Started: March 2002

Finished: April 2002

A/N: This is from 2002. This is the biggest story I wrote back in the day. It was also written in a notebook so I couldn't add, rearrange or polish things. I feel like it is only the bare bones of what it could've been. I feel that way about most of my work, but it was a part of me back then and I wanted to share.

Drea put her make up on for the evening. She was going dancing, much like every night. The energy of the crowd and the music was the most powerful rush she ever experienced. She wore tight black plants nearly all the time. Today she wore a shimmery violet halter top that laced up in the back.

She was aware of the Tealons and feared an alien takeover greatly. They greatly helped her planet, but she never trusted them, Her world was at the Cyber Sanctuary, away from all that, or so she thought.

…..

In the Mother Ship, Da'an was pondering human life. It was a subject he cared deeply about. He had to defend them several times while in verbal spars with other Tealons. He especially had to be on the defense from his offspring, Zo'or, who was bitter and full of hate.

He pondered the possibility of possessing a human body for a period of time to actually be able to interact with therm on their level with out being discriminated against. He wished to walk among them for awhile, which was secret no other Tealon knew. He did some research and told Liam to fetch a man named James Nelson. He would use his body for a short while, then return it, unharmed. Everything's going according to plan, he thought. By tonight, I will be on Earth exploring the human world, he smiled to himself.

Possessing a now unconscious body was an easy task. In his private chamber was where he made the transition, only there, would he be safe. He traveled to Earth through a portal complete with a security lock. Upon his arrival he tried to be more loose and less stiff and graceful with the way he carried himself, as to not invite stares. He wondered into San Francisco at dusk when suddenly he was pulled into a dark alley.

…...

Drea was en rout to the Cyber Sanctuary at a stop light, next to a dark alley when she noticed 2 thugs appearing to be harassing a tall man. She pulled onto the shoulder of the road and got out of her car. Carefully, she stalked the corner of the building. The 2 thugs had him backed against the wall, their backs to her. Behind them, she tripped the one and he fell. When the other turned, she knocked him out cold. The one she had knocked down was getting up only to have her position his arm to break it if he didn't apologize. "Apologize to the man. If I ever see you harass another person, you wont live to see another day." He apologized. She kicked him in the face knocking him out as well. James's eyes where huge at in the realization of what could've happened, if she had not shown up. He was surprised at the passion of that lady in front of him. Now she turned soft. "Are you alright?"

"Yes." Thank you." He was still in slight shock. The helplessness in his big brown eyes was cute to her. She smiled, noticing his shy demeanor. She backed away saying, "You're welcome stranger." She turned to leave. Stranger. Suddenly, he didn't want to be a stranger to her. "Wait," he said softy but firmly. She felt inclined to come back to him while he walked towards her as well. "I wish to thank you again." He held out his hand as the appropriate greeting and she took it. All at once he felt her strength of spirit, saw a dance floor and the name Cyber Sanctuary appeared in her mind. He could think of nothing else but to introduce himself. He knew she didn't want to get personal on the account of just meeting him. "My name is James Nelson."

"My name is Drea Prinsesche."

"That is a most uncommon name for-" he stopped himself from saying 'your kind.'

"Someone, I know," she finished.

"I mean no disrespect to you." He finally released her hand.

"No, don't worry. I know you didn't. Take care of yourself, James." He had felt her wanting to stay and wanting to go.

"A pleasure to meet you, Drea."

"Very nice to meet you too." Looking back, she flashed a smile with her cobalt blue eyes. She left his now human body, with a feeling he couldn't describe. He had money and decided to go to a movie. He thought the distraction would clear his mind of the girl he met from not even an hour ago. It might be human to have these feelings, but he was a Tealon, however a sensitive one none the less. Contact with humans is strange and unpredictable, he thought to himself. After the movie, a girl who had been staring at him during the whole thing came up to him and asked;

"Did you like the movie?" A simple answer, he could tell, would not suffice.

"It was entertaining."

"Do you have any plans for tonight?" she quickly asked him.

"I am sorry, but I have plenty on my mind tonight," he replied as humanly as possible. He shied away. His body kept tugging him to go back but not for as profound of a reason as it had for Drea. He walked awhile, then took a cab, to where, he didn't know. Out of the cab window, he saw a neon blue and purple sign that read Cyber Sanctuary. He quickly told the driver to stop.

Entering the club, the music pulsated loudly, not quite unwelcome, though. Swirling, colored, blinking lights dominated the atmosphere of the room in shades of blue, green, purple and yellow. There where bodies everywhere moving to the rhythm, dancing. Barely getting in the door a group of 3 girls came toward him and brought him to the dance floor and danced around him. Not knowing what to do and letting the girls do what they wished with him, he looked up at the ceiling which was a dome of light itself. It seemed to pulsate with color to every beat of the music. It entranced him, made him dizzy. They moved away. He turned in time to see Drea in the crowd. All he could do was watch. He had never set foot inside a club and had never seen dancing. He wished only to watch her from a distance. He did not know how to interact with her in this situation. The music changed and with it the colors and hues used to enhance the rhythm. He sat and observed never loosing sight of her. Many people asked him to dance even some guys. He declines unless they physically pulled him out to the dance floor. Hours passed and it seemed like she had not rested or noticed him. He had temporarily lost sight of her. In an instant she was upon him. She smiled and waved, causing him to smile.

"Do you want to dance?"

"I am not able to dance," he stated hesitantly.

"Then I'll dance for you." He couldn't resist her deep blue eyes. She took his hand and lead him to the floor when he again felt her thoughts and her emotions. He had been on her mind the entire night as well. He saw flashes of a group dancing with her and a when she danced with another male. She danced elaborate circles around him, made him look like he fit in. He noticed her style. She didn't dance right up on the person or initiate much physical contact. At times she tried to lead in her step. She giggled when he attempted. After awhile she motioned for him to follow her. His eyes followed down her backside, not quite intentionally but curiously. Her slim waist the soft curve of her hips encircled with a 3 row pyramid style belt. They came to a cafe area and sat away from everyone else.

"I've never seen you here before. Judging by your performance, I'm surprised to see you in a place like this at all." She paused and realized. "Don't take that the wrong way, it's just that I saw you with, I mean," she struggled.

"You are right Drea, I have no experience with this place." He took note of her nervousness and smiled.

"If you don't mind me asking, what brings you here?" He thought to himself, to say he came to see her would be inappropriate.

"I have never been to a place like this before. I had simply wanted to observe. To dance like all of you are looks, changeling."

"You have to feel it in your soul. It's not a formula unless you have an act." Dancing goes back to ancient man, he had never seen an updated version.

"I see, and from what I have seen, you are quite in touch with your soul." She blushed, suddenly shy herself.

"I like the way you talk," she said, noticing his hand movements which he did absentmindedly.

"Thank you. How can I put you at ease? There is absolutely no reason for you to be embarrassed or shy around me."

"It's just the way you talk, it's so different. I like it"

"I am aware that it is unusual. Though, I do not think I am capable of speaking in another way." He thought to himself and didn't know what to say next. "It is good to see you again," he managed.

"Yes, and so soon. I'm glad it wasn't in another alley way," she said trying to lesson her tension.

"Far too soon for that. Though, you can never be certain what will happen when you venture out into the world. Which brings me to my next question. Where did you learn how to fight like that?"

"My dad is a black belt. My parents didn't want me to become a victim. A lot of guys are intimated by it. Some insist it's hot and say they want me to dominate them when in actuality, they just want to tell me what to do." He was impressed by her will. She was strong and clever, but no match for one of his kind. He noticed her silver ring with an amethyst stone in it. She noticed him staring at it so she brought it up so he could get a closer look. He reached out to take her hand. When he saw that she didn't pull away, he took her hand. He saw the story behind it as she told it. "It was given time by a very good friend of mine, who had to move away. We did everything together. We still talk, but we drifted apart." She slowly pulled her hand back.

The parts she left out where that she had taught her friend how to defend herself against an abusive husband. Her husband hospitalized her and her being the loyal friend she is, crippled him by shattering both knees and one of his hands. She had surprised him one night and he didn't see her face so she got away with it. He felt her anger and understood her actions.

She looked around slightly nervous. "Do you have the time?" she asked.

"Time," he repeated. How long have I been gone? How much time passed? he thought. I have to get back to the ship.

"James, are you ok? You look like you were in a trance."

"My apologies. I do not have the time. I must be going." He rose slowly. "A pleasure speaking to you again, Drea."

"Wait," she said in the same tone she did when she rescued him. He turned back around gracefully. She rose, though her words where stuck in her throat. How odd his movements. There he stood, waiting. "I'm going to go to a concert tomorrow night. Would you, could you, I mean, If you'd like to." She stopped, realizing she sounded stupid. He had an amused look on his face and gestured for her to continue. "Could we meet again at the concert?" she asked.

"We could meet again."

"Great," she said and gave him the address. "It's a club called the 3-999. Hope to see you there." He nodded, they and parted ways.

In her apartment, Drea found herself thinking about James. His mannerisms, they way he spoke in a way that most people didn't. Something that she couldn't put her finger on held her in a place of awe of him. I've never met anyone like him before, she thought to herself while slipping on light blue satin pajama bottoms with a matching top. It scared her because that's how she felt when she was falling for someone. She fell asleep on her bed of black satin.

…..

Da'ans transition back to his own body was successful. He immediately went about his business on the mother ship. He was confronted by Zo'or.

"Da'an, your absence was lengthy. Where did your errands take you?" Zo'or asked him suspiciously.

"I don't believe it is any of your business where or when I decide to do my own."

"I am merely looking out for you. The human world can be ruthless."

"Then, I thank you for your concern but know that you are not my keeper. On the contrary, I am your keeper." With that, he left the room. Zo'or was still suspicious of Da'an. He was full of indifference. Da'an had a weak spot for humans which Zo'or despised, much like the human race itself.

Da'an went about his business on the mother ship only slightly worried about Zo'or and his suspicions. Da'an is a very old Taelon and is highly experienced as shielding things from the commonality. No matter what he was doing, a part of him was still with his captivating Drea. Am I starting to like this human? I must find out her opinion about the Tealons. I don't want to continue lying to her, I cannot, he thought.

7:00 rolled around quicker then he realized and he was on his way to meet with Drea for a second time. He found her on the dance floor dressed in all white. Tight while pants with a low slung wide studded belt. The top was sleeveless but she wore arm coverings. He showed himself and she immediately lit up.

"You came," she smiled. They watched the concert. She danced from time to time and to his surprise took his hand allowing him to experience her happiness with her. He choose not to read her mind purposefully. He only saw the thought that where apparent in her mind. He thought it would be unfair because she didn't know who he really was. It was his plan to change that before he left her for a second time.

"Is there someplace more peaceful where we can have a conversation?"

"Hmm, it's a warm night. The bridge is very beautiful and quiet. We can drive there. Is that ok?"

"Very good," he responded. The both got into her car. She puts on some music but at a low volume. On the way, a kind of awkward silence creeps between them. The drive is short. She turns to him and asks,

"How did you like the concert? I hope it wasn't boring. Are you ok?"

"I would not say that the concert was boring. I had an enjoyable time with you, and, yes, I am ok." She pulled onto a driveway and they got out and walked to the bridge. "What are your thoughts on the Tealon influence on the earth?" She was taken aback by his question. He noticed a little fear when she looked him in the eye. The deeper he looked the more he didn't want to tell her.

"Wh-why do you want to know?"

"It is humanities reality and I wish to know your opinion." She looked away.

"Nothing makes my blood run colder. I've never felt so powerless in my life. We as humans are utterly defenseless against their will. They say they only want to help but in their power is the potential to destroy us. I'm not part of any resistance movement because I think it's all in vain."

"They done humanity only good," purposed Da'an.

"For a price. People have disappeared, people who have disagreed with the Tealons." He came nearer to her, pained by what she was saying. He could see tears gathering in her eyes. He parted his arms, inviting her in. She wrapped her arms around him weakly. He didn't want to tell her what he was, but felt he must, soon. "Through out my childhood and early teen years I'd watch UFO documentaries on abductions, sightings out of curiosity but paid for it when I slept. I couldn't sleep, not very well."

"Those where all false. I don't want you to fear."

"You are right. Our reality is much worse. They are actually here. Those shows where just embellished fantasy shows back when we where safe," she murmured. He held her still, willing her to come to his side and embrace the knowledge of knowing what he really is. She pulled away thinking she must sound silly to him. He let her go reluctantly. He knew she still wanted to stay in his arms. She leaned on the bridge. He came close behind her. I might sound crazy to you paranoid. I'm sorry about going on to you. Sorry about getting too emotional."

"All is well," he said softly. She reached back and pulled his arms around her shoulders. She sighed and leaned back against his chest.

"I feel safe with you, I know I just met you but, thanks for being here."

"You are safe with me," he assured. The stood quietly enjoying each others company, under the stars.

"The sky is so beautiful," she said dreamily. He could show her an even better view but didn't say. "I should probably be getting home," she told him. "Where would you like to meet again?" He had to think for a moment about when his absence would go unnoticed. Other Tealons, especially Zo'or, posed a potential problem.

"We will meet here in 3 days at dusk."

"I can do that," she agreed. "See you then." He nodded and they parted.

…..

Da'an teleports back to the mother ship and picks up his responsibilities. Although, his timing and whereabouts do not go unnoticed by Zo'or. As the leader of the Tealon Synod, he had resources, reliable resources. He planned to put a damper on Da'an's disappearances. He planned to do that by meeting the girl himself, but in the deceitful form of another human. He will force the girl to expose all of Da'an's irresponsibilities. Putting himself and all the Taelon in danger and abuse of his power which will lead to his downfall.

"But how do you figure the girl will cooperate with your plan?" Sandoval questioned.

"She will have no other choice," Zo'or reasoned.

"She's innocent in all of this, assuming she doesn't know what's going on."

"I believe she will. Da'an will tell her. I know him," Zo'or stated.

"You're not actually going to hurt her, are you?" Sandoval asked.

"Before or during her confession. I will do what ever it takes. After, to satiate my resentment of Da'an and his power and judgment over me. But in the end, as a human, it will be that primitive rush that we Taelons largely don't posses anymore," Zo'or hissed with psychotic eyes that often made Sandoval shake. "Track her down Sandoval. Tell me her whereabouts. Find me a body," he instructed. Sandoval bowed and went straight to work.

Da'an was suddenly struck with worry for Drea. He didn't know why. No one could know about them. Perhaps it's only because I care for her, he thought. I would like to change her mind about us. Show her that we are not all monsters.

…...

It was on the early morning of the first day that Zo'or decided it would be idea for him to comer for her. I see no reason to not handle this myself. I have no intention on returning her. It is too bad I do not care to take time to find a body of someone you know, he thought devilishly. Being assaulted by a strangers is never the same as if it where by a friend or family member," he smirked to himself. He transported into the body of a man. A tall, pale with black long hair and pale blue eyes. He went to her house and was surprised she was not there. He waited at her house for her to return. It's was 2:30 am. He stayed hidden and waiting. Drea was at a club as usual.

At the club, she felt energized all night long. It was a different club, change of scenery, a shift in music. She was at a new age club tonight. With how things go wrong in her life she felt like nothing could touch her. Feet moving, hips swaying, hair waving, arms graceful to the beat of the music. It was 3:30 when she decided to go home and go to bed. Entering the apartment, she didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. She was still energized. Stepping into her room, she disrobed in front of her closet, unaware that someone was in the closet, watching.

He thought he would have some of what humans call fun. Maybe a game of cat and mouse. His human state was reacting to her body. He could not help but stare as she slid her midnight blue shimmery pants down her legs, revealing a sliver thong. His eyes widened. As a Tealon, he always could view what ever was happening anywhere on the ship or Earth with a little effort. This felt so much more thrilling. So much better then a simple teleport, it felt so much more dirty. She put some music on to unwind. She swayed her hips and started to dance. He observed he way her long hair licked upon the small of her back. Then she faced him. She wore a matching blue sleeveless top that was almost backless. He had never seen a human woman dance. He thought of all the human activities at primitive. Why then, not only could the human not take his eyes off the girl, but he himself could not manage. What would Da;an be pursuing this creature for? He was surprised were he realized his thoughts had taken him. He scolded himself silently for thinking such human things and silently cursed her for arousing his vessel in such a way.

Out of the dresser, she took a red satin night dress. Her silhouette unhooked her top and it glided to the floor. She turned around and inched her panties down. She turned to face him. He turned away, hating himself for liking what he saw. A part of him longed to be back in his body again and not to be tormented by these annoying human urges, Zo'or thought to himself. Putting her nightlight on, she turned off the music and left the room for a few minutes, going for a shower. Zo'or emerged out of the closet and slithered behind her bedroom door. When she comes back, I will have her, he thought. She'll pay for all the annoying, disgusting and distracting emotions she made me feel, but not until we are back on the mother ship, in my personal quarters. She came back in in a long red bath robe. "Good morning Drea." She turned around swiftly to see who was there. He stepped closer.

"What do you want?" she asked.

"My apologies. I would've used your door but I wanted to experience the proper ways in which humans spy on and capture each other. It is quite thrilling," he said as he floated upon her. She stepped back, raising her guard.

"Why?" she asked, noticing the way he moved, similar to James.

"All will be revealed in good time." He reached to grab her and she dodged. He reached for her again and she twisted out of his grasp.

"Don't do this," she said. He stalked her slowly, unaware that she knew martial arts. He grabbed her body in both his arms and was about to open a portal when she dropped down, forcing him down with her. She threw him over her with her legs. He laid there surprised for a moment. "Please leave now," she said sternly.

He got to his feet and came at her again pushing her down on the bed. A flash of memory whipped through his head of when she danced and the feeling it evoked in him. She let him pin her so he thought he had the upper hand. He looked down at her dainty and well formed features feeling a power akin to the sensation of when he had killed as a human. He reviled in this for it was completely new to him. She breathed steady as she got her wits together. Her plan was to break his nose and his ankle so he couldn't follow her, then call the police. She freed one of her hands, twisted his wrist, breaking it and elbowed him in the face. She broke his nose and he let go of her. He rolled off the bed and landed with a thud. She loomed over him and said,

"I warned you. To make sure that you don't run off-" She saw his look of surprise and confusion. He looked as if he had no idea what was happening to him. "I'm going to have to break your ankle." She did so with out even using her hands. She ran to her phone and called the police. All seemed well.

…...

She called the police the next day to check up on her intruder. She was shocked when they told her the disturbing news that he had somehow disappeared, shortly after his arrest, when he was treated for his injuries.

"What do you mean he just disappeared? He couldn't even walk."

"I'm sorry ma'am but we are doing everything we can." She hung up the phone in tears. Now she had a reason to be paranoid. She had a strange feeling that they won't find him. I should've killed him, she thought. His body language was so familiar, the way he seemed to float. The way he spoke. It reminded her of James. What did that guy want with me? It should be obvious right but he was a bit odd, a bit alien. Her mind switched to another source of paranoia, the aliens. James asked me about the aliens. Is there a such thing as human possession? She shuddered to think that James could be stalking her. He did find her at the club that very same night. He a bit lost and not dressed like everyone else there. His demeanor was clumsy, shy, but well spoken. She thought herself a good judge of character and James was a sweet heart. She was confident that she could take care of herself at least when she finally got the thoughts about aliens out of her mind. She stayed the night at a friends house.

Zo'or, what happened?" Sandoval dared to ask as Zo'or transferred back into his body with the same shocked look on his face. If the commonality felt that I will never live it down, ever, he thought. Sandoval was afraid to persist. "The damage report days that you had a broken nose, hand and ankle and-"

"Silence Sandoval!" Zo'or shouted. After a moment of silence Sandoval asked

"Did that girl do all that to you, all that damage? She could've killed you." Zo'or took a calming deep breath.

"If she had known who I was, I believe she would not have hesitated."

"I will have her, Sandoval. This has become as the humans say, personal.

"Why? I thought you just wanted to interrogate her about what she was doing with Da'an. All she did was defend herself from you. You should have given me time to look into her deeper."

"Silence Sandoval and get out of my sight!" Zo'or seethed. Still siting in his chair he plotted. Soon, I will come back for you in my true form and all your fighting will be fruitless. The only thought that kept him calm was the how she had underestimated him and he would surprise her next time.

…..

Drea left her friends house to meet with James. She decided she would tell James about the incident but wondered of she should add that the assailant's body language reminded her of his own. He was at the bridge as he told her he would be. He smiled when she appeared. She replied with;

"Hey, how are you?"

"All is well," he answered. Masking her anxiety she asked;

"The city lights are beautiful, but have you been to a forest? They are gorgeous this time of year." She stood next to him looking out at the city.

"I have never been to a forest," he answered. She looked at him oddly no so much because what he said but how he said it.

"There are many things I don't know about you, not even where you're from." He looked to her. He could see questioning in her eyes, but there was something more apparent, an anxiety that she couldn't keep from him.

"We could go on a hike someday if that is something you would enjoy." He grew uncomfortable with the fact that she didn't know what he was and how long he could keep this ruse going. He looked down and thought to touch her hand, to see what was bothering her. Instead he asked, "How are you tonight, Drea?"

"Just fine," she answered quietly with a weak smile. He slowly blinked and looked away. He then reached for her hand and she avoided his grasp. He sighed.

"Something is bothering you. I can feel your tension." He put his hand on her shoulder and wished she'd confide in him.

"James I," she began. She turned toward him unsure of how much to reveal. She didn't want to offend him by drawing similarities between him and her assailant.

"Go on," he coaxed softly.

"I was attacked last night, in my own apartment," she confessed. His eyes grew wide. "I've never felt so alone."

"You're not alone. Why are you saying that?" he asked. He was tempted to take her hand and read her thought but he decided against it. They had to have a trust. They had to have a dialogue.

"I think I'm being stalked." He took her in his arms, fearing for her safety. Immediately he could feel that there was more. What was it that had her so afraid? She can take care f herself very well.

"What exactly happened?" James asked.

"He was waiting for me to get home. I was about to go to sleep when he tried to," she paused. "He tried to take me, abduct me."

"You did not know this person?" he asked.

"No, what's more is that he seemed to know me, he knew my name," she said distraught.

"Did this person say anything more?" her expression held inside information, details she didn't care to explain. He read her expression and felt helpless for her.

"I, I got to go." She started to walk away, thinking she couldn't tell him more. Should I be suspicious of him too? He knew she didn't want to leave. He stepped in front of her knowing that she wouldn't resist.

"Do you believe that I am in some way responsible?"

"No," she breathed. The way he moved reminded me of you, unlike anyone I've ever seen." She brushed his fingers with hers and said, "I'm not, I know, I'm sorry. I asked him why and he said, 'all in good time.'" he himself was troubled by her answer. He had his suspicions of Zo'or being involved. He was almost positive. "I fought him though, there wasn't much of a fight. If he would've truly known me, he would've known that know self defense."

"There is something I have to tell you," he said very quietly, but she went on instead.

"I broke his nose, hand and ankle." James felt dizzy suddenly. They both stared at each other in silence. "The police lost custody of him with in an hour of his arrest. He vanished. Who vanishes nowadays with all the technology, leaving no trace behind?" She hugged herself and started to tremble. She looked in his brown eyes.

"There is something I must show you."

"You know what's going on, don't you?"

"You need to trust me. I need to share something with you," he said urgently. She backed away.

"You tell me now, you tell me here, or not at all."

"Drea," he took her wrists that she held up. "I need your trust, please," he said softly. "I am not of your race and neither was your assailant." She tried to pull away but he didn't let her. "Let me help you. Let me take you to where I come from." She struggled more fiercely now.

"No, James don't do this. Don't make me fight you." She struggled, he backed her up against the stone rail of the bridge and bent her backwards. Letting herself be pinned because she didn't want to hurt him. "I don't want to go there. I don't want to go." He looked into her eyes. His gaze made her still.

"You cannot harm us. You cannot kill us," he began calmly. "I need you to understand the seriousness of the situation, if it is as I fear. First, I must show you my true self. Where we are going, nothing you posses can protect you. You need to stay close to me and stay quiet."

"Your true self," she echoed.

"Yes." She stared at him.

"That's why you asked me about the Tealons. I'm glad I didn't give you a negative answer."

"But you did. I am not satisfied with your answer. I will attempt to prove that not all of us, not I, seek, to be feared." She had a hold on the sides of his coat.

"You can protect me then?" He thought for a moment. His kind would look down upon this. He couldn't guarantee her safely, but he did, regardless. He couldn't protect her if she roamed Earth next time her assailant came back for her. This was a step in the right direction. He had always wanted to show her his ship, but under better circumstances.

"Yes. I can protect you."

"You'll bring me back?"

"Why would I not, oh," he said disappointed. "I am not like that Drea. You are free to go, if you choose, but if you do, your assailant will no doubt come for you again. When he does, he will be in his true form and nothing you do will detour him from his goal." Her will weakened with curiosity and fear.

"Ok, I'll go with you," she decided. With that he opened portal, turning, he took her wrist and pulled her through. In an instant they where in his private quarters. The room was beautiful. White with shades of violet and blue. From where they stood, the chair with Da'an's body was not visible, only the table on which James would lay.

"Have you ever seen our kind?"

"Once or twice." She had avoided such pictures and videos.

"It will be a few moments." He walked towards the table as she trailed behind. After a few moments she saw a violet glow and walked towards the table to get a closer look. She looked down, James's body was still. Her eyes wandered to something moving to her right. Following his tall built all the way up to his frighting glowing blue eyes. She felt slight alarm. She stepped backwards, as he slowly floated towards her, an arms length away. Awestruck, she bumped the side of the table. "Now you see."

"Uh, huh," she squeaked out. He was even taller then his human form. James was 5'9. This alien was 6'2. "What will happen to James?" she asked shakily, glancing down at James's body then at the tell Tealon in front of her."

"He will be returned unharmed. You have no need to worry." She noticed that he moved more freely now that he was back on his ship. "Relax, Drea." He moved to put a had on her shoulder and she shied away. It is as I have said before, you do not need to be apprehensive around me," he assured, keeping a gaze on her. She made a non committal response.

"Mmm." On the inside, she was going off the deep end and thinking, oh my god. I've wanted to avoid aliens all my life then they came and now I'm with one of them. I can't trust him but he does seem...good. Just when I thought I found a decent, respectable and sweet guy, he's an alien.

"If you place your hand against mine, I will be able to read your thoughts. That may make it easier if you are having a hard time speaking. It's called a sharing."

"You could read my mind?" she said horrified. She thought of how invasive that would be and how humiliating."

"One could force a sharing on another. I feel that is something you should be aware of." He remembered the ring she wore. She didn't feel him in her mind because he was only on the surface of what she was already thinking. "A sharing happens with palm to palm contact," he said. He watched his hands move. Relaxing a bit, she eased her grip on the table. She thought she should speak, for he was kind enough to invite her to the ship. He was willing to help her with her assailant.

"This is too much for me to handle. I'm sorry. I'm so used to being in control of things, you know. To feel like I'm utterly loosing control is," she trailed off.

"I understand that you need a few moments to come to terms with this. All is well, I assure you." She slid her hands off the edge of the table. She closed her eyes and leaned her back and sighed.

"I'm sorry, I haven't even asked your name, if you have names."

"I am called Da'an."

"You, you're the companion to North America," she said in disbelief. "What are you doing a humans body? You're the one who's often on TV. I hear it, I don't watch. I don't want to have nightmares. Your all kind all look the same, sorry. Why would you want to be in a human's body? I mean, don't you, I mean, wouldn't that-" she cut herself off.

"Your questions will be answered. I have long since been curious about how humans live. I wanted live interaction instead of being told. She took one of his hands slowly with her fingers and seemed to examine it.

"I hope you don't mind," she said.

"Not at all. I wanted to experience your kind first hand. With the benefit of a human appearance, I could avoid stares and the need for a protector." She toyed with his long fingers as he spoke. He paused and looked down to notice that she entwined her fingers with his.

"You have very nice hands." Da'an smiled a little.

"Thank you. The same is true of your eyes," he complemented as he moved her hair back from the sides of her face. She felt herself blush out of embarrassment.

"Thanks," she whispered. "How have your experiences been as a human?" she asked composing herself. He took back his hands.

"The evening you came to my rescue was my first day. The experience was educational. My visits where eventful. Which also brings me to say your fighting is impressive."

"I do what I have to do. You said that I couldn't defend myself from your kind. How do you fight?"

"We fight with energy. Energy that's ours to command. He positioned his hands together and a ball of light appeared between them. "Touch it."

"No, That's ok."

"I cannot hurt you unless I will it to." He gestured for her to touch it again. This time she did as he asked. It felt solid and slightly vibrating. "When one is put on the defensive, this energy acts as an amplified barrier and a solid offense. When one is on the offense, then you can channel it to strike at any target. It can either stun or kill the other depending on the potency of the energy and the force used. Strength varies from Taelon to Taelon." He made the ball vanish.

"That's very interesting." She decided to sit up on the table where human lay. "Is this ok?" she asked.

"That is fine." She was still 4 inches shy of looking him in the eye. She looked down at James, slightly troubled.

"Ask, I can see a question in your mind."

"I'm afraid to ask, but does he know what's happening to him?"

"No he does not. He's completely unaware of his surroundings," Da'an stated. She thought to herself, he's stealing time from him. How long will he continue with this. She decided to ask.

"How long will you continue this?"

"I cannot tell you. I do not know." She looked up to him and licked her lips

"You do have good taste. James is beautiful." She glanced back down at him. "There is one similarity."

"What's that?" She brushed James's lips lightly with her fingers and looked at Da'an's mouth and gave him a questioning look too see if he understood her complement. He raised his head and looked to the side then moved his iridescent eyes to look down at her. "I am pleased you find me pleasant to look upon. I recall that night when we where looking up at the stars. I can show you another view of the stars."

"Show me."

"This way." She slid off the table and followed. They went into another section of his private quarters. There was a tremendously large window. A window to the outside. A window to space.

"It's wonderful," she said as she looked out into space. Da'an smiled to himself at her contentment. He stood close by her. It is a bit frightening seeing Earth like this from a...spaceship. I never would've thought-" She walked up closer and he followed. I never thought I would come to this place willingly. I can't tell you how, but," she reached to put his arms around her from behind. "I feel safe with you, a Taelon, an alien.

"Please, call us companions." She laid her arms across him and said,

"This feels so surreal, like I'm in a movie. I'm worried about how the movie will end yet, I can't look away." He sensed sadness in her voice.

"You don't have faith in us then."

"Forgive me."

"You are forgiven," he said quickly.

"I know not all Taelons are like you. I know you have your secrets." He was speechless as to what to say to her. She was correct. There are things he wish had not happened. He had avoided talking to her about Zo'or. He didn't want to worry her. Perhaps there was not anything he could say or do to sway her opinion of the Tealons, no matter how high of a position he held. The more he knew, the more he wished he didn't. Meanwhile, she was getting a sick feeling in her stomach from his silence. She wanted to pull away. She felt herself sinking. Dana held her tighter. "Da'an," she said. "Is there really nothing you can tell me to try and change my mind, is there?" A long moment of silence passed again.

"I only hoped to sway your opinion of myself."

"Then it is as I thought, though I don't feel any worse then before I met you, but not better either."

Dismissing that his conversation would end on a somber note, he proceeded turning her around.

"We came to earth with a promise of peace," he lied knowing Zo'or was much more antagonistic then most. However, Da'an was a diplomat. It was his responsibility to keep people calm, to keep the peace, no matter what.

"Really, because the Indians where told the white man where there to help as well and then they stole the land from the Indians, driving them out and killing many of them," she dared to say. She was surprised at her words. Da'an blinked slowly and looked away, his arms retreating from her sides. She noticed a tinge of hurt in his face. She immediately regretted her words, especially to some one who was trying to comfort her. "Da'an," she said quietly. He blinked again and turned away. She suddenly felt alone. Da'an please." She moved her hand up to his cheek and turned his head to face her. Even as a Taelon, his expression was heart breaking. His eyes brimming with intense emotion looked down upon her. She licked her lips. "I'm sorry I shouldn't have said that. I'm grateful for what you've done, for what you've shown me," she said desperately.

"What have I done," he asked.

"You've talked to me, spent time with me, made me feel as if I, a human, matter."

"What have I shown you?"

"You've shown me care through James and the promise that you won't harm him. You showed me common courtesy and respect when we would meet. You felt compelled to show me your true self and trust me with that knowledge. You've shown me your ship and this breath taking view." She took his face between both of her hands. "You even thought to help me with my situation with my assailant, who you successfully made me forget." His eyes never left hers once, discerning that every word coming from her trembling lips was true. He put his head down and smiled some. She moved closer to slowly embrace him. "Other then the words I say to you, I'm sorry Da'an, but I can't take back my distrust of the Tealons." He let her embrace him and immediately felt her intense remorse for what she said earlier. He also felt an unquestionable trust she had for him alone. That contented him. That was all he could hope for. All he should hope for.

"Drea," he said tracing her long hair down to her waist. "I understand," he softly replied.

"No, I've disappointed you."

"I only wish you to be honest." She was looking at him the same way she had when she called him beautiful earlier. Their closeness had invited him to sense her thoughts as if he needed to but there where some human things that where alien to him, he got a picture of it, even if she did not say it. Admitting it out loud was too far out of her mental reach. He could read her thought by mere touch but as much as he found she liked to touch him, he could never admit she give up a tiny bit of privacy every time she did. One thought became pivotal. She looked up at him and he asked, "What is this thought that is so strong in your mind?" She blushed and looked away. She could play dumb but she knew that it wasn't a hard guess. No sense denying it.

"What?"she said absentmindedly, his eyes piercing though her facade.

"You know of what," he simply said. She took a few steps back, embarrassed.

"Is there a place to sit?" she asked shyly. How could she have thought such a thing, she wondered.

"Here," he leading her to a seat in a large auditorium. She had avoided his eyes and his question. Seconds from him asking again she searched for what to say to detour him. It never occurred to her that he may not be detoured. She lifted her head to speak but he silenced her by putting a finger to his lips. Oh god, here it comes. What am I going to say? she thought to herself.

"You are aware of another reason I brought you here. The circumstances that surround your assailant. They have hints of Taelon malice." He stood beside her. He had relived her from an embarrassing subject to an even worse subject, but he had promised to shed some light on it. "I have reason to believe that Zo'or has come to know our interactions. I did travel secretly to Earth possessing a human body. That, in the eyes of the Taelon Synod would be looked down upon. It could lead to my dismissal of being a Synod leader." She watched, taken by what he was saying. He moved to stand in front of her. "Zo'or will most like make you admit these interactions in front of the Tealon Synod, in hopes I will loose my position."

"They can't loose you. You're the voice of reason."

"They would see it as I would be endangering the Taelon race. I could tell you classified information. The humans of earth would be outraged if they knew what we where capable of, taking and possession of their bodies. Abusing my power." He was surprised at her concern for him she put first over herself. She reached out and took his hand.

"I can't say that. I won't say that." He gave her a sad look for he was able to read her sincerity.

"You will have no other choice. Zo'or will give you no other choice. She took back her hand. Is he expecting me to die for him? There's simply no time for me to pack up and leave, leave my friends and family, tell no one where I'm going. This isn't police authorities I'm running from, it's alien. What chance do I have? Zo'or could threaten and even kill my friends and family if I don't cooperate. She didn't find the strength to ask Da'an, a Tealon himself what she should do. She only sat, eyes racing over the room like a caged animal. Da'an pondered to himself at what choices she had. He concluded 2 possible endings. Zo'or would eventually find her and try to use her to get rid of him and or kill her to hurt him. The silence was deafening. He hated leaving her to suffer in silence. She closed her eyes and rocked back and forth.

"Then there is nothing," she managed to choke out. Instantly Da'an felt a strung urge to grab her and hold her, give her a feeling of safety. He knew she wouldn't push him away. It was then that he leaned over and picked her up and held her close to him. He closeness had revealed much to him about her present feelings. She saved my life. I cannot ask her for hers, he thought. He sensed she wished him to be the human she met him as. She had thoughts of regretting meeting him. He could understand that. If he could inhabit that humans body and live the rest of his human years, she thought but she knew that would be unfair to him and his position. Then another thought crossed her mind, the thought almost made him drop her. He didn't want to feel that radiating from her. A thought of disposing of her himself

"No," he breathed. She would not be a martyr. He wouldn't do that.

"Why? I'd rather it would be done by you than Zo'or and anything else he'd have me do. He thought about making her his protector. She already wants to protect me of her own free will. Making her a protector would negate her own choice and best interest. Implants are slaves. "Can you?" she asked

"Will you show me what you thought if earlier?" She looked up at him surprised. What a strange change of subject. Maybe he'll do while I show him so I don't see it coming, but that thought was fleeting. She trusted him too much to really believe that. He just wanted to comfort an explore. She slowly ran her hands up his shoulders and looked into his dazzling blue eyes. She took his face between her hands and brushed his lips with hers. They where electrifying and voluptuous. She felt his energy flowing through her.

….

"Here is what you wanted to see Zo'or." Da'an showed him her body. "You have succeeded in taking something important away from me. Now you will not be able to harm me or my position. It pained me to have to take her life, but our mission is too important to live with the consequences. As much as you wanted to see me fail, you where too slow in and poorly informed in acquiring her. However, you where right Zo'or, I had made a terrible mistake."

….

Da'an largely believed the needs of the many out weight the needs of the few. However, he didn't follow that rule every single time. Sometimes either choice felt dirty. Sometimes he was selfish. He wanted both, his position and her safety but not at her expense. So he staged a ruse to show Zo'or what Da'an wanted him to see. But sadly, he took her memories of him so he wouldn't break her heart and just encase Zo'or ever did see her, he would find noting if use in her memory.