Paradise Lost

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 "The Sleepers" and "Fissures." 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," "Last Dance," "Girls' Night Out," "Say No More, Zo'or," "Tell It Like It Is," "More Adventures in Taelon-Sitting," and "Bundle of Joy" before reading "Paradise Lost."

Please feel free to use any of my characters for your own fanfictions, but keep their name and status quo as is in "Paradise Lost," and please tell me so I can read your story. For the purposes of this story, the characters of Tu'um, Le'er, Wi'meh, and Pu'ur will each be referred to as "she."

Summary: The quaint Amish village of Paradise is re-visited when Belman's photojournalist friend reports that a mysterious, unexplainable virus has wrecked havoc among the community. Meanwhile, Lili and Tu'um consummate their relationship to its most pivotal point yet, despite some unwanted interference from Le'er.

Special thanks goes to Brown Unicorn (aka Browny) for allowing me to use the name of her character Mike Stansfield, who is mentioned in this story. Mike can be found in more of Browny's stories. Please ask permission from Browny and other authors 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.
 
 

    * * *

     Prudence Jacobson watched in horror as her friend, Ingrid, turned a pale, sickly aqua hue right before her eyes. Ingrid's own lovely hazel eyes were now glazed over, while her soft lips had explicitly dried out and hardened up.
    "Water!" Ingrid whispered in a hoarse, scratchy voice. "Please, may I have some water?"
    "Thou may." Prudence brushed a strand of her best friend's golden blond hair away from her face, and pressed a mug filled with water against Ingrid's lips. "Drink," Prudence softly encouraged.
    Ingrid sipped the liquid, but it only caused her to cough and salivate even more harshly. All around them, other villagers were experiencing the exact same symptoms. The Amish village of Paradise had recently been threatened by a terrible epidemic, infecting nearly half of the population. An infirmary had been established in the center of the community. Prudence and her husband, Amos, were volunteering their time and energy to help look after the sick.
    "How does thy feel?" Amos inquired, coming over to stand next to Prudence.
    Ingrid released a loud, hacking cough in response. "Her condition has worsened," reported Prudence. "We must pray for her."
    Amos and Prudence bowed their heads and proceeded to utter the words of religious prayers. At that moment, Ingrid ceased breathing.
    "Lord, noooo!!!" wailed Prudence, her eyes tearing up in grief over her best friend.
    "Let me try to help," interjected a male voice. It belonged to Joseph Waltz, a young and handsome reporter from Philadelphia who was currently staying in Paradise for an extended visit. Joseph, a noted photojournalist employed by a well-known Philadelphia weekly magazine, had come to Paradise to do a human interest story, a profile and feature of the Amish village and its various residents. During his time in Paradise, Joseph resided as the Jacobsons' house-guest.
    Joseph Waltz placed both of his hands slightly below Ingrid's breastbone and began doing chest compressions on her. At intervals, he would give her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Unfortunately, he was unable to revive her.
    Amos held Prudence tenderly, as his wife wept in his arms. Joseph patted Amos on the shoulder charitably.
    "This is horrible," lamented Joseph, looking around at all the other Amish villagers who were helplessly coughing and moaning. "Has anything like this ever happened here before?"
    "Not during the 29 years which we've lived in Paradise," Amos supplied, staring down at Ingrid sadly.
    "We grew up together!" Prudence clutched onto the lifeless hand of her best friend. "Ingrid was so young! She should not have died!"
    "We all grew up together," Amos reminded his wife gently. "Prudence was my friend, as well. I grieve with you for her."
    "I'm going to try my best to help your village out," offered Joseph. "Let me contact a friend of mine who works in Washington D.C. Her name is Dr. Julianne Belman. She is an extraordinary physician, and although she's retired, she has connections to Da'an, the North American Companion. He may be able to help your village too."
    Prudence sniffed, still crying. "The Taelons are rumored to be wondrous workers of miracles," she admitted.
    "That they are," nodded Amos in agreement. "The lord works in mysterious ways, indeed. Joseph, any help thou could offer to us would be greatly appreciated."
    "I'll call Dr. Belman right now," Joseph promised them. He headed toward the Jacobsons' cottage, where he had left his cellular phone.

    * * *

     Lili felt herself floating through the air. She was carried by a strong, peaceful gust of wind, moving downward throughout the inside of a sort of cloudy funnel-like abyss. All the while, Lili could feel the wind velocity spinning her body around in constant spirals.
    Gradually, the brunette shuttle pilot could sense her movement slowing down. Then she saw the shape of a Taelon body in its true form hovering next to her, glimmering a lovely shade of sparkly blue. The Taelon spontaneously changed the color of its body, so now it was shining multiple colors, as very colors of the rainbow appeared on its body form in beautiful radiance.
    Immediately, Lili knew that this Taelon floating next to her was Tu'um. She could sense Tu'um's mind reaching out to hers. Sure enough, within seconds Tu'um had fleshed out her human face, putting on her recognizable human-like holographic facade.
    "Tu'um," Lili softly whispered.
    The Companion to India smiled in return. "Lili, we shall always be together, as one," the feminine alien proclaimed.
    With that, Tu'um embraced Lili with a tender hug. Tears trickled down Lili's cheeks, as the captain could feel herself crying happily.
    The dream sequence had ended. As Lili awoke, she rubbed her eyes and discovered that she was still crying in bed. Captain Marquette looked around and saw that she was in her usual bedroom at the Taelon embassy in Bombay, India, rather than at her regular home in Washington D.C. Then Lili remembered: she was staying with Tu'um for the weekend. Tu'um had also invited Kwai Ling Hong and Wi'meh to sleep over as well, and the four of them were having somewhat of a weekend slumber party.
    Lili sat up in her bed. Her bedroom at Tu'um's embassy was decorated with plush, exotically-patterned furniture, her own large, private bathroom, a hot-tub/Jacuzzi, and other lavish furnishings. As Lili stared over toward the foot of her pink canopy bed, she caught sight of Agent Haji Jagdamba, Tu'um's Indian attaché.
    Jagdamba was laying out a tray by Lili's bedside, containing a light pre-breakfast meal. The tray was filled with steaming coffee and an assortment of creams and East Indian coffee blends, cinnamon buns, fig cookies, fresh fruit, and apple cider. Additionally, Lili couldn't help but sniff the delectable aroma of breakfast being prepared in the embassy kitchen, as the scent wafted into Lili's bedroom.
    "Tu'um requests your presence at breakfast this morning," Jagdamba informed her. The implant exited Lili's bedroom.
    Lili had a very quick bite to eat, and then headed out toward the dining room still in her pajamas. She was greeted by Wi'meh and Kwai Ling, who were sitting together at the dining room table. Wi'meh wore her elegant Taelon uniform of the diplomat caste as she read the morning newspaper. Kwai Ling was adorned in a chic nightgown and munched on some slices of crisp bacon and a piece of peanut butter toast. Mata, Tu'um's shuttle pilot, came over with a ceramic pitcher and filled up Kwai Ling's glass with pineapple juice.
    "May I bring you something to eat?" Mata asked Lili, as the Resistance agent joined Kwai Ling and Wi'meh at the dining room table.
    "No thanks, not quite yet, Mata," Lili smiled at her friend. "I believe I'll wait until Tu'um arrives."
    At that moment, Tu'um entered the room.
    "Good morning, Lili," the Taelon greeted her human Earth companion.
    "Hi, Tu'um."
    "I trust you slept well?"
    "Yes I did, thank you for asking."
    Tu'um turned to her other guests. "Good morning, Wi'meh. Good morning, Kwai Ling," she nodded at them in turn.
    Kwai Ling yawned. "I wish I could go back to sleep," she complained. "I'm still tired."
    "Me too," agreed Wi'meh. "I didn't get as much time in the data stream last night as I had hoped for."
    "By all means, feel free to rest some more after breakfast," Tu'um encouraged them. "I have some unfinished business to attend to, so today should be uneventful at best. Lili, a word with you?"
    "Yes, Tu'um?" They stepped into a corner of the dining room.
    "You remember the Amish village of Paradise, I assume? Well, Da'an has informed me that a mysterious virus has found its way into their community. He wishes for you and Major Kincaid to investigate."
    "But our weekend . . ." protested Lili.
    Tu'um held up her hand. "You can return here to my embassy later tonight, once you and Major Kincaid have looked into the situation."
    Working on her weekend off! Lili sighed. This was the last thing she wanted - - distraction from her time with Tu'um!
    "Agent Sandoval is waiting for you at Da'an's embassy," the Indian Companion continued.
    "Should I use Mata's shuttle?" Captain Marquette probed.
    "No. Siobhan Beckett has already taken the liberty of assigning a shuttle to come here to pick you up," Tu'um explained, gesturing with her hands as she spoke.
    Lili grimaced. She didn't like Beckett at all, and was dismayed to learn that Agent Beckett would be present on this assignment.
    Tu'um read her friend's disgusted facial features. "Lili, I know you are not fond of Beckett, but please try to be civil to her. If you are nice to Beckett, the afternoon will pass by faster. The sooner you can get this over with efficiently, the sooner we'll be able to have our special time together. Tonight, I wish to elevate our relationship to a higher level."
    Now that sounded intriguing to Lili. "Okay, I will try," she consented.
    Jagdamba promptly entered the room.
    "Le'er is here," announced the implant.
    "Oh, great," groaned Tu'um, rolling her eyes. She did not care for Le'er's nasty attitude.
    The tall, feminine Scandinavian Companion flounced into the dining chamber.
    "What do you want, Le'er?"
    "Tu'um, I can sense your togetherness with Captain Marquette through the Commonality. You are flaunting your ugly relationship with this mere human in the faces of your fellow Taelons. I felt compelled to confront you face-to-face. Why do you do this?"
    "Le'er, the Synod and Commonality are fully aware of how much Lili and I mean to each other."
    "You traitor!"
    Tu'um looked as though Le'er had just slapped her in the face.
    "Go away, Le'er!" snapped Wi'meh. "You have no right to be here."
    "I have every right to," Le'er argued. The Swedish Companion gave Tu'um an intimidating poke. "We are not going to stand for this much longer. I will not allow another of my fellow Taelons to lower herself to forming a bond with this pitiful human!" Le'er pointed at Lili.
    "Hey!" fumed Lili, taking offense to Le'er's statement.
    "You will leave this instant!" glared Tu'um, assertively. "Jagdamba, please escort Le'er out of my embassy."
    Jagdamba approached Le'er, but the vindictive Taelon wouldn't budge.
    "Don't make me use my skrill," agent Jagdamba threatened Le'er.
    "Foolish implant!" scoffed Le'er. "Obviously, Tu'um has failed to inform you that I cannot be killed by a skrill blast." She smirked proudly and stuck her nose up in the air.
    "It is true," sighed Tu'um. "Le'er, Wi'meh, and myself are three out of dozens of Taelons who belong to a select group of our species that is immune to the destructiveness of the skrill. Our body chemistries are genetically configured in such a way that we are able to withstand skrill blasts. It is a trait that distinguishes us from the other Taelons."
    "Lili and I already knew this," Kwai Ling pointed out.
    "But Jagdamba did not," Tu'um reminded them.
    "Why wasn't I told of this?" demanded Agent Haji Jagdamba.
    "I meant to tell you earlier," Tu'um admitted. "I must apologize for my delay. Please forgive me, Agent Jagdamba."
    "I could never be mad at you, Tu'um," gushed Jagdamba, blushing a little bit.
    Le'er could no longer bear the flowery sentimentality amid the group of Taelons and humans. Nauseated, she left the embassy in a hurry, steaming with irritation.
    "Finally, she's gone!" Wi'meh rejoiced, breathing out a sigh of relief.
    "Good riddance, Le'er," uttered Kwai Ling, under her breath.
    "I'll be back soon," Lili announced, heading for the exit. "My ride is probably outside waiting for me."
    "Lili . . ." Tu'um spoke up gently.
    "Yes, Tu'um?"
    The Companion giggled. "You are going to go outside in your pajamas?"
    Lili looked down and realized that she still had on her pink cotton pajamas. Her face turned beet red, and she high-tailed it to her bedroom to get dressed. Tu'um's and Wi'meh's amused giggles could still be heard echoing behind Captain Marquette as she disappeared into the bedroom.

    * * *

     As Liam Kincaid strolled down the embassy corridor leading to Da'an's audience chamber, he whistled to himself. The Kimera/human hybrid, who served as one of Da'an's protectors, was about to become familiarized with the Amish culture.
    Liam arrived in the audience chamber. Da'an was sitting atop the Big Chair while Sandoval, Lili, and Beckett stood in front of the Taelon. There was also another man in the room, a thin, dark-haired gentleman. Major Kincaid assumed that he was Joseph Waltz, the photojournalist on assignment in Paradise whom Da'an had said would be present at his embassy that day.
    "Ah, Liam," Da'an welcomed his friend. "You have arrived. Shall we commence?"
    Joseph aggressively proceeded to take charge. "Thank you for seeing me today, Da'an. Belman told me that you would be undoubtedly helpful." The journalist turned to Lili, Liam, and the implants. "Since Captain Marquette is somewhat familiar with Paradise from what Belman has said, then I assume she can give you the run-down on it while we're there. Now here's what I know from my hosts in Paradise, the Jacobsons: some type of epidemic has spread through the village. People are dying. They don't know where it came from, but the virus - - or whatever it is - - needs to be stopped. This is apparently the first time ever that something like this has occurred in Paradise."
    "How do we investigate this 'virus' without actually contracting it ourselves?" Lili ventured.
    "Dr. Belman feels that the epidemic can only be contracted externally," supplied Da'an. "Therefore, all humans investigating the 'Paradise epidemic' will be required to wear surgical masks and gloves."
    "Da'an, will you be accompanying us on this assignment?" asked Sandoval.
    "Yes," Da'an answered. "I feel that as the Companion to the United States, it is about time for me to personally pay a visit to an actual Amish community to absorb and experience the essence of their lifestyle."
    "Don't feel out of the loop, Da'an," Liam comforted his Companion. "It'll be my first time at an Amish village too."
    "Then it appears as though we both will have much to learn, Major Kincaid," smiled Da'an.
    "When will we leave?" questioned Beckett.
    "In half an hour," Joseph replied. "Dr. Belman and Dr. Park both are going to come along as well, to help treat the sick."
    There was nothing left to say. They prepared for that afternoon's duty.

    * * *

     Lili descended her shuttle down toward Paradise, and the aircraft landed at a clearing near the village. They all exited the shuttle. Da'an proceeded into the village, escorted on either side by Liam and Sandoval. Lili, Beckett, Belman, Park, and Joseph followed behind.
    As their party moved through the Amish community, residents peeked their heads out of their homes in curiosity and wonder. Da'an led the way, smiling at all of the Paradise villagers whom they passed by. The gentle alien turned his head slowly and gracefully, taking in the full panorama of the village within his view. At one point, a little Amish boy who could not have been older than four years old caught sight of Da'an. Having never seen a Taelon before, the frightened boy screamed out loud and ran over to his mother. Da'an stared at the little boy with understanding, sympathetic eyes.
    Eventually, their group found its way to the village infirmary. Amos and Prudence were waiting for them. The young, married Amish couple greeted Da'an and his entourage with benign eagerness.
    Their doctor's instincts kicking in, Belman and Park surveyed the hospital-like atmosphere of the infirmary. People were lying in beds, moaning, wailing, and being overwhelmed by loud, hacking coughs begot from their clogged-up throats. Belman authoritatively instructed all of them to put on surgical masks to protect themselves from potential disease. She even made Da'an wear one.
    "We don't know how contagious this epidemic is," she stressed. "We need to take every possible precaution."
    Park and Belman both also wore rubber gloves. They began examining people.
    "Julianne, this lady is burning up!" exclaimed Park, feeling the sweltering forehead of an ill Amish woman who was sound asleep.
    "This one is too," Belman observed of her own random patient. The doctor felt under her charge's chin and around her throat area. "Her glands are terribly swollen and enflamed . . . she's having a hard time breathing."
    "We've got to get antibiotics into these people," Park insisted.
    "How can we treat them properly if we don't even know what's causing their illnesses?" Belman challenged rhetorically. "All these multiple symptoms mixed together in so many individuals simultaneously - - I don't think I've ever seen anything this dramatic in my entire life!"
    Suddenly, Lili noticed the altering face of one man whose bed was near her.
    "Oh my lord!" Lili yelled, as she gaped at the sick gentleman. "He's changing color!"
    Indeed, the man's face had turned a pale, sickly shade of light blue. Others were showing similar symptoms.
    "This is terrible," lamented Liam.
    "Aye, these poor people," Agent Beckett agreed.
    Sandoval was speechless.
    "Well, one thing is for sure," Dr. Belman evaluated. "We need to get more medical personnel in here to determine the root of this problem and to treat everyone. Because there are way too many people here for Melissa and I to care for all by ourselves."
    "I'll dispatch an emergency medical team immediately," Sandoval provided, taking out his global.
    Da'an wore a pained, helpless, sorrowful expression upon his exterior. The Companion wanted so badly to aid the grief-stricken villagers of Paradise, but had no idea of what he could do. In anguish, Da'an glimmered a soft but stressed shade of Taelon blue, amid the cries and screams of the ill folks within the infirmary.

    * * *

     "Why are you bothering me with this obviously non-resolvable matter?!" mandated Zo'or, seated in his dexterous chair.
    Da'an paced back and forth across the floor of the Taelon mothership. "The people of Paradise are in dire need of help. Surely, we must have some remedy to relieve what ails them?"
    "This is an ostentatious imposition, Da'an!" snapped Le'er. "We have more urgent matters to attend to . . . such as the survival of our species."
    "How can you be so impassive?" Tu'um confronted Le'er. "These are human lives!"
    "Le'er is right," testified Zo'or. "We cannot waste our resources on an isolated minority of human beings. There will still be plenty more remaining on Earth."
    "People are dying!" verbalized Da'an in a strained voice riddled with emotion. "Zo'or, you must not be so unfeeling."
    "The matter is closed!" Zo'or maintained. "I do not want to hear another word about it!"
    Le'er triumphantly grinned at Da'an and Tu'um. She had gotten her way.
    Tu'um couldn't take it any more, and lost her temper. The Indian Companion dropped her "human face."
    "I do not care what you say, Zo'or," seethed Tu'um, appalled at Zo'or callous disregard. "I will recruit Na'ap to help us. He will offer his medical knowledge. Da'an and I WILL expedite the salvation of these Amish people."
    By now, they were speaking in heavy Eunoia. Le'er pouted at Tu'um childishly.
    "You will do no such thing, Tu'um," the Scandinavian Companion protested. Le'er had now reverted to her own true form. "Zo'or's word is final."
    Now one of Tu'um's biggest flaws is that she gets really angry and shows it when something makes her mad. This especially is true when the mistreatment of humans is involved. Tu'um especially hated when she saw this disregard coming from other Taelons.
    Da'an seemed shockingly taken aback at Tu'um's reaction. Yet, he completely supported her cause.
    "I am afraid I must agree with Tu'um on this matter," expressed Da'an, rebelling against Zo'or's rejection of their wishes.
    "You would dare to defy me?!" growled Zo'or, staring Da'an down from atop the Big Chair.
    Without any words, Da'an and Tu'um linked hands, silently, assertively, and pointedly exiting Zo'or's Synod chamber. They had gone off to find Na'ap.

    * * *

     Agent Lassiter landed the Taelon shuttle right outside of Paradise. Lassiter, like Lili, had been trained to pilot the technically advanced Taelon shuttles.
    Zo'or, accompanied by Sandoval, exited the shuttle. Following Da'an and Tu'um's urgent plea to aid Paradise, the Synod speaker had decided to tour Paradise for himself and appraise the situation. Ronald Sandoval, who had been shuttled back to the mothership to rendezvous with Zo'or, was now making his way through the Amish village once again, this time guiding his "other" Companion.
    By now, the entire area was crawling with doctors and medical researchers who were attempting to locate the origin of the crisis. Da'an was gone; earlier, Sandoval had brought the North American Companion back to his embassy where he was being guarded by his other implant, Agent Mike Stansfield. Then, Sandoval had returned to Paradise with Zo'or in tow.
    Dr. Julianne Belman had taken charge of the situation. She was ordering blood and tissue samples to be excerpted from all the ill residents, and requested mobile life support systems to be brought in to prevent as many additional casualties as possible. A staff of laboratory technicians was studying and reviewing the body extracts in an undertaking to determine the root of the predicament.
    Zo'or entered the infirmary with Sandoval. The Companion looked appalled and sickened by the unhealthy and weary patients who were victims of the epidemic. His face appeared as close to queasy as possible for a Taelon.
    "Is there not an over-abundance of medical personnel right now?" complained Zo'or, irritably. He called out to Belman as she walked past him. "Dr. Belman, you need not go to such extremes . . ."
    "I'm busy!" Belman cut Zo'or off, as she speedily strode away. The doctor's main priority at that moment was to care for the people of Paradise - - she had no time nor patience to listen to Zo'or's criticism.
    Dr. Park was also tied up with her duties as a physician and assisting Dr. Belman. Park didn't even notice that Zo'or was in the room.
    "Well, we're back to Square One," Lili deplored, as she and Beckett came to Sandoval's side. "There is no exterior evidence whatsoever to indicate the existence of a virus in the vicinity."
    "Has anyone thought of testing the water?" suggested Beckett. "Back in Ireland, me grandmum's town had a local water supply that became contaminated. Not a soul could safely drink any of it. They had to ship in bottled water from Dublin."
    "We have been drinking bottled water recently," provided Prudence. "Amos and I, that is. Joseph has provided it for us."
    "Yeah," Joseph confirmed. "I just can't stand the tap - - urban or rural."
    "So you three have been drinking bottled water ever since Joseph arrived here?" Liam questioned Joseph and the Jacobsons.
    "That we have," asserted Amos.
    "Agent Beckett, Major Kincaid, obtain a sample of water from the village well," Sandoval commanded. "We will have it analyzed immediately."
    "Right away, Agent Sandoval," nodded Beckett. She seemed proud of having suggested the idea in the first place.
    "If Amos, Prudence, and Joseph have been drinking bottled water," reasoned Lili, "that would explain why they haven't contracted any symptoms. It may be the village water supply that is contaminated."
    Zo'or seemed pessimistically humbled - - but said nothing.
    Soon, Beckett and Liam returned with a test tube filled with a water sample from the nearby well. Park carefully brought the sample to her and Belman's laboratory technicians to be analyzed. Eventually, a foreign substance was detected within the water, having chemically bonded to its molecules.
    "I knew it!" exclaimed Beckett.
    Belman and the Jacobsons were overjoyed. "How will we ever be able to repay thou?" Prudence thanked Belman.
    "No need," Belman assured them. "The important thing is that we have a sample of the contaminant, so we can now develop an antibody for it."
    "You have saved our village," Amos emphasized. "We shall be eternally grateful."
    "Such extravagant measures for such a trivial minority of the population," sneered Zo'or pompously.
    "Would you rather have the American news media catch wind of this event, Zo'or?" Sandoval challenged. "This is the type of news headline that the paparazzi will be all over. If we leave the virus untreated, I am certain it will make a . . . colorful cover story for our friend, Mr. Waltz. Won't a feature article like that do wonders for the Taelons' approval rating?" Sandoval spoke these sarcastic words almost threateningly.
    Glaring at Sandoval, Zo'or clammed up.

    * * *

     As the radiant Indian sun set below the horizon and dusk emerged, Lili once again sat comfortably on a silk settee in Tu'um's audience chamber. Captain Marquette gazed at the sunset through the virtual glass embassy window. After a long, tiresome afternoon of helping out the desecrated denizens of Paradise, Lili was finally ready for some nice rest and relaxation.
    Mata had joined Lili. Tu'um's Indian shuttle pilot leisurely plopped down on the floral-patterned settee next to the captain and began chattering away with Lili. Jagdamba immigrated into the room in his usual formal manner, and poured some cups of soothing herbal tea for Mata and Lili. All the while, the two women laughed and conversed superfluously.
    Then Tu'um walked into the room, wearing her Taelon uniform with her regular sari draped over it. She was holding hands with her young granddaughter, Nu'um, and in her arms carried her even younger granddaughter, Clu'um.
    "Hi, Lili!" Nu'um greeted her human friend.
    "Lili! Lili!" squealed Clu'um, gleefully.
    Nu'um and Clu'um both wrapped their arms around Captain Marquette, and Lili shined caringly.
    "Now, now," Tu'um warbled sweetly to her granddaughters. "Plenty of time will present itself for you both to be with Lili tomorrow. But Lili and I wish to spend the evening together. Mata and Jagdamba will look after you for tonight."
    "May we watch television, grandparent?" Nu'um pleaded with eagerness.
    "Of course," smiled Tu'um.
    "TV! TV! TV!" chanted Clu'um, clapping her hands together excitedly. Clu'um loved to watch the "big picture screen" and see all of the human television shows. So did Nu'um.
    Mata picked up Clu'um and toted the small Taelon in her arms. Nu'um followed along with Agent Jagdamba at her side. The four of them disappeared into the sitting room where Tu'um's big-screen TV was, leaving Tu'um and Lili alone.
    "I cherish our time together," the Indian Companion spoke to her human companion.
    "So do I," the shuttle pilot answered. She reached out and linked her hand with Tu'um's.
    "Let us become one."
    "What do you mean?" A confused gaze spread across Lili's face.
    "You shall see," the Companion vocalized. Slowly, Tu'um pulled Lili's body toward her. Beyond all reason or logic, Lili could feel herself falling into Tu'um's body. Simultaneously, Lili could feel Tu'um falling into her own body. Tu'um experienced the exact same sensations. They had both merged into one collaborative being.
    Neither of them could explain the joy of what they were feeling. Lili felt as though her own self - - mind, body, and soul - - was inside of Tu'um's body, while Tu'um's own being was existing within her human body, all at the same time. Tu'um felt the exact same way: she had physically, mentally, and spiritually incorporated her Taelon self into Lili's inner mass, while Lili had done likewise. They were sharing the same mind and the same soul - - coexistent as one strong, glorious kindred spirit.
    "Cease this atrocity!" broke in an abusive, unpleasant Taelon voice. This verbalization belonged to Le'er. The Swedish Companion had intruded upon Lili and Tu'um's "joining" through Tu'um's psychic link to the Commonality.
    "Leave us alone!!" Tu'um's voice blared back at Le'er, echoing loudly and assertively throughout the entirety of the Commonality.
    Le'er shook in embarrassment and rage.
    "Fellow Taelons," Le'er announced to the collective, "see this abhorrent coalition between Tu'um and the human female, Captain Lili Marquette! It is unacceptable! We detest you, Tu'um!"
    "You cannot speak for the entire Taelon race, Le'er!"
    "Silence, Tu'um!"
    "Get out of my mind, Le'er!"
    Lili cut in. "STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM US!!!!" she screamed out at Le'er, not caring what any of the other Taelons - - or anyone else for that matter - - thought of her.
    Le'er was thrown back unexpectedly by Lili's fury. The antagonistic Companion had not anticipated such magnitude nor depth from Lili Marquette.
    Lili began to cry, her tears flowing like Niagara Falls. She could not endure Le'er's harassment any longer. Tu'um felt Lili's pain, as their senses were still mutually enjoined. Considerately, Tu'um broke away from Lili in a gentle, sensitive manner, so that Le'er could no longer hurt Lili through their psychic link. But by then, Le'er was gone.
    The Taelon and human had now separated back into two individual entities. Still stinging from Le'er's heartless intrusion, Lili wept in Tu'um's soft embrace. Despite the Scandinavian Companion's ill-meaning efforts to keep Lili and Tu'um apart, Le'er had ironically brought the two of them only closer together.

    * * *

     "This seems like a cool place," Joseph observed, as he and the Jacobsons followed Liam Kincaid into he Flat Planet Café.
    "It is. Plus," Liam winked at them, "the waitresses aren't that bad-looking."
    Liam had brought Amos, Prudence, and Joseph to Augur's hangout to entertain and occupy them while Belman and Park hurried to develop the antibody for the ailing villagers of Paradise. Amos and Prudence, who had hardly ever ventured outside of their small community, were astounded by the flashy eccentricity and dazzling flamboyance of the Flat Planet. Its vividness and visual potency was like nothing the Jacobsons had ever seen before.
    "What can I get for you party animals tonight?" Kwai Ling Hong asked them as they approached the bar.
    "I think I'll go for the traditional Bloody Mary," decided Joseph, taking a seat at one of the bar stools.
    Maiya began pouring Joseph's drink for him. "You want a cherry in your drink?" she offered.
    "Watch out, Maiya makes one mean Bloody Mary," grinned Kwai Ling.
    "What'll you have, Liam?" inquired Suzanne, joining Kwai Ling and Maiya behind the bar.
    Liam paused. "Nothing too strong, Suzanne. I'm driving tonight, after all. I think I'll do a Weak Sister."
    "Aw, you're no fun!!" teased Kwai Ling.
    "Salutations, newcomers!" called Augur, emerging from the back room. He slapped Liam on the back, shook Joseph's hand, and then stared unexpectedly at the Jacobsons, taking in their plain, simple, hand-made wardrobe. "You're not from around here, are you?"
    "They are from Paradise," Maiya told him.
    "Ah. Well, welcome to MY paradise!" Augur bowed to the Amish couple playfully. The computer-wiz gestured to Maiya, Kwai Ling, and Suzanne. "I see you have already met my lovelies? They are here to serve you."
    "So you'd better leave us a big tip," chuckled Suzanne.
    "What do you want to drink? Amos? Prudence? It's my treat," Liam addressed the Amish couple.
    "How about a cold, refreshing glass of water?" Prudence proposed.
    A beat passed. Then, the Flat Planet regulars all exploded with laughter.
    "We like water," pouted Amos, defensively. He failed to understand why everyone was so amused by him and his wife.
    "You two, we've been drinking water all week long!" Joseph sputtered hysterically. He grinned. "And it's the tasty store-bought kind, at that."
    "Bring them a round of mocha-flavored cappuccinos," Augur insisted.
    Kwai Ling operated the machine as it spewed out the piping hot beverages into glasses. While waiting for them, the Jacobsons took some seats at the bar next to Joseph. Suddenly, Prudence noticed a uniformed Taelon sitting on the stool next to her. It was Wi'meh.
    "Hello there," smiled Wi'meh.
    Prudence looked at Wi'meh as though she was staring at a ghost. The Companion to Singapore blushed merrily. She and Kwai Ling had retreated to the Flat Planet that evening to give Lili and Tu'um some time alone.
    The cappuccinos were now ready, and Maiya served them to Amos and Prudence.
    "How does it taste?" Maiya wanted to know.
    The Jacobsons each cautiously sipped their cappuccinos and digested the chocolatey goodness.
    "Heavenly," breathed out Amos in delight.
    Prudence simply shut her eyes and hummed gloriously.
    Suzanne tossed some complimentary swizzle sticks over to the Jacobsons. "Okay, where's our gratuity?"

    * * *

     Circulating from bed to bed, Park and Belman were injecting people using sterile syringes. The vaccine had been developed. Da'an and Tu'um had come to Paradise so they could oversee the distribution of the antibiotics. Belman and Park vaccinated all of the ailing villagers, as well as the villagers who had not yet contracted any symptoms so they could be immune to the virus.
    "Thank the lord that a cure was found!" exclaimed Prudence, folding her hands together in a prayer formation.
    "Your people are a peaceful and virtuous tribe," Da'an accentuated. "They deserve to reap the joy and happiness that life has to offer."
    "Have the lab chemists figured out yet how the village well was contaminated in the first place?" Liam inquired.
    "Or with what?" added Lili.
    "That has not been determined as of yet," Sandoval supplied.
    "Let's just be thankful that we were able to create an antibody in time," pointed out Beckett.
    "But if you had not given us the idea to search the water as soon as you did, Agent Beckett, then we might still be seeking a solution," Tu'um reminded her.
    By then, Dr. Belman and Dr. Park were finished with giving the vaccinations.
    "How did it go?" Liam asked them.
    "It went," Belman replied matter-of-factly. "Everyone should recover very soon."
    "We examined the contaminant," Dr. Park informed them. "An unidentified impurity within the polluted substance was found. However, its chemical and structural arrangement is unknown. The pollutant is quite foreign to us. We are enlisting Pu'ur and her team of Taelon scientists, to aid us in purifying the water supply of Paradise."
    "So far, we haven't been able to conclude how it was synthesized," appended Dr. Belman. "It contains many unfamiliar toxins which we haven't ever previously had the opportunity to study. But mark my words, we WILL eventually get to the bottom of this."
    She meant it, too.

    * * *

     FIN
 
 

Copyright 1999 by Earthboy
Gene Roddenberry's Earth: Final Conflict is property by 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 bring Kee'sha back from the dead (yep, another threat!)