The Thin Line Between Love and Understanding

by Jade


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



Author's Note:  Just a little something that happens after Sanctuary...




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"Zo'or." He somehow found the strength to grimace. The confrontation with T'than had left him weak and drained, though he refused to show it. Swiveling, he saw that it was only Major Kincaid. For some reason, that made him even more abrasive, seeing that he had been the one slapping that patch on his neck.

"Yes, Major." For once, Kincaid didn't seem to be put out by his coldness. The Human gazed up at him, and Zo'or swore he saw something shimmering in his eyes. "Um...look, Zo'or. Do you remember Kelly and Tom? The ones that took you in?" Zo'or felt his expression softening. How could he? Deep down inside, worry hit him, worry that they might have been punished somehow for shielding him from those who had been searching for him.

"Of course," he answered, using his arrogant tone out of habit. Kincaid nodded slowly, looking down at the floor. "Are they of any importance?" he snapped. The Major stared back coolly. "Well, I guess that's for you to decide. But...they wanted to make sure that you're okay." He inclined his head.

"I am fine." A flicker of a smile passed over Kincaid's face, a deep and unsupressable joy shining through his strange eyes. "Good. They say hi, and...they've gotten engaged."

Zo'or wanted to laugh out of pure happiness. Married. They would be married, finally. There was true love between those two, he had seen it. As it was, all he could do was smile wanly. Even this warm expression startled Kincaid. "I- I am happy for them," he said, unable to stop himself. "So am I," the Major answered with rare casualness. Then his face softened further. "Kelly got a private moment with me, and she told me to tell you that...that she hopes that you find where you belong soon, and that you'll be safe from your enemies."

This time, it took Zo'or a moment to get rid of the catch in his voice. "Thank you for delivering the message, Major. You are dismissed." Kincaid looked at him for a moment, then nodded and quit the chamber.


***

Zo'or looked around without seeing anything. What he had told Tom and Kelly, what he wanted to do to Humans...it had been something dangerous to say. But they hadn't understood. The weight of his words hadn't registered.

And yet they were happy. With each other, in spite of their limited intelligence. In a way, they had more than Zo'or would ever have. He bit back a sob. Perhaps it would be the same way with Humanity. Perhaps some strange force, the equivilent of love, would overcome their own technology.

Would he ever find where he belonged? Would he ever be safe from enemies, substantial or otherwise?

Zo'or remembered his other words. You needn't worry, Kelly.

No, Kelly needn't worry. She and Tom were one of the few people who had earned that right.