T’kana looked over at the other two humans, “Is what they say true?”

Lassiter jumped at the chance, “It is.  Spencer, here, is very disobedient.  He won’t listen to anything you say.  In truth, he’ll make your lives impossible.  You won’t get anything out of him no matter what you try.”

B’harla raised an eyebrow (or, what they all thought was one), “Very well.  T’kana, send the two humans to the other ship.  We will forgo punishment until a further date.  Palar, return them to Earth, then meet us out here.”

Palar looked slightly confused, but bowed and readied the ship for receiving Lassiter and Karen.  As he did, Juliet looked up at the screen and saw Shawn mouth something.  He kept repeating the same thing over and over again; blue button, red circle, blue button, red circle.

Juliet’s eyes surveyed the buttons on the control board in front of the aliens.  There, near the center, was the same button Shawn was referring to.  She looked back up, nodding slightly to Shawn, indicating she found it. 

Shawn covertly winked, then turned his attention back to the Elders.  They had placed Lassiter and Karen on two platforms, then began to push a sequence of buttons on the main control board.  Shawn watched carefully, memorizing the sequence so he could escape. 

“You will feel dizzy for a few seconds after you end up on their ship, but it shall pass,” B’harla said.

Gus felt uneasy.  Something wasn’t right about all this.  The Elders had given up too easily; way too easily.  He watched every move over the screen, keeping special attention to Shawn. 

Henry watched the aliens on the ship he was on.  Pushing aside his disbelief in this whole charade for the moment, he didn’t trust a single alien that was in the picture.  Whether they were on this ship or the other one, it didn’t matter.  Something was off about them.

Marlowe watched as Lassiter was loaded onto the platform.  She turned and saw where the platforms were on their ship; running over to grab her husband the minute he made an appearance. 

“Prepare for transport.  Lowering shields.  L’wana, prepare to receive the two humans,” B’harla ordered.

“Yes, Esteemed One,” L’wana replied, pushing a few buttons on the control board.  

A buzzing noise sounded throughout the ships, which made every human on board take notice.  Palar saw the looks and smiled, “It’s all right.  It’s just the teleportation warming up.”

Juliet knew something else was happening.  She tapped L’wana on the shoulder and motioned for her to follow.  When they were out of sight from the Elders, Juliet spoke.

“Linda, right?” she asked.

“Yes, that was my human name.  My real name is L’wana.  What troubles you, Juliet?”

“This whole thing.  It’s like something is off,” Juliet replied.

L’wana blinked, “Off?  All of our equipment is on.”

“No.  I mean, something’s not right.  The Elders gave up too easily.” Juliet answered.

Gus came over just then, having seen them leave.  He heard Juliet’s concern and jumped in.

“She’s right.  It’s too suspicious,” he said.

“Why do you feel that?” L’wana asked.

“Simply because they claimed, and you claimed, that Lassiter, Karen and Shawn would be paying for your insolence.  You stood up to the Elders, they got angry, then suddenly they decide to let them go in return for Shawn doing what they say?” Juliet said.

L’wana thought for a moment, looking around the corner at the screen.  She then looked over at the transporter pads and saw the flash of light.  Lassiter and Karen were there suddenly, looking dazed but all right.

“Your friends have returned,” she said, pointing to them.

Lassiter was already off the platform, being bear-hugged by Marlowe.  Karen was being helped off by Henry.

“Yes, and we’re glad.  But we want Shawn back, now.” Juliet said.  Gus nodded feverishly in agreement.

“I’m afraid that’s impossible,” Palar said, walking over to the three.

“Why?” Gus asked.

“Because the Elders are gone.  Your friend Shawn is with them, now.  I don’t know how long, but it will be a while until you see him again.” J’ahara said. 

Henry looked up at the now darkened screen and felt anger swell inside him.  Karen had been set down on a stool nearby, and Lassie was still in an embrace with Marlowe.  The elder Spencer shook his head.

“Follow them,” he ordered.

Suina, who’d been manning the controls, looked at him calmly, “I cannot.  They will surely kill your son if we do.”

“I’m doubting it.  They’re up to something and my son is on that ship.  Follow them!” Henry shouted, his voice raising with every word.

Palar came over and gently placed his hand on Henry’s shoulder, “Mr. Spencer, do not worry.  Your son will be fine.”

Henry shook off the alien’s hand and headed for the controls, “If you don’t follow them, I’m going to start pushing buttons.”

The four aliens looked at each other and nodded.  J’ahara took a deep breath and let it out slow, “Very well, Mr. Spencer.  I can assure you, though; if we are seen following the Elders, Shawn will be punished.”

“My boy is strong, but they won’t hurt him.  Because if they do, I’ll return the favor,” Henry said with fervor. 

Lassiter nodded in approval, “I’m with Henry.  I may not be a fan of his methods, but he’s a colleague in trouble.  Now, follow them.”

L’wana turned to Suina, “Follow the Elders, but keep your distance.  We don’t want them knowing we’re behind them.”

“Yes, L’wana.  Setting course for our home world.  Are you sure these humans can handle the trip?” she asked.

Palar looked at the faces of the six people, “Yes.  They can handle it.  I can see it in their eyes.”

Suina nodded, then began pushing a sequence of buttons on the control board.  With one last button, the ship flashed and vanished into space, taking six humans on a wild ride through the cosmos, ready to rescue Shawn.