Disclaimer: None of the recognizable characters belong to me.
Liam could not believe anything. The events of the past day were just too much for him. Such a welcome was certainly not one he expected but he certainly welcomed it. The Kimera were a wonderful race, he was proud to be one of them. He blushed when he remembered how patient they also were. He had not stopped asking questions all through breakfast and was forced to stop when he had come to the dock to wait for Dr. Parks to arrive.
To say she had been surprised at his call would be an understatement. Armed with her files, she was heading up now to the Rav'aill. The Kimera had sent an escort for her.
The shuttle touched down onto the dock and Dr. Parks stepped out. Liam ran up to her and hugged her, "Hi Aunt Lissa. Isn't the ship beautiful? She's a sentient being and I can hear her saying hello to you. Do you want me to say hi back from you?"
Dr. Parks looked on in astonishment at Liam. When they were alone, Liam would act in a freer manner but she had never seen him look so relaxed and happy. His childlike behaviour rather than worrying her was a positive sign in her mind. She had always felt that Liam was still a child and needed to behave like one. Her initial position on the Kimera had been one of scepticism but they were rising in her estimation. "Slow down Liam," she laughed, "go ahead and say hi to the ship from me. Now I want to meet this Hi'el and then young man we can go to the healers here and give them all the data we have and also do a check up on you. And don't make that face at me; your check up was coming up in a few days time anyways. They are important you know Liam. Those who you are dear to would like to make sure they did everything they can to keep you safe."
Hi'el coming up behind the duo smiled inwardly at Dr. Park's mothering. Here was someone who cared for Liam. Seeing Liam's carefree manner around her, Hi'el was heartened to see that Liam had not lost all his childlike innocence, it was just hidden beneath the layers he had built up to protect himself.
After the check up was over, Hi'el sent Liam off with one of the Kimera on board to show him around. He turned around and looked at Dr. Parks who was looking at Liam walking off and smiling. "Dr. Parks I would like to thank you for coming here on such short notice. You mean a lot to Liam and it was wonderful for him to have a familiar face nearby. This past day has been a harrowing experience but he is adjusting remarkably well. It is our eternal regret that we did not sense his presence any earlier. The lost time has made us more determined then ever to show Liam the love he has missed on this planet. You, Dr. Parks seem to be one of the exceptions to that love, for you have shown him love beyond your call and for this the Kimera are most thankful."
"There was never a question that I wouldn't love Liam. I delivered him and have felt a connection since. Besides, I do not see Liam as the adult that he is forced to act as but rather as the child he is. He in turn, acts hi true self with me, the loving child that he is, makes it impossible not to love him. I saw that child becoming more and more pushed aside these past few months as his work becomes more and more demanding. When I arrived on your ship, seeing Liam was like seeing the child re-emerge. For that I am grateful to you, I love Liam like a mother and only want the best for him. Hi'el, I would like to ask you what your plans for the future are? Are you going to take Liam back to the Kimera home planet? What about the Taelons, I realise that you probably did not know about them until you got here but considering your history with them, are you planning to take any action?"
Hi'el chuckled wryly, "Dr. Parks,"
"Oh please call me Melissa, Dr. Parks sounds too formal."
"Melissa then. You have asked the most astute questions. In fact, you have gotten to the heart of the matter. You are absolutely correct in your surmises about our knowledge of the Taelon presence on Earth. We cannot simply leave, it would be a disservice to humanity and we are also honour bound to save the Taelons from their fate. No sentient being should leave another to die. It is callous and cruel, the Kimera are, we hope, neither of those things. We will punish the Taelons, that is certain but we will also do our utmost to also help them."
"Liam, on the other hand is a more difficult issue. There is no doubt in my mind that he will accompany us back to the homeland but I am hesitant to leave behind people that are important to him. People like you Melissa, with whom he has forged such deep links. Even people like his father, don't look so surprised, you know that Liam cares deeply for him. When I look at Agent Sandoval I do not despair for there is still hope for his redemption. He is a man embittered by his lot in life but Liam, I foresee, will bring purpose back to his life. That is also why I am hesitant to simply leave with Liam. Let us leave this serious discussion behind for the moment though Melissa. I would very much like to show you around the Rav'aill and have a meal," Hi'el held out his arm.
"It would be my pleasure Hi'el," replied Melissa Parks, linking her arm with his.
