Crosscurrents

Post to archives is encouraged as long as my name and title stay with the story.

 Author's Note: Beware of spoilers. You should read all of my previous stories up through "Bundle of Joy," and also "The Arrival - Parts 1 through 3," before reading "Crosscurrents."

 Please feel free to use any of my characters for your own fanfictions, but keep their name and status quo as is in "Crosscurrents," and please tell me so I can read your story.

 Summary: Presidential pandemonium breaks out when Yo'og, a Taelon diplomat, makes history after he becomes the first Taelon to run for President of the United States of America. Yo'og's only challenger, an anti-Taelon activist named Harold Burnett, will stop at nothing to slander his opponent's image.

 This story is the part of my "alternate universe" EFC series. My alternate universe EFC series begins immediately following my story "Bundle of Joy," and contains numerous aspects not found on the actual show.

 Special thanks goes to Brown Unicorn (aka Browny) for allowing me to use her characters of Ja'an, Julie, Agent Mike Stansfield, En'ley, and Mah'rie in this story. These characters can be found in more of Browny's stories. Please ask permission from Browny or any other author before using their characters in your stories.

 All of my stories take place in an EFC universe that is basically similar to that of the actual series, but with a lot of my own characters and ideas blended into it. For this reason, please remember that my story arcs and plots will not always be completely accurate with those of the other fanfiction authors whose characters I sometimes use in my own fanfiction, or of the actual series.
 
 

    * * *

     "I hereby announce my candidacy for President of the United States of America."
    A deep, harmonious Taelon voice spoke into a microphone, the vocals echoing grandly. The crowd responded with loud, enthusiastic cheers and applause.
    "I cannot believe this! Has this whole damn country gone to hell already?!" Jonathan Doors pounded his fist down on a nearby table.
    The entire Resistance was crowded around a television monitor in their headquarters, watching breathlessly with the rest of the nation. Yo'og, a Taelon diplomat, had called a press conference to launch his presidential campaign. He was the first Taelon to ever do so. Yo'og presently worked at the United Nations. He'd served there for the past four years, originally as an assistant to Zo'or during Zo'or's assignment as Companion to the United Nations, and more recently, to Go'el who had taken over for Zo'or as the U.N. Companion.
    "Calm down, Doors," reasoned Liam Kincaid. "Yo'og has to actually win the election first."
    "Doors has a point," brought up Lili Marquette. "I mean, we haven't even had a woman as president of our country yet. How can we be thinking of electing a Taelon?!"
    "Let's just be thankful that it isn't a Kneeloi who's running," Colonel Angie Truman grumbled. "The way they have Americans wrapped around their scaly little alien fingers . . ."
    "This is ridiculous!" Doors smacked his hand against his forehead. "I'd rather have that sleazy Bill Clinton back as president than one of those Taelon freaks! . . ."
    "On my world, we didn't have presidents," Maiya recalled. "Just rulers. It made things a whole lot simpler."
    "I'll bet," commented Lili.
    "Let's listen up," William Boone urged all of them. "I want to hear this."
    On the screen, Yo'og was shown standing atop the stage, joining hands with his running mate, Maria Rodriguez. A member of the newly-formed Taelonist party for humanitarian purposes, Rodriguez had always been an ardent supporter of Da'an as she believed that universal peace between Taelons and humans should be attained.
    "You know, I just realized," spoke up Truman, "Yo'og would be our first president who is a member of the Taelon political party."
    "Well of course the Taelonists would nominate him, he's a Taelon!" shouted Jonathan Doors. "Do you think Yo'og is going to run under the Republican ticket or something?!"
    The local news anchors proceeded to comment on the situation.
    "Well," stated one of the anchormen on the TV screen, "this is certainly a unique scenario. I'll tell you, after 32 years in journalism this is the LAST thing I would have expected to see! A Taelon in the White House!"
    "Yes, apparently President Daniel Thompson has announced that he will NOT seek re-election," the anchorwoman responded. "Being such an avid endorser of the Taelons during his administration, it seems only logical that Yo'og will have President Thompson's vote."
    "Not to mention public support from Da'an, our nation's Companion," the first anchor added in.
    "Da'an!" Boone suddenly realized. "We need to ask Da'an about Yo'og, to see if he feels that Yo'og is a trustworthy being."
    "We can't trust him, Boone!" insisted Doors. "Yo'og is a Taelon, and Taelons cannot be trusted! That's all there is to it!"
    "We'll see about that," William Boone nullified, folding his arms.
    "I'm sure glad it isn't a Kneeloi who's running . . ." reiterated Truman.

    * * *

     "All right! This is more like it!" Jonathan Doors clapped his hands together with enthusiasm.
    There on the television screen was Harold Burnett, president of the National Humanity Association, an anti-Taelon patriotism group that held the human race in superior regard. Mr. Burnett had just announced his presidential candidacy, the first candidate to openly challenge Yo'og for the presidency. Both the Democrat and the Republican parties were split between support and opposition for Yo'og and the Taelon race in general. Since Yo'og was running under the Taelonist ticket, he was considered a third-party candidate. The Republicans and Democrats were so deeply divided within their own parties that they were unable to agree on, and therefore nominate, their own candidates for the presidential primary.
    Furthermore, Jonathan's own son, Joshua Doors, was running with Harold Burnett as the vice-presidential candidate. Harold Burnett and Joshua Doors were running as Independents, and had received a large financial donation for their campaign from the NHA.
    "I always knew that boy would be useful someday!" hooted Doors, in reference to his son.
    Harold Burnett's face dominated the television screen. He had a sturdy chin, silvery graying hair, serious brown eyes, and spoke in a thick Southern accent, as his homestate was South Carolina. Burnett and the junior Doors were being interviewed on a D.C. political talk show, "Politichat." The show was hosted by syndicated political columnist Edward Chu.
    "Now Mr, Burnett," the Asian "Politichat" host began, "what motivated you to throw your hat into the ring for this year's presidential race?"
    "This country was founded by humans," Burnett bluntly stated, "not Taelons! Americans don't deserve a president who hails from outer space!"
    "The Taelons have also failed to be completely upfront with the American public," added in Joshua Doors. "They have performed top secret experiments on humans, and then outright denied it when confronted. These aliens are blatant and habitual manipulators of the truth. Haven't we already experienced enough problems with honesty from past presidents?"
    "And you even suspect Da'an as being 'manipulative'?" challenged Edward Chu.
    "Da'an is a Taelon too," Joshua pointed out. "There's no doubt that he's helping to cover up their ulterior agenda."
    "That's my boy!" Jonathan pumped his fist in the air.
    "Whoa there, hang on to your dentures, Jonny," cautioned Augur. "I wouldn't break out the bubbly quite yet. The election is far from over. Yo'og will probably be wheeling out his big political guns soon."
    "Well, then we'll just have to create some PR 'waves' for Yo'og's campaign, won't we?" cackled the senior Doors.
    Boone frowned as he stared at the TV. "Harold and Joshua are taking a big gamble by speaking out against the Taelons."
    "Yeah," agreed Liam. "Public support for the Companions is immense. Burnett is really going to have to mesmerize Americans in order to win at the voting booths."
    "I'm not sure I want him as president." Lili critically eyed Burnett on the screen. "There's something about that man that's just 'not quite right'."
    "What, and miss the chance to see your boy-toy become vice-president?" Augur deviously teased Lili. "Aw Lili, you could soon be Second Lady, my dear!"
    "Augur! Joshua is NOT my 'boy-toy'! We've only been out together on a few dates, nothing serious." Lili gave Augur a scolding slap, but yet, couldn't help but laugh a little bit herself.
    "Boone, Kincaid, I want you two to interrogate Ffuga for information," Jonathan Doors demanded. "Find out how the Kneeloi feel about American politics and Yo'og's candidacy. Who do they support? I want to know whether or not these Kneeloi people are going to be robotic yesmen to the Companions, or otherwise."
    "Boone and I will speak to Ffuga about it tomorrow when we go to his embassy," Liam volunteered.
    "Though I highly doubt that the Kneeloi are involved in this," reasoned Boone. "They've got a whole new planet to become accustomed to. I think a minor matter on the minds of the Kneeloi elders is the American presidential election."
    "Oh, I don't know about that," Lili speculated. "The United States is a pretty powerful country and the Kneeloi know that. They're likely going to take some interest in who becomes our country's next president - - especially if that individual is anti-Kneeloi."
    "All the more reason for you to find out from Ffuga how their race feels about this," the Resistance billionaire voiced. "We know very little about their species and what motivates them. I suspect they're just as diabolical and scheming as the Taelons." Doors raised his fist declaratively. "Everyone, it's time to take back our planet!"

    * * *

     "I would be very pleased if you would supply me with information pertaining to this American presidential . . . competition in your country," Ffuga requested to Commander Boone and Major Kincaid. The amiable, green-skinned Kneeloi ambassador to the United States had taken a special fondness for Liam and Boone.
    Boone had to laugh at Ffuga's reference of the American presidential race as a "competition." Although strangely enough, Ffuga was correct. American politics had turned into an ugly mess of discombobulated backbiting and partisan slander. Nevertheless, the Kneeloi were still relatively new to Earth and there was still much for them to learn about the way humans act.
    "It's basically all about winning," Boone clarified. "The Republicans all want to control the country and the Democrats all want to control the country . . . our entire political system has turned into a commercialized who-knows-who smorgasbord of thick-headed propaganda.
    "The two major political parties - - the Democrats and the Republicans - - have each recently become divided within themselves over whether or not to support the Taelon race," added Liam. The Kimera/human looked directly at Ffuga. "As much as I hate to say it, the arrival of your Kneeloi race has only further complicated matters."
    "I see." An expression of concern spread over Ffuga's face. "It appears as though the United States is undergoing a state of turmoil."
    "That's an understatement," declared Boone.
    As the three of them sat conversing in Ffuga's embassy quarters, Angie entered the chamber from her post outside the room's entrance.
    "Ffuga, President Thompson is on the phone," Colonel Truman informed her superior.
    The green Kneeloi activated his large picture screen that acted as an enlarged global. President Thompson's face appeared on the monitor.
    "Ffuga, I assume you've heard the news of Yo'og's run for the American presidency?"
    "I have, President Thompson."
    "Well I am helping to endorse Yo'og's candidacy. I was wondering if I could get a statement from you to publicize . . ."
    "No comment," grinned Ffuga. "Forgive me, President Thompson, but I am not personally acquainted with Yo'og, nor do I have much knowledge of your presidential system. As it so happens, Commander Boone and Major Kincaid are here with me at this very moment, explaining the fundamentals of American politics to me. I still have much to learn about this topic."
    "Oh, well, of course, Ffuga. I didn't mean to interrupt," the president apologized. "I'll leave you to talk now. Thank you for your time."
    "My pleasure, President Thompson."
    Ffuga then cut the link and turned back to Boone and Liam. "I suppose it would be wise for me to familiarize myself with American politics."
    "This is a very unusual time in our country right now," Liam explained. "The Democrats and Republicans were not able to reach any consensus within their respective parties as to who to nominate for president."
    "Nothing like this has ever happened before in our nation," remarked Boone. "And since the 31st Amendment to the Constitution granted full citizenship rights to all Taelons residing within the United States, Yo'og is technically eligible to run for president."
    "You see, the 29th Amendment changed the qualifications for presidency," elaborated Liam. "It stipulated that any U.S. citizen, no matter how long they've lived in the United States, may run for president as long as they've attained citizenship."
    "The 29th and 31st Amendments combined allow Yo'og to make a valid and constitutional presidential run," Boone stated.
    "I have studied America's Constitution," confirmed Ffuga, "but hearing these words form both of you somehow puts the situation in a more . . . realistic perspective."
    "From what Da'an tells me, Yo'og sounds as though he's a pretty good candidate for the White House," Liam commented.
    "But Liam, there is something you must understand about Da'an," spoke up William Boone. "Da'an can be a bit . . . biased when it comes to the defense of his fellow Taelons, unless it is one who is on the extreme end of the spectrum, such as Zo'or."
    "I know that," crackled Liam, sounding a little bit irritated. "Really, Boone, I've been around Da'an for over four months now. I think I know him pretty well."
    "But I have known him longer," Boone reminded Liam. "I have shared with him."
    "So have I," negated Liam.
    That was quite a surprise to Boone. "When?" he asked, crossing his eyes. Boone hadn't thought that Liam and Da'an had ever become THAT close.
    "A short while ago," recalled Liam. "He showed me psychic flashbacks of the Taelons' past conflicts with the Hegawuds."
    Boone frowned.
    Ffuga was listening to the two men very intently. "Please do not quarrel," the alien pleaded. "William, Liam, you both make fine protectors and are each wonderful beings. I am positive that Da'an would say the same."
    Boone and Liam let the issue rest and made peace with each other . . . for the moment.

    * * *

     "A vote for Yo'og is a vote for humanity!"
    Anita LaQuicksilver, who was functioning as one of Yo'og's campaign managers, aggressively shoved a campaign endorsement button in the face of a passer-by. She was distributing pins and trinkets to fire up a crowd waiting at a campaign rally for Yo'og and Rodriguez. The two running mates were holding their first major public gathering at Chevolleau Gardens, a large and scenic city park near downtown Washington D.C.
    "Support the universe - - vote Yo'og!" hawked Anita, jumping in front of another pedestrian. She handed him a Taelon beanie-baby that resembled Yo'og.
    "Anita, what are you doing?" demanded Lili, marching up to the agent. Lili was working as part of Yo'og's security personnel that afternoon.
    "I'm just dreaming up some free publicity for our future Companion president," Anita grinned. "Here, have a Yo'og beanie-baby!" She tossed the beanbag-doll into Lili's arms, and then commenced with confronting more people. "A vote for Yo'og is a vote for humanity . . ."
    Lili rolled her eyes.
    Boone and Sandoval were on the stage that had been set up in the middle of the park, guarding Yo'og, Da'an, Zo'or, Go'el, and Maria Rodriguez. Other staff members of the Yo'og/Rodriguez election team sat on folding chairs atop the platform as well. A podium and microphone had been set up at the very front of the stage facing the crowd. Down below, Liam was patrolling the audience. Major Kincaid wore a wired walkie-talkie device through which he could communicate to Agent Sandoval and Commander Boone.
    A sizable number of audience members had already gathered, and the crowd was expanding and accumulating at an increasingly rapid rate. Black-uniformed Companion agents and security guards were spread out everywhere.
    "Shall we begin?" Yo'og queried.
    "I think now would be a good time," agreed Rodriguez. She signaled to President Thompson, who was there to make the introductory remarks.
    "Wait! We can't start without the proper music!" Anita dropped the fliers she'd been handing out and began sprinting down the center aisle heading straight for the podium. "Cue the band! Cue the band!"
    A live, two-hundred-piece instrumental band was assembled off to the side. It immediately began playing "Hail to the Chief." Spectators waved American flags above their heads, applauding and whistling enthusiastically.
    "Ladies and gentlemen," began President Thompson, once the band had finished playing their number, "today will be remembered as a glorious day in American history . . ."
    As the president droned on praising Yo'og and the Companions, many audience members began yawning out of boredom. Sandoval was impatiently tapping his foot. Zo'or and Go'el looked slightly annoyed toward President Thompson, as though they both wanted a chance to speak at the podium too.
    ". . . and so, I give you, the Taelon who will hopefully become our next president - - Yo'og!" The president stepped aside as Yo'og fluidly stood and approached the podium. At that moment, the crowd roared with applause both out of admiration for Yo'og and relief that President Thompson had completed his stuffy, endless ramble.
    "Sinuai Euhura," Yo'og spoke into the microphone. "As I stand before all of you on this splendid afternoon, I am reminded of the day four years ago on which my race descended upon Earth for the very first time. I recall seeing the lovely, enterprising faces of humans and thinking to myself what a wonderful planet we could all turn this sphere into. And I am proud to say, we have."
    Cheers of excitement and vigor protruded from the massive audience.
    Yo'og held up his finger for silence. "But," he continued, "we are not done yet."
    "Oh, I think YOU are!!" growled a heavy, virile voice from the crowd.
    A gunshot rang out. Gasps were aroused from the crowd. An assassin had fired a gun at Yo'og as the Taelon stood at the podium like a sitting duck. However, the bullet whizzed right through Yo'og's body, failing to kill the Companion. Since Taelons' bodies are composed of energy, no puncture wound was left behind on Yo'og's body. The assassin had caused no real damage to Yo'og externally nor internally.
    Boone extended his arm out and fired his skrill. With one formidable blast, Condor ejected a surge of energy that knocked the assassin off of his feet and left him lying battered on the grassy ground.
    "Nice work, commander," Sandoval stiffly complimented his acquaintance. The attaché turned to yell at the Companion security agent who were emerging from the sidelines. "Cover Da'an! Cover Zo'or! Cover Go'el! Help Major Kincaid!"
    Liam, accompanied by other Companion security, had rushed over to the spot where Yo'og's would-be assassin laid immobile.
    "He's dead," Liam reported, after taking the assassin's pulse.
    Meanwhile, Boone was at Yo'og's side. "Are you okay?" the commander asked Yo'og.
    "Yes," the Companion replied. "Thank you for that loyal and efficient act of servitude." Yo'og gave Boone an affectionate smile. Commander Boone returned the facial expression.
    The audience in attendance was now in a tumultuous uproar. People had cleared away from the area where the dead assassin lay, yet they stared on curiously as Companion security personnel flocked around the dead corpse. Everyone was chattering loudly, shocked and outraged at the assassination attempt.
    Anita LaQuicksilver ran over to the podium at the front of the stage. "Quiet down!!" she ordered to the noisy crowd, shouting into the microphone. "Order! We will have order at this rally, folks! Pipe down or else no glow-pops for any of you after the rally is over!"
    Agent Mike Stansfield, who had been watching the spectacle on-stage along with his wife En'ley and their daughter Mah'rie, rushed over to aid Da'an. Mike was another of Da'an's implants, and didn't wish to see his Companion harmed.
    "I'll cover Da'an," Mike assured Sandoval.
    "Fine," Sandoval grunted icily. "I will watch over Yo'og."
    En'ley came up next to Boone. "It seems as though Yo'og will prove to be quite the survivor. We can sense his strength and courage through the Commonality," she mentioned to William Boone.
    "Well," Boone responded, gazing admirably in Yo'og's direction, "he's no Bob Dole, that's for sure!"

    * * *

     The presidential campaign was in full swing.
    An anonymous source had leaked to the news media that Harold Burnett had apparently been responsible for hiring the assassin to shoot Yo'og. Burnett blatantly denied the allegation, but his poll numbers continued to plummet, regardless. Meanwhile, Yo'og's public approval was higher than ever in the polls. The Taelon was popular all over the nation, but notably in New England where he had been campaigning heavily, and in the American Southwest. The southwestern states held a lot of spiritual compassion for the Companions because of religious beliefs and the incident at Roswell. It also helped that Maria Rodriguez's homestate was New Mexico.
    Truman continued to emphasize how "suspiciously quiet" the Kneeloi were being during this era of Taelon pride.
    "I'll bet you anything that those Kneeloi freaks are planning something sneaky!" the colonel sneered.
    Meanwhile, Maiya had been recruited by Joshua Doors to help work on the Burnett campaign. The freedom fighter immediately clicked with Harold Burnett, and he made Maiya one of his prime campaign managers.
    With the upcoming televised presidential debate approaching, Maiya led Burnett's campaign team in writing and outlining his platform for his television appearance. Burnett reviewed the outline and was extremely pleased with it.
    "This work is outstanding, Maiya," raved Burnett.
    "Thank you, sir," Maiya beamed. "I write poetry also, so words seem to flow easily for me."
    "I can tell. And please, don't call me 'sir.' That's way too formal and it makes me feel old. Call me Harold."
    "Yes, sir . . . Harold."
    "You know, Maiya, you remind me a lot of my daughter. Before she was taken away from me." Burnett glared bitterly all of a sudden.
    "Are you able to talk about it?" Maiya asked.
    Harold steamed furiously. "My daughter, Colleen, was diagnosed with leukemia shortly before her death. The Companions claimed they had a special medical treatment that could heal her." Burnett paused. He looked as though he was about to cry. "Ne'eg performed the procedure, but it backfired. Colleen was dead within hours following the surgery. Then the Taelons threatened both me and my family. The warned us not to tell anyone what had happened - - especially not the media - - or else we would suffer dearly for it!"
    "That sounds exactly like something the Taelons would do!" scoffed Maiya, angrily.
    "My poor, sweet Colleen. She only wanted to live life to the fullest, to live in good health. Now, because of the Companions and their bogus medicine, Colleen will never have that chance!" Burnett's face was pale, having lost all of its color. He looked lost, desolate, and hopeless. Maiya squeezed her friend's hand tenderly.

    * * *

     The day of the Big Debates had arrived. Keeping pace with the unusual atmosphere of this particular election year, it had been decided that the debates would be held in the joint presence of both the two presidential and two vice-presidential candidates all during the same live televised event. Edward Chu would act as the moderator.
    Yo'og and Maria Rodriguez sat at one end of the panel, while Harold Burnett and Joshua Doors sat at the other. Edward Chu was positioned in the center. Anita LaQuicksilver and Maiya were also in the studio, standing off to the side where they could each coach their respective presidential and vice-presidential candidates. Boone stood between Anita and Maiya, his purpose being to guard and protect Yo'og.
    A studio audience was assembled farther back in the studio, beyond the cameras and video/recording equipment. The candidates would be fielding questions not only from journalists, but from regular citizens in the studio audience as well. It was designed as sort of a "town-hall meeting," but would act as the "official" national televised debates.
    "Our first question," Chu announced, once the live broadcast had begun, "is from Shelley Greene, editor-in-chief of the national magazine Women-in-Charge."
    Shelley Greene rose from her seat, and was handed a microphone. The stocky female with short, blond hair and a pragmatic wardrobe was a forerunner in the feminist movement, and had founded a magazine called Women-in-Charge that confronted women's issues in society.
    "What are your feelings," Greene asked the candidates, "on abortion and a woman's right to choose?"
    "They don't have the right!" Burnett bluntly stated. "No one can play God and simply outright decide to kill an unborn baby - - even if it IS their own!"
    "Someone needs to look out for the unborn child's rights too," added Joshua Doors. "One of our objectives is to make abortions illegal in the United States - - the way it should be!"
    A mixed bag of supportive cheers and resentful jeers spilled over from the studio audience.
    "But what if a pregnancy is going to endanger the mother's life?" challenged Maria Rodriguez. "Or how about a situation where she was raped and cannot emotionally bear to give birth to the child?"
    "Those would be the exceptions," Doors reasoned.
    "But where exactly do you draw the line?" pressed Rodriguez.
    "You ask too many 'what-ifs,' Rodriguez!" cut in Harold Burnett. "Sorry, but someone has to finally take a stand against the ridiculous practice of abortion in this country, so it may as well be me. Abortion is NEVER acceptable!"
    "Yo'og, we haven't heard from you yet," Edward Chu pointed out.
    "Well," Yo'og hesitantly ventured, "I was reluctant to bring this revelation up without a full consensus from the Synod, but at my own discretion I shall choose to inform you of it anyway." The Taelon shifted his head, looking straight at the camera. "Recently, a Taelon medical procedure has been developed that will allow for the safe removal of an unborn fetus from a mother's womb following conception. This surgery shall enable the embryo to be flawlessly gestated in a sanitary incubation chamber, where it would later be born. Females will no longer need to endure the pain of childbirth. Abortions will become a thing of the past."
    The audience applauded in awe.
    "That is the silliest thing I've ever heard!" sputtered Burnett, glaring at Yo'og. "You're making that up!"
    "I am not," Yo'og insisted.
    "Why hasn't the Synod publicly released this information yet?" Edward Chu asked the Taelon candidate.
    Yo'og blinked innocently. "We have not yet completed with making proper arrangements for the program to go into effect. But it will become a reality. Women will now have the opportunity to select this alternative method of pregnancy allowing them to painlessly transfer their embryos into a separate gestation compartment for safe maturation."
    "You certainly don't expect the federal government and American taxpayers to pick up the tab for this?" challenged Joshua Doors. "Who's going to sponsor these new procedures?"
    "The Synod, of course," smiled Maria Rodriguez. "Our Companions will offer this innovative opportunity to not only American women, but to women all over the world - - at no charge!"
    "There's always a cost!" Burnett snarled.
    Another spectator from the studio audience was called upon to ask a different question.
    "How do you plan to reform the current American prison system?" he asked them.
    "It's fine just the way it is," declared Burnett. "Criminals are being locked behind bars where they belong. If anything, I intend to make the courts increase prison sentences, so serious offenders such as rapist, murderers, and pedophiles don't get out on parole as early as they have been."
    The crowd cheered and clapped in agreement.
    "Ahem." Rodriguez cleared her throat. "That's fine, Mr, Burnett, but why should taxpayers be supporting the present luxuries which prisoners are given in this country? As we speak, inmates across the nation are playing basketball, lifting weights, watching satellite television, and surfing the World Wide Web - - all at the expense of our tax dollars! And within their very own prison walls!"
    "At least they're behind prison walls!" Burnett grunted.
    "Besides, inmates need some forms of entertainment to occupy them," chimed in Doors.
    "Not with our hard-earned incomes, they don't!" Rodriguez protested. "Prisons are NOT meant to function as a retreat for criminals. Forgive my naiveness, but somehow it doesn't seem right that convicted pedophiles are allowed to surf the Internet and prey on the very young, impressionable people whom their incarceration was meant to protect!"
    A loud, powerful burst of commendation arose from the audience as they cheered for Rodriguez in empathy.
    "So what's your solution, Ms. Rodriguez?" Doors requisited.
    "I say remove the satellite televisions, and weight equipment, and computers and Internet access from the prisons and give them to community youth centers!" exclaimed Rodriguez passionately. "Our young people need places where they can spend time and be able to feel safe, but unfortunately, the finances necessary to make that happen are being gobbled up by ridiculous luxuries in American prisons. Yo'og and I are going to make sure that this changes!"
    Yo'og nodded in agreement. "Furthermore," the Taelon extended, "the Companions wish to restructure the very fabric of the American prison system. With the guidance of our North American Companion, Da'an, we have created a program that shall be known as 'Volunteers.' This program will recruit misguided offenders, revitalizing and enlightening them by teaching concepts of discipline, honor, loyalty, and patriotism."
    "Sure, it sounds good on paper," disrupted Burnett. "But ultimately, you just want to 'Taelonize' the world!"
    "If you mean as in the continuation of universal peace and prosperity, then yes, that is our objective," nodded Yo'og.
    "No, I mean as in your damn portals and moon colony to where you kidnap humans and reorganize their brains!" Burnett shouted, hot-headedly.
    Yo'og defiantly glared at Burnett with hostility.
    "How about doctor-assisted suicide?" brought up a female audience member. "What do you think about that?"
    "Anyone who has a fatal disease that cannot be cured should be able to die with dignity, rather than prolong their suffering," Rodriguez opinionated.
    "Wrong!" testified Burnett. "Pain is part of life. Take it like a man!"
    "Hmmm, the next thing you know, you'll be an advocate of smoking marijuana joints for 'medicinal purposes,' Ms. Rodriguez," Doors sarcastically theorized.
    "Absolutely," confirmed Rodriguez. "If it helps to treat and relieve pain from glaucoma and chemotherapy treatment, then I'm all for it!"
    "Yo'og, doctor-assisted suicide?" Chu probed the Companion for a response.
    "The Synod is in the process of approving another program," Yo'og spoke up, "to be called 'Second Chances.' Elderly humans who are dying will be able to be placed in a surgical chamber where their damaged cells will be repaired and reassembled, restoring them to their body's optimum genetic potential."
    "Well, your species has an answer for everything, don't you?" sneered Burnett.
    "Before we break for commercial," interrupted Chu, "here's another one to chew on: should women be able to fight in combat?"
    "Definitely!" Rodriguez maintained. "If female soldiers meet the physical requirements and standards required to serve in military combat, then why shouldn't they be included?"
    "Because they're women," argued Burnett. "Let's face it: women are inferior to men in muscular strength and emotional stability. Like it or not, that's a reality. If a world crisis breaks out that not even the Taelons can referee, and it comes down to a matter of national defense, I say that female soldiers should stay behind in secondary support positions - - they'll be much safer that way and so will we!"
    "There are already men dying as soldiers in times of crisis," Doors expressed. "We don't need women coming home in bodybags too."
    "Oh, that does it!" frowned Lili, watching the TV debate from at the Flat Planet Café. Lili was extremely disgusted by Joshua's views on women in combat, among other things, which she had been unaware of prior to that day. "Joshua and Burnett will NOT have my vote in November!"

    * * *

     "This had better be important, you freak!"
    Harold Burnett glared across the table at Da'an.
    "Hey, there's no need for name-calling," Liam interjected, standing at his Companion's side.
    Da'an gazed back at Burnett from across the table. The Taelon's angelic blue eyes blinked several times as he studied his nemesis critically. His bald head shined radiantly as the overhead fluorescent lights reflected off it.
    "Mr. Burnett, I had hoped we could communicate in a civilized manner," Da'an said, reasonably.
    "Well, you hoped wrong!" sneered Burnett.
    "I understand your animosity toward the Companions, as you are unfamiliar with our species. But I . . ."
    Burnett cut Da'an off. "You don't understand nothing, alien! Your little Taelon friends have ruined my life, and taken away many others! I am going to kick Yo'og's ass this November - - whatever it takes! That's a guarantee!"
    Da'an frowned. "Are you positive that this is truly what you wish to do, Mr. Burnett? Yo'og is willing to offer you a position on his cabinet, if you will withdraw from the race and cease your anti-Companion activities. I will guarantee this to you. Yo'og and I are very close friends . . ."
    "I don't want to know about your sex life!" snarled Burnett. "And don't even TRY to bribe me, because I'm not interested. For all I care, you and Yo'og can take your 'offer' and shove it!"
    "That's enough!" spoke up Lili, authoritatively. The militant captain glared at Burnett as her face turned dark red in exasperation. "Da'an has been nothing but nice to you by inviting you here today, but you have acted completely inappropriate!"
    "Chill out, Lili," smirked Joshua Doors from across the table. Doors patted his running mate on the shoulder. "Mr. Burnett and I have made our position on the Taelons very clear. We are tired of the lies and deception, and we will not rest until it stops."
    Captain Marquette shot Joshua a murderous scowl that could have bore holes right through his skull.
    "Let's get on thing clear, Burnett," Liam spoke, leaning toward their opponent. "This is a free country and you do have the right to oppose Yo'og in this election if you disagree with him. But if you were at all behind the assassination attempt on Yo'og's life, then you are unlawfully violating the rights of another American citizen. The Constitution does consider Yo'og an American citizen, you know."
    "He ain't no citizen!" protested Burnett.
    "That is where you are mistaken, Mr. Burnett," Da'an argued. "Your nation grants full citizenship rights to both Yo'og and myself, entitling us to the same civil liberty as any other American."
    "Hogwash!" Burnett shot up from his seat like a rocket, knocking his chair over. "We will take back our country! This is the United States of America, not the United States of Taelon!" Burnett whipped his graying head over toward Doors and Maiya who was standing near the exit. "Come on, we're leaving!"
    Burnett, Doors, and Maiya exited the conference room of the federal building. Once outside, they boarded their limousine.
    "Don't let them intimidate you," Burnett persuaded his allies. "The Companions and their cronies are just trying to scare us off."
    "You were very assertive in there, Harold," remarked Maiya. "I see in you that you stand up for what you believe in. My own father had that same quality. Unfortunately, he died when I was very young."
    "I'm so sorry, Maiya," Burnett expressed to her, all of a sudden sounding soft and caring. "I certainly know what it feels like to lose a loved one, especially to the Taelons."
    "My father died while fighting the Taelons on my homeworld," Maiya admitted.
    Burnett put his arm around Maiya paternally. She huddled close to him as their limo continued down the avenue.

    * * *

     By mid-October, the election had really heated up. Yo'og received a stern lecture from the Synod for having revealed the "Second Chances" and "Volunteers" programs to the American public without the Synod's consent. Nevertheless, all of the Synod members, as well as the Taelon elders, continued to support and endorse Yo'og's run for presidency - - including both Da'an and Zo'or. It was one of the only issues that Zo'or and Da'an mutually agreed on.
    The Yo'og/Rodriguez campaign was now going in full force. Auspicious television commercials promoted the Yo'og/Rodriguez team, citing their benevolence and plans to better America. Anita LaQuicksilver was spearheading their campaign's public relations effort. She pushed promotional merchandise and arranged radio and television interviews and live online chat sessions on the Internet which served as opportunities for the general public to become even better acquainted with Yo'og and Rodriguez. Meanwhile, the Burnett/Doors team engaged in typical, predictable political backbiting. They took every chance possible to slander Yo'og and Rodriguez through a barrage of negative radio, television, and Internet ads. Burnett even developed a "human pride" website that was dedicated to crushing Yo'og's "attempt to Taelonize the world."
    As the month drew to a close, Yo'og and Rodriguez proceeded on one final whirlwind campaign tour through Texas, California, New York, and Illinois, among other states. They were hitting the states with the largest populations. Although the 30th Amendment to the Constitution had abolished the electoral college, the candidates were still trying their best to influence the states with the most people, as it would count when the popular vote in November determined who would win the election. Da'an insisted that Boone accompany Yo'og and Rodriguez during their last national campaign tour to protect the duo. Wherever Yo'og or Rodriguez spoke in public, they seemed to charismatically captivate audiences.
    Upon the final week of October, Sandoval relieved Boone of his duty protecting Yo'og and Rodriguez. With Sandoval taking over for him, Boone was able to return to Washington D.C. to spend time with Da'an while following the election on TV.
    One afternoon, Da'an had amiably invited Ffuga, along with Shooma the Kneeloi Ambassador to India, over to his embassy for discussion and television-viewing. The two Kneelois graciously accepted.
    "My, what a lovely embassy you reside in!" exclaimed Shooma, ecstatically. The purple-skinned female Kneeloi admired Da'an's warmly-colored walls and the spacious dexterity of his embassy's audience chamber. Shooma took in the expansive view of the amazing Washington D.C. skyline that could be seen through the virtual glass windows of Da'an's audience chamber.
    "Thank you." Da'an returned Shooma's girder. The Taelon gestured for his two Kneeloi guests to be seated.
    "Your hospitality is most appreciated by us," nodded Ffuga, as he and Shooma took two chairs.
    Da'an lowered his body down onto the Big Chair. Ja'an, Da'an's young grandchild, and Julie, Ja'an's human best friend who was blind, were slouched on the floor watching the data stream television. Edward Chu was covering the ongoing election on his show "Politichat."
    "A poll conducted by WorldView," Chu reported, "shows that if the election was today, 66% of Americans would vote for Taelonist Party presidential candidate Yo'og, and his vice-presidential running mate Maria Rodriguez, despite Ms. Rodriguez recently having abruptly switched her official political affiliation over to the fledging Civic-Modernist Party."
    "Why did Maria do that, anyway?" Liam asked.
    "I believe that Ms. Rodriguez desired to broaden her political appeal by aligning herself with an innovative and underrated faction to introduce into American society," speculated Da'an.
    "Well I must say, that's a pretty good strategy," admitted Boone. "I like Rodriguez, she's a smart woman."
    "Too bad she's not the one running for president," sighed Lili. "No offense, Da'an."
    "None taken," Da'an grinned.
    Edward Chu continued on the television. "However, only a meager 11% supports the opposing team of Independent candidates Harold Burnett and Joshua Doors."
    "It looks as though few people are fond of them," laughed Shooma.
    "As much as I hate to say it," spoke up Ja'an, "I do not feel they would make very capable leaders for the United States."
    "I think you're right, Ja'an," agreed Boone. "Neither of them have much tact nor appeal."
    "Wouldn't it be great if only honest people ran for office?" contributed Julie.
    "That would be ideal," Lili put in.
    "Too bad we don't live in a utopian society," lamented Liam.
    "And surprisingly," Edward Chu concluded, "21% of Americans would vote for Reform Party presidential candidate Jesse Ventura, the former governor of Minnesota, and his vice-presidential running mate Dr. Lenora Fulani, the present governor of New York state."
    "They were not even allowed to participate in the presidential debates, were they?" Ffuga realized.
    "No," Da'an sighed. "The Synod lobbied against permitting Mr. Ventura and Governor Fulani to partake in the presidential debates. I attempted to persuade the Synod otherwise, but I was unsuccessful."
    "I think Yo'og is going to win," Julie firmly decided.
    "And I agree with Julie. Yo'og would make an excellent leader," stated Ja'an.
    "Kids, you're probably right," Major Kincaid fervently agreed. "Yo'og and Rodriguez have got it in the bag!"

    * * *

     The votes were finally in.
    Election Day had come and gone. Yo'og and Maria Rodriguez won by a landslide, receiving 69,589,611 popular votes nationwide. This was attributed largely to Yo'og's telegenic appeal and solid proposals of solutions for the nation's problems. By contrast, Harold Burnett and Joshua Doors gathered only 18,702,597 popular votes from the nation. Burnett's surly attitude and inflexible political views had categorized him as an "extremist" with the American public and drastically diluted his popularity. Meanwhile, the campaign team of Jesse "The Body" Ventura and Lenora Fulani had polled some 35,927,088 votes as Reform Party candidates, coming in at an impressive second-place.
    Lili, Augur, and Maiya watched the election results being read via the big screen television at the Flat Planet Café.
    Augur let out an amazed whistle. "I sure didn't think Americans would be this stupid."
    "I have mixed feelings about Yo'og," Lili confessed. "On the one hand, he's a Taelon and we're against the Taelons. But then, I'm beginning to wonder if maybe Da'an is right, that Yo'og could actually do some good for our country?"
    "Don't bet on it," seethed Maiya, bitterly. "Knowing Zo'or, he'll now probably use Yo'og's presidency to manipulate and control America even more than he already has!" She looked sick in the face. "Harold is going to be so heartbroken!"
    "No offense, Maiya," voiced Augur, "but I didn't really go for your boy Harold. He was too radical."
    "People just misunderstood him." Maiya was having a difficult time explaining her relationship with Burnett to Augur and Lili.
    "Burnett is a chauvinist pig!" Lili exclaimed. "Maiya, you're a strong, intelligent woman. What exactly do you see in Harold Burnett that appeals to you so much?!"
    "He has been severely hurt by the Taelons - - the same way Jason and I and our people were!" Maiya shuddered with anger at the memory. "Harold has a sensitive, vulnerable side that he never shows when in public. He is like a . . . father to me."
    Neither Augur nor Lili had any words to respond to that.
    Meanwhile, Jonathan Doors was viewing the election results over the television down in the Resistance enclave. With him were Dr. Belman and Colonel Truman, as well as a group of other Resistance members and technicians.
    Doors was furious over Yo'og's victory.
    "This is preposterous!" Doors growled. "Have Americans become so Taelonized that they can't even think for themselves anymore?! This means war!"
    "Calm down, Doors," Angie Truman advised him.
    "No, I will not 'calm down,' Truman!" Doors became red in the face. "Do you realize that there will now be an alien in the White House?! That's just not right! Now they'll probably plaster the Capitol with virtual glass and install energy streams in the Oval Office!"
    "Wouldn't it be a lot more practical and less stressful for us to actually try to work with Yo'og, rather than conspire against him?" suggested Belman. "He seems pretty reasonable, and we already have Da'an on our side."
    "We should be thankful that Yo'og isn't a Kneeloi," Truman added. "Yeah, I agree with Dr. Belman. We can catch a lot more flies with honey than with vinegar."
    "What do you suggest?! Should we invite Yo'og down here for tea and scones?!" Doors mocked them acidically. "Hell, we should have just finished off Yo'og when our man had the chance to waste him! We could have swiped a skrill and implanted our hit man with it, and he would have . . ."
    "Wait a minute!" Dr. Belman interjected sharply. "Jonathan, what do you mean by 'our' hit man?! I thought that the Resistance WASN'T behind the assassination attempt on Yo'og's life?"
    Jonathan Doors paused. "It was all Halley's idea. She sent the hit man to eliminate Yo'og. Simmons didn't tell me about it until right before it was about to happen."
    "You KNEW about this and didn't tell the rest of us?! Why not?!" Belman demanded from Doors.
    "Because I knew you'd go ballistic, the way you are now!" pointed out Doors.
    "Sorry Doors, but Belman is right." Colonel Truman folded her arms sternly. "As an integral member of this operation, I demand to be informed of ALL Liberation activities!"
    Doors stared Angie straight in the face. "Let's get one thing clear, Truman! This is MY organization! I'm the one calling the shots here! Not you, not Boone, not Marquette, not Kincaid! ME!!"
    "Yet, you allowed Halley to execute the assassination attempt on Yo'og even though she hadn't previously gotten your approval?" Belman objected.
    "It was already arranged!" Doors was steaming defensively. Smoke arose from the billionaire's greasy mop of gray hair.
    "Your actions were utterly and appallingly unacceptable and inexcusable!" Angie lectured to her boss. "Doors, you've acted irresponsibly, and I insist that from now on you . . ."
    "THIS IS MY OPERATION AND I WILL RUN IT ANY DAMN WAY I WANT!!!!" hollered Doors, all in one breath.
    With that, Doors irately stomped away from them, sweat trickling down his thick neck, as he disappeared into his office, slamming the doors shut behind him.
    From inside Da'an's embassy, the North American Companion sat with Boone, Liam, Ja'an, Julie, Mike, En'ley, and Ffuga, as they all stared on in awe at the television screen.
    "This is a proud day for Taelons everywhere," beamed Da'an.
    "Grandparent, may we attend Yo'og's inauguration?" Ja'an requested.
    "Of course." Da'an smiled down warmly at his grandchild. "All of us shall be present. Besides, we will need Commander Boone, Major Kincaid, and Agent Stansfield there for security purposes." Da'an acknowledged each of his three protectors in turn with a nod of his head.
    "What an enlightening experience this will prove to be," commented Ffuga.
    "Absolutely," Liam agreed. "And Da'an, the Liberation will do whatever we can to try to united with Yo'og in further linking our two races."
    Boone felt nervous. The commander still was not yet fully accustomed to the notion that Da'an now knew for certain about his involvement with the Resistance.
    Da'an read his implant's anxious facial expression. "Boone, please do not be afraid," the North American Companion encouraged gently. "Prior to your death and resurrection, I did suspect that you were working for the Liberation."
    "And you still trusted me then . . . and even now?" Boone queried.
    "Yes. I know in my heart that you truly want what is best for both our species, as do I. That is what bonds us together."
    Da'an and Boone exchanged gestures of affection.
    Simultaneously, Zo'or and Sandoval were observing the election results from aboard the Taelon mothership.
    "Well Zo'or," spoke Sandoval, "it seems as though a rather unique opportunity has presented itself to us."
    "Indeed," Zo'or consented. "And we shall take every advantage of it."

    * * *

     Harold Burnett finished his final gulp of whiskey straight out of the bottle. The anti-Taelon activist hiccuped meaninglessly. Intoxicated beyond all logic, Burnett staggered over to his bedroom telephone and dialed a number on it.
    "Flat Planet Café," Suzanne cheerfully answered the phone.
    "I need to speak to Maiya," grunted Burnett.
    "Sure. Just hold on a sec."
    Suzanne went to get Maiya, who was on the phone within a minute.
    "Yes?" Maiya spoke into the phone.
    "Maiya? It's me . . . Harold. I'm calling to say good-bye." He moaned loudly.
    "Good-bye?!" Maiya was baffled. "What are you talking about? Harold, are you drunk?"
    "I can't bear to live on this planet no more! Not with a Taelon running the country! It's just too damn ridiculous! I never imagined that freak would actually defeat me! So I'm ending it!"
    "Harold, you are talking crazy! Let me come over there to be with you, okay?!"
    "I loved you like a daughter, Maiya. Be strong . . . be stronger than I was."
    "Harold! . . ."
    Click. The dial tone could be heard.
    Maiya held the phone receiver in her trembling hand, her heart pounding like a hammer.
    Lili joined her. "Maiya, what's wrong?"
    A queasy gaze of fear had spread across Maiya's face. "I think Harold is going to attempt to kill himself! I must stop him!"
    That was all Lili needed to hear. "I'll drive you," she offered firmly.
    Within minutes, Lili and Maiya had zoomed across town at record speed and arrived at Harold Burnett's Washington townhouse on the outskirts of D.C. An ambulance siren could be heard approaching nearer and nearer to them.
    "We're too late!" Maiya screamed.
    "Maiya! . . ."
    But the freedom fighter had already dashed into the Burnett residence. Captain Marquette was immediately on her heels.
    Mrs. Burnett met the two of them at the foyer, a pained, frozen stare of grief plastered upon the widow's petite, quietly-aging face.
    "You know, don't you?" Mrs. Burnett realized with one look at Maiya. The widow suddenly burst into heavy, emotional tears.
    Without hesitation, Maiya scurried up the stairs making a beeline for the Burnetts' bedroom. Silently, Lili followed behind her friend.
    In the Burnetts' plush, furnished master bedroom was Harold Burnett, sprawled across their floral-patterned king-size bed, lying lifeless. An empty bottle that once contained pills had been left laying by his head.
    Maiya had no words. She ferociously clutched ahold of Harold Burnett's dead body, sobbing painfully.
    Lili stood in the bedroom doorway, unable to move. She could hear the ambulance sirens, the sounds of the paramedics arriving downstairs. Guiding her friend away from the corpse as the paramedics stormed into the bedroom, Lili embraced Maiya as the freedom fighter mourned the loss of her patriarch.

    * * *

     FIN
 
 

Copyright 1999 by Earthboy
Gene Roddenberry's Earth: Final Conflict is produced by Roddenberry/Kirshner Productions. No monetary infringement is intended. If you sue me, I will vote for Al Gore in November 2000 (**LOL** yeah right!!...like I'd actually ever do THAT!!!)