"How did they come to be there, Da'an?"

"The critical levels of core energy have made it impossible for them to survive, and so we have placed them in stasis until we might receive assistance. It is part of the reason we have come to this planet, in the hope that they might have a future."

"How many are there?"

"Thousands. We have not been so blessed for at least a millennium."

"And the Mothership is protecting them?"

"Yes. It is part of her mission protocol to ensure the safety of our children."

"I can imagine the pain..."

"No... you cannot."

^^^^^
"Human imagination is a wonderful thing. I have often been amazed at the ingenuity your people have shown in applying Taelon technology to new uses. This dream technology, for example."

"Yeah, well in this case, human ingenuity almost got you killed."

"You exaggerate. My wounds were superficial, and both of my protectors responded immediately to my summons. And yet, I do wonder at the reasons for the waste of such brilliance."

"Sometimes we're our own worst enemy, Da'an. Human history is full of brilliant, creative individuals, who used that imaginative power for destructive ends. Without a moral compass, we can lose our way."

"And this frightens you?"

"More than anything else. My biggest fear is not that Zo'or or the Jaridians will destroy humankind. My biggest fear is that we are perfectly capable of destroying ourselves."

"Then, perhaps I should amend my earlier statement. Human imagination is a wonderful...and terrible....thing."

^^^^^

"Zo'or is becoming increasingly difficult. As our time grows shorter, and his own energy levels wane, he becomes less stable, and more erratic."

"Perhaps you should reconsider challenging Zo'or's seat. If his behavior is becoming erratic, it could present a danger."

"But, at present, the Synod's support goes to Zo'or."

"But you have knowlege that could result in his removal. Da'an, Zo'or's continued leadership is not in the best interest of the Taelons or humanity."

"I agree, but without substantial proofs I would only run the risk of pushing Zo'or to further extremes."

"Da'an, as long as Zo'or is in power, it's going to be difficult to build that bridge."

"I understand."

^^^^^
"The number of my people entering the stasis wing increases every day. If we do not find a solution soon, I am afraid it will be the fate of our entire race."

"And then what?"

"And then we will leave, trusting in humanity's benevolence to save us."

"Stasis must be a terrifying thought."

"No, it is not stasis I fear."

"What then, beloved?"

"I fear....being forgotten."

*****

William Boone was anxiously scanning the reports coming in from the Volunteers of the Alliance Underground. His friend, Companion, and mate, had disappeared, without indicating where he was going, or why.

According to the reports from the Embassy Volunteers, Da'an had left abruptly, after dismissing Major Kincaid from his duties and convincing him to deactivate the ANA's tracking device. He had only mentioned to Kincaid that he was going on a "final journey", and that they would not meet again.

Boone had found a similar cryptic message in his electronic communications that morning; couched in somewhat more affectionate terms, but no more informative. He had tried to connect with Da'an through their link, but found himself blocked from his mate's thoughts. Da'an was still present, he could sense, but not communicative.

Boone had to admit, when his Companion made up his mind to do something, he did it well. All of his energy signatures and personal data had been erased from the Embassy, and the Mothership seemed to have developed selective memory as well. And so now the protector was left frantically sifting through the reports pouring in from all of his sources, trying to discern what new drama his beloved had become embroiled in.

And Zo'or was not making things easier. According to Boone's sources on the Mothership, the Taelon had taken this opportunity to force a surveillance CVI on Liam Kincaid. So now, if Boone were spotted by Kincaid, he might as well be wrapped up in Christmas paper and delivered to Sandoval and the Synod Leader. A call came in on a secured emergency frequency from the Mothership.

"Commander Boone, it's Volunteer Bailey. I know you don't want us using this frequency, but I thought you'd want to know this ASAP. I overheard Sandoval and Zo'or. They've located Da'an. And Zo'or suspects him of collaborating with the Jaridians."

"Jaridians, are you sure?"

"That's what I heard. Zo'or suspects him of organizing a revolt, and Commander, he's given Sandoval very specific instructions...to kill Da'an."

The words sent a ripple of terror through Commander Boone's soul. The time had come for him to act, even if it meant risking his own exposure.

^^^^^
Liam Kincaid walked up the ramp to Da'an's private quarters. He, Renee, and Street had just been reviewing Da'an's historical information on the Jaridian/Taelon split, when they encountered an interesting personal note by Da'an. This, with the information Da'an had given him, had raised a lot of questions in the young protector's mind. He had come up here in the hopes that he might find answers that were overlooked by others.

Liam stopped to look around as he entered the room. In the two-plus years he had been in Da'an's service, he had never been in his private quarters. The rooms were typically Taelon, blue/purple bioslurry, no real furniture except for "the chair". There were, however some exceptions that surprised the young protector. Da'an seemed to have broken with the customary Taelon austerity, and had surrounded himself with little artifacts of his time on Earth. Nothing expensive or elaborate, just simple things; a seashell, a plant, a book, a child's ball. Ordinary things, but things that, to the Taelon, must be so evocative of the society he was living in. Gazing around, the young man found himself rethinking the Companion he had trusted as mentor, and loved as a parent, but who now so often seemed to be in opposition to him.

As the young Resistance leader shook off his mood and advanced into the room, he felt the muzzle of an energy weapon coldly pressed into the back of his neck.

"Look straight ahead, and don't move," a quiet, but deadly serious voice informed him.

"Okay. No problem."

"Now, maybe you can tell me what you know about Da'an's disappearance, and while we're at it, you can explain to me how Liam Kincaid can be on the Mothership and in the Taelon Embassy at the same time."

"Maybe my mother was frightened by a Xerox machine."

"Don't be funny." Liam felt the gun press harder against his neck.

"Okay. The fact is, there is a copy of me. It's complicated. Something to do with quantum physics. Look, I don't know who you are, but if you think pointing that gun in my neck helps, let me tell you, I'm not in much of a mood to give you anything."

"Let's just say I'm a friend of Da'an's and leave it at that."

"No, let's not. If you want information from me, you're going to have to do some cooperating of your own." Kincaid heard the man behind him laugh slightly.

"Fair enough. Just one thing, though. The Liam Kincaid on the Mothership sports a surveillance CVI...."

"Yeah. The new and improved model doesn't."

"That's all I need to know."

Liam Kincaid felt the cold pressure of the gun muzzle lifted from his neck, and slowly, cautiously turned to look at his captor. He found himself staring into a face he recognized, not from personal experience, but from photographs and personnel records. He was looking into the face of his predecessor in service, Commander William Boone.

Kincaid was stunned. William Boone was dead, killed in a shootout with Liam's alien parent, Ha'gel; and yet, here he stood. The Commander had become something of a legend with both the Companions and the Resistance. He was apparently one of those men who engendered loyalty among those who served with him, and there were many who still missed him. His had been a difficult pair of shoes for the hybrid to fill, and he had be acutely aware of this from his very first day on the job.

"You seem surprised, 'Major Kincaid'."

"Well, you are supposed to be dead."

"That's true. I'm glad we've had a chance to meet again."

"Again?"

"Yes. The last time we met, you were trying to talk me out of sabotaging the mothership."

"Lazarus...that was you. Of course, your connection with Da'an..."

"...is stronger now than ever. He's responsible for my being here."

"I'd like to hear about that sometime."

"I'm sure you would. Though we have our own little problem. It seems our Taelon has given both of his protectors the slip."

"Yeah. So what do we do about it?"

"I propose an information exchange. Then we can decide the best course of action."

"I don't know much, but I suspect more. I think Da'an is planning to try a rejoining with a Jaridian."

"What makes you think so."

"He's been studying the history of the Taelon/Jaridian split, and left a study note to himself: 'Can I put together what was rent asunder in time...can we?'."

"Sounds like you may be onto something."

"Their race is dying, and time is getting short. He seemed desperate to me when he left, and I think he's trying whatever he can to save his people. Knowing what he's up to is only part of it. Problem is, I don't know where to find him."

"I think I can get that information to you, Kincaid, but you'll have to be quick. Sandoval's already on the job, and Zo'or has Da'an under a death sentence. Go back to your headquarters and wait. You'll get your information."

"How?"

"Let's just say you and I know some of the same people."

"All Right. You coming?"

"I'll be right behind you if you need me. And understand this, Kincaid; if there were any other way, I'd be leading this charge."

"Understood....Commander Boone."

*****

The Commander waited by the portal in his study, armed and ready, listening to reports filtering in from his Volunteers on the Mothership and the cruiser. The forced inactivity was intolerable to the man, and he impatiently paced the room. He had done everything he possibly could from behind the scenes to ensure the success of this rescue. He had made sure the information on the portal had gotten to Kincaid, and had guaranteed that Ronald Sandoval's raiding party was heavily stacked with his own Volunteers. And now he waited, in case things went wrong and it became necessary for him to break cover. But he knew this, at one word from the Volunteers, he would portal into that space station, come what may, and give Liam Kincaid whatever backup he needed. He had to admit, he was pretty impressed with what he had seen of Kincaid. The young Resistance leader was beginning to show some signs of maturity, and Boone hoped that it would last. But for now, he paced, and waited.

Liam Kincaid held the cold fusion reactor in his hands, waiting for the others to portal off the space station. He and Renee had arrived just in time to see the failed joining attempt between Da'an and the Jaridian, Balvak. Then, just as Boone had predicted, good old Sandoval had shown up, ready to blast away from the cruiser. Kincaid had received the location message from a Resistance agent that he knew was in deep cover, but after his conversation with Boone, he was beginning to think there might be more to this story. William Boone...Lazarus. He'd like to know what had happened there. He'd like to know what kind of operation Boone was running. It certainly would be worth checking into..if he were going to be alive, that is. Liam Kincaid watched as Da'an, Palmer and Federov portaled to safety. He smiled wryly, and with a defiant word to Ronald Sandoval, initiated the overload.

^^^^^

William Boone's expression was grim, as he walked up the ramp at the Embassy. Reaching the doorway to Da'an's private chambers, he activated it, stopping just inside the entrance. He peered into the darkness of the room, and as his eyes adjusted to the low light, finally located the shape of the North American Companion looking out at the city through the virtual glass window.

"Do not...I repeat...do not ever do that again!", Boone growled, his voice revealing the strain he had been under. The Taelon turned to face him, as he began heatedly pacing the floor.

"You are angry with me..."

"You're damn right I'm angry! What the hell were you doing, Da'an?"

"What was necessary...."

"What was necessary!! It didn't even work!"

"My energy levels had reached a critical stage, I had to try!"

"Do you think you could have told someone about it?"

"That would have only complicated things!"

"Complicated?Complicated! How much more complicated could it get, Da'an? You sabotage the Mothership's computer, destroy your own records, then sneak off to meet with some Jaridian on a suicide mission...do you realize that Sandoval would have blown you and everyone else out of the sky if that copy of Kincaid hadn't..."

"Please! Yes, of course, I know! Please, Boone......William."

Boone stopped pacing and looked at the Taelon. The afternoon was turning to dusk, and the slender frame of the alien, silhouetted against the virtual glass, appeared in the graying light to be surrounded by an aura of immense sorrow. Boone sighed and walked over to stand before his Companion.

"You scared the hell out of me, Da'an."

"Forgive me, William. I did not intend to cause you alarm."

"What did you intend, Da'an?"

"To save my species."

"That's our job. Together, remember? Separate, yet one? Our futures intertwined? Partners, companions...mates?.... All right. New rule...from here on out, we handle each crisis together, understood?"

"I understand."

The human sighed. He reached out and placed his hands on either side of his Companion's face in a tender caress, then slowly slid them down to rest on the Taelon's trembling shoulders. Pulling him close, he pressed his forehead against his beloved's.

"You scared the hell out of me, Da'an", he whispered.

*****

"Tell me, William Boone, what was it like to hate me?"

"Hate you? I never hated you Da'an."

"Did you not once try to destroy the Mothership, with all of us on board?"

"Yes. But I had warned Liam Kincaid to take you to safety."

"But, in hating my people, did you not also hate me?"

"No, never you. I was enraged with Zo'or for what he had done to me, and to so many others. In my rage I wanted revenge against those who hurt me, and I acted rashly. But you? I could never hate you."

"Then to hate a people and to hate an individual are two different things. Then why does Renee Palmer despise me so? I cannot think of what I, as an individual, may have done to warrant this."

"Ah. I see, now. I'm afraid you're a victim of prejudice, my Companion. We talked about it before, when you said that your people were afraid that we would not accept you because you were so different."

"But, is not fear of the unknown different than hatred of the known?"

"Yes, but some of us have great difficulty accepting that which is different. People like Palmer make up their minds that the different ones, in this case the Taelons, are...well...evil, and therefore, they can hate them. If they take the time to really know one Taelon, and see the good in that Taelon, then the theory crumbles, and they might have to see the good in all Taelons."

"Why did you not hate me?"

"You were always asking. Always trying to understand. And, through understanding you, I came to understand your people."

"That is as it should be, is it not?"

"Yes. But, I regret that too often it's not the way it is."

^^^^^
"Liam Kincaid has approached me on behalf of the ANA. They have proposed a coup d'etat that would remove Zo'or from power and make me the leader of the Synod."

"That would seem to me to be a wise move. You have an understanding of humanity that Zo'or does not. As Synod Leader you would be able to elicit a much higher level of human support on behalf of the Taelons."

"And, yet, as much as I understand the need, I cannot participate in such a move."

"Why not?"

"Such a thing is unheard of in Taelon experience. The Synod is our ruling body, and the Synod has chosen Zo'or."

"The Synod is wrong, Da'an. In human society, we believe that the people establish governments for the welfare of the people. When the governments stop representing them, it's their right to establish new governments that will, even if that means replacing the existing government."

"I understand. But it is not so among Taelons. We have never experienced a forced change of leadership, and I am not sure that the Commonality would follow one who's power was so obtained. I am afraid that such a drastic move would cause a split in the common consciousness that would be most detrimental."

"Da'an, you must understand. If humanity and Taelons are to exist in cooperation, you will have to assume leadership of your people."

"I know. And perhaps that time will soon come. But at present I cannot do that which will cause harm to my people....or my child."

"Then let us hope that your child cannot do harm to your people...or humanity."

*****

"Zo'or has been attempting to access Ma'el's relic with Liam Kincaid, although they do not appear to be making much progress."

"The information that has been retrieved so far, has it been useful?"

"We know now that human genetics holds the key to the survival of our species, and we believe that Ma'el had developed information regarding the sythesis of core energy, which, I would assume, is also related."

"Then Zo'or must be convinced by now that participation with humankind is the only way to ensure Taelon survival."

"Perhaps. But Zo'or's definition of 'participation' would, I fear, greatly differ from humanity's. And, yet, we are running out of time, and without the information...."

"Your species will not long survive."

"And without Taelon survival..."

"Neither will mine..."