Author's Note: This story was written before the airing of "The Cloister".
Words between --are thoughts heard through the Commonality. Words in italics are internal thoughts.
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For Those Who Remember
Chapter 5
Time for Goodbyes
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Da'an stood before one of the large windows aboard the Taelon vessel. He stared at foreign stars, wondering what path his life would take now.
All the Taelon survivors were safely aboard and the shuttles in the bay. Fortunately, the Jaridian vessel was not able pursue them once they had entered ID space.
The Synod had rebuilt itself from the few members and candidates who had been aboard the ship. Qo'on, who was already a Synod member, had been elected as the new leader. And he had decided to continue with the original mission objective.
They would retrace the voyage of Ma'el. Now they needed his wisdom more than ever.
The door to the room opened with a soft swish. Da'an did not turn from the window to see who had entered. He already knew.
"You wished to speak with me?" Zo'or asked from somewhere behind him.
"Yes," said Da'an. "I was curious about something you told me." He paused for a moment then continued, "You claimed Ru'non was overseer of that hanger, yet he did not inform me of such a posting."
Zo'or came to stand next to Da'an. He gazed at the older Taelon and said, "You are prejudiced."
Da'an swung around and stared at Zo'or. He could not believe the impudence of this youth.
"You believe that one so young as I could not possibly have access to important matters," stated Zo'or. "You believe I am not mature enough to understand the workings of our political system."
Zo'or took a step toward Da'an, his eyes lit with a determined fire.
"I have been taught from birth my place in Taelon society," he continued, "I may be the last of the Taelon race and I will not see it fall. I have dedicated my life to the survival of our species."
Da'an regarded Zo'or, mollified at last by his show of emotion. He nodded with new respect for the young Taelon.
"It would seem, then, that we have a common goal," Da'an said. "Perhaps someday we will work together to achieve it."
Zo'or nodded, then turned to leave. At the door he stopped and faced Da'an again.
"I regret the loss of your friend," he said. "I shall not forget his sacrifice."
With that, Zo'or left the room.
Da'an continued gazing at the door for a moment, then turned back to the window.
I shall not forget, either, Ru'non. I swear.
Da'an opened his eyes and found the others were waiting for him. They respectfully averted their gazes as the assembly broke up. Each Taelon left its own way.
Da'an turned to leave and passed by a familiar old face.
Sa'der sent an encouraging thought to him, then returned to the task of attending the brazier.
Da'an reached the door at the same time as another Taelon. He stepped back to allow the other to pass. Yet the Taelon did not move.
"I have not forgotten, Da'an," said Zo'or in a surprisingly gentle voice.
Da'an looked into Zo'or's steady gaze. He found none of the arrogance which was usual. Instead, there was a hint of empathy.
Da'an nodded silently, then slipped past Zo'or into the hallway beyond.
The End