Girls' Night Out

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

Author's Note: Beware of spoilers. This story is set between the episodes "First of its Kind" and "Atavus." You should read my previous stories, "Hostage - Parts 1 through 4," "Ma'el: Thinker, Dreamer, Achiever," "If You Think You Know The Taelons...," "Oh, Baby!," "Adventures in Taelon-Sitting," and "Last Dance" before reading "Girls' Night Out." You should also read Tabakat's story, "The Artist Fair," before reading "Girls' Night Out."

Please feel free to use any of my characters for your own fanfictions, but keep their name and status quo as is in "Girls' Night Out." For the purposes of this story, the characters of Tu'um, La'an, and Wi'meh will each be referred to as “she.”

 Summary: Kwai Ling Hong forms an uneasy friendship with Wi’meh, the newly-appointed Companion to Singapore. Wi’meh takes this opportunity to learn more about the human species through her interaction with Kwai Ling; while Kwai Ling learns from this experience by confronting and overcoming her prejudices against the Taelons.

Special thanks goes to Tabakat for allowing me to use her character of La’an in this story, and to Brown Unicorn (aka Browny) for letting me use her character of En’ley in this story. Browny should also be credited as having created the characters of Ja’an (Da’an’s grandchild), Mike (En’ley’s husband), and Mah’rie (Mike and En’ley’s daughter) who are all mentioned in this story and are featured in more of Browny’s 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 accurage with those of the other fanfiction authors whose characters I sometimes use in my own fanfictions, or of the actual series.
 
 

    * * *

    “What’ll be your poison tonight?” the voluptuous Kwai Ling Hong savvily inquired to Liam Kincaid, a newly-minted customer of the Flat Planet Café.
    “Uh . . . ,” stuttered Liam, looking blankly at the menu. He didn’t know what to order.
    “Come on, I don’t have all day!” joked Kwai Ling, wryly, as she stood behind the cappachino machine.
    Augur came over and slapped Liam on the shoulder in camaraderie. “Try a double expresso with mocha cream,” the computer hacker recommended. “It’s muy delicioso!”
    “Okay,” said Liam. Kwai Ling began filling up Liam’s order.
    “Be careful,” warned the sexy Asian Flat Planet manager, handing the expresso to Liam, “it’s - -“
    But Liam had already taken a sip of the piping hot beverage.
    “Yaaooww!!” coughed Liam, as the steaming drink scorched his lips.
    “ - - hot,” Kwai Ling finished her warning, unnecessarily.
    Augur laughed. “A good thing you learned this lesson early on, my man,” he told Major Kincaid.
    Liam just stared at his cup of expresso suspiciously, examining the rising steam from his beverage.
    “Lili, this coffee is very abusive,” complained Liam, as Captain Marquette approached them.
    “Learn to drink more slowly, Kincaid,” snickered Lili.
    “So what are we all just standing around for?” asked Augur, impatiently “Let’s go park our derrieres at a booth!”
    “Oh, don’t look now,” whispered Kwai Ling, nudging Augur, “but it’s the freak-club approaching at ten-o’-clock.”
    Kwai Ling was gesturing at a group of Taelons coming over to them. Making their way over to the humans were three Companions: Tu’um, Qua’lut, and Wi’meh.
    “Hello, all,” Tu’um greeted her human friends.
    “Yo, Tu’um,” smiled Kwai Ling, “what’s up?” Out of all the Taelons on Earth, Tu’um and Co’al were the only ones who Kwai Ling could stand to be around.
    “How are you all tonight?” blushed Qua’lut, bashfully. One of the most “mannish”-looking Taelons, Qua’lut was unfamiliar with humans and felt a bit awkward around them.
    “We’re fine, Qua’lut,” replied Lili. “And you?”
    “Moderately well, I suppose,” Qua’lut answered.
    “My, you have been working out, haven’t you Augur?” teased Wi’meh, lightly pinching Augur’s muscles on his arm.
    “Aw, Wi’meh,” blushed Augur. The techno-genius frequently exercised at the Happy Taelon Health Spa, which Wi’meh was the activities director of. That’s how Wi’meh knew that Augur had been working out.
    “I have an invitation to extend to you,” Tu’um told the humans. “We would be honored if you all will agree to have lunch with us tomorrow afternoon.”
    “Hey, cool idea!” blurted out Liam.
    “Sure, Tu’um. We’d love to have lunch with you,” Lili consented, accepting the invitation on behalf of herself, Augur, Kwai Ling, and Liam.
    “Lili!” Kwai Ling whispered angrily, obviously not thrilled about a lunch date with a bunch of Taelons.
    “Oh, it’ll be fun,” Lili shot back at Kwai Ling light-heartedly.
    “We shall dine at The Olive Garden in Washington D.C.,” stated Tu’um. “Perhaps we might want to invite Da’an as well?”
    “Yes, I think that would be a good idea,” agreed Liam.
    “Major Kincaid, will you do us the honor of asking Da’an to join us tomorrow afternoon?” Tu’um tilted her head.
    “Of course,” was Liam Kincaid’s reply.
    “We look forward to it,” Wi’meh expressed to the group. She looked straight at Kwai Ling and smiled right at her. Kwai Ling blinked in surprise.
    Tu’um, Qua’lut, and Wi’meh then exited the Flat Planet.
    “I don’t wanna go!” whined Kwai Ling. “Lili, how could you volunteer us to have lunch with those freaks?! I have better things to do with my afternoons.”
    “Well, you’re coming with, Kwai Ling,” Lili firmly proclaimed. “I don’t care if you want to or not. Tu’um was nice enough to invite us. It would be rude of you to simply not show up!”
    Kwai Ling pouted and stomped her foot. “I hate you!” she blared childishly at Lili.
    The Asian manager swiveled around and flounced into the kitchen.
    “Oh, it won’t be so bad,” Augur called after Kwai Ling, heading toward the kitchen after her. “Hey, if you pretend to enjoy yourself, I’ll buy you a pony!”

    * * *

    Major Kincaid, seated next to Da’an at a long table at The Olive Garden, frivolously slathered butter all over his dinner roll.
    “Ever heard of high cholesterol, Liam?” quipped Augur, raising his eyebrows.
    Everyone was gathered around a long, large table in the middle of The Olive Garden. The table was right next to a trickling indoor waterfall surrounded by potted plants. Their party consisted of: Da’an, Liam, Lili, Tu’um, Sandoval, Jagdamba, Kwai Ling, Augur, and Wi’meh. Of course, the three Taelons who were present couldn’t eat any of the human food, but the humans could eat all they wanted. It was Tu’um’s treat.
    “I wish to make a . . . toast,” worded Da’an, symbolically raising a goblet of wine.
    Everyone else raised their glasses, following Da’an’s lead.
    “I am pleased to announce, on behalf of the Synod,” declared Da’an, “that Wi’meh has been appointed by the Synod as the Companion to Singapore.”
    “My,” remarked Tu’um, “this is news!”
    “Why, thank you,” stammered Wi’meh, blushing in spite of herself. The Companion was speechless.
    “Wasn’t Zo’or as Synod speaker supposed to announce this?” challenged Liam.
    “Zo’or did not exactly . . . agree with the Synod’s choice of Wi’meh as Companion to Singapore,” Da’an said carefully. “Therefore, Zo’or insisted that I relay the news to Wi’meh.”
    “Pardon me, Da’an,” spoke up Wi’meh. “But I am not quite sure that I comprehend the Synod’s choice of me, either. After all, I am hardly a diplomat. I have absolutely no experience with diplomacy.”
    “You shall learn,” Da’an encouraged her warmly. “Furthermore, Wi’meh, it is my belief that you were chosen because of your exquisite skills interacting with humans. Serving as activities director of the Happy Taelon Health Spa HAS given you experience.”
    Wi’meh beamed.
    “Well, then this calls for a celebration!” exclaimed Augur. “Let’s break bread!”
    “This means that you must relocate to Singapore, doesn’t it?” Sandoval asked Wi’meh rhetorically.
    She hadn’t thought about that. Wi’meh looked at Da’an for help.
    “Sandoval is correct,” confirmed Da’an. “Also, we will need to select an implant to protect you, Wi’meh.”
    “I know several candidates who would be more than capable,” put in Jagdamba.
    “Fantastic,” remarked Tu’um. “Jagdamba, we shall assist Wi’meh in finding a suitable protector to serve her as an implant. And of course, we will request that Dr. Belman perform the implantation surgery.”
    “Dr. Belman has retired from medicine, Tu’um,” informed Sandoval. “Why not have Dr. Park perform the procedure? Or some other doctor?”
    “No,” declared Tu’um. “I want Dr. Belman to do it. I’m sure she will make an exception just this once, if we ask her nicely.”
    Lili knew why Tu’um wanted Belman to perform the implantation. Tu’um was aware that Belman had modified Boone’s CVI to eliminate its MI. Obviously, Tu’um wanted Wi’meh’s new implant to be able to have a re-engineered CVI, as well.”
    “This is all very exciting,” gushed Wi’meh.
    “Yes, it is a special time that will remain with you in your heart forever,” Da’an emphasized to Wi’meh.
    “I look forward to it,” commented Wi’meh. She stared across the table into Kwai Ling’s eyes, and smiled at her again.
    Kwai Ling was quite taken aback, intimidated by the alien’s bright blue eyes focused upon her.
    “So you work in human food service?” Wi’meh asked Kwai Ling, intently interested in the exotic café manager.
    “Yeah! What’s your point?!” snapped Kwai Ling harshly, bothered by the specific attention that Wi’meh was paying to her.
    “I was simply trying to make conversation,” Wi’meh replied.
    “Well thanks, but no thanks!” Kwai Ling briskly shoved a crabcake into her mouth and began chewing it pointedly.
    “Very well. But we shall speak again.” Wi’meh gave Kwai Ling a friendly little wink.
    “Yeah, right,” Kwai Ling bitterly thought to herself, as she swallowed a swig of wine.

    * * *

    “Augur! You’ve got to help me!” cried Kwai Ling, as she burst into the hacker’s high-tech apartment.
    “Kwai Ling, my sweet. So was this afternoon’s lunch as bad as you anticipated?”
    “Worse! Augur, it’s that Wi’meh Taelon woman!”
    “Wi’meh? What about her?”
    “Augur, she was hitting on me!”
    The computer genius laughed heartily out loud. “Kwai Ling, dear Kwai Ling. You’re not serious?”
    “Yes I am!” Kwai Ling had fear and discomfort in her eyes. “She kept smiling and winking at me all afternoon. And it wasn’t the first time, either! Wi’meh was making passes at me last night at the Flat Planet, too!”
    Augur burst out laughing again. “Well then, I must have missed something, Kwai Ling. Taelons just have their own ways of being friendly.”
    “Well, I don’t like it!” Kwai Ling grimaced at the thought of getting close to a Taelon.
    “Excuse me, sir!” came a high, feminine voice. “I believe I can help you and Kwai Ling out.”
    It was Augur’s personal holographic image of Lili that he’d built as a voice-narrated directory to his computer system. Everyday, Augur switched the hologram of Lili into a new persona. Today, Holo-Lili was dressed in a navy uniform.
    “What is that?!” exclaimed Kwai Ling, squinting at Holo-Lili in confusion.
    “Uh . . . she’s a very dear friend of mine,” Augur quickly babbled. He turned to face Holo-Lili. “How can you assist us?”
    “I’ll hack into the Taelon Intranet to obtain information about any given Companion being,” volunteered Holo-Lili.
    “Exquisite,” cooed Augur. “Download all the data you can find about Wi’meh the Companion to Singapore, my sweet.”
    “Yes, sir!” Holo-Lili gave Augur a crisp military salute and proceeded to download the files about Wi’meh.
    Hegawita, Augur’s Humawud niece, crawled out of her terrarium and curled up at Augur’s feet. Augur picked up Hegawita and cradled her in his arms.
    “Uncle Augur, what is Holo-Lili doing?” Hegawita asked her uncle.
    “She’s stealing some Taelon files,” Augur winked.
    “Wi’meh, newly-appointed Companion to Singapore, formerly activities director of the Happy Taelon Health Spa . . .” Holo-Lili began rattling off all of Wi’meh’s personal information.
    “Hmmm,” Kwai Ling commented, after hearing Holo-Lili’s report on Wi’meh, “well, at least Wi’meh doesn’t seem as bad as Zo’or.”
    “No Taelon is as bad as Zo’or!” conveyed Hegawita. “Except for maybe Le’er or Ba’ad!”
    “I don’t think that Wi’meh is out to get you, Kwai Ling,” Augur told his friend, honestly.
    “Really?” Kwai Ling sighed. “Maybe I was overreacting a bit.”
    “Wi’meh is a good Taelon,” Hegawita expressed, smiling cordially at Kwai Ling.
    “How do you know, Hegawita?” asked Kwai Ling.
    “I met her once at Kee’sha’s laboratory,” told Hegawita. “Wi’meh was very nice to me, which is extraordinary for a Companion. Especially considering what ‘lowly’ Hegawud heritage I possess, in their eyes.”
    “Sir! Permission to speak?!” Holo-Lili solicited from Augur, as she saluted again.
    “Permission granted,” Augur verified.
    “May I change out of this uniform, sir? This collar is uncomfortable. It’s pinching my neck!” Holo-Lili groaned melodramatically.
    “Oh, please!” Kwai Ling rolled her eyes and shook her head.

    * * *

     Wi’meh and Tu’um stood outside of the Flat Planet Café. They gazed at it, preparing to make an entrance.
    “I can feel it, Tu’um,” remarked Wi’meh. “My bond with this human is growing, albeit she is a reluctant soul. I feel an increasing connection to Kwai Ling.”
    “Wi’meh, you have found your Earth companion,” Tu’um explained. “Taelons may often form bonds with humans who we share characteristics or feelings with. You are not alone. Da’an shared a similar bond with Boone, and now with Liam. Likewise, La’an and I each share a bond with Lili. Si’ib has a bond with Natasha Sverilla. It is a way for us to bridge the gap between humans and Taelons, as well as to further our individual understanding of humanity.”
    “And Kwai Ling is my Earth companion?” Wi’meh concluded, looking to Tu’um for guidance.
    “If you can feel it, then it exists,” replied Tu’um.
    Meanwhile, inside the Flat Planet, Kwai Ling was pouring Liam a steaming mocha cappachino.
    “Remember, drink slowly,” Kwai Ling teased Liam. “Wouldn’t want you to burn your tongue again.”
    “Yeah, whatever.” Nevertheless, Liam blew lightly on his cappachino to cool it down.
    Lili came over and plopped down next to Liam. “So, Major Kincaid,” she grinned, “how have you enjoyed Earth so far?”
    “I like it,” said the Kimera/human. “And what’s not to like? Great people, great fun, . . .” He glanced at the entranceway and spotted Tu’um and Wi’meh coming toward them. “. . . great Taelons,” he continued. “I’ll say, they’re sure everywhere on this planet!”
    “Good evening,” Tu’um nodded at Major Kincaid. “Lili,” the Indian Companion addressed Captain Marquette, “Wi’meh and I wish for you and Kwai Ling to join us for a night of excitement.”
    “Excitement?” Kwai Ling’s eyes grew wide in trepidation. “I don’t like the sound of that.”
    “It will not hurt,” giggled Wi’meh. “Trust us.”
    “Well . . .” began Lili.
    “Now, now,” insisted Tu’um, “we won’t accept ‘no’ as an answer. Not another word about it. Let us depart.”
    With that, Tu’um clutched Lili’s arm and guided her toward the exit. Wi’meh followed, pulling Kwai Ling along with her.
    “Let go of me!” Kwai Ling protested, struggling against Wi’meh’s grip. But Wi’meh simply smiled, persistently and firmly dragging Kwai Ling with her out of the café.
    “Hey, where are you going?” Liam called after them. “Can I come with?”
    “Uh, sorry Liam,” Lili called back, as they disappeared out the door. “Girls’ night out!”

    * * *

     Da’an and La’an were talking in Da’an’s audience chamber. They were speaking in Eunoia so Sandoval couldn’t understand what they were saying. Suddenly, they heard Zo’or’s hateful voice flow through the embassy corridor.
    “Oh, no,” groaned La’an, rolling her eyes. “It’s Zo’or. I hate that Taelon so much. Can’t we ever have time away from him?”
    “Sandoval, get rid of him,” Da’an instructed.
    Zo’or then appeared in Da’an’s audience chamber. Sandoval stood in front of Zo’or.
    “Da’an and La’an do not wish to see you right now,” Sandoval informed him.
    “That is most unfortunate . . . for them,” Zo’or said icily. “I am Synod speaker, and I may enter any Taelon embassy at my own will.”
    “Zo’or, go away,” snapped La’an. “We don’t want to talk to you.”
    “You cannot speak to me that way!” Zo’or fumed at La’an.
    La’an gave Zo’or a mean stare that made him shake a little.
    Da’an sighed. “Zo’or, please state your business and then be on your way.”
    Zo’or bristled. “Do either of you know anything in regard to this . . . bond that Wi’meh has announced to the Commonality that she has formed with a human? A Ms. Kwai Ling Hong?”
    “Yes,” La’an stated defensively. “Wi’meh and Kwai Ling are good friends. There is nothing wrong with it. Do you have a problem with that, Zo’or?”
    “Yes, I do, La’an,” rumbled Zo’or. “This is uncalled for. It is inappropriate for any Taelon to form a friendship with any human. As Synod speaker, I will no longer tolerate this.”
    “Surely you are not ordering us to cut our ties with humans?” Da’an blinked.
    “No. I am simply insisting that you treat humans as they are meant to be . . . our subordinates.”
    La’an frowned furiously. “Zo’or, you cannot tell us who we may or may not be friends with. Your role as Synod speaker does not give you that right.”
    “I disagree,” declared Zo’or. “Furthermore, La’an, you will sever your unacceptable relationship with Captain Lili Marquette! You and Tu’um both!”
    “No!” La’an shot back at him. “How dare you interrupt this time of communing between Da’an and myself to bring up such a futile issue! Just because you do not like humans doesn’t mean that we have to hate them too! Zo’or, you are abusing your power.”
    “Wi’meh is making a mistake,” Zo’or argued. “And I’m warning both of you to not make the same blunder as she is.”
    “I suggest you leave immediately,” scowled Da’an at the Synod speaker.
    Zo’or turned and began to leave. “This isn’t over,” he threatened them.
    “It is for today,” retorted La’an. On his way out, Zo’or practically bumped into En’ley, the mixed Taelon/human hybrid female who lived at the embassy with Da’an, Ja’an, and her husband Mike and their daughter Mah’rie.
    “What was that all about?” En’ley inquired.
    “Zo’or just threw one of his tantrums again,” responded La’an.
    “I just received Wi’meh’s message through the Commonality,” smiled En’ley. “Isn’t it wonderful?”
    “Yes, it is,” said Da’an. “Wi’meh has embraced her ability to connect with humanity on a much deeper level - - the same way that Boone and I did.”
    Da’an had a sad, far-away look in his eyes.
    “I know how Wi’meh feels,” En’ley sighed happily. “I experience the same sensation with Mike on a daily basis. Our conception and birth of Mah’rie only enhanced and strengthened the ties between Mike and myself.”
    “I have begun to feel the same way about Lili,” spoke up La’an. “And I am positive that Tu’um experiences it, as well.”
    “It is unexplainable,” stressed Da’an. “This reaches beyond words or description. Unfortunately, Zo’or will probably never be able to conceive of this experience. He fails to understand where we are coming from.”
    “Boone was very honorable,” agreed En’ley, comforting Da’an with a pat on his shoulder. “And La’an, Lili is very supportive and nurturing. She helped me tremendously when I gave birth to Mah’rie. We are all very fortunate to have these humans in our lives.”
    Da’an, La’an, and En’ley telepathically sent their best wishes and words of encouragement out to Wi’meh.

    * * *

     Vroooooooooommmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!
    Lili, Tu’um, Kwai Ling, and Wi’meh sped down the boulevard of downtown D.C. in Kwai Ling’s hot pink Ferrari. Kwai Ling was driving.
    “Look at all the beautiful lights!” observed Wi’meh, taking in all her surroundings.
    “Yeah, they’re just peachy, aren’t they?” yelled Kwai Ling, over the roaring purr of the Ferrari’s engine.
    Captain Marquette leaned her head back, letting the wind blow through her hair with her eyes closed. Tu’um was sitting with Lili in the backseat, while Wi’meh sat in the front passenger seat next to Kwai Ling.
    “Stop here!” Wi’meh interjected suddenly.
    Kwai Ling parked her car in front of The Cube, one of the hippest new hangouts for young twentysomethings in D.C. The Cube was a combination nightclub/lounge/bar/restaurant with dancing and music.
    “Oh, I’ve always wanted to come here!” squealed Lili excitedly.
    “Let’s go inside!” suggested Tu’um, clapping her hands together.
    They went into the nightclub and were immediately blinded by flashing neon lights and disco strobelights. Music was pulsating through speakers on the walls, as vibrant hipsters shook their bodies to the beat. People sipped martinis and ate shrimp appetizers in the dimly-lit cocktail lounge. Tu’um and Lili began dancing.
    “Shall we?” Wi’meh winked at Kwai Ling.
    “Naw, I’m kinda tired.” Kwai Ling yawned for effect. “I’d rather go get a snack.”
    “I’ll come with,” decided the Taelon.
    Wi’meh and Kwai Ling went to the cocktail lounge where Kwai Ling ordered a shrimp cocktail. Then they found a small, round table and sat at it. As Kwai Ling munched on her shrimp cocktail, Wi’meh gazed at her friend with curiosity and fascination.
    Kwai Ling stared back at Wi’meh. “Why have you taken such a specific interest in me?” she asked the Companion.
    “I cannot explain it,” voiced Wi’meh. “But we share a bond that rises beyond my mental state of being.”
    Kwai Ling returned a shy smile to the alien, and dug deeper into her cocktail.
    Soon, they decided to go for a walk. They drove to a parking lot, and from there, the two humans and the two Taelons strolled along a brightly lit avenue, taking in the view.
    But lurking in the shadows were two men, inconspicuously spying on the quartet.

    * * *

     “I can see Da’an’s embassy from here!” exclaimed Lili. She surveyed the virtual glass building that was positioned near the Washington Monument.
    “Come, Lili,” requested Tu’um. “Let us share some time alone together.”
    The captain and the Indian Companion walked down the path a little ways, leaving Kwai Ling and Wi’meh by themselves.
    “I wish to take our relationship to a higher level,” Wi’meh conveyed to her new friend.
    The Companion to Singapore and the Flat Planet manager softly touched hands, matching their palms up. Warm light flowed from Wi’meh’s shakarava, and Kwai Ling could feel it reach every cell in her body as she tingled shakily. Unbeknownst to them, Tu’um and Lili were watching as they shared each other’s touch and presence.
    “They are a perfect compliment to each other,” expressed Tu’um, sizing up the twosome. “Kwai Ling, so exotic, and Wi’meh, so down-to-Earth.” Tu’um giggled. “Isn’t it ironic that I say that? Wi’meh has such an ‘earthy’ quality, yet she was born on Planet Taelon like so many of the rest of us were.”
    “But I know what you mean, Tu’um,” stated Captain Marquette. “I think Kwai Ling and Wi’meh will be able to learn a lot from each other.”
    Indeed, at that very moment Wi’meh and Kwai Ling both had their eyes closed as they touched palms. Kwai Ling could feel herself floating from her body, in a state of being that didn’t even exist on Earth. The Asian restaurateur glided through a continuum of blue-textured space, spinning in gradual rotations as she floated forward. All the while, Kwai Ling could feel Wi’meh there with her, feeling everything that she felt. Wi’meh glided along next to her, sparkling in her Taelon-blue true form. The two of them held hands and commenced with their aerial venture through the spacious continuum. They exchanged thoughts and absorbed each other’s energy.
    After what seemed like a lifetime, but had really been only a few minutes, Wi’meh and Kwai Ling opened their eyes and separated their palms.
    “That was great!” exclaimed Kwai Ling. “Let’s do it again!”
    Wi’meh laughed out loud, smiling at her Earth companion.

     * * *

     “I don’t like this one bit,” grumbled Jonathan Doors.
    “Aw, lighten up, Jonathan,” laughed Augur. “It’s no big deal. Just some innocent Taelon-human fun.”
    “I won’t allow it,” Doors declared through gritted teeth. “It’s bad enough that Marquette is always spending time with that one lady-Taelon. Now I hear that Kwai Ling Hong is being taken in by the Companions too?! Kwai Ling is a good kid, I don’t want her falling in with that crowd!”
    “That ‘crowd,’ Jonathan, is an entire species,” Dr. Park rebutted. “There could be millions of Taelons out there in the stars. It’s important that we learn as much about them as we can.”
    “We already know what we need to,” growled Doors. “The Taelons are up to no good and that’s what matters the most. But you’re right, Park, we should find out as much as we can about them. Including their anatomy and physiology.”
    “Hey, fellow Resistance clan,” Liam said, joining Park, Doors, and Augur in the underground Liberation labyrinth.
    “What do you want?” Doors sneered at Liam.
    “Doors, like it or not I’m part of your group now,” Liam said. “I insist that you act civil to me.”
    “Forget it,” Doors pouted obstinately.
    “Fine, be that way,” mumbled Liam. He turned to Augur. “Any idea where Tu’um and Wi’meh took Lili and Kwai Ling to?”
    “Well,” Augur thought for a moment, “Tu’um has pretty creative taste, so I’m guessing they went to someplace scenic.”
    “I’m still amazed at the relationship that Lili and Tu’um have formed,” Park commented. “I wonder if Wi’meh wants that same kind of bond with Kwai Ling?”
    “Probably,” frowned Doors. “Those Taelons are all the same. And if that’s what Wi’meh wants, there’s no doubt that she’ll get it. Kwai Ling will be helpless against Taelon deceit.”
    “I really am curious about where they went,” Liam repeated.
    “Like I said,” enunciated Augur, “probably someplace with a view.”

    * * *

     Tu’um viewed the lit up spectacle of Capitol Hill in awe and intrigue. Congress was currently in session. The lights were on in both domed-buildings of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Tu’um envisioned senators and congresspeople discussing significant matters which affected the United States of America.
    “Lili,” the Indian Taelon faced her friend, “this night has been very precious to me. I am glad we could share it together.”
    “Thank you, Tu’um,” Lili responded. “I - -
    “Nobody move!” came a sharp, husky voice.
    Two implants had stepped out of the shadows. One was aiming his skrill at Tu’um, and the other had his skrill aimed at Wi’meh.
    “Don’t hurt them!” Lili pleaded to the implants.
    “Shut up!” barked one of the implants.
    “What do you want from us?!” cried Kwai Ling.
    “I said, SHUT UP!!”
    The implant fired his skrill. He shot a deadly blast that knocked Tu’um to the ground.
    “What the . . . ?”
    The skrill blast should have killed Tu’um, but she was still alive. Another skrill blast was ejected at Wi’meh by the other implant, but it didn’t kill Wi’meh either.
    “What happened?! Why aren’t they dead?!”
    Coming right up close to Tu’um, the implant gave her another fierce skrill blast to the head.
    “Tu’um!!” screamed out Lili.
    Still, the blast only made Tu’um’s anterior shake and pulsate, but it failed to kill her.
    “I think my skrill is broken!”
    Blasts echoed from the second implant’s skrill as he tried to eliminate Wi’meh. But his skrill was having the same effect on Wi’meh - - none.
    Wi’meh slowly stood up. As she walked toward her pursuer, he backed away from her in fear.
    “You’re a Taelon!” he stammered. “You’re supposed to die from a skrill blast!”
    Her shakarava glimmering rapidly, Wi’meh shoved her hand in the implant’s eyes. Wi’meh’s shakarava literally blinded him.
    “Auggghh!! HELP!! I can’t see!! She’s taken my sight away from me!! HELP!!”
    The sightless implant was now rolling around on the ground screaming and yelping in a panic.
    “Do you want to be next?!” Wi’meh yelled at the other implant.
    In response, he ran away.
    “Tu’um!” Lili ran to her Companion’s side. “I don’t understand! That skrill blast was supposed to have killed you! Wasn’t it?! How did you survive it?”
    Tu’um took Lili’s hand as Captain Marquette helped her up. “Lili, there is something I must tell you . . .” The feminine alien paused. “I am one of a select group of Taelons who are immune to skrill blasts. The skrill does not harm us. It simply gives us a tingly, throbbing sensation. Wi’meh also possesses this immunity to skrill blasts.”
    “How can that be?” breathed out Lili, mystified.
    “Some of us are descended from a genetically-similar family of Taelons whose body chemistry is composed in a pattern that may withstand the impact of a skrill blast.” Tu’um’s eyes told Lili that the Companion was telling the truth.
    “So that’s why you didn’t bring Jagdamba along with us tonight,” Lili realized. “But then, why do you need an implanted attaché in the first place?”
    “I still need someone to assist me with my responsibilities and to help run the embassy,” Tu’um explained. “Also, it would look suspicious if I traveled around Earth unprotected. Remember, not all Taelons belong to this specially-developed order of Companions who are immune to skrill blasts. Some people might get bad ideas and go around skrilling Taelons left and right. And then where will that leave those of our race who CAN be killed by the skrill?”
    “Dead,” Lili completed the thought.
    “I am trusting you with this secret,” Tu’um told Lili.
    “You too,” Wi’meh added to Kwai Ling.
    “I think it’s cool!” exclaimed Kwai Ling. “I promise I won’t tell anyone.”
    “Me neither,” agreed Lili. “Tu’um, do Da’an, La’an, or Zo’or share this immunity of yours to skrill blasts?”
    “No,” answered Tu’um. “The only Taelons who you know who are of this immunity are myself, Wi’meh, and Le’er. The other Taelons immune to skrill blasts are ones who you have not met, or who you do not know yet.”
    Lili’s face fell when she heard that Da’an and La’an could both be killed by a skrill blast.
    “Don’t worry,” Tu’um said, reading Lili’s mind. “Da’an and La’an are well protected. No harm will come to them.”
    Tu’um and Lili held hands, and Wi’meh held hands with Kwai Ling. They all stared upward toward the stars.

    * * *

     “I am most disappointed in all of you,” Zo’or reprimanded.
    The Synod speaker had assembled Lili, Tu’um, Kwai Ling, and Wi’meh in Da’an’s audience chamber. Along with Da’an, Liam, and Sandoval, La’an and Ve’ep were also there.
    “What did we do?!” Kwai Ling glared at Zo’or.
    “Human, did I give you permission to speak?!” Zo’or glared back at Kwai Ling. “You have much nerve forming this disgusting . . . bond with a Taelon, you meager human!” He looked at Lili. “Both of you!”
    “How dare you insult me for having a friendship with Wi’meh!” Kwai Ling snapped at the Synod speaker. “Zo’or, you have no say in who I can be friends with!”
    “I disagree, Ms. Hong,” growled Zo’or.
    “Like I care!” Kwai Ling shouted back. “I don’t have to listen to you! You’re not the boss of me, and you can’t tell me what to do!”
    “I’ll bet those were YOUR implants whom you ordered to attempt to kill me and Tu’um last night,” Wi’meh guessed, “weren’t they, Zo’or?”
    The Companion frowned and said nothing.
    “Zo’or, why do you have such a problem with US spending time together?” Lili challenged.
    “It is sick. It is unnatural and revolting! And I will not allow it!” Zo’or was losing control of his human face, blushing blue. “As Synod speaker . . .”
    “Zo’or, stop hiding behind your title!” interjected La’an. “As far as I’m concerned, you are just a figurehead. And you will not stick your nose where it doesn’t belong!”
    “It is my DUTY to uphold the standards of the Taelon race!” Zo’or defended himself. “By eliminating all intimate Taelon-human relations . . .”
    “Well then, you’ll be dismayed to know,” piped up Liam, “that Da’an and I have also formed a bond. And there’s nothing you can do about it.”
    “We’ll see about that,” Zo’or mumbled, glaring at Da’an.
    “Is that a threat, Zo’or? Because I’m warning you, bub, if you do anything to harm Da’an’s safety, I will personally make sure that you come to regret it.” Liam smirked.
    “Major Kincaid, don’t you DARE speak to me that way!” Zo’or shouted.
    “Control your temper, Zo’or,” giggled Tu’um.
    “You are abusing your power,” La’an censured Zo’or. “If you don’t act nicer, you will have me to deal with. And you don’t want that.” La’an continued, “Lili and I are going to stay friends, and so are Lili and Tu’um. You will not change that, so get the idea out of your head right now.”
    “I agree with La’an,” expressed Da’an. “Listen to her words, Zo’or. She is very wise.”
    Ve’ep, who had been silent this entire time, now spoke up. “Zo’or, La’an is Second speaker of the Synod. The reason there is a Second speaker is so that the main speaker doesn’t get away with acting inappropriately. You are acting inappropriately. La’an had every right to question your behavior. Don’t give her a reason to.”
    “Thank you, Ve’ep,” responded La’an, smiling at the Taelon physicist.
    “Zo’or, I think it would be best if you left,” advised Da’an. “Immediately.”
    Angrily, Zo’or stormed out of Da’an’s embassy, not looking back. He silently vowed to get revenge on all of them.
    “I’m glad he’s gone,” a relieved Liam said.
    Tu’um beamed at La’an. “Thank you for all your support, La’an,” she said. Tu’um joined hands with La’an and gave La’an’s hands a friendly little squeeze.
    “You’re welcome,” replied La’an. “I am quite annoyed that Zo’or is trying to control everything. He cannot control who we decide to be friends with. It’s who we are.”
    Liam, Lili, and Kwai Ling each grinned at their respective Companions.
    “Let us never forget what we are,” proclaimed Da’an. “Friends.”

    * * *

     FIN
 
 

Copyright 1998 by Earthboy
Gene Roddenberry's Earth: Final Conflict is property of Tribune Entertainment Company and is produced by Roddenberry/Kirshner Productions. No monetary profit is being made from this work. No infringement is intended. If you sue me, I will send Wi'meh after you with her glowing shakarava. Ba-boom!