It had been over a month now since the visitors had been driven from Earth. Things were slowly getting back to normal. But then again, nothing would ever be the same as it was before the Visitors came. Families began to rebuild their lives. The government was pulling itself together. Businesses were coming back. School would be starting again for the children and special counselors were hired to help them deal with the atrocities of the war.
.Mike had rented a small apartment and Martin became his roommate. But neither of them was home very often. When not out on assignment Mike spent his time with Julie as much as possible when he wasn't with Sean. The boy's conversion had turned him from a kind loving child to a very rebellious and angry adolescent. And Martin spent every spare moment he could with Tari. .
.Tari and Mike had received a very large inheritance from their mother's estate and Tari had used part of her money to purchase a little house in a secluded area of the beach. It was surrounded by palm trees and landscaped with green shrubs, rainbow rock and various flowers. It was a small five-room bungalow, with a kitchen/dinging area, one bedroom, a bath, and living room/den combination. The front of the house had a small wooden deck and faced the ocean, In the back outside the kitchen's French doors was a covered rock floored patio. Tari had furnished the patio with wicker furniture and green plants. But Her favorite place was sitting outside on the deck watching the sun set over the ocean. She and Martin had made it an almost nightly ritual sitting in the love seat swing watching the sunset or taking long walks along the oceans edge every chance they got. .
.Martin had become Mike's new assistant and had been hired on at the station where Mike was employed. He seemed to enjoy the work and Mike had said he was learning fast. .
.Tari had resumed her work at the Aquarium trying to get it back in running order. When not working she rented a boat and searched the surrounding ocean waters looking for her lost dolphins. Many times Martin had joined her on her search but they had yet to find any sign of the mammals. .
.But today there would be no work for anyone. This day had been set aside to mourn and honor those who had fought and died in the war with the Visitors. .
.A makeshift stage had been set up in the middle of the park. It seemed as if the whole city had come to hear the Mayor speak and honor those who had died. The crowd was silent as the Mayor delivered his speech. .
.Tari stood next to Martin. Mike stood on her other side with Julie next to him leaning against him with his arm over her shoulder. Lorraine stood quietly just behind them. .
.Several of other the resistance fighters all surrounded them. With the exception of Ham Tyler and his sidekick Chris Faber, they stood nonchalantly leaning against a tree trying insignificantly to stay as far away from the crowd as they could get. .
.The Mayor of Los Angeles stood on the podium in front of them speaking into the microphone. A huge screen was behind him and as he spoke, pictures of those who had lost their lives in the battle for Earth's freedom flashed on the screen, Human and fifth column alike. .
.The Starchild Elizabeth clung to her mother's hand uncomfortable in the midst of the many people gathered. Robert and his other two daughters were next to them. Elizabeth's expression was emotionless. Robin and her sisters wiped away tears as a picture of their mother crossed the screen. .
.Most of the people gathered here in the center of the park to honor those that had given their lives or had had their lives taken from them during the visitor occupation wept openly, as they paid homage to these brave people and to those a who were still missing in the most horrid war in Earth's history. Both human and visitor mourned friends and family. .
.Mike looked over at his sister when the pictures of Maggie and Randolph flashed across the screen. He touched her arm and gave it a comforting a squeeze as she dabbed away tears from her eyes with the back of her forefinger. .
.Tari stood with her one arm entwined with Martins. Mike's anguished gaze that mirrored his concern for his sister and his friend went unnoticed. He feared for them. It was evident that their relationship was blossoming even deeper since the war had ended. God only knew what their lives would be like now. Very few would understand nor condone the relationship. .
.He remembered how Tari had once fought with her feelings. Torturous nightmares had plagued her for months. And Martin who had struggled with his own emotions and the knowledge between right and wrong. Not to mention his overwhelming desire to protect Tari from any further emotional pain. .
.Mike's mind drifted back to the Time he and Martin had first talked about the relationship between he and Tari. They had met in the back room of a café after Martin had escaped to Earth and joined the visitor underground to share and discuss information. It had been only a few weeks after Tari had been rescued from the mothership…..
.Martin had asked Mike: .
."Tari? Is she well?" He was facing the window and his tone was melancholy. .
."She misses you Martin, she's worried about you, she wants to see you." Mike had replied.
.Martin hung his head in grief. "No" he told Mike "I can't allow that, it's better this way." .
."Martin" Mike sympathized. "I know how you feel about my sister." He admitted " You took a big chance up there hiding her in your own room. You wouldn't do that for just anyone." Mike paused a moment before he spoke again. "She loves you Martin." .
.Martin felt his heart leap and for a moment let himself feel, but still he would not face Mike. "She said that?" .
.Mike smiled, "Ya she said that" .
.Martin closed his eyes and envisioned Tari's smile, the sparkle of her deep blue eyes. Then the image of her face on board the mother ship when she had seen his true nature snapped into view. He shut his eyes tighter and pushed the image aside spinning around to face Mike. .
."You've seen our faces Mike" Martin raised his voice with a touch of anger that mirrored his hurt. "So has Tari, it can never be!" .
.Martin turned around once more as not wanting his friend to see the sorrow and hurt he felt. .
.But Mike had seen the pain written all over Martins expression and his heart went out to him. .
."She has nightmares about that time on the mothership. She told me how you saved her from that guy up there. She said it was like living a nightmare. But Martin, she doesn't care what you look like. She loves what's inside. She's not going to give up. Tari wants to see you, She needs you Martin." Mike paused. "I don't know how to help her any more" .
.Martin was quiet for a moment and when he spoke his tone was soft "and I need her" he had said before he turned again facing his friend. .
."But you Mike? How does it feel to have your sister in love with one of us? With me?" He asked seemingly to already know the answer already. .
.Mike met Martins gaze and tried to hide the guilt he felt. "Can't say as I'm exactly thrilled to have my sister in love with a.." he stopped short before he finished his sentence. He'd already stuck his preverbal foot in his mouth. He dropped his gaze to the floor "Sorry martin, I didn't mean to.. " he didn't finish the sentence for fear he would insult his friend. "The point is there's nothing I can do about it or anyone else." Mike took in a deep sigh and then looked his alien friend in the eye with a seriousness that showed his true feeling. .
."Besides, I told you once I was proud to be your friend, I meant it. Ok so maybe your relationship with Tari can't go anywhere. But what's the harm in being her friend Martin?" .
.Martin felt all his emotions screaming to be released and he fought to keep them at bay. .
."Because I don't know that I can just be her friend!" he shouted.
.Mike walked up behind him and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You can do it" he told him calmly " Look Martin, I don't understand this, Tari doesn't understand it, Hell I don't think even you do. All I know is my baby sister is hurting and I can't help her. But you can. It doesn't matter, what ever happens between you and Tari; I'll accept it. You're my friend, and I love my baby sister. I trust you to do what ever is best. But right now, threw all of this Tari need's you, and you need her. You need each other's support, and I'll guarantee you'll both have mine. Be her friend now, and when this is all over then worry about what to do. Right now we all need each other and that includes you and Tari." .
.Martin said nothing. Mike new his friend was hurting just as bad as his sister was and he felt powerless. Finally Martin spoke his tone mirrored his gloom. "I'll think about it Mike. It's not that I don't want to see her, I do. Oh how I want to. But every time I'm with her, I want her even more. I've never felt like this before, its strange to me. When she's not with me I feel so empty, so lost, it hurts inside knowing I can never tell her how I feel, how when she's near I feel such a joy that I have never known. I want to hold her.." Martin stopped. The look on his face as he looked at Mike was as if he were pleading with Mike to explain everything to him. Mike only smiled and patted his friend on the shoulder. .
."That's love OLE Pal." he said good naturedly "Turns your guts inside out." .
.Martin was not amused. .
."I don't want to hurt her Mike. I would rather die than see her harmed in any way." .
.Mike became serious again. " I know my friend. But for now… She can't sleep, can't eat, her nightmares have her scared so bad she jumps at every little sound. How can she fight like that?" .
.Martin shook his head slowly. He could speak of this no more. .
."I must go now, I'll get word to you when we can meet again." he said starting for the door. .
."And Tari, Martin?" Mike asked, "will you see her?" Martin heaved a heavy sigh as he reached for the doorknob. " I don't know. " was all he answered before opening the door and disappearing threw it. .
.When Mike had returned Tari caught him in the hallway. Mike instinctively knew what she wanted to ask before she'd spoken. .
."I did my best kid. All he said was he didn't know. He's worried about you Tari. He doesn't want to hurt you." .
.Tears filled Taris eyes as she did her best to hold them back. She said nothing to her brother, only turned and went back to her work. .
.Mikes thoughts drifted back to the present. The war was over; it was time to get life back on track as much as possible. What ever was to happen now with Tari and Martin was in God's hands. The most important thing for him to do, was to give them both his understanding and support. Tari was happy, happier than he'd seen her in years. It was good to see his sister smile again. And Martin seemed more than content. He'd told Mike only a few days ago that even if he could go back to his own world, he would not. He was glad to make a life for himself here on earth and he did not regret for one second helping the humans. He had done the right thing. .
.Martin warily scanned the people that surrounded him. He still felt a bit uncomfortable among these strangers, even though there were a few other fifth columnists mingled with in the crowd, Willie, Lorraine, Nathaniel. Except for the humans he had come to know and care for, he still was not sure who could be trusted. He trusted Mike and Julie with out hesitation, and most of the other resistance members, with the exception of Tyler and his side kick Chris Faber. .
.He felt Tari snuggled closer to him as she clung to his arm. A wave of warmth flowed threw him as he looked down at her. He had never known such contentment as he felt when he was with her. And he thanked Zon for bringing their lives together. A twinge of sadness tugged at him for the loss of family and friends on the home world. But nothing could ever take him away from the life he chose now. He felt as if his life had only just began the day he first set eyes on the Human girl Tari Donovan, and he chastised himself forever thinking he could stay away from her. It was different then. It was war. Memories of his conversations with Mike about why he did not want to see her ran vividly threw his mind. But Tari Donovan, like her brother, had a stubborn streak. Looking back now, he was glad she did…. Tari had followed Mike on one of his secret meetings with Martin and he had been forced to bring her with him. .
."Why did you bring her?" Martin asked angrily "It's to dangerous, the security's getting worse!" "I had no choice" Mike barked back. "She followed me, I couldn't let her go back on her own." .
.Tari looked at Martin, tears forming in her eye's that mirrored her hurt and confusion at his actions. She spoke his name in a soft shaky voice.
."Martin" she begged, taking a step towards him. "Please, I had to come, I have to tell you" She held out her hand to him. .
.At that moment Martin lost all composer. He could take it no longer. Reaching out to her as she stepped closer to him he grabbed her hand and pulled her to him. Taking her in his arms he held her tightly. "You're as stubborn as your brother." He said as he laid a small kiss on her head. .
."Why?" Tari sobbed "Why wouldn't you see me? I was so scared." .
."Shh" Martin comforted as he shared a knowing glance with Mike. " I only want you to be safe." .
."I'm safe with you." Tari countered.
.Martin softly stroked her hair and reveled in the feel of her close to him. Then he gently took her by the shoulders, moved her out of the embrace, and looked at her. .
."You must stay with your people." He said in a more serious tone. " It's to dangerous for you to be seen with me. ".
." I had to tell you Martin, I had to tell you, it doesn't matter, what you are. It's what's in here." She put her hand over his heart. "This is all that matters. This is what I lo.." .
.Martin cut her off putting his finger to her lips as he shook his head and his eyes locked with Tari's. "When this is over then there will be time to speak of us. But for now you must go back to your people." His tone became stern again. "Now you must promise me you will never do this gain, do you understand? Never." .
.He caressed her face with his hand and spoke again more softly. "Promise me Tari, promise you will not do this again." .
.Reluctantly Tari nodded "I promise." .
.As the mayor began to thank and welcome the fifth columnists unexpected applause was heard from the crowd bringing Martin from his memories. Tari was looking up at him smiling proudly. Martin shyly returned her smile. .
.Tari felt as if she could fly. A smile from Martin could brighten her gloomiest day. His mere presents made her heart soar. Nothing could make her life more complete. She had her brother and Julie who had become her closest friend since Maggie's disappearance and the death of Harmony. Best of all, she had Martin. She could not remember ever feeling so much love. She could not imagine life with out him. She thought back on the past few weeks. Her mothers funeral, Martin had been there holding her hand, giving her comforting words. Both she and Mike had felt both sorrow and relief. Their relationship with their mother had been a strained one for years. It seemed as though the woman they knew, as 'Mother' had died long ago way before the Visitors had arrived. Now was only the finality. .
.She and Jack Riley had started to rebuild the Aquarium and restock the mammals. It would be some time though before it was up and running again. As she listened to the Mayor she hoped this get together would be over soon. She had invited Martin, and some of the other former resistance and fifth column to come out to her beach house for a get together after words. The Maxwell's had politely refused and it was understandable. Elizabeth was still uncomfortable around people. The child's emotions were a mystery. Elias, Willie, Lorraine, Nathaniel, Sancho and Eliase's father had all accepted, as did Mike and Julie. .
.The war had been a devastating and horrifying experience. But out of it had come something more. People had learned to stand together. To fight for what they believed in. To fight for their lives. New friends were made from all walks of life. And some found love, where they least expected it. .
Mike and Martin left the studio and loaded up their camera equipment. They were on their way to Paramount Studios to film for a story on the rebuilding of a section destroyed by the Visitors. Things in L.A. were slowly returning to normal. Sections of the city destroyed or damaged during the war were slowly being rebuilt. One lingering problem was a new prejudice. One against the Fifth Columnist who had chosen to stay on Earth. There were those, and many of them, who had lost family and friends during the war and would never forgive or forget, and hated all "Lizards." They didn't care, or couldn't understand that if it wasn't for them the war would still be raging, or maybe even lost for that matter. Because of this Mike was protective of Martin, and glad he had chosen to become Mikes assistant and protegee'. It wasn't so much that Martin couldn't take care of himself. He could. But Mike had his sister Tari to think about too. She loved Martin dearly. Probably as much as he loved Julie. If anything were to happen to him she would be devastated. So Mike took it upon himself the keep an eye out for Martin. Besides, he honestly liked him. He couldn't ask for a truer or more loyal friend. They finished loading the van and hopped in. As they drove away, Mike turned to his friend and asked, "So how are you and Tari getting along? I haven't spoken to her in a couple of days."
Martin dropped his head shyly smiling. When he looked up again he was watching the road in front of him as he answered.
"We enjoy each others company"
Mike grinned sheepishly " I'll bet."
"Mike, are you sure you don't have reservations about my seeing Tari?" Martin asked seriously.
"Hey" Mike replied earnestly "I told you I'd back the two of you no matter what. I meant it. Besides, I think you are good for each other."
"She's still hoping to find her Dolphins." Martin said changing the subject satisfied that Mike was in deed comfortable with the relationship between he and Tari. "She believes they are still in the area some where."
"Yup." Mike sighed. "She loved those dolphins like they were her kids. She still trying to help Jack get the aquarium up and running?"
"Yes" Martin replied. "she has been very busy trying to hire contractors to rebuild . They expect to have it ready to house the marine life in a few weeks."
"Thats good " Mike said as he hit the blinker and maneuvered the car into the right lane. " I know how much she enjoys her work.
The two were quiet for a few moments until Martin broke the silence.
"How are you and Julie getting along?" He asked with a sheepish grin of his own.
Mike smiled, thinking of his golden haired love. "Oh we're getting along fine. She's been busy with her research, but we've still managed to find time to spend together. You know Martin, I've been thinking."
Martin looked at him. "About what Mike?"
"Well, with that inheritance, I've been thinking about buying a house outside the city and asking her to move in. Of course you're still welcome to stay with me as long as you want. I want a big house. They'll be plenty of room. I wonder if she'll even accept?"
Martin smiled. " I am sure that she will, I don't want to intrude. The fact is" He paused a moment. "Tari has suggested that we, that I move in with her. It would seem a simple solution so that we could spend more time together. We were not sure how to approach you about it."
Mike raised his eyebrows and glanced at Martin as he turned the van into the Paramount studios. "Oh really? Gee, I didn't know I made that bad of a room mate!"
Martin had a quizzical look on his face. "Mike this has nothing to do with you."
Mike laughed As he stopped the van near the construction site. "I'm just kidding Martin. I'm happy for you two. I really am. I just hope Julie feels the same way about moving in with me. Well lets get the van unloaded and get this shoot done. Maybe we can knock off a little early today if we get this done." Mike said as he got out of the van.
Raven gracefully walked across the foyer to the receptionist desk of the 51st floor. In all appearances it looked like a normal office. Open bullpen setup. People hustling and bustling about their morning work. Telephones ringing. Printers printing reports. Chatter.
.To her right was a double glass door that led to a long corridor to a heavy door with a surveillance camera in the upper corner. No one would ever think what was through that door. .
."May I help you?" the receptionist asked. .
."Raven to see Mr. Atwater." .
.The receptionist looked Raven up and down once then at her book then back at Raven. "Yes. I see you have an appointment with Mr. Atwater in 5 minutes. Please take this badge," she said handing her the badge, "and proceed through the glass doors." She pressed a button and the doors opened. .
."Thank you," Raven said with a slight bow putting on the badge. She turned and walked through the door, down the corridor, to the large heavy door. It too magically opened. `Big brother always watching,' she thought as she passed. .
.The door led to a larger room with computers, desks, people, large maps and a large glass conference room at the far end. Inside was Mr. Atwater waiting for her. .
."Mr. Atwater. Good to see you again, Sir," Raven said as she held her hand out. .
."And you, Raven." He firmly shook her hand. "Good to see you made it through the war in one piece. How was your vacation?" .
."Relaxing. Cambodia is beautiful this time of year." .
."Wouldn't know. Never been myself." He was still shocked to know her favorite vacation spot was the temples of Cambodia. Weird in his opinion. .
."Have you been in any contact with the former resistance members?" .
.She sat down at the table watching him sit as well. "I've only been in contact with Elias Taylor. I know the whereabouts of Julie Parrish, Mike Donovan, his sister and Martin, the former Fifth Columnist, Robert Maxwell and his family along with Willie and a few other Fifth Columnists. I should be able to establish contact with them in the next couple weeks." .
."Good. Very good. Your ongoing assignment will be to keep track of these people. We want to make sure of their whereabouts in case of any future surprises by our enemy." .
."Do you really think they'll be back? With the red dust and all?" .
."Dr. Parrish developed an antidote. They can too. Who knows how long that will take but it is possible and it is our job as an international intelligence agency to keep track of all known enemies." He drummed his fingers on the table. `A most annoying habit,' she thought. .
."Of course. How long?" .
."Until further notice. You will be based here in LA with an established contact. Trevor. He works here on this floor in the front area. Contact him everyday with a report on your daily activities. That should about do it for this briefing. If you have any questions, now is a time to ask." .
.She studied him for a moment. "No. No questions for now. I will call if I come up with any." .
."Please direct them to Trevor from this point forward." He stood up motioning her to do the same. "You can leave the way you came." He walked her to the large door that again magically opened. .
.`How do they do that?' she thought. .
.She dropped her visitor pass at the receptionist's desk and briefly wondered is she should introduce herself to this Trevor. It was nice to know the person who could eventually become her lifeline. She decided against it for the time being, instead opting to call him later today to introduce herself. .
.With that decision she left the building and made her way to her car. She stopped by on her way home from the airport and at this point only wanted a long hot shower and some sleep. She would try and contact her fellow former resistance members later. She genuinely liked them. Especially Julie. She felt a weird connection to her. Anyway. Shower and sleep. Yes. Good idea. .