Sa'ren Part I

"Old Enemy, New Friends"

---

As he took that first step that would lead him to his death, he heard something - Something terrifying.

A Voice...

I told you that you would never become His Shaper...

Joel froze.

That voice sounded so familiar. From when he had been sucked into that hole in his mind in that wonderful dream of his brothers...

Yes. All a dream. Just die and be gone from it all.

Joel turned around quickly and nearly lost control of his bladder. His master was by the front door, watching him. The man's old, wrinkle lined face glared at him.

But - wasn't he just in bed sleeping? Hadn't Joel heard his snores?

There was something wrong, however. Something not... natural.

Mr Williams' eyes were glowing red. A deep, malevolent red.

"Well, boy? Are you going to do me the favour of killing yourself or not?" his master grated at him. "I really don't want the job of cleaning my clothes after getting your blood on them."

Joel backed away from the 58 year old man and into the front living room. In doing so, he stumbled on an object on the floor and tripped over backwards.

As he lifted himself up with his hands to find out what had tripped him, he saw his master start into the room through the darkened door frame. However, his eyes were drawn to the shape by his feet. He screamed in pain and loss, for it was Cory's body, minus the head. His brother's head was lying a foot away, and the expression on Cory's face was of shock and pain.

"So much for him, huh?" his master chuckled as he advanced slowly. "Want to make things easier, Shaper? Go. Get the knife. It'll be quicker and far more painless than what I would do to you. And an act of charity from me is only offered the once, fleshling."

"C...CORY!!!" Joel sobbed out loudly as he started to scramble backwards. He had still not gotten up from the floor.

"Careful!" his master yelled harshly as Joel bumped into a mound behind him. A mound that felt cold, clammy and wet. "You'll mess up my art, you bastard!"

Joel turned to see more horror. It was a pile of his brothers, along with his mother and father. They were in various stages of dismemberment. "How? H...How can it b...be a dream if th...th...they are here?" he asked quickly, turning his fear filled eyes back on the 'thing' before him.

"Well, well. So I could not turn off that Vulcan mind of yours after all," the 'man' said. His voice had ceased to sound like Joel's old master's, and became - if anything - urbane. "I have not had much experience with Vulcans in the past two thousand years. Surak did a number on you all, did he not? Most uninteresting. Except you. You - are - interesting."

"Where am I? Who are you?" Joel asked quickly as he scrambled up to his feet, his stuttering vanishing. "My brothers will come for me!"

"You are here; I am who I have always been; and no, they will not."

Joel just stared. "What are you?" he trembled. "Wait... this is the hole in my mind, isn't it! You are the other ME! The me that has all the bad things inside of it!"

"Am I? I am disappointed to be considered a mortal bag of meat, fleshling. You are an abomination. A hybrid, and..."

"What's wrong with being half human!" Joel shouted back, feeling slightly more confident at knowing he was fighting himself.

"I did not mean that. Don't interrupt me again," the thing grated threateningly, and Joel yelled as coils of darkness seemed to strike at him and pierce his flesh. Seconds later, the pain stopped, and Joel quickly checked his body. No damage. The thing continued, "Yes, your heritage is both human and Vulcan, but that was not what I was referring to. You are a hybrid as you are animal and spirit together. You disgust me."

Fear back in his eyes, Joel blinked at the 'man'. "Wha...? Flesh and... what are you?"

"A Prince. The First. The Highest. Your doom," the thing answered. "I have been here since you were a babe. I caused the accident that nearly killed you. And it was I that changed the destination of that wormhole your power allowed to open," it continued maliciously.

Joel shook his head, "No. I don't believe you. This is my mind. You are me. You are the worst of me. You can't keep me here! I've learnt things from Daddy, and..."

"And what? Try. I have forever."

Joel backed away further until he was pressed against the wall. It was then that he noticed all the bodies around the room had vanished. He tried to connect his Bond-Link with Kevin - but there was nothing. "Kevvy," he wept in fear and frustration as he kept on trying and trying to reach out with his link. "Cor! Sean! MIKEY! Anybo..."

"I wish my brothers would just learn to call me first," Mikey groused as he appeared next to Joel and wrapped him in his arms. The Saint then looked up at the 'man'... He pulled Joel behind him and suddenly threw out his wings - with a blaze of light, the whole room they were in, the building and even the countryside vanished. "YOU!"

There, in the darkness of the 'wound' in Joel's mind, Mikey was standing with Joel behind him - and facing off against a person of stunning beauty. Yet, the beauty was of a dark light.

"Where is your Mandate!" Mikey ordered as armour seemed to snap in from all directions. Even his wings became armoured. Joel backed up slightly as this happened, and gasped at how his angel-brother now looked.

"I am here. I am bound to remain and bound to possess. What other Mandate do I need? I am not made manifest in the Realms of Mortals, am I, little saint?" the being said, as a malicious smile played over his face.

"Mikey?" Joel trembled.

"Joel... stay back, Joel. It's you he's after," Mikey said as he drew the sword that had appeared at his side. He did not take his eyes from the being before him.

The being remained as calm and urbane as ever, yet still, the threat in the area grew.

"What gives you the right to be here?" Mikey demanded again.

The being's eyes narrowed, "Who are you to put limits on me? I go where I wish. I will not allow this 'Shaper' to remain. I will not."

"You have no say in that," Mikey retorted, backing Joel away slowly as he kept himself between the being and his little brother.

The being chuckled, "Trying to save him? He will die. And to spite you, I will make it as painful as I can..."

Joel couldn't stand it any longer.

"God... I want my Kevvy... please... I just want my Kevvy and my family! Please! Why can't I just have my family?!"

A shimmer and a deep, bell-like tone came an instant later, and Kevin was there. "Sa'r! Where'd you go to, and where... wha... oh. FUCK! What's goin..."

"The Strength, too? My day is getting better. Both the Shaper and his Strength in one fell swoop. Little saint, you are about to be reduced back to white for this failure!" the being said with obvious glee as it began laughing.

"Is he, you prick?" came another voice as Pablito appeared, in similar get up to Mikey. "Tell you what: first you kiss my ass, then we'll talk about being demoted, fuckhead!"

Mikey didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Pab... you don't speak that way to one of the Princes! Not even him!"

"Fuck that! NO-one hurts one of my brothers! Not even this asshole!"

"I like you," the being said, a considering tone in it's voice a finger pressed over one lip. "You will be an interesting investigation, once I have done what I have come to do."

"Investigate this!" Pablito spat back, his free hand cupping his groin.

The being smiled slightly. "Standards have dropped in the last Cycle, I see. Anyway. Two Wingéd Ones, and then the grand finalé."

"Me too, Eldest," Davey said as he shimmered in.

Then, another voice - "And a few others as well!"

Joel felt a warmth creep over him, and he and Kevin turned to see loads of adults and kids appear behind them. All in various uniforms, and all armed. Joel's fast mind counted - 114 people. He knew who they were...

The Martyrs from the Montana Massacre!

"If you go for one of us," Mark Little said seriously, "you're going to have to go for ALL of us." His voice was like an echoing whisper that was clearly audible, yet also so faint that it seemed unreal.

"You do know whom you are about to fight, do you not?" the being smiled evilly. "You come out from under His protection when you face me post-life. The Wingéd Ones know that."

"Then we shall really die," said Dennis North as he and the other 113 spirits fanned out to either side of the three angels, keeping Joel and Kevin behind them. They all raised their various weapons ready to do battle: each knowing that their eternal soul was on the line, here - but not one was willing to back down and let their brother die alone. "We would rather die forever than to just let you take our brothers. They have helped our family - and we stick by our family. THEY are our family."

"More for me, then," the being said as a sword of dark-lightning appeared in his hands.

"I guess the Klingons are right! Today IS a good day to die, asshole - for YOU!" Pablito yelled as he rushed forwards.

"NO!" Mikey yelled, dread in his voice.

There was a flash of blinding 'dark light', followed by a heart-rending scream. Pablito was cast back to lie prone at Mikey's feet, breathing out his sobs hard. His wings had been ripped from him, and he looked much like the little child he had once been - fragile. The armour he had been wearing was slowly burning away, and it seemed to sear into his 'being', causing him to writhe at Mikey's feet.

"I think I will do the same to you two as well," the being breathed as he flashed out his blade yet again..

Mikey and Davey collapsed screaming, their wings vanishing instantly, and their own armour melting into them.

"You will all die. I will win, here. I will take you all. I will take the Strength. I will take the Shaper. I will 'investigate' that one," he continued, pointing at the whimpering Pablito.

Joel, who was trying to help Mikey, stopped dead and stared. "Five 'I Will''s?" he trembled. Then his eyes widened, "I know who you are!"

"Good. I was wondering how long it would take you," the being said. "Ready to die?"

"I will not die," Joel said as he straightened up. "Get out."

The being seemed to grow still. "No."

Joel seemed to stop as well. Then he smiled; and began to sing, but not to the being before him. The little boy lifted his eyes upwards, and:

"Moving through the shadows of uncertainty,
Clinging to the words You said.
Through my loneliness and fear, I long to feel You near,
But I hear another voice inside my head: 'Crawl'

But then the darkness is broken into
By inescapable light from You:
I'm never standing alone

You are my rock, my fortress, my shield
You are my rock, let Your strength be revealed
My rock, my comfort, my peace
My salvation, my refuge, my God
You are my Rock..."

(© Petra - You are My Rock)

As Joel's voice rippled out in song, the being seemed to shrink - and a glow surrounded the three felled angels. A pure golden glow, starting first with Mikey, then moving on to Davey and Pablito; healing and restoring.

Kevin spoke then, his face set with determination, "Get out. You are not welcomed here, spirit. In the Name of the Great Spirit, I command you to go."

"In the Name of Our Father," Mikey grated as he levered himself up from the floor, his golden wings back in full and his armour returned, "we abjure thee."

"In the Name..." The spirits of the 114 Montana Martyrs also started their own commands - each according to what they knew or had believed in life.

Whatever they said, it all came down to the one simple thing - and it was said the best by the smallest and youngest of them all...

"In the Name of Love, get out!" Mark Little ordered, his voice steady and his eyes determined as he raised up a sword made of pure flame.

The being shrank down and slowly backed away as he yelled back, "I shall not leave! I cannot! You will NOT cast me out!"

"Eldest One, thou hast no place here. Be thou removed," came a new voice. Archangel Michael was suddenly there in full armour and shining brilliantly.

The dark being hissed, "Begone, Tyka. You have no authority over me!"

"Fairest One, thou hast no place here. Be thou removed," added Archangel Gabriel as he, too, appeared fully armed.

"No, Lazo! I will not... I will stay... I..." the being shouted at them, but another voice overrode his.

"Fallen One," Joel said firmly, as he came forward. He was shining as the dawn, for his mind had formed the Fo'wein Sa'ren around his mental body and the Vulcan Armour glimmered out with its own internal light. "Fallen One. In the Name of Jesus, I rebuke you, I bind you, and I cast you out! I do not belong to you, Lucifer. Get out!"

More than anything else, the power that suddenly radiated from the Fo'wein Sa'ren at Joel's words seemed oddly painful to the being. Even though this was not, as Joel believed, the real armour, its effect was real. Whatever it was, the being was thrown back by it - weakened due to all the commands given - but he didn't get very far, for a ripple in the 'air' stopped him. A ripple that grew bigger and bigger...

The being spun around only to have his neck caught in the vice-like grip of a blinding white hand: a hand from the Figure of Light that had been in the Compound earlier that night.

//The first time that thou didst say 'I Will' five times, thou didst Fall. Thou hast made a grave error, Prince Zeri, for thou art in my Realm now. Will ye or no, thou wilst not lay harm 'gainst mine own; 'gainst my Sa'ren!//

It was the Guardian of Forever...

//Inside the Circle, I and my Brother hast Power even o'er a Prince of Heaven, Prince Zeri. Knowest thou this very well, for thou didst trembled when we two were formed. The Father hath ordered that we only fight thee and thy ilk when thou doest break thy Mandate - and never will Mandate be given thee to possess The Sa'ren. It hath been a long chase, but now thou hast revealéd thyself. By the Commands given - and by the Love shown - the Door hath been opened so that I might deal with thee once again. I do advise thee to learn thy lesson well, this time...//

And with that, the Guardian lifted his free hand, formed a fist, and brought it down with stunning force into the being's, Zeri's, face; blasted him away only for him to be drawn back by the Guardian's power to be slammed by Forever's OTHER fist.

Pablito, now once again back to his normal angelic self, just gaped. "Daaaamn!" he muttered as Zeri was sent flying away a second time.

Zeri was getting enraged. As he was drawn back yet again, his sword came up. He ran through the Guardian with it, but a downward swung back-hand from the Shining Being hammered him into the ground.

//Thy memory must be failing thee, Zeri. Thy powers mean naught 'gainst me// the Guardian intoned as he pulled the sword from his chest and crushed it into nothingness.

It did not stop an enraged Zeri from starting what could only be described as a bout of bare-fist boxing with the equally enraged Guardian of Forever.

Mark Little was as enraptured by this fight as the rest of the group watching, but after a moment or two more, he noticed that Michael and Gabriel were not getting involved. "Um, sirs? Why ain't you two helping the Guardian?"

Gabriel turned his sad eyes on the little dead boy and said simply, "Zeri is our brother."

"So?" one of the adults asked, not seeming to understanding at all. "He's a prick, isn't he? When someone's a prick like him, you should sort him out... brother or no! Thump him!"

"I'll explain after," Mikey whispered to them all as he drew tiny Mark close to his side.

Joel was still in the image of his armour, and watching with wonder as the Guardian fought. Something started, then, at the corner of his mind - a feeling he both recognised as his own, yet also he knew it to be from without himself. A voice, a whisper, and it was like the Guardian's own, it seemed. Like yet not alike.

/In Justice, Draw Me... Call Me, and I hear. Summon Me, and I come. Living I be, and a Sword Forever... Call my Name. Call... My... Name.../

Joel took a step into the ring that had formed by the rest of the 120 persons there watching. The Armour he wore seemed to shine and throb with power in concert with the light that was internal to the Guardian.

Mikey nearly thought his heart would stop as Joel stepped towards this 'natural disaster' of a fight - then he remembered that he was dead and he didn't have a literal heart any more. Funny how it still felt the same, he mused.

As Joel's Armour glimmered out brightly, seeming to keep rhythm to an unknown heartbeat, Joel brought his hands together as if to hold something. "Shal vutau ish-Sa'ren!" he cried out.

Before him the air seemed to swirl and ripple, and become as liquid - as if something was being brought from one place into another - and a Broken Sword started to push through the effect. Each piece of the Sword seemed to float in its correct place so that the blade seemed whole, yet it was clearly shattered.

Sa'ren had heard Sa'ren's call: and the Sword answered the Blade's command.

Now, with the 'Sa'ren' in his hands, Joel advanced further into the ring - and as he did so, the Broken Sword, the Armour he wore and the Guardian himself became so brilliant that everyone's eyes closed.

Zeri screamed as the Guardian lifted him by his neck and impaled him upon the 'Sa'ren' being held firm by the young Vulcan.

//Thou didst drive my Brother insane and do count him as doing your work. Thou hast stolen my Twin from me. Yet, e'en though he is warped, know that even he would still take thee down shouldst he even find thee. I, though? Come, Prince. Let us now away from the boy - His Shaper and My Sa'ren - and away from the Sword he doth hold. This small discussion we do now enjoy shall grow all the larger...//

And with those words, both the Guardian and Zeri were gone.

/Farewell, Sa'ren/ came a muted whisper from the Shattered Sword as it, too, vanished in the same way that it had arrived - the air turned liquid and warped around it, and seemed to suck it away.

"FUCK! No fair, Guardian! I wanted to watch you whup his ass more!" Pablito complained loudly.

"Me too," Mikey echoed, along with most of the other kids there.

Kevin, however, was looking at Joel with awe as the Vulcan's armour seemed to melt away into Joel himself. "Sa'r?"

Joel turned his troubled eyes toward Kevin, "Yeah?"

"You were FANTASTIC!!" Kevin bubbled as he hurled himself into the little Vulcan's arms.

Joel giggled a bit, but the look in his eyes remained as he locked his gaze with his big brother Mikey.

Mikey smiled, "I think you'll find out in time, Joel. But yes; that was the real sword."

"What about the Armour?" Joel whispered. "I've had it appear on me in Mind-Melds before, but... wasn't it just a mental image?"

Little Mark giggled and shook his head. "Nope, it was real too!" he giggled out, "and Kevin's right - you were FANTASTIC!"

"But... it was all you guys. I'd be dead if... if..." Joel started, but Kevin silenced him with his lips as he sought for and found a wonderful kiss.

"But you had to make the choice to speak yourself, bro," Dennis smiled as he picked up Mark Little. "You had to listen to the Voice you heard speaking to you. You did that."

Joel did not answer, but rather started to think seriously about what he had been feeling - all the while still kissing Kevin. Which was another reason why he did not answer. Kisses were far, FAR better than talk...

Eventually: "Was that really the..." Kevin started to ask as the kiss came to an end, but stopped as he saw both Michael and Gabriel nod.

"He is our brother, and as such, we cannot fight him - at least not within the mind of another. Our power coming against his would have killed Sa'ren," Gabriel said seriously. "We need to go. Mikey, you know what to do."

"Yes, sir," Mikey nodded seriously as they vanished.

"Sa'r?" Kevin said then as he turned to look at his husband's face. He increased the hug he was giving as he giggled, "Next time we make love, don't hit my head so hard against the headboard, please? This is one weird ass dream!"

"Hey! I didn't! There was a pillow there!" Joel protested as everyone else started laughing.

"I was joking, T'hy'la," Kevin giggled. "But your protest has only confirmed..."

"Oh, hush you!" Joel grinned. Then he went after Kevin's tonsils yet again.

After coming up for air, Kevin grinned at the long-suffering Mikey, "Could you wake us up now, please? I want to...ummm... to do unmentionable things to your brother!"

"Ho! Is that the time? Boy, it's been great! Come on, guys!!" Mark Little chortled as he started to fade away quickly, and with their own laughter ringing behind them, the other martyrs of the Montana Attack waved and vanished. However, both Joel and Kevin could feel they had left some small part of themselves behind.

Love. The Love that proved itself the day they gave their lives to save those they did not know was now left to help heal the hearts of two boys that they knew to be needed for the Universe.

Simple Love.

Mikey sighed, however, as they all abandoned him and his fellow two angels to deal with two horny kids. He then rolled his eyes at Kevin. "You two are worse than Cory and Sean! Go on. Go with Pablito. He'll take you both some place nice while Davey and me fix this hole in Joel's mind," he giggled.

"But it's our wedding night! Of COURSE we're gonna SEEM worse," Kevin reasoned logically. "Doesn't mean we ARE worse. We've got a lot of catching up to do to beat your brothers!"

"Not a lot, it seems," Davey stated deadpan as he studied a fingernail with fake seriousness.

"Not one word, Pab," Mikey said, wagging a finger under Pablito's nose as the impish Angel opened his mouth to add his own thoughts on the matter at hand. "Just keep it to yourself."

"No! I'll just give them some pointers when I take them to... uh, where did you say to take them again?" Pablito giggled, scratching his head.

"Oh, for the love of... The Realms, Pab. The Dream Realms. To the Queen," Mikey sighed with a fond smile.

Pablito snapped his fingers, "Oh, riiiight! Uh, why's Brakkii the Queen again?"

"Vincent," Davey grinned. "Just blame Vincent. Brakkii does every time it's mentioned, so we might as well too!"

"Pablito! The Forgetful Angel!" Kevin sing-songed while Joel giggled.

"Ha ha ha," Pablito scowled. "Just for that, I won't tell you about a super fun thing you two can do."

"You'll forget about saying that in a few minutes, so that's no threat," Davey mumbled.

Mikey decided to remain silent.

Pablito stuck his tongue out at them both, then vanished away with Joel and Kevin.

"Any bets?" Davey giggled.

Mikey still remained silent, then grinned and began to heal Joel's mind...

---

Brakkii met them in a large valley under a reddish coloured sky. Joel was looking around at the soft yet sparse grass-like cover the valley floor had. "This is Vulcan! This is the agricultural area!"

"No," Brakkii laughed. "This is the Dream Realm, but your brother Mikey told me you'd both like it too look this way, so I set aside an area for you. I tried to get all my people out, but I think the trees are not going to listen. However, they just like watching and protecting, so they won't tease you."

Kevin blushed as he looked at the Vulcan-seeming trees with their red leaves. "Well, uh.... thanks. I'd have rather you not tell us that..."

Joel giggled and pulled his husband after him towards an area of the valley where the grass seemed the longest and deepest, "Pab, thanks for bringing us here, and Brakkii, right?"

"Right," Brakkii smiled.

"Thanks for making it look like this. Now go away! I wanna talk to Kev about those 'unmentionable things' he was going on about!"

---

After cracking open one eye, Joel lifted his head from Kevin's chest and looked around the softly lit apartment. Dawn's early light was just beginning to creep over the horizon, and the room was cool and airy with the window open. As he felt the light, tickling touch of the morning breeze on his bare back, Joel grinned and yawned. He then looked at the clock and murmured to himself, "How long have we slept?"

"Just two hours, and yeah, it's six o'clock," Mikey said from the foot of the bed. "That fruit should still be working for you."

Joel turned to look down at him, "Then it wasn't a weird dream?"

"No. It really wasn't," Mikey stated seriously. "But it's over now. Your mind is completely your own again - other than having your Mom in there too. She's fun. She helped fix up your mind - and she called me cute," he trailed off, his face showing that he wasn't quite sure how he should take that compliment.

"You trying it on with Joel's mother?!" Kevin giggled, his eyes still closed. "You after your brother's MOM!! EWWWWWWW! You..."

"Don't say it, Kev," Mikey warned, before cracking up laughing.

Joel smiled at his angel-brother, then turned to attend to the business of kissing Kevin. "Too early for breakfast?" he queried as he finished kissing his husband into insensibility.

"Just a little. But you could go and cuddle with your brothers until it is ready," Mikey offered with a smile.

"Warm. Comfy. Don't wanna move," Kevin muttered as he wrapped his arms around Joel and pulled him back down to cover him like a blanket again. Through it all, he hadn't opened his eyes once.

Joel pouted slightly, "But I'm getting hungry, Kev. I want... Mmm... Mikey?"

"Yeah?"

"Is it too early for American Sausage?"

"I... pardon? Oh! Seeya!" Mikey giggled as he shimmered out.

Kevin opened one eye, "American what?"

After a giggle and some slight movement, Kevin's eyes opened wide in understanding. "OOooooohh... yeeaaahh! American sausage!"

---

It wasn't more than fifteen minutes when two naked cherubs ran across the grass from the apartments to CIC in the sun's early light, followed close by a wolf pup and a Sehlat cub. They all slipped quietly through the doors and padded quickly down to the Rec Room. After surveying the mass of bodies, Joel saw a path towards the centre of the Nest.

"Right... now, how do we get in with them without them waking?" Joel whispered as I-Cheya and Blackie moved off to slip into the fur-ball shaped part of the nest that held the cats and other creatures.

Kevin shrugged, "Umm... I've been expecting Levi or one of the others to wave or say something... ain't they all just... too quiet?"

Joel also shrugged. He picked Kevin up and carried him easily as he made his careful way over the bodies in the nest. "Pull up the quilt, Kev and I'll slip you in," he whispered as he reached Cory and Sean.

Kevin did so, and was soon joined by Joel. After much squirrelling about, they found themselves between both older teens. Kevin was now being spooned by Cory, leaving Sean to do the same for Joel. This way, they were able to also hug each other close and tight against each other's chests.

"Made it!" Joel giggled, then he kissed his little husband. "Get a bit more sleep?"

"I'd rather get a bit more, but sleep's also good," Kevin giggled wickedly, making Joel blush.

They didn't sleep again, but lazily studied each other's faces as they waited for their brothers and sisters to wake up.

It wasn't long, however, until that came to pass, for a commotion started from just outside CIC, and slowly grew louder as it came inside the building. Everyone in the nest seemed to wake at once - except for eight kids that shouldn't really have been 'asleep' at all.

"Who the hell is he, Jim?" they heard Bones say loudly.

"Don't know," Kirk answered as the Rec Room door opened to admit him, Bones, Spock, Teri and a complete stranger who seemed to be looking for someone. "If you take one more step, I will fire... again!" Kirk ordered as he levelled a phaser at the strange man, seemingly for the third or forth time judging by his irritation.

"I will bring no harm to your children, but I must seek my son," the stranger said with heat. "Why are my powers not... What is going on here? Where am I?"

The man never got to say much more as a blast of electrical power ripped from Cory's hand, flew over the prone bodies of his family and slammed into the stranger's chest.

"I SAID I WON'T HARM ANYONE! STOP SHOOTING AT ME!" the man yelled, his eyes franticly searching the faces of the kids before him.

"What the...?" Cory muttered. He patted his morph lightly, as if it had a fault that could be repaired that way.

The noise level in the room raised exponentially as everyone started to panic and move away from the strange adult. Everyone except for Joel, Kevin, Sean and Cory. They stood to their feet to look at the man better.

"YOU!" Joel spat with venom as he moved to stand between his brothers and the man.

"Get out of the way, Elf!" Cory and Sean said in tandem as they raised their hands at the stranger. Kevin was also doing the same with his own phasenmorphed arm.

"What are you doing here, Q?" Joel demanded, completely ignoring his brothers and Kevin.

"Who the Hell is 'Q', and how do you know him?" Sean asked as he stared lasers at the man. Then his eyes widened, "Wait - Q? You've mentioned someone called Q, haven't you?"

"Yeah, I ha..." Joel started, but he was cut off.

"Yes, yes. Very clever of the Shaper. Now shut up so I can... THERE YOU ARE!" Q cried with joy as he rushed towards a pile of kids who were miraculously still asleep.

It dawned on everyone at once that this truly was a miracle - the Mikyvis and the two Time Lords were dead to the world.

"My boy!" Q cried out with relief as he stared at his son - a small boy with bright white-blond hair who was cuddled with Levi.

Spock, completely unruffled at this turn of events - even when standing in his Vulcan sleepwear - said, "Excuse me. I believe you need to stop bringing concern to my family, or you and I will be having words."

"What would you do, sir, if your son was missing and you did not know where he was, mmm? I do know, in fact. You would tear the world apart looking for him. Am I not entitled to the same right? And as you have plainly seen, what the hell can you do to me if I DID want to hurt any of these children?" Q retorted as he picked up his son and turned to face the other adults. "Now. Where am I... wait a minute..." he trailed off as he turned to look at the still scowling Joel. "Shaper?"

"What. Are. You. Doing. HERE!" Joel said slowly, with great emphasis, and finishing off with a shout loud enough to wake the dead.

Well, not quite the dead, but he did wake up the five Mikyvis and two Time Lords... and Q's son.

"Wha... was that real sleep daddy?" Bryce asked as he sat up and rubbed his eyes.

Dylan yawned, then stared at Q. "UNCLE Q!!!" he yelled with joy.

"Quint!" Levi also yelled, then he giggled, "Did you forget to tell your daddy you was having a sleepover? I think that was sleep anyway, it sure feels like Daddy said it's supposed to feel."

"Hey, Uncle Q!" Kyle and Tyler waved as they stood up. Then they noticed the strained looks they and their sons were getting from everyone else, bar Joel.

"What... the... fuck!" Cory stated, obviously far from pleased. "Explain now, or else...."

"Doctor!" Q said, overriding the irate Cory as his eyes fell on the little Time Lord. "Is this Alpha-Prime, and when did you lower the Lock?"

The Doctor winced as he saw Cory's face go from enraged to... well, there was a word in Gallifreyan, but it wouldn't translate. "Q. Whatever you do, don't piss off Cory. You're doing it right now."

"I've pissed off gods in my time, Doctor. What the hell is going on? I was doing a spot of Picard baiting, then the next I knew I was dreaming... DREAMING! I've not slept since... since... EVER!" Q waved his free arm around as he little son slipped from his arms and walked towards Joel and the other three.

"Sorry 'bout my Dad. He's... well... Dad!" he shrugged as he gave them a smile. His yellow eyes were open and honest, and his face was trusting. "You'll like him if you give him a chance - just don't try betting him or daring him. He'd win; normally."

"Q, be still and let me sort this out," Q said as he stared at the Doctor. "I'm waiting, Doctor. What the hell have you done!"

"Nothing! I was asleep too!" the Doctor protested.

Kirk came forwards, "Look here. You're scaring the children, and I won't allow this to continue..."

"Get your fucking ass in the other room... NOW!" Teri yelled out. She had been fighting with her temper, but when she had finally taken in the scared looks on most of the faces - as well as the completely pissed off enraged expressions on Joel's, Sean's and Cory's faces - she snapped.

Q spun around and was about to retort when Joel came to stand before him. "Go in there, NOW!" he ordered, and everyone felt a thrill run up their spines.

For a second it looked like Q was going to ignore Joel, but then he turned and grabbed his son into his arms and marched off into the Dining Room. The Doctor, Jay and the Mikyvis all ran after him, as did the adults.

Sean looked around and caught JJ's eyes. "Keep everyone calm, bro. We'll be right back," he said, as he followed Cory, Joel and Kevin out as well. They were followed by six cat-guards, three Sehlats and a wolf pup.

Joel slid onto Cory's lap as his blond brother sat down, while everyone else picked a chair and slid into it. Kevin decided that Teri needed his naked presence and so he chose her as his cushion.

Q, seeming more calm now that he was seated with his son held possessively in his arms, looked around curiously. "Is it normal for teenagers to parade around in their skin before their parents in Alpha-Prime? Things have changed in the last fifty thousand years," he asked no-one in particular. "Kids, yeah it's normal. Teens, though?"

Teri nodded. "It is normal with this group. Now, would one of you overpowered cookie grabbers please explain what is going on here?"

"Cookies?" Joel perked up.

Q snapped his fingers... but nothing happened. "What the hell! Doctor? What is going on!" he demanded seriously.

//I can answer that, Prince of the Q//

Q spun about and saw the Guardian appear in his Light-Figure form through a warp of liquid air. "Vae'Runam? Was it you that lowered the Lock?"

//Correct// the Guardian said as he turned his featureless face towards Teri. //Greetings, Lady Teri Short of Earth. Am I invited to your table?//

"Why not, everyone else but the Archangels has decided to join us, it seems," Teri replied.

Joel and Kevin started, and looked at each other seriously as the Guardian sat down. //Prince Tyka and Prince Lazo send their regards, but celestial affairs have their attention at this moment. The Fallen, Zeri, is now being hounded by them//

"What did you do to him, sir?" Joel trembled as he shook with remembered fear on Cory's lap.

//It is not for innocent ears, my Sa'ren. I would tell any but two, at this table. You and Levi are not to know the worst - he is to remain innocent, and you beautiful. Neither of you can do your tasks if you are exposed to certain knowledge//

"See, Sa'r; HE agrees with me that you are beautiful!" Kevin said with a slight giggle, but his eyes were also wild.

"Okay, what the fuck is going on?" Cory demanded fiercely, as he tightened his hold on Joel, who had began to tremble more. "What has happened?"

//The Wound in your brother's mind was more than a simple Vulcan ailment, Lord Cory. He was a target from conception, and found when in transit to Earth as a babe. He that is called 'Eldest and Fallen' found him, set off the experiment to destroy him, then possessed him. It was due to my Sa'ren's ability as His Shaper that saved him. Then, for nearly thirteen of your years, the 'Fallen' was locked within a small area of Sa'ren's mind due to the change in form he underwent. Last night, when my Sa'ren was at peace - with love filling his senses as he slept in the arms of his Strength and Lover, the Wound opened again. Zeri, the 'Fallen', struck - and nearly overcame the Blade of Surak. It was Love and the Commands that allowed me to... deal... with Zeri//

"Galli, please translate that," Cory asked, not really sure how to take the proclamation.

The Doctor, his face pale, cleared his throat. "Joel was possessed by Lucifer, Cory... Zeri is his true name. Tyka is the one you call Michael and Lazo is Gabriel. It, ah... well, it seems like the Guardian had a bit of a fight. The only time I ever saw something of the like was when Vae'Za, the Guardian's brother, was fought by Michael and Gabriel, 7 Billion years ago! They were equally matched to a single Guardian, them and the rest of the Eternals - so Zeri alone would have been seriously OVERmatched by Forever! I would give anything to have watched that, Vae'Runam!"

//It was - fun// the Guardian said dryly. Then he looked at Cory's troubled face, and the nervous face of Joel, //Do not fear. He will not be returning for some time. He will not dare break Mandate again so soon//

"Soon by whose standards?" Kyle asked nervously.

"Don't worry, Kyle," Q said airily, "the Fallen don't mess with High Races. We're not 'fun', or something," he finished, making quote marks with his fingers.

Kyle narrowed his eyes, "I'm worried about my family who ain't High Race, uncle!"

Q raised an eyebrow, then said, "Ah. You're still that close to them. Well... just keep a look out. Not that you can see, sense nor do anything if he or the other Fallen come around. They may be here right now, for all I know. However, if they break Mandate, the Guardian comes in like... well, like the wrath of a great wrathful thing... that was a poor choice of words, but without my POWERS, Guardian, my ability to wow with my silver tongue is fast VANISHING due to IRRITATION! Can you PLEASE tell me what is going on?"

//The Fallen do not come nigh to me often. They are terrified of me. However, your powers are now returned. This was set up for a reason, for you are all family. You included, Q and Q. It is time for the Continuum to enter Events. They and you are needed. As for my Sa'ren, he is now healed. Lord Spock, your son's mind is whole for Mikey of Urbandale has worked a Healing. I have lowered the Lock of Time, forever, and the three High Races can now do what needs be done. Now I must away. My Voice, you will need to remain close to my Sa'ren from tomorrow onwards. You are my Voice. My Sa'ren is my Hand. You are to work together in the Time to Come//

And with that, the Being of Light melted out through the air and was gone.

"When did the Guardian start channelling Mikey?" Teri muttered into Kevin's hair with a long-suffering sigh.

Q ignored her, as he instead snapped his fingers, and plates appeared on the table before Joel. Plates containing:

"COOKIES! YUMMY!" the little Vulcan crowed out as he bounced on Cory's lap while reaching for the nearest pile.

Bones stood up and moved towards the kitchen, muttering something about 'whiskey', while Kirk traded a long look with Spock. "I think it was easier on our five year missions," he muttered, half to himself.

Joel, while munching on one cookie and feeding Cory another, looked over at Q, "You're nicer than on the shows. Are you really always pranking Picard?"

"It's my favourite way to pass the time," Q answered glibly.

"Ain't that the truth," Quint breathed.

"Hush, Q," Q said with a small smile.

Cory swallowed fast on the mouthful of cookie before laughing, "Isn't this going to get confusing? Q and Q?"

"Levi named me Quint," Quint giggled. "He got the inflection of my name 'Q' right. It's 'Quint' in a way, anyway. At least to us Q it is!"

"Just how long have you known 'Quint', Levi?" Teri asked curiously.

"If you add it all up, I think we're up to about seven years now!" Levi giggled.

Q shook his head, "Only one of which I knew about, really. Oh, I knew he had a friend he visited, and had even met this 'friend' a few times, but... somehow, young Levi kept himself from being really 'seen' by me."

"So you're not just five days old, Leev?" Joel asked curiously.

"On this plane I am. Mikyvis age is funny," Levi replied thoughtfully.

"Same for me. I'm seven billion... or so... kinda," the Doctor giggled.

"Oh," Joel murmured, his cute face scrunched up in thought. Then he wiggled his bare butt on Cory's bare lap. "Owwwieee! Keeeevvvvv! You made my butt sore!"

"Why do you think I'm sitting on Aunt Teri? She's not thin and boney like Cor, is she?" Kevin retorted with a giggle as he wiggled a bit himself.

Cory, while trying not to burst out laughing, whispered to his elven brother, "You should talk to Sean after. The both of you - unless you've figured out which will be, ah... well..."

"We're both bottoms," Joel supplied helpfully, in a normal tone of voice as he helped himself to more cookies. He was completely oblivious to the fact that Kirk was nearly off his chair laughing, and his father had both eyebrows vanished into his fringe. "So we'll both talk to Sean. That okay, Ted?"

"Ummm.... yeah...." Sean replied, trying his hardest to avoid eye contact with any adult.

Mont and Bast grinned at each other, then at both boys they guarded. "We like Joel. He's fun," they chorused.

"I agree," Nathan said from the doorway where he, JJ, Adam and half the Clan were also watching the fun. "Jace and I are both the opposite. We keep having fights, Joel. What are you and Kevvy gonna do?"

Kevin, his face aflame by now, muttered, "Draw straws..."

---

Teri re-entered the Rec Room with Quint and the Mikyvis at her side, "Everything's okay now, and you have a new brother I think. This is Quint, for those who didn't catch what Levi said."

"Hi!" Quint grinned at the assembled horde of naked kids. "Is this the dress code?" he asked Teri as his own clothes vanished with a muted flash.

"It seems to be, and you'll fit right in!" Teri responded with a chuckle.

"It saves on laundry for our 'rents," Tyler said sagely as they all watched Timmy run up to the newest member of the Clan.

"Hi, Uncle Quint! You wanna shower with us? We gotta get ready for breakfast!" the little Fireball asked excitedly.

Quint checked with Levi, who nodded, then he shrugged, "Okay, I'll go with you, but I don't need showers like you solids."

"You'll LIKE our showers!" Ricky giggled as he took the hand that Timmy had not claimed. "C'mon Pauly... New Uncle!!!"

Pauly, however, was looking in confusion at Quint. He was also poking at Quint's belly and arms, "Whatya mean? You's solid, you are!"

Suddenly Timmy and Ricky had no hands to hold. Between them hovered an amorphous blob of energy that glowed with an inner light. "This is the real me," said the energy, in Quint's voice.

"KEWL!!!!!!" the three boys exclaimed. "Uncle Levis does that too, an' he's really fun in the showers!" Timmy added.

"Ah, but can Levis do this?" said the Energy-Quint, giggled as Spock was standing there. Then Kirk. Then Timmy. Then Teri. Then an older, bald headed guy in a futuristic Starfleet Uniform like the one Quint's dad had been wearing. Then a Horta...

"I like you; you are funny!" Timmy giggled as his partner and brother nodded in agreement. "You're gonna be a kewl uncle!"

"Good," said the Horta-Quint. "If you wanna, Halloween will be well cool! I can make you into whatever you want for the night, too!"

Pauly's mouth dropped open. "You can makes me a werewolfie?!"

There was a brief flash of light, and a Pauly-looking little werewolf was standing where Pauly used to be. "Yep!" Horta-Quint giggled.

"AWESOME!!!!" Pauly exclaimed loud enough to make the adults hold their ears.

Cory looked around the doorway at Pauly, then he looked at Kyle, "Illusion?"

"Nope, you now have a for-real werewolf as a son," Kyle giggled.

"Oh great... PLEASE tell me you can turn him back, Quint!" Cory responded seriously.

"Yeah. That's no biggie," Quint said as he returned to his normal form.

"Okay. Pauly, don't bite anyone, okay?"

"Okay, Daddy!" the little wolf-kid said as he started to chase his tail around and around in circles. "I won't!"

Wacko, however, was hissing and spitting at Pauly. Pauly looked at him, "It's me! Silly!"

Wacko cocked his head to the side, then pounced Pauly. They both started to roll around wrestling on the ground.

Teri rolled her eyes before looking at the rest of the gang watching. "Half an hour until breakfast. You know the drill, people. Showers and dress. Get your skinny butts in gear!"

"Yes Mom!" the assembled crowd giggled.

"Did she just say that we were to be wearing dresses?" Quint asked Cory.

"Naw; we're supposed to be dressed to eat." Cory replied. He then got a huge grin on his face. "Hey Ky; wanna have some fun with Mom? Between you and Quint we can pull it off...."

Kyle was already one step ahead of Cory, and had been talking silently to Quint who was grinning madly. Then the grin spread to the rest of the assembled kids.

Teri looked at her son, then around at the others. There was a flash of light that surrounded the entire group and when it vanished, they were all in pink frilly dresses. Even the werewolf-Pauly.

"We're ready!" they all chorused.

Teri shook her head in wonder. "You forgot shoes!" she chuckled as she turned to head to the kitchen. "I can't wait to see Spock's face after THIS one!" she added.

Spock, seated with his son at the Dining Room table and talking with Q, heard her as she passed through towards the Kitchen. He decided to investigate.

"Hi, Uncle Spock!" "Hi Grandpa!" "Hi Dad!"

Spock went back to sit down with Joel, Kevin and Q.

"What has my son done this time?" Q asked seriously.

Joel looked up at his dad and giggled at the sight of both eyebrows hidden in his hairline.

"He dressed the Clan," Spock answered simply, looking at the doorway as Cory and Sean walked in, still in their dresses.

Q laughed so hard that he fell into his energy form.

"This is really uncomfortable," Sean muttered to Cory as he wriggled within the get-up he had on.

Cory nodded in agreement, "Thank God I was born a boy!"

"I could change that!" Q managed through his laughter. "Then you'd fill out that dress properly, at your age anyway!"

Cory and Sean quickly stripped naked, their faces panicked. After checking that they were all 'still there', they turned and ran back for the other room to let the rest know of Q's threat.

Once the Clan had all spread out to get showered, and after Quint had turned Pauly back into a real little boy again, Tyler and Kyle grabbed Jay and the Doctor and popped away to the nearest empty bathroom. "Come on, I'm hungry," Tyler giggled.

Jay grinned as he looked at the huge tub next to the shower area. "Bath might be nice," he murmured.

"If our brothers can fill it quickly enough, sure," the Doctor smiled. "Otherwise we'll be late for food!"

Kyle gestured and the tub was full with hot, bubbly water.

"Sweet," Jay said as he slipped himself into it quickly, followed by Tyler. The Doctor grinned at Kyle, who just nodded at him.

The Doctor's face became slightly concerned, but he let it slide as he helped Kyle into the water and got in himself.

Jay was already busy washing Tyler's back and hair, while the blond boy just murmured happily at the attention. "Wish we could do stuff like you Mikyvis," Jay said softly as he splashed water up Tyler's back to clear away some of the suds. "We have some powers like you, but mostly it's all time stuff."

"That's okay; you can do stuff we can't do, so we're even," Ty replied just as softly. "Oh, down a bit! I gotta itch!"

Jay started to scratch Tyler's lower back, then stopped, "Wait a minute! You can't get itches, can you?"

Kyle half giggled, "No, but back scratches still feels nice."

"Oh - in that case," Jay giggled as he gently lifted Tyler so that the boy was half out of the water and placed him so that he was dangling over the edge of the bath. Tyler's arms were just relaxed as they dangled outside of the water while Jay knelt behind him and scratched his back thoroughly.

"That looks like it's fun," Kyle murmured with a sidelong look at the Doctor.

The Doctor grinned and quickly manoeuvred Kyle into place next to Tyler. Then the two Back-Scratching Time Lords really set to work on their Mikyvis brethren.

"You know something, Kyle?" the Doctor said with a small smile.

"No, what?" Kyle purred back.

"You're lucky."

"Oh? Why?"

"Because Tyler's bum is real cute!" both Jay and the Doctor giggled.

The bum in question flushed red as the blond Tyler blushed heavily.

"Thank you," Kyle giggled as he joined his hand with Tyler lovingly.

"Yeah. Thanks, I guess," Tyler managed around his massive blush.

After about five minutes of purring, the Mikyvis traded places with their Time Lord partners.

"Grade A back scratching, Ty," Jay said as he dangled over the edge of the bath.

"What's this?" Kyle asked as he pointed to a strange mark on the small of the Doctor's back.

The Doctor lifted his head and looked over his shoulder at his brown haired brother. "That's the sign of Infinity," he said with a smile. "The Lemniscate. It's how my people knew I was the one who'd first change to a higher state of being - obviously Middle Race. Only I went a little further!"

"Cute," Kyle smiled before going back to scratching.

"Don't ogle his bum, hon!" Tyler giggled as he gave Kyle a light shove.

"Like you're not ogling Jay's!" Kyle retorted.

Jay sniggered, "Stop poking me, Tyler!"

"I'm not asking," the Doctor said, his eyes still blissfully closed. "I'm just not asking."

About fifteen minutes later and the four boys were back in the Rec Room getting into their clothes. Most of the others we already in the Dining Room, but there were a few who had taken slightly longer in their respective showers as well.

"I'll get you a place, Galli!" Jay hooted as he and Tyler ran into the Dining Room arm in arm.

"'Kay," the Doctor called back. As he pulled his tee-shirt on, he felt Kyle tap him on his arm. "What's up?"

"Why's he like that?" Kyle asked seriously, nodding his head towards the Dining Room.

The Doctor had a feeling as to whom Kyle was referring to and knew this was what was troubling his brother. "Q?" he asked for confirmation.

"Yeah," Kyle nodded, his eyes still serious.

"Q's always been like that. It's his nature," the Doctor said lightly. "He does what he does for a reason, mostly, and things seem to happen right anyway."

"But he treated Cory like shit!" Kyle exclaimed. "I thought he was nice, but he seems to look down on us 'solids'."

"No, he doesn't look down on the Younger Races. In fact, he cares for them after a fashion - at least compared to the majority of his Race. He's just not one to let authority figures go without being poked and prodded. It was meant to happen, Kyle," the Doctor answered.

"It's not right, Galli," Kyle said as he crossed his arms.

"For Q, yes it is."

"Explain," Kyle demanded. "Explain why bad manners is okay!"

The Doctor sighed, "The Q believe that others need to expand their minds before they reach their true worth. Q himself is not quite that bad, but his methods run along those lines. So, he tries to rub people the wrong way to see who they truly are by their reactions."

Kyle didn't like such a disarming answer. "Why didn't you warn us about him? He just appears in the Compound and scares the shit outta our brothers. A little warning might have been nice!"

"I didn't know he'd arrive then. The Guardian brought him. The Guardian is an Unknown Element in the Time Streams. I couldn't have known - the Time Lock was still active when I went to bed, then I was as asleep as you, Kyle," the Doctor exclaimed, waving his arms around.

"You should have still told us about Q!"

"It wasn't the right Time, Kyle! Things happen a certain way and I know not to mess with them! Then the Guardian upset my timetable in my mind, so I was in the same boat as you!"

"Screw that! Why would that have made a difference to tell us about him before?!"

"It just would," the Doctor said with resignation. "Look, Kyle - you need to calm down and think things through a bit. I know these Time things better, and unless Joel or the Guardian messes around with them, it mostly happens as I see it happening."

"Don't tell me to calm down, and don't you walk away from me!" Kyle shouted as the Doctor moved off through the now empty Rec Room towards the Dining Room door. "Cory deserved better. We all did, and..."

"Kyle..."

"Shut up and let me finish!"

---

After having had to run back to the apartment to dress, both Kevin and Joel skipped back into the Dining Room for breakfast. Everyone else was slowly getting themselves seated after having had their showers and gotten dressed. As he placed a pillow down for himself and Kevin to sit on, and also ignoring the sniggers from various other boys there, Joel's attention was pulled to the door to the Rec Room as it burst open.

"You KNEW what he's like, and STILL didn't think about WARNING us all first. You let him do that to Cor, and I'm just meant to listen to you when you say it's 'meant to be'?!" Kyle was yelling at the Doctor.

"Kyle, I've already said it - some things have to happen a certain way, and..."

"I don't give a FUCK! HOW DARE HE TREAT CORY THAT WAY!!!" Kyle raged back, cutting the Doctor off mid-speech.

The Doctor's eye flashed dangerously, "Don't you dare take that tone with me, Kyle Richardson!"

Kyle reached and pushed the Doctor angrily, "Shut the fuck up, Gallifrey! I won't let Cor be hurt again, and..."

Now it was the Doctor who raised his voice, "If I thought Q would have hurt Cor, I'd have done something; BUT THIS WAS MEANT TO HAPPEN THIS WAY!!! Q is like that 'cos he just IS!"

Kyle pushed him again, harder this time, "I DON'T CARE! If he tries treating Cor like that again, I'll fight him. I killed Axon. I'll kill him too!"

The Doctor pushed Kyle back fiercely. "DON'T YOU EVER SAY THAT! High Races killing High Races?! You don't even KNOW what you're talking about, you stupid little twerp!"

Oh, that got Kyle's fists flying when he said that.

Joel just stood there trembling as two of his brothers rolled around on the floor attempting to punch each other's lights out.

"Kyle Calvin Richardson and Gallifrey Short, freeze RIGHT NOW!" Teri ordered, her tone stating that they had better listen.

Neither did. Both the ten year old and the eight year old continued to pull hair, scream and punch each other - both completely oblivious to the havoc they were causing.

Q strolled over smiled at Teri, then snapped his fingers. Both boys were now a foot apart, and two feet from the floor - yet still trying to kick and hit each other. The obscenities were turning the air rather more blue than was normal even for the Clan. Q, ignoring the screams of abuse being traded, turned to Teri, "If you're wondering - yes, I can match powers to your Mikyvis and even Gallifrey. I'm not as good with Time, but the physical? I'm the Lord of."

"Thank you," Teri grated, however her eyes were fixed on the two still yelling and red faced boys. "Both of you, stop this NOW, or else I'll make sure that it's stopped for you," Teri announced over their obscenities.

Kyle, to his credit, did stop swearing. He was still trying to transport himself closer to the still raging Time Lord, though, but Q was easily keeping him under control.

The Doctor, however, was a real mess. His eyes were streaming tears, and the haunted look in them was pitiable: and due to his feelings, he still had not heard Teri and so was still shouting... but by now he wasn't making much sense.

Quint, who was seated with the wide eyed Levi, turned to his friend. "Do they do this often?" he whispered loudly.

Levi mutely shook his head as the Doctor's rant turned into just plain sobs of barely repressed rage and grief.

Teri came to stand directly before Kyle, who was raised up to eye level by a helpful gesture by Q. "Explain," she ordered seriously.

Kyle bit his lip hard so that he wouldn't shout it out, then managed to say softly, "He just let Q get away with treating Cory like shit, and with scaring our brothers. He never told us what Q was like."

The Doctor tried to respond, but Q laid a finger over the ten year old's lips. "Hush. You wait your turn," Q said softly, yet just as seriously as Teri had.

Kyle threw a dirty look at Q and the Doctor, then stared straight ahead as if blanking them both out - Teri too. He did continue, however, and his voice was slowly getting harder and harder, "The Doctor just let an unknown stroll in and freak everyone out. He never warned us. He never told us! Q could have been dangerous, and we never really knew! The Doctor brought us to meet Q, but then Q seemed nice. He's not. Joel's mind shows he's not, but I listened to the Doctor... I won't make that mistake again." Each time Kyle said the Doctor's name, it was with as much insult and venom as he could muster. He then turned to look the ginger Time Lord in the eyes and spat out, "You are not my brother! Brothers would have said. Would have explained!"

The Doctor's eyes, already wet from the tears that had recently stopped, started running again, yet his face mottled in something that was a mix of anger, pain and self-loathing, "Fine! You can fuck off, then! I've been alone for longer than your world has had LIFE! Why'd I ever bother with such a fucked up people? I hate you! I... ha...hate you..." he finished as his voice broke completely.

Teri felt that they needed some space - like right now! "Neither one of you meant that, and you BOTH know it. You both call me Mom, and as your mother I am NOT going to allow this behaviour to continue. Corners, NOW, until such time as you can be civil to each other and are able to apologize to EVERYONE here for your actions."

Kyle, still blanking everyone, barely nodded his head. He was lowered to the ground and taken by Teri to one corner of the room.

"LET ME GO, Q!" the Doctor screamed as he fought with the 'hold' Q had on him.

"No," Q said slowly.

Teri walked back and looked the Doctor in the eyes, "Corner."

"You've got to be kidding!" the Doctor sobbed out, still struggling as he hovered two feet off the ground. "No! He said... he... I did nothing... I... he... NO! He's not my brother any more! He said it..." the little Time Lord rushed out, barely making himself understood through his heartbreaking sobs, "I've lost... lost another brother... so you ain't my mother no more... I o...opened my h...heart and... and... NO! I WON'T!"

"WHAT WAS THAT YOUNG MAN?" Teri replied, steel in her voice.

"You heard," he muttered morosely. "What's the point in continuing this farce. I'm the eldest of all - I'm not staying here - I'm leaving..." he muttered as he dashed his tears from his eyes. Useless move as more replaced them fast. The air around him started to Fold, but then... nothing. "Wh...what? What the..."

//Listen to your mother// came the gentle voice of Forever from everywhere.

"What?! After... after what..." the Doctor sobbed out, but then the Guardian's voice came again.

//Listen to your mother, Lord of Time. You are no longer the Lonely God, nor the Wanderer Without a Home. You are home, now. You are no longer lonely//

"B...but..."

//Listen to your mother. You accepted, she accepted; and so I bound you together. You have a mother again. You are a child again as I intended. You will heal in time. You have lost nothing now, and have gained more than you had ever lost before. Listen to your mother//

Still sobbing, the now frail seeming little boy was lowered by Q to the floor where he trembled before Teri. As she reached out to lead him towards the opposite corner from Kyle, he impulsively embraced her and sobbed into her chest for a long moment. Then, and only then, did the oldest living person in the Universes - apart from the Guardian - allow a relative 'child' of a human to discipline him.

The Doctor was stood in a corner for the first time in over 7 billion years in that Timeline.

"Mama?" Joel trembled as Teri came back from where she had stood the Doctor.

She smiled down at him, and gently ruffled his hair, "Don't worry, Joel. Fights happen with a bunch of kids and teens all in each other's pockets all the time. It'll work out."

"Oh... you sure?"

"I'm sure. Sit down, sweety, and enjoy your breakfast," she said with a tender smile.

Joel did so, and his face scrunched up again as he tried to make himself comfortable.

"You DID ask, Sa'r," Kevin giggled wickedly from his side.

"Ask what?" Kenny giggled mischievously from Kevin's other side.

"When we were getting showered and ready for breakfast I wanted Kev to..." Joel began, but Cory reached over and silenced him with his hand.

"We get it, Lil'elf," the blond patriarch giggled.

Grandma Anne then bustled into the room carrying a large plate of fruit-salad. "Where are they? Ah! Here you go, boys..." she said as she placed the plate before Kevin. Then she looked at the faces Joel was pulling, and pushed the plate over to him instead. "I think this is more for you, Joel," she said with a smile.

"Oh! I like fruit. So does Kevvy!" Joel smiled happily, "But why more for me? Can't Kev have some too?"

Grandma Anne bent down and whispered for a moment into Joel's ear, while others at the table simply giggled.

"Oh! But we're BOTH that way, Grandma!" Joel giggled as she finished explaining.

"Oh! Okay, you share this, and I'll get you some more," she said happily as she turned and bustled back out.

"We share anyway!" Joel called out helpfully, but then shrugged and popped a piece of banana into Kevin's mouth. "I like her. She's strange, but I like her."

"You know," Jude giggled as he helped himself to some toast, "this reminds me of those old stories of people being abducted by aliens."

Spock raised an eyebrow and asked, "What stories are they, my son?"

Jude smiled as everyone started to listen carefully while eating, "In my world, some people claimed that little green or gray men from other worlds came to Earth, took them into their starships, and examined them. The biggest story was about anal probes and stuff. They say it was happening all over the world. I never believed it - I just thought it was gay people who were still 'not out' who were trying to say something about what they really 'wanted'."

Kenny started laughing like mad as Jude finished explaining.

"What do you find so amusing, Ken?" Xain queried as he started to take a drink from his Vulcan tea.

"Hehehe... Jake gets probed by an alien... hehehe... almost every night!" Kenny giggled.

Vulcan tea was sprayed over the nearly half of the table, and Jake sat on Xain's other side completely speechless. Then he started pounding on Xain's back to stop the 12 year old 'alien' from choking to death.

"How did what Grandma Anne do or say remind you of that, Jude?" Joel giggled as he watched the colour return to Xain's face.

"Well... not Grandma - you! It was the role reversal of a human 'probing' an alien!" Jude laughed.

Kevin just sat there, trying to look angelic with a 'Who, me?' expression on his face. "Don't bother, Kev," Sean giggled. "We can all see the horns!"

"Hey!" Joel protested as everyone started laughing at both him and Kevin, "I probed back just as much!"

"TMI, cuz!" Justy laughed even louder. "Waaaaay TMI!"

"Kenneth," Xain said, his voice as emotionless as ever it could have been. "Please remain here once you have finished breaking your fast. Jake and I wish to dunk you."

"And you expect me to stay after saying that?!" Kenny giggled his retort.

"Yes!" came the response from both boys.

As Kevin popped a cherry into his mouth, Joel said to him, "We never tried Cory's favourite number, Kev. Wanna try it after?"

Kevin started choking.

Joel hammered on his back quickly, then caught the cherry in one smooth motion as Kevin spat it out. The little Vulcan then giggled and popped it into his own mouth to eat.

"Hey! Cor, tell him! He just stole my cherry!" Kevin protested, then blushed deeply once he realised what he had said.

Cory nearly choked on his own food as Sean giggled, "Wasn't that the whole point of your wedding night, Kev?"

Teri rolled her eyes at the banter, before returning to her own tea.

Ten minutes later, and there seemed no let up to the amount of food being consumed. It was then that Teri felt was time to talk to her two sons. She got up and went over to Kyle first, and as she came to a stop behind him, she could hear his quiet sobs. She laid a hand on his shoulder and turned him around, and in the same movement she sank to her knees to be on eye level with the small boy.

"Can you tell me what happened?" she asked softly.

Brushing his tears away, Kyle nodded and started spilling everything out in a rush, "Yeah, ah... I didn't like how Q spoke to Cor or how he treated and ignored Cor, so I asked the Doctor about it, 'cos Q never seemed like a mean person when I met him Wednesday but the Doctor just said it was Q's way. Then I got a bit angry 'cos he didn't seem to care that Cor had been hurt and made angry and stuff, so I started arguing, then he started acting like he was all grown-up and stuff and... and..." Kyle trailed off softly as he hung his head.

Teri brushed the hair out of Kyle's eyes then asked something that only one parent can ever ask another. "How would you have treated people if it was you looking for Levi and you couldn't find him?"

Kyle looked at her for a moment, his tears still trickling down his smooth, pale cheeks. He opened his mouth a few times as if to answer, but stopped each time. Eventually, he sighed and hung his head again. "Kinda like Uncle Q did, I s'pos," he admitted grudgingly, and the honorific being reapplied to Q told Teri that that part of Kyle's problem was dealt with. Then he looked up again, "But why didn't the Doctor tell us about this happening? He says he knows things before they happen, and if he'd told us then Cor wouldn't have gotten mad or nothing! That was wrong! And he acted all... all... like an adult! He's a kid like us, now! And... and..."

Teri held a finger to Kyle's lips. "Shhhhhh.... You've explained Time Paradoxes to me a few times, enough that I understand what kind of trouble they cause. If you really think about it, I bet that you're going to be able to tell me the same thing I figured out myself. Think it out, and no cheating by running time scenarios through your head."

Kyle lowered his eyes again as he whispered, "I can't anyway. The Darkness is to much for me to do that right now, but... but you're right. If we'd known we might have changed stuff and... but why'd Do... why'd Galli not tell me like I'd have told him something? Why'd he act like he's all adult and stuff?"

Teri smiled, "When Galli tells anyone something to do with Time, how does he do it?"

Kyle sniffed back a few soft sobs, then whispered, "Like he always does..."

"Like he always does," Teri repeated with a smile. "And I gather that he's your brother again - now that you're calling him 'Galli'?"

Kyle started crying. "Sorry, Mom! I'm sorry... I've never, ever, EVER said a brother wasn't a brother before... I'm really REALLY sorry!" he finished with a heartbroken wail.

She reached out and enveloped the crying child in her arms and then sat back on the floor, pulling him onto her lap. She soothed his tears and held him close until they had run their course.

Meanwhile, Tyler and Jay were seated together on the same chair and eating - while watching both their partners out of the corner of their eyes. They were also talking about what had caused so spectacular a breakdown, and whether or not they should fight, too - just to not seem like they weren't supporting their respective husbands. However, for all the others too far away to hear, they just seemed like a nine year old and his eight year old brother bonding and feeding each other.

"I could use the bacon plate, and bonk you over the head with it," Jay supplied as he helped himself to the last 6 pieces on said plate.

Tyler shook his head fast, "Nuh huh! God, you'll have Tommy AND Helen AND Mom after you then!"

"Good point. What about the chair we're on?" Jay asked as he fed one of the rinds of bacon to Tyler.

Tyler chewed and considered it. "That might work. Especially if I'm using the armchair from the Rec to beat you to death with. A chair each sounds fair. Can I have another?"

"Sure," Jay said seriously as he popped another rasher into Tyler's open mouth. "Can you pass the salt, please?"

As Tyler did so, Dean shook his head in wonder. "That must be the most friendly, brotherly and loving way I've ever heard of a declaration of incoming violence be discussed before!" he stated to Justy, who giggled into his 4th bowl of Wheaties.

Once Kyle had ceased crying, Teri stood up and led him over to an empty chair by Sean. "Start your breakfast. I'm going to talk with your brother," she whispered to him.

Kyle nodded mutely as he and his chair was pulled over against Sean's side.

The Doctor was still as stone when Teri got to him, but she could hear his own soft sniffs and sobs once she had gotten close enough. Getting back down onto her knees, she turned him around and asked, "Could you explain what happened, son?"

The Doctor launched into his own fast paced rendition of the events leading up to the fight, only from his own perspective. He ended in tears with, "... and I only got real mad when he said he'd kill Q! I've seen too many of us die, Mrs..." At a look from Teri, the Doctor stopped what he was about to say and changed it fast. "...Mum. I've seen too m...many, and he d...didn't know what he was t...talking 'bout - then he t...tells me he's not my brother and it's o..o...only 'cos he's my brother that I h...have a mum and another d...dad and lots of other b...brothers and... I..."

Teri wiped a few tears from Galli's face, then asked softly, "How much time has anyone had to sit down and learn about the history of all of the High Races?"

"None," Galli whispered back, then added quickly, "but I told Kyle about it. About what I... 'bout what I did..." He trailed off with a sick whisper. "I'm a murderer. I killed them. All of them... I killed them to stop just one race. One people. I... They call me the 'One who never carries a weapon', yet I've more blood on my hands than anyone else. I'm a murderer... I am the Destroyer of Worlds..."

"Is this a common issue among the High Races? Thinking they are murderers because they did what was necessary to protect life in general?" Teri asked, her tone showing that she was asking a serious question. "Your Father has a saying which fits this quite well... 'The needs of the Many outweigh the needs of the Few, or the One.' You have done things in the past that allowed the Universe to continue, obviously they worked or we would not be here. Stop beating yourself up over something that had to be done."

Galli dissolved into tears and fell into Teri's arms, sobbing his heart out. She made out a few phrases only from his tear filled ramblings. Such as "I'm sorry for saying you're not my Mummy" and "I really do love Kyle".

At the table, Kyle had not yet started eating - he just didn't feel like it, not without making up to his brother first. He was sitting morosely, and pushing a fried egg around his plate when a hand came to rest on his shoulder. He looked up and found Teri smiling at him.

"Come over here, Kyle," she said softly as she led him up and over to where Galli was standing.

The little Time Lord was scuffing his foot against the floor and looked very shame faced - Kyle thought that he looked as bad as he himself felt. What was worse was the black eye that Galli was now sporting. Unlike himself, Galli wasn't immune to physical trauma yet.

"I'm sorry," Galli whispered as he stared at the floor between them both, once Kyle had gotten to within two feet of him. "I'm sorry I said I hated you. I don't. I... I really don't, Kyle. I shouldn't have acted so bossy, either... I'm just.... I'm sorry..." he trailed off. A second later he lifted his eyes to look into Kyle's. "Can you be my brother again?" he asked, his voice catching with incipient tears.

"I was a stupid brat. Do you really still want me as a brother?" Kyle replied softly.

"Always," Galli whispered as he dropped his eyes again. "And I was the brat. You're too nice to be one..."

Kyle shook his head. "I shoulda known better, but I didn't listen to ya. I was thinkin' of myself instead of listenin' to what you was sayin'."

"Guys, if this continues, you'll be fighting about who was the bigger brat. Just kiss, hug and make up, then you can be the two wonderful little boys we all know and love again," Teri chuckled.

Galli half smiled and tentatively moved a step closer to Kyle and began to open his arms for a hug.

"NO TONGUES!" came the yelled giggles from both Jay and Tyler.

"Just for that, we might!" Kyle yelled back before joining the hug. "I love you, Galli. I'm sorry."

"I love you, and I'm sorry too," Galli whispered, a ghost of a smile on his face.

Kyle pulled back enough to check Galli's black eye. Then he kissed it, and when he pulled back, the swelling had gone and it was normal again. "Want to share breakfast? Our other halves have already fed each other."

"Yeah!" Galli giggled.

"Aren't you forgetting something?" Teri said softly, looked briefly at the others.

Galli straightened slightly, and while still in the hug with Kyle looked around at the other kids. "We're sorry for acting like that. We were wrong."

"We kinda pulled a Cory and Sean and argued when we wasn't 'posed to. I'm sorry guys," Kyle added seriously.

Joel smiled softly, then looked over at Cory, "You've fought with Sean before?"

"Ummm, yeah - we have," Sean said seriously.

"The first time was the funniest," Mikey giggled from a foot off the table where he had only just appeared, "Sean knocked out one of Cory's teeth because he thought Cory was ignoring him, so Cory used a dinner plate to give Sean a concussion!"

"Mikey!" Cory and Sean protested.

"How old were they?" Kevin giggled.

"Six and seven," Mikey sniggered.

Cory rolled his eyes, "You going to tell everyone all of our secrets?"

"He already did, Blondie! Mama? Did you really think they were being murdered the first time Cory had anal sex with Sean?" Joel asked curiously.

As both Cory and Sean disappeared under the table, the only indication of their presence the bright red glows from their blushes, Teri stuttered her response while trying not to laugh. "If you had heard them, you would have too, Joel."

"You mean they were worse than JJ and Adam are?" Dan asked seriously, causing JJ and Adam to join Cory and Sean.

"Ah," Joel nodded to himself. "Boy, you must be loud!" he added, glancing under the table to look at his bright red brothers.

So you! Ears still ringing! Black Feet sent - and everyone heard him and burst out laughing.

"Blackie!" Kevin yelled as he too crept under the table to join the other four.

"I'm Vulcan. I can yell loud," Joel shrugged as his cheeks started to glow green. "And Kevvy made me feel very, very good when he..."

"SA'R!!!!" Kevin added as he pulled his slightly blushing Vulcan husband under the table to join the others. "Jeez!"

Tommy giggled as he lifted the tablecloth and looked underneath, "Ya know, Ma; all the blushin' bros under th' table is makin for a good food warmer!"

"Bite Me, Tommy!!" five voices answered at once from under the table.

"Cuddle me, Tommy!!" Joel's voice followed.

"ELF CUDDLIN'!!!!!!!" Tommy yelled as he stood up then literally dived under the table.

A second later, Tommy started laughing hysterically as five pairs of hands started tickling him. After a moment or two more of this, a loud cry was heard from Joel, "Hey! Leave off 'im! I want my cuddles!"

"Sorry, Joel!" "Sorry, Sa'r!"

"Thank you! Now. Cuddles, comedian!"

---

As Joel and Kevin left the Dining Room patting their full stomachs, Galli ran up to them arm in arm with Kyle, "Joel? Got a minute?"

"No, I got a stiffy that needs dealing with - but I think I can spare a second or so," the Vulcan giggled wickedly as Kevin whistled innocently.

Galli blinked then both he and Kyle burst out laughing. Through his chuckles, the little Time Lord handed Joel a small seeming bag, "Here, sex-crazed alien! This is for you."

After taking the bag from Galli, Joel raised an eyebrow curiously, "Thanks. Why, though?"

"I didn't give you a gift yesterday. I was still trying to get it made. That's it, big bro," the little Doctor grinned at his brother. "It's a 'Bag of Dimension'. Or, for you, your 'Cookie-Carrier'."

Joel opened the largest seeming flap and looked at it, "Mmm, I can fit a few in here. Thanks, Galli!"

"A few?" came a voice from one of the other pockets.

Joel dropped the bag. "What the hell?" he cried as the bag cried out.

"Damnit, I wish they wouldn't do that all the time, Galli!" Jay said as his head pushed its way out of the pocket - which had enlarged as he did so.

"They wouldn't if you didn't go inside them to explore, you goof!" Kyle sniggered as he helped the Doctor pull Jay from the bag. Galli was pulling on Jay's arms while Kyle held the small bag steady on the floor.

"AUNTIE HEEEEELLLLLLEEEEEEENNNNNNNNN!!!!!" was all they heard from Joel as soon as the bag was 'Jay-Free', for the little Vulcan had snatched it up and was pelting from the room at warp factor 10. "I NEEDS COOOOKKKIIIIIEEEEEESSSS!!!!!"

"Thanks a bunch," Kevin grouched. "That's all I need. A sex crazed, Pon Farr approaching Vulcan with a SUGAR RUSH!"

"You're welcome," Galli bowed, then he giggled, "but don't worry. Joel shares, don't he? You'll be on the same rush, Kev!"

"Oh," Kevin sighed. "Be still my beating heart. There goes my waist-line..."

"Ah, don't worry, Kev!" Jay grinned from his seat on the floor. "Joel'll burn off your extra calories quickly enough. Sex is good exercise. Just think of the cookie intake as an excuse!"

Kevin's face brightened considerably as he too ran off after Joel - obviously to 'help' with the filling of the near bottomless bag...

---

Cory was standing behind the sofa and rubbing and massaging Sean's shoulders when Spock walked up to him with Teri and Dan. "My sons. I would like to talk with you both, if you are not too busy," he said casually with a soft smile to them both.

"Sure Dad," they both answered, although Sean still had his eyes closed with contentment.

Cory smiled at his new father yet continued to attend to his beloved's shoulders. "What's up?" he added amiably.

"Yesterday," Spock said as he took a seat with Teri, "your mother and I had a long talk regarding the state of the Clan. Most if not all of you require what humans refer to as a holiday. Especially you two. So, you are both having one. No arguments, no objections and no choice in the matter. As second in House Surak, I take your responsibilities from you as of now and hold them in trust until your mother concludes that you are both ready for them to be returned. You are simply Cory and Sean Short; two young men on a break. I would advise you to start packing, for your mother is going to take you away from the Compound for a while."

Sean's eyes were wide open by the time Spock had finished speaking, and Cory was still as stone, behind him. "Well, ummm..." he murmured before clearing his throat. "Uh, Dad - can we at least pick where we want to go?"

"Do you think that is needful, my grandson?" Sarek asked, as he walked over to join them. "Do you not remember what was said on Monday when Levi allowed the Guardian of Forever to speak through him?"

"Which time?" Cory asked, as he tried to get his mind around his new 'orders'.

Sarek nearly smiled, "When you both were talking to my wife and I in private."

Cory scrunched his brow in thought, and Sean started to giggle, "Oh, give it up, Cor. You'll burn out your last brain cell! I remember, Grandfather!"

"Bite me - you would, cheater!" Cory giggled as he proceeded to tickle Sean.

"The Guardian said you will return to the beginning after four days. The beginning for you can only be..."

"Des Moines!" Cory giggled as Sean started to fight back.

"I shall ask Justin to take control of the Clan while Jason is away in Utah, Father," Spock said as he began to rise up from his seat, but he stopped speaking when he saw the subtle shake of his father's head.

Sarek did not elaborate, however. He just looked pointedly at Cory.

At first, the blond teen was confused, then he smiled as he remembered. "Lil'Elf!" he giggled.

"Yes, Blondie?" Joel crowed out as he bounced through the door in time to hear his brother. "What's up?"

"Besides you?" Sean giggled softly.

Joel looked down at himself, blushed and readjusted his pants. "Oops! Sorry, Grandpa!" he rushed out nervously.

"I too went through puberty, Sa'ren," Sarek stated calmly. "Your current predicament is not unknown to me, nor unusual in any case."

Joel grinned, then looked curiously at his two giggling brothers. "Well? You called? What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Cory grinned. "How'd you like to be in charge of the Clan for a few days while Sean and I go on holiday?"

Joel's face fell. "You... you're going 'way?" he murmured, a slight hint of terror beginning to creep into his voice. "What did I do wrong? Was I bad? It's 'cos I had sex with Kevvy, isn't it! I knew it was wrong!" he started blubbering.

He was suddenly surrounded by his brothers, his father and mother, and even Sarek. Cory was the only one to speak from the mass hug, however. "No, you didn't do anything wrong, and no, we're not 'going away'. Just on a holiday. Dad and Mom say Sean and I need a break, so we're going to Des Moines for a few days," Cory explained gently, as he wiped the few tears from Joel's eyes. "Dad?" he asked as he looked up into Spock's eyes, "is it just me and Sean, or can others come with us?"

"Others may go, just as long as all who are going are on 'holiday,' too," Spock answered easily.

"Want to come, Joel?" Sean asked with a smile.

Joel blinked at him and Cory, then up at his father. Then back at his brothers. "Umm... first, why'd you want me in charge of the Clan, Cor?" he asked rather than answer Sean.

"Because you'll be great at it, and you'll learn a lot doing it," Cory said seriously. "And because I trust you. Your cousin Justy will be here as well, and he'll show you what to do, and Jace as well when he gets back from Utah."

Joel considered this for a moment, then looked into Sean's eyes, "You're coming back, right?"

"Of course!" Sean said quickly. "We'd never leave any of you, Joel. We're brothers forever and ever!"

"Then I'll stay and look after the Clan. If I go, you'll both have work keeping me safe. I keep needing you when you're near. If I'm not there, you can really relax. Daddy can look after me, and Kevvy and Poppa and the others. You need a break from me," Joel said seriously.

"I'll never need a break from you, Lil'Elf!" Cory murmured as he rubbed his nose against Joel's. "If you want to come, you can. You don't have to stay and look after anything - you can have a holiday with us, too. You are not work, Elf."

Joel sighed happily and threw his arms around Cory's neck. "Thank you. But I'll stay. I can always visit if I need a Cory or Sean hug. You're not exactly out of Enterprise transporter range, are you?" he added with a giggle.

Cory shook his head with a smile, "Even if we were, you have a bunch of brothers who can get you to us even quicker than a transporter!"

Joel grinned. Then he asked, "Who're you gonna take with you?"

"You ain't going nowhere without me and Ty, Cory!" Kyle said loudly as he and Tyler popped into the mass hug. "Just you try it!"

"That's your safety sorted," Joel giggled. "Plus your two puss-tats!"

"Oh yeah! Can't forget them!" Sean giggled.

"And my son and his better half have already said they are going with you. JJ was quite insistent about it, to be honest," Dan grinned from his seat on the sofa as he watched the mass hug break up.

Teri grinned, "Eight boys, one Teri. I think I'll need help."

Spock tapped her on her shoulder and gestured toward the Kitchens, and they both left, leaving most of the others to watch curiously as they made their way out. Sarek, as ever, showed no reaction. Joel shrugged, then smiled. "Maybe they're gonna..." he mused to himself before shrugging again happily and snuggling closer to Cory.

Cory glanced over at Dan before pressing his face back into Joel's curly hair and asking, "Was everyone but me, Sean and Elf in on this 'holiday', Uncle Dan?"

"Yes," Dan said simply before chuckling.

"You know, one of these days we're gonna get even with you for this..." Sean said with an evil gleam in his eyes.

"Excuse me?" Dan laughed. "I am of the opinion that I'm getting even with you, Sean Patrick Short. My life was quiet, calm and peaceful before JJ got infected with your 'add every kid you come across' disease!"

"Sorry Dan, JJ already had it before he met us... that's how you got Kyle!" Sean giggled. "I think JJ gave it to US!!"

Dan responded with dignity, "Sharon and I had already decided to adopt Kyle, so no - JJ caught it from you. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!"

"Can Kev and I adopt kids too, Blondie?" Joel asked hesitantly as Sean tried to find an answer.

"You better believe it, Lil'Elf!" Cory responded as he pulled Joel into a snuggle. "It's a family tradition... so whenever you both agree that you're ready, go for it."

As Cory finished, Sean spoke up. "Dan, Kyle just told me it took JJ a whole month of bugging you and Aunt Sharon before you finally caved in. Busted!!!"

"I can't hear you, I can't hear you," Dan called out as he left the room quickly, his fingers in his ears.

"... and he questions OUR maturity sometimes???" Sean commented as he tried not to collapse in giggles.

Sarek, as ever, remained impassive. However, when he scooped Joel up into his arms, his little grandson could feel the well-hidden laughter buried within the old Vulcan. "They're funny, aren't they Grandpa?" he giggled as he kissed Sarek's cheek.

"Yes," Sarek said simply. "Yes they are. Have you and Kevin found someone you both wish to adopt, or was that question 'in general' only?"

"In general," Joel answered. "Just checking."

"Where is your miniature hubby anyway?" Cory giggled.

"Oh, around," Joel smirked.

"It's unusual not seeing him right next to you; you two are closer than Sean and me," Cory mused.

Joel kissed Sarek again, then slipped down to the ground. He pulled a smallish bag from where it was tied at his belt and opened the largest pocket. "Cookie?" he asked Cory as he offered the bag to him.

Cory smiled, "Sure." He put his hand into the bag - then found that it seemed a LOT bigger inside. "What the...? The Doc?" he asked as he groped about inside.

"Uh huh," Joel giggled.

"Ah! I think I found... ummm, why have you got furry cookies?" Cory asked, his face scrunching.

"Gotcha!" came a semi-muffled cry from inside the bag, and three things happened at once: Joel pulled the top open wider; Cory yelped; and then he was pulled into the bag as far as his waist.

Joel then lowered the bag to the floor, which made it look, of course, like Cory's upper half had fallen through the floor.

Sean obviously couldn't let the chance go for a quick rump-fondle, even though he was crying with mirth at the sight.

Then Cory disappeared entirely into the bag. "Kev! You little..." his muffled giggles were heard.

"Argh! Help, Sa'r! There's no-where to run in here!"

Joel was too busy laughing. As were Sean, Tyler and Kyle. Sarek just raised an eyebrow.

---

Joel, his cookie bag now Cory and Kev free, was at one of the terminals in Main CIC going through the Clan files. Sean was at his side with an arm around his little brother's waist and answering the questions the little Vulcan was throwing out. He could not, however, keep up with the speed at which Joel was reading the script that seemed to flash upwards at an unbelievable rate.

Suddenly Joel hammered his little hand on the button and yelled out, "CORYYYYYY! Get in here!!!"

A bare second later Cory ran in, Kevin hot on his heals. "What?! What's happened?!" he asked in a rush, thinking there was some big emergency happening.

"Where were you born?" Joel bubbled out as he fixed his blond brother with his eyes.

Cory, his brain trying to switch gears from 'emergency' to 'elvish-hyperness adaptability', just blinked at his grinning little brother. "In a hospital," he stated with his own grin.

"Haha," Sean rolled his eyes. "I think in Des Moines, Joel. We've never really asked, though. We're American, though."

"Well, technically yes," Joel giggled. "But Cory's only American as his mother was. His dad was Scottish, right?"

"Yes," Cory agreed, not knowing where this was going.

"Well, so are you! You were born in a hotel in Glasgow, Cor! Your mam and dad went on a holiday a month before she was due on you, and you were born prematurely! You're Scottish by birth!" Joel exclaimed happily, pointing at the British Birth Certificate showing on the screen.

"Okaaaay," the stunned Patriarch replied, still trying to get his mind to shift gears. "I... well, I... never knew... why didn't Mom ever say?" he muttered curiously as he slipped in to sit on Joel's other side.

Kevin giggled, "Maybe because you never asked?"

From another console, Justy rolled his eyes and muttered just loud enough for them all to hear him clearly, "Blonds!"

"Bite me!" Cory retorted, not taking his eyes off the certificate. "Wow!! So I'm not just British because of what Grandma Lizzie did!"

"Nope!" Joel chortled as he reached and pulled Kevin onto his lap.

"What about Sean?" Justy asked as he walked over. "No, let me guess. He was born in a barn? He always leaves the doors open, so that would fit."

"No, Justin. He was found under a cabbage leaf," Teri said with aplomb as she walked in with Spock. "Mikey was found under a rose bush, but Sean took after his father."

"Hey! Why'd Mike get the rose bush and I get stuck with a lousy cabbage!" Sean protested.

Joel turned his head to regard Sean, a weird expression on his face. "Sean. Ummm... you DO know she's teasing, right? Well... better explain. You see, your mam and dad got a certain 'urge', and..."

"EWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!" Sean and Cory both exclaimed.

"Don't you say 'ewwww', bros!" Joel protested. "In my first meld with Daddy I opened the wrong door and saw ALL the times he and Mother 'did it'.... I'm a First Night baby... Pon Farr First Night baby, in fact... I got to see it ALL... now THAT is 'ewwwww'... sheesh!"

"I'm sure that Kyle would be willing to help me share that experience with you Sean, that is if you really want to know..." Teri added with a grin.

The sight of Sean running from the room screaming in terror would forever be etched in Cory's mind as the funniest sight ever...

---

As Cory left Main CIC to look for his traumatised husband, Spock entered with Jude and moved to where Joel and Kevin were still exploring the Clan's database. "Sa'ren; due to your love of Starfleet and your aptitude for Federation technology, Admiral Morrow and I wish to put both you and Jude through the entrance exams for Starfleet Academy. In Jude's case he shows great proficiency in starship engineering and auxiliary systems. Are you both willing and free to attempt these tests?"

Hugging Kevin so hard that the poor boy squeaked, Joel excitedly replied, "Yeah! Cooooool! Yes please, Daddy!"

Spock nodded, then gestured for Jude to take a seat by a free console. He then turned to look at little Kevin. "Do you wish to attempt the tests as well?" he asked the boy.

Kevin shook his head. "I like being in the Clan's Diplomatic Corp, Uncle Spock. I like starships and such, but I don't know how good I'd be in Starfleet - not yet, anyway," he finished quietly.

"That's crap, Kevvy," Joel stated hotly. "Stop thinking like that. Cory and the others said the same to you ages ago, didn't they? And I've seen your mind! You went from not being able to read to reading things like Tolkien and Shakespeare in less than two months! You've GOT a brain, so stop thinking you're dumb!"

Kevin stared at his husband seriously, "I know I'm not dumb, but Kenny..."

"Is Kenny. He's a math head! He's into different things than you! He can't draw for shit, Kev! You're into different things, but you're EACH just as clever as the other!"

"Sa'ren is correct, Kevin," Spock said softly, "You are no less than your brother, and you have an air of command as you showed two days ago. These tests do not simply check for technical knowledge - if that was the entrance requirement, what need would there be for the academy? They test you on many levels to find where your potential and abilities lie. If you have natural skills that Starfleet looks for in its officers, you will pass. If not, it will show where your skills and abilities would be better suited. There are more opportunities within the Fleet than officers on starships, my child. We are always in need of proficient diplomats as well."

Kevin had bowed his head by this time, and Joel could sense him thinking long and hard about what both he and his father had just told him. After a moment or two more, Kevin looked up, "You really think I'd stand a chance at getting into Starfleet Academy?"

"Prentares Commendation and the Star Cross," Jude said simply. "I think they both say enough about your chances, Kevin."

Kevin's face started to split into a slow, wide smile. "Yeah - How many cadets would have them before their first day!"

"Not many," Spock said dryly as he gently separated Kevin and Joel and placed them at their own consoles. "Do you require anything before we begin? The test can run over an hour in the majority of cases."

"No thanks, Pop," Jude shook his head as he made himself comfortable.

"A warm Vulcan to cuddle?" Kevin grinned mischievously.

Spock raised an eyebrow but let that slide without comment.

Joel, giggling, also shook his head, "Nope - I'm good, Daddy!"

"I know you are," Kevin stage whispered with a wicked grin, "but you'll make Jude feel inadequate if you brag like that!"

Joel kept his furiously blushing face turned to the monitor as he tried to tune out Jude's snickers of amusement.

Spock just shook his head as he turned to activate one of the central consoles. "The test will begin in thirty seconds. Answer honestly, and to the best of your ability. You may be as detailed as you care to be regarding the questions - but know that the more you put down will allow for a clearer picture of your potential."

He moved to the doorway and watched as the three boys' screens flickered to life. He allowed a slow smile to grow on his face as he watched Joel's profile - his son had his tongue caught at the side of his mouth as he began to concentrate - and Spock remembered that he too used to do that. It had taken almost as long for his father to break him of that habit as it had been to teach him modesty.

---

Outside, by JJ and Adam's house:

"Is she serious?" the bush Cory was standing by trembled.

"Goof," Cory giggled lovingly. "No, of course not. Come on, Sean - we need to pack!"

Sean climbed out from under the bush and brushed himself down. "Elf is so going to get a tickling after," he giggled as Cory grabbed his hand and started tugging him towards their home.

Adam poked his head out of the upstairs window. "Don't bother, guys. Levi just did it all for us! I think they really want us out of here!" he giggled.

Cory and Sean smiled up at him, then made to start back to CIC instead. As they did so, the door of the building opened and Nathan came charging out. He saw them walking towards him, smiled and floated over quickly. "Hey, guys. Got a minute?"

"Matters if our Mikyvis brothers will let us!" Cory giggled.

"Sure, Nath'," Sean added amiably as he pulled the smaller blond boy to his side once he'd reached them. "What's up?"

"Just wanted to give you a brief run-down on what we're planning later today, and..." Nathan started, but his communicator interrupted him.

"VHC 'Dzharel' to Fire of the Dragon," came a Vulcan voice from near Nathan's neck. "I am Call of the Dzharel."

Nathan pressed his comm and answered, "Go ahead, Call of the Dzharel. How can the Dragon be of assistance?"

"Greetings, Fire. It is we who are assisting you. We were en-route to meet with the incoming ambassadors from Cardassia when VSO Command requested we transport three new members of your Division to Terra."

"Thank you, Call. When should I expect them?"

"In thirty seconds. The 'Dzharel' is de-cloaking now. Stand by," came the answer as the air darkened above the Compound, and a loud shimmer filled the air.

Once the Interceptor Starship was fully visible, it lowered itself to about fifty feet and three bodies jumped out of an open airlock. There seemed to be webbing stretching between their legs and from their arms down their sides, which allowed them to glide to the ground. Once they had landed, the large ship moved back up and, with another thrum, became invisible again.

"Thank you, Call. Live long and prosper," Nathan said by way of farewell into his comm.

"Peace and long life, Fire."

Cory and Sean were busy scanning the three newcomers closely. A very young Vulcan boy, a slightly older Andorian boy, and a full grown adult male. The youngest was dressed in a blue jumpsuit, they saw, as he stripped off the para-suit, but the other two were dressed in solid black.

'Ummm... black??' Cory sent to Nathan.

Nathan looked curiously up at Cory, "Uh... yeah - there a problem? Zemal just passed his Trial three weeks ago. Sken is a transfer from Le-metya Division. What's wrong?"

Cory tilted his head. 'Age??'

"Zemal, you mean?"

"Duh! No, the man... of course, Zemal! He's, what... nine? Ten?"

Nathan looked at Cory and Sean seriously, and received an equally serious look back from both. "Viccy is eight. She was seven when she took the Trial of Fire. It was unusual for one so young, but it does happen. Rhys is also Black, but masquerades as Blue most of the time. He's six, but since he is an android he's also much older; it counted for the Vulcans. Eight years old is the lowest age in general that they will allow for the Trial."

Cory's non-verbal response was enough to let Nathan know that it did not make him happy. With what he was seeing Kyle and Tyler going through, his opinion of putting that much responsibility on the shoulders of one that young was not in any way pleasant, never mind the pain of 'passing' the Trials.

Nathan sighed sadly before turning to the three newcomers. "Welcome to Earth, Brothers of Oath. May we Defend Vulcan and Her Allies until our last heart-beat."

"May we live as the line, and die to defend it," all three responded together.

Cory and Sean began to look less and less pleased.

"I feel your disquiet, sir," the young Vulcan boy piped in a high treble voice as he looked up into Cory's cloudy face. "We understand our responsibilities, and we accept them willingly. Do not let our ages make you think less of the VSO." He then smiled softly, caught himself, then shrugged and carried on smiling. His deep blue eyes sparkled up at Cory from under a very heavy forehead.

"It's just... well ... I think that kinda stuff is ruining two of my little brother's lives," Cory half-muttered in explanation.

The Vulcan adult, Sken, spoke then, "Do not feel that we give too much responsibilities to the youngest of our Order, Patriarch of Family Clan Short. Only a rare few are ever given as much as those who lead the Dragon. It has not been seen for nearly sixty of your years; a twelve year old child as Lead One. They are allowed to be children - but you must realize that the VSO are mostly Vulcan. We are not human, and from the age of seven we start to train to hide, then control, our emotions. We are from that age no longer children as you generally know them to be. We are Vulcan. It is our curse, and our gift. We must forsake our hearts to preserve our race. VSO responsibility is therefore no more arduous to our children than emotive control."

"What about non-Vulcans?" Sean pressed, looking at the Andorian boy.

Nathan answered, "Me and my family were the first non-Vulcans to ever join the Order, Sean. It's an exception, not a rule. However, we test all those who want to join as Black. Only those who can handle it go to Vulcan to complete their training. Zem was one, right bruv?"

Zemal smiled and nodded, "Yes, Nathan. Patriarch and Historian. I am the son of an Imperial Guard of Andoria. I was to follow in my father's footsteps. Instead, these humans saved my life when I and my parents were on vacation on Earth. I was befriended by Voice and Fire, then asked my father if I could join them. He agreed. They agreed. I passed through Fire. I am here."

"They are sworn to Red One," Nathan murmured to them. "They know of the Fire."

Zemal's defences dropped suddenly, and tears sprang to his eyes. "Good. It is hard, Nath'. I hated both you and Jace when it was over, knowing that you knew I'd get that hurt... but I understand now. I forgive you," he wept. Sken laid a strong hand on the shaking Andorian's shoulder and squeezed.

The little Vulcan boy piped up, "I know of the Fire. I only wanted to help, not lead. I was sworn to Red One, and I was told. Never will I pass through the Fire. I do not wish it."

"Good," Cory replied. "While I understand the logic, it still does not lessen my emotional response. Call it a side-effect of being Human I guess. Welcome to Headquarters, everyone."

"Thank you. Is it true that the son of Spock has been found and is not dead as was understood?" the small boy asked, his deep blue eyes searching Cory's face. His soft smile was still there, and he had an expression on his face that tugged at the corners of Cory's mind.

"Yes, one of my newest little brothers is definitely Spock's son," Cory replied. "So am I, now."

The boy nodded, then seemed to look off towards the horizon - his face unreadable.

Sken asked, "May I journey to Wales and the Dragon's Nest, Fire? I have felt the absence of my Bond-Mate keenly, and the 'time' does come with unseeming haste."

Sean raised an eyebrow. "Sa'ren Joel is also fast approaching that 'time', Sken. We understand."

Nathan nodded, "Sure, Sken. What is your code name?"

"I am called 'Deathdealer'. Assassination is my skill," Sken answered.

Nathan nodded. "Permission granted. Take three days to acclimatize yourself, then report to Koth. He is the Master of Assassins."

"Understood. Solkar, do you wish to accompany me?" Sken asked the small Vulcan boy.

Solkar looked up at him, then over at Nathan. "I... I do not know. I am to report to Blue Leader, but I also know that I am granted a week due to my age to get used to a new home. Since the Dragon Division is now a part of Family Clan Short, I... I am torn... I would like to stay here. It is warmer here than Wales, I believe. If I am allowed, Patriarch?" the small child asked Cory hesitantly, his eyes filling with tears and emotions that Cory had no idea where they were coming from.

However, the expression on the boy's face was so familiar to the blond teen that his heart started to break. Where had he felt this before?

Cory looked over at Nathan, "I think that Headquarters could use a Blue adept as we get things sorted out around here, Nath'."

Nathan nodded, "I think that is a good idea. Besides, Rhys is Blue Leader, and he is here at the moment. Swimming, the last I saw of him. I will take you to him in a moment, Solkar."

"Thank you," Solkar mumbled, looking down at his feet.

"I will return with Sken," Zemal said softly. "This place is like hell on a hot day to me!" He looked over at Cory and giggled, "Oh, Patriarch? I'm twelve, by the way. I saw you looking at me funny and I guessed you're not happy with young ones being VSO - I'm actually a little older than Jason. Just small."

"Good things come in small packages?" Nathan grinned.

"I'll leave that to those with partners," Zemal shot back with a wink.

Nathan giggled, then moved to embrace the Andorian. "Sorry you went through that, bro."

"I know. I'm okay - or will be. I'll talk to you later, brother," Zemal said quietly before moving to stand by Sken. He tapped his comm at his neck, "Draco - two for transport to the Nest."

Once they had vanished, Nathan turned to see Sean cuddling a sobbing Solkar. "What's the matter, cariad?" Nathan asked quickly as he came up behind the small boy.

"I... I miss mother..." came the soft reply that was choked with tears.

"THIS is the reason I'm pissy right now, Nath'!" Cory sent to Nathan, no small amount of anger in his mental voice. "He's too young!"

Nathan looked slightly lost, "We've got a number of young Blue Level Vulcans in the Nest, Cory! They are NEVER sent if they would break down like this!"

"Where is your Mommy?" Sean asked softly, trying hard to block the fury he was getting from Cory.

"In the Hall of Memory," Solkar answered with a small wail of grief.

Nathan's hand flew to his mouth, "God..."

Cory glared at Nathan as he quickly sandwiched the young boy between himself and Sean is a loving protective cuddle. "It is proper to release your emotional turmoil at this time," Cory stated softly while ensuring that the authority of his position in Vulcan society was conveyed.

Nathan felt at a loss. He moved apart slightly and tapped his comm. "Draco - I need to know who the FUCK authorised this poor boy to be apart from his family! And I want to know NOW!"

'Grandfather Sarek authorised his transfer last night. He, Sken and Zemal were transported directly upon receipt of those orders,' the Vulcan AI answered immediately.

"He's still in mourning, for Fuck's sake! What the hell was Grandpa thinking! He needs his family!" Nathan all but raged.

'He IS with his family, Fire. He is a ward of the Family of Sarek of the House of Surak. He was orphaned two years ago and he requested training in the VSO then. It helped with his grief. However, he has come to Earth to be with those he knows as he was getting emotive back on Vulcan.'

"Full report on this to Cory's sub-vocal - NOW, Draco!"

'Acknowledged.'

As Cory listened to Draco's report, his eyes seemed to lose the anger they held. Instead, he embraced both Sean and the trembling child tighter. "You're home with us, now. We're your family, okay?" he whispered into the child's pitch black hair.

"Thank you," Solkar trembled.

After a few more moments of cuddling, Solkar shifted slightly in their arms. Cory moved back a touch to allow the boy to turn around. Since Sean was now seated, the boy made himself comfortable on the auburn teen's lap.

Cory ran a finger over Solkar's heavy forehead, then looked questioningly back at Nathan. The other blond shrugged.

Solkar smiled. "I am a quarter Romulan," he explained.

"Is that why you smile so much?" Sean whispered softly.

"No. I smile and laugh because I am not yet seven - Vulcan years, anyway. I am seven as measured with Earth time. I have not yet started my emotional training," Solkar said as he pulled Sean's arms around himself tighter in a move that reminded Sean of something. He couldn't place what it was, though.

"Do you have any family left, other than Grandfather Sarek?" Cory asked softly as he knelt there.

'You thinking what I'm thinking?' Sean sent to Cory, and received a subtle nod in return.

Solkar looked a little nervous at that question. "My mother has died. My father... I do not know the current location of my father," the boy hedged, looking scared at the obvious lie he just made.

"We'll take care of you until you can locate your father, Solkar," Cory whispered, his eyes showing that he knew something was being hidden that was not meant to be revealed yet.

Solkar smiled his gratitude.

"Solkar? Ah, my child - you have arrived... and met some new brothers, I see," Amanda said as she walked up to them all. "I do enjoy taking a morning walk, and I am glad I did this morning."

"Fa'komi!" Solkar cried out happily, leaping from Sean's lap and into her arms in one fluid motion.

Sean raised an eyebrow at Cory, 'Fa'komi?!'

'As our bratty little brother would say, we need to wait for the right 'time'... something in Solkar's answer tells me that Grandpa has something up his sleeve,' Cory replied.

As she held the small child in her arms, Amanda smiled down at the other three, "Where is Rhys? I will introduce our newest Blue Adapt to his command leader, then I shall keep him with me for a few days. He needs stability for a while."

"In the pool, last I checked, Grandma," Nathan grinned. "And thanks. I was about to get all pissy with Grandpa for what just happened - and I think Cory was about to chew me a new butt-hole!"

Before Amanda could even laugh, a small, silvery giggle was heard from Solkar. A giggle that was so familiar to the three boys now standing with Amanda that it made them look at each other closely.

"Come on, fa'sa'fu; let's go see Rhys," Amanda chuckled to the small bundle of joy now giggling in her arms and repeating 'butt-hole' over and over.

"Ummmmm....." Cory muttered, afraid to express the thoughts going through his head at that moment.

"What I'm thinking..." Nathan and Sean said in unison, then they all giggled nervously at each other.

"Well, I need to call Russ and Sara," Cory said as he shook off the weird feeling. "Gotta ask if they'll come on over to keep control of our monsters while we're away."

Sean giggled, "Be ready for a long talk then, babe! Sara loves talking!"

Cory shrugged and grinned.

---

Meanwhile:

It was quiet in the Dining Room when Spock closed the door behind him. At first it seemed unusual considering the Clan's penchant for the culinary art of 'Food Sampling'. Extensive Food Sampling, if Cory's statements were anything to go by, Spock thought to himself as he started towards the doors to the Rec Room. He felt a whisper of a presence in his mind and turned to see Teri at the door to the Kitchen. She was wiping her soapy hands on a towel and smiling at him.

"Finding it unnaturally quiet, Spock?" she asked with a low chuckle.

"Indeed," Spock nodded as he turned to head towards her. "I was under the impression that the Clan randomly spent time in this room between meals - what was the term? Ah - snacking to build up energy for the hard work of eating a full meal. That was Cory's phrase."

Teri laughed. "They do snack a lot, but between meals, snacks are to be eaten in other parts of the Compound. This room is where they are to be dressed for meals and eat with manners. Outside of the doors of this room, they can eat like pigs if they so choose. Most have learned that taking an uncontrolled advantage of the free snacks will lead to bellyaches. After finding that we don't treat those minor self-inflicted problems with the same concern as with genuine problems, they keep their feasting within reasonable limits."

"Logical," Spock said softly as he sat down. "And thus this room becomes a haven for those adults who wish to talk while still within reach of the children should they require us?"

"Yes. We all take advantage of it. On occasion they will use this room for communal homework or Clan business, due to its size, but mostly in the mornings, it stands empty of the kids."

Spock nodded his understanding.

"How do you think our two boys will do with the tests?" Teri asked curiously as she sat down next to the Vulcan man.

"I expect both Kevin and Jude to be challenged in their own way with the test, yet I do not think Sa'ren will be stretched by them," Spock answered easily.

"Kevin is taking it too? Good. It's about time that boy did something to show himself he's more than capable of greatness," Teri said with approval. "He's a little sweety, but he still has a lower sense of self-worth than his brother has."

"He and Sa'ren are alike there, Teri. However, they are lacking in just those areas where the other is strong - so they are both far greater together than they are apart. In fact, they exceed the sum of their individual personalities when they combine."

"I've noticed," Teri said softly as she looked towards the door to Main CIC.

They both continued to talk softly for another ten minutes, but the CIC door opening to let in Joel brought their attention from their enjoyable discussion quickly.

"Something wrong, sweetheart?" Teri asked with concern as she did not expect that Joel had finished already.

However, he had.

"Nope, Mama! I'm good. Dad? Are there any more tests? That was fun!" Joel smiled as he ran over to plop himself on Teri's lap. "Number 5 was real clever in how it asked the question, but once I saw the trick, the answer was simple. Number 34 was tricky, but as it's just an opinion not based on facts and technology, I soon got that done. The rest were easy-peasy!"

Spock smiled at him, "I expected you would find it easy, my Child. There are no more tests, however - not for entrance to the Academy. I will forward your answers to the Admiral with those of Jude and Kevin once they have finished, and then we shall see what the results are."

Joel gave his father a sunny smile, then pulled his mother's arms tighter around himself to enjoy as much of her hugs as he could, before she left for the weekend break.

Teri smiled and kissed the top of the little boy's head before continuing her talk with Spock. Joel listened with interest, and with a knowing smile on his lips.

Five minutes later, the door opened again to admit Jude. "I've finished, Pop," he said with a smile. "There were a few I couldn't answer - command choices and stuff. I don't think I'd be good at commanding anyway. The engineering ones were a breeze, though. And the tactical questions were enjoyable."

Spock raised an eyebrow with quiet surprise, "Well done, my son. Please, join us while we wait for Kevin."

Jude nodded amiably before taking a chair close by and opening his arms to Joel.

Not willing to pass up an offered lap and cuddles, Joel slipped down from his mother's lap and pounced onto Jude's, then the two boys started quietly going over the questions together while the two adults continued their own chat.

Kevin did not appear until almost a full fifty minutes had passed since the tests had began, and his face was concerned as he entered the room.

"What's wrong, Kevvy?" Joel asked quickly as he ran over to embrace him.

"Well," Kevin hedged slightly, but then he sighed. "I don't think I did to good, Sa'r. I love reading, but there were words there I'd not read before. Had to sound them out to recognize them, and some I just didn't get. Not sure if my answers are going to make a lot of sense with those questions."

"Don't worry, Kev," said Teri gently as she came over to them both. "As long as you did the best you could, then that is all anyone here could expect. We're going to be proud of you no matter what the results are. Anyway, I'm certain you did exceptionally well."

Kevin smiled slightly, then shrugged, "If I failed, I can always try again. That right, Uncle Spock?"

Spock nodded. "There are many outstanding officers in the Fleet who failed the entrance exam on more than one occasion. The desire to succeed drove them to keep trying, and that drive is again something we value in the Fleet."

Joel grinned, "And if you do need to do it again, I'll help you before to get ready. Remember, this was a surprise for us all."

"Yeah, but you're an egg-head! I bet you've passed no problems!" Kevin giggled.

Joel blinked, then cocked his head to one side. "Egg-head? My head's not made of eggs, Kev," he said seriously.

---

Cory put the phone back on the hook and smiled over at Sean, who was seated in the Quiet Area of the Rec Room. "They'll be here in an hour with Deej and the others. Timmy and Pauly will be pleased," he said as he sat down and cuddled up close to Sean. They glanced around lazily at their brothers and even a few of their new Dragon sisters who were chilling out around the Rec - and listened to the squeals of childlike laughter coming from the outside where Timmy and Belar were 'holding court' over the combined might of the Tribe and Rugrats.

"Oh no... here comes Mom... hide me!" Sean giggled suddenly as Teri walked in carrying a rather put out looking Joel. Kevin, however, was laughing madly at their side with Spock and Jude looking on with amusement.

"I KNEW I was missin' something.... I'm overdue for Elf Cuddles!!!!" Cory exclaimed as he slapped his forehead.

Sean's eyes narrowed, however, when he caught the expression on his Vulcan brother's face. "What's wrong, Joel?"

Joel looked at him seriously, "Kevin said something illogical, and he says it's not illogical but he won't explain it, and I'm confused and they're laughing at me and no-one'll tell me anything! My head is NOT made of eggs, Kev!"

Jude couldn't contain himself and so fell over laughing and clutching at his ribcage.

"Mama!" Joel wailed. "Why are they picking on me?!" he asked as a tear threatened to fall.

"Chill, guys," Cory said seriously. "Come over here and tell me exactly what he said, lil' bro."

Teri put Joel down and he ran over to cuddle in on his brother's lap. "We were doing the Starfleet entrance exams and I finished and went to tell Daddy and then Jude finished right after me, so we talked, then Kevvy came in a little later. He said I was an 'egg-head' but I don't know why and he won't tell me; he just laughs and laughs and Jude laughs too and Daddy is trying not to laugh and so is Mama and... my head isn't made of eggs... is it?"

Cory kissed Joel's forehead. "Nope... 'egg-head' just means you're really smart. It's something old people came up with. I think we need to look up the meaning on the 'net to really understand it."

"I think a certain Patriarch is skating close to the line with that remark," Teri mock glared as Joel's face filled with comprehension. "Iunderstand it, so does that mean I'm old?... I'd think before you answer that one, Cory."

Cory tilted his head in concentration, then with a huge grin he answered, "Yes, Ma'am."

"Joel, please move over onto Sean's lap," Teri said as she threw a glance at Spock. Spock nodded and glanced back as Joel curiously did so.

Cory did try to get up and run - we have to admit that - but against the speed of a full grown Vulcan, he stood no chance. He was soon on his back on the floor with his arms being gently held over his head and his belly being assaulted by a vengeful Teri.

"So calling Mama old is not a wise thing to say?" Joel asked Sean curiously as Cory's cries for mercy went unheeded.

"Nope, it's not," Sean nodded as he grinned down at his red faced husband.

Kevin moved over to sit with them and watch, while Jude continued to laugh holding his ribs. "Sorry, Sa'r. I wanted to 'splain, but it was so funny and I couldn't stop laughing!"

"S'okay, Kev," Joel grinned as Cory's cries reached an octave only a Vulcan could hear.

"Do you agree to respect me and not call nor infer I'm old, young man?" Teri chuckled as she let up on the torture.

Cory nodded his head, the twinkle in his eyes giving away the fact he had no intentions of complying with the demand for very long.

"I do not believe him, Teri. I believe we should continue with this course of action a while longer," Spock said, his face completely void of expression and emotion.

Teri looked up and raised an eyebrow while Cory began to look nervous at this sudden shift in the normal 'play-war' he usually had going with his Mom. "For how much longer, Spock?"

"Another half an hour should suffice," Spock said after a moment's thought. "... or so."

"MOM!!! DAAAAAD!!" Cory exclaimed, hoping Teri wouldn't take Spock's advice seriously.

Teri tapped her finger to her chin in an over-exaggeration of thought. "It does have merit, but my arms will get tired to do so that long."

"Sa'ren could help," Spock offered.

"DAAAAAAAD! Nooooooooo....!"

"Ummm, no Daddy, I likes my Cory. I don't wanna do that to 'im," Joel shook his head.

"Then we shall have to resume this at a later date," Spock decided finally.

Teri nodded, "Agreed."

"There is a God!" Cory breathed before giggling as his mother poked her tongue out at him.

Joel's stomach rumbled loudly at that point. So loud, in fact, that Joel stared down at it in shock. "How can you be empty? I ate half a pig for breakfast!"

"I told you to eat a whole one!" Cory giggled as he was finally released by Spock.

"Stay here, Sa'ren. I will return momentarily," Spock said with a small smile at his son as he got up from his knees and left towards the Kitchen.

Cory quickly piled back in next to Sean and pulled Kevin onto his lap, while Teri sat down on the opposite sofa.

There was another very loud rumble from Joel's midsection.

"It's not going to escape and eat everyone is it, Joel?" Jude sniggered as he managed to get himself into a seated position and crossed his legs on the floor.

Joel was still staring at his belly, "I hope not. Belly, behave! You can't need more!"

"Uh, Joel?" Kevin murmured. "It's not going to answer you..."

*growl*

"On second thought, never mind," Kevin decided as he too stared at Joel's belly.

"What do you want?" Joel asked his stomach, playing it up for all he was worth.

*growl**bubble*

"Oh! But I don't think I should have any more of that with Mama here, Belly. Kev might be embarrassed!"

*growl**GROWL*

"I said no, Belly!"

"What can't it have, Elf?" Sean asked curiously, completely sucked in with the play going on on his lap.

"American Sausage," Joel answered automatically, still looking down at his stomach - sorry, his 'Belly'.

Kevin blushed five shades of red, then giggled.

"Hmmm -- my favourite dessert!" Cory quipped, causing Sean to match Kevin's shade of skin tone.

Teri stood up and rolled her eyes, "I believe I shall help Spock do whatever it is he has gone to do."

Jude also stood up and giggled, "And I believe I will find Billy Joe for a... um, 'snack'!"

Joel watched them both leave, then:

*ggggrrrroooowwwwwlllll*

"Ah... okay, I'm really getting hungry now," Joel said as his face took on a pained expression. "This is not right, is it?"

"You're not turning Mikyvis, are you?" Sean asked semi-seriously. "They make Cory and I put together look like picky eaters."

"Nope, I'm not going to be a Mikyvis," Joel replied absently, then he shivered. "I'm just hungry. Veeerrry hungry," he added as he quickly shoved Sean's thumb into his mouth and began to suck, a grin on his face.

"No wonder Kev is always grinning!" Sean said as he smiled at Joel. "The rest of my body is getting jealous of my thumb!"

Joel was about to pull Sean's thumb back out and say something when Cory stepped in, seeing where Joel's thoughts immediately went to. "He's kidding, Elf. If 'other' parts of his body are jealous, I'll deal with them. You just enjoy his thumb..."

Joel nodded with relief - and continued to suck. 'Kinda helps me keep from feeling hungry,' he sent to Kevin.

Kevin grinned, 'Sean's right, though. You always make me grin - and not just because you like my 'sausage'.'

A blast of love hammered down the link into Kevin, making the little boy's eyes roll slightly.

Cory snapped his fingers, "Remember what Uncle Bones said? Joel, you're going to get mood swings, a huge appetite and his sex drive increase... Kev will deal with the last 'problem' - won't you, Kev?"

Kevin blushed and grinned foolishly, "Uh huh. It's a tough job, but I'll willingly do it!"

Spock walked back in then, with Teri right behind him. He was carrying a steaming bowl of something, while the mug Teri had gave off a rather heavy scent. Cory wrinkled his nose at the smell coming from the mug that Teri placed on the coffee table. Kevin and Sean, however, felt their mouths begin to water at the smell. "Ewww, what's that?" Cory asked, looking at Spock.

Spock smiled, "Bar-kas theris."

"Spice Tea? That's Vulcan Spice Tea?! I thought it was meant to be a delicacy! It smells god-awful!"

After allowing a slight chuckle to come out, Spock answered, "I have found that Humans fall into two groups. They either love it or hate it. You obviously will hate it. I believe Kevin and Sean will love it."

"What's that?" Sean asked, tearing his eyes from the mug on the table and to the bowl Spock was holding. It was filled with an opaque, thick colourless liquid.

"Plomeek soup," Spock said as he sat down next to Cory and gestured for Joel to join him.

The little boy shimmied over the others to sit on his father's lap, and the bowl was placed before him and held steady by Spock's strong hand.

Cory leaned forwards slightly, "Doesn't smell of anything."

"It would be bland and tasteless to you," Spock said seriously. "Vulcan sense of smell and taste is far greater than that of humans. The flavour of plomeek soup is so subtle that only a few humans can truly taste the smallest aspect of it. To us, however..."

"YUM!" Joel exclaimed after his first spoonful had vanished. "Wow! I kinda remember your memories and how you like this, Daddy, but... YUM!"

Cory wrinkled his nose again as the spicy smell from the tea wafted closer. "Sean! Do you HAVE to steal our brother's drink? Especially when you're sitting right next to me?!"

"Yes," Sean said dreamily as he sipped the tea, then offered it to Kevin. This made it so much worse for Cory, for Kevin was ON his lap.

"Wow..." Kevin grinned after taking a small sip. "Try this, Sa'r!"

Joel reached with his free hand and took the mug.

"Mmmm.... YUMMY!"

"MOM!" Cory whined. "Tell them! That stuff is... is..."

"Try some, Cory! It tastes way better than it smells!" Joel said happily as he offered his drink to his brother, delight in his eyes at being able to share something.

Cory's face became a comic mix of distaste for the offered drink and love for his little brother. He reached and took the mug, "Okay, but I can't promise I'll like it... oh, it's rank!" he groused as he raised the mug to his lips.

They all watched as he took a sip...

... then his face became confused as all hell.

"How can something that smells like a pair of Sean's week old socks taste so good?!" he asked no-one in particular. Then, "Get lost, Sean, this is mine!" he said as Sean tried to go for the mug himself.

Joel giggled and continued to spoon the filling soup into his mouth as he watched his husband and two brothers fight over the mug - with Cory holding his nose the entire time.

"It must be a blond reaction," Spock mused seriously. "That is the first time I have seen a human both hate and love spice tea."

JJ looked up from the game of chess he was losing to Xain, "Did you just make a blond joke?"

"Yes. Was it delivered correctly?"

"Oh, you bet!" JJ giggled. "Oh, you do realise that no-one has the balls to throw you in the pool for doing so, don't you?"

"Yes," Spock said, a twinkle in his eyes as he glanced around the room at the other blonds who were throwing looks at each other. It was obvious they were trying to work out if retaliation was even possible here. "Yes, I do."

"Daddy, is there any more soup?" Joel asked softly as he watched his Kevin succeed in drinking the last drop of the tea, much to Cory's and Sean's disappointment.

Spock smiled as he hugged his son's back tighter against his chest. "Yes there is. Doctor McCoy and I made a large quantity last night before the events started in Utah."

"Why? You think some of my brothers will wanna have some?" Joel asked curiously. "I don't think they'll like it much."

"For you, my Child. You need the protein and energy that Vulcan foods can supply. There are certain nutrients and proteins that are found only in fruits, vegetables and the animals of Vulcan that we need. We can utilize non-Vulcan foods and drinks to emulate those missing key pieces of our diet, but it uses more energy to do so than to simply eat Vulcan food. In your case, you need to gain more fats, energy and protein and not use up more to gain less from Human foods," Spock explained gently.

"So I get weaker if I eat human food?" Joel asked, looking disappointed.

Spock shook his head, "No, but where Cory would gain 100% from an item, you would gain less than 73.43% from the same item. I do not want to take the joy of eating human foods from you, Sa'ren. I only wish you to have Vulcan foods as a supplement. The Enterprise carries a large stock of ingredients, and the Compound here has some of them. Xain's home has far more, for until you arrived he was the sole Vulcan in permanent residence in the Clan. Now, the Clan's stores have been bolstered."

"What about Vulcan meats?" Joel asked.

Spock smiled, "Orlando has many animal sanctuaries, and some are exclusively for Off-World creatures. We have contacted them and arranged for fresh meat to be delivered here as and when required. There are few Vulcans living in Florida, but there has been that arrangement for those of them that had children with them on Earth. The same is now applied to you. Xain can explain more, should you wish. He has lived here longer. If you will move back onto your brother's lap, I will go and get some more soup for you - unless you wish to have the next course I have prepared instead?"

"Oh! New food! Yes please!" Joel beamed happily. "My belly is still a little grumbly! Can you get some more tea as well, please? My brothers drank it all!"

"I shall," Spock smiled softly as he watched Timmy and Ross enter - obviously looking for the nearest plate of cookies. "I shall also bring them a mug each as well. That way, they do not have a need to fight and cause a scene by acting in a manner more reminiscent of a pack of starved mor'grilam."

Joel laughed as he bounced over onto Cory's lap, sharing it with Kevin as his father stood and left the room along with Teri.

"We ain't THAT bad!" Cory giggled as he accepted another cuddle partner onto his lap.

"DAADDDYYYYYYYYY?????"

"No, Timmy," Cory giggled as the little Fireball came zooming over.

Timmy's face scrunched up, "How'd you know what I wus gunna ask?"

"I know you, Timmy," Cory giggled some more.

"But I wanna mogwai!"

"Kyle, tell your sons NO!" Cory said as his mind processed the question. "Timmy, you know what could happen... and we can't count on everybody knowing not to feed them at the wrong time and not to get them wet. You might know better, but a new kid wouldn't, and then there'd be a real mess."

Timmy cocked his head to one side and stared at his dad, "You're silly, Daddy. Not 'for real' mogwai - one of the Vulcan ones Gramps was talkin' ta Unca Joel 'bout!"

Levi walked over then and asked, "Has Dilly been playing pranks again, Uncle Cory?"

Timmy shook his head as he looked up at Levi, "No, Uncle Leevee. Daddy's just bein' silly!"

Due to the steam now pouring from Cory's ears as his brain attempted - badly, but attempted - to switch gears for a second time in less than the standard half hour his brain normally required, Joel explained instead. "Mor'gril, or Mor'grilam if there's more than one, are a type of wolverine-like animal on Vulcan, Timmy. They can sense those with strong mental powers and are able to communicate with their packs over great distances. They're also scavengers and carrion eaters; always fighting over the food they find."

"Oh, so they're like Freddie?" Timmy asked. "Him an' his pack like helpin' keep bad animals away from here... He's a nice wolfie."

Levi's eyes went distant for a moment, as if listening to a whisper only he could hear. Only thing was, Joel could hear it too.

"Freddie?" Cory managed. "You didn't tell me you made friends with a wolf called Freddie, Timmy."

Timmy shrugged, "If I told you about ALL my friends, it'll take all day, Daddy. I gotta play sometime!"

Cory shook his head, and then noticed the strange look on Levi's face. He then heard Joel murmur, "Ooooh, you sure, Guardian?"

Cory looked at Sean, who shrugged.

A second later and it seemed that Joel had his answer, for he again murmured in unison with Levi, "We'll take care of them."

There was another pause. "Oh, my cousins? Sure, I'll call them over," Joel said with yet more understanding. Then he shouted across the room, "Jamie!!! Jacob!!! Beau!!! The Guardian has something to ask ya!!!"

"You..." Beau started.

"...called us...." Jacob chimed in.

"...Lil'elf?" Jamie finished as he, his twin and Beau skidded to a stop before the sofa. Justy and Dean were only a step or two behind them.

Joel smiled at them and said, "The Guardian says there's a pair of twins on Vulcan who've been cast out by their family 'cos they're different and they have no-one to care for them any more. He says they'll die if they don't have new parents - parents who'd understand them. He says only you three can understand them as you have a mind like they do."

(Jamie) "We..."

(Jacob) "are..."

(Beau) "too..."

(Jamie) "young..."

(Jacob) "to..."

(Beau) "be..."

(Jamie) "daddies..."

(Jacob) "emotionally."

"Will you three PLEASE stop that? You're making me dizzy!" Justy giggled as he held the sides of his head.

Joel shook his head, "You are not too young for these two. They need you, guys."

Beau stepped forwards a bit, and said softly, "But... what if we mess up? Can't we just be their brothers and someone better be their dads?"

Levi's eyes started to glow white, as did Joel's. Together they spoke, but their voice was really just one person's:

"...//The twain of which I speak are the First in a long Time to arise on Vulcan. The last to arise were the Vulcans themselves. Now, they do share a world with a new proto-sentient race. These two are the first - but they are not humanoid. They will be as brothers to you, but they are not like any that you have encountered before. This is guided evolution, and you three have been chosen to help them form. Do you accept?//..."

All three boys glanced at Justy, and with grins on their faces answered in perfect unison. "You ain't done anything bad yet, Guardian, so we guess that we must be able to do it. We'll do our best to do what you think we can do for them. We'll accept your offer."

Justy looked over at Dean, "You know what? I'm not sure that was any better!"

Dean giggled, "You love it and you know it, Jus! There's nothing that your bros could do to make you angry."

Joel spoke again, "...//Three things I must tell you - First: Male and female they are, yet their minds are as one. Second: Sentient they are, but they shall not be at the same level as a human. They shall have, when matured, the level of a three or four year old child. It shall be many hundreds of generations before they shall ascend to the level of their elder cousins, the Vulcans. Third: They have already imprinted on a Vulcan, and so can understand in Vulcan. They will imprint on you, and therefore will be able to understand as Human. Now, prepare yourselves. The Clan now gains two new siblings, and the Clan takes on a responsibility rarely deeded - to guide and form a new race in its infancy...//..."

Cory rolled his eyes. "I swear, that's the LAST time I skip practice to go to the mall...."

"I told you," Sean muttered with a grin, "but would you listen? Nooooo.... I said we'd be in trouble for skipping practice. I said we'd regret it, but would you listen?!"

Cory was about to respond when his eyes went wide. "Sean, you know what? I didn't remember everything about what we did that day until just now! I can remember the whole day now!"

There were smiles on everyone's faces as they heard Cory say that, and Joel turned in his lap quickly to kiss him.

Then things got a bit more serious...

Joel stood up from Cory's lap and moved forwards to stand with an open space before him. Out of the corner of his eye he saw his parents watching, more food and drink on trays in their hands. However, it was the whisper in his mind he now focused on. A whisper from his Sword - his Broken Sword... /As you called me, so call them. As you summoned me, so summon them/

Joel knelt down and held out his arms with his palms facing down. "Shal vutau H'rak heh Keshta," he said firmly, and the air before him, and right under his palms, started to become as liquid.

Levi's eyes widened, and Kyle, who had come up behind his son, whispered, "Your Friend doing that?"

Levi mutely shook his head. Together, he and Kyle looked over at Quint who was standing by the Doctor. Both the little Time Lord and the Q-boy shook their heads as well.

"I call. You here. I summon. You come. I am the Sa'ren, the Hand of Forever, the Blade of Surak. H'rak and Keshta, it is time to come home," Joel whispered, yet his voice carried to every ear there.

"Uhhhhh...." could be heard from multiple kids as they all looked between themselves.

There was a movement in the air-liquid before Joel, then two forms suddenly and shockingly resolved themselves into two wolfish seeming puppies that stood about a foot and a half off the ground. Puppies with deep red/brown eyes, dark red fur, curled sabre-like teeth and claws, and long whip-like tails.

"Hello," Joel said as he looked into their eyes and saw a quick intelligence there. "I'm Sa'ren."

They licked his face, and then turned on instinct towards Jamie, Jacob and Beau.

The air seemed to ripple as if a breeze had blown a light mist in front of them all, then:

'Dads. Dads. Dads. Dads. Dads...' both young creatures started sending as they bounded over and piled the three ten year olds to the ground and started to fuss and lick them with a vengeance.

"Pouncing Paybacks...." Sean giggled.

The two pups looked over at Sean. 'Beta Master? Yes, Beta-Master. Alpha-Master's Mate. Bounce both? Yes. Little Brown One bounce? No. Move him? Yes. Little Brown One mate of Sa'ren. Sa'ren must move. Little Brown One Strength? Yes. Then Sa'ren no must move. Strength is Strong. Bounce Strength too? Yes. Now? Now.'

Sean glanced at Cory, resignation in his eyes as he realized just how much of a perfect match the two newest additions were to the Triple Terrors. "Oh crap..."

Sean, Cory and Kevin found themselves swamped by the two young pups, and two tongues seemed to be everywhere at once.

Kyle giggled and turned to Joel, "That's not speech their sending, is it?"

"Nope," Joel shook his head. "Guardian said they can't use words as we use them. They have thought patterns of very young kids, and it's just by the imprint they took from the Double Js and Beau, and from the Vulcan they came across back Home that they can think our way as well. We're adding 'words' to what their thoughts are when they send them out. They broadcast generally and pick up generally too. They can't be lied to. What we're thinking at them, they 'hear' as we 'hear' them. Psionic."

"What are they? Originally, I mean," Dean asked.

"Mor'gril, originally. A type of Vulcan wolverine," Joel supplied. "These two never were really just mor'gril, though. They're more."

"Kinda like my favourite little brothers," Justy commented as he held his arms open for a triple cuddle.

"They..." Beau started.

"...are going..." Jacob continued.

"... to fit in great!" Jamie finished with a wide smile that the other two shared.

"Yes they are!" Dean giggled as he circled around to sandwich the three new daddies between himself and Justy. "No fair hogging the best triple cuddle in the Universe, Jus!"

'Bonding without us. Not acceptable. Must bounce Dads and Dads pack? Yes. Now? Now... wait. Lick Strength again. Done. Now.'

Dean went arse over tip as the two pups barrelled into him and started nosing under his tee-shirt to wash his chest.

Teri looked over at Spock. "I swear, there are times that I think those three boys are sharing a single brain. Now there are two more?"

Spock turned to regard Teri seriously. "The twins do share a mind. They are two yet one. Beau joined with them, and now two in one is three. Yet one. They do share a mind - and yes, now there are two more. We need more le-matya meat. They will require feeding as well, I believe."

Le-matya? Boy's Father has dead le-matya? I-Cheya sent to Spock as he ambled up behind him.

Spock looked down with surprise. "This is the first time you have spoken to me. Sa'ren has told me of this. Why has it taken you this long to speak with me?"

Boy needed Father. Boy is First. Always. Is le-mayta dead? Or I kill?

"It is dead. I have saved half the carcass for you, your mother and Marjur. It is outside the building waiting for you," Spock offered helpfully.

I take pups and feed. I take Three Mind Boys and teach them Parent of Mor'gril

"That is acceptable," Spock agreed with approval. He turned and addressed the laughing group with the two mor'gril. "Nephews. Please go with I-Cheya so that he may show H'rak and Keshta the feeding practices for Vulcan animals in the Clan."

"Which is which?" Kevin asked suddenly.

One of the two mor'gril came over and rolled onto its back. He was obviously a boy. 'H'rak. Good H'rak. Pet H'rak?'

Obviously, Keshta came over to join her brother for the petting that Kevin started to give. Joel giggled, "H'rak is from Wuh'rak, meaning 'First'. Keshta is from Pukeshta, meaning 'Born'. They, together, are the 'First Born' of their new race."

After a few seconds more of belly tickles, however, both pups heard a quiet huffing from the Sehlat cub. Then both mor'gril rolled back to their feet and walked over to sniff the far larger Vulcan bear.

Three Mind Boys. Come. Your children need feed. You learn. Come I-Cheya all but commanded.

"Don't argue with the Sehlat, guys. He doesn't need a pool to soak you!" Teri said with a smile.

"Okay Aunt Teri!" the three boys chorused as one.

As they trooped out after the ambling Sehlat and two hyper pups, Teri heard I-Cheya send out generally, yet to no-one in particular, I-Cheya Legend grows. Soon all fear Wonderful I-Cheya. All bow at I-Cheya's Paws! Mwhahahahaha...

"I was not aware Sehlats had egos," Spock commented as he moved over to where Joel had sat back down to eagerly await his next Vulcan meal.

Teri chuckled, "Obviously that one does." Then she saw Marjur amble past, and he looked over and nodded at Spock's back. "Make that they all do, Spock!"

As Spock sat down and placed the covered tray on the table before him, most of the guys who had assembled to meet and greet the newcomers moved off again. Kyle and Levi, however, went over to the Doctor and Quint. "Where's your dad, Quint?" Kyle asked seriously.

"Visiting an old 'friend'," Quint grinned evily.

Kyle thought for a second, then grinned. "Wow, couldn't happen to a nicer guy!"

"Velnis has decided to visit Xanus on the Moonbase Archive today as well - what a co-incidence! Must be Semion's shouting..." Galli giggled. "Poor, poor Semion!"

"I almost feel sorry for him... almost," Kyle said with a grin.

"Why don't you like him, Daddy?" Levi asked in wonder.

Kyle answered Levi seriously. "Him and I don't see eye-to-eye on just about everything. I believe Granma Lizzy would call him a 'Pompous Arse' on his nicer days."

Quint giggled, then he grew a little more serious. "Why do you want to see Dad?"

"Joel. What just happened? We all felt it. That's nothing like anything I've felt since I became this way. Do you guys know?" Kyle asked, suddenly just as serious.

Quint shook his head, "Don't know. But something was going on, that's for sure."

Galli sighed, "He is the Hand of Forever. You heard him. I don't know when that happened, but... I think it has something to do with the armour. I don't know everything about it, but Joel wore it once, and it may be having an effect already."

"Is he changing?" Levi asked with concern.

"No... I think... He shall always be himself. That is what is worrying. He is the Shaper already, but does something lie with him ALSO being 'the Sa'ren Blade of Surak' that only the Guardian knows about?" the Doctor asked rhetorically.

Meanwhile, Joel was digging into his new plate of food, and Cory was sniffing the air with his mouth watering. "What is that?" he asked Spock.

"Le-metya," the Vulcan answered.

Cory poked his finger into the green sauce that was all over the meat on Joel's plate and tasted it before Spock could stop him. "Wow! Nice!"

Spock tapped his communicator, "Doctor McCoy to the Rec Room. Bring Di-Valnozin with you, please."

"What damn fool has been eating raw Vulcan meat?!" came the sudden, irritated answer. "On my way... if it's that Cory, I'll turn his hair green by the time I'm done..." Then the signal cut off.

Cory went pale, and Sean asked quickly with concern, "What's wrong, Dad? Is Cory going to be okay?"

Spock patted Cory's arm gently, "He will be fine. Once the good Doctor has finished with him, that is. Vulcan meat is usually served simply warmed to children. It is therefore running in blood, as this is here."

Cory looked at the 'sauce'. "That's blood? It tastes so... so... nice!"

Spock nodded, "Once you have the Di-Valnozin you can have your own plate."

"What's that for, Uncle?" Kevin asked curiously.

"Vulcan blood is green. So is the blood of all creatures on Vulcan. It is copper based, not iron as is yours. You are able to process a certain amount of copper, but not in the amount that Cory just had. It is not lethal, but it will make you very ill. Di-Valnozin is a counter for a human ingesting the blood of a Vulcan creature," Spock explained.

"Do I have to have the shot every time I want to share my little brother's food, Dad?" Cory asked sadly.

Spock nodded his head, "Yes, although one application would last a week."

Joel kept on eating, and his face was now more green than usual due to the 'sauce'.

"Carnivore!" Sean giggled at him as he rubbed Cory's back soothingly.

"Don't care! Nice! Get the shot, then you can share!" Joel giggled between bites of the green tinged meat.

McCoy entered then, and bustled over. "I knew it. Boy, if I had not just had the best cup of coffee I've tasted in the last five years, you'd be in for a full physical! Arm, now!" he ordered as he got to them.

Cory meekly held out his right arm, and McCoy pressed the hypospray into it. "Anyone else?" he asked, looking around.

Kevin and Sean offered their arms.

"You three need to read up on the Starfleet Medical texts that's required reading in the first semester at the academy! Never eat alien food without knowing what it'll do to you first!" McCoy said seriously to them before wandering off towards the Kitchen, obviously after another cup of that wonderful coffee he'd just been drinking.

Quint giggled over at them from where he, Galli and the two Mikyvis were laughing at Cory. Quint then snapped his fingers. "There. You can eat what you like from Vulcan. No more of those 'shot' things needed," he giggled before rolling his eyes at them.

"Who is gonna tell Uncle Bones that he don't get the fun of shooting us?" Sean giggled.

"No-one," Cory said simply. "He enjoys it, so why spoil it for him? Joel - come on, bro! We're hungry too!"

"Go kill your own le-metya! This is mine! Allllll mine!" Joel giggled playfully, but he did wriggle across slightly so that all four boys could start eating.

---

Joel and Kevin were in deep discussion using their bond-link. Occasionally, they would glance over at Sean and Cory. Each time they did so, the two older teens would trade nervous glances.

"Hon, I hate to say this..." Sean said softly, "but they seen to be taking lessons from you, and that could be really scary."

"I was just thinking the same about you," Cory replied with a small giggle. "Wonder what they're up to?"

Neither teen had long to wait. They watched as Kevin got up and whispered something to Artemus, then they saw him run off to move a large armchair into the quietest corner of the Rec Room. Joel, however, moved straight for them, and while Artemus gathered up her sister and four brother cats there to give them orders, little Joel simply stopped in front of them both and reached to take their hands. Without saying a word, yet with his cute little face green with an obvious deep blush, Joel started to tug gently to get them to stand and follow him towards the armchair that Kevin was nervously standing by.

"Here we go," Cory whispered to Sean as they allowed themselves to be guided by their brother.

Once at the chair, Joel arranged them both, then he and Kevin claimed a lap to sit on. The six G-Cats were now spread out in such a way as to stop anyone getting closer than ten feet to the armchair.

"What's on your minds?" Sean whispered into Kevin's hair as the small boy cuddled in against his chest.

Joel blushed deeper, then poked Kevin in the stomach gently, "Your idea, Kevvy. 'm too 'barrassed to say..."

Kevin, his face also flaming, giggled and shifted about enough to be able to look Cory in the eyes. "Umm... earlier you said we should speak to Sean about... stuff... since both Sa'r and I like, you know... being bottoms and stuff..." he managed to murmur, his face getting redder and redder. He then poked Joel and sent him a pleading look.

Joel sighed and whispered, "Yeah, what Kev said. But that means we've gotta both be tops too, so we was thinking... could you bothspeak to us about... stuff? Please?"

Sean managed to stifle his giggles as Cory's blush immediately matched Kevin's. "Sure thing, bros," Sean replied. "We gotta help you be safe."

"Thanks," Kevin whispered.

Joel was smiling through his own blush as he turned around on Cory's lap to be able to see him properly. "I could feel your red cheeks on the back of my head," he giggled cutely. "You don't have to be shy, Cor - we're not gonna say things to embarrass you to our brothers... we're embarrassed enough just asking!"

"Sean's just better at talking 'bout personal stuff than me," Cory said as he gave Joel a squeeze. "Just thinking about talking about it makes me blush!"

"... and get a stiffy," Joel commented with a giggle as he wiggled his bottom on Cory's lap. "Same here, Blondie," he admitted, looking down at his tented pair of shorts.

Kevin traded a look with Sean, and they both rolled their eyes.

Joel noticed. "Hey! You're as bad as me, Kev! And..." he reached over and pushed Kevin enough to confirm something to himself, "... and so're you, Sean! Stop rolling your eyes!"

Cory managed a giggle, then, "So, what's your first question, guys?"

---

Later, in the Rec Room:

"Joel?" Galli asked as he walked up to where Joel and Kevin were cuddling on Spock's lap. Teri was on the other side of the sofa with Sean on her lap. Cory was currently out of the room talking with Brant and Matthew Parnell.

"Joel, we're going to need you for something in a moment," the little Time Lord said as he was quickly pulled up onto Spock's lap as well.

"What?" Joel asked as he continued to trace patterns on Kevin's alabaster cheek.

"You're needed in Utah. It's one of those Time things," Galli smiled as Spock gave him a kiss on the forehead.

Joel smiled, "Okay."

"Dad?" Galli looked up at Spock, "have you got the link going with Mum yet?"

"Yes," Spock answered.

"What link?" Sean asked curiously.

"I explained to your mother that, due to the issues both of us face in raising you all as our children-in-common, a mild Mind-Link would be a logical step to take. She agreed. It will be of help while you are away on your break, and especially later when Sa'ren enters Pon Farr," Spock explained easily as Joel and Galli slipped down from his lap.

Sean wrinkled his brow as he considered the implications. "I guess that kinda makes sense...."

Joel, however, had an 'I told you so' expression on his face. He smiled at his dad and Kevin and said, "Good idea. Kevvy, wanna come with Galli too?"

Kevin shook his head, "Hugs. Hugs good. Vulcans give great hugs... besides, I wanna ask your daddy something, and I want it to be a secret... something only a Vulcan can tell me."

"Owwww... I don't like secrets!" Joel pouted playfully.

"You'll like THIS one," Kevin said as he smiled wickedly at his little husband.

"Ah," Spock noted absently. "It must be regarding Vulcan erogenous zones. Go with your brother, Sa'ren. Kevin and I will discuss this in depth."

A blushing Joel quickly decided that following the Doctor at that point might save him from more embarrassment.

---

"This is Commander Adam Casey. We are currently setting up for a full scale Military invasion of a hostile base holding many Genesis Children. The Special Forces division is asking for any help that can be given. Please contact Daileass with what you can do. Thank you."

"Joel's gone for twenty minutes, and this happens?" Sean muttered as he and Teri jumped to their feet to run out of the room.

"I will go and investigate as well," Spock said seriously as he placed Kevin on his feet.

Seconds after they left, I-Cheya came bouncing in and pulled at a startled Kevin. "HUFF HUFFF! Huffhuf hufff hufff!"

Brant, Matthew Parnell and a group of others ran in just seconds later. "Same for us," JJ and Adam giggled.

"Ain't you going on holiday with Cor and Sean?" Kevin asked quickly as he fended off the still huffing, hyper Sehlat.

"Blackie said we'd have 'Time'," Adam grinned.

Kevin blinked at him, then tapped his communicator, "I'll call Sa'r." I-Cheya started huffing louder as well as pawing at Kevin's head. "I-Cheya, down! Get down!" he said with a giggle as the signal was received. Then, "Sa'r? We have a few here who are coming too... can you tell Adam please? DOWN, I-CHEYA! Jeez!"

Over the comm they heard Adam Casey acknowledge Kevin's request, then Joel's voice came, "Kevvy! We're gonna go train in the Tardis! It's all specially set up so it'll take no time! Call Daileass quick!"

Sean and Cory came running back in. "Is it just training you're going for?" Cory asked quickly as Kevin was making a nose count of the kids with I-Cheya.

"Yeah," Kevin answered with distraction. "We'll be back soon. Something to do with the Tardis, Sa'r was saying."

Cory sighed with relief. "Okay. Have fun. I don't want you or Joel in any invasions," he ordered as he turned to leave.

Kevin looked at his patriarch's departing form... and winced.

---

Utah - Camp Bam Bam:

Kevin appeared beside Joel and Levi, and I-Cheya materialized a moment later with Brant, Matthew, JJ and Adam on his back. Blackie was bouncing around the big Sehlat, yapping happily.

"Cool! Time for some fun," Joel bubbled as he pulled Kevin into a hug.

'Huff hufff hufhufhufff!'

"Huh?" Joel blinked at I-Cheya.

Blackie started yapping louder before licking at Joel's sneakers.

"What do they say?" Matthew asked.

Joel giggled, "I-Cheya wants to learn karate, and Blackie wants to be a ninja."

Matthew started laughing, along with Brant and Adam. JJ, however, patted I-Cheya fondly, "I think you'll be great."

Joel sniggered before running up to Adam Casey with Kevin, "Adz? Is it okay for Kev to train too?" he asked, his face alight with joy.

Adam smiled down tenderly at the two happy boys. Inside, he was thinking that they'd likely never see battle, but better safe than sorry. "Sure. In you go... the bear too?!" he added as I-Cheya and Black Feet ambled past, carrying Brant and the others.

"Uh huh. He says he wants to learn karate..." Joel giggled, his eyes twinkling before he, too, ran inside with Kevin.

"Wow," Brant said in awe as he saw the giant mech, then he noticed Juan at its feet, kissing it. "What happened to him?! He in make up?"

"No, he died. Koth, Korris and Chang too. Then Kahless came and brought them back. Koth and Kor are the last two blood Sons of Kahless! It's so cool!" Joel bubbled as he led I-Cheya by one sabre-tooth over to stand with the hundreds and hundreds of others who were pouring into the Tardis. "This place is neat!"

Once everyone had assembled inside, Galli explained to them how time would not affect them, and that no matter how long they stayed inside, it would only seem like minutes to them. They would remember every relative moment, and they would learn and gain muscle memory, but not mass. Then Adam addressed them all and told them the first week would be for orientation, then the training would begin.

As Joel ran off to look for a place for himself and Kevin, he wondered just what type of training this would be...

---

To Be Continued...

---

Editor's Notes:

Well, I am very glad we got that little dramatic pause taken care of. I, too, am interested in knowing just what kind of training is going to be involved. There were lots of things that happened in this chapter. I can hardly wait for the next one.

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher

---

Clan Short Archivist's Notes:

I have to agree with The Radio Rancher there was a WHOLE LOT of things happening in this chapter.

I thought it was a wonderful thing portraying the Mikyvis as still being human emotionally while they aren't human physiologically. Joel seems to be healing with the love and care of his Family and of course Kevin. The future seems like it is going to be very interesting for all concerned.

The Story Lover

---

CSU Founder's Notes:

First off, just a warning ... DO NOT MESS WITH TERI... EVER!!!!!!! Anyone that can put 'High Races' in the corner is NOT to be messed with! Besides that important point, I'm really happy with the way Ilu is carrying the storyline and showing the interactions of the CSU characters. Great job, the only problem I have is that the next chapter ain't done yet! (grin)

AC