continuing:
Back on Antar, life really hadn't changed so much. Though the Queen Mother was no longer in residence, nothing had really changed. Well almost nothing. Khivar realized that this put Kayla on the same planet as the Granilith. That did concern him.
He looked about. Khivar turned to glare at his private army. They showed signs of being in a battle. Wounds had been attended, but the effects were still present. It had been a draw. Neither side had gained anything, but then nor did they lose. The glare became a sneer at the men that he had hired to assist him with his quest. He wandered in and amongst them surveying the damage. He wanted answers.
These mercenary forces which had been gathered across the Whirlwind Galaxy were about as effective as an umbrella during a hurricane on Earth. They hadn't kept Kayla under observation as closely as they should have. They had allowed her to escape to Earth no less, using ancient alien technology that he again felt deprived knowing about! Khivar wasn't about to loose to Zan again. Not when the prize was so glitteringly close. He was focused on the end result, he didn't care about anything else. He just wanted to be the one that succeeded. He knew that Kayla tolerated him. He felt impotent. He would be all powerful and resolute in his pursuit of Antar.
Kayla had surprised him with her escape. He didn't think she had it in her to leave the planet in his hands. That brought a flicker of excitement to his face which foretold suffering for others. He would really be able to rule without any interference from her. Maybe he should have disposed of her years ago. Yet knew that he wouldn't have been able to without a lot more problems. This way he could disclaim any involvement. There were witnesses-not many who had survived the onslaught, but it didn't matter how many. He knew that the credibility factor might be questioned, but it was better than what he had had the day before she had left.
Kayla usually was the protector of the peoples of Antar. He could count on that. Unless those strangers promised assistance to her, supporting her claim and her son's claim to the throne. This required more thought than he had been originally going to follow.
Khivar didn't think that these travelers had more weaponry than Antar. In fact, he didn't think that they were able to use individual power sources. More thought was definitely required. He wasn't going to loose this opportunity because of foolishness or stupidity. He had spent too many years in the shadows as it was.
Tess had seen the look and decided that she didn't want to be anywhere near the fallout that was about to take place within the palace. She knew Khivar and his temper. When people failed him, he didn't allow for a second mistake. She cringed at that thought, thinking her days were suddenly numbered without Seth and Kayla here. They were her bargaining tools. They were gone. Back to Earth.
Tess had left him in the solar as talked to these men. They had understood one thing from their master, and that failure wasn't an option. Khivar expected success from everyone. She had heard him loudly cursing them. Not for the first time since her return to Antar, she wondered if it hadn't been better living on Earth. She sought a quiet place to think of what had happened. She didn't want to end up like the men downstairs. Khivar wouldn't give any mercy to her because of any previous status, or because she had bore Seth-which of course, meant very little since he was back on Earth with Max. Oh no, this wasn't looking good no matter how she might extend the blame to others. Khivar was nothing if not consistent.
She eventually crawled into her bed, lying there as she stared out onto the Antarian moonlight. She saw the moons over the horizon. Two were full and the third was waning. Not an especially positive omen to be sure. But one that portended a change. She looked out onto the red lake as the ripples lapped at the beach. Yes indeed a change was necessary.
She wondered if she could bring about the change herself or if she would need help. What she contemplated was overwhelming to her. It was either stupid or incredibly shocking. She couldn't help but smile, as she thought about it. She expected success and wanted to see the looks on their faces when she succeeded. She would be Queen yet! As mother of Seth, which people knew, she was granted certain privileges within their society. And she would do without Khivar, Kayla or Max. Patience would be the key factor.
As she got out of bed, she crossed the room to a large egg-shaped crystal. With a wave of her hand she activated it. Colors kalidescoped and finally coalesced into a dark blue nearly purple, when suddenly a man's face appeared. The questioning tone and surprise were evident in his voice. She suspected that no one would have believed the audacity that she had shown.
Tess had dressed. She covered herself completely. She didn't want anyone here in the Palace to even suspect that she wasn't here. She wound through the maze of the Palace thanking her Fortune that she had not met anyone along the way. She walked the short distance to villa located in the city near the Royal Quarters. She was taking steps to ensure a future. The future where she was the Queen. She knew that she should have been both times, yet it hadn't happened. She felt threatened and doomed all at the same time.
How was it possible that she had come to Antar both times and still not have been Queen either time? First as the betrothed to Zan, then as the consort to Khivar. Neither one appealed to her in the least. She wanted to rule by herself.
TBC
Across the Gates - (SG,XO,NR, CHILD) - Pt 17 - 06/06 [WIP]
Moderators: Anniepoo98, ISLANDGIRL5, truelovepooh, Forum Moderators
continuing
"It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves."
- William Shakespeare
- William Shakespeare
Chapt 5
WOW! My muse is working nicely thank you! I couldn't quite believe it either! LOL. But I have another new part for you. I rather liked this part. It's been what you've asked about...the parents and the secret. Also see Chapter 1 for the disclaimer...since I own nothing from either of these two shows...
Thanks for all the kind words from everyone. I really appreciate it. Again, I hope I didn't miss any edits...I promise I'll learn the difference from 'loose' and 'lose.'
Just a quick recount of where we were last time: The SG team by coincidence arrived on Antar and met Kayla and Khivar. Because of Khivar's ruthless and Tess' lack of everything...Kayla sent Max's son back with the SG team in hopes of reuniting father and son. They have brought them together, unfortunately the best laid plans...Philip and Diane Evans are about to get a surprise they never expected. So here goes...
Chapter 5
As O'Neill and the others left, Diane Evans looked at her son. He had become a young man so soon and right before her eyes. She hadn't been prepared for that. She hadn't been prepared when Isabel announced she was getting married to Jesse either, but she had managed. She would see Max through this too.
"Max, please tell us what happened." Diane gave him a concerned look while she elbowed her husband a bit. She couldn't believe that Philip had done something so sneaky and deceitful. It wasn't something that she knew he was proud of doing, but that he done it amazed her even more. Adding to the sting was that he hadn't even mentioned any of this to her…his wife and mother to these young people. Diane was hurting right now too.
"Mom, Dad…Isabel and I are from the Crash in '47. That night you found us out in the desert, we had just come out of our pods." Max waited with baited breath. He couldn't believe that he was actually saying those words. He felt the reassuring squeeze of his hand from Liz. He turned to look at her. The look of trust and faith that she had him in was overwhelming. He knew he didn't deserve her. How many times had he let her down? He didn't even want to think about that. But here she was supporting him again. No words were needed as he gave her a look that was both loving and comforting.
The room was so silent the street sounds could be clearly heard. They heard the next door neighbors with their grill and the other neighbors were near their garage as they heard the door going down. If it hadn't the severity of the last few words, it looked like a Norman Rockwell scene.
Max looked down at Seth who had been extremely quiet. Even Max realized that this was not the norm for a year old child. He kept hoping for rescue, well onto the next part, quick then maybe out the door before his parents could ask questions. Although he knew that wasn't going to happen, he couldn't help as he edged towards the door.
"Remember when Isabel told you the truth, about Tess Harding was pregnant with Seth when she left. She had Alex decipher a book that was sent with us. She used him then killed him, whether it really was an accident, or if she did it on purpose, she did kill him. She knew what she was doing to him…to all of us. Then she was going to have us murdered again, when we arrived back on Antar. I sent her back to Antar alone. I couldn't stand her being alive with Alex having given his life for us." He turned to face Liz. "If I could have done one thing, it would have been to trade Tess for Alex. I would have even traded my life for him." He looked at Liz as he said that. Liz blinked back tears at the honesty of his feelings. Max had been so unassuming and innocent in the beginning. But that had been so long ago. Before being arrested, before Tess, before Pearce, and before the shooting, he had been afraid that having his secret out would cause pain and heartache, and in a sense, he had been correct. He felt the support from Liz and Isabel. He could also sense the support from his parents' looks. They were greater than the pain they'd gone through. However, he knew that nothing could compensate for Alex's loss. It was time for the secrets to be revealed. Max continued,
"She took the one means we discovered that we had to return to Antar." Max blurted it out so fast that Liz held back a smile. She could feel his anxiety. There were waves of fear and rejection emanating from him. "As far as Seth being older than what he would have been here, I can't actually explain that. I just know that this is my son. I felt the connection. He remembered me. I don't understand how he looks bigger than an infant. I guess that Antarian pregnancies' and births are different. I don't know, I can't explain that part either." He saw Liz as she nodded in agreement over the scientific explanation he had given. A small smile at the corners of his mouth started. Figures that Liz would zone into that! He shook his head as he looked at her. She grinned further at their apparent nonverbal conversation. Both Max's parent just watched in shock, confusion, and fascination.
Diane and Philip had so many questions. They literally sputtered as the thoughts started and stopped. Where should they start? It was so complicated. I mean really, Diane thought as she remembered about all the small things that had gone on unexplained. Suddenly they made sense. Relief, that was it! There had been so many clues, but now she had the answers. Of course now she had a different set of questions. But at least her children were home safe where they belonged.
What were they going to do? Their son had just told them that he was an alien and a teenage father! He was an alien! How could that be? Diane looked at her soulful eyed son, and was amazed. Where had that scared quiet child gone? What had become of him? Philip looked down at Seth. He saw the tangible ties from father to son to grandson. Where had their normally intelligent son gone? Was this a really stupid joke? He knew that Max didn't do practical jokes and it wasn't April Fool's Day, but… What the heck happened? How could Max have forgotten all their talks about responsibility and safe sex? But as he looked at his son, his heart filled with compassion for his child.
"Max, I know you believe all of this. But…" Philip looked at Max. He desperately wanted him to tell him something concrete. Not this comic book story of aliens, and Tess and space travel, he just wanted to believe that his son made a mistake, but that the rest was just to confuse and convolute the issues.
Jesse had a glazed expression on his face that said it all. Not only had he fallen in love with an alien, he had had 'hot alien sex' with her, and he was still around to contemplate it. His wife, his beautiful, intelligent wife was an alien. What did that mean? He was married to an alien. NOT just an illegal resident, but someone who wasn't …no don't go there. He flinched as he pushed that thought deep down. She was more human, more beautiful, gentler than anyone he knew. Is this what she always looked like? Or was she something different? No! Stop that thinking right now. He wasn't sure when he had started to shake, but he was doing just that. His body was sending off tremors that would have put a California earthquake to shame on the Richter scale.
At that moment, Isabel turned to face him, smiling shyly. Isabel stood by him, willing him to look at her. She knew that her love for him would sustain the shock, at least she hoped it would. She felt bad suddenly for withholding the truth. But it couldn't be helped. Her grin softened as she looked at him. Isabel reached out to take Jesse's hand in hers.
Slowly he began to get control again. He loved her! No matter what, he loved her. And he loved her for who she was not anything else. So she is earth challenged? He smiled as he thought of politically correct euphemisms for her extraterrestrial status.
Liz kept her thoughts to herself right now. But she could see the mental processes kicking in for Max's parents. They were shocked and so totally not expecting this revelation. However, the grin that started on either side of her mouth kept growing. She knew just how they felt. Where do you start from when you discover something that doesn't exist, but does? What do you say to yourself, which keeps denying the words, you've just heard? But she knew that Philip and Diane loved Max and Isabel. How could they not, when they took them in after they had found them in the desert? No, they love you both, she willed her strength to Max as she held on tight to his hand. It was as if Max had felt her words of consolation, and determination.
Philip was the first to find his voice. He looked at his son and grandson. "Max, don't tease your mother or me. I don't know if you are stalling or what?" There were the beginnings of a grin on his face thinking that Max had been joking about this. Suddenly, Philip realized that when they were back in Utah at the convenience store, Max had expected to find something very big. A spaceship? No there was no crash. It was legend, it was the stuff that came from too many beers, and too vivid an imagination, anything other than that it was real. Philip shook his head in frustration. There couldn't be any truth to that old tale. "Son…please?" Phil was frantic. His heart wanted to believe, but his mind wasn't as accepting, yet.
"Dad, I'm telling you the truth. I've never lied to you or Mom. Not now or not then. Remember that's why I…" Max's voice cut out. The emotions, which flowed, were caught. It felt like the lump the size of the Grand Canyon was stuck in his throat. His breath was raspy and uneven for a moment. His iron grip on Liz tightened, but she held fast too. He continued on even though it a challenge to talk and breathe at the same time, "Isabel, Michael, Tess and I are aliens."
There was a sad note in Max's voice. Somehow this was very important that they believe him in what he was telling them. Faith in something so incredible was so important to Max at the moment. He always thought it was the fact that he was afraid of rejection, but tonight he discovered something else. Acceptance and Faith. Acceptance of whom and what he was, suddenly it became paramount in his mind. Faith and believing without confirmation, without a demonstration. Well at least they hadn't pushed away from him or Isabel. Yet. Fears of rejection were running high still. Years of perfecting fears were greater than anything else in his mind. He didn't think he could take it if his parents rejected them. He loved his parents so much. They weren't monsters. They were just another life form.
The silence and the stares were finally broken by Liz. She turned to look at Max. She knew instinctively that his parents loved both brother and sister, but she realized it was going to take something tangible for this to happen, for Max to believe it too. Her voice soft and gentle, the words had a greater impact, "Ummm, Mr. Evans, Mrs. Evans, Max can heal people. He saved me one day at the Crashdown. There was a gunshot. I was shot. I would have died, if hadn't been for your son. I know that he did something so incredible…" She turned to Max, her eyes filled with love and trust for that person next to her. Simply, "He saved my life that day." Both parents felt the devotion that Liz had for their son. The trust and conviction was in her voice. There was no way she was deceiving them. It was there for them to see all the love that filled both Max and Liz. Suddenly Max seemed more a young man than a teenager with a son.
Max got up and picked up one of the magazines on the table and waved his hand over it and it became in quick succession, a balloon, a book, and finally a brightly colored sailboat that he gave his son.
His parents just stared at the demonstration they had just witnessed. Maybe that would convince them that he was telling them the truth. They were still numb with shock as they watched with childlike curiosity. It was happening so fast.
Seth was excited by the new toy. He had been handed over by the Queen to the travelers so quickly that he didn't have much of anything here. But he knew from his link with the Queen that he would be safe wherever he was being taken. He knew he was going to be taken to his father. He knew that it was a far away place. But he would be safe there. He didn't like Khivar or being around him or his mother. He always felt safe with Talee Kayla not with the others. She always kept him safe. His earliest memories were of his grandmother's voice.
Kayla had taken him shortly after his birth when it became apparent that Tess wasn't prepared to mother him or raise him. She brought him to her quarters within the palace. He slept easier near her, comforted by her sounds as she went about her day. He had remembered his father. The connection had started that night when Max had helped Tess in the kitchen. He had sought that same imprint with everyone he had met. Now he had found it again.
Diane's eyes glazed by what she had seen, "That's how you put out the fire that time, wasn't it?" Max nodded in agreement. Diane's face turned to see her husband, he looked shocked and stupefied. He looked as if he was going to bluster, but nothing came out. He mumbled Max's name then stopped. He did that at least a half dozen times. Diane put her hand out to her husband, gently taking his in hers. "Max, we love you and Isabel. Nothing has changed." They reached over to them with open arms in tight loving hugs. They were safe. They were loved by these people who had taken in two lost children and loved them with all their hearts. It was a new beginning, but it would be the first of many happy moments. There was acceptance, love and trust. Max realized that.
******
Somehow, the Universe knew that a delicate balance had shifted. Because the universe prefers a status quo, things began to change. So with all things, the changes took place not only in Roswell, but at the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, and elsewhere in the United States and as well as off planet.
It was night on Earth, but Antar was dawning. The changes became apparent to the people immediately without Kayla. The functionaries in the Palace swiftly discovered that Khivar was solely in charge now. Rumors were rampant among the nobility and the gentry regarding Kayla's absence. Many had feared for her life. Khivar discovered quickly how well loved she was. That was something he didn't like being reminded. The people were loyal to Kayla and leadership. The people within the confines of the palace did the best under the circumstances
If he had hated Kayla before she had left, now without her, he abhorred her lack of presence even more. He knew he couldn't admit it though. He hadn't cared for the running of the government, just the power and fealty that people had revered the Royal Family. He felt it was his due.
The palace chamberlains were awaken with bellowing voices coming from Khivar's quarters. He had paced around the rooms cross with anyone whom he met, finally several of the palace chamberlains en masse knocked somewhat timidly on the huge dark wooden doors to his private chamber.
The doors swung open so quick that the chamberlains stood there open mouthed. Not sure what to say or do, they stood there as they waited for Khivar. They didn't have to wait long. Their new day was just beginning. And it was beginning with a loud shout.
They discovered that Khivar had been searching for Tess. She wasn't in her quarters and not on the palace grounds. This didn't bode well for the rest of the staff. They hadn't wanted to come between Khivar and whatever or whomever he wanted. In fact the desire to shrink or disappear increasing by the tick of the clock. They cringed at the loudness of his voice and the cruelty they felt at his growing anger.
Khivar wondered where Tess was and not for the first time wondered where her loyalties were. Or rather with whom? Were they really for himself, or did she still favor Zan…or rather Max. He knew all about Max and his girlfriend Liz. He laughed as he thought about Ava. She never really had Zan either. But he would damn Tess to a most cruel Hell if she didn't turn up shortly. They didn't have Seth here now either because of Kayla. He wasn't going to loose everything. He wondered how the guards hadn't seen her leave. She obviously knew the palace better than he did. Yet again Khivar felt betrayed. How did this keep happening to him?
*****
Isabel had been so animated with the knowledge that their parents hadn't pushed them away as Max had feared. Their parents still loved them. She knew that they would still love them, but it was still great to say! Isabel looked at her parents. They were still shocked, but it wasn't everyday that you found out that the children you found were really aliens. She knew that this placed them and Jesse in danger. But she knew that her parents and her husband would come through this with no problems. They had each other. This time they wouldn't die. Not if she could help it! There was such a thing as "unconditional love". Michael had been wrong!
As she looked at Jesse, he had a dazed look about him. She took his hand in hers, barely whispering, "Are you okay? I know that isn't the way you should have found out about…my roots. I'm sorry. Will you forgive me?" Jesse nodded because he knew he didn't have any voice yet. He was still in shock. But the look he gave her was filled with awe and love. She knew that they would be all right. "I was afraid. Sometimes when I look at Max and Liz I get a little envious. Liz has known about us for the last few years. We were afraid to let people in our group. I keep thinking about Alex. He died because of me…of us. I don't want that to happen to you." There was a certain sadness when she admitted her fears to Jesse. She loved Jesse so much. She would do everything in her power to keep him alive and away from Tess, Khivar, and Nicholas. Max was right, there were still so much out there. And they didn't know where Nicholas was. At least they were pretty sure that Khivar and Tess were on Antar. The hairs on her neck went up as she thought about Rath and Lonnie. There was another threat that they didn't know anything about. She wasn't sure now that they had done the right thing after all. It will be her fault if anything happens to their parents or to Jesse.
"Is, from what I've heard about Alex, he cared about you and Max a lot. He chose to be here with you. Just like I am." He held her close to his body. "Besides, YOU didn't kill him. Isabel, look at me. YOU didn't kill Alex Whitman. That wasn't you. You weren't involved." Jesse tried to convince her but she wasn't that ready to forgive herself over Alex's death.
"I know what we have is similar as my brother and his girlfriend. When Max told Liz about us after the shooting, I panicked. Someone other than Michael and Max knew about us…what we were and are. At that point, I was sure the government would take us away. Then with Alex dying because of our secret, it just was never a second thought. Jesse, honey say something." She looked at her husband with fear and dread. Isabel knew that the news was surprising and shocking, but she couldn't lose Jesse now too. It wasn't an option, she would make sure of that. She hadn't lied, but it was an omission of the highest order.
That entire exchange wasn't lost on Diane and Philip. So Jesse hadn't known either. Diane looked at the two of them. She had been concerned about them, because Isabel was so young. And she was still grieving for Alex when she had met Jesse. She continued to watch the newlyweds as they spoke to each other. She didn't want her daughter to be hurt again so soon. Jesse as nice as he was, could cause her daughter more hurt and pain. She would do everything in her power to protect her children from whoever might come between them.
"Can we still be married even though you're an alien? I mean it doesn't mean you can't be married does it? I mean married to me?" Jesse had a sheepish expression on his face. He knew that there would be a lot to discuss with Isabel privately…in their own home. Isabel looked over to Jesse for a moment afraid…but when she realized that he didn't want to lose her, she relaxed and nodded.
"You mean because of Michael?" Isabel had asked as Jesse nodded. "I care about Michael. He's like my other brother. Married to him? Eeww. No, we don't have to be married to each other. Just like Max said, we make our own destiny." They held tight to each other, deriving support from each other.
There was still some shocked silence as everyone absorbed the information. Diane and Philip looked at their two children in amazement. Neither one nor the other knew exactly what to say. Diane sat there dazed while Philip kept muttering about taking the final step into the Twilight Zone.
"Mom, Dad there's more. I know Max doesn't like to talk about it, but…well we were…You tell them Max." Isabel turned to Max. Suddenly Isabel became shy about her past as a Princess. It was due to her alleged relationship with Khivar and yes, she was a Princess, but it sounded strange.
"We were apart of the ruling government back on Antar. That's why were cloned and shipped off world, somewhere safe. Where we would be safe from our enemy." Max gauged his parents' surprise accurately. It was hard for him to say that he had been king, but as he looked at his son, his legacy, it seemed so much more clear now. "We were royalty, Dad…Mom. I was a king. We were assassinated. Isabel, Michael, Tess and I were murdered. I know it's difficult to understand. We don't know all the details yet either. But we were cloned and mixed with DNA of people from Earth. I know this sounds like a missing episode from Star Trek, but it's what we know so far." Max gave a rueful grin knowing that that was the truest statement of all. Isabel and Max waited as their parents assimilated this information.
"Max this just keeps getting better and better. Why do I get the feeling that there is still lot more to tell?" Philip Evans looked at his son, still in disbelief mode, but granting him the benefit of everything that he just seen. The lawyer in him saw the proof, but the father in wanted to protect his children from this craziness. "That night that we found you…?"
Isabel took up the story from there for their parents, "We had crawled out of these pods. We looked like that when we came out, just how you found us. Michael was with us, but he got scared when he saw the headlights coming towards us. Tess was still back in the pod chamber. She didn't come at the same time as we did."
"So Michael got separated from the two of you. Are you two really related?" Philip looked at his two children, adults really. Isabel was in college and married. Max was a father, and Philip could see the love that Max and Liz had for each other. No doubt they would get married sooner or later. By the looks of it, sooner rather than later. Hope Jeff Parker was ready for that event. He didn't think he was. No father is prepared to give up his little girl to any man. And he had a feeling that when Jeff Parker found out that his little girl loved his son, the alien, well the Fourth of July might not be the only thing with fireworks.
"Isabel and I are brother and sister. Tess was suppose to be my bride…but we make our own destiny." He turned to Liz as he said that making sure she understood that he loved her. That Liz was his destiny and future. "Michael was my second in command."
Diane looked up, "What honey?" She was curious. That seemed an odd term to use. She watched as Max explained. It sounded so medieval and military.
"Michael or Rath was my second. I…I was the King. Isabel was…is a Princess." Max grinned as he felt one of the sofa cushions hit him squarely on the back. Some things with brothers and sisters don't change during a crisis. Teasing was certainly a prerogative that they both enjoyed along with lightening up the mood a bit. "Michael and Isabel had been betrothed back on our home planet. Though I think that both did that for political purposes. I think they cared about each other like now, and to be safe it had been decided for them to join." Max looked at Isabel and Jesse. He had been silent for so long. He couldn't help but wonder what Jesse was thinking. Even though Jesse was his brother-in-law, he wasn't sure what to think of him. Still cautious because of all the years of practice, he and Isabel had been pretending to be human, he wondered what he was thinking about all of these revelations.
Philip smiled wryly, "I am assuming that Michael and Maria are grateful that you aren't married here?" He smiled as he looked at Isabel laughing. When did he start believing the wild tale that Max spun? "Assuming that we believe all this, what's next?"
"Dad…I'm telling you the truth." Max pleaded with his father to accept. Somehow he just had to get his dad to believe this…to believe in him. It meant so much to Max and he wasn't sure when or why that had happened. But it had. He had missed the easygoing nature of his Dad.
"Max, why don't you connect with your dad. Like you did with me?" Liz looked up at Max with her wide doe eyes.
"What's that, Max?" Philip was curious. Philip had watched as Max had changed the structure of the different things earlier. He still considered that a lot of magic. But that's what it could be to anyone looking for a reasonable, plausible explanation. Aliens weren't a reasonable explanation. He liked logic because of the concrete terms. He wanted to see empirical data not a feeling or elaborate magic. It had to be something else. He didn't like the abstractness of all this hocus-pocus. Aliens in Roswell. He shook his head is disbelief. I mean really? How could this get any weirder than it already was? Not just with someone else's children, his children. Now that was weird. He looked over and saw his beautiful daughter as she stood behind the sofa with her hands resting on Jesse's shoulders. Then Philip turned to look over at Max whose gaze was towards Liz. Their hands were touching gently. These were his children. They were both intelligent, bright kids. Maybe it was drugs after all? "Max I want to believe you and Izzy, but you have to realize how…" Philip struggled to find the right words. He didn't want to hurt or scare his children. "how…fantastic this sounds? I mean to find out that you children are from another world is not something that happens everyday! I can't even begin to get my thoughts together." He looked at his beautiful daughter and handsome son. He knew he was starting to believe. Philip Evans wasn't sure if that scared him more or that the kids were alien? No matter what he thought, they were his children. He would do whatever it took, even if it meant to believe.
Though Max and Isabel had never been ill, both he and Diane had watched with love as they each had grown. First the small steps of learning to speak and being children. Then going to school. There wasn't any indication that they were different. Nothing that would mean that there was something that they should have caught sooner. Yet, Max stood there poised to do what? Liz said a connection. His eyes caught the movement of the youngest member of the family.
Seth began to get unsettled in Max's lap. He sensed more than he understood that these people were discussing his father and himself. He didn't understand anything, but it did make feel uneasy and as a consequence he began to whimper a bit. Both Liz and Max looked down concerned for this little child. They cuddled him and talked softly to him. They didn't want him to be afraid. Diane too looked at her husband.
continued in the next post...
Thanks for all the kind words from everyone. I really appreciate it. Again, I hope I didn't miss any edits...I promise I'll learn the difference from 'loose' and 'lose.'
Just a quick recount of where we were last time: The SG team by coincidence arrived on Antar and met Kayla and Khivar. Because of Khivar's ruthless and Tess' lack of everything...Kayla sent Max's son back with the SG team in hopes of reuniting father and son. They have brought them together, unfortunately the best laid plans...Philip and Diane Evans are about to get a surprise they never expected. So here goes...
Chapter 5
As O'Neill and the others left, Diane Evans looked at her son. He had become a young man so soon and right before her eyes. She hadn't been prepared for that. She hadn't been prepared when Isabel announced she was getting married to Jesse either, but she had managed. She would see Max through this too.
"Max, please tell us what happened." Diane gave him a concerned look while she elbowed her husband a bit. She couldn't believe that Philip had done something so sneaky and deceitful. It wasn't something that she knew he was proud of doing, but that he done it amazed her even more. Adding to the sting was that he hadn't even mentioned any of this to her…his wife and mother to these young people. Diane was hurting right now too.
"Mom, Dad…Isabel and I are from the Crash in '47. That night you found us out in the desert, we had just come out of our pods." Max waited with baited breath. He couldn't believe that he was actually saying those words. He felt the reassuring squeeze of his hand from Liz. He turned to look at her. The look of trust and faith that she had him in was overwhelming. He knew he didn't deserve her. How many times had he let her down? He didn't even want to think about that. But here she was supporting him again. No words were needed as he gave her a look that was both loving and comforting.
The room was so silent the street sounds could be clearly heard. They heard the next door neighbors with their grill and the other neighbors were near their garage as they heard the door going down. If it hadn't the severity of the last few words, it looked like a Norman Rockwell scene.
Max looked down at Seth who had been extremely quiet. Even Max realized that this was not the norm for a year old child. He kept hoping for rescue, well onto the next part, quick then maybe out the door before his parents could ask questions. Although he knew that wasn't going to happen, he couldn't help as he edged towards the door.
"Remember when Isabel told you the truth, about Tess Harding was pregnant with Seth when she left. She had Alex decipher a book that was sent with us. She used him then killed him, whether it really was an accident, or if she did it on purpose, she did kill him. She knew what she was doing to him…to all of us. Then she was going to have us murdered again, when we arrived back on Antar. I sent her back to Antar alone. I couldn't stand her being alive with Alex having given his life for us." He turned to face Liz. "If I could have done one thing, it would have been to trade Tess for Alex. I would have even traded my life for him." He looked at Liz as he said that. Liz blinked back tears at the honesty of his feelings. Max had been so unassuming and innocent in the beginning. But that had been so long ago. Before being arrested, before Tess, before Pearce, and before the shooting, he had been afraid that having his secret out would cause pain and heartache, and in a sense, he had been correct. He felt the support from Liz and Isabel. He could also sense the support from his parents' looks. They were greater than the pain they'd gone through. However, he knew that nothing could compensate for Alex's loss. It was time for the secrets to be revealed. Max continued,
"She took the one means we discovered that we had to return to Antar." Max blurted it out so fast that Liz held back a smile. She could feel his anxiety. There were waves of fear and rejection emanating from him. "As far as Seth being older than what he would have been here, I can't actually explain that. I just know that this is my son. I felt the connection. He remembered me. I don't understand how he looks bigger than an infant. I guess that Antarian pregnancies' and births are different. I don't know, I can't explain that part either." He saw Liz as she nodded in agreement over the scientific explanation he had given. A small smile at the corners of his mouth started. Figures that Liz would zone into that! He shook his head as he looked at her. She grinned further at their apparent nonverbal conversation. Both Max's parent just watched in shock, confusion, and fascination.
Diane and Philip had so many questions. They literally sputtered as the thoughts started and stopped. Where should they start? It was so complicated. I mean really, Diane thought as she remembered about all the small things that had gone on unexplained. Suddenly they made sense. Relief, that was it! There had been so many clues, but now she had the answers. Of course now she had a different set of questions. But at least her children were home safe where they belonged.
What were they going to do? Their son had just told them that he was an alien and a teenage father! He was an alien! How could that be? Diane looked at her soulful eyed son, and was amazed. Where had that scared quiet child gone? What had become of him? Philip looked down at Seth. He saw the tangible ties from father to son to grandson. Where had their normally intelligent son gone? Was this a really stupid joke? He knew that Max didn't do practical jokes and it wasn't April Fool's Day, but… What the heck happened? How could Max have forgotten all their talks about responsibility and safe sex? But as he looked at his son, his heart filled with compassion for his child.
"Max, I know you believe all of this. But…" Philip looked at Max. He desperately wanted him to tell him something concrete. Not this comic book story of aliens, and Tess and space travel, he just wanted to believe that his son made a mistake, but that the rest was just to confuse and convolute the issues.
Jesse had a glazed expression on his face that said it all. Not only had he fallen in love with an alien, he had had 'hot alien sex' with her, and he was still around to contemplate it. His wife, his beautiful, intelligent wife was an alien. What did that mean? He was married to an alien. NOT just an illegal resident, but someone who wasn't …no don't go there. He flinched as he pushed that thought deep down. She was more human, more beautiful, gentler than anyone he knew. Is this what she always looked like? Or was she something different? No! Stop that thinking right now. He wasn't sure when he had started to shake, but he was doing just that. His body was sending off tremors that would have put a California earthquake to shame on the Richter scale.
At that moment, Isabel turned to face him, smiling shyly. Isabel stood by him, willing him to look at her. She knew that her love for him would sustain the shock, at least she hoped it would. She felt bad suddenly for withholding the truth. But it couldn't be helped. Her grin softened as she looked at him. Isabel reached out to take Jesse's hand in hers.
Slowly he began to get control again. He loved her! No matter what, he loved her. And he loved her for who she was not anything else. So she is earth challenged? He smiled as he thought of politically correct euphemisms for her extraterrestrial status.
Liz kept her thoughts to herself right now. But she could see the mental processes kicking in for Max's parents. They were shocked and so totally not expecting this revelation. However, the grin that started on either side of her mouth kept growing. She knew just how they felt. Where do you start from when you discover something that doesn't exist, but does? What do you say to yourself, which keeps denying the words, you've just heard? But she knew that Philip and Diane loved Max and Isabel. How could they not, when they took them in after they had found them in the desert? No, they love you both, she willed her strength to Max as she held on tight to his hand. It was as if Max had felt her words of consolation, and determination.
Philip was the first to find his voice. He looked at his son and grandson. "Max, don't tease your mother or me. I don't know if you are stalling or what?" There were the beginnings of a grin on his face thinking that Max had been joking about this. Suddenly, Philip realized that when they were back in Utah at the convenience store, Max had expected to find something very big. A spaceship? No there was no crash. It was legend, it was the stuff that came from too many beers, and too vivid an imagination, anything other than that it was real. Philip shook his head in frustration. There couldn't be any truth to that old tale. "Son…please?" Phil was frantic. His heart wanted to believe, but his mind wasn't as accepting, yet.
"Dad, I'm telling you the truth. I've never lied to you or Mom. Not now or not then. Remember that's why I…" Max's voice cut out. The emotions, which flowed, were caught. It felt like the lump the size of the Grand Canyon was stuck in his throat. His breath was raspy and uneven for a moment. His iron grip on Liz tightened, but she held fast too. He continued on even though it a challenge to talk and breathe at the same time, "Isabel, Michael, Tess and I are aliens."
There was a sad note in Max's voice. Somehow this was very important that they believe him in what he was telling them. Faith in something so incredible was so important to Max at the moment. He always thought it was the fact that he was afraid of rejection, but tonight he discovered something else. Acceptance and Faith. Acceptance of whom and what he was, suddenly it became paramount in his mind. Faith and believing without confirmation, without a demonstration. Well at least they hadn't pushed away from him or Isabel. Yet. Fears of rejection were running high still. Years of perfecting fears were greater than anything else in his mind. He didn't think he could take it if his parents rejected them. He loved his parents so much. They weren't monsters. They were just another life form.
The silence and the stares were finally broken by Liz. She turned to look at Max. She knew instinctively that his parents loved both brother and sister, but she realized it was going to take something tangible for this to happen, for Max to believe it too. Her voice soft and gentle, the words had a greater impact, "Ummm, Mr. Evans, Mrs. Evans, Max can heal people. He saved me one day at the Crashdown. There was a gunshot. I was shot. I would have died, if hadn't been for your son. I know that he did something so incredible…" She turned to Max, her eyes filled with love and trust for that person next to her. Simply, "He saved my life that day." Both parents felt the devotion that Liz had for their son. The trust and conviction was in her voice. There was no way she was deceiving them. It was there for them to see all the love that filled both Max and Liz. Suddenly Max seemed more a young man than a teenager with a son.
Max got up and picked up one of the magazines on the table and waved his hand over it and it became in quick succession, a balloon, a book, and finally a brightly colored sailboat that he gave his son.
His parents just stared at the demonstration they had just witnessed. Maybe that would convince them that he was telling them the truth. They were still numb with shock as they watched with childlike curiosity. It was happening so fast.
Seth was excited by the new toy. He had been handed over by the Queen to the travelers so quickly that he didn't have much of anything here. But he knew from his link with the Queen that he would be safe wherever he was being taken. He knew he was going to be taken to his father. He knew that it was a far away place. But he would be safe there. He didn't like Khivar or being around him or his mother. He always felt safe with Talee Kayla not with the others. She always kept him safe. His earliest memories were of his grandmother's voice.
Kayla had taken him shortly after his birth when it became apparent that Tess wasn't prepared to mother him or raise him. She brought him to her quarters within the palace. He slept easier near her, comforted by her sounds as she went about her day. He had remembered his father. The connection had started that night when Max had helped Tess in the kitchen. He had sought that same imprint with everyone he had met. Now he had found it again.
Diane's eyes glazed by what she had seen, "That's how you put out the fire that time, wasn't it?" Max nodded in agreement. Diane's face turned to see her husband, he looked shocked and stupefied. He looked as if he was going to bluster, but nothing came out. He mumbled Max's name then stopped. He did that at least a half dozen times. Diane put her hand out to her husband, gently taking his in hers. "Max, we love you and Isabel. Nothing has changed." They reached over to them with open arms in tight loving hugs. They were safe. They were loved by these people who had taken in two lost children and loved them with all their hearts. It was a new beginning, but it would be the first of many happy moments. There was acceptance, love and trust. Max realized that.
******
Somehow, the Universe knew that a delicate balance had shifted. Because the universe prefers a status quo, things began to change. So with all things, the changes took place not only in Roswell, but at the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, and elsewhere in the United States and as well as off planet.
It was night on Earth, but Antar was dawning. The changes became apparent to the people immediately without Kayla. The functionaries in the Palace swiftly discovered that Khivar was solely in charge now. Rumors were rampant among the nobility and the gentry regarding Kayla's absence. Many had feared for her life. Khivar discovered quickly how well loved she was. That was something he didn't like being reminded. The people were loyal to Kayla and leadership. The people within the confines of the palace did the best under the circumstances
If he had hated Kayla before she had left, now without her, he abhorred her lack of presence even more. He knew he couldn't admit it though. He hadn't cared for the running of the government, just the power and fealty that people had revered the Royal Family. He felt it was his due.
The palace chamberlains were awaken with bellowing voices coming from Khivar's quarters. He had paced around the rooms cross with anyone whom he met, finally several of the palace chamberlains en masse knocked somewhat timidly on the huge dark wooden doors to his private chamber.
The doors swung open so quick that the chamberlains stood there open mouthed. Not sure what to say or do, they stood there as they waited for Khivar. They didn't have to wait long. Their new day was just beginning. And it was beginning with a loud shout.
They discovered that Khivar had been searching for Tess. She wasn't in her quarters and not on the palace grounds. This didn't bode well for the rest of the staff. They hadn't wanted to come between Khivar and whatever or whomever he wanted. In fact the desire to shrink or disappear increasing by the tick of the clock. They cringed at the loudness of his voice and the cruelty they felt at his growing anger.
Khivar wondered where Tess was and not for the first time wondered where her loyalties were. Or rather with whom? Were they really for himself, or did she still favor Zan…or rather Max. He knew all about Max and his girlfriend Liz. He laughed as he thought about Ava. She never really had Zan either. But he would damn Tess to a most cruel Hell if she didn't turn up shortly. They didn't have Seth here now either because of Kayla. He wasn't going to loose everything. He wondered how the guards hadn't seen her leave. She obviously knew the palace better than he did. Yet again Khivar felt betrayed. How did this keep happening to him?
*****
Isabel had been so animated with the knowledge that their parents hadn't pushed them away as Max had feared. Their parents still loved them. She knew that they would still love them, but it was still great to say! Isabel looked at her parents. They were still shocked, but it wasn't everyday that you found out that the children you found were really aliens. She knew that this placed them and Jesse in danger. But she knew that her parents and her husband would come through this with no problems. They had each other. This time they wouldn't die. Not if she could help it! There was such a thing as "unconditional love". Michael had been wrong!
As she looked at Jesse, he had a dazed look about him. She took his hand in hers, barely whispering, "Are you okay? I know that isn't the way you should have found out about…my roots. I'm sorry. Will you forgive me?" Jesse nodded because he knew he didn't have any voice yet. He was still in shock. But the look he gave her was filled with awe and love. She knew that they would be all right. "I was afraid. Sometimes when I look at Max and Liz I get a little envious. Liz has known about us for the last few years. We were afraid to let people in our group. I keep thinking about Alex. He died because of me…of us. I don't want that to happen to you." There was a certain sadness when she admitted her fears to Jesse. She loved Jesse so much. She would do everything in her power to keep him alive and away from Tess, Khivar, and Nicholas. Max was right, there were still so much out there. And they didn't know where Nicholas was. At least they were pretty sure that Khivar and Tess were on Antar. The hairs on her neck went up as she thought about Rath and Lonnie. There was another threat that they didn't know anything about. She wasn't sure now that they had done the right thing after all. It will be her fault if anything happens to their parents or to Jesse.
"Is, from what I've heard about Alex, he cared about you and Max a lot. He chose to be here with you. Just like I am." He held her close to his body. "Besides, YOU didn't kill him. Isabel, look at me. YOU didn't kill Alex Whitman. That wasn't you. You weren't involved." Jesse tried to convince her but she wasn't that ready to forgive herself over Alex's death.
"I know what we have is similar as my brother and his girlfriend. When Max told Liz about us after the shooting, I panicked. Someone other than Michael and Max knew about us…what we were and are. At that point, I was sure the government would take us away. Then with Alex dying because of our secret, it just was never a second thought. Jesse, honey say something." She looked at her husband with fear and dread. Isabel knew that the news was surprising and shocking, but she couldn't lose Jesse now too. It wasn't an option, she would make sure of that. She hadn't lied, but it was an omission of the highest order.
That entire exchange wasn't lost on Diane and Philip. So Jesse hadn't known either. Diane looked at the two of them. She had been concerned about them, because Isabel was so young. And she was still grieving for Alex when she had met Jesse. She continued to watch the newlyweds as they spoke to each other. She didn't want her daughter to be hurt again so soon. Jesse as nice as he was, could cause her daughter more hurt and pain. She would do everything in her power to protect her children from whoever might come between them.
"Can we still be married even though you're an alien? I mean it doesn't mean you can't be married does it? I mean married to me?" Jesse had a sheepish expression on his face. He knew that there would be a lot to discuss with Isabel privately…in their own home. Isabel looked over to Jesse for a moment afraid…but when she realized that he didn't want to lose her, she relaxed and nodded.
"You mean because of Michael?" Isabel had asked as Jesse nodded. "I care about Michael. He's like my other brother. Married to him? Eeww. No, we don't have to be married to each other. Just like Max said, we make our own destiny." They held tight to each other, deriving support from each other.
There was still some shocked silence as everyone absorbed the information. Diane and Philip looked at their two children in amazement. Neither one nor the other knew exactly what to say. Diane sat there dazed while Philip kept muttering about taking the final step into the Twilight Zone.
"Mom, Dad there's more. I know Max doesn't like to talk about it, but…well we were…You tell them Max." Isabel turned to Max. Suddenly Isabel became shy about her past as a Princess. It was due to her alleged relationship with Khivar and yes, she was a Princess, but it sounded strange.
"We were apart of the ruling government back on Antar. That's why were cloned and shipped off world, somewhere safe. Where we would be safe from our enemy." Max gauged his parents' surprise accurately. It was hard for him to say that he had been king, but as he looked at his son, his legacy, it seemed so much more clear now. "We were royalty, Dad…Mom. I was a king. We were assassinated. Isabel, Michael, Tess and I were murdered. I know it's difficult to understand. We don't know all the details yet either. But we were cloned and mixed with DNA of people from Earth. I know this sounds like a missing episode from Star Trek, but it's what we know so far." Max gave a rueful grin knowing that that was the truest statement of all. Isabel and Max waited as their parents assimilated this information.
"Max this just keeps getting better and better. Why do I get the feeling that there is still lot more to tell?" Philip Evans looked at his son, still in disbelief mode, but granting him the benefit of everything that he just seen. The lawyer in him saw the proof, but the father in wanted to protect his children from this craziness. "That night that we found you…?"
Isabel took up the story from there for their parents, "We had crawled out of these pods. We looked like that when we came out, just how you found us. Michael was with us, but he got scared when he saw the headlights coming towards us. Tess was still back in the pod chamber. She didn't come at the same time as we did."
"So Michael got separated from the two of you. Are you two really related?" Philip looked at his two children, adults really. Isabel was in college and married. Max was a father, and Philip could see the love that Max and Liz had for each other. No doubt they would get married sooner or later. By the looks of it, sooner rather than later. Hope Jeff Parker was ready for that event. He didn't think he was. No father is prepared to give up his little girl to any man. And he had a feeling that when Jeff Parker found out that his little girl loved his son, the alien, well the Fourth of July might not be the only thing with fireworks.
"Isabel and I are brother and sister. Tess was suppose to be my bride…but we make our own destiny." He turned to Liz as he said that making sure she understood that he loved her. That Liz was his destiny and future. "Michael was my second in command."
Diane looked up, "What honey?" She was curious. That seemed an odd term to use. She watched as Max explained. It sounded so medieval and military.
"Michael or Rath was my second. I…I was the King. Isabel was…is a Princess." Max grinned as he felt one of the sofa cushions hit him squarely on the back. Some things with brothers and sisters don't change during a crisis. Teasing was certainly a prerogative that they both enjoyed along with lightening up the mood a bit. "Michael and Isabel had been betrothed back on our home planet. Though I think that both did that for political purposes. I think they cared about each other like now, and to be safe it had been decided for them to join." Max looked at Isabel and Jesse. He had been silent for so long. He couldn't help but wonder what Jesse was thinking. Even though Jesse was his brother-in-law, he wasn't sure what to think of him. Still cautious because of all the years of practice, he and Isabel had been pretending to be human, he wondered what he was thinking about all of these revelations.
Philip smiled wryly, "I am assuming that Michael and Maria are grateful that you aren't married here?" He smiled as he looked at Isabel laughing. When did he start believing the wild tale that Max spun? "Assuming that we believe all this, what's next?"
"Dad…I'm telling you the truth." Max pleaded with his father to accept. Somehow he just had to get his dad to believe this…to believe in him. It meant so much to Max and he wasn't sure when or why that had happened. But it had. He had missed the easygoing nature of his Dad.
"Max, why don't you connect with your dad. Like you did with me?" Liz looked up at Max with her wide doe eyes.
"What's that, Max?" Philip was curious. Philip had watched as Max had changed the structure of the different things earlier. He still considered that a lot of magic. But that's what it could be to anyone looking for a reasonable, plausible explanation. Aliens weren't a reasonable explanation. He liked logic because of the concrete terms. He wanted to see empirical data not a feeling or elaborate magic. It had to be something else. He didn't like the abstractness of all this hocus-pocus. Aliens in Roswell. He shook his head is disbelief. I mean really? How could this get any weirder than it already was? Not just with someone else's children, his children. Now that was weird. He looked over and saw his beautiful daughter as she stood behind the sofa with her hands resting on Jesse's shoulders. Then Philip turned to look over at Max whose gaze was towards Liz. Their hands were touching gently. These were his children. They were both intelligent, bright kids. Maybe it was drugs after all? "Max I want to believe you and Izzy, but you have to realize how…" Philip struggled to find the right words. He didn't want to hurt or scare his children. "how…fantastic this sounds? I mean to find out that you children are from another world is not something that happens everyday! I can't even begin to get my thoughts together." He looked at his beautiful daughter and handsome son. He knew he was starting to believe. Philip Evans wasn't sure if that scared him more or that the kids were alien? No matter what he thought, they were his children. He would do whatever it took, even if it meant to believe.
Though Max and Isabel had never been ill, both he and Diane had watched with love as they each had grown. First the small steps of learning to speak and being children. Then going to school. There wasn't any indication that they were different. Nothing that would mean that there was something that they should have caught sooner. Yet, Max stood there poised to do what? Liz said a connection. His eyes caught the movement of the youngest member of the family.
Seth began to get unsettled in Max's lap. He sensed more than he understood that these people were discussing his father and himself. He didn't understand anything, but it did make feel uneasy and as a consequence he began to whimper a bit. Both Liz and Max looked down concerned for this little child. They cuddled him and talked softly to him. They didn't want him to be afraid. Diane too looked at her husband.
continued in the next post...
"It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves."
- William Shakespeare
- William Shakespeare
continuing with Chapt 5
continuing...
"I think that we should let Seth get some sleep. It's late and he needs his rest." Diane reached down to pick up her grandson. His tush sitting on her arm as she held him next to her talking to him just as if she had been doing that all his life. She held him close to her heart. It was clear she had accepted him as her grandson. She cooed as she walked him into her son's room. She put some pillows around him so that he wouldn't fall out of the bed. It was the best that they could do on such short notice. They didn't have any baby furniture. She did find a T-shirt of Max's that she put on him so that he would be comfortable sleeping. It seemed as if he sensed that it was his father's. Seth immediately settled down. He looked up at his grandmother and smiled an angelic smile, so innocent. She wondered what he had experienced at the hands of Tess and the others for his grandmother to give him up to send him here. To think that Tess' mother thought that he would be safer here with Max than with her? She wondered if she would ever be that brave.
"Taylee…" He looked confused for a moment. He didn't know what to call her other than that.
"Taylee it is. Uh huh, I'm your grandma, sweetie." She couldn't resist those amber eyes she saw reflecting back into hers. So like your daddy. "You look just like I imagined he looked as a baby. You are your daddy's son, that's for sure." Diane smoothed his hair back a bit, sighing. She kissed him on the top of his head. "And I'll bet Taylee means grandmother back home. Oh yes, you are cute little baby."
Diane took one last look before she turned out the light in Max's room. She really saw Max so much in the child. Diane hadn't seen Tess at all. Maybe that was a blessing in disguise. Especially with those looks that Max and Liz were burning between them. It's a wonder that the carpet wasn't singed with those fiery stares. Diane sighed. She knew her son was normally well mannered and behaved appropriately, but now that he had a son, and had an affair…how much further would he take his relationship with Liz? That worried her right now. She didn't think she could take much more. "It's all right honey, you go to sleep. Your daddy will be in shortly to kiss you good night."
Rejoining the others, she heard Isabel's laughter. Diane had missed that. When had things changed so much? "Okay what did I miss?" She smiled at Isabel and the others.
"I was just telling them a joke at school, Mom. We waited for you." Isabel looked up at her mother for much needed approval. "I'll tell you the joke later." Diane nodded in agreement.
"Max you should go and kiss your son good night before he falls asleep. He was looking about for you, I think." Diane looked into her son's eyes as she spoke. Suddenly feeling older than she was. Suddenly she felt like her mother must have felt when she and Philip had brought Max and Isabel home. A grandmother…it just seemed to be happening so fast. She had heard from friends whose children had lived wild and carefree lives and was curious about it---now she knew what they were talking about. She now had an inkling of what they experienced. She didn't have any control over them any more. Somehow it seemed better being clueless although she preferred her children always being those two little kids they had found in the desert. Perhaps not totally clueless, but maybe if they didn't have so many unique problems that would help.
"Okay Mom. We'll be right back." There was no thought about how or what he had said as he kept Liz's hand within his while getting up. They went back into his bedroom, and opened the door quietly.
*****
This evening really was turning into an all nighter. It was nearly midnight and they had hardly scratched the surface. Liz had called her family to let them know that she was with the Evans'. Jeff Parker was concerned that she was with the Evans' boy, but at least Liz had called to let him know where she was. He still worried about Liz being with that boy ever since their attempt at armed robbery had gone awry. He couldn't get over the fact that Max had been so quiet for so long and then to be arrested for armed robbery, and with his daughter! He knew there was more-of course there was. Instinctively he wanted to protect his daughter from any danger she might get into because of this young man.
Jeff took a look at Nancy curled up on the sofa reading. She knew where her daughter was. She also knew that they couldn't do anything to prevent them from being together. She knew that worried Jeff almost as much as them being together. Nancy patted the seat next to her motioning for her husband to join her there. Resigned to the situation sort of, Jeff walked over to join his wife on the couch. He just didn't have to like that his daughter was with him even if it was supervised. At least Diane and Philip were there. That should help, but he couldn't help the feeling of foreboding he had. Moreover, why should Liz be there if there was a family meeting? She wasn't their family…yet? Was she? Jeff Parker's mind went into overdrive at that thought. Nah…they would have been told if the kids had eloped or something. Wouldn't they? As he looked over to his wife who was too calm in his mind…why wasn't she angry? He felt Nancy put her arms around him, soothing the father/parent in him. It helped, but not by much.
At least Liz was letting them know where she was and with whom. She wasn't lying or hiding the situation from them. That at least made him feel somewhat better, but not much. Jeff knew from experience that there was always more that remained in the shadows. He just didn't want to find out one morning that something had happened to Liz that he could have or should have prevented. All he saw when he looked at his little girl was the little girl that danced on top of his shoes and her laughter trilling at her pleasure. He wanted that little girl back again to hold. He realized the next time he would hold her to dance would be at her wedding reception and he would have that dance with his daughter if he had any say in the matter.
The little boy looked up and over as Max and Liz stepped inside. There was a big smile on his tiny little face as he saw his father enter. There was a slight hesitation on Liz's part, but Max didn't let her falter as he led her into his bedroom. They spent the next few minutes enjoying being with each other. As Max kissed his son good night, he felt at peace. He knew this moment might was special because he finally felt comfortable with himself. He felt the love in his heart and soul. He felt complete. He had Liz and his son. He rephrased that. Their son. It didn't matter who Tess was in this, because no matter what happened, Liz would be there for Seth, and that's what counted in the long run.
It seemed Seth liked Liz immediately. He touched her on her hand, and with the contact came the glow. Liz looked down amazed at that. She felt the tingling on her skin, and smiled at Max who watched with pure joy. The three of them sat on the bed together for a moment. Seth looked up at Max and Liz.
"Daddy." Max grinned from ear to ear as heard Seth called him that. Max hugged the child so strongly. He felt if he didn't that it wasn't real.
Max and Liz were talking quietly as they joined his parents, Isabel and Jesse in the living room. They looked into the room as they returned. Suddenly Max realized, he had already started telling his parents the truth. The hard part was over. They hadn't pulled away. Max knew his dad was still skeptical about his origins, but after the link, he knew he would change his mind.
"Dad, Mom…" Max started.
"How was Seth?" Diane asked.
"Settling in Mrs. Evans. He seemed less restless when he saw Max." Liz smiled at Diane Evans. "He really does look like Max, doesn't he?" She grinned looking at Max's mother. Out of the corner of Liz's eyes, she saw Max blush at the comments. Always wanting to stay in the background, behind the tree, never drawing attention to himself, he had certainly done a one eighty!
"Umm yes he does." Diane was so full of questions, but she didn't know exactly where to start: with Seth, though an obvious choice, there was also Liz. And Tess…where was she during all of this? Yes she understood the facts, but Diane searched for the easy answer, not the reality of her childrens' world. In the end, she decided upon the most expeditious way. "So Max, tell us about this connection you mentioning earlier." Diane's eyes followed her son where he was next to his father. Liz stood behind Max their hands still entwined.
"Well when I first told Liz I wasn't from around here, she got a little freaked. So in order to convince her I was still the same person she always had known, I reversed a link between us so that she could see who I was…who I am." Max looked at his dad, but peaked around the corner of his eye to see Liz grinning. "That I'm not a monster…" With that word there were gasps from Diane and Liz.
"Max! How many times do we have to go there. I never saw you that way…Ever! You know that's true, don't you?" He nodded amazed at how lucky he was to have Liz. Though he liked to tease her, the truth was closer than he really wanted to admit. Liz accepted the tease, but knew she had to convince him that she never considered anything so ridiculous. Just to get even a bit, she punched him not so gently on his upper arm. He jerked up as she stared into those chocolate eyes of hers. He was a puddle. He knew it. He faintly heard his dad's voice being cleared, again not so faintly.
"OW! I'm lucky that you don't have any mysterious alien powers over me!" He gave her his half smile. He blushed a bit as he looked from Liz to his parents. This was more open than he had ever been and it was there for everyone to see. Diane and Philip marveled at the teasing Max gave and took. It refreshed them to see how much Max and Liz loved each other.
"Oh, you think I don't?" There was the challenge and the gauntlet was down. "I think I have a power to bring you to your knees." Liz licked her lips tantalizingly. Her tongue licked her lips and to Max it was in slow motion as he watched her swirled it from bottom to top.
Max had an epiphany and understood immediately what she wasn't saying in front of his parents. He couldn't believe that she had said that in front of his parents. His ears, which were already pink from the joking turned dark red and the heat effused the already charged atmosphere. Max was equally surprised that she flirted so outrageously in front of everyone. He couldn't help the way he felt about her. Even though his parents were right there, he didn't stop himself as he leaned to kiss Liz fully on the lips. It was going to be a short kiss at first, but Liz kept him glued to her side until they heard the clearing of throats, again. And after a couple well-aimed pillows from Isabel and Jesse, Max and Liz softly pulled apart. It was enough to see their glazed and dazed expressions. The moment had ended, but they were still staring into each other's eyes.
******
On Antar, Khivar wandered aimlessly or so it appeared. He wasn't taking any chances. Though Kayla wasn't on Antar, her spies were still there. If the Gate could be used, then he that her spies would be just as easily get a message through to her in some way. Khivar couldn't take the risk. He knew they would do whatever they had to do to preserve the throne, the planet, and the system. Khivar knew where most of the loyalties started and stopped on Antar. And he accepted that he couldn't trust anyone or let down his guard. He didn't know how true that would be…
Eventually he ended up in the garden outside the palace. It had been designed as a maze on purpose. It had been a excellent meeting place in order not to be overheard or seen. He could feel eyes on him as he entered the hedgerows. Khivar wasn't going to lose again to Zan. No matter what! No quarter would be give. He was putting another plan into action. It was good to have viable opportunities everywhere. Since Nicholas hadn't succeeded yet, this would help shift any balances that might need adjusting.
Vilandra and Rath were still around on Earth, but hadn't been able to be used since the summit in New York. That turned out to be a very costly mistake. Nicholas would have to pay for that one too, Khivar decided. And Ava. He wondered where she was. Oh he knew about Rath's feeble attempt to murder Zan on Earth. He barely had succeeded on that score. More luck than sense on that plan. He couldn't believe how bungled things had gotten. How did things keep going awry? They never meshed perfectly as they should have…? And then Kayla…always the dutiful Queen, and mother. What was she doing now that she was on Earth? He didn't want to contemplate that at all. He knew that whatever it was, he would hate it.
As Khivar walked further into the interior of the maze, the decision was made. The die was cast. He was going to win he knew it. As he stepped into the center room of the maze, he was astounded. There stood…what? He couldn't believe what his eyes told him was there. They weren't real! They were legend. They were real. Khivar stood there transfixed. The creature stood yet another head taller than he was. Those eyes Khivar didn't think he would ever forget their color: reddish purple eyes, which bored straight through him. He felt weak and taken by surprise AGAIN!
A Gao'uld had waited in the interior…Khivar walked toward this creature. He would not falter. He was determined to meet this being. His heart beat rapidly as he moved towards it.
There he…IT was. Surely it was not humanoid, Antarian or masculine, though he felt the raw power emanating from it. Yet Khivar knew that whatever being it was, it surely it couldn't be real. The Toma spoke of MoaDia, but he had never believed their teachings before. It had the head of an animal he had never seen before, at least not this close and alive. He walked upright like a man, but he wasn't sure it was a man underneath the bronze, and the other metals covering his body like a skin.
Khivar blinked as he leaned forward. He wanted to see if what his eyes were telling was true. They were. He had seen his picture was in glyphs in the main temple up on Mount Veras, those were from the earliest recorded time on Antar once. Even in the temples in the city, there were graphic symbols of this creature. But he had never believed those teachings.
Khivar had a thought at that moment and wondered for the first time if Zan would have ever considered this alliance. Or better yet would have met this creature head on? Somehow Khivar didn't think so. Zan would have done everything differently. As Khivar closed the distance between the two of them, Khivar raised his right arm flexing to the elbow in greeting. He did after all want to curry his favor. No need to give this creature any further advantage.
The deep basso voice erupted from being in front of Khivar, "So Antarian, I am called MoaDia." The being watched as Khivar responded in recognition as though he had penetrated down through the layers of history, legend and mythology. The outward appearance was just as the ancients had described the creature. Along with raw power was the unbridled evil that was evoked with his name. Antarians wholly believed in the inherit evil of MoaDia. They avoided anything remotely connected to his name. "So you do recognized me. Good. It is better that we start from a common ground." The voice that emitted from MoaDia was at the very least frightening. Khivar though had decided that it had been a laugh as he still stood face to face with the creature. His hands sweaty from fear and anxiety but determined to carry out his latest plan. He wasn't going to fear this creature. Especially if MoaDia got him the throne of Antar. Though Khivar hadn't seen his face yet, he had decided that he didn't really want to unless he had no choice. He wouldn't falter even if he had to look into the face of Hell. He wanted the kingship and power of the Antarian system.
"Yes, it is a good starting place." They moved forward together as they walked in the center atria of the garden maze. Khivar had made a choice. He would make it work. Though for a fleeting second, he wasn't sure about this alliance after all. He didn't think he had any other choice now.
Khivar saluted in deference again as he watched the being transported by way of three rings. They looked similar to the Gate ring only these were horizontal rather than vertical. He watched as he disappeared. They knew ship of MoaDia was above Antar. Khivar walked slowly out of the garden and directly into Tess.
*******
As Max stepped back he didn't loosen his hold on Liz as they made themselves more comfortable on the floor with the pillows. Max explained to his parents about the reverse connection. Dropping Liz's hand, the first time they broke any kind of contact since she had arrived, Max walked over to his father.
"Dad you have to let your mind go blank." Philip looked at his son not sure what was taking place, but willing to try. For the first time, he wanted to really believe this far-fetched tale. Mainly because it was his son, Max. He wanted this very much for his son.
Max put his hands on his father gently and almost immediately, a connection was formed.
Diane watched in fascination. There was her son and husband standing in the living room side by side. She could see Philip's expression go wide. She wondered what he was seeing. She could tell that it was something as this surprised look suddenly appeared on his face.
Turning to Isabel and Jesse, Diane saw Isabel's confident expression. She knew what her brother was doing. She saw that gentle squeeze she gave Jesse. Heaven knew what that young man was thinking. She felt sorry for him. This wasn't exactly how you should find out about something about your wife. Better this way than to have had something dangerous happen to either Max or Isabel and find out that way though. And she had a mother's instinct to know that there had been some of them already. Just the way, Max skirted some of the questions. But they would hold until later. Diane hoped.
Philip couldn't believe it. The minute he felt Max's presence he began to see flashes of his son's life. He saw the membrane that Isabel had talked about. Then he saw Max emerging from his pod and looking back at it. He saw these moments and more to come of his son's life. He saw Isabel and Michael too from Max's perspective.
The flashes came so quickly it was a blur to even absorb them all, but he saw Max seeing Liz for the first time as he and Isabel got off the school bus. He felt Max's feelings, and almost immediately his knees buckled, they were so intense. He felt his son holding him upright. Max's strength held him as he continued to see his son's life. He couldn't believe the love that surrounded Liz from his son.
He saw other events in his son's life. He was so amazed at what he was experiencing. The empiricist in him was suddenly curious while the father in him wanted to comfort his son through all these trials and tribulations. Philip saw the remaining flashes of the shooting at the Crashdown with Liz. He saw something he really didn't want to know too much about with strawberries and Liz. (He knew he would never be able to eat a strawberry again without thinking of his son's fetish.) Philip saw Max captured and tortured by Pearce and the government squad. Philip was frightened and sadden that Max had endured that without help from him…his father. Tears rolled down Philip's face as the flashes continued. The flashes were rapidly finishing as he saw Tess with Max, as she admitted to Alex's murder. He heard Tess also admit that she would eventually rule with Khivar, his son's rival, as well as the plan to have Max murdered again upon his return.
Of all the things he had been concerned about, none of those fears were realized. He didn't know how he felt about that. Yes he had been concerned that his son was mixed up in something illegal. Nothing he had seen was what he had envisioned. Knowing his son was hunted by this Khivar made him want to go out and kill Khivar himself. How dare he want to harm his son! Philip pulled away from his son. Both men looked drained and wiped out emotionally as they stared at each other emotionally. Max still frightened that he would lose the love of his parents, and Philip for doubting him so much.
Diane and Liz went immediately to Philip and Max respectively. Diane looked at her husband who remained quiet for a moment. There had been some scenes, that's how he would reflect on this later with Diane, with his son that were so dehumanizing, he knew he had to talk with him about it later. For now he didn't want to embarrass Max anymore than he already had.
Diane led Philip to the chair she had been sitting in and had him relax in it while she massaged his shoulders. She was curious to say the least at what he had seen of Max's life, but was willing to be patient for him to gather his wits.
Liz hugged Max to her gently. She realized how personal this had been for Max. She wrapped her arms around him, comforting him much in the same way that Diane was doing for Philip. Liz accepted that Max was a very private person and didn't reveal many details to anyone. She also knew that he was still afraid of being rejected.
Meanwhile Isabel wanted to lighten the mood. She knew that Max and her father were physically exhausted. Her mother still looked stunned with all the events of the evening. They needed a breather, something to relax and just enjoy each other's company.
But something to eat sounded really good. They hadn't eaten dinner yet. And it was so late. It was nearly midnight. O'Neill and his people had left hours ago. Seth had been bed for a couple of hours. Dinner had been delayed and dried out. Isabel had heard Jesse's stomach rumble along with Max's. Food, the equalizer and tranquilizer…yep, time to break out the junk food.
"Mom, Dad…how about let's call out for a pizza." As if on cue Max's stomach rumbled loudly again. Diane laughed. It was the most normal thing that had happened since they discovered Max and Isabel's true identities.
"Sure let's go in the kitchen and get some soda. Liz would you like something to drink?" Diane looked at Liz.
"A cherry coke would be fine, Mrs. Evans." Diane had already headed towards the kitchen when Jesse pulled Isabel off to the side.
Jesse had been watching with rapt attention as Max and Philip connected. He had become thoughtful and wondered. He wondered if were possible for him to experience that with Isabel. Jesse felt Isabel's emotions just as he knew she had felt his. They were cataclysmic. Just before Isabel left to join her mother in the kitchen, Jesse in a soft whisper asked, "Isabel, do you think that we could do that connection thing? Whatever that was that Max just did?" Jesse was curious.
Isabel nodded. She didn't trust her voice to do any more. She nodded again reaffirming her answer. It somehow made her feel better that Jesse wanted to know more about her. To be truthful, Isabel wanted that connection for herself and Jesse. She had been jealous of her brother's relationship with Liz from the very beginning. Actually, she wanted it with Alex in the beginning too, since that hadn't happened, she was very grateful that Jesse had requested it. That had made it even more special for her. She smiled and nodded again. Things would work out, she knew they would. He cared about her too.
They joked around talking casually as pizza arrived. Philip and Diane enjoyed watching their son and daughter as they demonstrated different things for their parents, using their special gifts. It was the first time that Isabel and Max didn't feel different at home.
Everyone was sprawled in the living room grabbing slices of pizza and eating. Diane and Philip were having a quiet conversation with each other. They watched quietly as they saw Max and Isabel talking with each other along with Liz and Jesse. It was family. They were on the right track together now.
Diane had quizzed Philip on what that connection was like with their son. She knew she wanted to try it, maybe not tonight yet, but soon…tomorrow. It was such a special opportunity to glimpse into their early lives. Diane wanted that too. She wanted and missed that little boy they had rescued. Little did they know of how their feelings would be affected over the next few days.
Everyone had been munching on pizza, talking about a variety of things. Philip looked at his son, slowly assessing the situation. He was just beginning to understand all the ramifications of his children's secrets. There had been jokes and some good-natured teasing among the family. They were rebuilding relationships and they were well on their way this evening…or rather morning.
It was nearly two in the morning when they had begun to clean up the living room and getting ready for bed when the phone rang. Diane looked up almost afraid. Calls at this time of night were not good news, and now with alien secret out, she felt her heart race. No matter what they were about. Now with the phone ringing at two in the morning, she panicked. She would fight anyone or anything to protect her children! Cautiously she picked up the handset, and quietly answered the phone. She turned to look at everyone.
"Max's it's Brody." She was perplexed as to why Brody Davis would be calling at this time of night. He rarely called Max and not certainly after midnight and hadn't called here since Max had moved into Michael's apartment. How did he know that Max was here at the house and not at his place? She wondered how the kids had faced these problems every day. She suddenly felt as if she had failed her family, that she hadn't known these things were going on…how to protect her children from other aliens, from their own government and any other assorted whackos out there?
Max saw the concern on his mother's face. Diane handed the phone to Max. They all sat back and waited and wondered.
"Hi Brody." Max just listened. He expression went from confusion to out right shock. He listened intently. He was astonished with this new information as his head bobbed up and down in agreement. He didn't know what he was going to do next, but it certainly meant talking this over with Colonel O'Neill. He was so shocked and numbed by the latest development he didn't know what his parents were going to say…or that matter Isabel or Liz.
As Diane and Philip finished cleaning up, they looked at each other. Their world was being turned around and then upside down. Where would it end? Because it was late, they had offered Liz, Isbael's old bedroom. She had gratefully accepted as she crawled under the covers.
Max had just come from their adjoining bathroom and peeked into the room. He smiled at her as she looked up knowing he was there. For a moment neither one nor the other said a thing.
"I know this doesn't make up for anything…but I love you-with all my heart." Max kissed her gently. It was then that his parents walked by the bedroom. There was a light 'ahem' coming from both parents. "I know Mom…Dad. I'm just heading off to my room. I'll keep my door locked so that she can't take wild liberties with me while I'm asleep." There was a surprised look from Liz while Max's parents gave soft chuckles.
"See that you do, Max." His mother admonished. "I am grandmother once already. I don't think I could handle another grandchild right now." The look that transpired between Philip and Max was enough to give a contriteness to Max as he hugged each parent on his way back to his own bedroom.
He closed the door to his bedroom and saw his son in his bed. He hadn't told them yet about Brody's phone call. There was so much happening that he didn't know where to start or where it would end. It all amazed him so much, he had trouble even contemplating everything. He hoped that Isabel wasn't mad at him for not sharing this last bit of news with her. Finally the exhaustion claimed him as he turned out the lights.
****
Not far from the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, between the base and town stood a typical roadhouse. Chilly's by name. Chilly's was really Rachel Frost. And her five-foot petite frame could break a sweat of fear with anyone that came against her stature or her rod. In her case it was a thick log that had a hewn look to it. But it had packed a wallop to anyone who had the misfortune in coming into contact with it.
The roadhouse was like any other, a wooden structure with plenty of tables, a big bar, pool tables off to the side and a small stage that allowed space enough for about three or four band members with their guitars. The place was lit up like a Christmas tree with lights decorating the frame in all styles of lights every day of the year. It was as if the owner bought all sorts of lights that had been on sale at any given time and hung them all.
continuing in next post
"I think that we should let Seth get some sleep. It's late and he needs his rest." Diane reached down to pick up her grandson. His tush sitting on her arm as she held him next to her talking to him just as if she had been doing that all his life. She held him close to her heart. It was clear she had accepted him as her grandson. She cooed as she walked him into her son's room. She put some pillows around him so that he wouldn't fall out of the bed. It was the best that they could do on such short notice. They didn't have any baby furniture. She did find a T-shirt of Max's that she put on him so that he would be comfortable sleeping. It seemed as if he sensed that it was his father's. Seth immediately settled down. He looked up at his grandmother and smiled an angelic smile, so innocent. She wondered what he had experienced at the hands of Tess and the others for his grandmother to give him up to send him here. To think that Tess' mother thought that he would be safer here with Max than with her? She wondered if she would ever be that brave.
"Taylee…" He looked confused for a moment. He didn't know what to call her other than that.
"Taylee it is. Uh huh, I'm your grandma, sweetie." She couldn't resist those amber eyes she saw reflecting back into hers. So like your daddy. "You look just like I imagined he looked as a baby. You are your daddy's son, that's for sure." Diane smoothed his hair back a bit, sighing. She kissed him on the top of his head. "And I'll bet Taylee means grandmother back home. Oh yes, you are cute little baby."
Diane took one last look before she turned out the light in Max's room. She really saw Max so much in the child. Diane hadn't seen Tess at all. Maybe that was a blessing in disguise. Especially with those looks that Max and Liz were burning between them. It's a wonder that the carpet wasn't singed with those fiery stares. Diane sighed. She knew her son was normally well mannered and behaved appropriately, but now that he had a son, and had an affair…how much further would he take his relationship with Liz? That worried her right now. She didn't think she could take much more. "It's all right honey, you go to sleep. Your daddy will be in shortly to kiss you good night."
Rejoining the others, she heard Isabel's laughter. Diane had missed that. When had things changed so much? "Okay what did I miss?" She smiled at Isabel and the others.
"I was just telling them a joke at school, Mom. We waited for you." Isabel looked up at her mother for much needed approval. "I'll tell you the joke later." Diane nodded in agreement.
"Max you should go and kiss your son good night before he falls asleep. He was looking about for you, I think." Diane looked into her son's eyes as she spoke. Suddenly feeling older than she was. Suddenly she felt like her mother must have felt when she and Philip had brought Max and Isabel home. A grandmother…it just seemed to be happening so fast. She had heard from friends whose children had lived wild and carefree lives and was curious about it---now she knew what they were talking about. She now had an inkling of what they experienced. She didn't have any control over them any more. Somehow it seemed better being clueless although she preferred her children always being those two little kids they had found in the desert. Perhaps not totally clueless, but maybe if they didn't have so many unique problems that would help.
"Okay Mom. We'll be right back." There was no thought about how or what he had said as he kept Liz's hand within his while getting up. They went back into his bedroom, and opened the door quietly.
*****
This evening really was turning into an all nighter. It was nearly midnight and they had hardly scratched the surface. Liz had called her family to let them know that she was with the Evans'. Jeff Parker was concerned that she was with the Evans' boy, but at least Liz had called to let him know where she was. He still worried about Liz being with that boy ever since their attempt at armed robbery had gone awry. He couldn't get over the fact that Max had been so quiet for so long and then to be arrested for armed robbery, and with his daughter! He knew there was more-of course there was. Instinctively he wanted to protect his daughter from any danger she might get into because of this young man.
Jeff took a look at Nancy curled up on the sofa reading. She knew where her daughter was. She also knew that they couldn't do anything to prevent them from being together. She knew that worried Jeff almost as much as them being together. Nancy patted the seat next to her motioning for her husband to join her there. Resigned to the situation sort of, Jeff walked over to join his wife on the couch. He just didn't have to like that his daughter was with him even if it was supervised. At least Diane and Philip were there. That should help, but he couldn't help the feeling of foreboding he had. Moreover, why should Liz be there if there was a family meeting? She wasn't their family…yet? Was she? Jeff Parker's mind went into overdrive at that thought. Nah…they would have been told if the kids had eloped or something. Wouldn't they? As he looked over to his wife who was too calm in his mind…why wasn't she angry? He felt Nancy put her arms around him, soothing the father/parent in him. It helped, but not by much.
At least Liz was letting them know where she was and with whom. She wasn't lying or hiding the situation from them. That at least made him feel somewhat better, but not much. Jeff knew from experience that there was always more that remained in the shadows. He just didn't want to find out one morning that something had happened to Liz that he could have or should have prevented. All he saw when he looked at his little girl was the little girl that danced on top of his shoes and her laughter trilling at her pleasure. He wanted that little girl back again to hold. He realized the next time he would hold her to dance would be at her wedding reception and he would have that dance with his daughter if he had any say in the matter.
The little boy looked up and over as Max and Liz stepped inside. There was a big smile on his tiny little face as he saw his father enter. There was a slight hesitation on Liz's part, but Max didn't let her falter as he led her into his bedroom. They spent the next few minutes enjoying being with each other. As Max kissed his son good night, he felt at peace. He knew this moment might was special because he finally felt comfortable with himself. He felt the love in his heart and soul. He felt complete. He had Liz and his son. He rephrased that. Their son. It didn't matter who Tess was in this, because no matter what happened, Liz would be there for Seth, and that's what counted in the long run.
It seemed Seth liked Liz immediately. He touched her on her hand, and with the contact came the glow. Liz looked down amazed at that. She felt the tingling on her skin, and smiled at Max who watched with pure joy. The three of them sat on the bed together for a moment. Seth looked up at Max and Liz.
"Daddy." Max grinned from ear to ear as heard Seth called him that. Max hugged the child so strongly. He felt if he didn't that it wasn't real.
Max and Liz were talking quietly as they joined his parents, Isabel and Jesse in the living room. They looked into the room as they returned. Suddenly Max realized, he had already started telling his parents the truth. The hard part was over. They hadn't pulled away. Max knew his dad was still skeptical about his origins, but after the link, he knew he would change his mind.
"Dad, Mom…" Max started.
"How was Seth?" Diane asked.
"Settling in Mrs. Evans. He seemed less restless when he saw Max." Liz smiled at Diane Evans. "He really does look like Max, doesn't he?" She grinned looking at Max's mother. Out of the corner of Liz's eyes, she saw Max blush at the comments. Always wanting to stay in the background, behind the tree, never drawing attention to himself, he had certainly done a one eighty!
"Umm yes he does." Diane was so full of questions, but she didn't know exactly where to start: with Seth, though an obvious choice, there was also Liz. And Tess…where was she during all of this? Yes she understood the facts, but Diane searched for the easy answer, not the reality of her childrens' world. In the end, she decided upon the most expeditious way. "So Max, tell us about this connection you mentioning earlier." Diane's eyes followed her son where he was next to his father. Liz stood behind Max their hands still entwined.
"Well when I first told Liz I wasn't from around here, she got a little freaked. So in order to convince her I was still the same person she always had known, I reversed a link between us so that she could see who I was…who I am." Max looked at his dad, but peaked around the corner of his eye to see Liz grinning. "That I'm not a monster…" With that word there were gasps from Diane and Liz.
"Max! How many times do we have to go there. I never saw you that way…Ever! You know that's true, don't you?" He nodded amazed at how lucky he was to have Liz. Though he liked to tease her, the truth was closer than he really wanted to admit. Liz accepted the tease, but knew she had to convince him that she never considered anything so ridiculous. Just to get even a bit, she punched him not so gently on his upper arm. He jerked up as she stared into those chocolate eyes of hers. He was a puddle. He knew it. He faintly heard his dad's voice being cleared, again not so faintly.
"OW! I'm lucky that you don't have any mysterious alien powers over me!" He gave her his half smile. He blushed a bit as he looked from Liz to his parents. This was more open than he had ever been and it was there for everyone to see. Diane and Philip marveled at the teasing Max gave and took. It refreshed them to see how much Max and Liz loved each other.
"Oh, you think I don't?" There was the challenge and the gauntlet was down. "I think I have a power to bring you to your knees." Liz licked her lips tantalizingly. Her tongue licked her lips and to Max it was in slow motion as he watched her swirled it from bottom to top.
Max had an epiphany and understood immediately what she wasn't saying in front of his parents. He couldn't believe that she had said that in front of his parents. His ears, which were already pink from the joking turned dark red and the heat effused the already charged atmosphere. Max was equally surprised that she flirted so outrageously in front of everyone. He couldn't help the way he felt about her. Even though his parents were right there, he didn't stop himself as he leaned to kiss Liz fully on the lips. It was going to be a short kiss at first, but Liz kept him glued to her side until they heard the clearing of throats, again. And after a couple well-aimed pillows from Isabel and Jesse, Max and Liz softly pulled apart. It was enough to see their glazed and dazed expressions. The moment had ended, but they were still staring into each other's eyes.
******
On Antar, Khivar wandered aimlessly or so it appeared. He wasn't taking any chances. Though Kayla wasn't on Antar, her spies were still there. If the Gate could be used, then he that her spies would be just as easily get a message through to her in some way. Khivar couldn't take the risk. He knew they would do whatever they had to do to preserve the throne, the planet, and the system. Khivar knew where most of the loyalties started and stopped on Antar. And he accepted that he couldn't trust anyone or let down his guard. He didn't know how true that would be…
Eventually he ended up in the garden outside the palace. It had been designed as a maze on purpose. It had been a excellent meeting place in order not to be overheard or seen. He could feel eyes on him as he entered the hedgerows. Khivar wasn't going to lose again to Zan. No matter what! No quarter would be give. He was putting another plan into action. It was good to have viable opportunities everywhere. Since Nicholas hadn't succeeded yet, this would help shift any balances that might need adjusting.
Vilandra and Rath were still around on Earth, but hadn't been able to be used since the summit in New York. That turned out to be a very costly mistake. Nicholas would have to pay for that one too, Khivar decided. And Ava. He wondered where she was. Oh he knew about Rath's feeble attempt to murder Zan on Earth. He barely had succeeded on that score. More luck than sense on that plan. He couldn't believe how bungled things had gotten. How did things keep going awry? They never meshed perfectly as they should have…? And then Kayla…always the dutiful Queen, and mother. What was she doing now that she was on Earth? He didn't want to contemplate that at all. He knew that whatever it was, he would hate it.
As Khivar walked further into the interior of the maze, the decision was made. The die was cast. He was going to win he knew it. As he stepped into the center room of the maze, he was astounded. There stood…what? He couldn't believe what his eyes told him was there. They weren't real! They were legend. They were real. Khivar stood there transfixed. The creature stood yet another head taller than he was. Those eyes Khivar didn't think he would ever forget their color: reddish purple eyes, which bored straight through him. He felt weak and taken by surprise AGAIN!
A Gao'uld had waited in the interior…Khivar walked toward this creature. He would not falter. He was determined to meet this being. His heart beat rapidly as he moved towards it.
There he…IT was. Surely it was not humanoid, Antarian or masculine, though he felt the raw power emanating from it. Yet Khivar knew that whatever being it was, it surely it couldn't be real. The Toma spoke of MoaDia, but he had never believed their teachings before. It had the head of an animal he had never seen before, at least not this close and alive. He walked upright like a man, but he wasn't sure it was a man underneath the bronze, and the other metals covering his body like a skin.
Khivar blinked as he leaned forward. He wanted to see if what his eyes were telling was true. They were. He had seen his picture was in glyphs in the main temple up on Mount Veras, those were from the earliest recorded time on Antar once. Even in the temples in the city, there were graphic symbols of this creature. But he had never believed those teachings.
Khivar had a thought at that moment and wondered for the first time if Zan would have ever considered this alliance. Or better yet would have met this creature head on? Somehow Khivar didn't think so. Zan would have done everything differently. As Khivar closed the distance between the two of them, Khivar raised his right arm flexing to the elbow in greeting. He did after all want to curry his favor. No need to give this creature any further advantage.
The deep basso voice erupted from being in front of Khivar, "So Antarian, I am called MoaDia." The being watched as Khivar responded in recognition as though he had penetrated down through the layers of history, legend and mythology. The outward appearance was just as the ancients had described the creature. Along with raw power was the unbridled evil that was evoked with his name. Antarians wholly believed in the inherit evil of MoaDia. They avoided anything remotely connected to his name. "So you do recognized me. Good. It is better that we start from a common ground." The voice that emitted from MoaDia was at the very least frightening. Khivar though had decided that it had been a laugh as he still stood face to face with the creature. His hands sweaty from fear and anxiety but determined to carry out his latest plan. He wasn't going to fear this creature. Especially if MoaDia got him the throne of Antar. Though Khivar hadn't seen his face yet, he had decided that he didn't really want to unless he had no choice. He wouldn't falter even if he had to look into the face of Hell. He wanted the kingship and power of the Antarian system.
"Yes, it is a good starting place." They moved forward together as they walked in the center atria of the garden maze. Khivar had made a choice. He would make it work. Though for a fleeting second, he wasn't sure about this alliance after all. He didn't think he had any other choice now.
Khivar saluted in deference again as he watched the being transported by way of three rings. They looked similar to the Gate ring only these were horizontal rather than vertical. He watched as he disappeared. They knew ship of MoaDia was above Antar. Khivar walked slowly out of the garden and directly into Tess.
*******
As Max stepped back he didn't loosen his hold on Liz as they made themselves more comfortable on the floor with the pillows. Max explained to his parents about the reverse connection. Dropping Liz's hand, the first time they broke any kind of contact since she had arrived, Max walked over to his father.
"Dad you have to let your mind go blank." Philip looked at his son not sure what was taking place, but willing to try. For the first time, he wanted to really believe this far-fetched tale. Mainly because it was his son, Max. He wanted this very much for his son.
Max put his hands on his father gently and almost immediately, a connection was formed.
Diane watched in fascination. There was her son and husband standing in the living room side by side. She could see Philip's expression go wide. She wondered what he was seeing. She could tell that it was something as this surprised look suddenly appeared on his face.
Turning to Isabel and Jesse, Diane saw Isabel's confident expression. She knew what her brother was doing. She saw that gentle squeeze she gave Jesse. Heaven knew what that young man was thinking. She felt sorry for him. This wasn't exactly how you should find out about something about your wife. Better this way than to have had something dangerous happen to either Max or Isabel and find out that way though. And she had a mother's instinct to know that there had been some of them already. Just the way, Max skirted some of the questions. But they would hold until later. Diane hoped.
Philip couldn't believe it. The minute he felt Max's presence he began to see flashes of his son's life. He saw the membrane that Isabel had talked about. Then he saw Max emerging from his pod and looking back at it. He saw these moments and more to come of his son's life. He saw Isabel and Michael too from Max's perspective.
The flashes came so quickly it was a blur to even absorb them all, but he saw Max seeing Liz for the first time as he and Isabel got off the school bus. He felt Max's feelings, and almost immediately his knees buckled, they were so intense. He felt his son holding him upright. Max's strength held him as he continued to see his son's life. He couldn't believe the love that surrounded Liz from his son.
He saw other events in his son's life. He was so amazed at what he was experiencing. The empiricist in him was suddenly curious while the father in him wanted to comfort his son through all these trials and tribulations. Philip saw the remaining flashes of the shooting at the Crashdown with Liz. He saw something he really didn't want to know too much about with strawberries and Liz. (He knew he would never be able to eat a strawberry again without thinking of his son's fetish.) Philip saw Max captured and tortured by Pearce and the government squad. Philip was frightened and sadden that Max had endured that without help from him…his father. Tears rolled down Philip's face as the flashes continued. The flashes were rapidly finishing as he saw Tess with Max, as she admitted to Alex's murder. He heard Tess also admit that she would eventually rule with Khivar, his son's rival, as well as the plan to have Max murdered again upon his return.
Of all the things he had been concerned about, none of those fears were realized. He didn't know how he felt about that. Yes he had been concerned that his son was mixed up in something illegal. Nothing he had seen was what he had envisioned. Knowing his son was hunted by this Khivar made him want to go out and kill Khivar himself. How dare he want to harm his son! Philip pulled away from his son. Both men looked drained and wiped out emotionally as they stared at each other emotionally. Max still frightened that he would lose the love of his parents, and Philip for doubting him so much.
Diane and Liz went immediately to Philip and Max respectively. Diane looked at her husband who remained quiet for a moment. There had been some scenes, that's how he would reflect on this later with Diane, with his son that were so dehumanizing, he knew he had to talk with him about it later. For now he didn't want to embarrass Max anymore than he already had.
Diane led Philip to the chair she had been sitting in and had him relax in it while she massaged his shoulders. She was curious to say the least at what he had seen of Max's life, but was willing to be patient for him to gather his wits.
Liz hugged Max to her gently. She realized how personal this had been for Max. She wrapped her arms around him, comforting him much in the same way that Diane was doing for Philip. Liz accepted that Max was a very private person and didn't reveal many details to anyone. She also knew that he was still afraid of being rejected.
Meanwhile Isabel wanted to lighten the mood. She knew that Max and her father were physically exhausted. Her mother still looked stunned with all the events of the evening. They needed a breather, something to relax and just enjoy each other's company.
But something to eat sounded really good. They hadn't eaten dinner yet. And it was so late. It was nearly midnight. O'Neill and his people had left hours ago. Seth had been bed for a couple of hours. Dinner had been delayed and dried out. Isabel had heard Jesse's stomach rumble along with Max's. Food, the equalizer and tranquilizer…yep, time to break out the junk food.
"Mom, Dad…how about let's call out for a pizza." As if on cue Max's stomach rumbled loudly again. Diane laughed. It was the most normal thing that had happened since they discovered Max and Isabel's true identities.
"Sure let's go in the kitchen and get some soda. Liz would you like something to drink?" Diane looked at Liz.
"A cherry coke would be fine, Mrs. Evans." Diane had already headed towards the kitchen when Jesse pulled Isabel off to the side.
Jesse had been watching with rapt attention as Max and Philip connected. He had become thoughtful and wondered. He wondered if were possible for him to experience that with Isabel. Jesse felt Isabel's emotions just as he knew she had felt his. They were cataclysmic. Just before Isabel left to join her mother in the kitchen, Jesse in a soft whisper asked, "Isabel, do you think that we could do that connection thing? Whatever that was that Max just did?" Jesse was curious.
Isabel nodded. She didn't trust her voice to do any more. She nodded again reaffirming her answer. It somehow made her feel better that Jesse wanted to know more about her. To be truthful, Isabel wanted that connection for herself and Jesse. She had been jealous of her brother's relationship with Liz from the very beginning. Actually, she wanted it with Alex in the beginning too, since that hadn't happened, she was very grateful that Jesse had requested it. That had made it even more special for her. She smiled and nodded again. Things would work out, she knew they would. He cared about her too.
They joked around talking casually as pizza arrived. Philip and Diane enjoyed watching their son and daughter as they demonstrated different things for their parents, using their special gifts. It was the first time that Isabel and Max didn't feel different at home.
Everyone was sprawled in the living room grabbing slices of pizza and eating. Diane and Philip were having a quiet conversation with each other. They watched quietly as they saw Max and Isabel talking with each other along with Liz and Jesse. It was family. They were on the right track together now.
Diane had quizzed Philip on what that connection was like with their son. She knew she wanted to try it, maybe not tonight yet, but soon…tomorrow. It was such a special opportunity to glimpse into their early lives. Diane wanted that too. She wanted and missed that little boy they had rescued. Little did they know of how their feelings would be affected over the next few days.
Everyone had been munching on pizza, talking about a variety of things. Philip looked at his son, slowly assessing the situation. He was just beginning to understand all the ramifications of his children's secrets. There had been jokes and some good-natured teasing among the family. They were rebuilding relationships and they were well on their way this evening…or rather morning.
It was nearly two in the morning when they had begun to clean up the living room and getting ready for bed when the phone rang. Diane looked up almost afraid. Calls at this time of night were not good news, and now with alien secret out, she felt her heart race. No matter what they were about. Now with the phone ringing at two in the morning, she panicked. She would fight anyone or anything to protect her children! Cautiously she picked up the handset, and quietly answered the phone. She turned to look at everyone.
"Max's it's Brody." She was perplexed as to why Brody Davis would be calling at this time of night. He rarely called Max and not certainly after midnight and hadn't called here since Max had moved into Michael's apartment. How did he know that Max was here at the house and not at his place? She wondered how the kids had faced these problems every day. She suddenly felt as if she had failed her family, that she hadn't known these things were going on…how to protect her children from other aliens, from their own government and any other assorted whackos out there?
Max saw the concern on his mother's face. Diane handed the phone to Max. They all sat back and waited and wondered.
"Hi Brody." Max just listened. He expression went from confusion to out right shock. He listened intently. He was astonished with this new information as his head bobbed up and down in agreement. He didn't know what he was going to do next, but it certainly meant talking this over with Colonel O'Neill. He was so shocked and numbed by the latest development he didn't know what his parents were going to say…or that matter Isabel or Liz.
As Diane and Philip finished cleaning up, they looked at each other. Their world was being turned around and then upside down. Where would it end? Because it was late, they had offered Liz, Isbael's old bedroom. She had gratefully accepted as she crawled under the covers.
Max had just come from their adjoining bathroom and peeked into the room. He smiled at her as she looked up knowing he was there. For a moment neither one nor the other said a thing.
"I know this doesn't make up for anything…but I love you-with all my heart." Max kissed her gently. It was then that his parents walked by the bedroom. There was a light 'ahem' coming from both parents. "I know Mom…Dad. I'm just heading off to my room. I'll keep my door locked so that she can't take wild liberties with me while I'm asleep." There was a surprised look from Liz while Max's parents gave soft chuckles.
"See that you do, Max." His mother admonished. "I am grandmother once already. I don't think I could handle another grandchild right now." The look that transpired between Philip and Max was enough to give a contriteness to Max as he hugged each parent on his way back to his own bedroom.
He closed the door to his bedroom and saw his son in his bed. He hadn't told them yet about Brody's phone call. There was so much happening that he didn't know where to start or where it would end. It all amazed him so much, he had trouble even contemplating everything. He hoped that Isabel wasn't mad at him for not sharing this last bit of news with her. Finally the exhaustion claimed him as he turned out the lights.
****
Not far from the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, between the base and town stood a typical roadhouse. Chilly's by name. Chilly's was really Rachel Frost. And her five-foot petite frame could break a sweat of fear with anyone that came against her stature or her rod. In her case it was a thick log that had a hewn look to it. But it had packed a wallop to anyone who had the misfortune in coming into contact with it.
The roadhouse was like any other, a wooden structure with plenty of tables, a big bar, pool tables off to the side and a small stage that allowed space enough for about three or four band members with their guitars. The place was lit up like a Christmas tree with lights decorating the frame in all styles of lights every day of the year. It was as if the owner bought all sorts of lights that had been on sale at any given time and hung them all.
continuing in next post
"It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves."
- William Shakespeare
- William Shakespeare
continuing with Chapt 5
continuing....
Normally that might have made for a garish display. For Chilly's it just gave it character. And on Friday and Saturday nights there were plenty of characters of the two-legged type. The place usually made a couple calls to the MP'S or the local police department when Chilly couldn't handle it. Chilly was known far and wide for her generosity but carrying a big stick helped too. When that didn't dent any misunderstandings, Chilly called for the law be it base or local.
It was still early by Chilly standards. The place didn't really get jumping until about eleven or midnight. The brawls didn't start until after the two A.M. bar close. For some reason, people didn't want to leave the place. Chilly sometimes let them stay and sleep it off, if they weren't rude to her. Heaven help the rude person. They could come away from Chilly's with frostbite.
There was no such thing as happy hour. Burgers and fries were the extent of the kitchen. There was no menu. Usually Chilly's didn't get tourists. It was the locals' watering hole. Despite the fact that the base was nearby, most of the clientele were ordinary working stiffs…and civilians. Though Chilly saw some base crew in there as their choice for liquid libation. They did keep low a profile, which Chilly appreciated. She didn't want any trouble with the base commander or anyone else connected with government. She wanted to enjoy the place and the people…pure and simple. And no one liked to disrupt Chilly.
There were a few people who stopped in for a couple of drinks after their shifts ended for the day. People were strolling inside to relax and commiserate over a cold one. There were several couples talking, several tables occupied by single men or women as well as a few at the bar. Chilly made sure that women were safe in her environment from the creeps of the world. So there were some lone women in there drinking quietly.
In civilian clothing, a young man sat sipping a cold beer. There was no mistaking his military bearing. It shouted Base Personnel. His glass was wet with humidity as the young man looked about. He wasn't sure what he had expected. Perhaps dark glasses and passwords, but then again as he watched the men walk through the door, if he had had some knowledge, he wouldn't have spilled his glass as he saw them enter. He couldn't believe it. There with his security detachment walked into this dive…er local establishment, was Senator Kinsey. Cripes! He knew that the man was running for President, but no way did he expect ever to see him or much less even be involved with him. Or be this close to him. His hands were trembling with excitement. Or was it fear? He wasn't sure which one it was. His heart wasn't just beating it was thumping at an alarming rate. He needed to keep himself under control. That was the key to this whole association. He just had to remind himself, that everything would be all right. Just get through the next few minutes and he would be fine. In fact he would be better than fine.
Kinsey walked directly to the table where the young man sat. Kinsey acted as if he owned the place. But that was s.o.p. for the Senator. He eyed everyone in the place for a second as well as nodding to the detail before he sat down.
The security force surveyed the establishment giving the Senator a wide berth for a private conversation, but maintaining close observation to him. They had had threats on his life prior to his nomination for President. They were taking no chances. They had tried to dissuade him from even making the visit to Cheyenne. But Kinsey wouldn't relent. He had remarked to one of the security that it was personal.
Kinsey looked at the young man disdainfully. He couldn't believe he was even in this dump. He sat down without a word. Neither one nor the other said a word. Kinsey because he had hoped to intimidate him into whatever admissions he could. The young man looked more wilted by the minute. His fear apparent even to the untrained eye.
"So this better be good for me to come out in the middle of nowhere." Kinsey stated belligerently. He watched the young man sweat. It was good to have power.
"Believe me this is good." He knew he had the Senator at that moment. No way would he come all the way out here if he hadn't been extremely interested in the first place. He sat there quietly, reflecting on the information that he was about to divulge. Oh yeah, Providence. That's what this was. He didn't want to rush this process. In fact he wanted to relish this cloak and dagger operation. Maybe he might be of use to the Senator in the future.
Kinsey nodded to the young man as he got up. They had spent an hour or so talking in hushed voices. They wouldn't have been overheard. This indeed was what he had hoped it would be. He would have Hammond and the damn, s.o.b. Jack O'Neill on this one. Damn straight he would! The security detail kept the other tables from being used. And no one wanted to argue the point with the six foot five suited security officers.
Kinsey got up and walked out. It was dark as he and his security detail had left. The young man sat there with a wide grin of his face. No one really had paid any attention to the Senator leaving. There were so many people in the bar by that time, he just blended in with the crowd. But the table with the young man…well he stayed and finished another two beers before he went to the bar and waved goodnight to no one in particular.
Kinsey on the other hand was very paranoid and left one of the security details to stay behind. Kinsey wanted to know anything and everything. He wasn't taking any chances in case this was a trap or if the kid was selling intel to both sides. He would find out if he talked with anyone else. Then that would be the final step. Most of these men had been with Kinsey for years. This request wasn't unusual. When the young man got up so did the agent assigned to him. Unfortunately the young man didn't come prepared with a friend to watch his back.
TBC
Normally that might have made for a garish display. For Chilly's it just gave it character. And on Friday and Saturday nights there were plenty of characters of the two-legged type. The place usually made a couple calls to the MP'S or the local police department when Chilly couldn't handle it. Chilly was known far and wide for her generosity but carrying a big stick helped too. When that didn't dent any misunderstandings, Chilly called for the law be it base or local.
It was still early by Chilly standards. The place didn't really get jumping until about eleven or midnight. The brawls didn't start until after the two A.M. bar close. For some reason, people didn't want to leave the place. Chilly sometimes let them stay and sleep it off, if they weren't rude to her. Heaven help the rude person. They could come away from Chilly's with frostbite.
There was no such thing as happy hour. Burgers and fries were the extent of the kitchen. There was no menu. Usually Chilly's didn't get tourists. It was the locals' watering hole. Despite the fact that the base was nearby, most of the clientele were ordinary working stiffs…and civilians. Though Chilly saw some base crew in there as their choice for liquid libation. They did keep low a profile, which Chilly appreciated. She didn't want any trouble with the base commander or anyone else connected with government. She wanted to enjoy the place and the people…pure and simple. And no one liked to disrupt Chilly.
There were a few people who stopped in for a couple of drinks after their shifts ended for the day. People were strolling inside to relax and commiserate over a cold one. There were several couples talking, several tables occupied by single men or women as well as a few at the bar. Chilly made sure that women were safe in her environment from the creeps of the world. So there were some lone women in there drinking quietly.
In civilian clothing, a young man sat sipping a cold beer. There was no mistaking his military bearing. It shouted Base Personnel. His glass was wet with humidity as the young man looked about. He wasn't sure what he had expected. Perhaps dark glasses and passwords, but then again as he watched the men walk through the door, if he had had some knowledge, he wouldn't have spilled his glass as he saw them enter. He couldn't believe it. There with his security detachment walked into this dive…er local establishment, was Senator Kinsey. Cripes! He knew that the man was running for President, but no way did he expect ever to see him or much less even be involved with him. Or be this close to him. His hands were trembling with excitement. Or was it fear? He wasn't sure which one it was. His heart wasn't just beating it was thumping at an alarming rate. He needed to keep himself under control. That was the key to this whole association. He just had to remind himself, that everything would be all right. Just get through the next few minutes and he would be fine. In fact he would be better than fine.
Kinsey walked directly to the table where the young man sat. Kinsey acted as if he owned the place. But that was s.o.p. for the Senator. He eyed everyone in the place for a second as well as nodding to the detail before he sat down.
The security force surveyed the establishment giving the Senator a wide berth for a private conversation, but maintaining close observation to him. They had had threats on his life prior to his nomination for President. They were taking no chances. They had tried to dissuade him from even making the visit to Cheyenne. But Kinsey wouldn't relent. He had remarked to one of the security that it was personal.
Kinsey looked at the young man disdainfully. He couldn't believe he was even in this dump. He sat down without a word. Neither one nor the other said a word. Kinsey because he had hoped to intimidate him into whatever admissions he could. The young man looked more wilted by the minute. His fear apparent even to the untrained eye.
"So this better be good for me to come out in the middle of nowhere." Kinsey stated belligerently. He watched the young man sweat. It was good to have power.
"Believe me this is good." He knew he had the Senator at that moment. No way would he come all the way out here if he hadn't been extremely interested in the first place. He sat there quietly, reflecting on the information that he was about to divulge. Oh yeah, Providence. That's what this was. He didn't want to rush this process. In fact he wanted to relish this cloak and dagger operation. Maybe he might be of use to the Senator in the future.
Kinsey nodded to the young man as he got up. They had spent an hour or so talking in hushed voices. They wouldn't have been overheard. This indeed was what he had hoped it would be. He would have Hammond and the damn, s.o.b. Jack O'Neill on this one. Damn straight he would! The security detail kept the other tables from being used. And no one wanted to argue the point with the six foot five suited security officers.
Kinsey got up and walked out. It was dark as he and his security detail had left. The young man sat there with a wide grin of his face. No one really had paid any attention to the Senator leaving. There were so many people in the bar by that time, he just blended in with the crowd. But the table with the young man…well he stayed and finished another two beers before he went to the bar and waved goodnight to no one in particular.
Kinsey on the other hand was very paranoid and left one of the security details to stay behind. Kinsey wanted to know anything and everything. He wasn't taking any chances in case this was a trap or if the kid was selling intel to both sides. He would find out if he talked with anyone else. Then that would be the final step. Most of these men had been with Kinsey for years. This request wasn't unusual. When the young man got up so did the agent assigned to him. Unfortunately the young man didn't come prepared with a friend to watch his back.
TBC
Last edited by Razz214 on Tue Dec 16, 2003 10:09 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves."
- William Shakespeare
- William Shakespeare
Across the Gate Chapter 6
Hi everyone!
Craig thank you for letting people know what's been happening. I know I've missed everyone here. I can't seem to shake whatever is going on. Also thank you again for the nomination!
I have finally edited Chapter 6 so here goes...As always, any errors Craig and I didn't catch are mine and the disclaimer still remains...I own nothing...
Posted in multiple posts:
Summary:
To recap, the SG1 team traveled to Antar via one of the Star Gate locations. There on the planet they met Kayla and Khivar. When Kayla discovered they were from Earth, her concerns about Seth's safety found an outlet. She would do whatever she had to do to have them take her grandson to his father on Earth. The SG team returned to Earth and to Roswell. There theymet Max Evans, once and future King of Antar in the guise of an eighteen year old young man.
Earth wasn't the only place that things were taking place. On Antar, Kayla also had to make a swift departure through the Star Gate while a battle raged with Khivar's army. Without Seth to solidify the throne for Khivar, and without Kayla's presence, Antar was a world on the verge of major changes. Larek discovered some of these events through an informant on Antar.
Let us not forget other events taking place close to Cheyenne Mountain too that will have far reaching effects to Max and Antar.
Chapter 6
That next morning at the motel was not so different from any other morning the SG team spent together off planet. Yet, there were differences. They weren't after a Gao'uld or a rampant villager wasn't accusing them of witchcraft or even wannabe stargaters. They weren't looking for some alien artifact. However, they had been helping a dethroned king get back his son, and possibly reunite an intergalactic family. Yeah all in all a day's work for the SG-1 team. At least for today. However…the conditioning they shared as a team put them into a comfortable rhythm together as they went about their morning routines.
The ins and outs of getting up and getting ready only made this seem ordinary. The only difference was, was that they were on their own home planet. Notwithstanding, they had all the usual conveniences that they frequently didn't have off world. Carter wondered why it didn't feel more normal than it did, but she forgot the question as they continued in their movements quietly.
O'Neill looked up at Carter who had finished dressing, was ready and awaiting orders for the day. She grinned at O'Neill as he stayed in bed. He had no problems getting up early, especially for those early morning fishing trips in Northern Minnesota. This was different. They were for pete's sake in a motel in Roswell, New Mexico. How much more normal could you get? He just wanted to catch a few more z's before they had to get started. Carter just smiled at him as he tried to block out the sunrise.
Teal'c entered the room, and stared at Jack. "O'Neill you aren't out of bed?" The "yet" that was unstated indicated the surprise that O'Neill wasn't ready. Teal'c had expected O'Neill to be chomping at the bit ready to leave. Teal'c was puzzled since he had fully expected to leave for Cheyenne Mountain today, though Jack hadn't stated that as of yet. He stood there a moment waiting for O'Neill to respond to the question.
Why did everyone expect that he would be up? Why didn't they understand that they were on Earth? That here they were in Roswell, New Mexico, and he wanted to sleep an extra half-hour. Couldn't they just let things slide a little…he wondered as he forcibly closed his eyelids? The Crashdown wasn't even open yet. The idea of Denny's or Bakers Square was unthinkable under the circumstances. He was looking forward to Heavenly Hash for breakfast.
Daniel exited the bathroom as the phone rang. Jack picked up on it, thinking it was General Hammond. He was mistaken. He listened for a moment, then hung up.
"So Jack, who was that?" Daniel looked down at him as he waited for answer.
"We're having breakfast at the Crashdown this morning. I'll be ready in ten minutes. Let everyone know." Jack looked at the team. He got out of bed while the team waited for him to catch up with them.
"O'Neill, I'll begin to load up the car." Teal'c volunteered as he reached for one of the pieces of luggage to take out to the car. Teal'c barely had started for the door, when O'Neill cleared his throat.
"Uh…not yet. We may not leave today. There have been a few developments overnight," as he sprinted out of bed and into the shower and literally groomed and dressed in nine and a half minutes. There was smugness about the time factor though no one else commented on it; they all smiled at the Colonel good-naturedly. Something was up, but O'Neill wasn't saying…just yet.
Teal'c just watched detached and waited patiently for O'Neill to share the information. He couldn't help but wonder what this development was that was detaining them longer. It wasn't because of anything specific, but those alien dolls, well they did look like Thor of the Asgard…Were they making fun of them? He wasn't quite sure what that was all about? He wasn't even sure he wanted to find out, as he cocked his head as he acknowledged O'Neill.
They were clad in civilian clothes of some sort. O'Neill with his mirrored sunglasses, Daniel in his Dockers while Carter and Teal'c wore jeans. Teal'c just silently went about his business and bore this as any other day. He knew O'Neill had something planned. He would have to wait and see. They drove towards downtown in their dark SUV rental silently as they each went about their morning routines. Daniel had his head in the local papers, while Carter stared out the windows as they drove over to the diner.
It struck Jack's sense of humor with a mix of X-Files and Men In Black as they passed the UFO Museum. He laughed silently as he looked in the rearview mirror at Teal'c. What do you say when you have your very own alien in the back seat? Thinking back to his phone call, this was unexpected. Nevertheless, he should have realized that when plans start to spiral out of control they usually continue to spin effortlessly towards the bottom. He had contacted Hammond as they got into the car.
****
Back on Antar, another day had passed in what was the Antar equivalent of complete cycle. Tess was getting more intense as the hours progressed. Khivar watched wondering what he owed her mood to today. He had reached the extent of his tolerance. He turned to her and was surprised as she jumped in her seat startled by his question.
"Tess what is the problem?" Khivar looked over at Tess wondering what he would do with her now that Seth was no longer here on Antar. It wasn't so much that he disliked her. While her beauty was very intoxicating to him, she was still very vain, selfish, and high maintenance. Every bit the princess she had been those many years ago when she came to the palace to be joined with Zan. Because of her incompetence, his plans had to be changed yet again!
Khivar gloated about Zan's failure to stop Tess from leaving, that was the only plus to this whole mess. Unfortunately, it was better to gloat without Tess than with her present. She demanded more than he was willing to give her. Now with Seth gone the key he had escaped his control. The fact that Seth was able to go to Earth and probably be reunited with his father hadn't eluded him. That made his impotence in this situation more intense. Whatever balances there were always seemed to tip away from him as he got close to his goal.
Khivar was grateful when the others demanded his attention. Not because he really wanted to deal with them, but it was easier than Tess was. He knew Tess wouldn't let him forget that she was there, while he went to join his men. Others would apprise him of anything out of the ordinary regarding Tess. At least he could deal with her greed and desire easily.
Tess looked up at him bored. She studied him carefully. During her exile on Earth, Khivar had aged according to Antarian standards. Though obviously older now, he was still attractive. Tess had always found Khivar more interesting than Zan even before their deaths and rebirths. She had seen the similarities between the two men. They were both dark and had very interesting. Their eyes were different. Whereas Zan or Max had the golden amber eyes, Khivar had muddy umber tones. They weren't clear and translucent as Max's. That kept her guessing even in her previous life.
Khivar and Zan were as opposite as night and day. Khivar was bolder than Zan was while Zan was more thoughtful and methodical. Both were intelligent, but Zan's natural abilities had shown through easily, while Khivar had to work at his tasks. However, Khivar was cunning while Zan was instinctive. They were opposite sides of the same coin.
Zan had wanted Antar to be eqalitarian. He had read of different civilizations and knew he could adapt the concept of democracy to fit their political structure. It would retain the prominent fixtures of Council but at least there would be individual Antarian rights for everyone. That had been his goal for Antar. He had conceived of a plan to allow basic rights for his world.
On the other hand, Khivar wanted status quo to continue so he would rule and control everyone completely. There was no middle ground. Khivar wanted to be the ruler. The one people came to for leadership. That had been a long time rift between the two men.
Khivar looked down at Tess. He knew she needed to be controlled. She was an obstacle to his plans right now. He needed to find some harmless direction for her or all his plans would dissolve because of her. "I am bored. There isn't anything to do. Perhaps I could help you?" Tess whined and wheedled as she looked up at him quietly. She knew she sounded spoiled even to herself, but she knew she had to tread a fine line, or Khivar or one of his dutiful lieutenants or spies would report any vagary in her routine. She had to keep to ordinary tasks or Khivar would become suspicious. Nacedo had taught her that while they were on the run. Don't be obvious and always keep them guessing your next move.
"I am going to be entertaining some foreign dignitaries soon. So you could make arrangements for their comforts. Perhaps a party in their honor?" He wondered what her angle was. Tess never did anything unless it benefited her first. He would have to keep a close watch on her if she were planning on something he wanted to be aware of it as she even thought of it.
"Who and where are they coming from? Are they from the outlying provinces? Anything would impress them?" Her disdain was apparent. She needed something to cover her movements from time to time. She was hoping for some prince or princess from one of the adjoining planets. She wasn't above using anyone that might be able to help-wherever they might be coming from.
"As a matter of fact they are going to be helping me…" Khivar glanced up as he said that just to see Tess' response and quickly amended his words. "us…attain our goals." He smiled graciously over to her. He still wondered where she had gone. None of his spies had discovered her means of leaving the Palace-or where she went. However, he knew that she had disappeared for awhile last evening. She had returned only a couple of hours before sunrise. He was sure of that.
This exchange was conducted in the presence of the staff as they came in and out while performing their duties. Neither Khivar nor Tess gave them thought. It was as if they didn't exist. Though without Kayla to preserve the status quo, the staff became more cautious strained and fearful. Khivar wasn't known for his leniency. Since her return, Tess had alienated the people she wanted to rule. Her selfishness was paramount to everything and everyone. Kayla had softened Tess' behavior as best as she could, but now…well things had eroded. If things weren't resolved there would be little left of the remnants of the old political system. For Khivar, that couldn't happen fast enough. He would be sole ruler of the system or he would die trying. It was his right. He claimed it. He would prove it once and for all time!
*****
Back in Roswell, early morning…
As they parked the rental, O'Neill finished his phone call with Hammond. They had a lot to do today. He rubbed his face in frustration. Damn this whole assignment, it wasn't going the way it should've from the beginning, as he thought that again… Maybe they needed a First Contact mission statement. He shook his head. He'd been watching reruns of Star Trek, Next Gen way too much! Although he thought that he wouldn't mind sharing with Counselor Troi. You had to go with any advantage you could find, as he laughed. O'Neill saw plenty of advantages there…A grin firmly in place on his face.
Carter caught a side view of O'Neill as they walked towards the restaurant entrance, "So, Colonel, what's going on?" She could barely keep from grinning herself. She was going to make him squirm for just a bit.
Damn! She saw his face. He knew she knew about his Star Trek fascination. "Nothing, Carter, just glad to be here!" As dignified as possible under the circumstances, O'Neill remained passive without risking more teasing about his Star Trek Next Generation obsession… Well, it did have some interesting ideas, O'Neill had decided.
Jack stared up at the flying saucer, which overhung the building above the door. He decided as kitsch went he liked the saucer. Oh yeah! He wondered what the residents would think if they knew he had been in an alien spacecraft and had met little gray men. As he looked up into one of the many helium balloons at the cash register, they resembled Thor and the Asgard. Yep, this kept getting better and better, he thought.
He stood aside as he opened the door to the restaurant. As he waited for the others to enter, O'Neill noticed the young sheriff driving by them from the opposite direction this time. He wondered why he stared at them as they entered the café. He didn't think they looked that obvious to the trained eye! This town was paranoid. Of course, the rumors of the crash and aliens were always beneath the surface. It just made this experience that much stranger. It was like stepping through the rabbit hole into the Twilight Zone. Oh yeah…that was it exactly!
***
A man used to the workings of government stealth wound his way through different messages on the laptop at the table. He scanned quickly the different emails and links that directed him. He whistled softly as he finished the last one.
He sipped a cup of black coffee wondering his next move. He did owe Jack something, he mused. But did he really want to risk it? He read the last message about the Senator. That happened to be the deciding factor. He wasn't going to let that old bird get the better of him. Or Jack, for that matter. He smiled. He couldn't wait to see the expression on his face when he realized what happened.
He typed and sent off several encoded messages from different sites that would filter the messages through other filters before arriving at their final destination. No sense in taking any chance, even for a good deed. He made the necessary arrangements. He would be in Roswell that afternoon. Did Jack deserve him or what? He had a big grin on his face. Oh yeah. He wished he'd be able to stick around for the end fallout, but that jackass senator still had lots of influence and he certainly didn't want to be back in security somewhere…or worse somewhere off planet. And he had no illusions to the Senator's ability to do just that. He cringed as he thought about that. He wanted to be long gone from Roswell when the proverbial stuff hit the fan. Moreover, preferably some place exotic and lush…oh yeah! This would be good as he patted himself on the back. He laughed softly. Maybe he could get Jack to take pictures though.
He closed his laptop after shutting it down. He walked to the window and checked for any unusual watchers or activity. He hadn't seen anyone lately. He knew they tried to keep tabs whenever possible. He didn't think that this safe place had been discovered…yet. It was always a matter of time though.
Walking to the closet, he pulled out a small gym-sized bag. He tossed a few belongings along with the laptop into it. He took one last look around the apartment, before heading out the side entrance- - - which in this case happened to be a window. He scooted over to his dark sedan and threw the bag onto the seat next to him as he drove off.
Looking in the rear view mirror, he waited cautiously. He really didn't want anyone knowing he was off to Roswell. Well he had seen just about everything, why not aliens living in Roswell, New Mexico? He laughed as he left this place. He had made several sets of reservations so he had contingent plans in place. Moreover, he had done this so many times over the years; well it just wasn't second nature. It was natural.
***
Liz had entered the Crashdown early that morning. She had gotten a few hours sleep at the Evans'. It hadn't been restful. It been hell thinking about the fact that Max was only a few feet away from her while she slept in Izzy's old room. She hugged herself as she thought back to those penetrating eyes that saw to the depths of her love last night, or rather early this morning when they all went to bed.
He had brought her one of his T-shirts that he still had there. Liz could change into that to sleep. That thought crept into his brain without any help. He sighed audibly. He leaned into her and kissed her from somewhere deep within his soul.
Philip and Diane saw the look that had passed between the two, though Diane hoped that it didn't get too fast and furious too soon. After all, she was getting her family back after all the chaos of the last few months. She wasn't willing to let go yet. Diane sighed and realized that she probably would have to share Max. Max's parents waited to see if they broke the kiss. Neither wanted to disturb the two of them, yet they weren't going to allow Max or Liz to do anything at that point that might compromise any of them.
It became apparent all too quickly that the teens weren't ending that kiss. Diane looked at Philip tapped lightly on the door as they looked into the room. Max and Liz were too far-gone in their own world to have heard the knock. This time Philip knocked harder and louder to be heard.
It was as if they were underwater swimming slowly to the surface as they came apart together. Neither one looked up at Max's parents. Their eyes trained on each other.
"Max, I am going to assume that everyone will be on their best behavior." Diane looked at her son. "I don't really want to have to have a chat with the Nancy or Jeff Parker about their daughter staying overnight here and anything that you two might think would be okay." She looked at her son. Liz blushed. Max nodded.
Philip just looked numb from the entire evening. Philip just gave Max a determined fatherly look, hoping that it would have the desired effect on him. He didn't want to have to speak with Parker's either about Liz and his son. He just wasn't ready for that. Not at all.
Things were returning to normal from Max and Liz's trip to Utah. He liked the Parker's and respected them. They were friends. He knew he had done the right thing with Liz. Until now, he hadn't realized to what degree.
"Max…" Philip started then stopped. He looked at his son. He didn't know what to think anymore. He wasn't confused just numb with shock over the truths, which had been revealed that evening. "Max, son, please?" It was almost a plea of the utmost kind.
Max had turned to his father as he saw his mother put her hand on his father's shoulder in a gentle motion. It was meant as a comfort as well as a means to direct Philip to their bedroom. Philip looked up at Diane. Momentarily caught off guard. He nodded in acquiescence as he followed Diane's lead. He didn't want to have to think anymore. His brain had been assaulted with enough to last him for a lifetime. He had a parental instinct to realize that there was more than what they had covered. That thought exhausted him and finally followed his wife to their bedroom up at the top of the stairs.
Max and Liz watched with awe as his parents left them alone. They had only eyes for each other. They were together for awhile, savoring the emotions. It was enough to be in each other's arms for the time being.
"I better go. If I stay, I may ending up doing something that Mom and Dad might have to speak to your parents about." He gave her a wry smile as he kissed her goodnight hoping that she too would smile at the slight attempt of humor. It would have to be enough…at least for now. There would be tomorrow. He closed the door gently not wanting to wake up anyone else. He padded silently to his old room that he seemed to be sharing with his son. He looked down at his son who was sleeping soundly, and thought about the love of his life in the room next to his. They would be a family someday. He instinctively knew that. They would make it work. Max finally closed his eyes holding his son next to him. His last thought though was that his son would have to have his own room, since he expected to have Liz next to him. He hoped that that Antar wasn't that much different from here in that respect, because he wasn't going to give up Liz! She was his destiny! He would never give up on her or them!
When Max came into the bedroom to awaken her, she saw the early hues of morning cresting in the east. Liz showered and dressed quickly. Max dropped her off at the café with the promise of returning later that morning. He gave her a lingering sweet kiss before driving back home. He wanted that kiss to last until he saw her again.
"Max what's wrong?" Liz looked up in his amber eyes.
"I love you so much…and I've hurt you so much." She could see where this was going. She nodded her head in agreement.
"Yes- -- -- you have hurt me. Not intentionally, but hurt is hurt. But I know you love me." She paused, as she looked him directly in the eyes. "Max, I love you too. I know that I've hurt you too. I couldn't help it. You asked me to do it. I couldn't refuse you from the future any more than I could refuse you in my present." She gave him a rueful look that expressed the pain and love more than words could convey. They felt it between each other.
"I know. I've seen you give up everything for me. I don't know that I'm worth it, Liz." He was feeling sorry for himself. Liz wasn't surprised by this, but instead of protesting the words, she grabbed him by the shoulders, and kissed him deeply. She was perched on her knees in the car facing him. She licked her lips as she gently released him. Max couldn't help his response as he saw the pink tongue swipe her lips. Liz leaned into him pressing her body into his. His hand slipped around her back cradling her in his arms. For a few moments, it was just the two of them with stars and fireworks. Not the out of this world kind, but just the normal two people in love kind. They both smiled as they realized that. Liz kissed him again, as she leaped out of the Chevelle and headed toward the back door of the restaurant. At the door, she grinned at him as she saw the expression flit across his face. They were back together. They still had issues to work through, but they would make it this time. Grandma Claudia was right, 'follow your heart, Honeybear, she had said'. It had led her to Max and back again. As the door closed, Max backed up and drove back home on autopilot.
He thought about home on the drive back to his parents' place. Home. Where the hell was home? Was it here? Earth? Antar? And, what the hell was Tess doing back there? That thought unnerved him the most. He contemplated his conversation with Brody or rather Larek the night before. He really needed to speak with Michael soon. He knew Michael was going to explode about all these others who discovered their secret. It couldn't be helped though. It's not like he went out seeking them or anything. Crap! How did these things keep happening? It's not like O'Neill and the others would be telling anyone since they were from a secret government program. They wouldn't be able to reveal their existence without compromising themselves. Max grinned as he thought about that. Michael would love that. It was a good solution. At least they had some allies in the government now. That was an added bonus. They were safe and they might have someone who could help them in the future. Max wouldn't have to be a spin-doctor to salvage this, he just knew that once Michael calmed down, and he would see the positive side to this!
On the other hand at least now they have a means of contacting their home planet. Though, it worried him. If what he had discovered is true, then what would they find if they were able to return home? It also meant that Nicholas and Khivar had another means to come at them. Max knew without a doubt that it wouldn't only be Nicholas coming for him the next time. He'd need to be prepared. He had to have a talk with O'Neill anyway. That phone call last night revealed another facet in their ever-changing world. He wondered if O'Neill knew that he knew this latest information.
It amazed him to know that Larek and his Antarian mother remembered him after all this time. They weren't forgotten. People were rallying to his aid in unexpected ways. For some reason, that amazed him the most. He knew that they had landed on Earth in 1947. However, on Antar he still held power and sway over others. He wasn't there…hadn't been there for more than fifty years that he could actually confirm.
When Nacedo had discovered the trio in Roswell, they had discussed some things but not enough to put all the pieces together. Then, just as suddenly, Nacedo was dead. They really didn't have much of their history from Antar or their arrival on Earth. Max, Isabel, and Michael didn't know how long they had traveled in space to get from Antar to Earth, or even the exact events that had led to their deaths and rebirths. Part of that scared Max…he had learned first hand that sometimes it is better not to know.
Yeah, he had several calls from Larek via Brody. But that was different somehow. In addition, it was different that Khivar and Nicholas were still out there…poised to kill them when the opportunity presented itself. Now Max knew he had some support base though it was light years from here, he would defeat Khivar and Nicholas before they killed him. He knew that's what it would take for them to win and survive. It was good in some way to know that there was more help out there. Max couldn't wait to tell everyone. He knew O'Neill would be surprised. He couldn't wait to see the expression on his face when he told them and the rest of the group. He knew he should include his parents. He would tell them this evening.
He couldn't help but wonder how things went at Isabel's after they left early that morning as he passed by Jesse and Iz's apartment. He recognized the shock expression that Jesse had. He didn't know if he could help Isabel with that or not...or if she wanted his help? They were just getting their brother/sister relationship back on even keel. He wasn't ready to lose her again. And if Jesse made her happy, then he would do everything in his power to make it happen. After all what fun is being King, if you couldn't do a few good deeds along the way.
He managed to get back home just as his parents were starting to wake up. Seth had been asleep when Max had taken Liz to work. He liked the sound of that. It sounded committed. He breezed through the kitchen on to his old bedroom and gave his mother a hug.
Max gave another thought this morning to Michael. He wondered if Michael had noticed that he hadn't returned to the apartment last night. That put a grin on his face because of the reason sleeping away in his bedroom. He knew Michael well enough to know though he would be pissed as hell. Michael would eventually see the positive side. Yeah, eventually…he hoped…
"Where were you so early this morning?" Diane looked at him carefully, her motherly concern skyrocketing. What was she thinking? Skyrocketing, indeed? Her handsome and beautiful children were telling her they were from another planet.
"I just took Liz to work this morning. Is Seth still sleeping?" His dad entered the kitchen from the living room as he poured himself a cup of coffee. "Hey Dad," Philip nodded his greeting back to Max swallowing the cup of coffee. There was a certain familiarity with the family routine. Sometimes things don't change when you leave and come back. Suddenly the last few months, which had driven Max away, had also led him back home again. It felt good. He watched his parents closely. They were working through this chaos called his life. Iz had been right, their parents loved them so much. It was a lot under normal circumstances to have a child leave home and return. It was totally over the edge to discover that your son and daughter were aliens, with a previous life and lifetimes to work through.
Craig thank you for letting people know what's been happening. I know I've missed everyone here. I can't seem to shake whatever is going on. Also thank you again for the nomination!
I have finally edited Chapter 6 so here goes...As always, any errors Craig and I didn't catch are mine and the disclaimer still remains...I own nothing...
Posted in multiple posts:
Summary:
To recap, the SG1 team traveled to Antar via one of the Star Gate locations. There on the planet they met Kayla and Khivar. When Kayla discovered they were from Earth, her concerns about Seth's safety found an outlet. She would do whatever she had to do to have them take her grandson to his father on Earth. The SG team returned to Earth and to Roswell. There theymet Max Evans, once and future King of Antar in the guise of an eighteen year old young man.
Earth wasn't the only place that things were taking place. On Antar, Kayla also had to make a swift departure through the Star Gate while a battle raged with Khivar's army. Without Seth to solidify the throne for Khivar, and without Kayla's presence, Antar was a world on the verge of major changes. Larek discovered some of these events through an informant on Antar.
Let us not forget other events taking place close to Cheyenne Mountain too that will have far reaching effects to Max and Antar.
Chapter 6
That next morning at the motel was not so different from any other morning the SG team spent together off planet. Yet, there were differences. They weren't after a Gao'uld or a rampant villager wasn't accusing them of witchcraft or even wannabe stargaters. They weren't looking for some alien artifact. However, they had been helping a dethroned king get back his son, and possibly reunite an intergalactic family. Yeah all in all a day's work for the SG-1 team. At least for today. However…the conditioning they shared as a team put them into a comfortable rhythm together as they went about their morning routines.
The ins and outs of getting up and getting ready only made this seem ordinary. The only difference was, was that they were on their own home planet. Notwithstanding, they had all the usual conveniences that they frequently didn't have off world. Carter wondered why it didn't feel more normal than it did, but she forgot the question as they continued in their movements quietly.
O'Neill looked up at Carter who had finished dressing, was ready and awaiting orders for the day. She grinned at O'Neill as he stayed in bed. He had no problems getting up early, especially for those early morning fishing trips in Northern Minnesota. This was different. They were for pete's sake in a motel in Roswell, New Mexico. How much more normal could you get? He just wanted to catch a few more z's before they had to get started. Carter just smiled at him as he tried to block out the sunrise.
Teal'c entered the room, and stared at Jack. "O'Neill you aren't out of bed?" The "yet" that was unstated indicated the surprise that O'Neill wasn't ready. Teal'c had expected O'Neill to be chomping at the bit ready to leave. Teal'c was puzzled since he had fully expected to leave for Cheyenne Mountain today, though Jack hadn't stated that as of yet. He stood there a moment waiting for O'Neill to respond to the question.
Why did everyone expect that he would be up? Why didn't they understand that they were on Earth? That here they were in Roswell, New Mexico, and he wanted to sleep an extra half-hour. Couldn't they just let things slide a little…he wondered as he forcibly closed his eyelids? The Crashdown wasn't even open yet. The idea of Denny's or Bakers Square was unthinkable under the circumstances. He was looking forward to Heavenly Hash for breakfast.
Daniel exited the bathroom as the phone rang. Jack picked up on it, thinking it was General Hammond. He was mistaken. He listened for a moment, then hung up.
"So Jack, who was that?" Daniel looked down at him as he waited for answer.
"We're having breakfast at the Crashdown this morning. I'll be ready in ten minutes. Let everyone know." Jack looked at the team. He got out of bed while the team waited for him to catch up with them.
"O'Neill, I'll begin to load up the car." Teal'c volunteered as he reached for one of the pieces of luggage to take out to the car. Teal'c barely had started for the door, when O'Neill cleared his throat.
"Uh…not yet. We may not leave today. There have been a few developments overnight," as he sprinted out of bed and into the shower and literally groomed and dressed in nine and a half minutes. There was smugness about the time factor though no one else commented on it; they all smiled at the Colonel good-naturedly. Something was up, but O'Neill wasn't saying…just yet.
Teal'c just watched detached and waited patiently for O'Neill to share the information. He couldn't help but wonder what this development was that was detaining them longer. It wasn't because of anything specific, but those alien dolls, well they did look like Thor of the Asgard…Were they making fun of them? He wasn't quite sure what that was all about? He wasn't even sure he wanted to find out, as he cocked his head as he acknowledged O'Neill.
They were clad in civilian clothes of some sort. O'Neill with his mirrored sunglasses, Daniel in his Dockers while Carter and Teal'c wore jeans. Teal'c just silently went about his business and bore this as any other day. He knew O'Neill had something planned. He would have to wait and see. They drove towards downtown in their dark SUV rental silently as they each went about their morning routines. Daniel had his head in the local papers, while Carter stared out the windows as they drove over to the diner.
It struck Jack's sense of humor with a mix of X-Files and Men In Black as they passed the UFO Museum. He laughed silently as he looked in the rearview mirror at Teal'c. What do you say when you have your very own alien in the back seat? Thinking back to his phone call, this was unexpected. Nevertheless, he should have realized that when plans start to spiral out of control they usually continue to spin effortlessly towards the bottom. He had contacted Hammond as they got into the car.
****
Back on Antar, another day had passed in what was the Antar equivalent of complete cycle. Tess was getting more intense as the hours progressed. Khivar watched wondering what he owed her mood to today. He had reached the extent of his tolerance. He turned to her and was surprised as she jumped in her seat startled by his question.
"Tess what is the problem?" Khivar looked over at Tess wondering what he would do with her now that Seth was no longer here on Antar. It wasn't so much that he disliked her. While her beauty was very intoxicating to him, she was still very vain, selfish, and high maintenance. Every bit the princess she had been those many years ago when she came to the palace to be joined with Zan. Because of her incompetence, his plans had to be changed yet again!
Khivar gloated about Zan's failure to stop Tess from leaving, that was the only plus to this whole mess. Unfortunately, it was better to gloat without Tess than with her present. She demanded more than he was willing to give her. Now with Seth gone the key he had escaped his control. The fact that Seth was able to go to Earth and probably be reunited with his father hadn't eluded him. That made his impotence in this situation more intense. Whatever balances there were always seemed to tip away from him as he got close to his goal.
Khivar was grateful when the others demanded his attention. Not because he really wanted to deal with them, but it was easier than Tess was. He knew Tess wouldn't let him forget that she was there, while he went to join his men. Others would apprise him of anything out of the ordinary regarding Tess. At least he could deal with her greed and desire easily.
Tess looked up at him bored. She studied him carefully. During her exile on Earth, Khivar had aged according to Antarian standards. Though obviously older now, he was still attractive. Tess had always found Khivar more interesting than Zan even before their deaths and rebirths. She had seen the similarities between the two men. They were both dark and had very interesting. Their eyes were different. Whereas Zan or Max had the golden amber eyes, Khivar had muddy umber tones. They weren't clear and translucent as Max's. That kept her guessing even in her previous life.
Khivar and Zan were as opposite as night and day. Khivar was bolder than Zan was while Zan was more thoughtful and methodical. Both were intelligent, but Zan's natural abilities had shown through easily, while Khivar had to work at his tasks. However, Khivar was cunning while Zan was instinctive. They were opposite sides of the same coin.
Zan had wanted Antar to be eqalitarian. He had read of different civilizations and knew he could adapt the concept of democracy to fit their political structure. It would retain the prominent fixtures of Council but at least there would be individual Antarian rights for everyone. That had been his goal for Antar. He had conceived of a plan to allow basic rights for his world.
On the other hand, Khivar wanted status quo to continue so he would rule and control everyone completely. There was no middle ground. Khivar wanted to be the ruler. The one people came to for leadership. That had been a long time rift between the two men.
Khivar looked down at Tess. He knew she needed to be controlled. She was an obstacle to his plans right now. He needed to find some harmless direction for her or all his plans would dissolve because of her. "I am bored. There isn't anything to do. Perhaps I could help you?" Tess whined and wheedled as she looked up at him quietly. She knew she sounded spoiled even to herself, but she knew she had to tread a fine line, or Khivar or one of his dutiful lieutenants or spies would report any vagary in her routine. She had to keep to ordinary tasks or Khivar would become suspicious. Nacedo had taught her that while they were on the run. Don't be obvious and always keep them guessing your next move.
"I am going to be entertaining some foreign dignitaries soon. So you could make arrangements for their comforts. Perhaps a party in their honor?" He wondered what her angle was. Tess never did anything unless it benefited her first. He would have to keep a close watch on her if she were planning on something he wanted to be aware of it as she even thought of it.
"Who and where are they coming from? Are they from the outlying provinces? Anything would impress them?" Her disdain was apparent. She needed something to cover her movements from time to time. She was hoping for some prince or princess from one of the adjoining planets. She wasn't above using anyone that might be able to help-wherever they might be coming from.
"As a matter of fact they are going to be helping me…" Khivar glanced up as he said that just to see Tess' response and quickly amended his words. "us…attain our goals." He smiled graciously over to her. He still wondered where she had gone. None of his spies had discovered her means of leaving the Palace-or where she went. However, he knew that she had disappeared for awhile last evening. She had returned only a couple of hours before sunrise. He was sure of that.
This exchange was conducted in the presence of the staff as they came in and out while performing their duties. Neither Khivar nor Tess gave them thought. It was as if they didn't exist. Though without Kayla to preserve the status quo, the staff became more cautious strained and fearful. Khivar wasn't known for his leniency. Since her return, Tess had alienated the people she wanted to rule. Her selfishness was paramount to everything and everyone. Kayla had softened Tess' behavior as best as she could, but now…well things had eroded. If things weren't resolved there would be little left of the remnants of the old political system. For Khivar, that couldn't happen fast enough. He would be sole ruler of the system or he would die trying. It was his right. He claimed it. He would prove it once and for all time!
*****
Back in Roswell, early morning…
As they parked the rental, O'Neill finished his phone call with Hammond. They had a lot to do today. He rubbed his face in frustration. Damn this whole assignment, it wasn't going the way it should've from the beginning, as he thought that again… Maybe they needed a First Contact mission statement. He shook his head. He'd been watching reruns of Star Trek, Next Gen way too much! Although he thought that he wouldn't mind sharing with Counselor Troi. You had to go with any advantage you could find, as he laughed. O'Neill saw plenty of advantages there…A grin firmly in place on his face.
Carter caught a side view of O'Neill as they walked towards the restaurant entrance, "So, Colonel, what's going on?" She could barely keep from grinning herself. She was going to make him squirm for just a bit.
Damn! She saw his face. He knew she knew about his Star Trek fascination. "Nothing, Carter, just glad to be here!" As dignified as possible under the circumstances, O'Neill remained passive without risking more teasing about his Star Trek Next Generation obsession… Well, it did have some interesting ideas, O'Neill had decided.
Jack stared up at the flying saucer, which overhung the building above the door. He decided as kitsch went he liked the saucer. Oh yeah! He wondered what the residents would think if they knew he had been in an alien spacecraft and had met little gray men. As he looked up into one of the many helium balloons at the cash register, they resembled Thor and the Asgard. Yep, this kept getting better and better, he thought.
He stood aside as he opened the door to the restaurant. As he waited for the others to enter, O'Neill noticed the young sheriff driving by them from the opposite direction this time. He wondered why he stared at them as they entered the café. He didn't think they looked that obvious to the trained eye! This town was paranoid. Of course, the rumors of the crash and aliens were always beneath the surface. It just made this experience that much stranger. It was like stepping through the rabbit hole into the Twilight Zone. Oh yeah…that was it exactly!
***
A man used to the workings of government stealth wound his way through different messages on the laptop at the table. He scanned quickly the different emails and links that directed him. He whistled softly as he finished the last one.
He sipped a cup of black coffee wondering his next move. He did owe Jack something, he mused. But did he really want to risk it? He read the last message about the Senator. That happened to be the deciding factor. He wasn't going to let that old bird get the better of him. Or Jack, for that matter. He smiled. He couldn't wait to see the expression on his face when he realized what happened.
He typed and sent off several encoded messages from different sites that would filter the messages through other filters before arriving at their final destination. No sense in taking any chance, even for a good deed. He made the necessary arrangements. He would be in Roswell that afternoon. Did Jack deserve him or what? He had a big grin on his face. Oh yeah. He wished he'd be able to stick around for the end fallout, but that jackass senator still had lots of influence and he certainly didn't want to be back in security somewhere…or worse somewhere off planet. And he had no illusions to the Senator's ability to do just that. He cringed as he thought about that. He wanted to be long gone from Roswell when the proverbial stuff hit the fan. Moreover, preferably some place exotic and lush…oh yeah! This would be good as he patted himself on the back. He laughed softly. Maybe he could get Jack to take pictures though.
He closed his laptop after shutting it down. He walked to the window and checked for any unusual watchers or activity. He hadn't seen anyone lately. He knew they tried to keep tabs whenever possible. He didn't think that this safe place had been discovered…yet. It was always a matter of time though.
Walking to the closet, he pulled out a small gym-sized bag. He tossed a few belongings along with the laptop into it. He took one last look around the apartment, before heading out the side entrance- - - which in this case happened to be a window. He scooted over to his dark sedan and threw the bag onto the seat next to him as he drove off.
Looking in the rear view mirror, he waited cautiously. He really didn't want anyone knowing he was off to Roswell. Well he had seen just about everything, why not aliens living in Roswell, New Mexico? He laughed as he left this place. He had made several sets of reservations so he had contingent plans in place. Moreover, he had done this so many times over the years; well it just wasn't second nature. It was natural.
***
Liz had entered the Crashdown early that morning. She had gotten a few hours sleep at the Evans'. It hadn't been restful. It been hell thinking about the fact that Max was only a few feet away from her while she slept in Izzy's old room. She hugged herself as she thought back to those penetrating eyes that saw to the depths of her love last night, or rather early this morning when they all went to bed.
He had brought her one of his T-shirts that he still had there. Liz could change into that to sleep. That thought crept into his brain without any help. He sighed audibly. He leaned into her and kissed her from somewhere deep within his soul.
Philip and Diane saw the look that had passed between the two, though Diane hoped that it didn't get too fast and furious too soon. After all, she was getting her family back after all the chaos of the last few months. She wasn't willing to let go yet. Diane sighed and realized that she probably would have to share Max. Max's parents waited to see if they broke the kiss. Neither wanted to disturb the two of them, yet they weren't going to allow Max or Liz to do anything at that point that might compromise any of them.
It became apparent all too quickly that the teens weren't ending that kiss. Diane looked at Philip tapped lightly on the door as they looked into the room. Max and Liz were too far-gone in their own world to have heard the knock. This time Philip knocked harder and louder to be heard.
It was as if they were underwater swimming slowly to the surface as they came apart together. Neither one looked up at Max's parents. Their eyes trained on each other.
"Max, I am going to assume that everyone will be on their best behavior." Diane looked at her son. "I don't really want to have to have a chat with the Nancy or Jeff Parker about their daughter staying overnight here and anything that you two might think would be okay." She looked at her son. Liz blushed. Max nodded.
Philip just looked numb from the entire evening. Philip just gave Max a determined fatherly look, hoping that it would have the desired effect on him. He didn't want to have to speak with Parker's either about Liz and his son. He just wasn't ready for that. Not at all.
Things were returning to normal from Max and Liz's trip to Utah. He liked the Parker's and respected them. They were friends. He knew he had done the right thing with Liz. Until now, he hadn't realized to what degree.
"Max…" Philip started then stopped. He looked at his son. He didn't know what to think anymore. He wasn't confused just numb with shock over the truths, which had been revealed that evening. "Max, son, please?" It was almost a plea of the utmost kind.
Max had turned to his father as he saw his mother put her hand on his father's shoulder in a gentle motion. It was meant as a comfort as well as a means to direct Philip to their bedroom. Philip looked up at Diane. Momentarily caught off guard. He nodded in acquiescence as he followed Diane's lead. He didn't want to have to think anymore. His brain had been assaulted with enough to last him for a lifetime. He had a parental instinct to realize that there was more than what they had covered. That thought exhausted him and finally followed his wife to their bedroom up at the top of the stairs.
Max and Liz watched with awe as his parents left them alone. They had only eyes for each other. They were together for awhile, savoring the emotions. It was enough to be in each other's arms for the time being.
"I better go. If I stay, I may ending up doing something that Mom and Dad might have to speak to your parents about." He gave her a wry smile as he kissed her goodnight hoping that she too would smile at the slight attempt of humor. It would have to be enough…at least for now. There would be tomorrow. He closed the door gently not wanting to wake up anyone else. He padded silently to his old room that he seemed to be sharing with his son. He looked down at his son who was sleeping soundly, and thought about the love of his life in the room next to his. They would be a family someday. He instinctively knew that. They would make it work. Max finally closed his eyes holding his son next to him. His last thought though was that his son would have to have his own room, since he expected to have Liz next to him. He hoped that that Antar wasn't that much different from here in that respect, because he wasn't going to give up Liz! She was his destiny! He would never give up on her or them!
When Max came into the bedroom to awaken her, she saw the early hues of morning cresting in the east. Liz showered and dressed quickly. Max dropped her off at the café with the promise of returning later that morning. He gave her a lingering sweet kiss before driving back home. He wanted that kiss to last until he saw her again.
"Max what's wrong?" Liz looked up in his amber eyes.
"I love you so much…and I've hurt you so much." She could see where this was going. She nodded her head in agreement.
"Yes- -- -- you have hurt me. Not intentionally, but hurt is hurt. But I know you love me." She paused, as she looked him directly in the eyes. "Max, I love you too. I know that I've hurt you too. I couldn't help it. You asked me to do it. I couldn't refuse you from the future any more than I could refuse you in my present." She gave him a rueful look that expressed the pain and love more than words could convey. They felt it between each other.
"I know. I've seen you give up everything for me. I don't know that I'm worth it, Liz." He was feeling sorry for himself. Liz wasn't surprised by this, but instead of protesting the words, she grabbed him by the shoulders, and kissed him deeply. She was perched on her knees in the car facing him. She licked her lips as she gently released him. Max couldn't help his response as he saw the pink tongue swipe her lips. Liz leaned into him pressing her body into his. His hand slipped around her back cradling her in his arms. For a few moments, it was just the two of them with stars and fireworks. Not the out of this world kind, but just the normal two people in love kind. They both smiled as they realized that. Liz kissed him again, as she leaped out of the Chevelle and headed toward the back door of the restaurant. At the door, she grinned at him as she saw the expression flit across his face. They were back together. They still had issues to work through, but they would make it this time. Grandma Claudia was right, 'follow your heart, Honeybear, she had said'. It had led her to Max and back again. As the door closed, Max backed up and drove back home on autopilot.
He thought about home on the drive back to his parents' place. Home. Where the hell was home? Was it here? Earth? Antar? And, what the hell was Tess doing back there? That thought unnerved him the most. He contemplated his conversation with Brody or rather Larek the night before. He really needed to speak with Michael soon. He knew Michael was going to explode about all these others who discovered their secret. It couldn't be helped though. It's not like he went out seeking them or anything. Crap! How did these things keep happening? It's not like O'Neill and the others would be telling anyone since they were from a secret government program. They wouldn't be able to reveal their existence without compromising themselves. Max grinned as he thought about that. Michael would love that. It was a good solution. At least they had some allies in the government now. That was an added bonus. They were safe and they might have someone who could help them in the future. Max wouldn't have to be a spin-doctor to salvage this, he just knew that once Michael calmed down, and he would see the positive side to this!
On the other hand at least now they have a means of contacting their home planet. Though, it worried him. If what he had discovered is true, then what would they find if they were able to return home? It also meant that Nicholas and Khivar had another means to come at them. Max knew without a doubt that it wouldn't only be Nicholas coming for him the next time. He'd need to be prepared. He had to have a talk with O'Neill anyway. That phone call last night revealed another facet in their ever-changing world. He wondered if O'Neill knew that he knew this latest information.
It amazed him to know that Larek and his Antarian mother remembered him after all this time. They weren't forgotten. People were rallying to his aid in unexpected ways. For some reason, that amazed him the most. He knew that they had landed on Earth in 1947. However, on Antar he still held power and sway over others. He wasn't there…hadn't been there for more than fifty years that he could actually confirm.
When Nacedo had discovered the trio in Roswell, they had discussed some things but not enough to put all the pieces together. Then, just as suddenly, Nacedo was dead. They really didn't have much of their history from Antar or their arrival on Earth. Max, Isabel, and Michael didn't know how long they had traveled in space to get from Antar to Earth, or even the exact events that had led to their deaths and rebirths. Part of that scared Max…he had learned first hand that sometimes it is better not to know.
Yeah, he had several calls from Larek via Brody. But that was different somehow. In addition, it was different that Khivar and Nicholas were still out there…poised to kill them when the opportunity presented itself. Now Max knew he had some support base though it was light years from here, he would defeat Khivar and Nicholas before they killed him. He knew that's what it would take for them to win and survive. It was good in some way to know that there was more help out there. Max couldn't wait to tell everyone. He knew O'Neill would be surprised. He couldn't wait to see the expression on his face when he told them and the rest of the group. He knew he should include his parents. He would tell them this evening.
He couldn't help but wonder how things went at Isabel's after they left early that morning as he passed by Jesse and Iz's apartment. He recognized the shock expression that Jesse had. He didn't know if he could help Isabel with that or not...or if she wanted his help? They were just getting their brother/sister relationship back on even keel. He wasn't ready to lose her again. And if Jesse made her happy, then he would do everything in his power to make it happen. After all what fun is being King, if you couldn't do a few good deeds along the way.
He managed to get back home just as his parents were starting to wake up. Seth had been asleep when Max had taken Liz to work. He liked the sound of that. It sounded committed. He breezed through the kitchen on to his old bedroom and gave his mother a hug.
Max gave another thought this morning to Michael. He wondered if Michael had noticed that he hadn't returned to the apartment last night. That put a grin on his face because of the reason sleeping away in his bedroom. He knew Michael well enough to know though he would be pissed as hell. Michael would eventually see the positive side. Yeah, eventually…he hoped…
"Where were you so early this morning?" Diane looked at him carefully, her motherly concern skyrocketing. What was she thinking? Skyrocketing, indeed? Her handsome and beautiful children were telling her they were from another planet.
"I just took Liz to work this morning. Is Seth still sleeping?" His dad entered the kitchen from the living room as he poured himself a cup of coffee. "Hey Dad," Philip nodded his greeting back to Max swallowing the cup of coffee. There was a certain familiarity with the family routine. Sometimes things don't change when you leave and come back. Suddenly the last few months, which had driven Max away, had also led him back home again. It felt good. He watched his parents closely. They were working through this chaos called his life. Iz had been right, their parents loved them so much. It was a lot under normal circumstances to have a child leave home and return. It was totally over the edge to discover that your son and daughter were aliens, with a previous life and lifetimes to work through.
"It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves."
- William Shakespeare
- William Shakespeare
continued
Philip's grin not too far away. It was good having Max home again. Philip hugged his son as if there was no tomorrow. It had brought tears to Diane's eyes. Fathers and sons reunited.
Philip didn't know how long Max would stay at home but he knew two things-one was that he loved having his family back together and secondly he would do everything in his power to keep everyone together. He was going to enjoy every minute of it. He had his son and grandson; he couldn't help the tightening of his chest for the pride he for Max. He had missed Max so much. Moreover, a grandson that he would spoil! Wasn't he too young to be a grandfather? He knew Diane was too young to be a grandmother, as he paused over his coffee as he looked over at his wife and saw the moist eyes with unshed tears.
Soon Max gently pulled away from his father as he headed off to his bedroom and to his son. He opened the door gently and peered into his room. His son was in bed, eyes open with a big grin on his face. Max felt as if his heart was going to burst.
"Daddy." Seth called out to Max. At that moment, Max's heart felt so proud. His son. He knew there were going to be many situations over the next few years he didn't have any answers for-much less questions, but he would make it because of Seth. He knew too that there were going to be many questions for O'Neill and the rest about Seth. Like how he was developing language. Amazed! That's how he felt. It must have been like when Isabel and he had to learn the language in order to communicate.
Max went to the bed and hugged his young son for a moment reveling in the simple pleasure of being with him. He kissed the top of his head. He was still young enough where he could do that, but he promised himself, he wouldn't embarrass him like that with friends later. Max half way laughed. He had Seth already grown and nearly gone as he stared down at that trusting face.
*****
Max would have been surprised had he stopped at his sister's apartment. The revelations last night strained every bit of Isabel and Jesse's relationship. Which under the circumstances was understandable, but the revelations stunned Jesse to the core. When they had returned home early that morning, both were silent and pensive. Neither one broke the tension that had been building from the evening at Isabel's parents. Isabel looked at Jesse with apprehension and worry. This was the first time they were at odds with each other, and the worst part of it, it was about her alien status. Isabel was scared for everything. Her marriage was so new and fragile, and she still grieved for Alex. She looked over at Jesse, and knew within a heartbeat that she couldn't lose Jesse too. All for their secret.
Jesse had been numb about their announcement of their true status and identities. He didn't really want to think too deeply about anything…or anyone. It wasn't just unbelievable it was fantastic. He watched as Isabel and Max had demonstrated their abilities by changing objects. He looked over to Isabel…part of him wanted to hold her and tell her everything would be all right. He wanted that. He did. How could he do that? He didn't even know where to begin. Much as he wanted to hold her in his arms, he was still so shocked as he turned off the light and faced away from her.
In fact, as they had changed into their bedclothes, Isabel had noticed that Jesse wasn't coming near her. Not even to kiss her good night much less any other intimate contact. A tear had rolled down her cheek, she was hurt, and alone, she rolled over on her side away from Jesse. It was the first time they hadn't been wrapped up in each other's arms when they went to bed. Waking up had been equally uncomfortable, but true to form, Isabel wasn't going to allow Jesse to simmer about this. She wanted to know what he thought.
He looked up from the breakfast table as his young bride entered the kitchen. He looked at her with a confused expression. He didn't know what to think. Now in the sunshine of the new day, he wondered what he needed to do about everything. He did love Isabel. That was the first thing Jesse needed to do was to tell her that he cared. He loved her.
Suddenly though his throat closed up with fear. What if she doesn't love me, he wondered? What if this was just something to hide her identity? Therefore, that she would seem normal to everyone. What if she was just using him? Or what if he suddenly disappeared or something happened to him because she was an alien? The questions just erupted in his mind. They didn't stop coming even as Isabel poured herself a cup of coffee and joined him at the table.
"Jesse." Her voice was soft and melodic. She sat down across from him, in hopes of getting his attention. She needed to hear him say he cared yet. She loved him, but she wanted to hear it from him first. Her fear of losing him and vulnerability only allowed her so much…
It called to him. He shook himself. Did she have some power like the sirens that called men to their deaths? He looked up ashamed that his thoughts had given him away. He knew that she had seen him flinch. Damn, he was trying, but not succeeding at all with this. This wasn't how he wanted to deal with this.
He couldn't take his eyes off her. She was so beautiful. Not for the first time, he wondered about Liz Parker. She had known Isabel and Max's secret. Yet, that didn't stop her. Shock, it didn't even begin to truly express the sentiment when he realized he made love to an alien.
"Jesse!" Isabel punctuated her voice sharply. He eyed her cautiously. "A penny for those thoughts…" She waited for him to respond.
"Isabel. I don't know what to say right now other than I'm afraid." Jesse stared at those beautiful eyes. How could he even begin to admit that, when he knew that she and Max had endured so much, too much really? Yet, he had to be honest with himself and Isabel.
"Jesse, we have to talk about it. Now. Before you think about your fears too much. I have some too, you know." She caught his attention. "Tell me yours and I'll tell you mine." She smiled shyly at him.
"Isabel…why didn't you trust me with the truth?" Jesse pleaded with her with just those words. His expression of hurt and confusion said more than the words could ever say. "I thought we loved each other? Love is trusting in a marriage." He said the words so softly that Isabel strained to hear them.
"I was afraid, Jesse." Isabel responded easily. It was the truth, at least in the beginning. "Once things became more serious, I was afraid, I would lose you like I did Alex. Like being with me would automatically take you away from me."
"Tell me the truth about Alex, Isabel." Jesse had known that she had a close friend die shortly before they had met. She never explained his death, but he had known that there had been something there. Something that Isabel hadn't really acknowledged about herself. He had felt her guilt and something else. Now he knew what that was.
"Tess. Tess mindwarped Alex into translating a book that she had. She sent him to Las Cruces while letting him and us think he was in Sweden. The book came with us from our homeworld. We couldn't read it. Sooo," Isabel took a deep breath trying to keep heart from racing away from her as she continued the explanation, "she had Alex translate it. Alex thought he had been on an exchange student program in Sweden. That's what we all thought. Tess had sent him to Las Cruces because they have this super computer there. Well the Readers Digest version was that he had been able to translate it. We got a copy of it too. So did Tess. It told us how to use the Granilith to return home." Isabel paused, "She gave him more false memories for all his unknowing efforts. But he was so weakened from it, that when she attempted to do it again…it killed him." Isabel sniffed as she retold the horrible truths of Tess before continuing on, "Then she did the same thing to Kyle."
Before Isabel could stop Jesse, he wiped away her tears with his thumb across her cheeks. She sniffled trying to find a tissue.
There was a catch in Jesse's voice, "How come you all didn't go back with her? And when did you finally figure out about Tess killing Alex?"
Blowing her nose in a found tissue, she looked at him weakly, her strength depleting itself, "Max did send her back…at least back to Antar. What happened was a nightmare. It split everyone apart. Max-Liz, Kyle, Michael and Maria. It was horrible. Liz had figured out that Alex's car accident wasn't a suicide. It had been alien-related. Max was out of control. Maria had lost both Liz and Alex. Liz because she was off trying to prove that what she believed that Alex hadn't committed suicide. That was going to be the official report. Valenti showed us the report. As it turned out, she was right." There was a catch in her voice as she told Jesse the grisly details of Alex's death. "We got the call from Sheriff Valenti one night that there had been a car accident. We all went hoping that Max could bring him back. Just like he did Liz and Kyle. Alex was already dead when we got to the morgue. He couldn't…" Isabel was crying in earnest. Tears rolled down her cheeks with no end in sight. Isabel sobbed and shook with grief and exhaustion of holding all these feelings and her alien status from Jesse.
Jesse put his arm around her. He was sorry to cause her so much pain and heartache. He hadn't meant to do that. He was just looking for some answers. He murmured soft reassurances to her, really touching her. Eventually Isabel calmed down enough to continue the saga.
"So anyway, we discovered as we were leaving with the Granilith, that what Liz had suspected was true. Though I don't think, even she was prepared for it to be Tess. We thought it might have been our enemies." Isabel looked up into Jesse's eyes. She saw and felt the familiar warmth there. "This all started right after Christmas the year of Junior/Senior Prom."
"These enemies are the ones you called the Skins?" Jesse asked. Isabel nodded.
"Tess had admitted to Max that she had mindwarped Alex into translating the book. But, when Alex confronted Tess about all of her secrets, she attempted to mindwarp Alex again. Only this time, he died. His brain wasn't able to take it. Then she mindwarped Kyle into believing that he was helping her take a bag to the car. It was Alex. Actually, from the sound of it, Alex was probably already dead before the car accident. I hope he didn't have any pain from the accident. Max was so angry he sent Tess back to Antar, because of her pregnancy. She told him that the baby couldn't stay on Earth. It was killing the baby. That and the deal Nacedo made with Khivar before we had left Antar. I was afraid that if you knew about what we were, you would leave me because of being different. That was so much worse. I couldn't lose you, Jesse. I love you." Isabel's whispered words heightened the story she had been retelling Jesse. He could see the pain reflected in her eyes, and body. Stopping for a moment to regain her composure, she continued on, "The year before the FBI captured Max, the government did despicable things to him. He doesn't talk about it yet. Jesse, it was so bad. When I dreamwalked him, I felt his pain and fear. I know that they did experiments on him. It was horrible. We just want to live peaceably. We don't want to cause any problems for anyone." Isabel waited to get herself in control more before she continued. "Jesse I love you. I would never let anything happen to you." It was a plea and a fact. She loved him. Isabel knew she would go to any lengths to protect Jesse.
Jesse had listened to this improbable story. He was stunned. He wasn't sure what he expected when he had asked Isabel to tell him about Alex's death, but to hear more hocus-pocus was just a bit much. He wanted to hear something normal. This was anything but normal. How did these kids ever survive? A FBI alien hunting special unit, undercover school counselor, it was so incredible. It bordered on conspiracy of the highest order.
"I love you too, Isabel. But this…this whole alien thing. What do you want me to do?" He looked at her as if she had all the answers, but knowing that she didn't, didn't help his situation. "This is a lot to take in, ya' know? I know that most people bring a lot of things into a marriage, but this?" He couldn't quite help smiling a little. "This is a bit of a surprise."
"Think of me as ethnically challenged." Isabel smiled back and tried to joke about it. It was difficult enough without making it worse. She knew they had some very important issues to work through. She felt relief at least talking about this morning and yes even joking about it a little certainly helped. Going to bed last night with Jesse had been so hard. There had been a barrier between them. Jesse grinned back.
"So that shiner I had from the fight the night before our wedding…?" Jesse left the question open ended. "I'm thinking that it wasn't just the steak?" He had a slow grin on his face as he looked at Isabel.
Isabel nodded. "Yeah, Max fixed it-with his powers. Are you mad?"
"Not really mad exactly, hurt yes. I was more concerned about the fact that you would see it and always remember that I had fought with your brother. Then having the reminder of it in our wedding pictures. Forever." He gave her self-conscious laugh.
"Well there is that too." Her face was still red from crying, but she looked up at Jesse wondering about their next step together. "Do you think, we could work on this part? I mean, I really am no different than I was before you knew that part of me. Nacedo, one of our protectors said that we are humans but enhanced."
"I agree that there is still lot to discuss. I admit I am curious about your powers. I know that we talked about Max's powers. Tess' powers. But what are yours? And who was Nacedo?"
"I can change molecular structure and some similar things. I don't have the power to mindwarp like Tess did. However, I might. We don't know the extent of our own powers either yet. But I can dreamwalk into people's dreams." Suddenly Jesse blushed as dusky rose tainted his skin. She looked across the table. She knew he immediately wondered if she had visited his dreams. Truth or lie? She couldn't lie to him any more. She had to tell him the truth. "Jesse, this isn't easy to admit, but yes I did peek in there in the beginning. I promise you I didn't stay long or do anything embarrassing. Or anything like what you're thinking. I loved you, but I couldn't let you hurt my brothers…I just wanted to make sure that you weren't another FBI agent or any kind of government person coming to seek us out." She stared into his eyes looking for any indication of anger, hurt, or embarrassment. This was too important not to let it go. He had to know the whole truth. She waited a bit before she continued, "Nacedo and Cal-that producer that Max met out on the West Coast were our protectors. They came in the spacecraft to protect us from our enemies. Nacedo was murdered by the Skins and Cal, well, he left the dupes and moved on with his own life."
"It sounds like he adapted extremely easily to his Earth lifestyle as a Hollywood producer." Jesse gave a half grin as he tried to ease the pain. Isabel looked up at her husband as she took a deep breath and continued.
Jesse listened patiently as Isabel told him these things. There was so much, he didn't know where to start sometimes. That question kept rolling around about the people who sent them here and how they had survived because of people like Diane and Philip Evans. Suddenly he wondered what Isabel had seen in his dreams of himself and her. Because he knew that she had been in his dreams. "What did you see there? Did you see?" Jesse couldn't even finish the question. Damn he wondered which dreams she had visited.
"I saw when you were planning to ask me to marry you. I didn't stick around. Sometimes a girl likes to be surprised." She looked at him genuinely. With nothing holding her back, she leaned into him kissing him gently on the lips. Stroking his lips with her tongue, at first gently but taking them in her mouth sucking on them as if they were candies to her. She felt him give over to her ministrations. He took her wrists and wrapped her arms around him. He was enjoying these sensations when the phone rang interrupting their reconciliation-or at least the beginnings of it.
Isabel picked up the phone, "This had better be good!" She hissed into the handset of the phone. She heard Max laugh and tease her. She knew now how he felt when she'd interrupted his and Liz's make-out sessions in the Jeep back when… She listened for a few minutes and realized Max needed her to meet at the Crashdown.
"I gather that was Max. What's happening now?" Jesse kept the edge out of his voice just barely. He was enjoying what Isabel had been doing to him just before the phone rang. "Do you have to go now? I mean I could be a few minutes late to the office this morning. I think my boss would understand, if I wasn't on time this morning. Especially this morning." He began stroking her arms and shoulders in an effort to have her linger at home with him a bit longer.
Her voice was shaky, "Yeah, Max said he would be there in a half hour. I don't have to get there as soon as he will. He'll just want to stare at Liz anyway." There was a soft strangled moan that Isabel made as Jesse kissed her soundly. "I can be late." They healed each other at first just by touching each other. Jesse picked Isabel up, carried her back into their bedroom, and gently laid her in bed untying her sash on her robe smoothly.
An hour later, Isabel rushed around dressing quickly. Jesse had told her that they weren't done yet talking or anything else as he walked out the door. She blushed as she caught her reflection in the mirror as she left. She knew Max would be frustrated, but so what! She and Jesse needed this time to reacquaint with each other. Isabel decided she would let Jesse set the pace. She desperately wanted Jesse to understand. Max would have to understand. And with any amount of luck, he would still be staring at Liz Parker.
That got Isabel thinking about Liz, as life partner for her brother, he certainly had done excellently. Much better this time around than with Tess. Not for the first time around did she wonder how Max could have married Tess. Isabel couldn't figure out why Max would have married Tess in the first place. She realized there was so much they still didn't know about their past lives. Maybe someday, they would find the remaining pieces to their changing lives both past, present and future.
She also wondered why Max was in such an uproar this morning. As if they hadn't had a very emotional night last night. What had happened now? More drama in their lives and something alien related no doubt. She could hear Maria railing in her mind about the alien abyss.
****
At the Evan's house, Diane sat at the breakfast table as Philip joined her. Max had left with Seth in tow. They were headed to the Crashdown for breakfast with Liz. Diane felt that there was more that Max wasn't telling them. She wouldn't pressure him. She wouldn't. Her mother's instinct was definitely on red alert. She would give Max a little room, but if he weren't forthcoming, she wouldn't give him any opportunity to not tell them. Not after everything, they learned last night. She wouldn't let him hide under the guise of protecting them!
"What do you think?" Philip sipped the hot coffee tenderly after that first swallow, which had scalded the roof of his mouth. He had put the mug down as he looked into his wife's eyes.
"I knew that there was something going on, but no, I wasn't prepared for this." She looked up at Philip hoping he had a quick solution for this.
"Aliens. Our children were from that crash. There really was a crash. Even now, Di, I don't know if I really believe it." He waved his hand to stop her protest. "I believe our children. I know I saw some fantastic things last night and this morning. I just don't know what to do about it, if anything."
Diane laughed cautiously, "I know that they always say teens are aliens, but Philip ours really are! What are we going to do? I mean I know that Max hasn't told us everything. I know he thinks he's protecting us, but I don't know if he can." Philip took her hand in his holding it there for support as he leaned across the table to her. "You know we almost lost them. They might have left with Tess if Liz hadn't stopped them." She waited to see if he would say anything, "And we wouldn't have even known what happened to them." Diane shook her head in confusion and amazement, as tears rolled down her cheeks. She had been holding them back so long; she hadn't realized it until she felt the wetness.
Philip nodded in agreement. He wondered what Jeff Parker knew about his daughter's near death shooting. Thank God, that Max had been there to save Liz. Philip knew how hard it had been when he thought that he had lost Max because of some misconceptions. It was hard being a parent. Now he had to worry that his son and daughter could turn up dead, but because of the government or some other aliens trying to kill them for something that had happened so many years ago. He took one last swallow of the coffee, as he got up and kissed Diane. Then there was the fact that the Parker's' knew nothing of Max and Isabel's true background. He wondered how they would take the news of their daughter dating an alien. It did sound better than ex-con. Well better but definitely different.
"I'm going into the office at least for a little while today. Are you coming in today?" Philip asked. Diane shook her head.
"No. I think I am just going to stay at home today. I need to recover from last night. I don't think I can take any more secrets." Little did Diane know that there were still more out there in the shadows? "Are you going there to escape?" She looked up at her husband and waited.
"Yeah, I think I am. I promise, I'll come home early." Philip bent down and kissed her again as he left.
"I somehow think I should have seen this coming. I'm their mother. But I didn't. I can't even begin to fathom what happened with Max. I know he has closed himself off to the pain. Now with the added responsibility of Seth, I just want Max and Isabel too to know that we are here to help. Philip, what are we going to do?"
"Di, I know it's going to be hard on all of us. I don't think that Iz or Max are expecting us to have the answers. I think that they think that their answers are…out there." Philip waved is hand in an outward fashion as well as upward…expanding their world.
****
Liz began setting up for the early morning crowd. She had coffee brewing quickly as the aroma from it filled the diner. She had heard Michael's motorcycle in back. So, he would be starting up the grill shortly. Liz looked out onto the street and there were traces of businesses getting ready for the day. There were the morning joggers passing by as they followed their routine and course through downtown. While others groggily started their day. She laughed as she began hers. No one could have an odder than she was beginning. Well possibly, with some notable exceptions…as she looked up to hear her friends entering the diner.
Maria entered the restaurant from the back. She gave a wave to Michael in the kitchen. She threw her backpack/purse into one of the lockers in the back as she whipped out her silver apron. Her locker door open, a mirror reflected her expressions as she put gloss on her lips and smiled to herself.
"Hey Lizzie! I tried calling last night! Where were you?" Maria gave her a knowing smile. Liz grinned knowing her friend wanted her to dish the details. The Cheshire grin that formed on Liz's face immediately caught Maria's attention.
Liz and Maria were in the back talking quietly with each other. Maria had tried calling her friend most of the evening, but hadn't gotten a response. She knew that she hadn't asked her to cover for her so that meant her parents knew where she had been all night. The words rolled off her tongue. All night…hmm, she could have been with Max Evans, but somehow…well that didn't seem logical. Jeff Parker may have relented some about Max Evans, but he wasn't going to give in totally to the young man by letting his daughter stay overnight with him, would he? And, she knew good and well that Liz hadn't been at Michael's last night. Maria shook her head in confusion.
"Okay! Where have you been? Out with it! I mean look at you! What have you been up to? And is it a dark haired man from an exotic place?" Maria asked the questions so fast that she barely took a breath between them to get the words out. "Who were you with? Max? Oh it had to be Max. Please tell me that it was Max…" Suddenly a look of horror crossed her face, "You didn't do anything crazy, like go out with my deadbeat of cousin, Sean, did you? Please say no!" There was a certain amount of concern with pleading taking place.
"Breathe, Maria." Liz grinned at her long-time friend. Liz just smiled which seemed to frustrate Maria even further. "Take a deep breath, Maria." She wasn't intentionally trying to make Maria more intense by her own evasiveness. There it was again with something to tell, but it wasn't hers to tell. "And, NO, I was not with Sean last night to answer your last question first!" Liz smiled…"Eeewww! I got over that, remember?" Maria nodded her response. She wanted to shake Liz for making her drag it out of her about her whereabouts last night. It was driving her crazy that she didn't know all the details yet.
"Liz, does your dad know where you were all night?" Maria whispered the question quickly afraid that the parent in question might hear her or the answer Liz was about to give.
Philip didn't know how long Max would stay at home but he knew two things-one was that he loved having his family back together and secondly he would do everything in his power to keep everyone together. He was going to enjoy every minute of it. He had his son and grandson; he couldn't help the tightening of his chest for the pride he for Max. He had missed Max so much. Moreover, a grandson that he would spoil! Wasn't he too young to be a grandfather? He knew Diane was too young to be a grandmother, as he paused over his coffee as he looked over at his wife and saw the moist eyes with unshed tears.
Soon Max gently pulled away from his father as he headed off to his bedroom and to his son. He opened the door gently and peered into his room. His son was in bed, eyes open with a big grin on his face. Max felt as if his heart was going to burst.
"Daddy." Seth called out to Max. At that moment, Max's heart felt so proud. His son. He knew there were going to be many situations over the next few years he didn't have any answers for-much less questions, but he would make it because of Seth. He knew too that there were going to be many questions for O'Neill and the rest about Seth. Like how he was developing language. Amazed! That's how he felt. It must have been like when Isabel and he had to learn the language in order to communicate.
Max went to the bed and hugged his young son for a moment reveling in the simple pleasure of being with him. He kissed the top of his head. He was still young enough where he could do that, but he promised himself, he wouldn't embarrass him like that with friends later. Max half way laughed. He had Seth already grown and nearly gone as he stared down at that trusting face.
*****
Max would have been surprised had he stopped at his sister's apartment. The revelations last night strained every bit of Isabel and Jesse's relationship. Which under the circumstances was understandable, but the revelations stunned Jesse to the core. When they had returned home early that morning, both were silent and pensive. Neither one broke the tension that had been building from the evening at Isabel's parents. Isabel looked at Jesse with apprehension and worry. This was the first time they were at odds with each other, and the worst part of it, it was about her alien status. Isabel was scared for everything. Her marriage was so new and fragile, and she still grieved for Alex. She looked over at Jesse, and knew within a heartbeat that she couldn't lose Jesse too. All for their secret.
Jesse had been numb about their announcement of their true status and identities. He didn't really want to think too deeply about anything…or anyone. It wasn't just unbelievable it was fantastic. He watched as Isabel and Max had demonstrated their abilities by changing objects. He looked over to Isabel…part of him wanted to hold her and tell her everything would be all right. He wanted that. He did. How could he do that? He didn't even know where to begin. Much as he wanted to hold her in his arms, he was still so shocked as he turned off the light and faced away from her.
In fact, as they had changed into their bedclothes, Isabel had noticed that Jesse wasn't coming near her. Not even to kiss her good night much less any other intimate contact. A tear had rolled down her cheek, she was hurt, and alone, she rolled over on her side away from Jesse. It was the first time they hadn't been wrapped up in each other's arms when they went to bed. Waking up had been equally uncomfortable, but true to form, Isabel wasn't going to allow Jesse to simmer about this. She wanted to know what he thought.
He looked up from the breakfast table as his young bride entered the kitchen. He looked at her with a confused expression. He didn't know what to think. Now in the sunshine of the new day, he wondered what he needed to do about everything. He did love Isabel. That was the first thing Jesse needed to do was to tell her that he cared. He loved her.
Suddenly though his throat closed up with fear. What if she doesn't love me, he wondered? What if this was just something to hide her identity? Therefore, that she would seem normal to everyone. What if she was just using him? Or what if he suddenly disappeared or something happened to him because she was an alien? The questions just erupted in his mind. They didn't stop coming even as Isabel poured herself a cup of coffee and joined him at the table.
"Jesse." Her voice was soft and melodic. She sat down across from him, in hopes of getting his attention. She needed to hear him say he cared yet. She loved him, but she wanted to hear it from him first. Her fear of losing him and vulnerability only allowed her so much…
It called to him. He shook himself. Did she have some power like the sirens that called men to their deaths? He looked up ashamed that his thoughts had given him away. He knew that she had seen him flinch. Damn, he was trying, but not succeeding at all with this. This wasn't how he wanted to deal with this.
He couldn't take his eyes off her. She was so beautiful. Not for the first time, he wondered about Liz Parker. She had known Isabel and Max's secret. Yet, that didn't stop her. Shock, it didn't even begin to truly express the sentiment when he realized he made love to an alien.
"Jesse!" Isabel punctuated her voice sharply. He eyed her cautiously. "A penny for those thoughts…" She waited for him to respond.
"Isabel. I don't know what to say right now other than I'm afraid." Jesse stared at those beautiful eyes. How could he even begin to admit that, when he knew that she and Max had endured so much, too much really? Yet, he had to be honest with himself and Isabel.
"Jesse, we have to talk about it. Now. Before you think about your fears too much. I have some too, you know." She caught his attention. "Tell me yours and I'll tell you mine." She smiled shyly at him.
"Isabel…why didn't you trust me with the truth?" Jesse pleaded with her with just those words. His expression of hurt and confusion said more than the words could ever say. "I thought we loved each other? Love is trusting in a marriage." He said the words so softly that Isabel strained to hear them.
"I was afraid, Jesse." Isabel responded easily. It was the truth, at least in the beginning. "Once things became more serious, I was afraid, I would lose you like I did Alex. Like being with me would automatically take you away from me."
"Tell me the truth about Alex, Isabel." Jesse had known that she had a close friend die shortly before they had met. She never explained his death, but he had known that there had been something there. Something that Isabel hadn't really acknowledged about herself. He had felt her guilt and something else. Now he knew what that was.
"Tess. Tess mindwarped Alex into translating a book that she had. She sent him to Las Cruces while letting him and us think he was in Sweden. The book came with us from our homeworld. We couldn't read it. Sooo," Isabel took a deep breath trying to keep heart from racing away from her as she continued the explanation, "she had Alex translate it. Alex thought he had been on an exchange student program in Sweden. That's what we all thought. Tess had sent him to Las Cruces because they have this super computer there. Well the Readers Digest version was that he had been able to translate it. We got a copy of it too. So did Tess. It told us how to use the Granilith to return home." Isabel paused, "She gave him more false memories for all his unknowing efforts. But he was so weakened from it, that when she attempted to do it again…it killed him." Isabel sniffed as she retold the horrible truths of Tess before continuing on, "Then she did the same thing to Kyle."
Before Isabel could stop Jesse, he wiped away her tears with his thumb across her cheeks. She sniffled trying to find a tissue.
There was a catch in Jesse's voice, "How come you all didn't go back with her? And when did you finally figure out about Tess killing Alex?"
Blowing her nose in a found tissue, she looked at him weakly, her strength depleting itself, "Max did send her back…at least back to Antar. What happened was a nightmare. It split everyone apart. Max-Liz, Kyle, Michael and Maria. It was horrible. Liz had figured out that Alex's car accident wasn't a suicide. It had been alien-related. Max was out of control. Maria had lost both Liz and Alex. Liz because she was off trying to prove that what she believed that Alex hadn't committed suicide. That was going to be the official report. Valenti showed us the report. As it turned out, she was right." There was a catch in her voice as she told Jesse the grisly details of Alex's death. "We got the call from Sheriff Valenti one night that there had been a car accident. We all went hoping that Max could bring him back. Just like he did Liz and Kyle. Alex was already dead when we got to the morgue. He couldn't…" Isabel was crying in earnest. Tears rolled down her cheeks with no end in sight. Isabel sobbed and shook with grief and exhaustion of holding all these feelings and her alien status from Jesse.
Jesse put his arm around her. He was sorry to cause her so much pain and heartache. He hadn't meant to do that. He was just looking for some answers. He murmured soft reassurances to her, really touching her. Eventually Isabel calmed down enough to continue the saga.
"So anyway, we discovered as we were leaving with the Granilith, that what Liz had suspected was true. Though I don't think, even she was prepared for it to be Tess. We thought it might have been our enemies." Isabel looked up into Jesse's eyes. She saw and felt the familiar warmth there. "This all started right after Christmas the year of Junior/Senior Prom."
"These enemies are the ones you called the Skins?" Jesse asked. Isabel nodded.
"Tess had admitted to Max that she had mindwarped Alex into translating the book. But, when Alex confronted Tess about all of her secrets, she attempted to mindwarp Alex again. Only this time, he died. His brain wasn't able to take it. Then she mindwarped Kyle into believing that he was helping her take a bag to the car. It was Alex. Actually, from the sound of it, Alex was probably already dead before the car accident. I hope he didn't have any pain from the accident. Max was so angry he sent Tess back to Antar, because of her pregnancy. She told him that the baby couldn't stay on Earth. It was killing the baby. That and the deal Nacedo made with Khivar before we had left Antar. I was afraid that if you knew about what we were, you would leave me because of being different. That was so much worse. I couldn't lose you, Jesse. I love you." Isabel's whispered words heightened the story she had been retelling Jesse. He could see the pain reflected in her eyes, and body. Stopping for a moment to regain her composure, she continued on, "The year before the FBI captured Max, the government did despicable things to him. He doesn't talk about it yet. Jesse, it was so bad. When I dreamwalked him, I felt his pain and fear. I know that they did experiments on him. It was horrible. We just want to live peaceably. We don't want to cause any problems for anyone." Isabel waited to get herself in control more before she continued. "Jesse I love you. I would never let anything happen to you." It was a plea and a fact. She loved him. Isabel knew she would go to any lengths to protect Jesse.
Jesse had listened to this improbable story. He was stunned. He wasn't sure what he expected when he had asked Isabel to tell him about Alex's death, but to hear more hocus-pocus was just a bit much. He wanted to hear something normal. This was anything but normal. How did these kids ever survive? A FBI alien hunting special unit, undercover school counselor, it was so incredible. It bordered on conspiracy of the highest order.
"I love you too, Isabel. But this…this whole alien thing. What do you want me to do?" He looked at her as if she had all the answers, but knowing that she didn't, didn't help his situation. "This is a lot to take in, ya' know? I know that most people bring a lot of things into a marriage, but this?" He couldn't quite help smiling a little. "This is a bit of a surprise."
"Think of me as ethnically challenged." Isabel smiled back and tried to joke about it. It was difficult enough without making it worse. She knew they had some very important issues to work through. She felt relief at least talking about this morning and yes even joking about it a little certainly helped. Going to bed last night with Jesse had been so hard. There had been a barrier between them. Jesse grinned back.
"So that shiner I had from the fight the night before our wedding…?" Jesse left the question open ended. "I'm thinking that it wasn't just the steak?" He had a slow grin on his face as he looked at Isabel.
Isabel nodded. "Yeah, Max fixed it-with his powers. Are you mad?"
"Not really mad exactly, hurt yes. I was more concerned about the fact that you would see it and always remember that I had fought with your brother. Then having the reminder of it in our wedding pictures. Forever." He gave her self-conscious laugh.
"Well there is that too." Her face was still red from crying, but she looked up at Jesse wondering about their next step together. "Do you think, we could work on this part? I mean, I really am no different than I was before you knew that part of me. Nacedo, one of our protectors said that we are humans but enhanced."
"I agree that there is still lot to discuss. I admit I am curious about your powers. I know that we talked about Max's powers. Tess' powers. But what are yours? And who was Nacedo?"
"I can change molecular structure and some similar things. I don't have the power to mindwarp like Tess did. However, I might. We don't know the extent of our own powers either yet. But I can dreamwalk into people's dreams." Suddenly Jesse blushed as dusky rose tainted his skin. She looked across the table. She knew he immediately wondered if she had visited his dreams. Truth or lie? She couldn't lie to him any more. She had to tell him the truth. "Jesse, this isn't easy to admit, but yes I did peek in there in the beginning. I promise you I didn't stay long or do anything embarrassing. Or anything like what you're thinking. I loved you, but I couldn't let you hurt my brothers…I just wanted to make sure that you weren't another FBI agent or any kind of government person coming to seek us out." She stared into his eyes looking for any indication of anger, hurt, or embarrassment. This was too important not to let it go. He had to know the whole truth. She waited a bit before she continued, "Nacedo and Cal-that producer that Max met out on the West Coast were our protectors. They came in the spacecraft to protect us from our enemies. Nacedo was murdered by the Skins and Cal, well, he left the dupes and moved on with his own life."
"It sounds like he adapted extremely easily to his Earth lifestyle as a Hollywood producer." Jesse gave a half grin as he tried to ease the pain. Isabel looked up at her husband as she took a deep breath and continued.
Jesse listened patiently as Isabel told him these things. There was so much, he didn't know where to start sometimes. That question kept rolling around about the people who sent them here and how they had survived because of people like Diane and Philip Evans. Suddenly he wondered what Isabel had seen in his dreams of himself and her. Because he knew that she had been in his dreams. "What did you see there? Did you see?" Jesse couldn't even finish the question. Damn he wondered which dreams she had visited.
"I saw when you were planning to ask me to marry you. I didn't stick around. Sometimes a girl likes to be surprised." She looked at him genuinely. With nothing holding her back, she leaned into him kissing him gently on the lips. Stroking his lips with her tongue, at first gently but taking them in her mouth sucking on them as if they were candies to her. She felt him give over to her ministrations. He took her wrists and wrapped her arms around him. He was enjoying these sensations when the phone rang interrupting their reconciliation-or at least the beginnings of it.
Isabel picked up the phone, "This had better be good!" She hissed into the handset of the phone. She heard Max laugh and tease her. She knew now how he felt when she'd interrupted his and Liz's make-out sessions in the Jeep back when… She listened for a few minutes and realized Max needed her to meet at the Crashdown.
"I gather that was Max. What's happening now?" Jesse kept the edge out of his voice just barely. He was enjoying what Isabel had been doing to him just before the phone rang. "Do you have to go now? I mean I could be a few minutes late to the office this morning. I think my boss would understand, if I wasn't on time this morning. Especially this morning." He began stroking her arms and shoulders in an effort to have her linger at home with him a bit longer.
Her voice was shaky, "Yeah, Max said he would be there in a half hour. I don't have to get there as soon as he will. He'll just want to stare at Liz anyway." There was a soft strangled moan that Isabel made as Jesse kissed her soundly. "I can be late." They healed each other at first just by touching each other. Jesse picked Isabel up, carried her back into their bedroom, and gently laid her in bed untying her sash on her robe smoothly.
An hour later, Isabel rushed around dressing quickly. Jesse had told her that they weren't done yet talking or anything else as he walked out the door. She blushed as she caught her reflection in the mirror as she left. She knew Max would be frustrated, but so what! She and Jesse needed this time to reacquaint with each other. Isabel decided she would let Jesse set the pace. She desperately wanted Jesse to understand. Max would have to understand. And with any amount of luck, he would still be staring at Liz Parker.
That got Isabel thinking about Liz, as life partner for her brother, he certainly had done excellently. Much better this time around than with Tess. Not for the first time around did she wonder how Max could have married Tess. Isabel couldn't figure out why Max would have married Tess in the first place. She realized there was so much they still didn't know about their past lives. Maybe someday, they would find the remaining pieces to their changing lives both past, present and future.
She also wondered why Max was in such an uproar this morning. As if they hadn't had a very emotional night last night. What had happened now? More drama in their lives and something alien related no doubt. She could hear Maria railing in her mind about the alien abyss.
****
At the Evan's house, Diane sat at the breakfast table as Philip joined her. Max had left with Seth in tow. They were headed to the Crashdown for breakfast with Liz. Diane felt that there was more that Max wasn't telling them. She wouldn't pressure him. She wouldn't. Her mother's instinct was definitely on red alert. She would give Max a little room, but if he weren't forthcoming, she wouldn't give him any opportunity to not tell them. Not after everything, they learned last night. She wouldn't let him hide under the guise of protecting them!
"What do you think?" Philip sipped the hot coffee tenderly after that first swallow, which had scalded the roof of his mouth. He had put the mug down as he looked into his wife's eyes.
"I knew that there was something going on, but no, I wasn't prepared for this." She looked up at Philip hoping he had a quick solution for this.
"Aliens. Our children were from that crash. There really was a crash. Even now, Di, I don't know if I really believe it." He waved his hand to stop her protest. "I believe our children. I know I saw some fantastic things last night and this morning. I just don't know what to do about it, if anything."
Diane laughed cautiously, "I know that they always say teens are aliens, but Philip ours really are! What are we going to do? I mean I know that Max hasn't told us everything. I know he thinks he's protecting us, but I don't know if he can." Philip took her hand in his holding it there for support as he leaned across the table to her. "You know we almost lost them. They might have left with Tess if Liz hadn't stopped them." She waited to see if he would say anything, "And we wouldn't have even known what happened to them." Diane shook her head in confusion and amazement, as tears rolled down her cheeks. She had been holding them back so long; she hadn't realized it until she felt the wetness.
Philip nodded in agreement. He wondered what Jeff Parker knew about his daughter's near death shooting. Thank God, that Max had been there to save Liz. Philip knew how hard it had been when he thought that he had lost Max because of some misconceptions. It was hard being a parent. Now he had to worry that his son and daughter could turn up dead, but because of the government or some other aliens trying to kill them for something that had happened so many years ago. He took one last swallow of the coffee, as he got up and kissed Diane. Then there was the fact that the Parker's' knew nothing of Max and Isabel's true background. He wondered how they would take the news of their daughter dating an alien. It did sound better than ex-con. Well better but definitely different.
"I'm going into the office at least for a little while today. Are you coming in today?" Philip asked. Diane shook her head.
"No. I think I am just going to stay at home today. I need to recover from last night. I don't think I can take any more secrets." Little did Diane know that there were still more out there in the shadows? "Are you going there to escape?" She looked up at her husband and waited.
"Yeah, I think I am. I promise, I'll come home early." Philip bent down and kissed her again as he left.
"I somehow think I should have seen this coming. I'm their mother. But I didn't. I can't even begin to fathom what happened with Max. I know he has closed himself off to the pain. Now with the added responsibility of Seth, I just want Max and Isabel too to know that we are here to help. Philip, what are we going to do?"
"Di, I know it's going to be hard on all of us. I don't think that Iz or Max are expecting us to have the answers. I think that they think that their answers are…out there." Philip waved is hand in an outward fashion as well as upward…expanding their world.
****
Liz began setting up for the early morning crowd. She had coffee brewing quickly as the aroma from it filled the diner. She had heard Michael's motorcycle in back. So, he would be starting up the grill shortly. Liz looked out onto the street and there were traces of businesses getting ready for the day. There were the morning joggers passing by as they followed their routine and course through downtown. While others groggily started their day. She laughed as she began hers. No one could have an odder than she was beginning. Well possibly, with some notable exceptions…as she looked up to hear her friends entering the diner.
Maria entered the restaurant from the back. She gave a wave to Michael in the kitchen. She threw her backpack/purse into one of the lockers in the back as she whipped out her silver apron. Her locker door open, a mirror reflected her expressions as she put gloss on her lips and smiled to herself.
"Hey Lizzie! I tried calling last night! Where were you?" Maria gave her a knowing smile. Liz grinned knowing her friend wanted her to dish the details. The Cheshire grin that formed on Liz's face immediately caught Maria's attention.
Liz and Maria were in the back talking quietly with each other. Maria had tried calling her friend most of the evening, but hadn't gotten a response. She knew that she hadn't asked her to cover for her so that meant her parents knew where she had been all night. The words rolled off her tongue. All night…hmm, she could have been with Max Evans, but somehow…well that didn't seem logical. Jeff Parker may have relented some about Max Evans, but he wasn't going to give in totally to the young man by letting his daughter stay overnight with him, would he? And, she knew good and well that Liz hadn't been at Michael's last night. Maria shook her head in confusion.
"Okay! Where have you been? Out with it! I mean look at you! What have you been up to? And is it a dark haired man from an exotic place?" Maria asked the questions so fast that she barely took a breath between them to get the words out. "Who were you with? Max? Oh it had to be Max. Please tell me that it was Max…" Suddenly a look of horror crossed her face, "You didn't do anything crazy, like go out with my deadbeat of cousin, Sean, did you? Please say no!" There was a certain amount of concern with pleading taking place.
"Breathe, Maria." Liz grinned at her long-time friend. Liz just smiled which seemed to frustrate Maria even further. "Take a deep breath, Maria." She wasn't intentionally trying to make Maria more intense by her own evasiveness. There it was again with something to tell, but it wasn't hers to tell. "And, NO, I was not with Sean last night to answer your last question first!" Liz smiled…"Eeewww! I got over that, remember?" Maria nodded her response. She wanted to shake Liz for making her drag it out of her about her whereabouts last night. It was driving her crazy that she didn't know all the details yet.
"Liz, does your dad know where you were all night?" Maria whispered the question quickly afraid that the parent in question might hear her or the answer Liz was about to give.
"It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves."
- William Shakespeare
- William Shakespeare
continued
"Yes." Liz just grinned knowing how the lack of detail was going to frustrate her until Maria had all the details about last night and this morning. "I called home last night when I knew I wasn't going to be home by curfew." Liz bit her bottom lip in a calculating fashion.
"Late? I think it was more than late, Chica. I for one don't think you even made it home last night. Now spill!" Liz perked up on that. Liz had told Maria about calling her parents that she was going to be at Mr. and Mrs. Evans last night.
"I was right! I knew it! I knew it! I shoulda been there for you! Lizzie, are you all right?" Maria was on a roll now. Maria had had enough. She had been tired of secrets long ago. Now things were happening again to her best friend. She had to be there for her. She had to support her. Now especially, she wasn't sure what had changed but Maria was certain that there had been developments. Probably close encounters of the worst kind.
Maria's expression became a little nostalgic. She missed her Space boy. Really, she did. It was just so hard. So much had changed in the last year. She had missed Alex. Then there was Michael; she wouldn't forget how he had made her feel like a Princess. And what the heck, maybe she would be…but then she looked over to Liz and knew if she were a Princess, she was staring at her best friend who was the Queen. She knew the facts and they were right there staring everyone in the face, if they could just get over their fears! Why was she the only one who could the reality of this? Hmmm, maybe a little meddling from her wouldn't be so bad. She knew it as she stood there. She also realized that she was sinking back into the alien abyss, willingly. How did they do this to them? What kind of power did they really have? Was it mind over matter or what? Or was it just the fact that they were the best to come along…and they were lucky enough to know it?
Maria's eyes were wide open as Liz told her about the tourists who had brought Seth back to Max. Maria listened patiently as Liz told her. This would certainly cause Michael to blow a gasket. No two ways about that! She couldn't imagine how Max had handled it. Or how Jesse and Isabel were doing? Now of course, Philip and Diane Evans knew some of the truths they had been dealing with over the last several years. Maria wondered when the rest of the parents would be in the 'I know an alien club'.
She knew that everyone was probably on pins and needles. Moreover, the next prickly one just walked into the back break room area as they had finished talking about it. Michael obviously didn't know all the details yet or he would be straining at the bit. He was his usual Spaceboy-self this morning. Hmmm, Maria smiled. This would be great. He would be the one that would explode…Not that he didn't do that just as often as she did but it always she who was teased about her eruptions.
Liz and Maria were still setting up for early morning breakfast crowd when Michael walked into the Crashdown. There would be a few early birds in at that hour. Michael had come into the break room as the girls discussed Liz's night at the Evans'. He observed them becoming less loud in their conversation and wondered immediately what they were talking about. His ears perked up hoping to catch something that would tell him exactly what they were saying. Unfortunately, Michael was moving towards the kitchen, which was away from them.
He sighed as he entered the kitchen and started up the grill. He absolutely hated opening. He avoided it as much as possible, but today wasn't his lucky day. The picture of the two best friends talking quietly brought another best friend to mind. Michael knew that Max hadn't made it back to the apartment the night before. He wondered what had happened with that? As the girls laughed, Michael's attention turned towards them. Michael had a moment of enlightenment. They had been talking about him and Max. His first thoughts were should he be worried? They seemed to be laughing and in good spirits, so perhaps he wouldn't be at risk from Maria. However, it was often hard to tell with her. He tried to be honest with himself, there were moments when he liked her unpredictability. It made things interesting. Spiced things up and he did like spicy.
Maria laughed as she caught him in her gaze. He froze, unsure of what to do. Then he noticed the girls' looks. His gruff exterior warmed as he stared at Maria. He did love her. He hoped that she was ready to try again. He had missed her while she had been away. He did care about her music. She had a soft voice that always had called to him…in many ways. It was that kind of thinking that had led him to sharing himself with her that night before they were going to leave Earth.
Michael looked over to them as he heard Jeff Parker join them in the back. He had been in the office in the back going over the books. He smiled at his staff. "Don't you three have some place to be? I'm sure I didn't hire you to sit back here and talk." Jeff Parker smiled at the girls while Michael got the grill started for the day. "Don't you two have some tables to get ready?" He had sent them scurrying off to check the tables while Michael laughed at them from the safety of the kitchen. The only safe place to do that, especially if he didn't want them to see him do it.
It didn't take long for the restaurant to start filling with morning regulars wanting their usual fare or the tourists who were eagerly waiting alien-themed food for breakfast. Who could pass up a hearty Green Moon eggs and Rocks Hash breakfast? Liz shook her head, if they only knew?
It was their usual routine. They had done so many times before they were on autopilot. There hadn't been any indication that today would be any different. It was though. Things were slowly beginning to align themselves for some interesting developments with far reaching events.
Maria looked up when she saw the foursome return. She recognized them from yesterday and knew immediately that the little boy they had had with them had been Seth. OHMIGOSH, Seth was back on Earth. For real! Lucky for them the bride/mother from Antar Hell wasn't! Although Liz had given her the short version, Maria was still shocked. So many thoughts warped through her brain it was impossible to know which one was going to be the first one Maria said. She had so wanted to kick that blonde bimbo's butt from here to the outer limits! Maria started to get a full head of steam going. That didn't bode well for anyone.
Michael had known Maria had noticed something. He could feel her vibrate or something? He didn't know exactly what it was, but he felt it loud and clear! He wondered what it was. He watched the girls for a minute to see if he could figure it out. When nothing apparent happened, Michael went back to the grill, only to return to the window and see Liz respond to these strangers. The fact that they were strangers made them suspect in Michael's mind. The reaction he saw from Liz caused more than just curiosity. He didn't like mysteries of any kind.
******
The SG-1 Team had entered the diner before Valenti. He recognized they were government types the second he saw them. He would have spotted them from anywhere. He discounted the civilian clothing. Clearly, something was going on here in town. He needed to see if he could get Liz or Maria out back without arousing any suspicion from them or Jeff Parker.
Jim Valenti didn't know whether to be overtly concerned or wait until he and Max had an opportunity to talk. Obviously, there were some recent developments…as in overnight. He wondered what it was. If it were another operation from the FBI, surely Max would have called…Unless he didn't know…Now his concerns were rapidly growing. He wondered how the kids dealt with this on such a routine basis. Valenti watched as Liz waited on them 'visitors'. Maria seemed ready to hyperventilate, but in a different sort of way than when the Skins were ready to vaporize the trio of aliens. He recognized the signs from Amy Deluca. Oh yeah mother like daughter. A smile came to his face as he thought about Amy Deluca. He was able to catch Liz's eyes as he continued to walk over to the counter. He figured it would be the best place to have a brief conversation with her.
Maria had nudged Liz as she saw the foursome heading towards one of Liz's table. Liz jerked when she recognized them. She swerved around the other tables meeting them at the one they had selected as she sidelined Maria with a bump to her hip. Liz wanted to catch Maria before her full head of steam erupted in the diner in some bizarre way. There were still some parts of last night, that Liz hadn't told Maria. Maria glared at her friend. She wanted to make things more than right. How dare these people show up with Seth and act like they were doing everyone a favor? Didn't they know what a monster Tess had been? Then there was still the vulnerable picture of Alex still to be accounted for as well…Tess had hurt them beyond recognition! She had to pay!
Samm saw how Liz managed to push Maria away from them. Samm smiled at Liz, "Liz, right?" She waited for Liz to nod. "Is that your friend Maria?" They had talked quietly last night as she nodded with a smile. "How did things go after we left?"
In a quiet voice, "It was very emotional for everyone. Yeah, that's Maria and Michael in the kitchen. Can I get you something?" Liz watched everyone. She knew Max had called O'Neill early this morning. Then as an after thought, "I know that Max will be here shortly."
As Liz took their orders, she looked up as several more tourists entered the diner. It had been obvious that they were visitors to the area. She saw some Trek emblems on several shirts as well as other logos from other sci-fi series. That meant that they were here for the museum. That always made Brody happy. When they re-ran old episodes of the sci-fi series, despite there being any real connection to the series, the number of visitors to the museum increased. She wondered what would have happened if they knew that they had a real life alien working at the UFO Museum? That made her smile.
Liz waved as Jim Valenti had entered the diner. On the way over to the kitchen window, she poured several customers coffee. Clipping the breakfast orders to wheel, she saw Michael join her at the window. She knew she wasn't going to get out of this unscathed. Damn, she had warned Max this morning when she was getting ready to come in and open that Michael would be upset at being left out of the loop.
"Do you know them?" Michael asked Liz in a terse voice that belied his concern and worry as he shrugged in the direction of O'Neill's table. "I mean if you do that's okay. It just seemed as if you recognized them or something." His eyes held her in place.
"Not exactly." Liz replied softly. She hoped Michael didn't want to discuss that right then. She knew things were still tentative with Max and didn't want to jeopardize that, but she also didn't want to antagonize Michael with the O'Neill and Samm.
"What kind of answer is that?" Michael hissed. Maria had seen Michael's look and immediately joined them by window, placing plates, and glasses on her tray as she stood there with them. Maria knew her Spaceboy. He was going to say or do something that would be inappropriate.
"Okay you two, what's wrong? We have a restaurant full of people with more coming inside. Lizzie what's going on?" Maria looked at her best friend. She had seen Jim Valenti enter the restaurant as he had tipped his hat to Sheriff Hanson cruising by the main street. He took a seat at the counter straddling the stool as he sat down.
It was going to be an interesting day Valenti thought. He just didn't realize how true that it was going to become. He saw those couples that had been around town yesterday. This time it was without the child. He wondered where the little guy was. Well, he would just have to check this out. Though surprisingly, he didn't have long to wait. Answers were going to be forthcoming, just not what he expected?
^^^
TBC
Thanks everyone for being patient with the story and me!
Robin
"Late? I think it was more than late, Chica. I for one don't think you even made it home last night. Now spill!" Liz perked up on that. Liz had told Maria about calling her parents that she was going to be at Mr. and Mrs. Evans last night.
"I was right! I knew it! I knew it! I shoulda been there for you! Lizzie, are you all right?" Maria was on a roll now. Maria had had enough. She had been tired of secrets long ago. Now things were happening again to her best friend. She had to be there for her. She had to support her. Now especially, she wasn't sure what had changed but Maria was certain that there had been developments. Probably close encounters of the worst kind.
Maria's expression became a little nostalgic. She missed her Space boy. Really, she did. It was just so hard. So much had changed in the last year. She had missed Alex. Then there was Michael; she wouldn't forget how he had made her feel like a Princess. And what the heck, maybe she would be…but then she looked over to Liz and knew if she were a Princess, she was staring at her best friend who was the Queen. She knew the facts and they were right there staring everyone in the face, if they could just get over their fears! Why was she the only one who could the reality of this? Hmmm, maybe a little meddling from her wouldn't be so bad. She knew it as she stood there. She also realized that she was sinking back into the alien abyss, willingly. How did they do this to them? What kind of power did they really have? Was it mind over matter or what? Or was it just the fact that they were the best to come along…and they were lucky enough to know it?
Maria's eyes were wide open as Liz told her about the tourists who had brought Seth back to Max. Maria listened patiently as Liz told her. This would certainly cause Michael to blow a gasket. No two ways about that! She couldn't imagine how Max had handled it. Or how Jesse and Isabel were doing? Now of course, Philip and Diane Evans knew some of the truths they had been dealing with over the last several years. Maria wondered when the rest of the parents would be in the 'I know an alien club'.
She knew that everyone was probably on pins and needles. Moreover, the next prickly one just walked into the back break room area as they had finished talking about it. Michael obviously didn't know all the details yet or he would be straining at the bit. He was his usual Spaceboy-self this morning. Hmmm, Maria smiled. This would be great. He would be the one that would explode…Not that he didn't do that just as often as she did but it always she who was teased about her eruptions.
Liz and Maria were still setting up for early morning breakfast crowd when Michael walked into the Crashdown. There would be a few early birds in at that hour. Michael had come into the break room as the girls discussed Liz's night at the Evans'. He observed them becoming less loud in their conversation and wondered immediately what they were talking about. His ears perked up hoping to catch something that would tell him exactly what they were saying. Unfortunately, Michael was moving towards the kitchen, which was away from them.
He sighed as he entered the kitchen and started up the grill. He absolutely hated opening. He avoided it as much as possible, but today wasn't his lucky day. The picture of the two best friends talking quietly brought another best friend to mind. Michael knew that Max hadn't made it back to the apartment the night before. He wondered what had happened with that? As the girls laughed, Michael's attention turned towards them. Michael had a moment of enlightenment. They had been talking about him and Max. His first thoughts were should he be worried? They seemed to be laughing and in good spirits, so perhaps he wouldn't be at risk from Maria. However, it was often hard to tell with her. He tried to be honest with himself, there were moments when he liked her unpredictability. It made things interesting. Spiced things up and he did like spicy.
Maria laughed as she caught him in her gaze. He froze, unsure of what to do. Then he noticed the girls' looks. His gruff exterior warmed as he stared at Maria. He did love her. He hoped that she was ready to try again. He had missed her while she had been away. He did care about her music. She had a soft voice that always had called to him…in many ways. It was that kind of thinking that had led him to sharing himself with her that night before they were going to leave Earth.
Michael looked over to them as he heard Jeff Parker join them in the back. He had been in the office in the back going over the books. He smiled at his staff. "Don't you three have some place to be? I'm sure I didn't hire you to sit back here and talk." Jeff Parker smiled at the girls while Michael got the grill started for the day. "Don't you two have some tables to get ready?" He had sent them scurrying off to check the tables while Michael laughed at them from the safety of the kitchen. The only safe place to do that, especially if he didn't want them to see him do it.
It didn't take long for the restaurant to start filling with morning regulars wanting their usual fare or the tourists who were eagerly waiting alien-themed food for breakfast. Who could pass up a hearty Green Moon eggs and Rocks Hash breakfast? Liz shook her head, if they only knew?
It was their usual routine. They had done so many times before they were on autopilot. There hadn't been any indication that today would be any different. It was though. Things were slowly beginning to align themselves for some interesting developments with far reaching events.
Maria looked up when she saw the foursome return. She recognized them from yesterday and knew immediately that the little boy they had had with them had been Seth. OHMIGOSH, Seth was back on Earth. For real! Lucky for them the bride/mother from Antar Hell wasn't! Although Liz had given her the short version, Maria was still shocked. So many thoughts warped through her brain it was impossible to know which one was going to be the first one Maria said. She had so wanted to kick that blonde bimbo's butt from here to the outer limits! Maria started to get a full head of steam going. That didn't bode well for anyone.
Michael had known Maria had noticed something. He could feel her vibrate or something? He didn't know exactly what it was, but he felt it loud and clear! He wondered what it was. He watched the girls for a minute to see if he could figure it out. When nothing apparent happened, Michael went back to the grill, only to return to the window and see Liz respond to these strangers. The fact that they were strangers made them suspect in Michael's mind. The reaction he saw from Liz caused more than just curiosity. He didn't like mysteries of any kind.
******
The SG-1 Team had entered the diner before Valenti. He recognized they were government types the second he saw them. He would have spotted them from anywhere. He discounted the civilian clothing. Clearly, something was going on here in town. He needed to see if he could get Liz or Maria out back without arousing any suspicion from them or Jeff Parker.
Jim Valenti didn't know whether to be overtly concerned or wait until he and Max had an opportunity to talk. Obviously, there were some recent developments…as in overnight. He wondered what it was. If it were another operation from the FBI, surely Max would have called…Unless he didn't know…Now his concerns were rapidly growing. He wondered how the kids dealt with this on such a routine basis. Valenti watched as Liz waited on them 'visitors'. Maria seemed ready to hyperventilate, but in a different sort of way than when the Skins were ready to vaporize the trio of aliens. He recognized the signs from Amy Deluca. Oh yeah mother like daughter. A smile came to his face as he thought about Amy Deluca. He was able to catch Liz's eyes as he continued to walk over to the counter. He figured it would be the best place to have a brief conversation with her.
Maria had nudged Liz as she saw the foursome heading towards one of Liz's table. Liz jerked when she recognized them. She swerved around the other tables meeting them at the one they had selected as she sidelined Maria with a bump to her hip. Liz wanted to catch Maria before her full head of steam erupted in the diner in some bizarre way. There were still some parts of last night, that Liz hadn't told Maria. Maria glared at her friend. She wanted to make things more than right. How dare these people show up with Seth and act like they were doing everyone a favor? Didn't they know what a monster Tess had been? Then there was still the vulnerable picture of Alex still to be accounted for as well…Tess had hurt them beyond recognition! She had to pay!
Samm saw how Liz managed to push Maria away from them. Samm smiled at Liz, "Liz, right?" She waited for Liz to nod. "Is that your friend Maria?" They had talked quietly last night as she nodded with a smile. "How did things go after we left?"
In a quiet voice, "It was very emotional for everyone. Yeah, that's Maria and Michael in the kitchen. Can I get you something?" Liz watched everyone. She knew Max had called O'Neill early this morning. Then as an after thought, "I know that Max will be here shortly."
As Liz took their orders, she looked up as several more tourists entered the diner. It had been obvious that they were visitors to the area. She saw some Trek emblems on several shirts as well as other logos from other sci-fi series. That meant that they were here for the museum. That always made Brody happy. When they re-ran old episodes of the sci-fi series, despite there being any real connection to the series, the number of visitors to the museum increased. She wondered what would have happened if they knew that they had a real life alien working at the UFO Museum? That made her smile.
Liz waved as Jim Valenti had entered the diner. On the way over to the kitchen window, she poured several customers coffee. Clipping the breakfast orders to wheel, she saw Michael join her at the window. She knew she wasn't going to get out of this unscathed. Damn, she had warned Max this morning when she was getting ready to come in and open that Michael would be upset at being left out of the loop.
"Do you know them?" Michael asked Liz in a terse voice that belied his concern and worry as he shrugged in the direction of O'Neill's table. "I mean if you do that's okay. It just seemed as if you recognized them or something." His eyes held her in place.
"Not exactly." Liz replied softly. She hoped Michael didn't want to discuss that right then. She knew things were still tentative with Max and didn't want to jeopardize that, but she also didn't want to antagonize Michael with the O'Neill and Samm.
"What kind of answer is that?" Michael hissed. Maria had seen Michael's look and immediately joined them by window, placing plates, and glasses on her tray as she stood there with them. Maria knew her Spaceboy. He was going to say or do something that would be inappropriate.
"Okay you two, what's wrong? We have a restaurant full of people with more coming inside. Lizzie what's going on?" Maria looked at her best friend. She had seen Jim Valenti enter the restaurant as he had tipped his hat to Sheriff Hanson cruising by the main street. He took a seat at the counter straddling the stool as he sat down.
It was going to be an interesting day Valenti thought. He just didn't realize how true that it was going to become. He saw those couples that had been around town yesterday. This time it was without the child. He wondered where the little guy was. Well, he would just have to check this out. Though surprisingly, he didn't have long to wait. Answers were going to be forthcoming, just not what he expected?
^^^
TBC
Thanks everyone for being patient with the story and me!
Robin
"It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves."
- William Shakespeare
- William Shakespeare