Author's Notes: This story was posted on PS as a followup to "The Infant" and deals with what happened to Sandoval after that story. I needed a side trip to work on Sandoval for the next part of "A Happy Family". If you have not read "The Infant", then this probably will not make a whole lot of sense. This version differs from the previously posted version by one sentence.

A Slick Explanation
by Selma McCrory (Angel Island)
copyright 2000

Sandoval returned to consciousness rather suddenly, and was not all that astonished to find himself in a confinement cell and stripped of his skrill. He couldn't tell if he was at the Embassy or the Mothership, but it was clear that Da'an had finally stopped shielding him the moment he tried to use the Taelon as a hostage. This had been the second time Da'an had been his hostage, the time before it was because of DeeDee. Now, it had been just for the simple reason of wanting to know what exactly Major Kincaid had to do with the Taelons' plans.

Unfortunately, despite Da'an's treatment of Major Kincaid, the other man had chosen to stay loyal to his Companion. It was surprising that he would, but he had. It made the mystery of Major Kincaid all that more important for him to know. And he would know. It could be as simple as having the young man secretly implanted, quietly bending his will, even making him loyal to Da'an despite everything that had happened.

In any case, the young man was valuable to the Taelons, which meant he was a factor that concerned Sandoval. The moment that Sandoval was able to get out of there would be the moment where he'd start going into all the information he could possibly find about Liam Kincaid.

Of course, he'd have to get out first. He'd have to convince Zo'or that his attack on Da'an was just a loyalty test that he was conducting on Major Kincaid. Maybe he could get away with it. By the time a Volunteer came to get him, he had a plan.

* * *

When he came up in front of Zo'or, the arrogant Taelon was looking down his nose at Sandoval. Of course, Zo'or was fond of doing that; it no doubt made him feel significant. Of course, Sandoval's 'supposed' wrongdoing would make him feel even more arrogant towards humanity.

"Ah, Agent Sandoval," Zo'or said, and Sandoval inwardly winced at the smug tone of the Taelon's voice. "I understand that you were part of an altercation with Major Kincaid that started with your attack upon Da'an. Would you care to explain yourself before you are sent off to reimplantation?"

"Yes, Zo'or," Sandoval told him, starting in on his story. "I have a perfectly reasonable explanation for my actions, which were only to the benefit of the Taelons."

"And what would those be, Agent Sandoval?" Zo'or asked. "I would be interested in hearing your version of events."

Zo'or threw a sharp look over to one side, and Sandoval realized that Da'an and the scientist Ty'ir were both to one side. Would they refute what he said?

"I visited the Washington embassy to bring Major Kincaid to the mothership per your request, Zo'or. When I arrived, Da'an informed me that the Major had left the embassy. I left for Major Kincaid's apartment to look for him. When I arrived, the apartment was empty; the Major had apparently left in a hurry. Through some sources, I discovered that Major Kincaid had apparently departed for Ireland, and the report said that he was in a panic.

"I departed to where my source said he was, but he saw me and went into a panic for an unknown reason. When he was persuaded to return, I decided to test his loyalty. The way I chose was to hold my skrill on Da'an, knowing that if the Major was still loyal to the Companions, that he would react to the threat. Da'an, I assumed, would remember my actions a few years ago when my CVI failed and when I did the same thing, and would know it was a test. Since I am here, I assume that I did not communicate my intent to Da'an clearly."

Zo'or looked at him. "I will take this into consideration, Agent Sandoval, although a reimplantation would not harm you and might indeed be beneficial."

* * *

Da'an came to him, standing outside his cell. "Da'an," he acknowledged. "Is there any word?"

The Taelon's graceful fingers waved around. "Zo'or has not made a decision regarding your actions. He is awaiting my testimony. Apparently, Agent Sandoval, the reasons for your actions are far different than what I understood. Is it my understanding that your actions towards me were only a loyalty test, and they will not occur again?"

Da'an was being discreet, but then again Da'an's own hide was on the line if Zo'or figured out what he had been doing. Zo'or was supposed to be in charge of the Hybrid project, which meant that whatever Da'an was doing with Kincaid was illegal. Still, Da'an could be useful. "They will not occur again, Da'an. I am satisfied with Major Kincaid's loyalty. I was concerned as to his actions, but clearly mutiny is not part of them."

"Excellent, Agent Sandoval. Then I will tell Zo'or of my perspective."

* * *

Sandoval was summoned again. "Agent Sandoval," Zo'or said, "It appears that the request to reimplant you has been withdrawn, although you are cautioned against such tactics in the future. If you are in need of testing an employee's loyalty, you will avoid doing so in a manner that endangers a Companion. Is this understood?"

"Understood, Zo'or," Sandoval said. "I have already extended my apologies to Da'an and assured him that it will not happen again."

"See that it does not," Zo'or ordered, apparently dismissing him. Apparently, he was free to go. Nodding, he went to find his skrill and his way back to Earth. He had some planning to do.

-end