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Jason touched Riti's shoulder to get his attention, "Do you mean 'Vulcans'?"
"I don't really know. It sounded like Vulcanian when they said it. Why?" he replied curiously.
Tulek took over, "Because I am a Vulcan, Riti. It is both the name of my race and of my homeworld."
Riti's face showed hope suddenly, "Then you will look after me? You will be my new father?"
Tulek froze. He looked at Riti seriously for a moment, and weighed his own words carefully, "Child, I am an officer in Starfleet. Starfleet is a group of people and aliens who live in spaceships and explore space, as well as defend our home planets from 'bad' people. It would not be safe for you to stay with me, as I am always on board a starship. I would find it acceptable to be your A'nirih, he who stands as your father, but I cannot provide for you as you need. However, since you have been sent in search of Vulcans, it is my duty to find you a home, or help in some way to effect that end."
Dafydd added quickly as he saw Riti's face fall, "Riti?" The child looked up at him with moist eyes. "Son, I am under the command of Vulcan's High Council. The Vulcan Ambassador for Earth is my direct superior. He is in charge of me. And he is in charge of everyone on this ship, including you. We are about to head back to my homeworld, where he is, right now. I'm sure he will find you a new family."
Dafydd's family looked surprised at the new information regarding Dafydd's orders, and threw questioning looks at each other. He noticed and mouthed 'Later' to them before reaching to lift Riti from Nathan's lap onto his own. "I will speak to the Ambassador in a few minutes, but I promise, we will find someone to look after you."
"Leave off, Daf," Angela said, laughter in her voice, "you know as well as I do that we'll have him, if the Ambassador wills it!"
"Busted, Dad," Nathan giggled happily.
Riti looked between Angela and Dafydd before latching onto Dafydd in a full hug, "Oh, yes please! Please be my family! I like you, even if you are different... please??"
"We'll do our best, Kiddo," Dafydd held on tightly to the child as he stood. "I think I'd better contact Sarek right away. Jason, can you and Nath' run to the quartermaster and get a pair of child's swimming shorts or something?"
Riti raised his head slightly, "What is that for?"
"For you to wear, son."
"Do I have to? I've never worn coverings before. Do I really have to?" he pleaded.
Angela chuckled softly, "He's from a different culture, Daf. Isn't Starfleet meant to respect such?"
"Point taken, my dear. Okay, son, no coverings, but if you are staying with us, then you might actually need to wear something. It is a lot colder where we live than your home, I would think."
"Okay, Nají," he mumbled, as he laid his head back on Dafydd's shoulder.
Jason looked at him curiously, "Does that mean 'father', Riti?"
"Nají? Najura is 'father'. Nají is... I don't know..."
"Dad? Daddy?"
"Maybe, if it's a name you give your father, then yes. I don't know those words, though," Riti said with a shy smile.
"What do ya call your mother, then?" Antony asked with interest.
"Mezí. Mezara is mother. Mezí is what I called her. Can I call you that?" he asked, looking at Angela.
"I'd be honoured, Sweetie." Angela moved over to hug Dafydd, Riti held tightly between them, and kissed both briefly. "I'd be really honoured," she repeated, more thickly this time.
"Well," Antony quipped, "looks like he just adopted you!"
After clearing his throat, Dafydd moved over to the comm, "Evans to Bridge."
"Yes, Sir?" Lieutenant Roberts responded.
"Set course for Terra Main, best speed, and contact the Vulcan Embassy. I'll need to speak to the Ambassador as soon as he's available."
"Aye, Sir. Course laid in and we'll be under way in a minute. I'll arrange for contact as soon as we're in warp."
"Thanks, Evans out." Dafydd turned and addressed the others. "Let's go to the Lounge, I think we'll be more comfortable."
"Captain, with your permission I will return to Riti's craft and help with the examination." Tulek requested.
"Make it so," with that, Dafydd left, leading the others behind him.
The comm beeped as the group entered the main lounge area.
"Evans here, go ahead, Lieutenant."
"On course for Terra Main and the Ambassador is on Gold Channel One for you, Sir," came the reply.
"Understood. Transfer it to the private viewer on C Deck and continue."
"Aye, Sir."
The comm when silent as the captain and others moved through to the secure room within the Lounge. The kids all sat on the floor, Riti in the middle of them, while the adults arranged themselves on the chairs. Victoria seemed to be slightly friendlier towards Riti, however, they were both shooting each other long, curious looks as if waiting for the next insult.
The screen flickered to life to show the Evans' own front living room, with Sarek seated comfortably on one of the armchairs, Shelly sleeping peacefully at his feet. "Greetings, Captain, Mrs Evans, Children. I am afraid I do not know your names, nor those of the other two..." Sarek trailed off to allow Dafydd to introduce everyone. He did so, but left out Riti, which was not missed by Sarek. However, he had already deduced that the hitherto unknown alien was the one rescued from the craft the Hood had been sent to find. "Greetings all. I take it that the rescue was a success?"
"Yes, Ambassador, we..."
"Please, Captain. We are not in public. I would find it most acceptable for you to address me as Sarek, when in private."
"I am honoured, Sarek. Please, I too would find it most acceptable for you to address me as Dafydd also, when not on official business."
"My thanks. Please continue, but please: no specific details. The picture has been encrypted beyond hope of any save a Vulcan computer to unlock, yet there are some with the capabilities to slice into the voice encrypts."
"Understood. This call was mainly to tell you we have accomplished everything, yet we also require your advice. If you feel better about it, we could talk when we arrive. Do you want to beam aboard, or shall we come to you?"
"Come to me. I have secured your residence against interference. We will be secure here, in more ways than you know. I shall await your arrival," Sarek paused then reached down to scratch Shelly's ear. "Jason, your kelek'aushfa, Shelly, is a well behaved ron'tu. She is also an exceptional 'guard dog', I believe is the term. You are to be commended for seeing to her needs, adequately."
Jason beamed, "Thanks, Sir. My sister and Nath' help a lot with her, too."
"Then you are all to be commended. I shall see you presently. Sarek out." The viewscreen went blank.
Graham grinned at the happy eleven year old before asking his Captain, "How long to earth?"
"Twenty minutes maximum. Due to having to circumnavigate the solar system to get there, it does take longer than you'd expect. And, as you know, Warp 4 is the limit within populated planetary systems unless it is an emergency."
"Can we have something to eat then, Daddy?" Victoria begged, "I'm starving!"
"Yes, honey; I can see you wasting away before my eyes. Can't have that!" Dafydd laughed, much to the annoyance of his daughter. She hated being teased. He turned to the little cherub, "Riti, I'm not sure what you can eat, to be honest, but I'm sure we can find you something."
Graham offered quickly, "His biology suggests a similar diet to our own, Daf. Just feed him as you would the others."
Riti had perked up considerably at the mention of food. He jumped to his feet in anticipation. "I'm really, really hungry, Nají!"
"I bet," Antony giggled, "you've not eaten in over a hundred and seventy years!"
'I think we need to restock the galley,' Graham thought to himself as he followed behind the others into to transporter room. 'Six kids, one kitchen; absolute chaos. Glad the staff loved having them there...'
Jason turned and grinned at him, giving away that he had been eaves–dropping on the casual thoughts from those around him. He rubbed his stomach happily, before turning back to Riti and his father. Dafydd had sat down on the steps leading up to the transport platform and had Riti on his lap in a loose hug.
"Son, what is about to happen to us might be a little scary, but I don't want you to worry. We have a machine that can make you disappear from one place and reappear in another in just a few seconds. It's called beaming, or transporting."
"Erm, will it hurt?" Riti asked nervously.
Jason took over, "No, it tickles a bit, and it's a lot of fun, really. I was really nervous the first time too, but now I love it."
Riti smiled at him, and then at Dafydd, "Okay, Nají. I'll be brave, I won't panic."
"You can hold hands with your friends, if you want, Riti," the Doc said.
"Really?" Telez queried. "We have never been able to do that before!"
"New technology, Tel," Dafydd responded, "like the site–to–site transporting. It's one of the items we are fully testing on the cruise we're about to go on. This one has passed already, but now we need to check on the other functions."
Dafydd and the children went on first; Riti was between both Nathan and Jason and was holding their hands. His eyes were wide in a mixture of excitement at this new adventure and nervousness. The building hum of the transporter made him start slightly, but a reassurance washed over him. It was Victoria. Being annoyed with Riti was one thing, seeing him scared was something else, and her empathic powers seemed to operate subconsciously and stilled his growing fear. The beams of sparkling light enveloped them all suddenly, and Riti closed his eyes and giggled at the tickling sensation...
... and opened them to see another Vulcan sitting in a chair looking at him. His face was, like Tulek's, impassive, yet there was somehow a kindness and a gentleness there. He smiled uncertainly at Sarek, who nodded his head in greeting as he stood up.
"We're just waiting on the others, Sarek," Dafydd began, "plus Commander Tulek. He has far more information regarding all of this as well."
"Good, it will be agreeable to see my cousin after all these years. We had planned to meet in a few days hence, but this is acceptable."
As the kids moved to the large settee, four more beams of light appeared in the front room and the others appeared. Mary, looking slightly sick, sat down quickly, "I don't care what anyone says, that is not the way to travel. No Sir!"
"No Starfleet career for you, I take it, Mam?" Antony giggled.
"No, nor for you, if I have my way," she said half–heartedly, reaching and messing up his dark hair.
"Oww, Mam; stop it!"
Telez smiled at his Zan'Fi Na, and continued to ruffle his hair as Mary stopped. "I like it messy looking, belovÈd," he whispered so only Antony could hear.
After watching Tulek and Sarek greet each other in formal Vulcan, everyone found a chair or seat and made themselves comfortable. Shelly had claimed the kids' laps and was busy washing them thoroughly, much to the amusement of Riti. Since he had the most skin readily available to clean, he had the hardest job fending off her tongue. His happy squeals of laughter made everyone smile, bar the Vulcans. They just sat there with a faintly amused look in their eyes.
As Shelly finished her nanny–duties and settled down, Dafydd began relaying the events of the afternoon to Sarek. As he came to a close, Sarek beckoned Riti over to him. The young boy drew close to the Vulcan with apprehension. "You were told you were being sent to Vulcan, Riti. It is therefore now our responsibility to either care directly for you, or find such care as you require. It is, however, your wishes and desires that must take precedence. What is it you require; what do you want, Riti?"
Riti turned and looked at Angela and Dafydd for a brief moment, then at the boys and Victoria seated near them. Facing the Ambassador again, he trembled, "Can I stay with them? They said they would be my Nají and Mezí... can I? Please?"
Sarek turned a questioning glance at the captain and his wife, "I take it this is acceptable to you both?"
"Yes, Sir," Angela replied quickly. "I know this house is small, but we are preparing a move, and the new place is large enough for three times this many children, more, even. My only worry is that there is much work that needs done to the new place, and..."
Sarek raised his hand to politely interrupt her, "If you and Dafydd desire it, and obviously young Riti does, House Surak shall provide your needs and requirements. It is a part of your new position in relation to my house and to Vulcan itself. We shall have much to discuss. For now, however, I must point out the following, for the children."
Gathering the other five children's attention to him, Sarek started, "Once I took authority over the Hood and her crew, a Vulcan classification came into effect. 'Yon'kur Wuh'; Red One. This is the highest command of secrecy on Vulcan, and it is recognized by the Federation Council itself. As you and your parents were on board at the time, that command affected you as well. You are now protected and bound by it, no less than the Captain and even I myself."
"As for 'Yon'kur Wuh', you are restricted from speaking about anything that you have seen in regards to your time on the Hood since you went to Yellow Alert. Riti's presence will be explained as simply another alien on Earth. In this locality it is unlikely that the lack of previous knowledge regarding his race would be known, so that explanation would suffice. You are, until 'Yon'kur Wuh' is rescinded, counted as under House Surak, and therefore wherever you reside is a Vulcan Embassy in the eyes of the Federation."
"I, too, am restricted from revealing anything about what is happening with the Hood's mission, including these events this afternoon, as per the orders of the Vulcan High Council. Even I, though I am a Senior Member of the Council, cannot break this law. Only another on the High Council is allowed access to what is happening here. Once 'Yon'kur Wuh' is over, you are then free to reveal whatever you wish, for at that point, it becomes public domain. Do you understand, children?"
"Yes Sir," they all replied in unison, even Riti, although much of what was said went over his head. He was far more interested in his new Mam and Dad. As soon as Sarek had finished, he leaped at Angela and was held in a tight cuddle, "Mezí, my Mezí."
"Kids, why don't you show Telez and Riti around the house, and feed Shelly at the same time. We have a few more things to go over. We'll tell you after, but that poor dog needs her dinner, I think," Angela said gently.
"Yeah," Nathan replied with amusement, "she's real hungry. She keeps tenderizing Riti."
Riti, who had been giggling as Shelly was licking his feet and lower legs, looked slightly worried, "She won't eat me, will she?"
"No, Little Dude," Jason laughed. "Nath' is just teasing you... poorly. It's only natural though, as he's blond and all."
"I'll get you for that, Jace!"
"Promise?"
Dafydd cleared his throat, "Save it for later, you two. Scoot and get that dog fed."
The six pre–teens ran out giggling, Riti's wings seeming to flutter behind him to fend off the still wet, tickling tongue of Shelly.
"He is a happy child. I am most surprised, really. In his view, he's only been separated from his parents for a few hours," Graham said with worry.
Mary said, "I'm betting it will come home to roost soon, Doc, and we'll have the tears and such to deal with. It will be hard work."
The Doc nodded as Angela responded, "I'm just grateful we have five other exceptional children here to help. Especially Jace and Nath'."
"I am sure you will succeed in bringing the child the stability he requires," Sarek spoke seriously. "Is there any more information regarding him? You mentioned, Dafydd, that my cousin came with more."
They all sat down again in the now quieter room and Dafydd nodded at Tulek to begin.
Riti watched with interest as Jason opened a can of dog food and tipped it into Shelly's bowl, "Is that stuff what you people eat? It stinks. That poor... what is this creature?"
"She's a dog, and to her, this is probably the nicest smelling food going. I agree with you, though, Little Dude: it stinks!" Jason explained. "Trust me, we don't eat this crap!"
"Good. Now, will you tell her to stop licking me and start on her food??" Riti giggled.
Nathan laughed, "You've got more exposed skin for her to clean. It's irresistible for her!"
Shelly, however, saw the bowl being lowered and stopped giving Riti his first earth–based wash and started inhaling the foul smelling, yet obviously appetizing, 'food'.
Victoria was busy rummaging through the freezer on a quest for more ice cream, while Telez was looking longingly out the kitchen window and up the mountainside. The house was a terrace and since it was built on one of the mountains overlooking the town, the back gardens all sloped up the hill. "Can we go out there for a while?" Telez asked Jason.
"Sure, but we'll need coats... well, you won't, will ya?"
"Not likely, cousin," Telez replied as he unlocked the back door and went out.
Riti jumped back as the cold, icy December air started to freeze things that should never be frozen. "Ooo, no, no, no... I can't go out there! That's not normal! What is your planet like, Jason?!"
Jason looked at the naked child with concern, "You do need clothes, Dude, but how the hell are we going to get a top on you? Those wings..." he trailed off helplessly.
Nathan thought quietly for a moment. "We might need to speak to Sarek about this; I don't think we can manage proper clothes for him." Riti was now hugged into Nathan's side and still shivering, even though the door had been closed by Antony as he followed his boyfriend out the back.
"Vic, please tell the guys we're taking Riti upstairs to look for something to wear," Jason said as he led Nathan and Riti out of the kitchen.
"'Kay, Jace," came the mumbled reply from the pair of legs sticking out of the freezer.
The three boys went upstairs and into the bedroom. Jason's room overlooked the back and gave a wonderful view of the garden sloping up the mountainside as well as further on up the mountain itself. Riti seemed mesmerized but also forlorn. It was just too cold out there for him. Jason and Nathan found one of Jason's old boxes of clothes that was hidden in the back of the airing cupboard and brought it into the room. They opened it and started pulling out various items of clothing.
"Riti, can you come here for a minute, Little Dude?" Jason asked.
He came away from the back window and stood by Jason, "What's all this?"
"Well, It's my old stuff, things that I have grown to big to wear. Here, try this on," Jason handed him a pair of old tracksuit bottoms, "should be small enough to fit you, and should keep you warmer."
"We're gonna have a problem with tops, love," Nathan mumbled, as he rummaged through the pile within the box. "How's he meant to get his wings through these things?" Nathan held out a tee–shirt and a jumper for inspection.
Riti looked up from the box to stare at the two items held out to him. He giggled, "No way! My wings will get all squished!"
Jason shrugged, "We'll think of something. Here, Dude, come over here." He led Riti to the bed and sat down, Riti stood in front of him. "Put your hands on my shoulders to balance and I'll help you put the bottoms on. You've never dressed before, have you?" Riti shook his head as he did as instructed. Within a minute, Jason had gotten the bottoms on the child and used the draw cord to fit snugly about his waist. "How's that feel?"
"Warm, but funny. I'll not be able to fly, though. Too baggy." Riti said thoughtfully.
Nathan had given up with the box and had gone to the window, thinking hard. As he looked outside he saw something that brought his thoughts to a jarring halt. "Guys, you're not gonna believe this!"
They came over and looked out at the grass beyond. "Jesus! Tel, you are nuts!" Jason muttered. "Riti, grab that quilt and pull it around you, I'm gonna open the window." Riti ran to the bed and did so quickly. When he came back he stood as far from the side Jason was on as possible but still able to see the funniest thing in the garden.
Telez. Sunbathing. Stark naked... in the middle of winter!
Tulek sat next to Sarek and began relaying what had been gleaned from the alien craft, "Riti has travelled further than we had originally thought; his homeworld is somewhere around twelve thousand light–years away from the Federation, and his ship has been in transit for nearly one hundred and eighty years."
Mary looked shocked, "How... how long would it take us to travel that distance?"
"More than eleven years at maximum sustainable warp. The Enterprise would take longer than the Hood, and the Excelsior would likely take less time, at least until the modifications on the Hood are tested."
Sarek impassively stated, "Then there is nothing that we can effectively do, regarding whatever problems are present on Riti's homeworld. A Task Force, if required, would be out of distance and in completely unfamiliar territory. Not to mention that we have to pass through both the Klingon and Romulan empires to get there. We are on better terms with the Klingons these days, but the Romulan situation is still... fragile at best."
"Correct, cousin," Tulek agreed. "We cannot do anything, even though the request for assistance seems to be here; Riti's ship was programmed to bring him to Vulcan, or as near as could be managed. How the Lo'Garn came to hear about us is a matter of conjecture, but hear about us, they did. The information left in the memory banks is spotty and fragmented. We do know that Jason is right in his knowledge of the solar rotation of Lo'Ga, Riti's home. We know that Lo'Ga has a temperate climate more akin to the south European coast, or Florida, for example. We know that there is a massive injustice being perpetrated by a faction called the "White–Wings" against those they deem as demons, the "Black–Wings". We know nothing about their history, however, nor about the details of the injustice, nor the precise location of Lo'Ga."
"Also, there is an unsettling piece of information we managed to retrieve. It seems that Riti might not be the only youth who was sent away from Lo'Ga. His ship was set up with a joint 'slave–system' and was linked to another. There seemed to be a spacial event anomaly that the ship passed through, which blew out the nacelles and set the ship adrift without power. It was at that point that the link with the other ship was broken. It is logical therefore to assume that, somewhere along Riti's original flight path, another ship is in transit. If that too came through the spacial anomaly, then it could be in the same general area as Riti's ship was. We have already contacted the Vulcan High Command and requested they be on the lookout for a disabled craft along the approximate path we think Riti travelled, but we cannot be sure that the other ship came through as well."
"Dear God in heaven," Graham's face went pale. "Another? Why the hell didn't they send them in the same damn ship!"
"Simple, Doctor," Tulek said with obvious feeling of helplessness, "the ships themselves are only prototypes. Short range warp exploration ships, with room enough for two crew, of Lo'Garn size, to live in for extended periods of time. However, they cannot support two cryo–units. They are, simply put, very expensive life rafts, able to send one child a piece away in stasis. Two units would have certainly drained the ships of power in less than fifty years."
"We will keep watch on the path you think Riti came by, cousin. I can assure you, the High Council will back the search for the other child," Sarek stated firmly. He looked down at his folded hands, "This is a mystery that we cannot solve today, however, and we have much to discuss. Captain, I will be explaining your mission to you fully at our meeting on the 31st, but for now, I believe some small knowledge would be advantageous to all concerned. You are all permitted full access to all information as to the mission, but it must come through channels. The Command staff of the Hood, I can debrief directly. Mary and Angela, you must draw the information from the Captain. The children can draw it from any of you. It is, however, in your authority to deny them said information. Just as it is in the Captain's to deny you. Some of what is happening is at highly sensitive, and could instil panic."
"In brief, the Federation Council, operating through the Vulcan High Council in this case, the Klingon Empire and the Romulan Star Empire, are conducting a joint operation. This operation is vital to the stability of the Alpha and Beta Quadrants. The Hood has been assigned to this task as it is the combination of the best thinking from Earth and Vulcan in regards to its new technology. It is smaller than our Vulcan Battle Cruisers, yet almost as powerful, and in many ways more versatile. The Constitution Class ships have always had that advantage. Once she has proven the technology, it will be spread throughout the rest of the Constitution Fleet, including the newer Excelsior Class Fleet. Also, all Vulcan ships will gain those few items the Hood is testing on our behalf."
"The Hood is going, as is a Vulcan Command Cruiser, the D'Tir. Two Romulan ships have been assigned as well as two Klingon Battleships. We are taking no chances with the mission objective, and the best that each of our governments have to offer is going. All information regarding our mutual defences are being purged from the memory banks of the Hood and the D'Tir. I am led to believe that the Klingons and Romulans are doing the same. This is two–fold; to prevent the possible acquisition of said information by one of the others in the Task Force, and to prevent the acquisition of the information by the mission's target, should that eventuality arise."
Tulek raised an eyebrow and leaned forward, "This sounds ominous, cousin. Can you say what the mission objective is at all?"
Sarek looked his cousin full in the face and said quietly, "Panu Ket–cheleb."
Tulek fell back against the settee in shock, "That... He... is a myth; a legend!"
Dafydd translated automatically for the others in the room, "World Destroyer." He looked at Tulek curiously, then at Sarek.
"Excuse me, but what..." Graham began, but Sarek raised a hand to call for attention.
"I can say no more right now, other than he is not a myth. He is real, and a threat. We need to know how much of a threat. All that we know shall be told to you, Tulek and Dafydd on the 31st."
"Okay," Dafydd nodded. He looked doubtfully at his wife. Anything that could shake the normally emotionless Tulek into that reaction was obviously serious.
"Dafydd," Sarek continued, "we need to discuss your family, this house, your new property your wife mentioned, as well as your own, Mrs Parnell." He turned to look at Mary, his eyebrow raised at her puzzled reaction. "You were on board the Hood when 'Yon'kur Wuh' was actioned; you and your son are now both under my protection."
She nodded, and then gestured to Dafydd for him to go first.
"What in God's name are you doing, Tel!" Jason bellowed out of the window. He was staring in amusement at the bright blue, naked Andorian sunning himself in the weak, late December sun. It was nearing sundown, so even less warmth was being given off, if any, yet Telez had a relaxed, happy grin on his face. Antony, in one of Jason's borrowed winter coats, was sat next to his boyfriend, watching him. Well, ogling him would be closer.
Telez raised his head slightly and called back, "Jace, this is a heat wave compared to Andoria! This is a holiday spot!"
Antony looked up as well, some small concern on his face, "Jace, will your neighbours be offended by this? I didn't think 'til you started shouting."
Nathan replied instead, "Na, Dude. Jace and Viccy shock them every summer. They tried to get me to do it too, but I was having none of that. The neighbours will be concerned for another reason, though... they'll think that someone is abusing a kid by throwing him naked into this frigid weather!"
Riti, face pressed to the glass, called down, "You're nuts. It's nasty out there!" He had the quilt drawn around himself to the point that only his face could be seen.
Jason heard the kitchen door open and looked down to see his sister staring out at Telez. She stood there for close on thirty seconds without making a sound, before turning and heading back into the kitchen. He could just make out her mumbled "Boys!" as the door closed.
Jason shrugged briefly, then said, "Get inside, Dudes. We need to see the Ambassador about Riti."
"Do we have to? I've not felt this comfy for ages!"
"Well," Nathan said speculatively, "I don't think they need to come with us, love. We can see Sarek ourselves. Tel is happy out there, and Tony is obviously happy watching him..." Nathan trailed off with a giggle, causing Antony to blush scarlet. It did not stop him from continuing to look at Telez, though.
Jason agreed and closed the window. "Come on, guys, let's go see 'em downstairs."
Dafydd was about to start explaining the new land and home he had bought when the door opened to let in his three sons. Riti drew the most attention, as he was wearing a very baggy looking pair of sweat pants and a quilt from a bed.
"Son, you normally leave those on the beds," Dafydd said, around his laughter.
Riti looked at him with his large, soul–full eyes, "But I'm cold, Nají!"
Sarek looked concerned. "You were not cold earlier. What has transpired?"
"Telez opened the back door to go outside, and Riti nearly freaked out. He's not stopped shivering since," Jason began, "we tried to get him something to wear, but his wings..."
"Say no more," Sarek pulled out his communicator. "The D'Tir is in orbit. I will have them beam you up and help with warm clothing for the child." He spoke briefly into his communicator, then looked at the three boys, "Are you prepared for transport?"
They nodded, Riti, looking excited again. A single word later and the hum of a transporter beam filled the room and they vanished.
After taking Riti's quilt from him, Nathan managed to get Riti calmed down from his excitement over all these new things around him to answer the questions put to him by the two Vulcans in the room. Loran was the ship's Doctor and Sipak was in charge of Requisitions.
Loran was holding a tricorder in her hand and was scanning the winged child before her, "You are reading as per the original scans taken on the Hood. How are you feeling, child?"
"Better. It's nice and warm up here. More like home," he was still in the sweat pants, but Jason and Nathan could see their new little brother was no longer shivering.
Sipak was gazing in thought at Riti. "Are you able to fly on Earth? If so, we can design a set of clothing for those winter seasons that will not restrict your movement nor cause wind resistance."
"I've not tried. Too cold! My... ah... t'ka..." he blushed and looked at his big brothers before flicking his eyes down below his waist–line, "it felt like it was gonna fall off!" He blushed further.
Jason laughed, "Well... I guess t'ka isn't the correct Lo'Garn word for your penis, Riti?"
Riti shook his head; his face split into a grin yet still bright red. He asked softy, "What's your human word for it? You know, the one you called it as real little boys?"
Nathan grinned, "Depends. Me and Jace called them 'willies'. Viccy still does. Depends where you're from, though."
"What you call them now?"
Jason blushed as he looked at the intrigued Vulcans listening with extreme interest. "Errr... we'll tell ya later, Little Dude!"
Loren continued to scan the child without comment, but mirth could be seen being restrained behind her eyes. She reached out and took hold of Riti's hand gently. "What is the purpose of the webbing between your fingers and toes?"
He answered, "It helps me change direction in the air. I need my hands and feet bare alla time when flying." He thought a bit more, "I would prefer to fly without anything, but I have to have my hands and feet free."
"Did you feel any pain in your hands and feet when the door opened earlier?" Nathan asked.
"Nope."
"I would be surprised if he had, young Nathan," Loren stated, "for when Riti flies, the air rushing over the webbing of his hands and feet would cool them considerably. It is logical to assume that his hands and feet are capable of taking lower temperatures than the rest of his body, without much discomfort." She addressed Riti again, "Judging by your scans, you are similar genetically to Humans and Vulcans, in so much as you can adapt in time to most temperatures within a prescribed limit. You will feel less and less cold in the United Kingdom the longer you remain outside. However, we will create a few items of clothing for you as you learn to adapt."
"Also, it is likely that in the coldest seasons, as now, you will always require clothing," Sipak added. "I have read the files from the Hood, and if your entire world is of a temperate climate, the extremes on Earth would be too much for you, I believe." He looked briefly at Loren, and they both moved to the computer console and began working.
Jason and Nathan moved to the nearest chairs and sat down with Riti pulled up on Jason's lap as they watched and waited.
After listening to Dafydd and Mary explain the living situations for both families, Sarek had come to a conclusion. "Your new house and grounds sounds as if it will be more than adequate for the needs of your families. I believe your children will be able to cope with a day or two in this house. Mary, I believe it would be best for you to move in with the Evans family. We are able to protect you far more efficiently in one place than two."
"Protect?" Mary said in raised tones, "I am sorry, but what do I know now that could be considered dangerous?"
"Nothing. However, there is something unusual going on in the United Kingdom. As this Nation is one third of the League of Nations Command Council, the Federation Council keeps a close watch, and there are issues beginning to arise that concern both the Federation Council and Vulcan. It is the same in the United States of America. Since you are now under 'Yon'kur Wuh', you are therefore my responsibility. You are to be protected as a Ward of House Surak."
Mary nodded, "Okay. My thanks, Ambassador. I am sorry for my outburst."
"There is no need to apologise. You are human, and I therefore expect an emotive response from humans. Please feel free to act yourself in my presence; you will not cause offence."
Dafydd opened his mouth to ask a question when the phone rang. "I'll get it, love," Angela rose and left the room. They all waited quietly for a moment, before Angela's voice called, "Daf? I... I think you better take this..." There was a catch in her voice that made Dafydd run from the room.
As he took the phone, Angela laid her hand on his shoulder and squeezed it gently. She remained as he raised the phone to his ear, "Dafydd here."
"Daf? It's Bill. I, ah. I have bad news."
Dafydd sucked in his breath, "Okay, go for it, Bill. What's happened?"
"It's Stephen. We just had a priority message in from Fleet Command. His ship has been destroyed in an Orion Raider attack while en–route to Earth. The bastards took him out less than two light–years from the solar system!"
In the back garden, Telez and Antony were still talking and holding hands. The sun had long since set, yet Telez was still as before, in the skin and lying on the grass. Antony, however, thought his arse had frozen to the rock he was sat on, but the sight of his Zan'Fi Na lying there in all his glory with the pale moonlight reflecting of his skin made him stay there.
"You've not said much for the last few minutes, my heart. What is the matter?" Telez opened his eyes to look at Antony.
"Sorry. I like it here, with you, but I'm really getting cold now."
Telez sat up and took in his boyfriend's pale face. "Why didn't you say? Come on." He stood, pulled Antony to his feet and dragged him into the warm kitchen. Victoria had long since departed to her room, so it was quiet, save for Shelly snuffling in her sleep. Once he had sat Antony down by the table, he ran back outside and collected his clothes.
Once back inside with the door closed, Telez made a quick visit to the bathroom to get the hot water running to fill the tub. He them ran back and moved the now protesting Antony into the bathroom. He did not protest too long, however, once Telez started to strip him. In fact, he began to show some obvious signs of enjoying the situation. As did Telez.
"I do like hot baths, my heart," Telez giggled as they both slipped into the water.
"How does it go on?" Riti held the garment out in his hands in total bafflement. "Umm, Jace? Can you..."
"Sure, Little Dude. Come here."
Riti stood in front of his big brother and again let Jason dress him. The one piece suit that the two Vulcans had designed was a marvel of Vulcan Bio–Engineering. It was a semi–organic material that would at once keep in the required temperature for Riti, while preventing any extremes in temperature from affecting him. It was also so lightweight as to be barely noticeable once on. Putting it on, however, was the interesting bit.
"How's this bit meant to fit?" Jason asked Loren. Riti was dressed to the waist, but the wrap around design was also puzzling the older boy. Nathan giggling at them both did not help either.
"I will dress Riti, if you three can watch closely." Loren showed them slowly and after a minute, Riti was in a midnight blue coloured one–piece suit. It was skin tight, yet as Riti moved about he found that he was as unrestricted as when naked. The only exposed skin was his face, hands, feet, and the wings that fitted easily through the wrapping on the back. The chest was solid materiel.
"I LIKE!" Riti exclaimed, then for the first time, Riti unfurled his wings. Triple jointed, they spread out to an unbelievable span, and Nathan gasped.
"Wow! I bet you CAN fly with wings like that, Dude!"
Sipak started scanning the young child again. "I concur. There is a very good chance he can fly on Earth, but his muscle mass will need to improve more."
"Wait a moment," Jason ran over some of the thoughts and feelings he had picked up from Riti earlier that day when he had scanned him. "Sipak, can you access the data we gained from Riti's ship?"
"Certainly. What do you need?"
"What's the gravity on Riti's world? Is that some of the info that was gained?"
"Checking." After a moment he looked back up at Jason, one eyebrow raised, "Lo'Ga has a gravity level of 1.1 g–forces, as it is measured by Terran standards. If Riti can fly on his homeworld, he will certainly be able to do so on Earth."
Riti grinned happily. Sipak, however, looked intrigued and puzzled all at once. "I do not understand how that could be. Your muscle mass does not allow for unaided flight with wings that small and your current mass."
Riti shrugged. "I am Lo'Garn. I fly." was his simplistic response.
Jason thought for a moment and as he did so he stared at Nathan. His eyes widened as he thought of something. "Riti, can I scan you again?"
"Cool! Will I see stuff like I did before?"
"Sorry, little dude. This is a different type of scan. I just want to check on something."
Riti nodded his agreement, and then felt a slight tickle in his mind. He giggled.
"Well, that is something!" Nathan said, also giggling.
Jason grinned as he opened his eyes, "Telekinesis. You can levitate, Riti!"
Dafydd slumped to the floor, "No! Bill, please say..." Tears started to fall from both husband and wife.
"I'm sorry, Daf," Bill was also in tears on the phone. "Three Raider ships came at them, and you know that Miranda Class ships aren't able to take what the others can... The Enterprise got there before the Orions could kill the surviving escape pods, but..." He broke off for a moment. He continued brokenly, "The command staff all went down with the Lexington, and we have reports of only thirty six survivors... out of two hundred sixteen."
"When... when did this happen?"
"An hour ago. It was lucky for the survivors that Enterprise was also incoming and less than three light–years behind them. I'm so sorry, Daf. We're all shook up here about this. He was a friend to us all, but you were closest."
Dafydd just sat on the floor crying, Angela kneeling next to him and holding his head to her chest. Sarek came to the living room door and looked with compassion at them both, "Give me the telephone, Dafydd." It was not a question.
He raised the phone to his ear and made himself known to Bill. "Is there anything else that needs to be relayed, Mr Richards?... I understand...Very well; please convey my condolences to your family. I shall contact the Enterprise and complete this on the Captain's behalf.... Thank you. Live long and prosper." Sarek placed the phone back on the holder, before helping both Dafydd and his wife to their feet. He led them back into the room and handed them over to the concerned Mary and Graham.
"Please offer them the comfort they require. There is something I must see to while the Captain is incapacitated. Cousin, please see that the children currently here are taken care of while I am away."
"Of course," Tulek responded as he rose and left the room.
Sarek pulled out his communicator, "Sarek to D'Tir. Where is the Enterprise at this time?"
"Enterprise is now entering standard orbit. Shall I contact them, Ambassador?"
"No, I shall do so personally. Sarek out." He flicked a switch to lock onto Starfleet communications. "Sarek to Enterprise."
"Uhura receiving; go ahead, Ambassador."
"Is the Enterprise in position to bring me on board?"
"Certainly, Sir. One moment please, Captain Spock wishes to speak with you."
"Father, can we be of assistance?"
"I require transport as soon as you are able, my son. There is a child on board that needs to be brought to his new home."
After checking in on Victoria, who had fallen asleep amid her cuddly toys on the floor, and after making sure she was tucked into her bed, Tulek went in search of the two boys remaining in the house. As he entered the kitchen, he heard the giggles from the bathroom. He knocked on the door.
"Come in," Telez called. Tulek entered to see both boys drying each other down.
"Sorry for the disturbance. I was curious as to your absence. Is there anything you both require?"
Antony was about to answer, but his stomach beat him to it with a loud rumble.
"I see," Tulek said, a faint smile hovering at the edge of his mouth. "I shall prepare some sustenance for you both before you wither away."
So saying, he turned and made for the fridge.
"Signal coming in from the Enterprise. It is Ambassador Sarek for Nathan and Jason Evans," the voice over the comm stated formally.
Nathan looked at Jason curiously, "Enterprise? He's on the Enterprise?"
Jason shrugged and moved to the Transporter operator, "Can I take it here?"
The Vulcan activated the controls and nodded as the three boys gathered.
"Ambassador? It's Jason."
"Please transport to the Enterprise. I believe I have need of both your T'hy'la's abilities as well as your own." Sarek stated blandly, while an unearthly wail was layered over the speakers from behind the Vulcan's voice.
"Okay, Sir." Jason received another nod from the Vulcan Transporter Operator. "We're beaming over now."
Koth was weeping. His father: Dead. His uncles: Dead. He wailed again, a roar of pain and challenge rang out and seemed to echo through most of the ship. He beat his fists on the floor that he was sat upon as hot, burning tears fell from his dark brown eyes.
Koth was weeping. His life was in pieces, his honour ripped away by the actions of a traitor, and his family made outcast; dishonoured.
Koth was weeping. His family murdered before his eyes, his older brother taken away, and he himself made a slave.
Koth was weeping. His rescuers, his new family, came like the ghost of Kahless the Unforgettable and fought a battle against a more powerful foe... and triumphed. He was made whole again, loved again, cuddled again...
Koth was weeping. The slavers, the green–skinned dishonourable Orions... they returned. His new family was now gone. A year of joy and love ripped away.
Koth was weeping, and the Vulcan before him could do nothing to ease his pain.
Koth was weeping, and wailed out one final time... Sto–Vo–Kor would know... must know... Warriors of Honour were coming home, and places must be made ready. They just must. Kahless had to hear him, he just had to...
Koth was weeping.
Spock was standing by the door as the three boys appeared on the pad, and he beckoned to them once the beams had faded, "Welcome aboard the Enterprise. Please, follow me and I shall take you to my father. He believes we have need of your assistance."
They followed him out of the room quickly. As they made their way past Sickbay, cries of pain could be heard from within, and Riti trembled. He tucked himself under Jason's arm and hung on tightly to Nathan's hand. They came to Briefing Room 2 and the door opened. Sarek stepped out and came to them. He knelt down to their level, "Children, something has happened and it involves your family directly. Do you know of Captain Steven Fowler of the USS Lexington?"
"Yes," Jason replied slowly, "Uncle Steve is one of my dad's oldest friends. I've only seen him a few times before, though. Why?"
"There was an Orion attack a little over an hour ago, and the Lexington was destroyed. Thirty five crew members were saved, plus one other. None of the Command Staff survived, however. I am sorry, but your uncle Steve has been killed in the line of duty."
Jason's face went pale. "I... I understand, Sir. Like I said, I barely knew him. He is... was my father's friend." He faltered.
Nathan took over, "How is Daddy taking this?"
"Not well, young Nathan. However, there is something important that needs to be done. Captain Fowler was a single man with no issue. He did have one adopted son, though. In November last year he rescued a group of slaves from the Orions, and returned all of them to their homes. All but one, a young child. Under the Safe Haven Act, he adopted this child, as the child's homeworld refused to take the child back. Due to the distance from Earth and the Federation at the time, this use of SHA was never officially recorded. It still has not been, and in this case, it will not be for a while."
"In Captain Fowler's will, he asked that your father take care of his adopted son. Since your father is not in a position to deal with this at this moment, I am doing so. However, the child is lost in grief, and I am not able to get through to him. As you are gifted in other ways, I felt it best to let you three try."
Jason nodded numbly. Uncle Steve gone? He had seen him last, three years ago. He held Riti closer and pulled Nathan in as well. "Okay, Sir. We'll give it a go. What's his name?"
"Koth, son of Tanos."
Jason blinked, then went to the door. As it opened he looked in and saw Koth. He had guessed right; Koth was a Klingon.
Tulek had finished feeding the two boys when his communicator beeped. Sarek took little time telling him about the current events before giving him some new instructions.
"Children, please remain here while I speak to your parents." He turned and left the happily eating boys to destroy their food.
In the front room he found Mary trying to comfort the other three. Graham had reacted as much as Dafydd to the news about Steven Fowler's death, for he was an old friend, just like Dafydd.
"The Ambassador believes that your recovery and grief will be faster and easier without the added worry of looking after your children. I will be taking the remaining three here to the D'Tir momentarily, then they shall all be going to Sarek's San Francisco residence. Once you feel able, please contact the D'Tir and they shall arrange transport for you as well. Your ron'tu shall also join us."
Dafydd nodded numbly, "Tell him thank you for us, please?"
"Certainly, Sir." Tulek turned and went upstairs quickly. Within moments he had arrived back in the kitchen with a sleeping Victoria in his arms.
"Boys, please bring Shelly here. We are going to the D'Tir. My cousin will explain shortly. Your parents are aware and will be joining you later."
Telez and Antony glanced at each other in worry before calling the dog over to them. Seconds later, the kitchen was empty.
Koth did not notice the three boys gather near him. He just stared at the floor, and every now and then he would snarl and hit the floor in impotent anger and pain. His tears did nothing to release the coiled tension within his breast, and he felt like dying.
"Koth?"
He raised his eyes and saw a pair of sad blue–green eyes looking back at him. He sat numbly looking at Jason, not able to coherently register his presence. He just kept crying.
"Is it okay for us to sit with you?" Nathan asked quietly. Koth gave a shallow nod and looked again at the floor, tears still falling. Jason sat to one side of him, and Nathan the other. Riti settled himself on his knees in front of him and reached out hesitantly to take one of Koth's hands. Koth looked at him briefly and nodded again, giving Riti's hand a small squeeze.
"I...I... My D...daddy Steve is gone. And I'm..." Koth trailed off as more sobs escaped. Jason placed his arm around Koth's shoulders and drew him into a hug, with the Klingon's head resting on his shoulder. Jason used his other hand to cradle Koth's face while Nathan snuggled up to Koth's free side and also hugged him. Riti just held onto the grieving boy's hands.
As soon as his sobs allowed him, Koth spoke again in a hollow voice, "Kahless won't hear me. He won't hear the dishonoured. But my father was not dishonoured and he deserves Sto–Vo–Kor!... but... but I can't... I can't tell them he's coming... they won't... hear me..." He dissolved again, and buried his face in Jason's chest.
Jason and Nathan had both had lessons regarding the Klingon Codes of Honour, and quickly put two and two together. Jason exchanged some fast thoughts with his boyfriend. Riti was looking at Koth in confusion, however, "Do you mean the 'Song of the Last Flight'?"
"What's that?" Nathan asked softly.
"When our aged pass, we sing to the Great Tree so that they will be welcomed. It's the Last Flight, and we sing it's song."
Jason smiled sadly, "Yeah, it's kinda like that. Klingons roar when a warrior dies so that the Heroes in Sto–Vo–Kor will make a place ready at the Feasting Table in welcome. Koth is afraid... he thinks he can't make them hear him."
"Koth, do you think it would be okay for us to help you make the Call?" Nathan asked.
Koth pulled his face away briefly, "Did you know my father? You can only do that for family or friends or fellow warriors..."
Jason quickly interrupted him, "Captain Fowler was one of our father's best friends, and I always called him uncle. Nathan never knew him, nor Riti, but we are brothers, and he was our uncle."
Hope grew in Koth's eyes, "Really? Oh, please! Please help me make the Call! He deserves a place there, and all my uncles too..."
"Yeah, we'll make the Call with you," Jason whispered.
Riti squeezed Koth's hands again, "I don't know how to make the Call, but can I sing the Last Flight for them instead?"
Koth nodded, eyes dancing with more hope and emotion than before, "Yeah... they were always... always flying... always on a ship... the Last Flight..."
They all moved into a loose circle facing inwards, and Koth took in a deep breath and started to roar and wail with all his might. Jason and Nathan did the same. Riti, however, started to sing...
On the Bridge of the Enterprise, Kirk was deep in conversation with Admiral Morrow. Suddenly, the building wail of three voices shockingly started to echo and re–echo throughout the Bridge, and overlaying it all was an ethereal siren song; no words, but akin to the modulating call of a fairly large bird. The Song grew and swelled and impacted everyone. Sadness and loss was evident in the both the Wail and the Song, yet triumph and victory also.
"What is the matter, Jim?" Marrow asked as Kirk started looking about for the source of the noise.
"That call, that singing; it's so loud. Uhura, what is causing that?" Kirk turned to look at the lieutenant.
"Internal sensors do not register it, Captain," she replied, bafflement written clearly on her face.
Marrow also said, "I hear nothing, Jim. There's no sounds at all."
Scotty had ripped the panelling off from one of the Engineering Consoles, "Blasted machine, breaking down all the time."
He could barely see for tears as the Wail and Song was also thrumming through Engineering. No system on board was able to register it, and he was not about to accept it was without source. He started pulling the guts out of the console to 'repair' a non–existent fault so that he could trace the ghostly, ethereal music and wailing to its source.
Maybe it was another hidden ability of the Lo'Garn, or maybe Jason's small amount of training was unable to cope with the emotions he was feeling himself and sensing from the other three, but the triple Call and the Last Flight had been projected.
Even the D'Tir, hanging close to the Enterprise in orbit, was being impacted by the Mind–Burst.
There were Others, however, who heard them...
...Kahless heard the Call...
...The Great Tree heard the Last Flight...
...and The Gates of Heaven opened.
The fallen Heroes of the Lexington were brought home; and borne there upon Angelic wings.
Well....
Ahhh.....
I think Joel and I better get on with chapter 4, yes?
Ilúvantír
This was indeed a wonderful chapter. I am ready for chapter 4 if I can stop crying, aren't you?
Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher
Ilúvantír continues to expand the realm of the CSU with this amazing tale. His characters and his writing draw you into this story and take you along on a roller coaster ride of depth and emotions that shows no sign of ending.
Ilúvantír continues to give us an in depth look into the lives of everyday Terrans and along with Multimapper is now giving us insights into other species as well.
I am extremely curious about this "Panu Ket–cheleb" character and what he means for the future. Ilúvantír seems to have also caught the mutated version of AAKD, AACD first evidenced by Str8mayb!
I am eagerly awaiting Chapter Four as well and please donít forget "Sa'ren"!
'Goos' sends his love and hugs to his cousin Joel and Uncle Ilú.
The Story Lover