PART 40:

Ezral walked to Liana's door and knocked. The day had finally come for her and Commander Tucker to become man and wife.

"Come in," he heard his daughter say.

Ezral entered the room but stopped half way when he saw Liana in her ceremonial gown of ivory. It brought tears to his eyes.

"You look beautiful," he said with a smile.

"Thank you."

Ezral continued to stare at his daughter, feeling both happy and sad at the same time, happy that Liana was happy, and sad because his daughter was leaving him.

"What's wrong?" he heard Liana ask.

"Nothing," Ezral said with a sad smile. "Nothing at all."

They heard a knock on the door in the other room.

"I'll be ready soon," Liana informed him.

"Okay," and Ezral walked out of the room closing the door behind him.

"Come in," he said when he heard the knock on the door again.

A guard walked through the door, and Ezral could tell by the look on his face something was wrong.

"What is it?" he asked.

"I'm sorry to bother you sir," the guard said. "But it's been reported that Drak has escaped confinement."

Ezral turned when he heard a gasp behind him, to see Liana standing in her doorway looking very frighten.

"Drak has escaped?" she asked.

Ezral walked over to her. "Don't you worry Liana," he tried to reassure her. "I won't let Drak anywhere near you or Commander Tucker."

He turned to the guard. "Is there someone else with you?"

"He's outside sir," the guard answered.

"I want you to tell him to come in here and watch Liana," Ezral ordered. "Then I want you to go to the guest quarters and get me Captain Archer. Tell him to meet me at the councils room. I also want you to stand guard outside of the guest quarters."

"Yes sir," the guard turned and walked away.

"Liana," Ezral said looking at his daughter. "I want you to stay here."

The other guard walked into the room.

"I'm going to get a search started for Drak, and I'll be right back."

"I don't understand," Liana said. "How did he escape?"

"That's something we'll find out later," Ezral replied and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Everything's going to be just fine."

"I believe you," Liana said with a smile and she watched her father leave the room.

She turned to go back into her room, but Liana never made it. Someone grabbed her from behind, covering her mouth before she could get her scream out.

Liana struggled against her abductor, but it was no use, he was too strong. The room started to spin, her last thought before blacking out was of Trip.

End of Part 40