of hours. The minutes slipped by slowly, each one taking a lifetime to pass, as Zo'or lectured him on his extreme tardiness. He was nothing but an implant, afterall. Here to do Zo'or's bidding, and nothing else. Personal experiences were second to the Taelon needs. Sandoval tried desperately to hide the fact that he was indeed detained by something on a personal level.
Afterall, Sandoval hadn't had a personal life for a long time now. He had no need of one. The Taelons *were* his new life. This was his purpose. He was an implant, and he was to do as he was told. His mind started to wander a bit... how in the world did it come down to this? How could he have let himself be manipulated like this? To be ordered around without a thought, and to be considered so expendable he was sure and as he was constantly reminded. But no... Zo'or most likely would never get rid of him. He had become Zo'or's favorite play-thing for all intents and purposes. Something to toy with on the side, while getting service and loyalty at the same time.
But this was not loyalty. It was never loyalty.
He envied Liam Kincaid at this moment... his relationship with Da'an was a close one, it seemed, and developed so quickly since he became a companion protector. There seemed to be so much mutual respect and understanding... he had forgotten what mutual respect felt like.
"Agent Sandoval, are you paying attention!" came the loud and startling voice of the Taelon standing in front of him. Sandoval's mind came snapping back to reality, and he breathed out another, 'Yes Zo'or' before silence filled the room with the arrival of someone knew.
"Da'an," Zo'or stated with a bit of contempt in his voice, "You are interupting a very important.." he hesitated, ".. meeting I am conducting with Agent Sandoval." He glared out of the corner of his eye at his companion protector, who's head was bent toward the floor.
Da'an did not look amused with Zo'or's behaviour, and interjected, "A meeting, or an interrogation?" His voice was cold towards the younger Taelon. He had heard the loud voice of Zo'or from quite a distance, and new that Sandoval was the one taking the brunt of it as usual. He had sympathetic feelings towards the companion protector for all he endured, despite many things that had happened in the past between them.
Zo'or's face contorted in disgust, but he moved towards the door, "Agent Sandoval, we will continue this in the morning." He exited, leaving Da'an and Sandoval alone.
Sandoval looked up from the floor. It nearly shocked Da'an to see the look in his eyes... one he had not seen before. Much had been drained from the protector. But it was more than that this time. Sandoval sighed a sigh of relief, and moved closer to the remaining Taelon, "Thank you, Da'an. And I really, really mean that."
Da'an nodded and felt Sandoval's words shake slightly. He inquired, "Is anything the matter, Agent Sandoval?" he paused for a moment, hands moving gracefully as always, and then continued, "Besides the obvious, of course."
He shook his head slightly, and some of the color started to return to his face. "I think I'm alright," he stated, "but thank you for asking." Da'an realized that his words seemed less sure than usual.. if there was one thing Sandoval had always been, it was sure of himself. But he nodded in response, and retreated from the area, giving him some moments alone.
Sandoval leaned back against a wall and closed his eyes.
--- Meanwhile, back at the ranch... um, Earth rather ---
Lili strode through the night crowd at the Flat Plante Cafe. She thought peace and quiet was the answer to her restless mind, but it turned out to be being alone with her thoughts was harder than normal. She thought she needed a little noise for awhile..
"And who do we have straggling in here at this hour, hmm?" smiled Augur, as he approached her from the side. He got very close and whispered in her ear, "Little noisey down here tonight... but you and I could always go back to my place, I could put on some soft music, a little champaign.." he grinned ear to hear.
Lili's sarcastic-disgusted look wiped the smile from his face, and he backed up, arms raised in an I Surrender pose, "Ok, well don't say I never offered." Lili laughed to herself, as she moved towards the bar to meet up with Liam.
"Lili, what brings you here tonight," Liam waved to the bartender to bring a drink over.
Lili sat down and smiled, "Oh, not much." Liam fully expected a bit more of an answer than that, but took it for face value. But the look on her face told him to press on a bit. He put a hand on her shoulder, "Hey, you ok?"
Lili nodded, seeming a bit spaced-out. She turned to look around the cafe for a moment, and wondered how she got here. Things were slipping in and out of her memory. Her thoughts were drifting in and out of reality it seemed, and she had a hard time concentrating on the present. All she could do was think back. She smiled to herself upon reflection of earlier in the night..
Liam shook her gently and smiled, "Earth to Lili, can you hear me? What are you smiling about now?" he grinned.
Lili snapped back and turned towards him, "Sorry Liam. Right, I'm here, in tune with reality again. I'm doing alright." She allowed her facial expression to return to normal, convincing Liam that everything was good. Liam nodded, satisfied with that, and handed her the drink he ordered, "Well then, here's to showing up at Augur's cafe in the middle of the night for no apparent reason and 'doing alright' " he said with a smile.
Lili laughed and raised her drink to his, "Well, that's a tall order, but since we both fit the bill," she clinked his glass with hers and nodded slightly. Liam's company was always a welcome thing for her. She loved him dearly, like a close friend, or like a brother. She sighed for a moment, her thoughts drifting away on that note...
Liam wondered what was capturing Lili's thoughts this evening. She was usually so upfront with him about what she was thinking or feeling. He noticed Augur do his usual hit-routine on her as per usual, and usually they would always get at least a few minutes of conversation and laughs at poor Augur's expense. But tonight there was nothing. As she starred into her drink, Liam watched her carefully. It wasn't a bad look she had on her face... more a thoughtful look. He could tell she was pondering something big, he just wished he knew what it was. He was satisfied knowing that she seemed to be alright despite her lack of connection to reality this evening... he settled for having her silent company over Augur's constant egotistical babgling though. He smiled to himself on that note. He knew if Augur ever were to stop being Augur, that he would miss that 'unique' personality of his. Even Lili would probably miss it...
After a long period of sitting in their own bubble of silence within the crowded room, Lili spoke up in an energetic tone, "I don't know what to do."
Confused, Liam could only ask, "You don't know what to do about what?"
Realizing that she had said that out loud, and not just thought it in her head, she shook the fuzz from her mind and concentrated on Liam's face for a moment. She brought her voice down low, "I just had the strangest experience..."
Liam's brow furrowed for a moment, "Strange in a bad way?"
Lili thought about it for a moment. She sifted quickly through all her thoughts, all her emotions. She had felt so many things, weighed so many ideas, so many fears.. but in the end, it all seemed to pan out into one organized answer in her mind. She smiled and shook her head, "No. Definately strange in a good way."
(just expanding on chapter one a bit... more to come)