Lili stood before Zo'or. She suppressed the growing panic, knowing that she had to keep a cool head, now more than ever. Zo'or sat on his chair motionless, staring coldly into space. If that was meant to scare her, it worked. But she did not wish to give the Taelon the satisfaction of seeing her afraid. Lili swallowed hard and stood firmly, even defiantly, awaiting her sentence. She knew Zo'or would never hand her over to a human court--she knew too much about Taelon activities. Well, she always knew this moment would come. But she did not quite expect it to turn out this way. Lili put the thought out of her head, she must not dwell on that now. Again, she acted the part of the hard-bitten marine soldier, as she had many times before.

Zo'or looked at a fragile human who was standing so defiantly even though she probably knew what fate awaited her. He had not suspected her to be a spy, he should have paid more attention. After all, she was not an implant. But the implant should have noticed. He would have a rather unpleasant talk with him later. Zo'or moved his eyes to the Asian implant standing a few feet away, who shivered uncomfortably as if guessing his masters thought. That caused a slight smile to cross the Taelons face. And he knew humans were unnerved by his smile.

Returning his gaze to Captain Marquette he thought of what he would do with her. He had known it from the moment she fell to the floor, hit by his Agent's skrill, but waited to announce his decision, knowing the effect this pause may have on a human's morale. She will tell all--Zo'or was sure... He did not enjoy seeing beings suffer and so hoped that fear would serve its purpose and he wouldn't have to use other forms of persuasion. But looking at the former pilot now, he realized it was not likely. Scientists have noticed that CVI's MI function did not take properly if the subject resisted the implantation. She would have to be broken before that. Ironically, he could not proceed with methods that would ensure full compliance until he got a full compliance.

He gave it a try, not really expecting an answer: "How long have you been working for the Liberation, Captain Marquette?"

Lili had nothing to lose: "Longer than I've been working for the Companions." she replied in a calm voice even though her heart was racing.

Zo'or blinked at her response, but it was not what really interested him. He needed names, and one name in particular--the Synod had overturned his decision regarding Da'an's arrest. He needed solid proof and Captain Marquette confession would be the proof he needed. And he would get it.

As he was getting ready to ask the next question, Da'an's graceful figure appeared in the corridor leading to the bridge. Zo'or paused, giving the North American Companion time to approach.

"I will observe the interrogation," Da'an positioned himself to the right of the Synod leader.

Zo'or considered his words--It would be more difficult to make the human implicate Da'an if he was standing right there, but on the other hand it could be for the better -- there would be no grounds for appeal when Marquette finally tells everything--and she will--there are means that will compel anyone...

It would not be pleasant, but it was unavoidable. The one condition the Synod gave him was that the human must not be led in the questioning. He could not ask for Da'an's name directly. In everything else he had the green light to use any means he deemed necessary--and that was more than any human can withstand.

Now, with Da'an standing beside him he actually went to the question that mattered.

"Who were your contacts aboard the mothership?" he inquired.

"I did not have any." Lili replied, even though she was aware that everyone on the bridge knew she was lying.

"I see you insist on making this difficult. But I will get the information I require" Zo'or stated flatly. This emotionless voice caused more fear in Lili than any threats. Zo'or noticed the humans reaction even though she hid it well. He gestured to Sandoval to proceed. He opened his global and requested that bracelet be delivered to the bridge. His face twitched as he remembered using the device last time. It was not very often--fortunately most subjects cooperated before it came to that, like that pathetic Resistance sympathizer Thomas Payne... He never thought he would end up using it on his Aide though.

Zo'or made sure not to show any emotion. Yet he did feel agitated. He had never personally been present during an interrogation before. Normally, subjects would be taken to the lab and later their testimonies would be delivered to him neatly typed. He held no illusions about how those confessions were obtained--he had sanctioned the development of a few devices himself, but there was no need for him to go into the details. This case required his personal supervision. The testimony of such a high-ranking resistance DCO was the proof he needed for the Synod.

Two implants walked in and started installing the video-recording device. Zo'or looked directly at Da'an who had said nothing. But they both knew the meaning of it--it was the beginning of the end for Da'an. The camera was there at the request of the Synod, so that there could be no doubt that the Liberation agent had not been coached before the confession. The Synod would view the entire, unedited interrogation. Da'an's presence only strengthened his position.

A middle-aged man, wearing a white lab-coat entered the bridge. He handed Sandoval the faintly shimmering metal bracelet and the program tube after which he was dismissed. In complete silence, the attaché installed the tube into Zo'or's command chair, until a small holographic projection of a transparent glowing sphere appeared suspended before Zo'or. Sandoval stepped down.

Da'an observed this with quiet sadness. He was acutely aware of his helplessness in this matter, and only centuries of diplomatic experience helped him to remain calm, and play his proper role. He did not know why he had come, but knew he could not stay away at this moment.

There was nothing he could do. He could not intervene and demand a stop to the interrogation of the Liberation agent, especially in light of Zo'or's accusation. It was accepted by the Synod that her testimony would seal the fate of the renegade Taelon. He knew Lili would stay quiet as long as she could and endure far more than any other human so as not to betray him... but she would eventually be broken--Zo'or would not give up until he got what he wanted. And Da'an knew what he was about to witness...