Don't You Care?

by Seven


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



Note from Author:  Crackdown spoilers.



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Liam heard Doors walk out, but did not see it. He felt like someone had struck him with a sledgehammer. He felt, rather than saw, the satisfied smile on Zo'or's smooth face as the Taelon glided out.

Jonathan Doors drifted through the mothership's corridors, a small smile on his lined features. That smile and his casual pace angered Liam all the more. He lengthened his stride, footsteps ringing on the hard floor.

Doors stopped, then turned around. "Something to say?" he asked mellowly.

Liam stopped breathlessly, and stared down at Doors's pale blue eyes. His face worked as he whispered, "How could you do this?"

"Do what?" Doors asked, eyes wide, tone still mellow and peaceful.

Blast it, he looked like he was innocent as the driven snow! Hot rage rose within Liam, but he kept the words that sat fidgeting on his tongue firmly in check. "You know perfectly well." He stepped closer, his voice growing lower and deeper. His green eyes flamed, and for a moment he thought Doors looked scared. "Do you realize what he did? He murdered Lili."

"Who said anything about murder?" Doors replied, all his poise returned and in place.

"I did. Just now," Liam said bluntly.

"Just because you say it," Doors replied coolly, "doesn't mean it's the truth." He paused, as if designing the words that would come next. "I'm very sorry about her death, but she made a mistake and I can't be responsible for that."

"A mistake?" Liam dug his fingernails into his palms, sending tiny splinters of pain into his skin. "You were backing her decision up!"

"Maybe I was," Doors replied calmly. "But I'm human, and I make mistakes. Maybe," he continued calmly, coldly, "that's why they elected you as my replacement."

For a moment, Liam felt astonishment wash over him. He stared at Doors, open-mouthed, his hands clenching and unclenching, stiff-fingered, at his sides. "She was your friend," he said in a slow, quiet voice. "I thought she was your friend. Don't you even care?"

Doors looked at him impassively, the pale blue eyes turning icy, hard. "I cared," he said harshly, his voice lowered to a growl. "But that won't help her now."

"No?" Liam replied, his eyes flashing dangerously. "Maybe you can help her rest a little easier..."

For a moment, Doors glared at the younger man, then said quietly, "There are things to be done ahead, Liam. You might not understand yet."

Then he turned on his heel and stalked away. Liam watched him, his fists clenched and pressed to his sides to keep them from trembling. He stood, alone, and leaned against the wall, watching the millionaire go...