Sa'ren Part I

20 minutes before:

By the time they had reached the starship, Sulu had received a crash course on what Joel and Jude knew and how, and a plan was already forming. As they entered the ship from the gangway that was soft docked to the hull, the Chief Engineer, Commander Jamieson, was quick with absconding with the famous Cory Short. Jude and Billy-Joe were quickly grabbed by Cory and together they vanished after the Engineer.

Sean giggled, "It'll be hard work getting them off the ship, Captain."

"I'll beam them out if I have to," Sulu laughed as they all made their way towards the bridge. He tapped a comm once they got into a lift and called ahead, "Sulu to the Helm. Take the ship out of Spacedock, and prepare for a quick mission."

"Aye, aye, Captain," came a female's voice from the wall.

"Were you serious, Uncle Sulu?" Joel bubbled from his arms. "You're gonna let me command the ship?"

"You better believe it, Joel."

Joel looked down into Kevin's eyes. His boyfriend was grinning up at him in complete happiness. "Can Kevvy sit with me on the chair too?" he asked Sulu hopefully.

Sulu nodded as he lowered Joel to his feet, "Of course. It's big enough for you both."

"Captain?" Mercury tapped Sulu's arm with his paw.

Sulu smiled at him, "Yes?"

"Where's the zero-g litter-box? I should have gone before we came on," the cheetah smiled at him with a toothy grin.

Sulu's laughter was the first thing those on the bridge heard as the lift doors opened. Joel led Kevin out in time to see the other turbolift on the opposite side open to allow JJ and Adam and the rest to pile onto the Bridge.

"Invasion has begun, Captain!" Sean giggled.

"Captain, we have cleared Spacedoors," Lieutenant Wilbur said from the Helm as she turned to face Sulu.

Sulu smiled his thanks. "Stations, gentlemen," he ordered the kids, pointing towards the command chair and the now vacating helm position. He watched as Sean moved to take his place at the Helm and as Joel and Kevin squashed themselves into the Command chair. Once he was sure they were ready, he motioned for the others to gather near.

"Joel, your mission is to take us to the Pluto One station, initiate contact and make sure all is well, and return to Spacedock," he said, keeping his face passive and acting as if this was a normal, everyday mission.

In reality, the whole thing had been arranged between himself, Admiral Morrow and Captains Kirk and Evans once they were made aware of the Clan's presence on Terra Main. The children needed something fun and exciting to do after all that had happened. "This is a priority one mission, Acting Captains Short and Thompson. You have the Bridge and all limits have been removed. You have ten minutes to familiarise yourself with the consoles, then the mission begins," Sulu finished.

Joel grinned at at him. "I know this ship better than the makers, Acting Admiral Uncle Sulu," he giggled. "Captain Kevvy? Can you pull up the system planetary positions please?"

"Aye, Captain Jo'," Kevin giggled in return as he started on the arm controls of the chair.

JJ giggled as he slipped to the Communications station. He got the duty officer's attention and softly said, "Make sure that this is being relayed to all Starship Captains in the Terran system, as well as to the Enterprise and Admiral Morrow - if you need an override this is per orders from Clan Short Security."

"Aye, sir," Lieutenant Gibson whispered back with a small laugh. "I've already got it recording. I thought this might be required."

"Bridge to Engineering. Acting Chief Engineer Short, are the warp engines ready?" Joel asked as he depressed the comm button on his side of the chair. He had heard JJ's whisper, and was determined to put on a good show. All his heroes would be listening now!

"Aye Captain; I just used the last roll of Duct Tape from the Ship's Store!" Cory replied with tickle-induced giggles.

The sound of a raspberry being blown from the Command Chair on the bridge over the comm system was something the crew had never heard before. Joel had not just opened a link to Main Engineering. He had opened the comm to the whole ship. Then he left it open.

Sulu smiled to himself. All his alpha shift crew were on duty right now. Both Cory and Sean had proved themselves well able to handle their current positions. Only Joel and Kevin in command were a possible problem, yet that was completely mitigated by the rest of the crew knowing what to do.

He decided to let them have their fun.

He knew his ship and crew. He trusted both.

Joel turned the chair to face him. "All is ready, Acting Admiral. Permission to take full command."

Sulu nodded. "Permission granted. Computer, transfer joint operation command code for Excelsior to Acting Captain Joel Short, and Acting Captain Kevin Thompson at this time. Retain override codes for my own use. Mark."

'Mark. Starship Excelsior now under Joint Operations Command. Captains Short and Thompson have command,' came the computer's response.

"Full impulse until we have broken Earth Orbit," Joel ordered feeling a thrill of excitement run up his spine.

"Aye, sir," Sean replied, a huge smile on his face as the starfield on the viewscreen shifted as the large ship turned on its axis and started to move.

Joel bounced lightly on his seat with Kevin. He was in space. Space! He couldn't believe it.

"We have cleared the gravity well, Captain," Sean said a moment later, "we are now free and clear."

Joel glanced at the excited Kevin and nodded. "Helm," Kevin said, trying to be serious, "set course for Pluto One station."

"Aye, sir," Sean giggled back as he punched in the commands.

"Set speed to Warp 6," Joel giggled.

It was time: time to see for real what it looked like when you go into Warp.

"Engage!"

Joel's breath caught in his throat as he witnessed the light-mottle effect on the viewscreen as the Starship hammered towards the light-barrier - and broke it. Then, starlines. Lots of them.

"Wow!"

"I'm not sure this console has a 'Wow' button Sir." Sean giggled.

"What's our ETA?" Kevin asked Sean through his own sniggers as Joel poked his tongue out at his brother.

Quickly checking his instruments, Sean answered, "At current speed, four minutes."

Joel smiled as he checked the read out on the panel next to him, "Mmm, Pluto is on the other side of the system; we going over the top?"

"You bet we are!" Sean answered, giggling.

Adam was standing near to Communications when the station beeped. Lieutenant Gibson checked the readings and turned to Sulu. "The USS Newton is approaching their target, Captain. They are updating all starships in the sector with five minute mission reports."

"Good. That is the largest Ion Storm to come into our space in fifty years," Sulu replied. "Keep me updated."

"Ain't that dangerous?" Joel asked as he checked the information on the Newton. "It's an Oberth Class - in a Class 8 Ion Storm?"

Sulu smiled at him, "They are only taking readings from the edge, Joel. You're right, they wouldn't be safe going into that type of storm. I would need a very good reason to take this ship into one."

"Oh, okay," the Vulcan smiled up at the man before turning back the viewscreen to watch the starlines.

A minute or so later, and Sean said, "Approaching Pluto One Station."

"Drop out of Warp and move to standard orbit," Kevin pipped up as he hugged Joel closer on their shared command chair.

"Aye, Captain," Sean smiled.

As soon as the ship dropped from warp, Joel turned to Lieutenant Gibson, "Open a channel to the station and..."

An urgent sounding beeping coming from the Communications console interrupted him. The lieutenant quickly took the incoming message and turned with wide eyes to Sulu, "The Newton is in trouble and is broadcasting an urgent mayday, sir."

"What has happened?" Sulu responded urgently while Joel pulled Kevin from the command chair. If they were going on a rescue, then the Captain needed it more than they.

"The storm is a Class 10, sir. Only when they got within sensor distance did they notice the fluctuations. The tail edge of it has disrupted their anti-matter containment and they are fighting to stabilize it," Gibson answered quickly.

Sulu turned to the helm and looked at Sean, "Red Alert, all hands to stations! Helm, set co-ordinates for the Newton and engage, maximum warp."

As the klaxon started to sound, Sean became all business, "Aye, sir. Maximum warp. Intercept eight minutes at current speed."

"What's the top speed, Joel?" Kevin whispered in his friend's ear as Sulu made the announcement over the ships comm about the rescue.

"Excelsior Class? At this point in time, max is Warp 8.7," Joel murmured back. "Sir?" he asked Lieutenant Gibson, "How long do we have? Did the Newton give an estimate?"

Gibson nodded at him sickly, then looked at Sulu who also nodded. The lieutenant answered Joel, "We've got five minutes to get to them. We're the closest ship, and it will take us seven minutes thirty seconds..."

"Shit," mumbled Joel. He then moved to the Science station, where the Andorian Science Officer, Commander Zarath was busy. "Uncle Sulu, I need access to your systems."

"You and Kevin still have them. Use whatever you need," Sulu answered. Going by the little he had been told on the way from the station to the Excelsior earlier, maybe the kid had an idea or six to help.

"Thanks," Joel half smiled. He then started typing at a furious pace. "Joel to Cory; bring up screen 345.2 and check my design. I need you to remodulate the warp field in-situ while I re-adapt the Inertial Dampeners and S.I.F. Get Jude to help you, he should recognise some of this from 'Deep Space Nine'."

After a few seconds pause, Cory replied. "Got it bro. We're checking it now."

Ten seconds later, Jude sent back, "I'm modulating this section, segment 24, Joel. Check me please?"

Joel did so, "You have it, bro. Good memory."

Cory then added. "Rework segment 43.72A - I've made modifications on the system that do not show on the schematics. Live view should give you the right information."

Joel did so. "Brilliant! That's great, Blondie. Run it now. You keep your eye on the Dilithium, and let Jude do the modulation. He knows what to do." Then he whispered to himself, "Oh, Picard, you'd be proud..."

Joel started working on both the Structural Integrity Field and Inertial Dampeners, but also addressed the Andorian next to him, "Commander, do we have an exact fix on the Newton?"

"Yes. They have been pulled into the storm. Transporters will be non-functional," Commander Zarath replied.

"Okay. Captain Sulu?" Joel called out, "I need you to trust me, here. Sean?"

"Go for it, Elf," came the tense response from Sean as Sulu added, "I do, Joel."

"I am sending Kevvy over with co-ordinates. I want you to drop this ship out of Warp on that point and full reverse the engines. We will be literally on top of that Oberth Class ship. I'll deal with keeping this bucket of bolts together, you just park her on that dime. Got it?" Joel called back as he handed a padd to his boyfriend.

"Hey!" Sulu protested. "She's not a... how did you know what Scotty called...?"

"No time, Uncle. Sean? Copy?" Joel interupted, now focused again on his remodulation.

"Give me the word; I'll park it on the tip of a needle if you need me to," Sean replied. He took the padd from Kev, and a few seconds later announced, "Ready. Arrival in 2.7365 minutes... MARK."

The XO, Commander Susan Bateman, moved closer to Sulu and whispered, "Why are we letting children run things, sir?"

"Look at the readings, Susan," he whispered back, "Our warp speed has already picked up beyond warp 9 and is still increasing. Also, I have some information regarding the young Vulcan from his brothers. He knows what he is doing."

"If you say so, sir," she answered, standing close to the Command Chair and watching.

A minute later, and Joel was finished with the remodulation of the S.I.F and E.D. He handed control over to Commander Zarath. "You just need to keep this adaptation within these limits," he explained. "I'll deal with surviving the suicide stop we're gonna make."

"I understand the theory, but we cannot enter an Ion Storm at warp," he replied, looking deeply concerned.

"No, we cannot. Not at this time, we can't. But, I'm gonna cheat. A little future tech level won't hurt, will it?" the excited Vulcan grinned back at him before moving away. He ran over and stood between Sean and the Conn officer, a Lieutenant Hines.

"Jude? How's the new warp field looking?" Joel called out.

"She's online. Speed now up to Warp 9.5," he called back.

"Sweet. Cory, don't let the Chief, down there, have a shit fit, but I'm gonna take what you and Jude're doing and... well, you'll see. Oh, and if you need a pee break, hold it. We ain't got the time."

"Gee, thanks," Cory muttered back.

Joel pulled up on the screen between Helm and Conn the controls for the Warp Field and the Deflector and Defence Shield - and started merging them into one.

"Dropping from Warp in 5... 4..." Sean started to count. The ship heaved suddenly and violently as they entered the Ion Storm. A number of people were thrown to the ground, and it was only Sean holding Joel against his side that stopped the little Vulcan from being one of them.

Joel hardly noticed, so intent was he on the shields and Warp Field.

"MARK!" Sean yelled as he brought the starship to an almost dead stop in the middle of energized hell.

"Extending Warp field and shields to the Newton," Joel said as the systems around him screamed out warnings. The ship itself heaved continuously beneath his feet.

Kevin's voice came from behind him, "Medical to the bridge. Six with injuries, three serious. The Captain is down."

"Where's the XO?" Joel asked Sean.

Kevin answered for him, "She's on the floor too, Jo'. So's Commander Zarath," The ship heaved again, sending Kevin to the floor. He staggered back up, "They and Sulu are out of it."

"Shit," Joel muttered. "Kevin, get the transporter guys working and take the chair. We have our own universe around both ships. They can beam those guys out now!"

Kevin just started issuing orders while Joel, Sean and Lieutenant Hines worked on keeping the ship together.

"I hope the dilithium holds," Joel muttered, "this is going to fracture them soon!"

"I dunno how much more a' dis she ken take!" Cory giggled over the comm. "You worry about the ships, bro; I've got crystal babysitting under control. I modified the force container while Sean was taking his time getting us here."

"Good, but be aware; this storm has only just kicked up to level 10. The power going through those crystals will increase the longer we're here," Joel called back as Sean steadied him after another violent tremor. "How long do you estimate we have left?" he asked his brother as he quickly turned to check on Kevin. His boyfriend was in the Captain's Chair still issuing orders, but this time with a frightened Timmy and Ricky cuddled with him.

"Two minutes until it has an effect; critical in no more than five... twice the odds we would have had." Cory replied seriously.

"He's right, Joel," Jude added quickly, "the quicker we can get them beamed out, the better. The Warp field is hard to keep steady, especially with the shields mixed in with it."

"Acknowledged, guys. Just hold her together a little longer!" Joel turned to look at Kevin, "Kev, how are we on the transporters?"

"Half the crew is off. Another two minutes, but the engineers are saying they are staying. They cannot eject the core, and they are babysitting a breach over there. They cannot beam out or we'll both go boom!" Kevin called back, then, "Repair teams to Deck 12, section 6. Hull breach. Internal shields are holding," he ordered through the comm.

"Houston, we have a minor case of shit-storms," Joel murmured, facing the controls again.

Sean looked at him oddly. "Houston?"

"Never mind. Wrong world," Joel smiled. "Got it! Cory? Can you pass me phaser power control through the Helm station?"

"You got it... now."

Joel's hands flew over the controls, re-routing the power. Then, "Commander Data, eat your positronic heart out! Engaging Tractor Beam!"

If anyone could have been outside to see it, they would have marveled when a beam of energy rippled down from the secondary hull of the Excelcior to impact over the engineering section of the Newton. How it was kept together within the chaotic powers of the storm would likely remain a mystery forever, but down it, energy was being funnelled directly to the Newton's systems.

"Joel, the Newton's Chief Engineer's saying he can eject the core and anti-matter, but it'll explode seconds after leaving the Warp field. The storm..." Kevin called over.

"Tell him to do it!"

After a few more seconds, Kevin came back with, "He's refusing. He's saying only a Captain can order that, and he won't accept we are captains!"

"Fucking hell!" Cory's voice sounded over the comm. "As of October 27th, 2004 at 2134 hours, I, Fleet Commander Cory Patrick Short grant both Joel Short and Kevin Charles David Thompson the full ranks of Captains in the Clan Short Fleet and Vulcan High Command. There! Starfleet jarheads be damned!"

Sean giggled through his nerves, and quipped, "I love it when he's angry!"

"Save your hormones for later," JJ called over as he helped the medical teams treat the injuries on the Bridge, "We don't care about you being horny right now, Horsey!"

"Newton, did you copy that?" Kevin demanded.

"Aye, sir. Ejecting in five seconds. I hope you know what you're doing!" came the response from the other ship.

"Shields ready to compensate! Cory, You need to watch our core, this could be..." Joel never finished his sentence. The ejected core exploded and the waves of added energy slammed into both ships from below. The console Joel was at exploded in his face. Both Sean and Lieutenant Hines were burned by the flash of power, but Joel was blasted off his feet and hit the floor violently. The internal alarms started to increase, and many other consoles around the bridge also exploded and the ship rocked violently, throwing most people to the ground.

"Shields holding," Hines said as Mercury staggered forwards to pull Joel into his arms.

"I'm 'kay," Joel mumbled, repressing the pain he felt inside himself. Years of practice came into play as he managed to keep the pain he was in from showing in his face. He raised his hand to his forehead and it came away wet and green, for it had been gashed open. "Kevvy?" he called weakly, pain lancing through his abdomen.

"Last of the crew is off now!" Kevin called back. "Sean, get this ship out of here!"

"Putting the pedal to the metal!" Sean called out.

"Good." Kevin then looked at Joel, and he paled. "Bring him here, Merc. Medic, check Joel, NOW!"

Joel was quickly sat with Kevin on the Command Chair, but waved off the approaching medical aid. "Sort out the Captain. We need him more," he managed to say through clenched teeth.

Chief Engineer Jamieson suddenly called up, "Jude is down with a broken arm, and Cory is dazed. Captain Short, I cannot hold the modulation; I just don't understand what those two were doing. The dilithium is beginning to fracture. We need to get out of here NOW!"

"I'm trying!" Sean called back, then, "Oh, shit... disengage that fucking tractor beam! We're anchored to the Newton!"

"Done," Adam said as he rushed forwards and took Joel's place.

"Sean," Joel whispered weakly.

"Yeah, Elf?" came the concerned response as the viewscreen showed the ship pulling away from the mortally wounded Newton.

"Warp... go to warp... the field is still active..."

"Okay. Hold on, guys... MARK!"

The ship shuddered for one final second, and then vanished into warp. Seconds after, the Newton imploded due to the stresses of the storm.

---

USS Hood - Warping to the Rescue Zone:

'This is the Excelsior to any Starfleet ships in range. We are in need of urgent medical assistance. Please respond.' came the frightened voice of a child over the comm.

Captain Dafydd Evans turned to Tulek, "Tell them we are two minutes from their location, and let them know we're not alone. My son's ship is with us."

"Yes, Captain," Tulek answered. "Doctor Fisher has reported that sickbay is standing ready."

"Good," Dafydd said as he turned back to face the viewscreen, on which he could see the VSO Interceptor ship ahead of him. "Very good."

---

USS Excelsior:

Kevin was still seated on the Command Chair, and Joel was with him. Joel, however, was not fully conscious, and was quietly crying into his boyfriend's shoulder.

Cory was now on the Bridge, a bandage wrapped around his head, and a small patch of red showing above his left eye. "Well, Warp speed lasted all of ten seconds, but... we're out of that mess."

JJ looked up from the Communications console. Lieutenant Gibson had already been taken off the Bridge badly injured when a screen nearby had exploded. "The Hood is incoming, as is the 'Dragon'. Jace and his dad."

Cory breathed a sigh of relief, then turned to Joel and Kevin. "You two need to go to sickbay as well."

"No," Joel replied, his voice disjointed, "We're the captains until Uncle Sulu... comes back... the ship won't respond without us here... we have the codes... we can't transfer."

"Besides," Kevin added, his own face tense with worry, "sickbay's a little full right now."

"Here they come!" Sean called from the Helm.

They all turned to the viewscreen to see two ships drop out of Warp in front of them. The Hood immediately engaged a tractor beam to steady the wounded Excelsior.

JJ answered the incoming call. It was Jason.

"Well, I can't leave you alone for ten seconds. There I was, snogging Nathan, and you go pull a joyride on us," Jason grinned at them from the viewscreen before getting serious. "I'm beaming over seventy of my Vulcan crew members to man your stations. Also, I've been given all overrides for Excelsior. I'll take command until we're back in Terra Main. Well done, guys. I'm shitting my pants at what you did, but well done."

"Just wait until I make you watch it from this end." Cory replied. "Send over every bone-cutter you got; we need them."

"Doing so. And my father is as well. Uncle Graham is coming over in about ten seconds, and he's the best next to McCoy," Jason said. "See you in five."

The view screen went dark.

"Sirs," Lieutenant Hines said, staring at his controls.

"Yes?" Kevin answered.

"We have another ship incoming, but not from Earth..."

Cory moved over, then giggled.

"It's the Enterprise!" Cory shouted with glee. "Open a priority channel."

"Channel open, Sir."

"Enterprise, this is Fleet Commander Cory Short. I request all available Medical personnel stand by to assist us. We have numerous Clan and Starfleet injured due to a successful rescue. Acknowledge."

The viewscreen came back to life, and Captain Kirk came into view, "Acknowledged, Commander. Bones is already getting the teams ready, and Scotty is at the Transporter. We'll bring over the most serious at your Doctor's orders." He paused, then smiled at Cory, "Damn, boy. You did well."

Joel, still seated and a little behind where Cory was standing, smiled. "It's Captain Kirk... my captain..." he whispered weakly before his eyes rolled in his head. He slowly fell from the chair.

"Not me, Sir; one of my newest Captains. I was just the Engineer." Cory replied at that same moment.

Kirk, however, had seen what Cory had not. "If it was that child, son, then you'd better help him," he said, pointing behind Cory.

"CORY!" Kevin's yell came a second later. He was kneeling next to Joel, and checking his pulse, "Cory! He's hardly breathing!"

Cory spun around. "MEDIC!" he screamed as he knelt next to Joel and placed a hand on Joel's chest.

"Damn it, Jim," came a voice from the viewscreen. "I'm with Scotty - are we near enough yet?"

"Yes, Doctor," Spock answered from his station. "You can beam directly to the Excelsior's Bridge from here."

Cory hardly heard this, so great was his worry for his pale faced little brother. The next thing he knew, Bones was pulling him away.

"Move it, son. Unless you want me to confine you to quarters, and yes, I have that authority even over Vulcan officers!" Bones rushed out.

"Just fix him, Doc; and THAT is an order!" Cory replied with tears rolling down his face.

Bones let that slide, for now. He started scanning. "Shit. Enterprise, two to beam directly to sickbay!"

Cory watched as his little brother and Bones vanished. He was about to turn and demand to Kirk that he get beamed over as well when Jason Evans beamed in.

"I know," Jason said as Cory was about to speak, "The active call with Uncle Kirk I've been monitoring. You and the guys get down to the transporter room and beam over. I'll take things from here."

Sean quickly joined Cory, JJ, Adam and Brant, and they gathered up the frightened Rugrats. Mercury and Hermes came over from helping the medics and together they made their way off the bridge.

Jason looked around. "Damn, when the guys do something, they really do it," he mumbled to himself as he took in the complete chaos that remained of the ships consoles. He turned and asked, "Who is the senior officer left on his feet?"

"I am, Sir," Lieutenant Hines answered from the helm where he was watching the two Starfleet ships and the Vulcan one hold the Excelsior in place with their tractor beams. "I'm way down the chain, but I'm the only one left up here."

"Then you're now my XO," Jason said as he sat in Sulu's Command Chair. "Computer, Override Access and transfer command of Excelsior to me. Code 835, VSO."

'Please identify yourself,' the computer responded.

"Division Commander Jason Evans, Voice of the Dragon," he answered.

'Excelsior is now under your command.'

"Lieutenant," Jason ordered as he looked at the young officer, "I need a full report on what's good or not on board, and a list of injured and dead, if any."

"Aye, Captain," Hines answered as he moved from the helm, where he was certainly no longer needed, and moved to the stations at the rear of the Bridge.

"Captain?" the young boy quirked an eyebrow at him as he passed.

"You're now in Command, sir. Starfleet is like the Naval Services on Earth; you take command, you're the Captain regardless of your rank," Hines answered with a grin as he sat down at the console and started gathering the required data.

Jason giggled, "Forgot about that. The Vulcans do things so much more different. Okay," he tapped the comm button on the chair, "Bridge to Engineering. Commander Jamieson, do you copy?"

"Aye, sir. How can I help... if help is possible," came the shaken voice of the Commander.

"How are the engines?"

"The engines themselves are in very good order, sir. The dilithium, however: blown, fractured and useless. We won't have Warp capabilities until we can replace them all, and refuel the Anti-Matter. I had to eject that once we left Warp as containment was failing."

"Understood. Are Jude Lee and Billy Joe McAllister still there with you?"

"No. They had a call a few seconds ago, and are off to the Transporter Room to meet up with Lieutenant Short."

"Good. Okay, you have all the modifications made to the Warp field on record, Commander?"

"Aye, I do. Those done by young Cory Short match with what he'd done before, and what he did with the crystals to buy us more time are simply genius. Those done by the Vulcan child and Jude, though; they are something else. I've been studying them, and..."

"Don't take this the wrong way, Commander, but stop doing so now. Seal up the records of those modifications from Joel and Jude and transfer the data to my starship. They are on a need-to-know basis and covered by Red One as of this time," Jason said firmly.

"Understood. I shall do as ordered immediately."

Jason nodded to himself before closing the comm and moving to the science station. Once there, he did the same for all Joel's updates; sealed them, and transmitted them to his VSO ship.

"I have your report, Captain," Hines said a few minutes later. "Over fifty percent of the crew injured in some way or another, forty nine of them seriously. The Captain is now on his feet and helping in Sickbay. No fatalities from our ship, and none from the Newton; however, all the Newton's crew are injured severely. The worst hurt is Captain Joel Short. Sir... he's not expected to survive, if the report from Enterprise is accurate..."

---

VHC Yoshuhlnak, ten minutes later:

Telez finished reading the report from Jason and looked up at the split screen viewscreen before him, "Uncle Daf, Uncle Jim; we're going to have to do a three-fold Warp field tow to bring Excelsior back home. Maximum speed will be Warp Four, and we're only going to get that due to the upgrades on the Hood and my ship's Vulcan engines."

"Understood, Tel," Kirk said. "Scotty will liaise with Lieutenant Everett on the Hood to adapt our engines as well."

Telez smiled, "That will work. You've had some of the upgrades already, so the formula I'm going to use will be a match to your Warp Field. Uncle Daf? Anything missing?"

"No," Dafydd said with a smile, "You've covered it all, I believe. Jim, how's little Joel doing?"

"Not well. Bones is operating now. Internal haemorrhaging," Kirk answered softly.

"I shall pray to Shi'zar for him," Telez said softly, a tear running down his cheek.

---

An hour later - CIC - Rec Room:

The Tardis thrummed into existence, and the Mikyvis and the Doctor walked out.

"Something's wrong," Kyle said immediately.

Levi started looking around, "Where's everyone? They shouldda been back from Terra Main by now!"

Seth's voice shouted from Main CIC, "Get in here, guys! We need ya!"

The six boys vanished and appeared next to the majority of the Orlando Clan, for almost everyone was crowded around Seth. Kyle pushed his way to the front, his face getting pale with worry, "What's happening?"

Seth looked at him, his face grey and taunt. "There was a rescue, and Cory and the rest were on the Excelsior, and went in to help. It's... oh, Kyle! It's Joel!"

---

USS Enterprise - Coming into Dock at Terra Main:

Cory was in the Sickbay waiting room with his family, Jude and Billy Joe, and he was pacing back and forth. It had been an hour since Joel had been taken to surgery, and they had heard nothing in that time.

"Cory, either sit down or else I'm going to have you taking a nap on the nearest Bio-bed," Dr. Chapel scolded softly.

Tearfully, Kevin stood up and moved towards Cory. He stopped in front of him, and looked up into Cory's bright, pain filled eyes. "I need Cory hugs," he said simply as huge tears trickled down his face. "Joel loves your hugs, and he's... please...."

Cory stopped and wordlessly pulled Kev into his arms. "I know, lil' bro," he managed to whisper after a minute.

The door hissed open and Bones walked in, still in his operation outfit. His face was sober.

Cory was unable to speak; he just stared over Kevin's shoulder pleadingly at Bones.

"Cory... boys..." Bones started, then took a deep breath to contain his feelings.

"No... please, no..." Kevin started sobbing loudly.

Bones moved over and took the crying Kevin into his arms, "He's okay, Kevin. In fact, he's in better shape now than he's been in years. THAT is why I'm upset. What the HELL did he go through, Cory?" Bones demanded of the now shocked Patriarch.

"Hell," was Cory's one-word reply as he slipped to the floor and sat there weeping. "Hell."

Sean cleared his throat, "Um, how, uh... how long 'til he can leave, Doc?"

"You can take him home now. He'll sleep for an hour or so more, then he'll wake on his own. He needs bed rest for at least 8 hours." McCoy shook his head in amused irritation, "Damned Vulcan biology. If he'd been human, he'd likely not have made it at all! He's fine, guys. You can go and see him now."

Teri chose that moment to enter, and she was immediately surrounded by the kids, all except Cory who was still quietly weeping to himself. She hugged them all briefly before moving over to her blond son. She pulled him up and wrapped her arms around him. "Don't you dare start blaming yourself, Cory. This wasn't your fault," she instructed him, obviously reading the reasons easily for his pain.

"But..."

"No. No buts. It's not your fault," she quietly admonished. "Now, did I hear you right, Doctor? Can we take our Joel home, now?" she asked McCoy as she continued to rub Cory's back.

Before McCoy could answer, Kirk's voice came from the doorway, "You heard right, and here he is. I would be honoured to be allowed to carry this little wonder down to the Compound." They all looked over quickly and saw Captain Kirk standing in the door, a sleeping Joel snuggled securely in his arms. The little boy was dressed in a medical green coloured gown, and his face was peaceful.

Kirk saw the look on Cory's face, and immediately joined his 'nephew'. "I hear that you adopted Joel here as your little brother." Kirk said quietly. "It appears that he's already picked up on some fine traits of his big brothers; I hope that blaming himself whenever something goes wrong isn't one of them. You'll be counter-productive to helping him be the best person that he can be if you take the blame every time he gets a scratch, Cory. This might be a pretty huge scratch, but he got it doing what you do best... saving lives. You're just hurting yourself right now; I'd recommend you cut the self-pity and replace it with pride in what he's done before Joel wakes up. Will you take the suggestion, or do I need to make that an order?"

Cory sucked in a breath sharply for an immediate retort, but breathed it out slowly after a seconds thought. "Yes, Uncle Jim; I'll take your suggestion," he said quietly from his mother's arms. "It's just... I'm the Commander, and he's my Captain. I'm responsible."

"Take it this way," Kirk said as he looked down into Joel's sleeping face, then looked over at a relieved looking Kevin, "when Sulu made Joel and Kevin acting Captains, he placed them above you in regards to your Starfleet Rank, right?"

Cory nodded his head mutely.

"Then it was these two who were responsible for the rest of you. You making him a Vulcan Captain and exerting your Vulcan rank was required at a certain moment, and I fully agree with you on it. But, the situation leading up to that, that was all Joel and Kevin as Captains. You are not to blame." Kirk smiled down at the young 'lieutenant', "So, am I going to get a tour of your Compound now, or do I keep this cuddly little Vulcan to myself for the night?"

"That'll take a month or so to complete," Teri muttered under her breath, causing Cory to groan theatrically.

"Come on, then," Kirk laughed as he turned to head for the transporter room.

Teri, Cory and Sean gathered the rest of the guys up and headed after them, with Bones trailing along behind. Just as the group entered the transporter room, Bones tapped Cory's shoulder, "I'll want Joel back up here tomorrow, at about 10am. I'm not setting a specific time; leave him get himself ready and feel able to."

Sean stopped as well and he turned with Cory to face the Doctor. "Thanks, Doc," Sean smiled, "I don't have the words to say it other than thanks."

McCoy smiled, "Don't say another word about it. It's my job."

Cory smiled slowly as well, but asked curiously, "Why didn't you jump start his puberty now?"

McCoy raised an eyebrow, "I've received some of the details from Doctor Michaels, but not all. Also, after that operation, I do not believe his body would react well to being thrust into full puberty right at this moment. He'll be ready tomorrow."

They both nodded.

"Now, go. Before I get an ear full from Jim about keeping you to myself," he chuckled as he turned and walked back towards Sickbay.

---

CIC - Rec Room:

Kirk  lowered Joel gently down onto the sofa that the Clan had hastily moved to the middle of the room ready for him. "I think I can leave him in your capable hands," he whispered to Kevin, who blushed and nodded happily before climbing up and snuggling in behind his Vulcan boyfriend. Kirk watched tenderly as the small brown haired boy wrapped his frail seeming boyfriend protectively in his arms. "I'll see you tomorrow," Kirk smiled before turning to leave the Rec Room.

Kevin smiled at the Captain's retreating back, then started answering the hundred and one questions the other kids were throwing at him.

Kirk entered the Kitchen to find Teri making drinks for her kids, and took a seat, "I think I'll have the tour tomorrow. You've worked wonders with the Compound, guys. It's huge."

"This is just CIC, Uncle Jim," Sean giggled. "Wait until you see the rest of it!"

Kirk rolled his eyes, "Why does that giggle make me nervous?"

"Just because they gave me a five-star hotel for a house doesn't give you a clue, does it?" Teri asked with a chuckle.

"Damn," Kirk muttered with a grin. "And I thought Starfleet paid well! Any room at the inn?"

"You've already got a room reserved for you!" Cory and Sean giggled in unison, as Teri smiled knowingly.

Kirk rolled his eyes again, then sighed and stood up. "As much as I want to stay, for now, the Excelsior needs me. Being the Fleet Flag Captain makes the mess up there my job to start fixing. I'll see you all tomorrow. Especially those who took the initiative and saved the ship."

"We'll have Joel and Kevin ready," Cory smiled.

Kirk looked at him seriously. "You are forgetting the boy called Jude Lee, yourself, Sean, JJ and Adam. You are all responsible, and tomorrow... well, I need to check on a few things, but you should enjoy it. Have a good night, nephews," he finished with a smile, before nodding at their mother, "Teri. Pleasure to see you again. I'll take your son's offer up on a room some time this coming week."

"My pleasure, Jim," Teri smiled back warmly. "Go deal with your repairs, and tell your Science Officer that we'd like to see some more of him as well."

Kirk smiled to himself, nodded, and opened his communicator, "Kirk to Terra Main. One to beam up."

They watched him vanish, then set about drinking their hot chocolates.

Meanwhile, while Kirk had been chatting to Teri, Joel had woken up to find himself lying snugly on a sofa in the Rec Room, naked, and hugged tightly by Kevin.

He glanced around quickly to see the Clan busy setting up a pile of pillows and blankets all around the sofa he and Kevin were on, then down at himself. He reached and traced a new scar that ran down from the middle of his ribcage to his belly button.

"Doctor McCoy said that'll disappear in a day or so, T'hy'la," Kevin's emotional voice whispered in his ear.

Joel twisted slightly to kiss his boyfriend before asking about what had happened. Kevin took the briefest amount of time to explain it all before the other kids noticed Joel was awake. "I'll finish in detail later. Your fans await!" he giggled to Joel.

Joel turned around again and smiled tiredly at those now gathering near him. Even though he could have slept like a brick, he was happy to talk and cuddle with those who came to visit with him, and he answered as many questions from those who had not been there on the ship as he could.

He had even had a long chat with Vincent. It had seemed like Vincent was uncomfortable with spending the night in the nest, mainly due to there now being girls present, and also the sheer number of people involved. However, after the talk, Vincent had happily moved over to where Lehman and another boy that looked just like him were, and also prepared for bed.

"Do you want anything to drink, T'hy'la?" Kevin whispered in Joel's ear.

Joel nodded, "Some yummy chocolate?"

Kevin giggled, "Good plan. You wait here, and..."

Joel sat up slowly. "I'm getting a little sore, Kev. I wanna stretch my legs a bit. Can you help me go to the Kitchen?"

Kevin nodded and also got up.

It took five minutes to cover a ten second trip, so slow was Joel moving, but the pride on his face said it all as he was picked up and snuggled by Teri in the Kitchen.

"How are you two doing, my lil' heroes?" Teri asked softly as she pulled Kevin close to her side.

Kevin giggled and blushed, while Joel looked uncomfortable and wiggled in her arms. He settled his head on her nearest available shoulder and whispered, "'m okay, Mama. I'm a lil' sore and stiff, and my head feels funny, but I'm not hurtin' or nuffin'. 'm not a hero, though. That's really all those people I've seen in Star Trek. If it wasn't for them, I'd not have done nuffin'."

Teri kissed Joel's head. "Maybe you saw them doing it; but not everyone could put it together and make it all work. That's the real sign of a hero; they use what they know to save the day. In that way you are just as much of a hero as your brothers."

Joel raised his head and shyly looked into his mother's eyes. "Okay, Mama. But I don't wanna be treated like a hero. I just wanna be your little Joel. Okay?"

"You always will be." Teri replied with a smile.

"And our Lil'elf!" Cory and Sean chorused as they surrounded Teri, Kevin and Joel and hugged them.

"And that goes for you too, Kevin," Teri said once Cory and Sean had backed up a bit. She knelt down, Joel still settled at her side, and pulled the naked Kevin over for a tight hug, "We all heard how you and Joel took command up there."

"R...really?" Kevin squeaked.

"Yes, really. JJ had them broadcast everything right from the start, and it wasn't turned off when you all went on that rescue," Teri said seriously.

"I don't feel like a hero, Aunt Teri. I know... I know I did something good, but it don't feel good. I n...nearly lost Joel... I don't kn...know what I'd have done if he'd g...gone..." Kevin blubbered suddenly, and he hid his face in the crook of her neck.

"Cory, can you take your Elf for a moment, please?" Teri asked quickly as she rubbed Kevin's back as he sobbed his heart out.

Joel wasn't too impressed about being away from Kevin, for he had already taken one of his boyfriend's hands in a tight hold.

Cory knelt down next to Teri and slid Joel into his arms, "Come on, Lil'elf. I'll stay right here so you can be near your Kevvy. Come on."

Joel relaxed his grip and slipped both arms around Cory's neck. Kevin's sobs were hitting home with Joel, and Cory saw that look in his little brother's eyes that had been in Adam's on Sunday. The look of someone who had nearly died.

"He's right," Joel whispered with horror in his trembling voice as Teri started mutely whispering comfort and advice to Kevin, "I... I did nearly die, Cor... I..."

Cory kissed Joel's nose and pulled him closer. "I know, lil' bro - I've been there too. Sean sat me down when I started to do like you're doing. He told me to remember Timmy's saying... 'sometimes bad things gotta happen so good things can happen'. Sean reminded me that I'm still here, and that is all that really matters... that thinking about 'almost' does nothing but hurt, so I needed to stop thinking about it."

Joel nodded mutely, then sniffed. He whispered, "I'll try, Blondie."

Cory smiled at him, and pulled him in close for a warm, gentle cuddle. Sean was soon kneeling with them, and, as on the day Joel had arrived, hugged his little brother from behind. Joel started to smile. He liked being a 'Joel Sandwich'.

Meanwhile, Kevin had slowly stopped crying and had started to pour out his fears to Teri. Teri listened silently, and simply rubbed his back to allow him to empty himself of his worries. As he felt all the words get used up, a realization came to him: he was speaking to a woman as if she was his mother. Teri, in his heart, was becoming the mother he should have always had, but had always been denied.

Once Kevin had grown silent, Teri started telling him much the same as Cory had just told Joel. Once she had finished, he too found himself being squashed in a hug. A Mother-hug. "Aunt Ter... uhhh...." Kevin mumbled then trembled out, "M...Mom?"

Teri smiled widely, "Yes, honey?"

"Can we have some Hot Chocolate, please?" he asked shyly as he pulled away from the hug enough to look into her eyes nervously. "That's why we came in here."

"Of course you can," she replied, "and if you want to call me your Mom, then you certainly may. I'll never do what she did, and I would be honoured to be your Mom, even in a little way."

"Besides," Cory added as he pulled Kevin over and hugged him, "if you and Joel are together, Mom'll be your Mom-in-Law soon, true?"

Kevin giggled, and a wonderful smile came to his face.

Teri also smiled. She then grinned widely as she took a closer look at Kevin's midsection. "Ah. It was a nice present from Levi," she chuckled, winking at him.

Kevin blushed harder as he rubbed the back of his left foot against his leg. "Ah, yeah. Kenny don't mind either. He thinks Jo' and I look cute together like this," he giggled out shyly.

"I kinda like it too," Joel said with a wicked twinkle in his eye. He shuffled about until he was over Cory's hip as the blond teen stood up.

Cory plopped him gently on the nearest bar stool and then lifted Kevin up to sit with Joel. "I'll help you make the coco, Mom," he smiled at Teri.

Sean giggled and sat with the two smaller boys. At Joel's curious look, he said, "I burn water getting it out of the faucet. No point me helping!"

Kevin snorted as he giggled, before loosely wrapping an arm around Joel's bare waist.

They waited patiently for a few minutes then both small boys started licking their lips as two large mugs of hot chocolate, with whipped cream on top, were placed in front of them.

Cory sat next to his husband as he watched them enjoy their drinks, and Teri stayed near. Seeing Joel getting thrown across a starship bridge, and hearing him slam down onto the deck, had nearly torn her heart out. Watching him and his boyfriend enjoy something as simple as a hot chocolate... it couldn't be described.

"Mama?" Joel asked suddenly, his face nervous and even a little terrified. His eyes, however, showed that unwavering trust that had been there since he had asked her to help him with his skin cream yesterday.

Teri walked towards him and placed a hand on his bare shoulder, "Yes, sweetheart?"

Joel bit his lip for a second before blurting out, "Why do you love me?" His eyes filled with tears as he glanced at his two older brothers, then at Kevin. "Why do any of you love me? You've only known me for a few days... why?"

"Us adults have decided that it's the magic of Cory and Sean," Teri replied seriously. "They seem to have a natural skill at instant emotional attachments to people with good hearts, and that skill is contagious. All of us knew that you were someone special, the second we saw you, Joel. When you proved that we were right, we couldn't help but to love you."

Joel's lips started trembling slightly and he hug his head. "I'm nothin' special. I'm jus' a used up little slave. I was gonna be raped then killed when I was found... I'm not special..."

Cory lifted Joel's head and kissed his nose. "Hey, lil' Elf... I'll bet there are a buncha people up at Starfleet Headquarters, right now, who will argue that with you until the day they die. Besides; only special people get to be Captains in the Clan Short Fleet. I believe that both you and Kev carry that title now."

Kevin then reached and turned Joel to face him completely. His serious brown eyes stared deep into Joel's blue ones. "You are special 'cos I think you are special. You are special 'cos I've loved you since I was four years old. You are... YOU ARE SPECIAL, Jo'. You were a slave; you're now my boyfriend."

Cory then turned Joel's face back to look at him. "Repeat after me: 'I'm special, 'cos my family tells me so'."

Joel's face was unreadable, and his eyes wide. Inside his mind, the gears churned. Then he smiled shyly, "You're special, 'cos your family tells you so."

Everyone broke into giggles, and Sean managed to sputter, "I TOLD ya so, Hon!"

Cory shook his head as he responded to Joel with a grin, "I shoulda known better! You knew what I meant, didn't you Lil'elf? Or should I say silly Lil'elf?"

Joel giggled and wrapped his thin arms around Cory's neck before pecking kisses onto his brother's cheek. "Yeah. But if I'm special, then you are too!" he said, after he'd finished with one cheek and before starting on the other.

"You're the most special-est Lil'elf ever, Captain Short!" Cory giggled in reply as he hugged Joel tightly.

"Am I really a Captain?" Joel asked, as he pulled back to regard Cory seriously.

From the doorway where he had been listening silently, Jason giggled, "Yes you are, Prince-brother. I came to tell you guys two things: one, I've just received the update from Vulcan Command, and you and Kevin are now officially on their lists. Congratulations. Once a member of the Vulcan Fleet, always a member."

"My husband don't joke around when it comes to passing out jobs!" Sean noted with a smile.

Jason moved into the room completely and kissed Joel's cheek, "Live with being special, lil'dude. Now, two: Fleet Commander Short?" he said as he faced Cory.

Cory looked over at Jason. "We can talk business without being formal, Jace. How may I assist you?" The small change in Cory's tone let everyone in the area know that Cory had switched to 'command mode' and had put his playfulness on hold until Jason was done.

Jason grinned impishly back at his fellow Patriarch when he perceived the internal switch happening. "You are hereby ordered, with your husband and little brothers, by your Most Powerful Spirit Guide Son, Timothy, to 'get their butts in here and get some sleep, 'cos we're tired and don't wanna sleep 'til they are! So There!'... Have I relayed the message clearly enough, oh blond one?" Jason finished with a wicked giggle.

"Sean, I believe our son has an ambition to be sleeping in the proverbial doghouse," Cory dead panned. "I believe that a complete experience of Sehlat bedtime preparation routines might be beneficial to his perceived injustice. I believe you have the capability to arrange such a demonstration, Jason. May I assume that it will be executed in a timely manner?"

"Get stuffed, Cory!" Jason giggled, "I've been washed enough by I-Metri, Marjur and I-Cheya for one aeon!"

Sean looked over at the doorway. "Unless you want to be a demonstration model," he commented as he pointed out the three waiting Sehlats, "I believe your crew is waiting!"

Jason giggled, "Your rugrats have already been washed. I think it's your turn. I'm staying out of it!"

Jason started laughing harder as Marjur moved towards Sean and I-Metri towards Cory. He yelped, however, when a large paw brought him to the ground. I-Cheya huffed at him as he was quickly stripped.

Joel and Kevin couldn't do anything other than laugh, and Teri was laughing as hard as they were, for both Cory and Sean had backed away from the approaching Sehlats, but had not gotten very far before they too were in the same state as Jason.

"At least they won't need showers," Teri murmured through her giggles as she collected the discarded clothing that the three sabre-toothed bears had thrown to the four winds.

---

Kevin trotted along besides Cory as Joel was being carried back into the now Nest filled Rec Room. Curiously, as the kids saw the Patriarch approach with his precious cargo in his arms, they made a wide pathway through to the central part of the nest: Joel and Kevin's sofa. Currently seated on it were Timmy, Ricky, Wacko and Paulie, and they were glaring at anyone who attempted to go near it.

"What are you three up to?" Cory asked with a smile.

Timmy jutted out his chin as he said, "Guarding Unca Joel's and Unca Kev's bed, Daddy."

Joel giggled while Cory laughingly said, "I don't think anyone will try and steal Joel's place, guys. They know he can't lie on the floor right now."

"We was jus' making sure, Daddy!" Paulie said, determination all over his cute little face.

"Rowl!" Wacko interjected from his spot at the foot of the couch.

Ricky added, "He and Unca Kevvy saved us, and saved you and we owes him and Unca Kevvy lots!"

The three boys and the panther slipped down to the floor as Kevin climbed up and laid down first. He placed his back firmly against the back of the sofa and waited as Cory gently lowered Joel down into his arms. Joel grinned up at his big brother as he shuffled about to be spooned by Kevin. Cory then brought the blanket up and tucked it in around them both.

Joel looked at the three rugrats and their cat, all four looking extremely proud with themselves, and said, "Thanks, but there's loads of room up here. Do you wanna sleep with us too?"

Ricky looked up at Cory uncertainly, "Can we? There's room down the other end for us and Wacko."

"Only if you promise to make sure that your uncles are safe all night!" Cory giggled.

"We will!" all three chorused as they grabbed a large blanket, a few pillows, and climbed up onto the other end of the sofa.

"Rowl! Purrrrr!" added Wacko as he curled up between Kevin and Joel on one side, and the three munchkins on the other.

Cory smiled, leaned in to give the three little boys a good night kiss, tickle Wacko's ears, then settled down himself just before the sofa with Sean.

Soon, the lights were dimmed, and from the light coming through the doorway to the Dining Room, Joel could see his mother. "Good night, kids," she said softly into the room.

A variety of "Good Nights" were her answer, and her silhouette vanished from the door.

Joel sighed and looked over the edge of the sofa. Kevin's warm, moist breath could be felt caressing his neck as he slowly fell to sleep. Below, just where he could reach, Joel saw Cory and Sean cuddled together and whispering. He reached his free arm down and traced a finger over Cory's cheek, then over Sean's. "Rom mu-yor, shal sa'kai'am," he whispered, "Shal ashau tu."

Cory smiled up at him, "Good night, brother."

"We love you, too," Sean added just as softly.

Joel relaxed back with a contented smile on his face. Kevin's right arm was draped lightly over his side and he had his hand resting on Joel's chest, so Joel took the opportunity to grab it and bring it up until he could rub the soft knuckles of Kevin's limp hand under his chin. Kevin murmured something unintelligible and shifted his arm slightly to help with whatever Joel was trying to do, before finally sinking into the blissful oblivion of sleep.

Joel grinned, for, with Kevin's unknowing help, he now had what he wanted.

Cory giggled slightly as he heard something from above him. He and Sean turned over slightly and raised their heads to look up at Joel's face. They then giggled together and lay back down to sleep.

They were lulled there quickly by a soft 'suck, suck, suck' sound.

The little Vulcan was also asleep; his eyes closed, his face peaceful, and a quirky smile at the corner of his mouth as he sucked slowly on Kevin's thumb...

---

Joel did not dream that night. He floated in a contented world of comfort and bliss, wrapped up in the arms of the boy who had stolen his heart and given his own in return, and surrounded by a family - a family - that loved him. He felt each passing second of that night in that warm, loving place of sleep, yet he was not awake. Time passed slowly for him, and he enjoyed each and every second of it, yet he could not have told you how much of time had passed. Only that he was happy.

Even though he was completely comfortable, he was the first to wake up. Neither he nor his Kevin had moved an inch, and he grinned to himself, for he still had his boyfriend's thumb in his mouth. He gently removed it, and shuffled about slowly so as not to wake Kevin. He managed to get himself propped up against the arm of the sofa, with Kevin's head now resting against his right thigh. He smiled as he traced his fingers over Kevin's forehead and into his hair. Kevin looked so beautiful right now that it made the tiny Vulcan's heart ache in his chest.

He then realised that something else was in need of attention. He quickly glanced around in the early morning light, attempting to find a way to get out of the sea of bodies that were all around him and keeping him from the bathroom. He began to grow worried.

'Don't worry,' came Nathan's sleepy voice in his mind as he felt himself lift up and away from the sofa. 'When you're done, I'll put you back with Kevin.'

'Thanks, Nath',' Joel smiled as he was plopped down by the bathroom door. He ran in and quickly did what he needed to. A few minutes later and he was floating back and deposited softly next to Kevin. Joel smiled over at his brother and blew him a kiss. Nathan blew one back before snuggling back in with Jason.

"You 'wake, Unca Joel?" came a soft question from the other side of Wacko. The large cat was snoring lightly, and Joel saw a tiny figure move about the other side and move closer. Timmy's head appeared over Wacko's body and the boy smiled at the Vulcan.

"Yeah," Joel said as he opened his arms for a hug.

Timmy wasted no time crawling over and gently cuddling up with Joel. "You feeling all better now?" the munchkin asked with concern.

"Much," Joel whispered back. "My insides feel floppy, but not like last night."

Timmy smiled happily and continued to cuddle on his uncle's lap. He giggled when Kevin started snuffling in his sleep. "Oh, Happy Birthday, Unca Joel," he said quietly before turning away from the waking Kevin and kissing Joel sloppily on the mouth.

"Ah," Joel hesitated, "um, thanks, Timmy."

"Whatsa matter?"

Joel shrugged. "I... birthdays. I've... I'm always hurt on birthdays. Worse than any other days. I know I won't be, here, but I... I don't like birthdays."

Timmy's face grew determined. "I'm gonna fix dat!" he said firmly.

Joel half smiled. "Uh, okay, Timmy."

"How old are yous?" the little boy asked curiously as he shifted about to sit on Joel's outstretched legs to look into his uncle's face easier.

"Umm, thirteen," Joel whispered, beginning to feel ashamed. "I don't look it, do I?" he whispered unhappily.

"You look like my Unca Joel; dat's what matters." Timmy replied with assurance.

"Thanks. I love you, Timmy. You make me feel good, right here" Joel said, honesty pouring out of his eyes as he pointed to where his heart was, low in his chest.

Timmy gave him a huge, wide smile in return. "You make me feel good in my heart too, Unca Joel. I love you too!"

He just sat there, then, and looked at his Vulcan uncle. Joel, for his part, looked at him in return.

Joel found Timmy's freckles vastly interesting, and traced those he could reach on Timmy's legs, arms and face.

Timmy did the same for Joel's equally fascinating eyebrows and ears. Joel's mouth and gums received yet more attention for they were more obviously green than his dusky skin was.

"No hairs there yet," Timmy commented to himself as he glanced down Joel's body.

"Where?" Joel asked as he traced around Timmy's freckled cheeks.

"There," Timmy answered, placing a finger lightly just above Joel's boyhood. "Not yet. Soon, though..."

Joel sighed, then smiled, "You're right; not yet, but your daddy says I'll get them when I'm ready. He says everyone's different."

"Uh huh," Timmy looked up and nodded happily, "everyone's different. I like you 'cos you're you, Unca Joel. Don't be sad or nuffin' 'cos you're not like other thirteen year olds. Dey don't gets to fly rescue missions on Starships and stuff, and dey don't have magic powers to make people feel better. You're special, Unca Joel. Like my daddy and Poppa and all my uncles and..."

"And like you?" Joel giggled, finally giving in and beginning to accept that maybe he was special: at least to his family.

"Uh huh. Yeah, you're like me too, Unca Joel. See?"

Timmy made his war paint appear, and Joel's automatically responded. So did Kevin's and Ricky's.

Joel and Timmy started giggling and hugging each other again, still covered in their markings.

"Mmm, now that is funny," Kevin giggled as he sat up and looked at himself, his boyfriend and Timmy, then around the room. His eyes fell on the sleeping Oliver, Austin and Ricky. "It's like a funny illness, and it's spreading!"

"Only my bestest brodders getta do it!" Timmy giggled.

Joel also giggled as he pulled Kevin over and into a hug with himself and Timmy, "There. We're really Tribe now."

Kevin grinned, but then he saw the look in Joel's eyes. Full on, full bore, love. And it was all for him. His mouth went dry, and his heart started beating faster.

Timmy saw the look and giggled again. "You stay and kiss. Me and Ricky have things to do. Be right back."

As he scooted away back over the top of the long suffering Wacko, Joel did as 'ordered'. He kissed Kevin.

Kevin turned to putty right then and there.

"Looks like two of our heroes are already celebrating," Nathan sniggered loudly, drawing the attention of those boys already awake over and onto Joel and Kevin.

"Nath'," Jason murmured sleepily, "leave them alone."

"But they're soooo cute!"

"I know. Leave them alone."

"Spoilsport!"

"Yes. Now, kiss me or I'm gonna think you don't love me any more."

"Do you Welsh all act this way?" Adam called from the other side of the Nest.

"Uh huh," Viccy answered before waking Riti.

Riti blinked, "Huh? Wassup?"

"Kiss. Now."

Riti chirped happily. "Now that's an order I like getting!"

"Mmm," JJ giggled, "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Come here, you delicious hunk!" And with that, Adam was pulled down and into a serious lip-lock.

Joel slowly and reluctantly pulled back from the kiss with Kevin. He needed air, after all. They both started giggling as they watched the others around them kiss their partners.

For Kevin, this was no longer something that made him feel left out. He had his Joel. Even if he still had things to settle with his feelings for Uncle Chip, he still had his Joel. He wrapped his arms around Joel's torso and laid his head on his boyfriend's upper chest. Joel rested his cheek against Kevin's hair as he held him close.

"I love you," he whispered to Kevin. He got a kiss on his neck for his trouble, making him twitch at the tickling sensation.

The Dining Room door opened enough to allow Teri to enter the room, and she smiled at the waking kids. "Breakfast is in twenty minutes, so get showered and ready."

For some reason, the look in her face and the tone of her voice told Joel that something was being planned.

Jude and Billy-Joe were soon being pulled over by Timmy and Ricky, and Paulie, Ross and Belar crawled up and cuddled with Joel and Kevin. "Showers!" Belar and Ross chorused. "Come on, Unca Jowl, Unca Kev! Showers!"

Kevin sniggered, "We'd better do as they say, T'hy'la."

Billy-Joe grinned and winked at Kevin, "Yep. They have decided we're their targets."

Joel shrugged and slipped slowly off the sofa. Kevin came off quickly and helped support him, for he was still a little off balance from his injuries. Together, the four older boys and the five Rugrats moved through the waking and milling mass of bodies towards the bathroom.

---

As Joel finished towel drying Belar, and as Jude finished doing the same for Ross, Kevin and Billy-Joe walked over to them. "We'll go keep you a place at breakfast," Kevin said, a small grin on his face.

"Okay," Joel smiled up at him, then he looked at Belar, "There. All dry, cutie."

"Thanks, Unca Jowl!" Belar hooted happily. "I'll go helps dem keeps you a seat!" he called out as he ran from the room butt naked, followed by the other Rugrats and the two older boys.

Jude glanced at Joel before pulling him gently over and starting to dry the Vulcan's hair. "I think they are definitely planning something," he whispered conspiratorially to his little alien brother.

Joel nodded, "Yeah. I'm nervous. Don't like surprises."

"Don't be," Jude assured him with a firm hug. "Come on. Let's go find our clothes." He picked Joel up and carried him over his hip from the bathroom. "Don't worry about it. Birthdays are meant to be fun, and I did promise that I'd help make this one your first 'fun' day, didn't I?"

"Yeah," Joel murmured, still not completely convinced. "Hey! Where've they all gone?" he asked as he looked around the now empty Rec Room. The Dining Room door was closed and not a peep could be seen nor heard of the Clan.

Miracles do happen, then.

"I can guess, but I think you'll like the surprise," Jude giggled as he sat down next to two piles of clothes: his own and Joel's. He sat Joel on his lap and proceeded to dress him. Once done, he threw on his own attire, and then stood. He took Joel's hand, "Come on. Let's see if it's what I think it is."

Joel dragged his feet nervously as they started towards the Dining Room door. He was frightened, and the grip he had on Jude's hand was tight enough to relay that emotion clearly.

Jude reached with his free hand and opened the door...

"SURPRISE!!!"

The shocking blast of sound from everyone in the Dining Room made what Joel had wanted to do a dead certainty. He turned and bolted through the Rec Room and out towards his hiding place of the day before; the bush in JJ's garden.

He never made it, for Levi appeared on the path in front of him. "Wait, Uncle Joel," he said, his arms wide as if asking for a hug.

Joel's racing, panicking heart started to still, and he stopped in front of the little Mikyvis.

Levi closed the gap and hugged himself around Joel's chest. "Don't be scared."

"I..." Joel fought with himself for a moment, then mumbled, "Sorry. Couldn't help it. It frightened me - the shouting."

"I know. Come on, I'll keep you safe, and you'll like it - promise," Levi smiled up at him.

"Okay."

They immediately vanished from the pathway and reappeared in the Dining Room. Everyone was whispering with concerned voices, but they soon grew quiet at the two boy's sudden appearance.

"Sorry," Joel mumbled again, his eyes down cast as he felt everyone's eyes on him.

Strong arms surrounded him and he looked up into Sean's face. "Don't be. We didn't expect that reaction. Well, we didn't think it would be that bad. We're sorry, Joel."

Joel nodded slowly and started to smile. Jude came close and gently pulled Joel over until he was against his side. "Little brother? Look. Look what our family did for us," he said, joy in his voice.

Joel looked around. He first saw the smiling faces of his family and friends, then... balloons. Everywhere. Bright colours. BRIGHT, shiny, beautiful colours that made the inner-child that was so newly found in Joel wake up and giggle. Each balloon has something written on it. Either 'Happy 13th Birthday, Joel!' or 'Happy 14th Birthday, Jude'.

Then there was the breakfast. A Breakfast with a capital 'B'.

In the corner of the Dining Room were two piles of brightly coloured boxes and parcels.

"Wow," he whispered, tears rolling down his face. "You... you really do care... about me... you really giving me a party? Jude too?" he continued as he cried softly.

And so, weeping softly, Joel was led to the table and sat between Kevin and Jude. Billy Joe sat on Jude's other side, and Joel's best day up to that point of his short, hellish life began...

---

Joel stood there, looking at the large pile of beautifully wrapped boxes, all of which had his name on them.

He smiled to himself. "Pretty," he whispered. "They all mine? For real?"

Timmy grinned up at him from his side, "Yeah. All yours, Unca Joel!"

Jude, over by his own pile of boxes, was embarrassed. "I can't, guys. I can't accept these. You hardly know me!" he protested, the hurt of the loss of his parents showing in his eyes and face.

Teri enfolded him in a hug, "Yes, you can. You're my son, and I don't let any child, mine or not, go without on their birthday. And I mean that, Jude. They are yours."

"Thanks," he whispered back. He turned and hugged her fully for a long moment before he wiped his eyes and moved towards his gifts.

Before he had even picked one to start opening, however, Joel's next question stopped him and everyone else in their tracks.

"Umm, they're real pretty, Cory. What do I do with them, and where do I keep them?" Joel asked, joy clearly showing on his face. All these pretty boxes, and they were all for him - and Jude had a large pile too.

He just didn't know what to do with them.

With a rare flash of insight, Cory realized that Joel had no idea that the contents of the boxes were his presents, not the boxes themselves. If it wasn't for the fact he'd seen it already too many times over at the Camp, he would have smiled. Instead, he walked over and pulled Joel into his chest. "The boxes are pretty because we want you to see how special you are to us, Lil'elf. What is really kewl is that each of us picked out something we thought you would really like, and put it inside each of the boxes. It makes it a lot more fun for you, since each one is a surprise and you can read the tag on the box to see who got what for you."

"Really?" Joel's puzzled face looked up and to the side so he could see his brother as he was hugged from behind.

"Yeah," Cory nodded.

Jude looked over and said, "Watch, Joel."

Joel did so as Jude selected one present, read the tag and smiled at Billy Joe. He then opened it to find a leather jacket inside. "Oh, man! I love you!" he yelled out, pulling the blushing Billy into a crushing hug, "It's great!"

Joel looked back at his own pile, then around at the others.

He moved forwards and started looking at the boxes closely. One almost seemed to leap out at him.

It was from Kevin.

It was not the largest, nor the smallest parcel, but it was heavy, Joel found as he lifted it up into his hands. He looked closely at it from all sides and found where it had been wrapped up. He started to carefully undo the paper.

"You can rip it, little angel; that's what it's made for," Cory said softly, ensuring only Joel heard him.

Joel looked up at him again, then smiled. "Okay," he whispered back. He glanced at a concerned and nervous looking Kevin, and then proceeded to tear off the paper.

He was left holding the leather bound, gold leaf embossed Bible that he had seen on Tuesday in the Mall.

Huge sobs of joy and gratitude came from deep inside him, and Cory was again hit by something that rarely happened; foresight. He reached over Joel's shoulder and gently took the heavy Bible from his little brother's hands. Less than a second later, and Kevin had an arm full of weeping boyfriend who was thanking him over and over again in rapidly spoken Vulcan.

Cory placed the Bible carefully down on the nearest table and waited as Kevin continued to whisper to his mess of a boyfriend, a peaceful smile on his face. He glanced over and watched as Jude opened more of his own gifts, then around at the others. Everyone was showing much the same reaction as he was; happiness and joy. Joel and Jude were both going to have the best birthday the Clan could give them.

Soon, Kevin was kneeling with Joel and helping him open everything. Toys, action figures, stuffed animals, board games, CDs, DVDs, more clothes. With each present opened, the person who gave it received kisses and hugs from a completely overjoyed Joel; those whom Joel knew at any rate. There were a few from boys he had not really talked to yet, and so he just said something along the lines of 'I'll find you after for your hugs!' before moving onto the next present.

At every hug or promise of one given by the tiny Vulcan, the Clan giggled in wonder. Not three days ago he was a scared waif that a stiff breeze would have blown away.

Now, he was simply Joel, the Cuddle-Monster.

Jude, meanwhile, had broken into quiet sobs while hugging a smiling Timmy and Ricky.

"Do you really like it, Unca Jude?" Ricky mumbled.

Jude sniffed and smiled, "I really do."

Teri moved closer and rubbed the emotional teen's back, "Why the tears, love?"

Jude looked again at the small stuffed piglet still in it's Collector's Case the little boys had bought for him and wiped his eyes. "It's Mr Wiggles! I had him when I was a little boy! My Mom got him for me when I was a baby... I lost him years and years ago... his stuffing fell out and he was put away, then I couldn't find him when they... when my parents died..."

Levi started to chuckle. When Jude and Teri threw a look at him in question, the little Mikyvis said, "I just checked. It really is Mr Wiggles. In this Universe, you were never born, so that toy was never bought as a toy. It's been in various toy shops, and passed through a few collectors, but was never played with or opened here. It's really your Mr Wiggles, Uncle Jude!"

Jude just cried more, and hugged Timmy and Ricky harder, all the while being hugged firmly by Teri.

Laughter erupted when Joel got to one of the larger presents - Sean and Cory had got together and bought him a Component System for all the music he had been given. That took a good five minutes to get through the cuddles and kisses they received, and even though the Clan knew Vulcan, they had the hardest time working out what Joel was so rapidly saying to each of them in his excitement.

Tommy was also bowled under when Joel opened the present from him to find a scale model of the USS Enterprise, and a note saying 'All the hugs, cuddles and cookies you ever need, I will give'.

Then, at the bottom of the pile, was the last, and the largest. It was labelled 'To my special Vulcan son. Thank you for trusting me, and letting me be your mother. Love, your Mammy.'

"Mama?"

Teri came forwards and knelt down with him, rubbing his back soothingly.

Joel blinked up at her as she reached and wiped the tears from his cheeks. "Can you help me open it?" he whispered softly.

"Sure," she smiled, and together, she, Kevin and Joel tore open the wrappings.

It was the Mac Pro from the Mall.

Joel couldn't move. He just knelt there, looking at the box.

Cory and Sean knelt down to be with him as well, and pulled him into their joint hug. "What do you think, Lil'elf. You think you're going to enjoy using that?" Sean asked.

Joel just broke down into tears. Happy ones. "All my life... I've had nothing. Now, I have you all... you're my FAMILY. You LOVE me. And I have a BOYFRIEND who's my BEST FRIEND," he sobbed loudly in the suddenly silent room. "Y...you could have given me nothing and I'd s...still have had the best day ever, 'cos I'm HAPPY... I'm just so happy... I... I'm home. I'm really home..."

He continued to sob for a few moments longer, then raised his face to look at each of his large, large family in the eye. Jude's face was priceless - joy beyond joy that Joel was having a good birthday was writ clear on his expression.

Joel opened his mouth and started to sing. Softly at first, then with building volume, they all heard a song they had never heard before. From a film that did not exist in their Universe, yet the poignancy of the song meant everything to little Joel...

"Where am I going?
I've been lost so long;
There's no shelter from the cold.
Winds are blowing,
I keep dreaming on -
Waking up in emptiness alone.
I know:
"Somewhere I belong,
Somewhere I can call 'My home'.
You've open your arms to me:
I've got the feeling
That your love is leading me home.

The Doctor, watching from the back, waved his arm slightly and music started flowing from his presence and mixed in perfectly with the words Joel was now singing out. It brought all the Clan, and their parents, to tears...

"How'd you find me?
Pull me from the storm,
Make the heartache disappear.
Feel the fire,
Love can keep us warm.
I just can't believe I'm finally here.
I am here; I am here!

"Somewhere I belong,
Somewhere I can call 'My home'.
You've open your arms to me:
I've got the feeling
That your love is leading me home.

"Somewhere I belong.

"Open your arms to me:
I've got the feeling
That your love is leading me home.
Somewhere I belong,
Somewhere I can call 'My home'.
You've open your arms to me:
I've got the feeling
That your love is leading me home.

Somewhere I Belong."

('Somewhere I Belong' © Teddy Pendergrass)

As the music and the words drifted away, Joel found that he was now in Teri's arms, and was being almost crushed in the most possessive hug he had ever experienced to date.

"Somewhere I belong," he whispered to her, one last tear trickling down his cheek that mirrored the one running down her own.

---

As the wrappings and boxes from both boys' gifts were being piled up and gotten rid of, Joel remained in Teri's arms. His little heart was simply overflowing with emotions he had never before experienced, and couldn't process. Kevin sat nearby squashed between Cory and Sean, and they were cuddling him as he too cried; only his tears were those of complete and utter joy that his boyfriend was happy.

Sammy watched all this from the rear of the room where he was standing with his father, Mike.

"Are you sure it's okay, Dad?" Sammy asked, looking up into his father's face.

Mike nodded, pride showing in his eyes, "Yes, little angel. I think you are the most loving boy I've ever met, Samuel Patrick Reynolds; I have no problems with you giving it to him."

"Thanks, Dad," Sammy said as he swivelled and hid his blushing face in his father's chest. "I love you so much."

"I love you too, sweety," Mike whispered joyfully as he kissed the top of Sammy's head. "Go on, Joel's getting up from the hug. Catch him now."

Sammy turned and saw that his dad was right; Joel had moved from Teri's lap and was now seated with Kevin between Cory and Sean. Sammy walked over slowly and Joel looked up and smiled his wide, sunny smile at him.

"Happy Birthday, lil'guy," Sammy said lovingly as he knelt down in front of him. "Having fun?"

"Sure am!" Joel bubbled as he thrust himself forwards and into Sammy's arms.

Sammy grinned and looked at Kevin and the two older teens. "Can I steal your Elf for a while? I have something to talk to him about, and it's kinda personal and special to me. He can tell you after, but I need to tell him somewhere quiet first."

Joel looked into Sammy's face, and his own was intrigued. Kevin giggled and nodded, while Sean quipped, "Rental fee is three kisses, SamSam!"

Joel sniggered as he was plopped to one side, and then he started with his sweet bell-like laugh as Sammy proceeded to give Cory, Sean and Kevin three kisses each, plus a large hug. "There, that do?" he quipped back.

"For now," Kevin giggled.

Sammy laughed then turned back to face Joel. After both had stood to their feet, Sammy pulled Joel close and said, "Come on, lil'guy. Let's use the nearest Meeting Room."

Soon, they were both curled up in each others arms on a sofa in a room just off from Main CIC, and Joel sighed in contentment. Being close to any of his brothers was special, but Sammy was one of the few that made him feel this good by simply being there.

"Joel," Sammy started after a moment or two of silence, "I haven't given you my gift to you yet, and I didn't put it with the rest as this means a lot to me. I wanted it to be real special, not just one present lost with all the others."

Joel shifted about until his light weight was firmly seated on Sammy's lap, then he gave his brother his full attention. "You don't have to give me nothing, SamSam. You're my brother. That's all I want or need."

Sammy's eyes filled quickly, and his face shone with love, "You're so special, Joel. Yes, I know I don't have to give you anything, but I want to." He raised his hands to his neck and pulled out a fine gold chain that was around it. On it, a small medal was hanging. "This is St Christopher," he almost whispered as he pointed out to the Vulcan the image on the little medal, "and he's the Saint of all Travellers."

Joel's eyes were wide as he looked at the shiny gold image. "Yeah. He's meant to have carried a little boy over a large river, and the boy got heavier and heavier, and St Christopher nearly didn't make it. The little boy was really Jesus, wasn't he?"

"That's right," Sammy said quietly. "My Dad gave this to me soon after he found me and made me his son. I was having bad dreams and nightmares and everything, and he said that if I thought about St Christopher, then he'd come and help me get through my big rivers, my troubles."

Joel nodded as he was listening, his face thoughtful and serious.

His jaw dropped open, however, when the chain was put around his neck by Sammy. "What are you doing?" he squeaked nervously, "It's from your Daddy! I can't have..."

"Shhh, lil'angel. Yes you can have it. My Dad said it was okay, and I really want you to have it," Sammy said as he kissed the now weeping Joel. "Maybe St Christopher will help you get across your rivers."

Joel buried his face into Sammy's neck and managed to choke out, "Are you sure, SamSam? Are you really sure you wanna give your protector to me?"

Sammy nodded his head gently so that Joel could feel the movement against his hair and cheek, "Yes. He's already carried me over my rivers, and now I have new guides to help me over the new ones. I feel you are the next person who needs his help now."

For a while after, there was near silence, and only Joel's awed, muffled sniffs and quiet sobs of gratitude could be heard as Sammy snuggled him close.

---

Clan Barracks, Orlando Compound - 9am:

"Josiah's been busy. This is looking great," Travis giggled as he looked around. Jimmy was cuddled into his side and smiled up happily at his pop. "You like it, Jimmy?"

"Uh huh, nice," the boy whispered as he continued to smile.

"Very nice," Koth said as he walked in with his brother, Chang and Juan. "Morning, peeps! How're you doing?"

Gabe grinned, "We're great. I can't wait to start, though!"

Korris nodded approvingly, "Good. Your desire to learn is commendable." The Klingon glanced at the two Unit boys then at Gabe, Travis and their boys. "Have you guys been introduced properly yet?"

Gabe shook his head amiably. "No, not yet."

Koth smiled. "Gabriel, Travis, Jimmy and Davey; this is Chang, my brother's boyfriend and one of the six leaders of the Unit Special Forces. He's the Unit Executive Officer and Medical Officer, and quite amazing with his katana! Also, this cute piece of boy is my boyfriend, Juan. He's Chang's little brother and also one of the six Unit leaders. He's their Heavy Weapons Commander; an expert on guns and munitions..."

"I like my toys!" Juan giggled as he blushed at Koth's comments.

"I'd like his toy too... if he'd let me see it, that is!" Koth giggled back, winking at Juan who blushed further.

"I... uh..." Juan managed to mumble as the others smiled at him; all except Chang, who simply raised an eyebrow.

Koth saw the look on Juan's face and moved over to hug him quickly. "Sorry, Qu'raki," he whispered to Juan, "I'm a little more used to saying sexual things and I keep forgetting you ain't. Sorry."

"S'okay," Juan mumbled back, just as quietly as he hugged Koth tightly, "you've had a lot of people helping you for longer than I have. You can help me, though... please?" Koth pulled back slightly and saw a new look in Juan's eyes that he had not yet seen. Instead of the rough and tough psycho he was used to, now there was a little boy: a little boy who was pleading with him.

"My oath on it, Qu'raki," Koth said gently, kissing Juan softly afterwards.

"Cute," Chang murmured with a raised eyebrow, but Juan felt his brother's caring flowing at him down that strange bond that all the Unit seemed to share.

Korris chuckled, then pointed at Gabe and Travis, "Gabe is second in command of Clan Short Security, and Travis is his life-partner. These two cute kids are their sons; David and James. Davey and Jimmy, right guys?" he asked, winking at the two young boys.

They giggled and nodded while still holding their parents' hands in a tight grip.

"Pleased to meet you," Chang said formally, while Juan simply waved.

Gabe smiled, "Same to you both."

Korris moved further into the room and said, "Chang and Juan are also interested in seeing what Mok'bara is. At least, Chang is. I think Juan just wants to stare at Koth some more."

Juan poked his tongue out at the older Klingon, then blushed, "He's cute; bite me!" He then glanced at Koth, as if making sure his statement was acceptable. Koth smiled and winked at him, bringing a wide, beautiful smile to Juan's face.

Travis sniggered, then asked, "We didn't know what to wear, so we brought a few different things with us, other than the track-suits we're wearing."

Koth smiled, "Well, you have a choice. We've brought Mok'bara robes with us, or you can do as I do and practice naked. I'll go with the flow here, as I don't know how your little guys will feel about either being naked or being that close to boys that are." Koth looked at Davey and Jimmy, "I know you were good with seeing Nath', Jace and Tel play-fight yesterday morning in their skin, but I really don't want to frighten you by being too close when naked, guys; so it's up to you. If you want, we'll all be dressed. Otherwise, I and whomever else wants can start in the skin."

Jimmy glanced quickly up at Travis, then whispered to Koth, "Can... can you wear the robes with us please, K...Koth? Me and Davey don't feel right outta the nest or showers being near others when they're naked."

Koth grinned softly at them. "That's fine by me, lil'dude. It'll drive Juan nuts..."

"Hey!" Juan protested playfully, pouting as he did so.

Davey giggled into his hands that were covering his mouth at this point, "You're funny!"

Juan winked at him, "Yep! I mean... do you know how hard it is to be as perfect as I am. I mean come on... I'm super cute, smart as a whip, and make Prince Charming seem like the toad he really is... do you want to hear my theme song?"

"Humble just isn't in your brother's vocabulary, is it, Chang?" Korris laughed, as Jimmy and Davey clutched their sides as they cracked up.

"No. It is not," Chang answered with a small lift at the edge of his mouth.

"Wow! A smile!" Juan giggled as he moved in and hugged his brother. "You should do that more."

"He does. In private. With me. And no, I'm not explaining!" Korris snorted. "Okay, guys. Here's your robes to change into, then we'll begin," he said as he put the bag he was carrying down and started handing out sparing uniforms to the others...

---

A few hours later - Main Kitchens, CIC:

"Where's Joel?" JJ asked as he came into the Kitchen.

Kevin turned on his stool at the bar table where he had been sipping his energy drink and said, "Vincent went to his parents' graves. Joel went with him."

"Ah," JJ smiled with a nod. "Just wondered where one of our two birthday boys had gotten to."

Cory walked in and gave Kevin a squeeze before saying, "He should be back soon, then we're off to the Enterprise."

Doctor Austin looked over and held out a bag for Cory to take, "Here. This is for Doctor McCoy. Make sure he gets it, Cory."

"What is it?" Cory asked as he took the bag.

"The Bio-chip, and as much information as I could gain from my own investigations into Joel's DNA. It's seriously messed up, Cory. It all works, so there's nothing to be concerned about, but I have never seen a hybrid's DNA that was that... spliced before," the Doc replied. "However, I can say that, from his mitochondria, his mother was definitely a Vulcan."

"Excuse me for being blond... his WHAT??" Cory asked, drawing giggles from the rest of the group.

The Doc smiled. "Unless you're into medical, Cory, I'd have not expected you to know. The mitochondrial genes that a person has, comes totally from the mother, and can only be passed on by the mother. A male cannot pass on mitochondria. They are the genes inside the cells, but not in the main DNA itself. I cannot do deep readings on Joel's DNA, however. While I can see them fine, and tell you if they function right or not, I don't really know what I'm seeing. I'm not an expert on Vulcan biology."

"Kev thinks that Joel's jeans are just fine!" Sean giggled.

Kevin nodded with a giggle and a smile, before continuing to sip his drink.

"That's good," the Doc laughed. "Anyway. Just make sure McCoy gets that, Cory. He'll know how to put the pieces together. And he asked personally for the Chip."

"And it's being delivered by our favourite dip..." JJ added before finding himself on the floor being tickled mercilessly. "Aunt Teri!! S..stop! Or I'll p...pee!"

As Teri let JJ up from the floor, Joel walked in. His face was abstracted and thoughtful. He didn't seem to know where he was going, nor that the others were in there. He had his palms pressed together in front of him, and he was mumbling to himself. "I can feel... yeah, that's right. So if? Mmm... I need to find something small first..."

He came to a halt by the bar table and looked around. He registered the curious stares of his brothers, and the concerned look from Kevin, but did not acknowledge them. Instead, his eyes settled on a spoon next to Cory, about two foot from him across the bar. "I wonder..."

"Ah... Joel?" came a quiet question from Cory as the blond watched Joel try and pull his hands apart.

"Oops. Ah, better," the Vulcan murmured as he managed to separate his hands.

Sean stepped up next to Cory, "Ummmm... YOU'RE the Vulcan Patriarch here, Hon. What's he doing?"

"I dunno," Cory replied.

Joel half smiled; the first recognition of their presence he had allowed himself to give thus far, then held his right hand out in a grasping gesture towards the spoon. He spoke in a voice that was not his own, "Now. Focus, Child of Vulcan... sense yourself. Feel yourself. See the Sands of the Forge, and Embrace Forever..."

Cory was about to move closer to his brother when a sound stopped him.

The spoon was moving.

"Eli and Benj are gonna love this..." Sean commented as he watched the spoon.

The spoon stopped moving after covering a foot of the distance.

"Mmm," Joel closed his eyes.

When he opened them again, he thrust out his hand. "Now!"

The spoon flew towards his open hand. As did, the plate next to JJ, the half full glass of milkshake Kevin had been drinking but had stopped due to surprise at what Joel was up to, Teri's keys from her pocket, Adam's wallet, and three condoms from Cory's back pocket.

"Oops!" Joel gasped as he ducked the plate and glass, which sailed past him to smash into the floor. He was holding the rest of the items, however.

"We needed those for later!" Sean giggled as both him and Cory blushed.

"Clean-up, Aisle Seven!" JJ yelled.

Cory grinned at JJ's humour. "Nice job, Lil'elf... next time try for JJ's wallet though; JJ don't let Adam have cash... he spends it faster than JJ can replace it!"

Joel grinned at them, "Sorry. I got a bit mad. Only wanted to make the spoon come to me." He then looked down at the wallet before tossing it back to Adam, "That's nice, Adam. It's like the one you just gave me!"

Adam smiled as he caught the wallet, "Sure is. It's the best make, and I really love the design. Only the best for my little-big brother!"

Joel then tossed his mother her keys. He then paused as he looked closer at the condoms. "Strawberry flavour, ribbed and extra sensitive... Uh... strange balloons," he muttered curiously as he gently handed them back to a now beetroot red Cory.

"You used up the chocolate ALREADY?" Adam giggled, causing the red in his brother's faces to escalate to a whole new level.

The laughter from everyone around him, including from his mother, made Joel even more curious. The two red faces on his beloved older brothers, however, made him upset. He had caused that 'cos of those funny balloons. "Wh...what did I do?" he asked as he shuffled forwards to hug Sean around the belly. He looked up into Sean's red face, and tears began to form in the corner of his eyes, "Did I say something wrong?"

"No, lil' bro... those 'balloons' are kinda personal between me and Sean. It's just kinda embarrassing to have Mom around while everyone's talking about them," Cory replied, as he joined the cuddle.

"Oh," Joel sighed in relief. Then, "Why?"

Kevin slipped from his stool and trotted over. He pulled Joel from between his blushing brothers, then pried open Cory's fist to reveal the three packaged condoms. "Mmm, no point wasting the flavoured one..."

"Wasting?" Cory murmured curiously.

Kevin's nervous face looked up. "Y...yeah. I... we can't do that stuff yet. I'll show him what they're for, but that one would be a waste."

"Oh, I see," Cory nodded with understanding.

Joel watched curiously.

Kevin selected the extra sensitive one, then pulled the intrigued Vulcan behind him into the Dish-Washing Room. He closed the door leading to the Dining Room, then chased out Helen, and half closed the other door that led back to the Kitchen.

The boys and the two women exchanged curious glances.

"Kev?" the others suddenly heard Joel say in shocked surprise. "Um, shouldn't we be somewhere more private if we're gonna masterba... unnng... umm, Kev?" he trailed off, his voice far away due to 'something' happening.

They heard Kevin snigger, "Just want to show you what this is for. Hold still."

A few seconds later: "Oh! Okay... they go there. Why?"

"I, uh... I'll tell you later, Jo'. I'll just say for safety for now."

"Safety? Oh, STDs? Okay, but why flavoured ones?"

"Well, I'd say for blow jobs, Jo'. Unless Sean has taste buds up his butt."

"Up his...?" Joel's face peaked around the half open doorway. He made sure that his lower half was still hidden. He raised an eyebrow at Sean in question, then disappeared again. "Doubtful, Kev. Okay. Now what? Am I to walk around with this..."

"Condom."

"With this condom on my dick all day?"

Kevin giggled, "No, you can take it off, now. Just wanted you to understand what they were for."

After a minute or so, Joel and Kevin walked back out of the Dish Washing Room to find Teri and Helen sitting on the bar stools with their heads in their hands on the bar, laughing. The other boys were on the floor.... laughing.

"Easily amused, ain't they?" Joel quipped to Kevin without embarrassment.

He then got a sly smile, and walked over the the howling Cory and nudged his brother's ribs with a foot. Holding the condom in his hand he asked sweetly, "Want it back, Donkey? It's too big!"

JJ started choking with his howls of laughter, and Adam had to repeatedly slap his back to save him.

"I do believe that the Patriarch cannot blush any further, Joel," Sarek said from the doorway. "However, that was a very nice compliment; if I am correct about the peer-pressure culture that young, teenage human boys engage in. You should take that comment well, Cory."

Joel smiled at the older Vulcan before kneeling down and flopping himself on Cory's chest and stomach. Looking down into the red face of his big brother, he smiled again. "I love you, Cory," he whispered, fire in his eyes, before kissing him gently.

"I love you too... you sure you don't want to keep that to share with Kev?" Cory giggled softly as he pulled Joel into a hug.

Joel giggled. "It really is too big... well, thick I mean. It's only a little too long for me, Cor. Are there smaller... err, narrower ones?"

Cory giggled as well, "We'll talk to Kyle for you, Lil'elf. Keep it anyway."

Sarek moved further into the room and looked down at the giggling children around him. "Captain Kirk has asked that those going to the Enterprise get ready for Transport. Once Charles arrives here from Terra Main, he will beam up with you."

Teri looked over, "How are the injured doing, Sarek?"

"No fatalities have occurred, and all are now back on their feet. It turned out that the worst injured was little Joel," he answered, giving the tiny cherub a small smile. "Captain Sulu is trying to work out if he should 'hug the boy to death for saving us all, or tickle him to death for what he did to my beloved ship' - his words."

Joel giggled happily as he was given a loving noogie by both Cory and Sean.

"Grandfather," Cory then said as he rose up with Joel in his arms, "Joel just did something that was basically telekinesis. I didn't know Vulcans could do that. Is it part of his human side?"

Sarek raised an eyebrow. "Telekinesis? I will need to see him use this gift before I can render a judgement, Cory."

Joel giggled, "Uh, okay, sir. But you better duck if I go smash something like I did last time... you don't have condoms you don't want my brothers to see on you, do you? Cory and Sean got embarrassed when I first used this just now."

Sarek raised both eyebrows. "No, I do not, Joel. Please proceed."

Joel moved to the bar and looked at Teri's keys, which she had laid there.

He held out his hand, and they started moving towards him. He concentrated harder, and they flew into his hand.

"Intriguing," Sarek stated. "Hold them in your hand, and make them float, Joel."

Joel's eyes widened, but he did as instructed. His brow furrowed slightly, but soon the keys were floating an inch over his hand.

"Now, move your hand so that the keys are hovering below your palm," Sarek instructed again.

Again, Joel did so, and found that the keys remained there; floating just under his hand.

Turning to Cory, Sarek stated, "It is his Vulcan ability. His mind is powerful. All Vulcan's have Telekinesis, but most would only gain control over it with Kolinahr training. Only those of sufficiently high mental capacity find the ability without such training."

"There, Elf," Sean said as he reached and plucked Joel up and into his arms, "you're special. Grandfather just said so, so you really are!"

Joel grinned happily before making himself comfy in Sean's cuddle. "Who're Eli and Benj, Ted? Don't think I've met them yet, and why would they be interested in what I can do?"

"Two of our brothers, and they have telekinesis. Same as Nath' and Jace and Viccy," Sean replied as he nodded at Sarek and carried Joel out towards the Rec Room. Kevin and the others quickly moved to follow.

Joel squirmed in Sean's arms slightly until his brother put him down. He started to giggle. "Where are they?"

Cory looked around quickly, "Over there. With the pet-leg playing with Ross, Bel and Jess."

Joel started over towards the group, a small mischievous smile on his face.

Kevin glanced up at Sean and Cory, "Oh boy. This should be interesting."

Cory giggled as he watched, and asked Sarek over his shoulder, "Just how powerful is Vulcan telekinesis, Grandfather?"

"It depends on the individual, Cory," the Ambassador replied. "However, it is not the same as human telekinesis. The smaller the item, the easier it is to pull it towards us. The range is about twelve feet on average. The most powerful can lift heavier items, but never a person. Joel, however, is not completely Vulcan. His empathic abilities are different from the Vulcan norm; therefore his telekinetic abilities could also be different."

Cory nodded, "We'll soon see."

Eli glanced up from his book and grinned at the nearing Vulcan, "Happy Birthday, Joel!"

Joel smiled back, "Thanks for the book; I really like 'The Hobbit'. I recognised your name, but didn't know who you were to give ya a hug."

Eli stood and opened his arms, "No time like the present, Joel."

Joel ran over and embraced the ten year old. "Thanks," he murmured.

Sebastian giggled from the sofa, "I like his cuddles."

"Me too," Eli said.

"Not Joel's, Goof; yours! I've never had a Joel-cuddle yet!" 'Bastian retorted playfully.

Joel sniggered as he looked at him, "Well, come here then." Joel slipped from Eli's embrace, opened his arms to Sebastian; and concentrated.

"Wow! Eli! Stop it!" Sebastian cried out as he rose up and moved into Joel's waiting hug.

"Don't look at me, Babe..." Eli giggled as he tilted his head. "I think Benj and me got a partner in crime here who needs training!"

Benji added from his cuddle with Sammy Martin, "It felt different, bro. Not felt anything like that before."

Teri, Sarek, Cory and Sean moved closer to the group, while JJ and Adam sniggered and found a place to sit and watch. Sarek commented, "Vulcan telekinesis bolstered by human telekinesis. This could be most intriguing."

"Mmm, you're right, Eli," Sebastian murmured after a moment from within the tight hug Joel had him in, "nice hug."

"Thanks," whispered Joel as he released the boy and grinned at the others.

There was movement by the door, and a topless and messed up Nathan came running into the room, "Commander Xolan? You here?"

"Who?" most of the guys said at once.

"He is not present, Grandson," Sarek answered as he looked at the blond boy.

"Thank God!" Nathan sighed with complete relief. "He never comes to us without informing one of us first."

"Why not?" Sean asked curiously, "And who is he?"

Nathan's face twisted slightly, as if an unsettling memory hurt him, "He... he was one of the Trial Masters when we were learning to become VSO. He was the one who put Jace through the Trial of F...Fire," he finished sickly. "Jace didn't just forgive him. He asked him to come work in our division. The Trial Masters never do that, but after what Xolan did, he swore to never put another through the Trials."

Joel tilted his head slightly. "You didn't answer why he needs to call you," he pressed, knowing that Nathan should tell without knowing why he knew that.

Nathan held back his tears, but only just. He shook his head no, and kept his lips sealed.

Cory moved and embraced the now trembling boy, but again, Nathan shook his head. His lips trembled as he looked pleadingly up at his fellow blond and choked out, "Please don't make me say. It's not mine to say. I'll be killed if I do..."

"Over my dead body..." Cory retorted, but Nathan started sobbing.

From the doorway, a nervous and trembling Jason joined the group. He still wet from a hasty shower and was wrapped in a towel. He was nervously looking around the room as if searching for someone. "He here, Nathy?" he whispered as he seemed to hide next to Nathan and Cory, his eyes wild.

"Someone tell me what the HELL is going on here! WHY are you two scared?" Cory exclaimed, his anger rising at the fear he sensed in both Welsh boys.

"They are Of The Black," came a voice from Joel that was not Joel. It was his mother, and her light was shining from his eyes. "We need to be apart from the others. Lady Teri, Lord Sarek, Elijah, Benjamin, Samuel, Sabastian, Lord Cory, Lord Sean; bring them, and follow me."

Joel started towards CIC and stopped at the door to look at them. "Now. Under Red One I command thee," Joel's mother added.

Sarek raised an eyebrow and nodded, "Do as instructed. This is beyond my ability to negate."

Teri moved to help with Jason, but he shrank back fearfully from her as he started to cry, "I'm sorry, Auntie Teri... I made a mess in... I'm..." He crumbled and started to fall to the floor, but she caught him. She lifted the sobbing boy into her arms and carried him, leaving Cory to do the same for Nathan.

Soon, they were all in the Conference Room, and Joel stood there, impassive. Once those named had sat down, Joel waved an arm and the door slammed shut. "By order of the VSO, the Trial of Fire cannot be explained to any who are not Of The Black or under Red One; not unless the VSO have assurance that those wanting the information will not tell it to others outside of that cover, and who are also not interested in becoming Black VSO."

"Grandfather?" Cory asked, the one word saying more than a million words could.

Sarek looked at Cory, then at the trembling form of Jason on Teri's Lap. "We need to wait on Jason. He must do this for the Code that must be authorised is his alone to enforce."

"I... I can do this, Grandpa," the boy sniffed out before reaching and linking hands with the upset Nathan.

"If you are certain, my grandson," Sarek replied.

Jason raised his face and took a few minutes to look each person there in the eyes. After a moment, he nodded at Sarek. "You can swear them in," he said sickly before cuddling back into Teri's embrace.

Sarek nodded. "None of you in this room have any intention of raising to the Black of the VSO, therefore: if you swear to hold this as a Red One secret, we can reveal those things that are currently troubling these two boys. If you do not want to swear, you are free to leave. Those who do swear are under a harsh type of Code. If you tell others what you are about to learn, and they are not Black VSO nor under this Code, your life is forfeit. As would be theirs, and all others that they told. There is no rush, so please think on this carefully before deciding." He then backed up a few steps to give the children room to speak amongst themselves.

Cory simply glanced around at the others. They all nodded seriously. He then looked at Jason's face, then at Nathan's that was tucked close to his chest. Without looking up from Nathan's hurting eyes, he whispered, "They're our brothers. We swear."

"I am already VSO and under Red One," Joel's mother responded through his lips, "and I already know what events have occurred."

Sarek nodded at them all, then looked closely at Joel, "I have been informed by Jason that you are Joel's mother. I would like to meld with you at a later date."

"That would be acceptable, but not yet, Patriarch Sarek," came the echoing response.

He nodded before addressing the others. "I will now relay to you the events that took place concerning the Dragon Division and their Trial of Fire..."

---

Ten minutes later:

Sean lifted his head from his hands and looked in horror at the two boys being cradled by his husband and mother. "Damn," he whispered sickly.

"You asked him to be your Councillor?!" 'Bastian spluttered, his face pale as he looked at Jason.

Jason nodded and stammered, "I... I broke his Kolinahr when he was going through the 'Recovery' with me. I... I forgave him, but I knew that I'd not heal without him around."

"So why...?" Eli started, but just could not find the words.

"Why'd I freak out... and mess myself?" came the shamed completion of the question from Jason. "'Cos I both love and fear him still. Whenever I'm home, he is never the one to be the first I see. I have to set myself for the day to deal with being with him. It's easier than it was, but if he was to wake me up in the morning, I'd..."

"Jace; don't," Nathan sobbed, "don't beat yourself up over it. The other room has been cleaned, and you're okay. I don't think Auntie Teri minds..."

Teri increased her hold on Jason, and Cory reached out with the arm that wasn't gently supporting Nathan to grip Jason's hand. "I don't. My boys have been in similar situations, Jace," Teri whispered to him. "All mothers know and understand these things."

"And me and my bro still wet the bed at night when we dream about the crash we were in," Benji said bravely, blushing as he glanced at Sean. Sean simply smiled back at him with love in his eyes.

Jason sniffed and half smiled, "Yeah; okay, I get it."

"So what triggered it this time?" Cory asked gently, "If Xolan isn't here, why'd you react that way, Jace?"

Nathan answered for him, "'Cos we felt a Vulcan using their form of TK. Powerful too. There are only two Vulcans in the Sol System right now with that ability, and Poppa Spock has only ever used it once. Grandfather Xolan uses it a lot; he's very old, and it helps him. We thought he'd come over without calling one of us first - like an emergency, and Jace panicked as soon as we felt the first TK burst."

Joel started to cry softly, then. Until that moment, his mother's control had kept him impassive, but Nathan's words broke the dam. "I'm sorry! I didn't know - I'm sorry!" he cried out as he ran over and hugged Jason. Teri pulled him up as well, and cuddled both boys on her lap.

"Shhh, you didn't know - and I didn't expect you to be able to do it, Joel," Jason said back, his own voice thick with emotions. "Don't blame yourself."

Sean waited a moment, then said, "This Vulcan Master; you call him grandfather?"

"Term of respect for most of us," Nathan murmured, "but to Jace, he really is. Jace loves him, even though he still has fear about him. He even..." Nathan trailed off and looked at Jason.

Jason smiled thinly, "I even ask him to shower me every so often. Being that vulnerable to him helps me learn to overcome my terror - to let him care for me in that way. Not once, not one single time when he has done so, has he caused me anything but love and happiness. By the end of the shower, I'm feeling protected, and that helps for a good few days."

Sarek spoke then, "It takes a long while for Vulcans to overcome the turmoil caused by the Trials. The VSO Command understood that it would take far longer for non-Vulcans. All of my grandchildren who are Of The Black are still recovering, and if they were to be exposed to their Trial Master, each one would react as Jason did earlier."

Benji looked at Jason in awe. "You're brave," was all he said, admiration in his voice.

Eli nodded in agreement, "I don't think I could do that."

"Nor us," Sammy and 'Bastian said in unison.

Joel piped up, "Do you think having a shower with him would help you now, Jace?"

Jason giggled lightly before pulling Joel in tighter, "I think so. I've not seen him for a while, now. Nath'? Can you call him?"

Nathan nodded, and looked for his comm. Sammy giggled and handed him his own. Nathan smiled his thanks, then keyed in his code, "Fire to Commander Xolan."

After a brief moment, "I am receiving you, Fire. How may I be of assistance?"

Nathan smiled, "We just had a small issue here with a young Vulcan using TK, and Jace had one of his turns. I'm wondering if you have time to come over and talk and shower with him?"

"Certainly. I shall beam over immediately. Is the young Vulcan in question Xain or the new child, Joel?"

"Joel," Nathan answered.

"Understood. Stand by, I am on my way to the Transporter now."

"We shall have a mug of theris-masu awaiting your arrival. Fire out." Nathan closed the comm and hopped down from Cory's lap. "I'll get the Vulcan tea, then escort Grandfather Xolan back here."

Cory and Teri smiled and nodded. Sarek moved over and lifted Jason into his own arms and embraced him firmly, "I am still un-quiet over my decision to make you and your siblings VSO. Had I known..."

"I'd not have it any other way, Grandpa," Jason interrupted him softly as he enjoyed the attention. "It was worth the pain. They are worth every moment of it," he added nodding his head towards those from Clan Short.

Cory shook his head but smiled back at him, "We'll talk later, little brother. When you're feeling better."

Jason nodded before settling in in Sarek's embrace. The elder Vulcan sat down and held his human grandchild close, rubbing small circles on Jason's belly. Jason pressed his back in tighter to Sarek's chest and half closed his eyes.

"I'm getting a show here, Jace," Nathan protested with a small grin, trying to lighten the mood, "and so're the rest of the guys. Don't go showing off what's mine to them, will you? They might want to steal you from me!"

Jason glanced down to see that his towel that had been wrapped tight around him was now loose and all over the place. "Meh! I have enough power to keep them away should they feel too inclined to 'frisk' me, sweety."

Sammy received a light slap across the back of his head from Benji. "Stop looking!"

"What ya mean! You are too!" Sammy retorted giving Benji a light shove.

Eli and 'Bastian giggled at them, looked each other in the eyes, shrugged, then turned back to Jason. "We're just window shopping. Very interesting shopping too," 'Bastian sniggered, winking at Jason.

Jason blushed and pulled the towel back into a more dignified place. "Geez," he mumbled, "and I thought my guys were horny."

"They've been watching Sean and Cory too much," Teri laughed lightly.

"MOM!" both teens yelled, blushing for about the hundredth time that morning.

"I have discovered that it is pointless to protest when a human mother decides to tease her offspring," came an emotionless voice from the door.

They all turned to see a very old Vulcan standing there next to Nathan. His hair was white as snow, and his face was lined with more wrinkles than any of the boys had ever seen. Yet his eyes; they seemed to hold an eternal youth in them, and they sparkled back at them brightly.

He walked in at a dignified pace, and raised his hand to salute Sarek. "Greetings, Prince of Vulcan," he intoned in a high ritual form.

"Greetings, Old One," Sarek responded, saluting back. "I trust you are well?"

"I am. I trust that you and your wife, Lady Amanda, are also well?"

"We are." Sarek lowered his hand and glanced around the room, "May I introduce my Family to you?"

Xolan nodded, and looked into each face as the boys and Teri were introduced to him. Once he had memorised each name to the face, he said, "I believe they are aware of my history with Jason, judging by the looks in the eyes of the eldest two."

Cory and Sean were, in fact, staring at him closely; trying to determine if this old man could really have done the things that they had been told about.

"That's right," Jason answered for Sarek, "we swore them to Red One."

"Understood. Grandson Jason, before we talk, might I have a word with the child, Joel? His abilities have me intrigued," Xolan asked.

Joel moved off his mother's lap and walked to the old Vulcan. "Can I touch you first?" he asked quietly, his own fear showing clearly in his eyes.

Xolan did not raise even one eyebrow, he simply nodded. Joel did so and visibly relaxed, "Your emotions are not there. Yet Jason said he broke your Kolinahr?"

"It was broken, but in the six months since arriving on Earth, I have re-established Kolinahr," the elderly Vulcan answered. He moved and sat down, then gestured for Joel to come closer. "Might I share your mind, young one? It will be easier to discover the answers to the questions I have by Mind-Meld."

"Yeah, okay," Joel nodded. "But I don't wanna see my past. I remember it enough. I've melded with Xain, and he keeps me in the dark when he goes into my mind."

Xolan nodded again, "I shall place your mind in my own and hide your past from your senses." He then placed his fingers to Joel's face, and both went still.

The others looked at each other briefly, then over at Sarek. The Patriarch simply sat there impassive.

After only a few moments, Xolan and Joel broke the meld.

Xolan stood and backed away from the child in front of him, his face blank and unreadable.

Joel raised an eyebrow in curiosity, and his eyes showed his puzzlement.

Xolan slowly lowered himself to the ground, and knelt before Joel. "Welcome, Scion of Surak," he said as he bowed his head.

"Ummmm..... with all due respect, could you please explain?" Cory asked, his confusion mirrored by his brothers.

Xolan raised his eyes as he stood to his feet, "I have given my word to my Sister who dwells within the child. For the sake of her Bonded, I shall remain mute. As for the title, I have seen what the child has seen. I have experienced what the Forsaken has experienced. He is found, and no longer alone. Renewed shall be the Sword, and reborn is the Blade and Scion of Surak."

Sarek paled slightly. "He truly is the one?"

Xolan looked at the most influential of the High Council of Vulcan and nodded, "It has come. Therefore, He is coming. Your information that you relayed to us eight years ago has now more merit. We must be ready to defend Vulcan."

Sean and Cory just stared at Xolan; their brains straining to comprehend the impact of this latest revelation.

Joel whispered his question, "How are you sure? All the others have been saying it could be me that finds Sa'ren; remakes it. How can you be so sure, sir?"

"I am a Master of Kolinahr," Xolan replied, "and we have kept what has come to be known as the 'Legend of Sa'ren' in it's truest form. You have matched all, so far, and the greatest of all was the Armour. So far. It does remain to be seen if you shall fulfil the rest, but you are the first to have achieved what you have already."

"Oh," Joel's face fell, "I was kinda hoping it would not be me. I... I don't want to be this; I've only just found a real family, and they love me and don't want me to serve them and everything. I just want to be Joel."

"You're ALWAYS our little Joel!" Cory replied, the tone of his voice making it clear there was no other option.

Joel turned his watery eyes on his brother and smiled. "Thanks," he breathed out, his lips trembling.

Kevin moved in and kissed them quickly. "You're my Joel forever," he added as he broke the kiss.

Joel just looked deep into Kevin's eyes, and grinned, "Only if you'll be mine forever too, Kevin Thompson."

Kevin grinned as well. "That's a deal."

"You are whomever you are," Xolan added. "You have the right to choose your own path. However, you are also that which you were born. You can no more change your blood, than I. You will not be alone in this, for we will be with you. Vulcan never abandons her children."

Xolan nodded at them all once more, before turning and looking directly into Jason's eyes. "Come to me, Grandson Jason," he said softly.

Jason slipped from Sarek's lap and walked towards the ancient Vulcan slowly. He stopped a foot away and trembled, before reaching out his arms as if begging to be carried.

Xolan scooped him up and held him close for a moment, and Joel saw Jason's trembling slowly vanish. "Come, Nathan. I shall shower you as well," Xolan added, before turning and leaving with his precious armful. Nathan grinned slowly and trotted out beside him, still carrying a hot drink in his hands.

Cory reached over and drew Joel to him as Sean pulled Kev to him. "Cuddle-time, guys," Cory stated.

A relieved chuckle from the doorway made them all turn their heads. "Now that is something I've missed seeing, and was scared I'd never see again after the news Saturday," Commander Chip Dodds said as he moved further into the room, looking at the happy, smiling faces of the two smaller boys being hugged by the older teens.

"UNCLE CHIP!" Kevin crowed out happily. He scrambled from Sean's arms and hurled himself into Chip's.

Joel's face became pensive.

"Hey there, little man!" Chip's smile widened as he caught the flying eleven year old. "Next to the greeting from my three, yours is the best." Chip then raised his eyes to look at Cory, Sean and the others. Eli and Benji waved, as did their boyfriends, but Joel - he glowered at him. Chip's brow furrowed slightly. "How are you doing, guys?" he asked them, flicking his eyes curiously at Joel.

Cory could feel the boiling emotions in Joel's mind. 'Settle down, Lil'elf; I can promise that Uncle Chip has no thoughts of stealing Kev,' Cory sent to Joel before responding to Chip, "We're doing better than we were a few days ago."

Chip's face registered relief and concern mixed as he moved to sit next to all the kids. Kevin remained in place on Chip's lap, and the two sets of twins snuggled into their Uncle's side. "So Justy told me," he said finally. The relief at just seeing these boys alive and well was showing clearly in his eyes as he looked at each in turn, "Kev; move over a bit," he murmured before opening his free arm to Sean. Sean accepted and moved quickly over to get a hug.

When Chip did so for Cory, Joel was transferred to Teri's lap briefly.

After releasing Cory, Chip turned to face Joel.

Joel, however, was having none of it. He had been watching Kevin's face since this man's arrival, and Kevin had not taken his eyes off Chip's face for one moment.

Chip opened his arm to the small Vulcan. "I won't bite..." Chip started to say

He was interrupted by Joel. The boy slipped from his mother's lap and yelled, "You... keep away from me! Keep away from my brothers! You've already stolen Kevin! Fuck off!"

He then turned and ran from the room.

"My turn," Teri stated as she followed Joel out of the room. "You guys can probably explain it better anyway."

Kevin's face was a picture of shock as he watched her leave. He turned his troubled face to Cory, and burst out in tears. "I didn't think! I didn't mean to hurt him, Cory! I didn't, I promise," he wailed as he hurled himself into Cory's arms.

Cory sank to the floor in front of Chip as he soothed the sobbing child he was now holding, and looked at Sean, "Explain, bro. I'll deal with this one..."

---

Teri found Joel easily. A sobbing Birthday boy draws attention. A sobbing child in the Clan drew attention on the best of days, but a Birthday boy was not meant to be sobbing and crying as Joel was currently doing. So, when he had barrelled out of CIC, a 'trail of bread-crumbs' started to form. All Teri had to do was follow a string of kids who had formed a human chain pointing the way. They all knew that Joel would need one of those he trusted. They all knew that the best they could do was help that person.

She followed this hastily formed 'chain', nodding her thanks as she went, and found herself outside JJ's house, standing by the string of bushes and shrubs, with Levi standing guard with the two Cheetahs, the lioness and the tigress. "He's in there, Granma," Levi said soberly, "and he's hurt. He bumped into the door on the way out, and it hit his chest where he had his operation. I tried going in to heal him, but he's not letting anyone near him..." Levi was growing quieter and quieter until he whispered out, "He swore at me, Granma..."

"It's not like him," Artemus said softly with worry. "He chased his two Animal friends out as well. They are over there," she pointed.

Teri looked and saw a sad looking wolf and Sehlat staring at her.

Boy's heart breaks. Lady-Mother needs to mend heart. Only Lady-Mother can

"Thanks, I-Cheya," she mouthed at the large bear. He nodded back, and settled down to wrap the wolf pup in a cuddle.

Teri sighed to herself before getting down to her knees and crawling into the bush after her hurting little son. He wasn't hard to find, for he was crying in pain and anguish loud enough for her to follow to the source.

As she came to the hollow where he lay curled in a ball, she saw that he had his back to her. He started yelling, "GET AWAY FROM ME! I DON'T WANT TO SPEAK TO YOU!"

"Joel Short," she said firmly as she sat down behind him.

He turned and looked at her quickly, and paled even more, "Mama..."

"Yes. Now for one, you can stop screaming at everyone wanting to help you. Two, come here - you need a hug," she said seriously.

Joel sniffed and turned over, wincing in pain as he did so. As he scooted over and into her lap, she saw that his white tee-shirt was turning green at the front.

"Levi," she called out, "come here, please."

Levi popped in next to them with a small, nervous smile. Joel looked at him, remembered, and blanched. "Sorry, Levi... I shouldn't have said that..." he managed.

"S'okay, Uncle," Levi replied as he leaned over to kiss the Vulcan's cheek, healing him in the process, "I knew you didn't mean it."

"But it was mean, and I shouldn't and I'm bad," Joel said as he started to weep again, abate more softly this time.

Levi patted Joel's hand briefly before saying, "I forgive you, then. I... I don't think... I don't know, Uncle Joel. Something don't feel right. Can I check your head again?"

Joel nodded. A second later, his eyes went flat and he tried to hit Levi. "Fuck off! Get away from..."

He fell silent as a hand reached from behind Teri to grip his neck. A Vulcan nerve pinch.

Teri turned her head to see... Lady Amanda! "I didn't know humans could learn that," Teri murmured.

Amanda smiled as she arranged herself next to Teri, "Yes. It's literally a nerve pinch and doesn't require Vulcan abilities to do; just concentration and practice."

Levi was busy scanning Joel's mind, then he muttered, "It's trying to break out. His fear at losing Kevin weakened the things we did, and it's trying to get out."

"What is?" Amanda asked.

Teri briefly explained the mental episode Joel had gone through on Tuesday morning while Levi tried to sort out the mess inside Joel's head.

"Xolan can help. Or Spock," Amanda said finally once Teri had finished speaking. "However, it takes trust on the part of the one who is ill. From what I know, Spock has that trust already."

Teri nodded her head, then looked at Levi, "It's what we thought too. Levi? How is he?"

"Okay, for now," Levi said seriously. "It wasn't him, Granma; yet it was. That thing in his mind is him, but only an evil, twisted version. All the bad stuff he went through has been made very real in his mind, taking on an imprint of Joel. It's like having light and dark in the same body."

Teri nodded as she hugged Joel closer, "Please go and tell the others, then Levi. I don't want them thinking that our loving Joel has become something different."

"Okay. But let me wake him first," he smiled as he kissed Joel's lips. "Wakey, wakey, little Prince," he whispered with a giggle before vanishing.

Joel sighed as he woke, then stiffened, "Mama?"

"I'm here, Joel," she said, "and Lady Amanda is as well."

Joel turned around in Teri's arms to look sadly at them. "I've been bad," he whispered fearfully. "I've sworn and shouted at you and them, and..." He stopped and hung his head. "You can smack me if you wanna," he finished with a violent tremble.

Amanda spoke up first, "No. We don't smack people for doing things wrong; not unless we really have to. And I've never had to do that - not once."

"Besides," Teri said, as she nodded at what Amanda had said, "it wasn't you. You know that other 'thing' that's in your head? In that hole in your mind? It was that that used you to say those things."

Joel's face registered shock and disbelief. "But I remember doing and saying it," he trembled, "how can it not be me, when I remember it?"

Amanda replied, "It's another personality based on yours, sweetheart. It can do things through you without you knowing. I've seen it before on Vulcan. Trust what your mother said, child: It. Was. Not. You." she finished firmly, reaching and squeezing one of Joel's tiny hands in hers.

They both gasped, for they both felt a click deep inside their being at the contact. Joel stared at her in shocked wonder, "How'd I link with you?"

Amanda shrugged curiously as Teri answered. "Trust, Joel. You know about Amanda from those shows you've seen, so you trust her already."

Joel pondered that, then nodded with a small smile, "Okay." He then stretched slightly before sighing, "Can we go back? I wanna say sorry for what happened... and start again with that Commander Chip guy... if he lets me..."

"He will," Teri smiled as she placed Joel down and followed him and Amanda out of the bush. "You'll like him, Joel. You'll see."

---

Levi finished his report and vanished only moments before the door opened to admit Joel and the two ladies. Joel found his arms suddenly filled by a weeping Kevin, "I'm sorry; I didn't think," the small boy repeated over and over to the equally small Vulcan.

While Joel murmured his own apologies to his boyfriend, Amanda went to sit by Sarek, and she told him of the link now formed between herself and the young Vulcan.

Once Joel and Kevin had finished kissing and making up, they were led over by Teri to Chip, who was standing near to Sarek. He looked down at Joel gravely, "I have been told about your past, and I have heard Levi's message about that persona in your mind. However, I would like to know why you could think that I would steal Kevin from you."

"I... I dunno," Joel muttered, feeling a little lost for words, "I trust Kevvy, but... I just... I got angry when he was with you... then something snapped in me..."

Chip nodded thoughtfully before glancing back at Sarek and Amanda. Sarek nodded, "It is exactly as expected with this form of injury, my son. He was not in control."

Chip half smiled before kneeling down and bringing the two small boys closer to him. "Joel. Kevin is your boyfriend. That won't change unless you both want it to. Kevin, Joel is your boyfriend, not me. I know you have feelings for me, but I want you to know that I'm glad you're with Joel. As long as you are happy, then it makes me feel happy too; it makes me smile."

Joel felt relief pour through his hand from the grip Kevin had it in, and smiled himself. All doubt and guilt seemed to vanish as Kevin simply and finally accepted the fact that he loved Chip; and was in love with Joel.

Joel pulled Kevin in more firmly and kissed him soundly. He then turned and looked into Chip's eyes. He blinked soulfully at him, "I'm really, really sorry, Commander. I should have fought harder, I should have known, I..."

"Hush, Joel," Chip smiled. "Apology accepted, and don't think you can control or fight everything alone. No-one can. Now. If you call me Commander again, before you should, I will tickle you until you pee. I'm Chip. Or Uncle Chip, if you would like."

"Uncle," Joel decided happily as he and Kevin shuffled into Chip's arms for a snuggle.

"Umm, Dad?" Justy said from the doorway where he stood with his twin brothers.

Chip looked over and his face lit up with joy. "Justy! Get over here! And you two as well, imps!" he called out happily, looking at his three sons.

"You asked for it!" JC announced as he entered the room, just in time to see Chip receive a three-way pounce from his sons.

Joel and Kevin had only just managed to dive out of the way in time, while yelling out through their giggles, "INCOMING!"

"No fair, Daddy!" Liam giggled from JC's hip. "You didn't wait for me to help pounce!"

Teri tried to hide her giggles as Chip's face went through many different contortions. "D...Daddy?!" he said, before looking down into Justy's eyes.

Justy grinned up at him and said, "Dad. Meet Liam. Your grandson!"

Liam launched himself from JC's arms, and with a little help from Eli, flew across the room and landed on the pile on top of Chip. The Commander found himself being hugged and kissed by an exuberant, giggling red head who was squealing out happily, "I GOTTA'NUDDER GRANDPA!!!"

"What? When?" Chip spluttered as he hugged the small boy to himself tightly. "Justy! When did you adopt this little cutie?"

"More like he adopted me, Dad!" Justy giggled. "Ain't that right, Angel?"

"You're the Angel Daddy; I ain't got wings like you do!" Liam giggled back.

Chip started laughing... and laughing... and...

"Daaaad!" Justy blushed as his father didn't seem to be stopping any time soon. "Stop it! I'm no angel!"

"Yes you are!" came the reply from everyone in the room.

"Live with it," Joel giggled happily as Justy mumbled to himself while trying to fight a smile that was growing on his face.

"BUSTEEEEEEDDDDD!!" Dean giggled as he walked into the room. "I TOLD ya so, Hon!"

Viccy and Riti came in behind Dean, also giggling. Little Asher was in Riti's arms and was looking at the pile of boys covering the grown man on the floor. As soon as he saw his twin brothers in the pile, he slipped down from his dad's arms and ran over.

"Viccy," Teri asked, her face puzzled, "why are both you and Asher naked?"

Viccy giggled, "Asher insisted, Auntie Teri. Reet don't wear anything anyway, and he wants to be like his daddy, and therefore, I have to as well. We told him only when at home here or in Wales, though."

Chip finally managed to stop laughing and get himself in a seated position, only to have another small child end up in his arms. He glanced first at the girl and winged boy by the door and smiled in recognition, "You're Victoria and Riti Evans, right? Spock's adopted kids?"

"We're some of them, yes Uncle," Riti answered with a wide smile. "No-one was allowed to tell ya before Sunday, though."

Chip nodded, "Yes, so Spock said Monday morning when he told me. Now then, who's this little one... and..." He trailed off as he managed to get his first real look at Asher. He then looked at Jamie. Then at Jacob. "Wha... what?"

Jamie and Jacob just giggled, the halos over their heads almost visible. The twinkle in their eyes gave away the fact that it was just too much fun to keep their dad guessing about Asher.

Asher, however, couldn't wait. "Dey my twin brudders, and dey only found out 'bout me two sleeps ago!" he chuckled happily as he twisted about to be hugged by the twins and Liam, all the while within the circle of Chip's arms.

"Oh," Chip said, a grin returning to his face. He looked up at JC and the two Evans kids and spoke quietly, "Not that I mind, but why didn't we adopt him, if he's the brother of the twins, hon?"

JC smiled. "He has the same genetic trait as his big brothers; he picked a family before anyone could say anything. Besides, I don't think our kitchen could withstand a third Terror!"

The twins could not resist it, and began tag teaming the response.

"Pop!" Jamie started...

Jacob continued, "We ain't..."

"... that bad!"

"Justy eats..."

"...more than..."

"... both of..."

"... us put..."

"...together!!" they both finished in unison.

"I do NOT!" Justy spluttered as he went scarlet in the face.

"We've seen you eat," Sean and Cory chorused.

Eli, Sammy, and their twins simply nodded while looking right at Justy.

"Fine! Whatever," he sighed, giving in with a small grin.

Chip started laughing again.

"DAD!!" Justy protested.

Joel and Kevin looked at each other. "Weird family you've joined," Kevin said loudly with a teasing grin.

Joel shrugged, "I don't care. They love me, I love them, and I've not been beaten, burned, or cut since I arrived."

"Unless you count the Excelsior," Kevin pointed out.

"Yeah, that's a naughty ship. I'll lodge a complaint tomorrow," Joel grinned back, before they both turned to face the others.

The two boys simply grinned at them all before everyone busted out laughing yet again.

Sarek raised an eyebrow before addressing Chip, "Are you proceeding to the Enterprise at this time, my son?"

Chip nodded, "Yes, sir. Come on, kiddos. I need to take your Vulcan Clan brother up to my ship, then we can catch up."

"Can we come too?" the twin terrors asked, bouncing about suddenly with Asher, "we wanna show Asher the bestest ship in Starfleet!"

Chip grinned as he looked at Viccy and Riti, "If his parents say yes, then you can all join us."

Riti giggled, "Sure you can go, Ash. We'll stay here, and you behave for Uncle Chip, okay?"

"Okay, Daddy!" he crowed as he climbed up Jacob's back to ride piggy-back.

Cory smiled, "Come on. Let's not keep Bones waiting any longer, or he'll be even more crotchety than normal."

"Is that even possible?" Joel sniggered as he pulled Kevin over with him as he squashed himself between Cory and Sean.

Chip barked out a laugh, "No, it isn't! Okay, you five," he said, pointing at Teri as well as the four boys, "can go up first, and I'll follow with my now larger family, after."

Teri smiled down at him. "Oh, Chip. What was that you were saying months ago about me and collecting kids?"

"Don't say it, Teri!" Chip laughed back as he stood up with Asher and Liam over each hip.

She simply smiled mysteriously at him while Cory handed Joel a communicator. "You make the call, Lil'Elf," he said as he reached and picked up the bag that Doc Austin had told him to bring.

Joel's face split into a wide grin as he flipped the communicator and said, "Joel Short to Enterprise."

"Receiving," came a voice that Joel recognised.

"Commander Uhura!?" he crowed out in shock.

There was an audible laugh before Uhura replied, still chuckling, "I'm glad you're feeling better, Joel. Yes, that's me, and yes, I've read the reports your Mom gave us last night. What can the Enterprise do for you?"

Joel giggled, "You should have a Doctor up there wanting to see me?"

"Why yes; I do believe that you have an appointment. How many shall I have beamed up?"

"Five, please," Joel smiled.

"Say when."

"Energise!" Joel crowed out.

Seconds later, he, his boyfriend, two brothers and mother vanished in a stream of transporter energy.

---

As soon as the sparkle effect cleared from Joel's eyes, he began to look around himself in awe. Being on the Excelsior was one thing; sure, it was a great Starship, but... this one was the Flagship of the Federation and the most famous of all the Starfleet ships that ever was or would ever be:

The Enterprise.

What made it even more so to Joel was that it was here he would find his heroes. All of them.

He had been here last night, but due to his operation and the fact he had been asleep all the while, he couldn't remember it. Now, he stood there, his hands being held by Cory on one side and Sean on the other, with Kevin cuddling him from behind and leaning his chin on Joel's left shoulder, and he simply looked.

"I... wow! Enterprise!" he whispered excitedly before he noticed who was at the Transporter Controls.

"Scotty!!" he sobbed out in complete joy as he pulled away from the three boys holding him and leapt straight at the most famous Starfleet Engineer there was.

Cory giggled as he went over and joined Joel in mauling Scotty. "The wee laddie seems glad to be meetin' ya!" Cory stated with a grin.

Scotty pulled one arm free and pulled Cory into a gentle headlock. "That he be... but I see a Fleet Commander that be needin' a wee bit o' a reminder of 'is place!" he replied with a grin.

"'Tis Lieutenant right now," Cory giggled as he struggled to get free of the hold. "When I'm aboard this grand ol' lady, I leave me Vulcan rank behind. Gerroff!" he finished with a laugh.

Scotty laughed as he released the teen and started hugging him as well as the tiny Vulcan he now had over his hip. "So, I take it this be little Joel; one of the three heroes of Starfleet?" he said to Cory in question, flicking his eyes at the smiling face of Joel.

"Aye," Cory giggled back, "and there be the other half of the duo." He pointed at Kevin who was blushing as he was led down from the pad by Sean and Teri. "Jude, the last one, is still in the Compound."

Joel was not paying a blind bit of attention to any of this. He was too busy checking out Mr Scott. "Wow, you're a Captain?" he bubbled as he ran his fingers over the insignia on the shoulder strap, "a Captain of Engineering again?"

Scotty nodded at him, "Aye, laddie."

"You've read the report we sent up?" Teri asked as she reached them.

"Of course," Scotty nodded, "although it was a wee bit sparse on the details."

Teri nodded, looking slightly serious, "That is why I am here as well, Scotty. While the boys take Joel to medical, I'm to explain more to the Command Staff. Joel has said it was okay. Right, sweetie?"

Joel nodded, his face also a bit serious. He turned back to look at Scotty, and the seriousness lifted instantly to be replaced by wondering joy.

"Follow me, then," Scotty grinned, hiding his nervousness at what those serious looks entailed, "Sickbay is this way."

"I know the way! I know the way!" Joel crowed out, slipping from Scotty's arms in the same motion. As soon as he landed on his feet, he snagged the nearest two hands, Teri's and Scotty's, and proceeded to tug them from the room.

The three other boys exchanged a look, grinned and followed without a word.

A moment or so later and Joel was pulling a laughing Teri and Scotty into Sickbay. "Finally," came a grouchy voice from the Office area, "it took you long enough, Mr Scott."

Joel's eyebrows vanished into his hair line as he zoned in on the source of that voice.

As Bones left his Office, his jaw dropped open. Joel was mid-pounce, and heading in his direction. "What the hell!" was all he managed to say before managing to snag the boy from the air.

As Joel wrapped his limbs around Bones in a near crushing hug, Bones managed to say, "He's feeling better, then..."

"I believe that would be a logical assumption, Doctor," Cory said in his Vulcan pose.

Bones glared at him as he made sure not to drop the happily squirming bundle of joy in his arms. "Less of that Vulcan nonsense, boy, or I'm putting you through a complete medical. I get enough of that from that green blooded computer on the Bridge!"

Joel sniggered as he pulled back enough to look Bones in the eye, "But I'm a Vulcan too, Uncle Bones." He added a pout and a serious case of Timmy-taught Puppy-dog eyes to add effect, and waited.

Bones' eyes softened as he looked into Joel's. He could see the laughter building behind those beautiful blue eyes, and smiled, "You're the only Vulcan I've met to have common sense and be happy, Joel."

Joel grinned back at him, then promptly kissed him. "Thank you for saving my life, Uncle," he whispered as he broke the kiss and gently placed his forehead against Bones' forehead. "I... thank you," he finished, a tear forming in one of his eyes.

"Don't mention it," the doctor replied gruffly, holding back his own now building emotions.

Teri smiled, then tapped Scotty's arm. Scotty nodded at her before addressing Doctor McCoy, "Doc, I'm goin' to the meeting with Mrs Short, now. We'll record it all for ye."

Bones nodded at him and watched them leave. As Scotty reached the door, he turned and added, "Joel? After the good Doctor's finished with ye, I'll take ye on a tour of this grand lady."

"Cool!" Joel smiled back, bouncing lightly in McCoy's arms.

Scotty smiled back and left. McCoy then walked to the nearest Bio-Bed and plopped the tiny Vulcan down on the edge of it. "Well, I suppose we'd better get started. What're we to do first, I wonder?"

Cory walked over and handed the Doctor the bag he had been given, "Here, Uncle. Doc Austin said you wanted this."

Bones nodded and opened it quickly. He withdrew the case with the Bio-Chip first, and Cory saw that McCoy's hand trembled ever so slightly as he held it. He put it to one side on the nearest counter, and then pulled out a few data-padds. "I think we'd best start with this Pon Farr problem," he said, his voice steady. If it was not for that slight tremble that Cory had caught, the teen would have thought nothing was amiss.

"Lie back, Joel," the Doctor instructed gently, as he activated the Bio-bed's sensors. Kevin immediately went over and held Joel's hand as the Vulcan did as instructed. Kevin then remembered and started to remove his hand from the bed area. McCoy noticed and smiled, "We've already had the new equipment in here, Kevin, so as long as you don't climb up there with Joel, everything will be fine."

"Thanks," both small boys replied, then they giggled at each other.

McCoy rolled his eyes. "No surprises, then. Boyfriends?"

"Uh huh," they both echoed each other. More giggles followed.

Bones laughed, then started checking out the readings.

Cory moved closer and asked, "When did you get the upgrades?"

"The week before we left at the beginning of the month," Bones replied absently, studying the readings. "The Hood sent a message about the majority of their upgrades passing the tests three months ago, so for two months, the Enterprise was being overhauled. As was most of the Fleet. Only those outlying Starships - the Yorktown and the Constitution, for example - need the full refit. We've now started the completion of it, since the Hood has now returned and everything has checked out."

Cory nodded, excitement building in his belly. More toys to mess with!

Sean groaned as he picked up down their personal link what was going through his husband's mind. He grinned and moved over to hug Cory from behind, much the same way as Kevin did for Joel. He then asked, "Why did you insist that Uncle Jim bring the ship in so fast, Bones? It wasn't really advisable just due to the attack. You couldn't have gotten here soon enough to help, so... why?"

Bones went still for a second before looking back at both teens. "The Bio-Chip Doctor Michaels told me about Monday night. It's confidential, Lieutenants, but if this is what I think it is, those in the know can explain after," he said, pointing at the small case on the counter.

Both Sean and Cory nodded; knowing that Bones would be good to his word.

Kevin and Joel were busy talking quietly and drawing patterns on the back's of eachother's hands with their fingers when the bed beeped at them. Joel turned to look at McCoy with question.

"It's finished the scan," came a woman's voice from the other side of the room.

Joel turned to see Doctor Chapel enter the room, smiling at him. "How are you feeling, little one?" she asked as she reached the bed and brushed her fingers through Joel's hair.

"Nurse... I mean, Doctor Chapel! Yeah, I'm good! Were you there last night?" Joel started bouncing again.

She nodded, "Yes, sweetheart. I said a few prayers for you. Looks like God helped Doctor McCoy in answer."

McCoy nodded at that, "It was touch and go. Next time you have one of your brothers tell you to see a medic, Joel; do as you're told." He then continued to monitor the readout, muttering, "Damned Captains - never do the sensible thing. The kid's just like Jim. Two Jims... God help us..."

Joel sniggered.

"If you want, Doc, I could talk to one of my nephews about bringing you another copy of Uncle Jim!" Sean sniggered.

"I don't know how they could, but: you do do that," McCoy retorted without turning, "and I'll put you through more medical checks than a teen would like to take!"

Kevin giggled naughtily, "Not that that would phase him, Doc... Cory does mo..."

"KEV!" both teens shouted, blushing to their hairline.

"Granted," McCoy nodded absently before what Kevin had said sunk in. "On second thoughts, I don't think I want to know. Anyway!" he said as he turned to face the giggling Vulcan, "I think we can get started getting you into puberty."

Joel blushed a nice green colour before nodding shyly.

"How long until Pon Farr?" Kevin asked, also looking shy.

McCoy smiled slightly before winking at the brown haired boy, "Between three to six days. Doctor Austin's estimate was a bit too strict."

Sean, still recovering from his blush, decided payback sounded good, "So you have enough time to practice first, Kev!"

Kevin blushed more, as did Joel.

"I'm sure I can count on the two of you to ensure they are prepared to prevent injury," McCoy stated, staring at Cory.

Cory nodded seriously, while nudging Sean in the ribs. "We've already said as much, Doc. They'll have all the help and advice they need."

Joel added his own agreement to that, "They already have helped us loads, Uncle Bones."

"Good," McCoy said seriously. He then turned to the workbench where his medical equipment lay. "Joel, you need to strip off slightly. Just down to your shorts. The glandular stimulator won't work through that much clothing."

Cory and Sean's laughter made him turn back, device in hand. He too started to laugh, for Joel was now nude and sitting cross-legged on the bed, and Kevin was greedily eyeing him up and down.

Doctor Chapel smiled as she turned to leave, "I'll wait outside."

"You don't have to go," Joel said softly.

She turned back to look at him curiously. He said sadly, "Modesty was beaten out of me. I don't care 'bout being naked." He then smiled softly and added, "Besides, it'll be easier for Uncle Bones."

"You should know by now that clothes are optional with our family, Doc!" Cory giggled.

Doctor Chapel laughed and went over to help assist Bones. Bones came over to Joel with the device he was carrying, and was about to explain what would be happening when he remembered something that he had wanted to ask from the night before. "These pale marks on your body. What are they, Joel? This bloody machine didn't identify them last night nor now."

Joel looked at his smooth skin, and at the paler lines and marks patterning him. "When Kyle and Ty healed me, these are all that were left of my scars."

McCoy looked sick for a second. He swallowed and took a deep breath, but Cory could see his eyes growing angry.

Doctor Chapel was also not looking amused, but she did manage to ask in a flat voice, "How did Kyle and Tyler manage to heal you?"

"They're Mikyvis," Joel said, as if that would explain everything.

Doctor Chapel blinked, glanced at Bones who shrugged, then looked at Cory and Sean.

"When you 'try' to give Kyle his quarterly exam, he can explain it." Cory replied seriously. "I still can't really put into words anything about him, Ty, or their three sons."

Bones' eyebrows shot up, "You say sons in a way that makes me think they are not adopted."

"Yup," Sean replied.

Joel spoke, "They are not quite human any more, Unca Bones. They are different. You'll like Levi. He's cuddly."

"I'll take your word on that, Joel," Bones started to say, but then stopped. Another naked child was now seated with Joel, and was hugged into his side: a small boy with caramel blond hair, and bright violet eyes. "Let me guess," choked out the Doctor, "Levi?"

"Hi Uncle Bones! That's ME!" Levi giggled. "Wanna try out a cuddle?"

Bones nodded slightly and scooped up the even smaller boy. Levi latched on and made it one of the best cuddles he could.

"Please make sure my Uncle Joel'll be okay, Uncle Bones. Then after, Daddy and Poppa says they'll come up and you can examine all of us; my bros as well," he bubbled happily to the Doctor.

"I'd like that," McCoy smiled. "Joel's right; you are cuddly."

"Yup! I'm his 'Little Mouse', so I gotta be cuddly! Only his bestest brothers and nephews get given cuddly names," the boy giggled with a grin. "I gotta go now. Be back up later!"

He then vanished with a slight popping noise.

"I need a whiskey," Bones muttered to himself before moving closer to Joel. "Lie down, son. I'm going to start your puberty now. You are going to feel strange almost right away, so lying down is best." Bones then helped the boy arrange himself comfortably on the bed, before placing the small device he held at a point near to Joel's ear. "Here we go. Close your eyes, and it won't seem so disorientating."

Joel's eyes swam as a flush of enzymes and hormones started to rush into his green blood. He closed them quickly, and tried to breathe slowly, but his racing heart was having none of it.

The biobed beeped at Bones, who moved the scanner to Joel's neck.

This caused Joel's head to spin, or so he thought. If he had not been lying down, he would have fallen, that he was totally sure of.

Again, the bed beeped, telling the Doctor that the correct levels had been reached.

"Joel. I don't want you to get scared, but the next place I need to..." Bones started, but Joel interrupted.

"I guessed," he said, his voice seeming far away due to the head-rush he was in. "My balls, right?"

Everyone chuckled. "That's right," laughed Bones.

At first, it was a tingle, something similar to the feeling he had when he and Kevin 'played' together. Then it suddenly changed.

Fire. Power. Movement. Heat. Energy. Excitement. Longing.

Joel whimpered as the bed gave its last beep and Bones finished his task. Joel felt even weirder than he had ever before in his life.

Kevin sniggered.

Opening his eyes, Joel turned to his boyfriend and raised an eyebrow. Kevin was looking at Joel's midsection and failed to see the look he just received.

Joel also looked down, and started to snigger as well, for the rush of hormones had produced a typical reaction common to all in puberty. He was hard as a rock, and due to his racing heartbeat, 'little Joel' seemed to be dancing.

"That is normal. It'll stop... well, relatively soon." Bones turned away and caught the faces of the two older teens watching. Amused compassion was an odd expression, yet both Cory and Sean pulled it off with style.

"Yep, he's definitely a Short boy..." Sean giggled.

"Not that 'short'," Kevin murmured, not taking his eyes off 'little Joel'. He thought he had done so under his breath, but Doctor Chapel burst out laughing.

McCoy rolled his eyes yet again, yet he did smile. "You can get dressed now, Joel. And stop with the pouting, Kevin," he added, catching the crestfallen look Kevin was now sporting, "you'll get your chance to look again."

"And the rest," Cory giggled.

Joel was blushing madly by now, and started to get into his clothes. "I feel woozy," he suddenly said as his head started to spin again at the sudden movement. The shorts he was holding slipped from his hand.

"To be expected," McCoy noted softly. "Cory, Sean, Kevin. Please help him."

Cory and Sean steadied Joel while Kev gladly 'helped' Joel get dressed. Very, very slowly. "Dang, Kev, you been taking lessons from Cory?" Sean giggled.

"Uh... Kev... if you... umm... uh... mmm..." Joel muttered as Kevin continued to dress him.

Kevin looked up with a perfect angelic expression. "What?" he asked, innocently.

"N...n...never mind," Joel muttered as he leaned into Cory's embrace after Sean had slipped his tee-shirt back on for him.

Bones came over with a hypo-spray half way through this. "Just need a blood sample for the DNA test," he said as he depressed the spray into Joel's neck. A small hiss later, and the vial filled with bright green blood. "There. The full test and search for parentage should take a few hours, kids. Now then, Mr-I'll-Get-My-Boyfriend-All-Hot-And-Bothered-Thompson. Get on that bed over there. Now that you're here, I want to check you out as well!"

Kevin giggled and scrambled over to lie down where told and Doctor Chapel came over the start the tests on him. McCoy took the blood sample and placed it next to the box containing the Bio-Chip.

'Any bets on Joel returning the favour?' Sean sent to Cory with a chuckle.

'Not while adults are in the room,' Cory sent back with a grin.

"Do I have to strip too?" Kevin asked, his eyes filled with mirth as he glanced at an eagerly watching Joel.

Chapel was about to shake her head no, but one look at the glances being traded between the two boys, she said, "Up to you."

Joel slipped from his bed quickly and made for Kevin, stumbling slightly as his head was still spinning a bit. He made it with a laughing Cory's help and proceeded to strip Kev down to his boxers. Kevin's eyes registered relief at that, for while he was less shy than before, taking them off in current company might have been just a shade too far. Joel knew that too well, going by the talks they had had over the last 24 hours.

Chapel smiled at the two boys, then gently asked Joel if he could slip down from the bed. He did so and she started to examine Kevin. After a moment or two, she called Doctor McCoy over. He took one look at the readings and asked Kevin seriously, "How much have you been eating since I last saw you?"

"Not much," Kevin said, "don't like eating, and the drinks keep me full."

McCoy nodded his head slightly, "Yes, they would; but I expected to find you eating more. However, I notice that your nourishment over the past few days has been elevated. Care to explain?"

Kevin smiled and pointed at Joel. "I always think of food as dirty 'cos of how I used to live. Joel feeds me, though; and when he does, all I feel is love, and that makes the food he feeds me nice." He stopped as he blinked back some happy tears, "I... I'd eat forever if Joel will be there to feed me."

"I will," Joel said, reaching and taking Kevin's nearest hand and giving it a squeeze, "as long as you want me to, I will."

"Awwwww!" Sean and Cory chorused.

McCoy's smile widened, "That's good. You keep that up, Joel." He looked at the readings again, "Judging by the last test I took of your twin, Kevin, you are beginning to catch up to him."

"Really? I don't seem to be getting as big as him yet," Kevin murmured with surprise.

McCoy chuckled, "No, that will take a few years. You'll likely be fourteen before you are more or less the same as him in looks. I meant, you've started puberty. You hadn't when I last checked you. You have now. If you have any questions about anything, I'm sure you have some close brothers you can talk to."

"About?" Kevin asked through his slightly rosier cheeks.

Joel replied before Bones could. He listed off on his fingers, "Getting pubes, wet dreams, wanking - which we know about *giggle* - and..."

"I GET IT!" Kevin cried out as he covered his now furiously blushing face with both hands.

Joel giggled, "Gotcha back!"

"Love you too, pain," Kevin giggled, still blushing. He then peeked out at McCoy, who was trying not to break a smile, "I can talk to people, Doc. Kenny, Xain, Jake, Cory or Sean."

Both teens felt strangely honoured to be counted as some of the few Kevin would trust with those types of questions, and so they both reached in together to hug him quickly.

"Get him dressed, Joel. Take your time," McCoy winked at the Vulcan, who immediately did as 'ordered'.

Five minutes later, and a red faced, hot and bothered Kevin was squashed with Joel between the two teens. Cory sighed, "You win, Sean."

"Good. I want a surprise gift, and a box of chocolates!" Sean giggled back.

Joel and Kevin traded a look, then sniggered.

Chapel said she had another appointment with a crewman, and so left the room at that moment. McCoy sat down facing the four giggling boys. "Just a few things to tell you. First, both of you," he pointed at Kevin and Joel, "need to stay on those shakes. In your case, Joel, your shakes will be at a stronger level than Kevin's. Your metabolism requires more vitamins, especially over the next few days." He glanced at Cory and Sean and chuckled, "I hope you and your brothers can manage what is about to happen."

Cory raised an eyebrow, keeping his face emotionless.

McCoy decided to not take the bait. Instead, he told the patriarch, "Vulcan puberty is... let's say 'fun', and that is with standard puberty. Joel's is going to 'a little bit more than fun' for the best part of four days... or so..."

"I'm sure we'll know all about the 'fun'," Sean replied. "We gotta make sure our Lil'elf and his boyfriend are happy."

McCoy shook his head. "I'm more than positive certain things will start happening at an increasing pace between these two over the next 12 or so hours, but that is not what I was referring too. You know how difficult your own puberty is sometimes, right?" he asked both teens.

They nodded slowly.

"Human puberty is like sailing on a calm lake, with gentle waves lapping at the boat compared to Vulcan puberty. That is more like water-skiing while juggling flaming chainsaws," Bones said seriously. "In Joel's case, that will be exaggerated over the next few days; so add doing so in a violent hurricane to that visual image." He paused as he took in the shocked expressions on all four boys faces; then he added, "And then he'll enter Pon Farr."

"So," Joel said meekly, "I'm gonna.. what? Get horny?"

"Like you wouldn't believe," McCoy said seriously. "You're also going to have mood swings that would make a Klingon envious, and your appetite will increase."

"Envious Klingons? That's gonna be fun to watch!" Cory giggled.

Joel was not giggling. "Will I hurt someone? Will I lose control?" he asked nervously.

"No, not until Pon Farr. And Mr Spock has already said he'll be talking to you about that first. He knows what to expect as a hybrid going through that," Bones said soothingly.

The door hissed open, and Scotty entered looking slightly pale. McCoy turned in his chair and said, "That was quick."

Scotty shook his head at him, before coming to stand near him. He addressed the boys, "I'm here to give ye that tour, now."

McCoy saw a certain look he recognised in Scotty's eyes, and said to Cory, "Please take Joel to the Forward Observation Lounge for an Energy Drink first, Cory. You too, Kevin. The more both of you have, the happier I'll be. Then I'll allow Scotty to give you that tour."

Cory nodded and stood, bringing Kevin up and sitting him on his hip. Sean did the same for Joel, and together, both teens left the Sickbay and headed for the Lounge.

"What's wrong?" Bones asked Scotty, quickly.

"I just couldn't stay to hear more. They... they tortured him, and..."

"Please! No, Scotty! I can't hear it! I saw the results with my own eyes; all those scars. I don't need to hear it too."

Scotty nodded sympathetically.

Bones looked curiously at Scotty. "I am wondering about one thing, however. How does he know us? The briefing we were sent on Monday just said he had been lost in another universe, and I haven't read that report Teri sent up last night. Were we there too? Did we...?"

"No! Hell no!" Scotty retorted, looking even sicker at the thought. "We weren't there, Doc. I'd hate to think that our doubles did something like this! No, he was in a world where our lives are a TV show. He knows more about our missions and technology, and even future, than many Starfleet admirals do!"

"You can't be serious!" Bones' jaw dropped open.

"Dead serious, Doc. Joel had written something down as proof for Teri Short to show us. It was an exact - and I mean exact - transcript of what happened in the Genesis Incident. From Khan, Spock's death, through to Mount Seleya!"

"Jesus Christ... and he knows our futures?"

"Possibly, but since he is here with that knowledge, including detailed knowledge on future technology, how much will the 'show's' history be changed?"

"I can't cope with temporal mechanics, Scotty. You tell that to the green-blooded computer. He'd love it," he trailed off quietly.

"Aye, I will, Doc." Scotty stood, "Now. I have a rugrat to spoil rotten. Four, in fact. If that Cory thinks that 'cos he's a flamin' Fleet Commander means he don't get treated as one of my trusted engineers, then I'll have to show him he's always going to be a part of this crew."

"Do the same for Sean as well, Captain Scott. They may only hold honorary ranks in Starfleet now, but once one of us, always one. The Enterprise is just as much their family as Ambassador Sarek's is," Bones ordered.

Scotty grinned, and started to leave, "I see we're on the same wave length, Doc. I'll keep ye informed of our progress."

Bones sighed heavily before moving to where he had left the blood sample from Joel, and the Bio-Chip.

---

Scotty walked into the Lounge, and saw the tiny Vulcan boy bouncing back and forth by the windows. In between trips from one side to the other, he would hug each of the other three in turn, kiss the equally tiny Kevin, take a long slurp of his shake, then go back to bouncing.

'Hope the Doc knows what he's doing! That boy is going hyper!' the engineer thought to himself as he quietly walked over. As he came behind Cory and Sean, who were watching Joel in bemusement, he coughed. "What's this? Lazing about when there's a tour to be done? For shame, Mr Short! I thought one of my lads knew better!"

"Actually, I was trying to figure a way to transfer his energy to Engineering to replace the warp core." Cory dead panned, with a twinkle in his eyes.

"If ye manage it, let me know. We've not yet achieved perpetual motion... Joel should be able to power the Fleet!" Scotty chuckled.

Joel, on his umpteenth trip back towards his brothers and Kevin, saw the Chief Engineer, and turned from bouncing to pounce mode.

"Ooff... well, lad. I see the Doc has wound you up a treat, hasn't he!" Scotty managed as he settled Joel into a comfy hold over his hip.

"Uh huh! Can we see the Warp Core, Uncle Scotty? Can we? Please??" Joel bubbled.

Kevin giggled, "Jo', you need to finish your shake first!" He handed the glass up to his friend, and watched in fascination as it vanished in three seconds. "Okay. We're ready, Uncle Scotty!" Kevin laughed.

"Okay! Lieutenants Cory and Sean; front and centre! Let's make this a nice official tour for our visitin' Vulcan special guest!" Scotty mock ordered, a twinkle in his own eyes.

Cory giggled as he saluted Scotty. "Sir, yes SIR!"

"Come on, Head Cheese," Sean giggled as he nudged Cory in the ribs, "stop messing, and start touring!"

Joel sniffed in Cory's direction. "Nope, he don't smell of cheese, Big Ted. He smells of strawberries!" he giggled.

Kevin chuckled, "Yeah, but did he clean that big empty space in his head, Jo'? That could be where the sme... argh!"

Kevin's statement was changed into giggles as Cory grabbed him and attacked his ribs.

Scotty watched in amusement as Kevin rolled about on the floor under Cory's assault, "Lieutenant Short; if you have finished disciplining 'Acting Ensign' Thompson, can we begin?"

"One minute, Sir; I seem to have missed a spot!" Cory replied with a giggle. After a few more seconds of tickles, he pulled the now red faced Kevin up and kissed his forehead. "I believe he's now received suitable punishment; we're ready, Scotty."

Laughing, Kevin returned Cory's kiss quickly, then ran over to stand by Scotty. He reached up so as to hold the sniggering Joel's hand, and together they all left for Engineering.

After a brief ride on the turbolift, which Joel thoroughly enjoyed as he was allowed to state their destination, they piled out into the middle of an Engine refit. Jude and Billy Joe came out of the other turbolift at that moment as well. "Hey! Uncle John said we could come up, so Seth called," Jude giggled as he came over, only to be pulled into a hug by Cory.

Scotty looked at Jude closely, "You the lad who helped Cory in the Excelsior's Main Engineering last night?"

Jude's jaw dropped open. "Wow.... I mean, ah, yes sir, Mr Scott! I don't believe it!"

Joel giggled, "He know's about those Star Trek shows too, Unca Scotty!"

"Then I think I have a bit o' a treat for more than just Joel. Cory, Jude. What do you make of the new design? The Hood has been testing this for the last ten months, and we have been given the green light on it now." He led the boys over to the Chief Engineer's 'office' where the screens were all filled with the new data.

"WHAT are they doing to MY ship?" Cory exclaimed. "What is all of this stuff? I've never even seen prototypes of anything like this, and I've got access to ALL of the Starfleet Beta programs!"

Scotty laughed, "Most of this was covered under Vulcan 'Red One', Cory; so no, you'd have not seen it. Vulcan innovation. Especially that last one - the addition to the Warp Core they are fitting." He pointed to a strange looking device that was currently being worked on by a group of Vulcan scientists and engineers. "Not even the Hood had that one. That was tested by the VSO themselves."

"I don't care if it was tested by Mother Mary and the Twelve Apostles... is it going to hurt the Enterprise?" Cory responded. "Look at this... half of the stuff you might need to disable in an emergency is locked out!"

"Ah, Blondie?" Joel called from the console where some of the new engine specs were being displayed.

"Yeah Elf?" Cory replied, now staring at the new equipment menacingly.

"Stop growling at it, for one. It can't do nothing to change itself. Second, get over here and take a look at what they've done," Joel giggled.

Cory did so and, after giving Joel a quick noogie, looked at what Joel was pointing at. Jude was also looking at the screens and said, "They've streamlined the emergency procedures, and simplified the intermix disable systems. This is far more stable, and if it did go towards a breach, they could eject far quicker. Even the Antimatter containment pods and systems have been upgraded. See? What's been disabled is redundant and is just going to be in the way. This bit here, however. This is.... not possible..." he finished with a whisper as he pointed at a second screen.

"I don't even know WHAT it is," Cory stated, obviously still not happy.

"Nor I," Scotty said as he came up behind them. "The Vulcans said it won't be active yet, and until it is, it won't interfere with standard ship operations. It took a direct order from the Cap'n to get me to allow them to put it in, though."

Joel looked up at them both, then at Jude and smiled softly. "I'm not surprised you don't recognise it. Jude and I do, but it's out of its time. It's like showing some Roman soldier a fighter jet. You... we, I mean... we shouldn't have this technology for at least, I dunno... two hundred years, yet!"

"Well then, what is it?" Cory asked. "And why do we have it if we ain't supposed to?"

"All I can offer," Joel said slowly and thoughtfully, "is a guess. This tech did exist at this time in Star Trek, just by another more advanced species, not the Federation. It's possible that the same applies here, only that species or one like them has made contact with my people... and gave it in trade. It's definitely not right for Star Trek, but since this isn't the 'TV Show Universe' then that don't matter." He paused again and looked at the screen. "It's Slipstream," he whispered finally. "It really is Slipstream."

"...And slipstream is what?" Cory and Scotty asked in unison.

Joel smiled again, and turned to look at them both. "I've just checked the Inertial Dampeners, the Structural Integrity Field and the new modifications they are making to the subframes of the hull. It all checks out. You both know of Transwarp and the theory behind it, right? It failed with the Excelsior and the Great Experiment?"

"Yes," Scotty nodded, "total waste of time."

"And it cost a load of lives," Cory added, remembering his History Class.

Joel raised an eyebrow at that last tidbit, for it was something different from the shows. However, he left that for now and continued to explain, "Transwarp, had it worked, would have increased a Starship's speed by at least 20%-30%. However, even if you made it work, you'd end up tearing holes in subspace far quicker. Warp drive does that anyway, but you'll not work that out for at least 100 years. That can be compensated for by changing the nacelles to a different shape and orientation, but with Transwarp, it is just plain bad." He turned and started tapping on the console as he continued to speak, "Quantum Slipstream is simply using the nature of space and subspace in a more 'nature friendly' way - as well as exponentially increasing the speed at which you'll move. Getting from Earth to Vulcan at Warp 9.8 would take about a day. With Slipstream, you'd have to program the system to stop the ship less than three seconds after entering the Stream. You could get from one side of the galaxy to the other in a matter of months, not the 70 plus years with, say, Warp 9.5."

"Oooooo...kkkaaaayyyyyy...." Cory replied as he tried to process the new information.

Scotty just stood there, his jaw laying on the console in front of him.

"Don't start thinking about all those new systems you'll be charting any time soon, though," Jude jumped a moment later.

Sean moved over and asked, "Why not?"

"Simple," Jude smiled, "navigation. Our current tech for the sensors are based on standard Warp drive, not on Slipstream. When in Slipstream, you are travelling faster than the sensors can scan ahead, therefore you'd be flying blind. You can only use this if you know where you're going, and where everything is at that time at that location. Like from here to Vulcan; you know where Vulcan is right now - it'll be in the data systems, right?"

Cory nodded and Sean said, "Yeah, Jude. The computer has all the details to work something like that out."

Scotty completed the train of thought that Joel had just started, "So we can use this to get from an already charted location to another, but we'd need normal Warp to explore and chart new areas, or unstable areas, with?"

Joel grinned and nodded with Jude in agreement. The little Vulcan then took over and said, "Yup, Unca Scott. That's it. If you know where you're going, you can get there with this drive. The adaptation to the hull and the other systems will keep you safe inSlipstream, but you can't go to new places yet with it. Also, I don't think you could travel for more than a week, maybe two, at most without using up all your power. That," Joel paused as he tapped in some more calculations and then he continued, "that would get you from the Central Hub of the Federation to one of the outer Hubs easily, then after refuelling the antimatter, hop back again."

"Just how much power does that thing use?" Cory asked.

Scotty whistled, "Well, lad; we can travel indefinitely at our new maximum Warp. If this drive drains that in a week..."

"Kinda like Dan's Camaro when he goes out to 'play'?" Sean asked with a giggle.

Cory giggled as well. "Can't wait until we can play with this drive!"

"You've stopped growling," Kevin giggled as he scooted in and made himself comfy in the circle of Joel's arms.

"Yeah, but I don't want this thing used until Joel and Jude have had a chance to check it out and show Scotty and me the tricks behind making it work right," Cory replied as he pulled the two munchkins and Jude to his chest for a quick cuddle.

Joel nodded his head in agreement, then relaxed more and pulled Kevin in closer as Jude moved off to check out the warp core with Billy Joe. This time, while being held in Cory's arms, Kevin had his back to Joel's chest. Enjoying this new turnaround in their usual hugging style, Joel rested his cheek against the back of Kevin's head and breathed in his boyfriend's scent. Something stirred in his chest and he felt hot all over. Giggling, and with a light-headed feeling, Joel moved his face until he could reach Kevin's left ear; then he started to nibble seductively on it.

"Mmmm," Kevin murmured as his eyes started to close. A second later he remembered they were not alone, and blushed scarlet. "Ah, Jo'?"

"Mmm hum?" Joel hummed back, still nibbling.

Cory smiled. "Enjoy it, bros; anyone says anything, I'll sic Sean on them."

Joel opened his eyes and glanced around. He stopped his now welcomed assault on his boyfriend's ear and blushed himself. "Oops... uh, if I'd... ah... ummm, I think we better finish that later, Kev..." he giggled shyly.

Kevin twisted about and locked his mouth with Joel's for a serious kiss before breathing, "Feeling horny like Uncle Bones said?"

Joel nodded, still blushing.

Scotty grinned at them. "Your choice; there's a few spare rooms up in the primary hull you could choose from, or you can continue the tour..."

Kevin and Joel whispered for a second before shyly giggling together, "Tour... we'll, ah... we'll wait!"

Cory, still holding his little brothers close, smiled over at Sean. They locked eyes and smiled broadly at each other, remembering how they had been when they had first admitted to each other that they were in love.

"Come on then, lads," Scotty said happily, "let's be off to the second most important place on the old girl; the Bridge."

Joel grinned at him, but wouldn't move until he'd had one more nibble on Kevin's ear...

Kevin agreed.

---

Meanwhile, in Sickbay:

Bones was slowly going though the information sent up to him by Doc Austin while waiting for the genetic ancestry program to complete it's run. When he got to the notes Austin had made about Joel's DNA peculiarities, he seemed to stiffen in his chair. He stood and grabbed the box containing the Bio-Phase Chip. He had not intended to check into this yet as Joel's needs seemed greater, but if this was what he was expecting, then it might have an answer as to the seemingly messed up nature of the young boy's DNA.

He took the chip out of the case and placed it on the scanner. "Computer, analyse the chip and compare to the data kept for the Federation Bio-Stealth Experiment."

'Unable to comply, 'Yon'kur Wan' code in effect. Pass Code required.'

"Access: McCoy, Leonard H. Pass code, Alpha Victor 346 Gamma."

'Accepted. Password required.'

"Lost," McCoy stated quickly.

'File now opened for comparison. Checking.'

Bones sat down at the console and asked, "Status of all Bio-Phase Chips."

'Of the five BPCs made, four are currently in high security storage at VSO Command, Shi'Kahr, Vulcan. The fifth is currently out of Vulcan and Federation control. The VSO are still attempting recovery.'

Bones leaned forward and asked, "Is this current chip the one lost since 1995?"

'Negative. This is not one of the five known BPCs. It is of a higher technical level than those five prototypes.'

It was as he had feared. Bones sank back and sighed. Obviously whomever had stolen the prototype had continued the work on it, and now the technology was loose.

'Anomaly found. Biochemical marker found. On screen.'

A patterned symbol appeared on the viewscreen before Bones, and he stared at it blankly for a few moments.

Then, slowly, it dawned on him what he was seeing. "Computer, cease the genetic trace on the blood sample from Joel Short, and access file of Doctor T'Sara of Vulcan!" he yelled. "Playback file once accessed!"

He lept to his feet and rushed to another console and began a trace on the core DNA of Joel's blood against the DNA samples contained on file for the Ship's crew.

'Doctor T'Sara, born on Vulcan, city Shi'Kahr, in the Earth year 1948. Died February Second, 1992 in...'

"Skip to last known message sent to me by the Doctor," McCoy yelled out as the trace he was running continued. He turned and faced the screen.

A Vulcan woman appeared there, a baby held in her arms. She started to speak:

'Greetings, Doctor McCoy. I shall be arriving on Earth in twenty three standard hours. It will be agreeable to see you again, and to inform you that we now have a fully functional Prototype of the Bio-Phase Chip that you originally designed.'

The baby started to fuss slightly, obviously getting hungry by the movements towards T'Sara's chest.

'I am also sending this message as an invitation to my son's Ahm-Van-Kal, which shall be held at the Vulcan Embassy, London. He who is my husband will be pleased should you accept this invitation. I would speak longer with you, but my child requires nourishment. I shall speak to you again when I arrive. Live long and prosper, Doctor.'

Just before the signal was terminated, the child in the Vulcan woman's arms opened his eyes.

They were bright blue, just like her own.

'Match found. Chance of paternal relationship to test subject, 100%,' the computer said into the stunned silence of the room.

McCoy croaked, "Check subject against the genetic profile from Doctor T'Sara."

'Working... Match. Maternal connection, 100%.'

McCoy started weeping.

---

Main Bridge:

"Commander Chekov!! Commander Uhura!!" Joel's happy yell rang out through the Main Bridge. He and the others had entered from one turbolift, just as the two Commanders had from the other.

"And here he is!" Uhura said happily as Joel jumped off Sean's back and ran across the bridge and into Uhura's arms. She had knelt down ready, and scooped the fragile seeming, newly minted teen into a motherly hug. "Enjoying the tour, Joel?"

"I think his smile is proof of that, Nyota," Chekov chuckled in his heavy Russian accent. "Welcome to the Bridge, young man," he said as he ruffled Joel's hair. "I think you can drop the 'Commanders' bit. I'm Pavel, and this is Nyota."

?Can I call you Uncle and Aunt?? Joel bubbled hopefully.

"We'd be honoured, Joel," Uhura smiled.

"And I hope I get an 'Uncle Jim' from you as well," said a new voice as the turbolift doors opened and Kirk and Teri stepped out.

"That would be logical, Captain." Sean commented, trying to keep a straight face.

Joel peeked over Uhura's shoulder in wonder. His eyes were wide as saucers, and his mind came to a jarring halt.

Captain James T. Kirk.

The most famous Captain in the History of the Alpha Quadrant. Joel knew he would be known as such for more than a thousand years.

And he wanted Joel to call him 'Uncle Jim'?

Tears streaming from his eyes, he blindly ran at Kirk. Sobbing in unrestrained and unfocused happiness, he scrambled up into the arms of one of the two men he had loved without reserve since he had been exposed to 'Star Trek'.

"Uncle Jim!" Joel covered Kirk's cheek with kisses, then hid his face in Kirk's neck, and cried.

His emotions had now gone haywire; whatever Doctor McCoy had done was definitely kicking in.

"Puberty?" Uhura commented to Sean.

"Yep; it started about thirty minutes ago," Sean replied seriously.

"And as you've been told," Teri said seriously, "his emotions have never been allowed to develop at all. He is still a little boy when it comes to things like love, family, happiness and wonder. He would likely be this way anyway; but if his puberty has started, then it's amplified."

Kevin walked over calmly, and Kirk knelt with Joel in his arms. Kevin was easily added to the joint cuddle and soon Kirk had a boy on each hip, one helping to comfort the other.

"McCoy to Kirk," Bones' excited voice came over the comm-system.

Kirk looked helplessly to Uhura. "Can you hit the button please, Nyota?" he asked. "I seem to have my arms full right now."

Sean sniggered at the understatement. Uhura depressed the button at her console, and Kirk responded to McCoy, "Go ahead, Bones."

"Meet me in the Officer's Lounge. And get a hold of Scotty and the lads too."

"This is urgent? They are all here in the middle of a tour," Kirk asked curiously.

"Under Vulcan authority, I order you to the Officer's Lounge, Jim. An old 'Red One' is about to be recalled!"

---

Officer's Lounge, Deck 2 & 3:

Joel was seated next to Kevin, and both were staring out at the Earth. The view of the nacelles as the Enterprise hung in orbit took Joel's breath away, and he squeezed his boyfriend's hand tightly.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Kevin said, as he looked out in wonder.

Joel nodded, then turned to Kevin, "Yeah, but you are even more beautiful. I really do love you, Kev."

Kevin's eyes were filled with emotion as he gazed into Joel's. They kissed. It started as simply a touch of the lips; yet as it filled both boys with that Fire of love, the kiss became more and more serious. Coming up for air, both boys smiled at each other while lost in the other's eyes.

Behind them, Kirk, Scotty, and Teri stood and talked quietly as they waited for Bones to appear. Cory and Sean were sitting nearby, and watched silently, while Jude and Billy Joe were talking quietly as they sat on the far side of the room. The door hissed open, and Chip and JC entered with their three sons, Dean, grandson, and Asher. They also moved to stand by Kirk and the others.

"What is happening? The Doctor just summoned us from our tour," Chip asked.

Before he could get an answer, the door opened yet again and the Doctor came hurrying in. He gestured to them all and led them down to where the two small boys were seated, still lost in each other's eyes.

"Joel?" Bones drew the small Vulcan's attention to himself.

"Yes, Uncle Bones?"

Bones held out a folder, "I found them, Joel. Your family."

Hands shaking, Joel took the folder and opened it. Together, he and Kevin looked at the first pages, those containing the maternal information. Cory and Sean ran over and started hanging off the back of the sofa-like seat to read over both boy's shoulders.

Joel read the first page quickly. His mother was a Vulcan scientist called T'Sara, and she had been the one to create the Bio-Phase Chip that had been in his neck. It turned out that the original idea had been from Doctor McCoy, but it had been his mother's genius that had made it work. It had also, it seemed, saved his life.

Due to the project she had been working on, she and her staff had been placed under Red One. All that the file he currently held would say about her was the basics, including that she had been married and had had a child; a son. Nothing more.

The next page was a picture of her. Joel looked for the first time into the face of his mother, and started to cry. Within his mind, he felt his mother's Katra move, and peace flooded his body, but still he wept. He read and reread the information, but it said nothing about her death, nor about what had happened to him.

Due to those tears, and the thoughts now rolling through his mind, Joel failed to see Spock enter.

"Doctor, you called and I came. Is there anything amiss?" Spock asked quietly.

Bones shook his head and remained strangely silent. Kirk answered instead. "This is Joel," he said as he pointed at the oblivious small teen reading the folder.

"Ah. What is he reading?" Spock asked in curiosity.

"Bones found his family. Joel is getting the information first, then I think Bones will tell us." Kirk moved forward and stood with his back to the windows, facing the four boys engrossed in the details of Joel's heritage. Spock and Scotty moved to stand with him, while Chip, Bones and Teri moved to stand near the boys. Dean, Justy and the others remained by the door to give Joel some space.

Joel looked up briefly and blinked through his wet eyes. Captain Spock? Here?

He could not even smile. His mother's picture had torn his little heart out.

Spock looked at the boy curiously: Joel's Vulcan features were at odds, it seemed, with the naked emotion being displayed in those bright blue eyes. Spock's eyebrows both raised.

Joel looked back down and took out the picture of his mother to hold against his chest. He then turned the page to the paternal information, along with his father's picture.

There was a loud gasp from Kevin, and Cory muttered, "Holy fuck!"

Sean, however, nearly lost control of his legs with the shock, and slipped to the floor behind the sofa.

Joel had gone ramrod stiff. He slowly stood, his eyes now fixed before him. The folder and both pictures fell from his suddenly nerveless hands, and the file fell down and landed at his feet. Both pictures, however, fluttered and landed by the feet of the Captains standing by the window.

All three looked down quickly at those pictures and looked at the faces of Joel's parents. Two of the Captains stiffened in utter shock, while the third raised an eyebrow curiously.

"D...Daddy?" Joel trembled. "Y...you're my Dad??"

---

To Be Continued...

---

Director of Pranks:

This chapter has been graded for 'Dramatic Pause Effect' and has been rated '100'.

ACFan

---

Editor's Notes:

I concur with ACFan, and do hereby add my own star, for number of tears shed during a scene. Well crafted my young friend.

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher

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Archivist's Notes:

This chapter, Ilu, is one in which you have 'spun up the dial' - love, humor, plot development, tension, and cliffhangrs all in plentiful supply. Well done!

D&B

---

Beautiful! This Cliffhanger is Str8mayb approved.

Str8mayb - THE Evil Author