Disclaimer: Roswell, and its characters do not belong to me. Melinda Metz, Jason Katims and 20th Century Fox have that particular pleasure. I'm simply borrowing them until the Season 2 DVD's get released.

Tomorrow's Yet to Come

Chapter Twenty-Four – Building a History

One by one, the others woke up, amazed at the knowledge they had received, and at the clarity of the memories.

"How does it work, Che'koth?" asked Liz. "I suppose I shouldn't ask, I mean, the answer is right in side of me. When an Antarian dies, his memories become a part of the collective consciousness of the people. People are able to draw upon these memories to glean knowledge," she recited. "Do I get a gold star now?"

"So it's possible for me to tap into the memories of my former self?" asked Isabel. "I can access Vilondra's memories? I don't know that I want to do that."

"You don't have to, your Highness," explained Che'koth. "The memories are there, but you do not have to reach out to them. I should also explain that the depth to which all of you are experiencing this is not typical for most Antarians. It is a right and privilege belonging only to the Royal Family so that they will always be aware of the history, and the emotions of their subjects. You would not for example know the particular thoughts of any one person who has died. You five, however," he said, looking at Isabel, Max, Zan, Michael and Ava will have complete access to the thoughts and memories of Vilondra, Zan, Ava and Rath, because, in essence, you are them."

"Man, this is whacked," said Kyle. "So you're telling me, we can sense the feelings of the Antarians who died like a gajillion years ago?"

"Exactly," said Che'koth. This will help you to assimilate quickly into our culture."

"So great, we have these memories, and stuff," said Alex. "But, we still need our own personal history. I mean, we can't just all of a sudden appear. We need a cover, you now who we are, where we came from. All that stuff."

"Alex is right," said Michael. "We can't just show up and say Hi, here I am. So what I propose is this. While we're sitting around, trying to cope with all this crap you've shoved in our brains, we try and come up with personal histories for each of us."

"A strategic plan, General," said Che'koth, "But quite unnecessary. He reached into a small sack and pulled out a sheaf of papers. He shuffled through them, and pulled one out and handed it to Michael. He studied the paper for several minutes and smiled

"Very cool," he said. "I'm Mesch. I was a not a stellar student at my gretkla, but I managed to get through, although I excelled at all things athletic, as well as the pre-strategic planning classes that I took. I also have a sister, who is younger than me, but due to her academic success at gretkla is attending the Training Academy with me. Oh, and look at this," said Michael, with mock surprise. "Her name is Atara, and she, along with my girlfriend Mira, are entering the new program at the Training Academy that focuses on the old ways of healing. How convenient."

"I try my best," said Che'koth, with false modesty. He reached into the stack of papers and passed one to Isabel.

"Oh good," she said, "My turn. Let's see, my name is Isadra, and I'm studying diplomacy. I live in Gadara. Oh, and my best friend from my days at the gretkla is named Kahtair, and he is enrolled in the warrior training course. Che'koth, you really should think about writing fiction for a living."

"It pleases you Your Highness?" Che'koth asked with a smile. He enjoyed sharing this small bit of fun and lightheartedness with this young group. Liz, would you like to see yours?" He passed a dossier to Liz, as well as providing Maria, Ava and Kyle with their appropriate copies.

Liz reached out and took the paper and studied it for several minutes and started to laugh. "Che'koth, you are too much," she said. "My name is Elandria, but people call me Lan for short. I'm entering the science program, and I will be traveling with my brother Aladrik. He took a year off before attending the Training Academy because he didn't want me coming here without him. What do you think, Alex, do you feel like being my big brother?"

"Sure," said Alex. He reached out and took the paper that Che'koth proffered and skimmed it quickly. "Yeah, that won't be a problem, especially since I'm so gifted that the Training Academy was willing to hold my place for a year so that we could attend school together. See, I always told you guys I was gifted."

The room filled with laughter. Che'koth waited until they settled down, and passed the last two papers to Zan and Max. "We can change this if you want, but it seemed ideal to handle it this way," he explained. Max read the paper quickly, and looked at Zan who nodded.

"I am Ma'nith, and I, along with my twin brother Za'nith will be studying both warrior training, as well as diplomacy. Ma'nith and Za'nith?" Max said with a groan. "God, rhyming twin names. I swear, if I really was king, that's the first thing I'd outlaw."

"I have to agree with Ma'nith," said Zan. "It would be the first royal proclamation I issued."

Liz looked at the smile that emerged on Zan's face, and she drew a deep breath. She'd never seen him really smile before, and while he was always a duplicate of Max, it was never so noticeable as when they both smiled. It was if there was a light that was turned on inside of them, illuminating them both. She dragged her attention away from Max and Zan, and tried to focus on what Che'koth was now saying.

"There is one final matter we should attend to," he said. "I, along with several key members of the resistance movement have created these identities for you. We have given you families, and backgrounds. With your permission, I would like to implant these backgrounds into you. This way, when you meet someone who knows of your 'family,' you will be able to answer questions of your elders."

"How," asked Maria. It was the first time she had spoken since they had all awakened. Liz looked at her, and she could see how nervous her best friend really was. Liz reached out and took Maria's hand in hers, and held it tightly.

"It's going to be okay, Maria," she said softly.

"Look, I'm not trying to be a whining baby," said Maria. "But I'm really afraid of losing me, Maria DeLuca Guerin, you know? You've stuffed our heads with all this stuff, and now you want to give us all these memories that aren't ours. I'm afraid I'll get lost in the process."

"That's it," Michael said, suddenly. "Maria's out of this. I'm not having her do anything that she's not comfortable with. Figure out some way of getting her home, now."

"Thank you, Sir Galahad," said Maria. "But I'm quite capable of making my own decisions. I didn't say I wanted out, I said I had some concerns."

"I promise, you will in no way lose your identity, or your sense of self," said Che'koth. "It will be more along the lines of reading a book that you become totally immersed in."

"What?" said Maria.

"I know!" said Liz, excitedly. "Not a book, how about a soap opera. You know how we both love The Rich and the Wealthy, right? Maria, who is Jeff on the show?"

"Oh that's easy," said Maria with a smile. "Jeff is the illegitimate baby of Stella, and her ex-husband's, half brother Bill. Bill owned a small barber shop in town, but in reality, he's the long lost baby of Sydney Rothschild." Everyone laughed, and Maria looked around confused. "What?" she said. "I like the show. Oh, wait, I get it now. That's what it's going to be like, right."

"I believe so," said Che'koth. "Although there is a possibility that you may not feel as connected to the memories we will give you as you do to the characters on this soap opera."

The procedure was short, and nothing at all like the last one they had undergone. When it was complete, Che'koth quizzed them on events that would have taken place in their lives, and they all were able to answer the various questions.

After that, Che'koth provided them with Antarian clothing. They changed quickly, and used their powers to modify their appearance. Max, Zan, Isabel, Michael and Ava had to be especially careful, and made dramatic changes. Liz, Kyle, Maria and Alex were able to simply change hair length and color.

The street directly outside this door will lead you to the Training Academy," said Che'koth. "Here are your bags. The rest of your things will be sent along by your 'families' after you have been assigned living quarters. Good luck, and be careful. Remember to look for ways to infiltrate Kivar's forces. I'll be in contact with you." He slipped away down the passage and was out of sight before anybody could say anything.

"Who wants to go first?" asked Liz.

"Maria, Ava and I can," said Michael. "It would make sense that we're traveling together. Max, why don't you and Zan give us about five minutes then you come out. Then Kyle and Isabel and leave, and that will leave Alex and Liz to bring up the rear."

Liz looked at Michael with admiration. He had effectively put Max and Isabel in the middle, while he acted as the front guard, and she and Alex would cover Max and Isabel from the rear. She could see why Rath had been King Zan's second in command. She didn't know if Michael was acting on his own, or had called upon the knowledge of his former General self, but his choice, and use of strategy was wise.

She was also pleased to know that Kyle would be escorting Isabel through the town. They had no way of knowing if the changes to they had made to their appearance had been enough, or if people would be able to see through to the faces of the dead king and his sister. If there were a problem, Kyle would react quickly to protect Isabel.

Michael, Ava and Maria stepped out unnoticed on to the walkway teeming with people, and made their way to the Training Academy. After several minutes, Max and Zan stepped out, and followed the path taken by Michael and the others.

"You know why Michael did that, don't you?" Zan asked Max.

"Did what?" asked a confused Max.

"He went first, with us following him. Isabel is after us, and Alex and Liz are bringing up the rear. It's a nice royal sandwich. He's protecting us, get it. If there's any danger, he'll hit it first, and if anything happens from behind, he's counting in Liz and Alex to head it off."

"Damn him," said Max. "I'm going back to make sure Liz is okay."

"It's too late, brother," Zan said, pointing in front of them. "We're here."