A Rose For You

by Seven


Disclaimer:  Earth: Final Conflict and its characters are copyrighted by Tribune Entertainment Company.  All rights reserved.



Note from Author:  This is the first short Al'ith story, going on new knowledge of Da'an and Zo'or's relationship and Zo'or being in ka'atham...



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The stars seemed to go on forever, an endless swirl of tiny energy pinpricks in a velvety dark blanket.

Zo'or simply watched them, watched the infintesimal ripples in the virtual glass shield in front of him. He spun his chair to the side at the sound of a high, clear voice coming behind him.

"Zo'or?"

It was the hybrid child, clad in a purple velvet dress in the human fashion, her fine dark hair pulled back into a little ponytail. Zo'or drew back a little at the intense gaze of her large, electric blue eyes. "Yes?" he asked snappishly.

Al'ith showed no sign of being fazed, still gazing up at him with the same guileless concern. "I brought you something," she said, drawing something from behind her back.

Zo'or stared at her hand. Clutched in it was a large, pinkish rose.

"I brought it for you, because Da'an said you weren't feeling good," Al'ith prodded, as Zo'or slowly extended his hand and took it. "He said you were sad and feeling sick. So I brought you a flower, like Liam did when I hurt myself."

Zo'or looked over the flower, then at the eager face of the little girl who had given it to him. She was evidently waiting for some sign of approval or unwillingness to accept the blossom, but he wasn't certain what to say to her. His eyes lowered slowly, as if in meditation. "Thank you... for your concern," he said haltingly.

Al'ith's face shone with a sudden delighted smile. "I hoped you'd like it!" she crowed, skipping out the door, and almost slamming into a Volunteer on the way.

Though no one saw him, Da'an had watched the entire scene. He smiled slightly, and walked away, to find Al'ith and escort her down to the mothership. Zo'or glanced at the door and the rose cradled in his hand, and thought about the hybrid child...