Chapter 3

            "I warned you they would turn on you in a second, but no, nobody listens to Augur!" Augur was ranting as he flew through the screens on his terminal so fast that Liam could barely make out what was on them.

            "I need to find out exactly what happened last night. I don't know which Taelon was killed, where they were, nothing!" It was frustrating being out of the loop. He had to rely on Lili to get the information. He didn't doubt her abilities of course, it was just that he would rather be doing it himself. Doing anything at all for that matter.

            "Look, I'm into the shuttle tracking systems, they won't find you. Trust me, by the time they figure out that they're running round in circles there won't be anything left of the original flight path." Augur assured him.

            "Got them chasing their tails? Good idea." Liam agreed. "Look, I can't just sit here, I've got to try and find out who is responsible for this."

            "I don't agree. You should stay here, at least until we hear from Lili. The first thing Zo'or is going to do is try and find a connection between you and the resistance. He's going to have Sandoval going over every report involving you and any resistance incidents. If he finds anything, no matter how small a detail, it'll be your head, you do know that." Augur pointed out. He wanted Liam where he could keep an eye on him.

            "Which is why I've got to find the real killers. The sooner I do that the sooner they'll stop going over the files." There was no stopping him, he was determined. He almost made it to the door before Augur called him back.

            "It's Lili, she's got the information." He turned back to the screen not bothering to check whether or not Liam was coming. "What did you get?"

            The woman on the screen was lovely, at least Augur thought so, she was pretty amazing really as well when he thought about it, but now was not the time for that.

            "I don't have the Taelon's name, we were told it wasn't important, but they're sure it was Liam. I've had a good look at the evidence, I've got to admit, it looks pretty convincing, it's going to be hard to prove it was faked." She was worried.

            "Then we need to know who faked it." Liam pointed out from over Augur's shoulder.

            "Like we hadn't thought of that." Augur pointed out. "Lili if you can get me a copy of the reports, I can start there. There may not actually be any evidence, it may have been fabricated by just about any one, and unless they're better than me, which lets face it, is hardly likely, then I'll find the tell tales." He assured her, ignoring Liam.

            "In the mean time, I'll hit the streets. I'll see what I can find out myself, maybe scare out the real killers if they're out there." He said firmly.

            "Liam, I think you should stay with Augur. Sandoval has people looking all over the city for you. Just stay low until we have something you can use." Then she was gone, the screen was on standby.

            "You know she's right." Augur tried to reason with him.

            "Just as well as you know I'm going any way." Liam smiled, and headed for the door.

            "Not if I don't let you out." Augur moved to another console, and began to lock down the door.

            "You do and I'll blow it open." Liam warned. As much as he appreciated Augur looking out for him, now was not the time.

            "All right, I believe you." Augur raised his hands and moved away from the console in mock fear.

            Liam laughed. It was just as well Augur was such a good friend, if things didn't go well, he would be spending a lot more time here.

After hours of wandering the streets, asking questions to a few people he trusted not to alert the Taelon's, he returned to Augur's, exhausted. It wasn't the walking, he reflected, but the stress.

            "Anything?" He asked Augur as he fell heavily into a well-padded chair.

            "Maybe, let me run a few more checks, but between Lili and I, we may have a possible lead." He didn't want Liam rushing off again just yet, not until he was sure if the information was correct. He didn't want Liam walking into a trap.

            That was it, he had it. He knew he had to tell Liam, but really wished he could think of an alternative. Liam needed to clear his name, and no matter how much they tried to help, he and Lili would have to let him do it, and he would be in danger.

            "Got it right here." He pointed to the screen on which an address glowed brightly.

            "How did you find it?" Liam asked.

            "Do you want me to explain it or would you rather clear your name." Augur pointed out.

            "Right." Liam grimaced. Time to go. "I'll let you know what I find." He promised.

            "Be careful, if anything happens to you Lili will kill both of us." Augur reminded him.

            It was good to have friends Liam decided.