Disclaimer:

You did read the first chapter didn't you? Same disclaimer applies throughout the whole story, except for the few people who might show up and be unknown to the EFC fans of the world...

Title: Redemption's Tears

Author: RedRaven

A/N: Disclaimer is in the first chapter. I'm naming Mrs. Beckett Mira, but you won't see that till the next chapter. Ri'el is the name I'm giving to the UK Companion, if you find out he already had a name tell me and I'll change it. I'm also thinking Da'an knew Lili knew about Liam's heritage.

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Coming to the funeral had been a very bad idea Liam decided. They were all standing in a small cemetery in Dublin, a place where the rest of the Beckett clan was buried.  Seeing family who didn't know he existed, yet who he knew personal details about, was more than a little difficult. He had known they would be there but had thought he could handle it. Seeing his mother in her coffin though had destroyed that notion. He wanted to be able to tell them he was family. It was taking all his will power to look like nothing more than a colleague. One who was supposed to pay at least a little attention. His mother's friends and family were even doing that much, but nobody would have thought twice if one of them got upset and had to leave the area. It would start speculation about just what his relationship with Siobhan Beckett had been and he really didn't want anyone to get the wrong idea. Liam made an effort to pay attention. He wouldn't have to be here much longer, the only people who were going to speak had been his Grandmother, Sandoval, Zo'or, Da'an, and Ri'el. Only Ri'el was left to speak.

To distract himself until then Liam thought back to the arrival in Ireland. He had arrived in Ireland at two o'clock. He was in his full 'Major Liam Kincaid' military dress. Sandoval was in his typical suit. Beckett's friends and family were mostly in black. The Taelons of course were wearing the typical dress of, well Taelons. Since it had been decided that coming to a funeral in a shuttlecraft would most likely not be 'good etiquette' they had come to a prearranged point and driven to the cemetery in separate cars.

His Grandmother had broken down and started to cry when speaking, Liam had wanted very much to be able to comfort her, instead he had held himself still while an uncle had gone to stand by her side. Siobhan had met all the goals she had every set for herself, except she had never had children. That had been another point where Liam had gotten close to tears again, he was there, and he was her son! After a few more minutes his grandmother had finished and left the podium.

Da'an's speech had been simply yet elegant. He had simply stated his thanks for her aid in the United States, his sorrow for Lieutenant Beckett's death, and the sentiment that she would be remembered for all she had done for her country and her planet.

Zo'or had echoed Da'an's speech, but hadn't carried the same ring of sincerity that Da'an's speech had.

Liam had been faintly surprised by Sandoval's speech. He wasn't sure his other father had ever shown quite that emotion in public. It probably wouldn't have been obvious to most people though, but Liam had been sure Sandoval was close to tears. Sandoval had cared for Beckett, Liam knew it for a fact, but actually seeing it was different than using Sandoval's memories.

Ri'el expressed his sorrow for Beckett's death. He assured the family that the Taelons would do all they could to help her family through this stressful time. He ended in saying that perhaps all could learn a lesson from this women's courage and loyalty. After this statement Beckett's casket was then lowered into the ground. The family members present began to go around and personally thank people for coming.

Liam's distress must have shown at least a little bit. Da'an touched a hand lightly to his arm. "Liam perhaps we should go now." Liam directed a grateful look at the Taelon.

"Thanks Da'an. Let's go."

* * *

Back at the Embassy

A concerned Da'an called Lili Marquette to his audience chamber. "Captain, I am rather concerned about Liam. Do you believe he will be alright?"

"His mother just died Da'an. He'll need some time to accept that. Sooner or later he should be alright."

"I understand Captain, but Zo'or will wish to know why exactly the Major is taking a colleague's death so personally.'She was a friend' will not be sufficient reason."

"I know Da'an, but we can't force him. He'll have to deal with this in his own way. I just hope it's soon."

* * *

Ireland

Liam stood at his mother's grave. His eyes swept over the headstone again. His mother's date of birth and date of her death were already engraved in his mind, but his eyes kept being drawn to the inscription. Beloved Daughter and Friend. 'and Mother' thought Liam, 'I wish she was here'. His mother's grave still had many flowers surrounding it. Including the ones Liam himself had brought. Lili had been right though just being here where his mother had grown up was a comfort. He was staying at a small inn she had once visited as a child on a trip to visit some family friends. Liam wasn't the only person at the inn though. His grandmother was there too. She hadn't gone home yet, still wanting to be close to her child. He had managed to avoid her; he wasn't sure what he'd say if he had to talk to her. He wanted to be able to tell her that the family line wasn't dead yet. Siobhan had had a child, of course he was part alien, and he didn't know how he could explain that...

"Well hello there young man, did you know my daughter?" With a start Liam whirled around.

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Cliffhangers…