When Two Makes Three
 By Krystina Stressman

 "I do not believe Agent Grace Whitney's reasons for this pregnancy . . . How can it be possible for an Implant to have intercourse in the heat of the moment?" Zo'or asked the Taelon scientist before him.
 "Humans are primitive, but unique creatures. Perhaps their drive to procreate is stronger than we have anticipated," Ne'el replied.
 "Then, perhaps we should devise a little test to see if this is possible . . ." he replied, seeing Tara standing just outside the chamber apparently taking a call on her global. "And I believe I have at least one of the perfect test subjects."
 "The human body responds to pheromones . . . perhaps I can create something that will respond to certain DNA for an accurate test," the scientist replied, seeming to get slightly excited by this project.
 Suddenly, Agent Sandoval approached Agent Carmichael. He watched them for a moment. They way they interacted. It was formal, but they were together at frequent intervals. It would be perfect for this experiment.
 "I believe I also have our other test subject," he replied.

 Tara and Grace sat together in the little restaurant eating lunch. Grace appeared to not be very hungry as she pushed the pieces of her chicken around among the lettuce leaves. She was distracted and it wasn't hard to figure out by what.
 "Anyway, Zo'or is up to something . . . I can sense it, but I have no idea what that is," Tara explained. "He did give me a very strange look, though. One I did not like in the least . . . Grace?" she asked, realizing that nothing she had said had been heard by her friend.
 Grace then sat up straight and put her fork down. "I'm sorry . . . I just have a lot on my mind."
 "It's all right," she replied, sensing what Grace was going through emotionally. "I understand. You have lost your husband . . . again . . ."
 "But at least I have something of his," she replied with a bittersweet smile, gently patting her flat abdomen. She hadn't started to show yet.
 Tara sighed. She thought about how things would be once Grace had her baby. Things would become very difficult for them all . . . But she wanted Grace to be happy, and she knew that this baby would bring much happiness with it, more happiness than sorrow . . .
 Just then, her global chirped. Tara and Grace exchanged a hint of a smile and laugh. An Implant's work is never done, they joked each and every time their lunches were disturbed. Tara grabbed the global and opened it. Sandoval's face appeared.
 "Carmichael, meet me back at the Embassy. Zo'or requests our presence."
 "Understood. I'll be there in a jiff," she replied, closing the global and putting it away. "Well, looks like once again, I don't get to finish my Chicken Caesar Salad," she smiled.
 "As always," Grace replied.
 "I'll talk with you later, all right?"
 Grace nodded. "Have fun," she replied sarcastically.
 Tara cast her gaze to her friend and rolled her eyes. "Yes, just loads and loads of it! Ciao!"
 Within moments Tara was gone from the restaurant, leaving Grace to finish eating alone.

 Tara met Sandoval just outside of Zo'or's chamber. "Well, hello there, Agent Sandoval." she greeted, trying to be as pleasant as she could be. Since her arrival in the US they had not exactly hit it off.
 "Agent Carmichael," he replied with his usual coldness.
 "Do you have any idea what Zo'or wants?" she asked, just making conversation and trying to get an idea of what new task Zo'or wanted her to do.
 "It is not our place to question. We are here to do what they bid us to."
 She was not prepared for his abruptness and raised an eyebrow. She nodded in agreement, so that there would be no further comments, but suddenly as she walked by him and brushed against his shoulder, she was hit by a mental impression. He didn't believe what he had said. There were many emotions mixed together, but  suddenly she realized that he was putting on some kind of act himself. Before she could sort out any of the feelings, they were called into the chamber. Trying to push away all the confusing emotions running through her that weren't her own, she followed Sandoval in. She managed to fight the feelings off just as they had come to a stop before Zo'or. There was another Taelon present holding a tray. As Zo'or stood from his chair, he approached the Implants.
 "You both have shown incredible loyalty to me," Zo'or began.
 Immediately, the hairs on Tara's neck stood up at attention. A compliment? This wasn't like Zo'or, she thought.
 "I have decided to give you something as a show of my favor," he continued.
 Suddenly, the other Taelon stepped forward. On the tray were two, beautifully crafted pins of obvious Taelon design. Zo'or picked up one pin and placed it on Sandoval's lapel and took the other and place it on Tara's turtleneck. It stayed without the use of a pin. Pleased with himself, he took a step back.
 "These were designed by Va'ar. I am sure you are familiar with him."
 The Implants nodded.
 "They are lovely, Zo'or. Thank you," Tara replied. She had to keep up the act of being the perfect little Implant.
 "I would also like to give both of you the next two days off. My schedule is rather light, and I feel you both deserve the break."
 "Thank you, Zo'or," Sandoval replied.
 "Now you may go . . " he ordered.
 Just as quickly the Implants left, and were totally bewildered. Time off? A pin designed by Va'ar? Zo'or was definitely up to something, Tara thought. But she would enjoy the time off. Quickly, she went to her office, and grabbed her coat. But as she approached the front of the building, she saw Sandoval. He stood at the door, just looking out as if lost. It occurred to her that he didn't want to go home. He was . . . lonely and alone . . . The feelings were so clear, it was as if they were her own. Sighing, she approached him.
 "Sandoval . . ." she called out as she drew near.
 "Yes, Carmichael?" he replied.
 "Well, I have no plans and . . . I was wondering if you'd like to join me for dinner . . ." she explained. "I was going to The Tavern West . . ."
 "I don't know . . ." he replied.
 "Unless you have other plans . . ."
 "No," he replied quickly.
 "Then come join me . . ." she coaxed.

  The Tavern West was a simple, but very nice restaurant with a varied menu. The atmosphere was warm and soothing. The lighting dim. Candles on every table. Soft music in the background. Tables not too close to each other. All the furnishings were wood. There weren't any curtains on the windows. Instead there were shutters. Tara always felt as if she were stepping back in time a bit. As the odd couple entered, Tara was recognized by the Maitre'D and they were immediately shown to a table. The constant murmuring of other conversations drifted in the air.
 "So you must come here a lot," Sandoval said, as he watched her sip the water that had been place before her.
 "Well . . . I find that I don't have a lot of time to cook," she replied. "Do you find time for cooking, working so closely with Zo'or?"
 "No . . ." he admitted.
 It was hard for Tara to believe that she was actually having a pleasant conversation with Agent Sandoval. They talked about things unrelated to work and she was enjoying herself. Since the moment she had arrived to work under Zo'or, they had had an unfriendly alliance, grating on each other's nerves. She felt he was obsessive, and though she had never heard it from him, she knew he didn't trust her. Yet fate had brought them here . . .
 Unbeknownst to the pair, a panel in their pins moved. Vents opened, and a fine mist floated out, drifting on the air to the two. They were bio-engineered to affect the other person in ways that only two Taelons were aware of.
 As Tara and Sandoval finished their dinner and ended with a glass of wine, Tara was aware of a mental shift. She could sense Sandoval's attention on her in a way that it had never been before. Even her thoughts were wandering . . . becoming exotic and lustful. As each moment passed, the feeling grew. Before they even made it beyond the restaurant doors, their lips met.
 "This can't be happening," he said. "I haven't felt like this before . . . Not since my wife . . ."
 She had heard about his wife. And though she knew it was wrong, she couldn't seem to fight this feeling. ~Ryan . . . forgive me . . .~
 Giving in to each other and the feelings they now shared, they left the restaurant, each knowing what they wanted . . . what they desired.

 Consciousness came slowly to Tara. Her mind felt as if it were in a fog. Trying to clear it away, she became aware of an arm around her waist. She sighed contentedly and was about to drift back to sleep, except that the memories of the night before flooded her mind.
 "Oh my Lord . . ." she whispered, afraid to see who was with her. Could it have maybe been a bad dream, she hoped . . . But knowing better.
 She moved slightly and the arm moved away. As she turned around and sat up, she saw Sandoval gazing at her intently. She pulled the covers up around her, not that they shielded anything since they shared the covers of her bed.
 "I don't believe this . . " she whispered.
 "Nor do I," he replied, also pushing himself up to sit beside her.
 "I don't act like this . . . I . . . " But she had no more words.
 In an action that took her by surprise, he reached over and caressed her cheek. "I never allowed myself to see how beautiful you are . . . But we shouldn't allow this to happen again . . ."
 "I agree," Tara replied, barely above a whisper. After all, what was Ryan going to do when he found out . . .
 As she became lost in her thoughts, Sandoval got up and dressed. He could see how distressed she was, though he didn't know by what, and went to her. Kneeling before her, he looked into her green eyes. "The Taelons won't find out about this . . . I promise you . . . "
 "Thank you," she replied. She couldn't tell him that the Taelons finding out was the least of her problems.
 "If you'd like, I'll get us some coffee. I smell some brewing in your kitchen . . ."
 "I'd like that."
 "Cream and sugar, right?"
 She nodded. He had seen her grab coffee at work enough times to know. As he left the room, she let a single tear fall, before regaining her composure and going to the bathroom to shower. But as the warm water hit her, she was confused. Sandoval was showing her a side to himself she had never seen . . . and offering to keep secrets from the Taelons? Was this some kind of set-up from Zo'or, she wondered. But his feelings were genuine. Since their accidental brush with each other, she had been able to sense his feelings, fairly clearly. This wasn't an act. Whatever happened last night had meant something to him, and what it meant for her was a ton of confusion. Why had it happened at all, she wondered. Within minutes, she was done. She swiftly dried off and dressed in rose-colored pants and a cream colored sweater. Sandoval met her in the front room with her coffee as he carried his own.
 "So what are your plans today?" he asked.
 "I really don't know," she replied, "I rarely know what to do with myself on days off. But I do have some marketing to do . . ."
 He looked down at his coffee for a moment. "Would you mind if I dropped by later? Perhaps I can return the favor for dinner . . ."
 Not wanting to cause any suspicions, she agree. After their coffee, he took his leave of her, and as the door shut behind him, the tears came. What made things worse was that she was beginning to have feelings for him . . . What had happened? Without thought to the time, she sobbed, letting out all the confusion she felt.

 An hour later, the door bell rang. Slowly, she dragged herself off the couch. Though the tears had stopped, her eyes were still swollen and red. Trying to make herself look as presentable as possible, she went to the door and looked out the peephole. It was Ryan . . . He'd been told of her day off, no doubt . . . Slowly, she opened the door to him and immediately she was hit by his concerned stare.
 "Hey I heard that you . . . are you all right?"
 Without saying a word, she embraced him, the tears starting again . . .
 Gently, he guided her inside and shut the door. He lifted her chin and looked into her tear swollen eyes. "What happened . . . ?"
 "Just hold me, Ryan . . . please . . . no questions . . . not right now . . . "

 By the early afternoon, Ryan was gone. She hadn't told him about her previous night's escapades, but knew that sooner or later she'd have to tell him. She felt guilty. It ripped at her heart, and yet, it was as if she were no longer in control of herself. At 4:00pm a bouquet of long stemmed, pink roses arrive for her. She had hoped that they'd be from Ryan, but in her heart she knew otherwise. The card read,

  "To a woman who has given me back a piece of my soul . . ."

 She placed the roses in a large vase and smelled their delicate scent. Part of her was thrilled by the flowers and the note . . . the part that had let things go too far the night before. The other part was afraid she would lose her mind and lose Ryan . . .
 As 6:00pm approached, she slipped into a green velvet dress that came to just below her knees. It sported long sleeves with a sweetheart neckline. She placed her hair back in a matching green velvet haircomb, the natural curls flowing behind her. Just as she dotted perfume on her neckline the door bell rang. She knew it was Sandoval. As she was about to head for the door, her eyes spotted the pin Zo'or had given her. It was beautiful and would be the perfect accent. She put it on and headed for the door. As it opened, she saw Sandoval standing there wearing a handsome, dark suit. He too, wore the pin he had been given.
 She put on her best smile. "Good evening, Sandoval . . ."
 "I think you can call me Ron now," he said returning her smile.
 "Ron . . ." she echoed.
 Suddenly, his global chirped. They both exchanged quick glances of concern as he pulled out the global and answered it. It was Zo'or.
 "Yes, Zo'or?" Sandoval asked, his previous warm appearance gone. The Implant, once again cold, faced the Taelon on the screen.
 "I am checking on you," he said. "Is Agent Carmichael with you?"
 "Yes, Zo'or," he replied, "Do you need us for anything?"
 "No . . . Report to me after your time off is up. We will discuss what you are to do then."
 "Very well, Zo'or," Sandoval said, ending the transmission and placing the global back in his pocket.
 Flags of alarm were going off in Tara's head. Zo'or was acting so out of character for his arrogant self. he didn't care about humans, period, including his Implants . . . why would he care about them suddenly? She just didn't understand. She could sense Ron felt the same way.
 Suddenly, again, without their knowledge, the vents opened on the pins once more. The mist of pheromones drifted to the unknowing couple.
 "I swear that Taelon gets stranger by the moments," she replied, her guard down.
 "I agree," Ron replied.
 "So where are we going for dinner?" she asked.
 "The Greek Terrace," he replied, "We have a reservation at 7:30pm."
 "Then we have some time," she replied, a warm sensation floating through her body. "Would you care for a glass of wine? I have a bottle of chilled White Zinfandel . . ."
 "That sounds great."
 As she went to the kitchen to pour the glasses, she spotted the bouquet she had placed on the kitchen table. "By the way, thank you for the roses . . . they're beautiful," she called out.
 Suddenly she jumped as she heard his voice behind her. "I thought you would like them," he replied. "And I meant what I wrote."
 She could feel his arms go around her waist. It was happening again and she couldn't control it. She wasn't even sure she wanted to. Giving in, she turned around to face him. She gazed into his dark eyes as he caressed her face . . .
 "What's happening to us?" she asked.
 "I don't know . . ." he whispered, "Maybe an answer to a prayer . . ."
 He kissed her and the rest of the room faded away . . .

 The following day, Sandoval and Tara spent it together. They didn't leave her house. They talked and snuggled among other things . . . Tara had no other way to describe what was happening, except that perhaps this was the Lord's doing. But somehow that didn't seem quite right. As the day turned to night, Ron left her with a kiss. They both had to report to Zo'or in the morning and at some point, Tara would have to talk to Ryan . . . He would hate her. He would never trust her again. After all,  she couldn't even trust herself . . .
 As she tried to sleep, her dreams were haunted by images of Zo'or laughing at her, no matter what she did. She was a puppet on a string and he was pulling the strings. She woke with a start as her alarm went off. Swiftly, she showered, dressed and headed to the Embassy where Zo'or would be waiting for her and Sandoval. She only hoped that they weren't heading for the mother ship. She wanted to stay as close to home as possible.
 Driving to work, the images from her dreams came back to haunt her. Could Zo'or be responsible somehow? No . . . she reason. Why would he want to do that to Implants . . . ? Still, her thoughts were so confused she had no idea which way was even up. She arrived at the Embassy, parked her car and entered. The pin shining brightly on her blue sweater. As she reached Zo'or's chamber, she saw Ron waiting. He looked impeccably dressed. He also wore the pin he was given. Glancing at her, he winked, knowing no one noticed. He then turned into the cold Sandoval she was use to seeing. Swiftly, she steeled herself the same way. Within moments they were ushered into the room.
 "I plan on going to the Mother Ship. I will be meeting with several scientists and members of the Synod. You both will accompany me."
 ~No . . . not the Mother Ship . . .~ she dreaded.
 Suddenly, she was hit with a headache and her right hand flew to her temple. Though she could sense Sandoval's concern, he remained motionless.
 "Zo'or, may I request permission to see a physician? I don't usually have headaches, but suddenly . . . "
 "Very well," he replied. "Agent Sandoval, you will accompany me. Agent Carmichael, you may go."
 As Tara left the chamber, her headache became worse. She tried forcing it aside but it didn't work. Somehow, she made it to the Human-Taelon Medical Facility where she was lucky enough to see Dr. Belman.
 "You wouldn't believe what has been going on these last two days and now this . . ." Tara explain.
 As Dr. Belman ran some tests she could tell that more was going on with Tara. "So what do you mean about these last two days? What's been going on?"
 Tara explained about Zo'or's surprising little gift and the unexpected time off and ultimately about Agent Ronald Sandoval. She was relieved to at least have told someone, but she was still upset and confused. The headache didn't help.
 "Well, I can't find any direct cause for your headache. However, I can give you something for the pain . . . but it does look like you've been exposed to a great quantity of something . . . Let me run a sample of your blood."
 Tara agreed. As she waited for the results, Ryan showed up.
 "I guess you still aren't feeling too well, huh?" he asked.
 She nodded. "There's something I need to tell you . . . but I don't know how to say it . . ."
 "Just tell me. Whatever it is I'll understand . . . " he coaxed.
 "No you won't," she replied, "Because I don't understand it . . . I . . . I . . ." Tears stung her eyes. She was very glad for the private exam room. "I have done something that you will absolutely hate me for . . ."
 He smirked. "There's nothing in this world that would make me hate you . . ."
 "Yes, there is . . . I . . . slept with someone else . . ."
 She saw the surprised hurt in his eyes. She had expected it, and though it hurt her as well, she felt, it was better to get it over with than to try to hide the truth. So that they could grieve and get on with their separate lives . . .
 "I know it doesn't mean much, but for whatever reason, the encounters were completely uncontrollable . . ."she explained, turning her gaze away.
 "Who was it?" he demanded.
 "Why does that matter?" she asked. "I told you you'd hate me . . . Let's just leave it at that."
 "Who?!" he demanded again.
 "Special Agent Ronald Sandoval," Dr. Belman interjected from the doorway. "But it wasn't her doing alone."
 "What do you mean?" Tara asked.
 "Well, it seems that you have a high concentration of pheromones that have been genetically altered to respond to your brain," she explained. "I suspect that Zo'or must have set you up somehow." She suddenly noticed the pin. "You did say he gave you and Sandoval each one of these," she said.
 Tara nodded.
 She quickly scanned it and it came up with almost the same genetic pheromones that she had in her system, only altered slightly. Tara's pin was set up to entice Sandoval . . .
 "Look here," Dr. Belman said.
 Tara and Ryan both observed the readings.
 "But why would he do that?" Tara asked.
 "Why does Zo'or do anything?" she asked.
 "I don't believe this . . ." Ryan replied. "All this stuff about pheromones . . . It can't make you have sex . . ."
 Dr. Belman nodded. "Are you interested in a little challenge then?"
 "What do you mean?"
 "Stay here, and I'll have some of this concoction duplicated, but for your DNA and then you can see first hand what it does."
 He looked to Tara. She was already sure that he hated her. It was obvious she wasn't even going to look at him. And he was hurt. There was no denying that . . . But if it were uncontrollable, then maybe . . . maybe he could try to get over the hurt . . .
 "Fine," he replied. "Make it . . . we'll see what happens . . ."
 Tara looked to him in disbelief. "You don't have to do this," she whispered. "You can just leave . . ."
 "But then I won't have any facts to back up what I feel. I'd rather know if I'm right, or if the good doctor here is right."
 Tara didn't know how to respond as the Doctor left the room. She felt so bad for having hurt Ryan. The last thing in the world that she ever would have done was hurt him, since he had helped her through so much pain . . . And here he was, trying to give her this chance, instead of just leaving. The tears started flowing again. Tenderly, she felt hands on her shoulders. Ryan was behind her.
 "I never would have hurt you . . . never . . ." she whispered.

 Three weeks had passed since Tara's episodes with Ron and Ryan. Though Ryan had forgiven her, there were still too many unresolved feelings on both sides . . . including her feelings for Sandoval. They had decided to try to work things out, but for the moment, they were going to give each other space. Space that Tara needed. Seeing Ron almost every day didn't help her. When their gazes met, something always seemed to pass between them. So when her stomach started knotting in the mornings, and she would continue to be nauseous during the rest of the day, she thought it was nerves.
 Finally her and Grace had a chance to get together for lunch again. They went to the same little place where Tara ordered her Chicken Caesar Salad. Grace had ordered Teriyaki chicken. As the food was brought to the table, the smell hit Tara will full force and her hand flew to her mouth.
 "I don't feel so good suddenly," she said to Grace and dashed to the women's bathroom. Once there, she splashed water on her face. As the wave of nausea past, she went back to the table only to be hit by the same smells. "I think I need some air . . . quickly," she said, "I'm sorry."
 She then made her way outside and took a deep breath. She'd never experienced anything like that before. Within minutes, Grace was at her side.
 "Are you okay?"
 "No . . ." Tara replied, "I haven't been okay for the last three weeks . . ."
 "What's been going on? I know that you wanted to talk to me . . ." Grace said, softly, knowing her friend was upset.
 As Tara went into the whole story, things began clicking for Grace.
 "How long have you been nauseous?" she asked.
 "Oh . . . I don't know," Tara replied. "It started three days ago . . . It's horrible. It lasts all day, and now, not being able to sit down for a meal . . . The stress is getting to be too much for me, I think . . ."
 "Uh, Tara . . . are you late for something?" Grace asked.
 It took a moment for the meaning to dawn on her. When she did, her whole body withered to a bench in front of the restaurant. "Oh, no . . . no . . . It can't be . . ."
 Grace sat down next to her. "I think you need to see Dr. Belman . . ."

 "You're pregnant," Dr. Belman confirmed. "About three weeks . . ."
 Tara's eyes welted up with tears. "Then it could be either Ron's or Ryan's baby . . ." she despaired.
 "Well, I could do a DNA test to find out for sure . . ."
 "No . . ." Tara replied. "I . . . couldn't handle the answer at the moment . . ."
 "I take it that this is an unwanted pregnancy."
 Tara sighed, "Let's just say it was very unexpected."
 "We could abort the baby -"
 "That's not an option . . . not for me . . . Regardless of who the father is, God chose to give this life to me, and for whatever reason, I will love this child with all my heart . . . even if I am very unhappy about the circumstances . . ."
 "You'll have to tell Zo'or immediately."
 Tara nodded.
 

 Later that day, she stood before Zo'or, keeping her calm facade in place, though on the inside her emotions were in turmoil.
 "Zo'or, I am afraid that I have become pregnant," Tara announced to the imperious Taelon seated before her. "I will be keeping this child . . ."
 The Taelon gazed at her. "Very well . . . Have Dr. Belman advise me on proper protocol of your condition . . . We do not want anything happening to you or your child, since you are such a valued Implant."
 Tara hid a shudder at the reference. She could sense Sandoval wanting to glance at her, to say something, but he didn't. He remained calm, and cold. Their disguises were in place. As they were dismissed from the chamber, he grabbed her arm.
 "You're pregnant?" he asked quietly.
 She nodded.
 "The baby is mine, then?"
 "I . . . don't know . . ." she replied. "I don't want to know . . . not yet . . ."
 Ron looked around to make sure there were no watching eyes. "Let's grab a cup of coffee where we can talk without prying eyes and ears."
 Tara again nodded, and was surprise about how wrong she had been about Sandoval when she had first met him. Though she wouldn't share her life story with him, he deserved to be a part of her life . . . a carefully chosen part . . . But would she be able to handle the contact and what would Ryan think . . . All she knew was that if this baby was Ron's, then he had a right to know . . . To know the baby and to know her . . .

 "Our experiment was successful," Zo'or told Ne'el.
 "Then the test subjects played out the scenario as planned?"
 "Yes . . . and that is a good thing for Agent Whitney . . ." Zo'or replied, thinking about the fact that there were now two Implants baring children in the employ of the Taelons. Perhaps these children would serve a future use, he reasoned. He would have to keep this experiment in mind, in case it became useful in other ways. Which was sure to happen in the future, with the Jaridians approaching.