Deception

***

Zo'or glanced quickly down the hall. He had thought he had heard that familiar, but unwelcome steps of his fellows. Thankfully there was no one. He turned his attention back to the datastream projected out in front of him. The task was completed. A sneer played on his face as he went over his plan again in his mind. It was perfect! Now that he had finished tampering with the Mother Ships computers, and directed the fault toward the Resistance, the Synod would have no choice but to enslave humanity! The Taelon Agenda would be preserved. Zo'or waved the datastream off, and crept discreetly out of the room.

***

The lights flickered slightly in Quo'on's chambers and he looked up at them curiously. He waved his datastream on, and the head of Taelon Engineering, La'sha materialized into view. The timid Taelon was obviously startled, as he bowed his head and quickly gave the Taelon Salute. "Quo'on!" , He sputtered out, "What may I do for you?"

"Are you having problems in your area?" Quo'on said as he glanced up again at the failing lights, "The lighting in my chambers appears to be going out."

"We are experiencing slight problems," La'sha paused to type something on a console, However, the lighting seems to be the only thing affected."

"What has caused this?"

"I am not positive. It is most likely just a program error. If that is the case, I will have it fixed within a half hour of Earth time."

"Very well. Report to me personally if there are any complications." La'sha nodded his affirmative, and Quo'on waved his datastream off.

***

Boone hastily grabbed a disk of security arrangements, and practically flew out of the room. He was supposed to be at Da'an's Audience Chamber ten minutes ago! Instead, he had carelessly let his mind wander in and out of memories via the CVI. Just picturing Da'an's look of disapproval made him cringe. He slowed down his pace as he entered presence. Da'an was standing near the window, which afforded his an excellent view of the city and it's inhabitants. Tilting his head slightly, he shot a look of annoyance at Boone. "You are late Commander." Da'an stated as he glared at Boone from the corner of his eyes.

"I apologize, it won't happen again." Boone found it impossible to meet Da'an's eyes, and instead looked at his hands, which were idly dancing in the air.

Da'an slowly made his way to his chair and settled down in it. He motioned for Boone to come to his side. Boone walked briskly over. "Apology accepted. I assume you have the security arrangements prepared for Ja'els' visit?" He enquired.

"Yes Da'an, they are all on this disk if you wish to look them over." Boone held it out.

"I am positive we will be quite safe in your most capable hands, Commander." Da'an replied in a mocking tone, eyes twinkling in amusement. Boone was surprised at Da'ans' sudden mood change, and attributed it to Ja'el's visit, the two Taelons seemed very close.

He was slightly confused at what to reply with, so simply said, "Thank you."

Da'an seemed pleased he had confused his implant. "You are dismissed." He said, eyes still twinkling. Boone bowed his head slightly, and left the room.

***

La'sha made his way to Quo'on's chambers. His hands fidgeted with each other which betrayed the turmoil of his mind. He entered the high ranking Taelons' room, to find him reclined in his chair, resting. La'sha stood respectively at the entrance. After a few minutes, Quo'on sat up, and gave the Taelon Salute, which La'sha returned. "I assume there have been further complications?" Quo'on said gently, aware of La'sha's shy personality.

"Yes Quo'on" La'sha replied quickly, but unsteadily.

Quo'on realized after a few minutes that La'sha would need prompting. "What is the nature of these complications?"

La'sha seemed to get a sudden burst of courage, perhaps because he would talk of his field of expertise, and answered more confidently, "I quickly found it was not a program error." La'sha paused to gather his thoughts, "An unknown source has apparently infiltrated our main computer. I have attempted to trace the origin of these tamperings, and have theorized it to be of Resistance derivation."

"You cannot confirm these findings?"

"It will be definite within the next hour."

***

Boone waited for Ja'el to emerge from the shuttle and was surprised when he stepped from it alone.

Ja'el seemed to recognize his confusion and said, "Jennifer had business to attend to which required our shuttle pilot." Boone nodded slightly and turned to lead the way to Da'ans' Audience Chamber. Ja'el walked silently beside him. As they passed the garden, however, Ja'el suddenly said, "Da'ans' garden is very lovely, don't you agree?"

"Yes," Boone smiled, "He spends much of his free time there."

Ja'el smiled back, "Da'an has his garden, I have my ocean shore."

Boone suddenly had an overpowering urge to laugh at the image of a Taelon splashing through waves and building sand castles. He was saved only by entering Da'ans' audience chamber.

Boone was instantly forgotten as Ja'el moved towards Da'an. Da'an stepped down from his chair to greet his North American Companion counterpart. The two gave each other the Taelon Salute, and then seemed to communicate by mind only. Boone realized he would give much to hear what they were saying, especially since they would both frequently glance at him.

The silent communion was brought to a quick close, as Quo'on appeared on the datastream. "I regret I must bring your visit to an end." Quo'on stated.

Ja'el looked annoyed and said, "May I inquire why this action is taking place?"

"I too wish to know." Da'an said, but not with nearly as much defiance as Ja'els' tone had.

After a short glance at Ja'el, Quo'on said bluntly, "The mother ship is in danger, and the Resistance is the cause."

Boone literally did a double take. 'What?' he thought, 'Quo'on has to be mistaken, Doors would have let me in on this.' It was Da'an who voiced the questions on his mind. "Can you be sure of this?"

"La'sha has traced the damage. The Resistance profiles are recognizable."

"How is the mother ship in danger?" Ja'el asked quietly, the insubordinate tone had vanished.

"Life support systems are at 68%, and inter-dimensional flight has also been disabled. I have already commenced evacuation."

"Evacuation?!" Boone blurted out, unable to contain himself.

All three Taelons turned to look at him, they seemed to just have noticed his presence.

"Yes, to our base upon your moon." It was Ja'el who answered his question.

"Will La'sha be able to repair the problem?" Da'an asked, rather shakily.

"It appears not, La'sha has required your presence Da'an."

"My presence?" It was Da'ans' turn to look surprised. "May I ask why this is?"

"It is his belief that since the Resistance is most active in your protectorate, you would be familiar with some of their techniques which might give us an advantage in stopping the further spread of these tamperings."

Da'an nodded. "Yes, I see the logic of this action. I will require Commander Boone, as he also has much knowledge of the Resistance."

"Granted. I will allow one half hour to gather any necessary items." With that, Quo'on disappeared.

Da'an looked at Ja'el. "Take good care of our protectorate while I am gone Ja'el." Da'an said in a teasing tone.

Ja'el gave a little half smile. "I will." The he continued in a more quiet manner, "Be careful Da'an, for you know the Resistance can be very crafty in their ways."

"Do not worry for my well being Ja'el." Da'an replied in the same manner. The two Taelons clasped hands for a brief moment, then Ja'el left.

Da'an turned to Boone, who was watching all of this with some interest. "I suppose you would like to ready yourself for our trip?"

"Yes Da'an. I'll meet you back here in a half hour." Boone had a certain Mr. Doors he needed to give a piece of his mind to.

***

End of Part 1

***