Siobhan Beckett: Sandoval's Love, Liam's Mother

by Seven


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



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Sandoval looked down on Major Kincaid, cradling Beckett's body in his arms. He smiled a little at the woman he had... no, love was not for implants. But the feeling he had had for her... had not been with him for a long time.

Sandoval rapidly slid down the rope to Kincaid's side. The younger man's face was streaked with tears as he gently released Beckett's body. Sandoval asked quietly, "You cared about her, Major?"

Liam wiped his eyes with a dusty hand. "You could say that," he choked.

Sandoval tousled Beckett's long red hair and looked at her face. It was peaceful, happy. He was glad that her passing had apparently been painless and as pleasant as it could be. "So did I," he whispered.

****

A kind, motherly-looking woman opened the door of the Irish townhouse. Sandoval took a deep breath and erased all emotion from his face. "Mrs. Beckett?" he said tonelessly.

Mrs. Beckett looked at him expectantly. "Yes. Who are you?"

"I'm Companion Agent Ronald Sandoval," Sandoval said, averting his eyes from Mrs. Beckett. "I am afraid--"

Her gasp interrupted him. "Siobhan," she said, horrified. "It's Siobhan, isn't it?"

Sandoval felt horrible. "Yes, I'm afraid so. She didn't feel any pain..."

Mrs. Beckett's eyes were bright and wavering with horror and despair. She slammed the door shut and Sandoval was left on the doorstep, listening to the hysterical sobbing from inside.

****

Major Kincaid's eyes had been red that morning, as if he had cried all night. But he was composed and forcedly cheerful as Da'an presented his report to Zo'or. Sandoval watched Liam speaking quietly to Marquette. Lili touched the young man's shoulder, comforting him.

Sandoval looked away.

At his lunch break, Sandoval went over to the secluded desk on the mothership and unlocked the lowest drawer. Inside was a framed photo of Dee Dee Sandoval, smiling with genuine delight, her blond hair tossed by the wind.

Sandoval studied the photo for a long moment, then pulled a similar frame from his pocket. This photo showed Beckett as she had been when he first met her: simple suit, red hair pulled back into a ponytail, a warm grin on her face. Sandoval bit his lip as he looked at her, then tucked the photo into the drawer. He locked it, then stared out into the stars....