Jarod quietly entered the sanctuary of St. Michael's church to find that Sydney seemed to be praying as he was seated in one of the back pews. His eyes were closed, his head bowed, and as Jarod neared him, he could see his mentor's lips moving, uttering a supplication before God in his native French. Not wanting to disturb him, Jarod slid into a pew three rows up from him.

He stared at the beautiful stain glass etching of St. Michael that was on the front left of the church, while the center depicted a dying Jesus on the cross, and there was not a third stain glass picture. He stared at the stain glass of Jesus, not fully understanding what the picture represented. The Centre had frowned upon him learning about religions of the outside world beyond any such knowledge he would need for simulation applications. He had asked Sydney to tell him about the religion he had been taught as a child. Sydney had replied by telling him that he'd been taught to have faith in God as a child but he had refused to explain it further when Jarod had asked.

Since his escape from the Centre, Jarod had yet to taken the time to learn about more than a few of the world's religions as there seemed to be so many out there, so many paths to God. Jarod often wondered which god it was that Sydney had been taught to believe in as a child. Perhaps he should ask him, as it now seemed to be a good of a time as any. . .

His thoughts were interrupted as he saw movement out of the corner of his eye. He looked up to see Sydney sitting down beside him in the pew, a look of amusement on his face.

"I know that look," Sydney began quietly, "You're curious about something."

Jarod nodded, looking again at the stain glass image of Christ in front of them. "I was just thinking about religion."

"And what were you thinking about religion?"

"I'm not sure I really understand it, Sydney. I've researched some religion in the time since I left the Centre but I don't understand how people choose a theology that they seem to trust with their beings," he motioned towards the stain glass, "And how does someone choose which god they follow?"

They were both avoiding the reason that caused Jarod to seek him out in the sanctuary and they both knew it. But still Sydney decided to answer his questions first, lest neither of them gather up the courage or the strength to say what needed to be said between them.

"Parents," Sydney began, wincing at the word even as he watched Jarod closely, "Parents are the ones who usually teach their children about their own beliefs, theology, or philosophy that they follow themselves."

A sad smile crossed Jarod's lips. "What did your parents teach you, Sydney?"

"Both of my parents were Catholic, their faith in God very strong," he replied.

"Is that how you survived Dachau?" Jarod asked, hearing a sharp intake of breath by Sydney at the question. "Is that how you survived the loss of your parents? Your family?"

If Jarod had looked at him at that moment he would have seen the tears in his mentor's eyes. Sydney tore his gaze away from Jarod, trying to quell the pain the questions had brought up.

"In that place, the only two things my brother and I had to help us survive were each other and the God our parents had tried to teach us about before they died. I clung to that belief as a boy in that camp and after we were liberated from that place of death."

"And now?"

Sydney shrugged. "It's a difficult question to answer, Jarod. The world has changed a great deal since I was a boy in France. I've tried to honor my parents' memory by believing in what they did, but I haven't always succeeded in the endeavor. For a long time now, I've turned away from God, not even praying as I once did." Sydney looked at him. "That changed when I realized you were about to be taken back to the Centre."

"You really don't want me back there, do you?" Jarod asked.

"No, Jarod, I don't because you belong out in the world using the gifts you were given to help those who need it. You've done a lot of good in the world since your escape," Sydney paused. "I'm proud of what you've accomplished in the last 3 years."

"Sydney, I . . ." Jarod found himself unable to finish the sentence. "That means a lot to me. I've always wondered what you thought of my actions . . . I have always admired and respected what you thought." Jarod stopped, leaving the thought feeling somewhat unfinished, a fact that Sydney noticed.

"I was always afraid to give you my support, because if the Centre knew and you were caught, I couldn't protect you. Although, that was obviously a pointless exercise, given what happened when they did catch you." Sydney shifted slightly, "I never wanted anything to happen to you, much less be responsible for it. My biggest regret was not giving you what you deserved - a childhood and a family."

"You didn't totally fail Sydney."

Renee sat for several minutes after Jarod's departure staring at the elevator doors as the Pretender's words sank in. Was she really judging Sydney too harshly for what he'd done?

Renee sat wondering whether her anger toward Sydney was justified or not. She herself had done things she wasn't proud of . . . so had Jonathan, and Joshua. Why should Sydney's offense hurt her so much? Then she realized the answer. It wasn't because his sin was worse. It was because she had placed so much faith in him as a person and the disappointment level was greater . . .

Renee jumped as a hand entered her vision field from behind and reaching around her shut the monitor off where she'd been watching their guests in the sanctuary. She turned around annoyed at whoever had caught her spying on Jarod and Sydney, even as she was embarrassed.

"Joshua," she said. "How long have you been awake?"

"Long enough to know you were spying on them. Renee, how could you?" Joshua asked, clearly disappointed with her. "They deserve some privacy, complete privacy."

Renee's eyes narrowed at him. "Why do you feel so strongly about giving them complete privacy?"

Joshua pointed to Jarod's recently retrieved DSA player. "Renee, Jarod spent most of his life being watched by a camera, recording everything he said, everything he did. I've seen several of them. Can you imagine how that felt? I've lived my life under a microscope, because of who my father was, but nothing like what Jarod experienced. He shouldn't have to worry about his friends watching him too."

"Why aren't you upset with Sydney then? He helped them do that to Jarod."

"I think you already know the answer to that. You know Sydney isn't an evil man, you just feel betrayed because you didn't know the whole truth. I'm not saying that you shouldn't be angry, but it is unfair to ignore him and hate him because he's made mistakes. We've all done things we regret. I know I have. Do you hate me for my mistakes? Or my father?" Joshua stopped, studying her face.

Renee glared at him, "I can't believe you're on his side. What good has he really done? He could have found a way to free Jarod. He had a choice and he did the wrong thing."

"Who do you think told Jarod about me? When he met with you he already knew, because Sydney had told him. But I suppose you'd view that as using Jarod to accomplish his own ends, wouldn't you?" Joshua asked bitterly, trying hard to control his temper. He wanted to help Renee understand, not refocus her anger.

But Renee hadn't heard the tone of his voice, only his words. "Sydney did that?" Perhaps she had been harsh in her judgement.

"Yes, he did. And think about this. Sydney is the one who raised Jarod, he taught him to care. How many people out there do you know that would risk their lives, and everything else they hold dear to help a stranger? I don't know too many people who would do that. But both Jarod and Sydney risked everything to help me - someone they didn't know. If Sydney was as you say, then I would still be up there at Sandoval's mercy -- or . . . I'd be dead."

"Joshua . . . someone might have . . ."

He interrupted, "No. You and I both know that no one could save me. No one with any desire to help me knew I was still alive except you and Liam and no public official in their right minds would go against the Taelons. Not one person on this planet would've withstood that kind of wrath. Except for Jarod, I was there until I died." Joshua paused then began again, "I don't agree with everything that Sydney did, but I'm extremely grateful to him and Jarod for saving me."

Renee studied him thoughtfully.

Joshua continued, "You don't know what it was like up there. I had no control over anything - not really. They controlled my body, my mind, and every day I sat perched on the edge of insanity. Renee, I prayed for death, just to get away from the pain . . ." He trailed off, composing himself, "Please Renee, talk to Sydney."

"Jarod, I'm going back," Sydney announced, ending the awkward silence between them.

"Sydney, no. They'll kill you...or worse!" Jarod replied, knowing he was speaking of the Centre.

"They won't if they believe that we were both abducted by the Resistance at Doors International," Sydney replied. "Joshua is planning to announce that we are both 'guests' of the Resistance, and while they are going to release me, they'll be 'keeping' you here with them."

Jarod nodded. "Tell me, Sydney, why would you choose to return to the Centre? You're finally free of them."

"And what would I do with this new found freedom, Jarod?"

"Join the Resistance, perhaps? They need all the help they can get. Joshua will need help if he's going to rebuild the organization to the way it was under Jonathan Doors," Jarod suggested, drawing a laugh from his mentor.

"I'm sorry, Jarod, but I don't believe that's the one thing I can do," He sobered. "Do you want to know what has kept me at the Centre after you escaped?"

Jarod smiled. "I don't have to ask. You've stayed behind because of Miss Parker. She needs someone to watch over her in that den of wolves. And I suspect that you also try to watch over Mr. Broots."

"Yes, him as well as he has become a friend and because he has a daughter who needs him."

"I understand," Jarod replied. "How soon will Joshua make the announcement about us?"

"As soon as they can find a way for the announcement to be made as widespread as possible. Joshua is hopeful they'll be able to break through the lockdown the Taelons have on global airwaves because he wants the entire world to the news."

The opportunity to break the lockdown presented itself a few hours later. Street managed to hack through the firewalls. "Okay, I'm done - all we have to do now is broadcast."

"How long will I have before they can cut me off?"

"That's the good part - once I'm inside their system, they really can't do much. You'll pretty much have as long as you want."

"Good," Joshua said nervously, "I'm not entirely sure what to say."

"Hey, you're the lawyer. Just think about it this way, you're prosecuting the Taelons . . . just more casually than in a courtroom."

"Yeah." Joshua said, "Are you sure they won't be able to trace the signal?"

Street said, "What do you think I am? An amateur? Of course they can't trace it. I've scattered the signal so much that even Augur would have a time cracking this one."

"Excuse me," said Jarod, "But what exactly does a drill have to do with this situation?"

Everyone stared at him blankly for a second, then started laughing as they understood.

"Augur, in this case at least, is a person. This used to be his home." explained Renee.

"He had to leave not long ago because the Taelons were hot on his trail." Liam added, "I hope he made it to safety."

"Anyway, all you have to do is press this button when you're ready and it'll start broadcasting, all over the world. And don't worry, I've set it to block out the background of the room when it starts. Sandoval won't get any clues from this."

"He'll be plenty ticked off though." Renee said. "Zo'or as well."

"Not that I care." Joshua responded. "They've ticked me off." He took a deep breath, "Let's do this."

With that, everyone began to clear from the room, any stray noises might give Sandoval the clues he needed to catch one of them.

Joshua closed his eyes Please don't let me screw this up.

He took another deep breath, pressed the button, and began to talk.

"As I'm sure many of you are aware, my name is Joshua Doors. And I'm the son of Jonathan Doors, former leader of the Resistance. I'm sure you also know that I'm supposed to be dead. Obviously, reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated."

Keep going, Joshua. You can do this. He told himself.

"I'm sure you're wondering where I've spent my time since my alleged 'death'. Well, I spent it on board the mothership. Nor was it the most pleasant experience of my life. They had me tortured and used in experiments. And they were planning to kill me. Fortunately, I managed to get away."

Okay, half truth time - can't risk hurting Jarod or anyone else

"They let me know quite bluntly what they thought of humans - that we are totally insignificant and are good only to be used to prolong their survival or to try and find ways to do so. They think we're stupid enough to buy all the crap they're shoveling. These atrocities against humanity cannot and will not continue. And if they do, the Taelons will have to deal with the consequences. And I think it would be a good gesture if the Taelons would release the other people they're holding prisoner on the mothership. These people are being tortured and experimented on and no one deserves to have to suffer that. No one. Earlier this week, we rescued two people from the clutches of the Taelons. One will be returning to his life tomorrow and we expect the Taelons to leave him alone. We'll be watching. The other has elected to remain with us."

"And this is for Zo'or and the Taelon Synod - The Resistance is back and if you thought you had problems dealing with it under my father, think again. We're going to be watching your actions very closely, and we aren't going to let you get away with hurting one more human being."

Joshua cut the transmission. Moments later, Renee, Liam, Street, Sydney, and Jarod entered. "So, how did I sound?"

"Like trouble - at least from a Taelon perspective," said Street.

Zo'or silently waved the datastream off and the entire bridge was engulfed by silence.

Sandoval stood uncomfortably on the side.

"Agent Sandoval, would you care to tell me exactly how a prisoner manages to escape and not one month later announces himself as leader of the Resistance?"

"Zo'or, it was your doctor who aided in Mr. Doors' escape." Sandoval calmly reminded him.

"Whom you should have been watching, need I remind you, Agent Sandoval."

"Zo'or," started Sandoval.

Zo'or made a motion that he should be silent and Sandoval knew he was in serious trouble. At that moment, two volunteers entered the bridge. "I am not interested in listening to your excuses. You should have apprehended him prior to this incident. You shall spend the next 24 hours in Mr. Doors' cell. Perhaps that will be sufficient motivation, for if you do not, you shall remain there - permanently."

At that, the two volunteers led an indignant and furious Agent Sandoval away, leaving Zo'or on the bridge, alone with his thoughts.

Zo'or smiled wickedly. He knew how to motivate these pathetic humans. Agent Sandoval would find Joshua Doors . . . of that he was certain, not that he really would have followed through on his threat. Agent Sandoval was far too valuable to get rid of, especially given the surprises he had for Mr. Doors when he was recaptured. Besides, Sandoval also presented a very convenient recepient of his wrath when these sorts of situations arose.

He switched the datastream back on, listening to Da'an's press conference. He had allowed Da'an to counter Doors' allegations because, though an annoyance, seemed to be trusted by many in humanity who did not trust the Taelons in general. He could scarcely believe the pathetic drivel that Da'an spoke, and hated it even more that Da'an truly believed in some of what he said. Working with humans? What a preposterous concept . . .

"We'll 'release' Sydney tomorrow." Joshua said. Seeing the look of obvious worry on Jarod's face, Joshua added, "Everything is going to work out."

"Thank you for all your help Joshua."

"You don't need to thank me, Jarod. It's no problem. I owe you my life." There was a pause, "Jarod, I was wondering if you would consider joining the Resistance. I could certainly use your help and to be perfectly honest, your Pretender abilities and intellect would be invaluable to us."

Jarod shook his head, "I can't Joshua."

Joshua's brow furrowed, "Why not?"

"For two reasons. First, I'm searching for my family. I . . . need to find them."

Joshua nodded, "Family is important. But you could work with us and use Resistance resources . . ."

"No, I can't. How can you be sure that anything I come up with, anything I do won't be used to kill? I've been down that road once before and I'm not traveling it again. I don't want any more blood on my hands." Jarod noticed that Joshua looked a bit hurt and continued, "It's not that I don't trust you Joshua. But you know as well as I do that even though you are the leader, you can't control all the elements of the Resistance, especially extreme factions."

Joshua nodded wordlessly.

"And I'll be more than happy to help you if you need it. But I have a feeling that you'll do fine."

"Well Jarod, I wish the answer had been yes, but I do understand why you can't. Would you still like me to use Resistance sources to see if I can find your family?" Jarod glanced up at Joshua in surprise. "That wasn't contingent on you joining, Jarod. I'd like to help if I could."

"You do know that they'll be hard to find? They've had to go deep underground to stay out of the Centre's reach."

Joshua shrugged, "So it'll take some time. Besides, Street will be on it and she's one of the best there is at finding information. Where will you go?"

"Wherever I'm needed. I don't know yet. So how does the world seem to take the news that you are really alive?"

"Curiosity mostly. They're comparing it to when my dad 'came back from the dead'. And we're already seeing an increase in membership. Don't know why. I'm not really doing anything special."

"Well, it's not every day people 'rise from the dead'."

Joshua rolled his eyes, "True, but still . . ." He paused, "Jarod, you know we'll have to be more careful communicating this time. Sandoval will use that again if he can."

"So will Miss Parker."

"When are you going to take off?" Joshua asked.

"Are you trying to get rid of me?" Jarod grinned.

"No, I just had a crazy idea. You know how they used us against each other?"

Jarod nodded.

"Well, if they can do it, then surely we can do it. Maybe give them a taste of their own medicine."

Jarod's face broke into a wide grin. "You know that they hate each other's guts, right?"

"That's the beauty of it . . . Besides, spending some time together might be good for them . . ." Joshua added grinning.

"I see you've been hanging around Jarod too long." Sydney said, startling both. They could see the amusement in his eyes, "But it does seem like a good idea. There is one piece of advice that I would offer, however."

They looked at him questioningly.

Sydney smiled, "Make sure they never catch either of you."