Memories Part 2: Spreading The Hope

A little later...

"It's going to get so confusing having two Johns here," Seth said as the Doctor gave him a datapad from Bryce. "You got a nickname, dude?"

"Oh, a few," the Doctor giggled. "Most of my mates call me 'Doc'. You could use that, but it would be confusing when Antonio or Austin Michaels is about."

"Yeah. Why that name, though?" Seth asked curiously, "And where are you from? There's nothing in the Dragon files about you, and you sound British."

"Weeellll," the Doctor started but was stopped when Levi popped in next to him.

"He's just a friend helping out, Uncle Seth," the small Mikyvis bubbled, "and Daddy and Poppa said he's okay."

Seth shrugged, "Fine with me, then. Thanks for the file anyway, 'Doc'," he added with a wink.

Levi giggled, took the Doctor's hand, and popped them from the room.

"What's up, kiddo?" the Doctor asked.

Levi smiled, "Riti wants to ask ya something. Gotta go, Doc; things to do, and not enough Levi to go around! Seeya!"

*POP*

Laughing fit to bust, the ginger Time Lord turned from where Levi had been seconds ago to face Riti... and the entire Dragon Division leadership. Gaining control over his laughter, the Doctor waved, "Hey, guys."

Jason walked over. "I cannot feel nor sense you, John. And Riti said he can't tell me why unless you say it's okay. Fancy letting me in on what you are, for you ain't human. Humans don't have two hearts."

Antony held up his tricorder. "Sorry, John, but we're the one's protecting this Clan, and enigmas are dangerous, we've found."

The Doctor grinned and nodded, "Don't be sorry, guys; and Riti, thanks for keeping the secret, even though I never asked you to with your brothers and sister. You want to tell them?"

"Nope," Riti giggled, "I think it would sound better coming from you, Galli!"

"Bite me," the Doctor giggled. He looked into Jason's puzzled eyes and said, "My name is Gallifrey; also know as the Doctor. I'm a Time Lord, and the First of them."

Koth and Korris looked at each other and shrugged. Telez' eyes opened a bit wider, but the others just stood there, their jaws on their chests.

"No WAY!" Nathan spluttered. "That's just a TV show!"

"It does fit," Telez said quietly. "Time Lords have two hearts, and John clearly has that."

"But... it's just a story..." Antony started, but the Doctor interrupted.

"A story that was based on old Vulcan knowledge gleaned from their contact with me over sixty thousand of your years ago. Bit longer than that from my perspective, but... meh!"

Jason was the first to recover. "I should have guessed once we saw you had two hearts; your assumed name... John Smith! JEEZ! The Doctor!!"

 

Much Later that Evening:

"Merc? Herm?" Antonio half whispered as he entered the room.

He stopped dead at the sight he beheld. The robes the two cheetahs had arrived wearing were now on the room's biobed, and both boys were in 'the fur' on a pile of pillows and blankets, licking each other all over and purring constantly.

"What...?" was all Antonio could manage before losing his words.

Mercury looked up and smiled while Hermes continued grooming his stomach, "We're grooming, 'Tonio."

Finding his voice, the nine year old managed to say, "Looked like far more..."

"Yeah," Mercury giggled, "to you normal guys it does; but it's just a cat thing. Want to join? It's relaxing."

"Umm, what would... I, ahhh... my boyfriend might think I'm... ahhh..." Antonio spluttered. He was obviously curious, but also concerned.

"I might think what?" Byron asked as he came into the room. "What's wro... what...?" He too stopped dead as he saw what the two G-Cats were doing.

Hermes explained that time, and again, the offer was given. "There's brushes in that bag there. We always bring some with us as some of the guys in Utah love grooming and everyone likes grooming back but your normal tongues just ain't up to the task," he finished in a rush before resuming the all important business of cleaning his twin's feet.

Antonio giggled, as did Byron. They shared a look, shrugged, and went to the bag. Pulling out the brushes, and pulling off their clothes, they were soon in the 'nest'... and found that Mercury had been right.

It was relaxing.

Half an hour later, all four boys just lay there and enjoyed the warmth of the close contact in the nest.

Hermes asked lazily, "What did you want anyway, 'Tonio?"

"Umm... oh, yeah! I was going to ask if you two wanted anything to drink. I was going to make some warm milk for myself," 'Tonio giggled.

Two sets of ears perked up. "Yeah! That sounds really yummy!" Hermes giggled.

Byron got up and padded to the door, "I'll get four mugs, then."

"I'll come too," Mercury said as he stood quickly, "You might drop them if you try carrying four mugs!"

After the door had closed, Antonio, who was snuggled next to the warm, furry Hermes, giggled. "I wonder what Ms Jackson will think when a naked boy and a naked cat-boy ask for four drinks," he mused.

Hermes sniggered, "I dunno; probably sigh and say 'kids'?"

"Yeah," 'Tonio smiled. "Probably."

 

Tyne suddenly woke with a start. He opened his eyes and looked around a little. His bedroom seemed normal but something was wrong, he could feel that something wasn't right. Worried, Tyne slowly rolled over and sighed in relief to find that Rusty was sleeping peacefully next to him. But if that wasn't what was wrong then what was it? Something was out of place.

Tyne slowly sat up, propping himself up against the headboard of the bed. "What was I dreaming about?" he thought to himself. Tyne closed his eyes and tried to index what he had been dreaming. Suddenly it came back to him, he had been standing on the edge of a cliff, overlooking a dark empty void. "Something about that void is what woke me," Tyne thought. "It felt like...time." Tyne frowned, "If the void was time...that doesn't make any sense, time has never been empty." He shook his head, "It was just a dream. I can still sense time being there but..." Tyne looked over at Rusty, "I wonder." He reached over and gently laid a hand on the top of Rusty's head and closed his eyes.

He could see the day, he could see the night, so he decided to look further into the future. But as he jumped ahead, indexing more time, suddenly everything went black. Tyne quickly opened his eyes and pulled his hand away. How far did he index? He couldn't tell, everything seemed fuzzy. Tyne quickly closed his eyes and tried to index his own future, as well as the future of the Ark. Ark was a good future constant, being connected to everything and yet nothing. Again he indexed the day, and the next night and then slowly started indexing the next few days. As he did though his inner thoughts became fuzzy, the images didn't seem clear. In fact as he tried to index a few more weeks all the images he could see were just colored shapes, he couldn't bring them into focus.

Tyne opened his eyes and frowned. There are only two reasons that Tyne could think of for not being able to see the future clearly and neither one of them was something he wanted to think about.

"Finally feeling the stress..." Tyne heard a voice say in his head.

"Shut up, Reason," mumbled Tyne as got up out of bed and glanced over at the clock. Tyne shook his head, "3:00 am, great, just when I wanted to get up." Tyne grabbed his jumpsuit, and after putting it on, walked out of his bedroom.

Tyne wasn't really sure where he was going, he just wanted to clear his mind. Perhaps he was just under too much stress, that was what caused his head to create Reason in the first place, and that would explain him not being able to focus, but that could lead to something bad. He sighed as his wandering finally brought him to the Phasenmorph room.

Tyne paused for a moment and then decided to enter. The room was very quiet, and the lights were dimmed; only the sound of Phasenmorphs swimming around in their pools could be heard. Tyne walked over to the closest pool and looked down at the Phasenmorphs. They seemed to ignore him being there, just going about their business. They seemed so very calm; it was as if they were never weapons at all. Tyne allowed himself to get lost in the movements of the Phasenmorphs.

"Would you like some company young man?" a voice suddenly said behind him.

Tyne turned around to find an elderly gentleman standing in the doorway of the Phasenmorph room. The man had short, neat, white hair, and a very well maintained beard to match.

Tyne thought for a moment before finally nodded, "Sure, I could use some company."

"Good," smiled the man as he walked over to the pool Tyne was next to. "So could I."

"You're up rather early this morning," Tyne said to the man.

The man smiled, "I could say the same thing about you, young Seer."

Tyne sighed, "Well I guess I don't have to introduce myself."

"No, we all know who you are Tyne," replied the man. "I, on the other hand, am Charles Fervidus."

Tyne grinned, "I was wondering when I'd run into you, Cyna is very proud of what you and the rest of his family have accomplished."

"That warms my heart to hear, I had hoped that we'd done well enough," said Charles. "I haven't quite run into everyone I want to meet yet, but I know that fate will have me meet them all eventually so there is no rush."

"Oh?"

"Well," Charles continued. "I wanted to meet you, as you now lead my people, or I suppose our people. Even my father spoke of you eventually leading our people. And as luck would have it we both seem to not be able to sleep tonight, so here we are."

"Who else do you have left to meet?" asked Tyne.

"Well, my Grandson Kyle is on the top of my list, and a few others but I won't bore you with the wants of an old man. If you don't mind me asking, though, being that you are very young what has you up this early?"

"I..." Tyne paused for a moment. "I'm having trouble seeing the future. Everything past just a few days is blurry."

"Well how far could you see before this happened?" asked Charles.

"About twenty thousand years."

"Oh, well that's quite a distance," Charles said in surprise.

"I hold the record," said Tyne. "So you can see why I'd be worried."

"I can indeed," replied Charles. "Are you afraid that something is about to happen or are you concerned about your health?"

"I'd rather not entertain the first thought," said Tyne as he started tracing things on the top of the water in the pool. "I am concerned about my health though. I've got four voices in my head now and..."

"Anything past three is not healthy for a Founder," completed Charles.

"Exactly."

Charles sighed, "Well, that's a real pickle to be in. But then events that have happened recently are not normal either. Perhaps some of those voices will go away, that has been known to happen."

Tyne looked at Charles with a hopeful look in his eyes, "Really?"

"My son Stephen, that would be Kyle's father, had a problem when he was about your age where his mind was creating too many sub-personalities. After what was happening in his life calmed down they went away and he was left with just three. So just give yourself some time, I'm sure you'll be fine."

Tyne smiled, "Yeah, you're right, I'll be just fine. I've got too much good happening in my life for my mind to go on me."

"There you are!" Sean said as he walked into the Phasenmorph room. "Ark seems to think it's funny to make us look for you!"

"Tell me about it!" Cory added as he joined Sean. "Ark started us half way across the Compound!"

"Do kids just not sleep anymore?" asked Charles.

Tyne smiled, "They're a couple hours behind us. Though had I not been up I suppose they'd be waking me up. So what brings the both of you to the Ark Compound at this time of night?"

"We have a favor to ask, Seer." Cory said, suddenly serious.

"It must be important if they are willing to risk waking you," Charles said with a warm smile. "I'm still getting used to the idea of kids being so serious all the time."

Tyne grinned at what Charles said before replying, "Okay Cory, what can I do for you?"

"Everyone seems to think that they are doing everything for our wedding tomorrow for us; but the one thing we do have control over is being Bonded for Eternity." Cory replied. "Would you be willing to perform the Socius Ceremony as part of what everyone else has planned for us tomorrow?"

"It would be an honor to be able to be a part of your wedding, and an even greater honor to be the one to perform the Socius Ceremony for the both of you," Tyne said after a moment of surprise.

Cory and Sean smiled as they pulled Tyne in between a double-hug. "Thanks Bro; it means a lot to me to have you there. All the rest of the guys here are invited too, that is if Cyna has not already done so." Cory looked up and saw Charles smiling at them. "You know, you kinda look like a certain inter-dimensional instigator who I'm proud to call my little brother." Cory commented.

"Do I now?" Charles said with a grin. "Who exactly would that be?"

"Kyle." Sean responded. "I can see some of Colin in you too."

"That would make sense my dear boy. I suppose that would be Kyle, let's see I think they said his last name is Richardson now. Yes, I've heard some very good things about him, he would have made his father proud, just about as proud as his grandfather is of him, yes," replied Charles. "Oh but where are my manners, I never introduced myself; I am Charles Fervidus, Kyle and Colin are my grandsons."

Cory broke away from the hug long enough to extend his hand. "Pleased to meet you Charles; I'm Cory Short, Council Crafter and Patriarch of Clan Short. This is my soon-to-be Socious Sean Short, Clan Short Historian. Consider yourself invited as well; the fact I'm not warning Colin is payback for some of the stuff I saw him involved in planning earlier today. Since a certain BRAIN LEECH won't stay out of my head, I'm sure Kyle will be expecting you!"

'Bite me Cory! Kyle giggled in Cory's head.

"Well thank you, I will do my best to attend, I wouldn't miss a chance to see the wedding of someone my grandson considers a brother. And it would be nice to finally get to meet my grandson, for years I thought I had lost him," said Charles as he took Cory's extended hand. "Although, if you consider Kyle a brother I'm afraid to find out how many others consider the same thing; I started with just two grandchildren when I got up this morning, I almost fear for how many I'll have when I go to bed."

<Too many. Their entire clan make the genus Sylvilagus look like beginners.>

Tyne frowned "The genus what?"

Charles chuckled, "Rabbits."

"ARK!!!" Cory and Sean chorused as they both began blushing. "It's not like we reproduce in our sleep or nothing!" Sean added.

<Then what do you call what Kyle and Tyler do?>

"Weird!" Cory giggled.

<I believe Miah called it fascinating.>

'I believe that you're goin' swimming bro!' Kyle announced in Cory's head at the same time.

Cory shook his head with a smile. "I think you'll like how Kyle's turned out Charles; just wait until you meet your three great-grandsons!"

"He's having children of his own already?" Charles said in surprise. "He should only be about eight...but then from what I've heard things have definitely changed for him. His brother Colin told me that Kyle is very special now and can do many interesting things, I suppose being able to have children at that age is one of those things."

"Wait, he's up to three now?" said Tyne. "I thought he just had one!"

Cory nodded. "Kyle and Ty came up with a two-for-one on their honeymoon. Bryce and Dylan spent today with Miah being taught the do's and don'ts of their species. Even with that, they are severely limited on what they can do until such time as Kyle and Tyler say they are ready for the responsibility."

"Hmmm, at that rate I'll be the great-grandfather of an entire species," commented Charles.

"Yeah, and I'll have gray hair by age fifteen," added Tyne. "I'm going to tell myself not to worry, I've already got enough problems with my head to add more worry to it."

Cory smiled as he rejoined the hug. "Tyne; please don't worry about Kyle. He has been having a lot of talks with his Dad and Pop; they are making sure that he slows down until he's fully aware of what he can do. I know for sure that he's still always trying to make sure that he does not do anything to make you mad at him; you will always be on the short list of people he trusts and respects."

"If you don't mind me asking, who are Kyle's 'Dad' and 'Pop'?" asked Charles.

"Doctor Daniel Richardson, PhD, and Commander John Martin, Director of Southeast North America Federation Security." Sean rattled off without even blinking an eye.

"I assume they will also be at your wedding? It would be nice to be able to chat with them about my grandson," said Charles.

Cory nodded. "The chances of them missing it are about as much as Tyne waking up tomorrow as a Mikyvis. I'm sure our Mom is gonna want to meet you too; since Tyler is her son."

"I'm sure I'll run into her while at the wedding," replied Charles.

"I'm just sooo glad to be part of an example," Tyne said sarcastically. "I am glad to know it's such a far fetched idea, though, that you can use it for that kind of example."

"Oh, I'm sure it wouldn't be so bad Tyne," Charles joked before stifling a yawn. "I do believe I need some rest now, though."

Cory smiled as he gave Tyne an extra squeeze. "Bro, I'm just glad that you'll be around as long as I live." He then turned to Charles. "It was great meeting you; I'm looking forward to seeing you at the wedding."

"It was wonderful getting to meet you as well," said Charles. "One question though before we all part ways, what time is this wedding taking place?"

"All I know for sure is late morning." Cory replied. "Ark, would you be so kind as to please let everyone know once my plotting family settles on an exact time?"

<I will see to it. Though I may forget to tell those that keep trying to imply that I have a gender.>

Cory giggled. "Just get even at the reception Ark; I'm sure the humor would be appreciated!"

Tyne grinned, "I'm sure Ark wouldn't make good on it's threat, don't worry. Make sure to get some sleep tonight, though, I have a feeling that tomorrow for the two of you will be very busy."

"We'll try." Cory promised. "Right now we better get back; Mom and Grandma Lizzy should be home soon with Timmy and Ricky. Thanks a lot Tyne; if it helps I know Pastor Mills, the pastor of the church Sean went to while I was in the hospital, is going to be running the service. You probably can set up the scheduling with him."

"That sounds good, I'll have Ark help me coordinate with him," replied Tyne. "Good night guys."

"Goodnight Tyne! Goodnight Charles!" Cory and Sean chorused. Cory then added with a smile "Oh great wondrous Ark of forever, would you be so kind as to deliver us to our dwelling?"

Without a word from Ark Cory and Sean suddenly vanished.

A few seconds later Ark finally spoke, <Would it not be great if they found their way to the middle of the pool before finding their way to their bedroom?>

Charles grinned, "That's a fine, twisted, sense of humor you've got there Ark."

<Thank you Charles.>

"You didn't actually do that, though, did you?" Tyne asked, sounding a little worried.

<No, but it is the thought that counts.>

Tyne rolled his eyes, "Right, well I think I'm going to go try and get some rest now."

"Me too," said Charles. "It was great finally getting to meet you Tyne."

"It was great getting to meet you too," replied Tyne as he made for the door.

Charles watched Tyne go before slowly making his way to the door, down the hallways, and off to his living quarters.

 

A short time later:

The Queen, Prince Harry and Teri appeared from out of three Vulcan transporter beams, and each carried a sleeping child. Oliver was snuggled in Harry's arms, while the two ladies carried Timmy and Ricky. Aphrodite and Artemus also appeared, with a few small items held firmly in their hands.

Harry disappeared inside Main CIC, with the two female G-Cats.

Teri was speaking quietly to the Queen as the two women made their way from Main CIC towards Cory's house, taking the little boys to bed.

"You were talking about the two rings, Lizzy?" she asked softly.

The Queen nodded, "Yes. As I was saying, I think the symbolism of Cory wearing Sean's birth-stone, while Sean wears his really says something about how those two feel for each other."

"Yes," Teri smiled. "I can see what you mean. Those rings, though. They are stunning."

"Both pure welsh gold. One an Onyx surrounded by emeralds and diamonds for Sean, and the other an Amethyst surrounded by turquoise shards and diamonds for Cory. They bear the other's birth stone surrounded by gems or stones the color of their own eyes," the Queen whispered, visualizing the two rings. "I just hope they love them."

They reached the door of the boy's home, and entered quietly. In the living room, they found Cory and Sean quietly watching a film.

"Can't sleep, lads?" the Queen chuckled as she lowered Timmy into Cory's arms while Teri did the same with Ricky and Sean.

Cory looked up and smiled. "Hi Grandma Lizzy, Hi Mom. We're okay, just kinda nervous about tomorrow and worried about Joel. Were the munchkins good?"

"Harrods of London will never be the same again," Teri chuckled.

"I don't wanna know!" Sean moaned. "These two are like ferrets when it comes to shiny things."

Elizabeth laughed gently, "Oh, they behaved very well. They made a new aunt, a large group of friends, and diamond earrings courtesy of Harrods."

Sean looked over at Timmy in Cory's arms, and inhaled deeply as he saw the half-carat stone in his ear reflecting the light from the movie. "Are those real?" Sean gasped.

Cory was looking at Ricky's ear while the boy slept in Sean's arms, and the diamond earring just above the Talon in Ricky's ear threw light back at him, "I think so!"

"A half carat F diamond, Grade D, surmounted on 100% welsh gold," the Queen murmured, "Yes, children, very real."

"How much..." Cory began, but his mother stopped him.

"None of your business, love," she smiled at him. "Have you contacted Tyne yet?"

"Yes Mom," Sean answered as he pulled his eyes away from the boys' earrings. "He's said he'll be ready, once we give him a time."

"Good, then I want you both, and your boys, in bed. Now."

Cory sighed, "Okay, but I don't think we're gonna sleep much. The others are already there; Austin was great."

"Come on," the Queen ordered lovingly, "Get yourselves moving, kids, and we'll see you tomorrow."

"Yes, Grandma," they echoed, before standing and carrying their precious armfuls carefully; and the worth of the small boys was not weighed on the trifling earrings they bore, but on the love they gave freely to all.

 

"Married?" Scott exclaimed.

"You mean like in, dum-dum-da-dum, Here comes the bride?" Marky asked with an impish grin.

"Yeah," J.J. said, "they're getting married. Now, what did you guys do?"

"It was kewl seeing the Thompson house, after reading all about it," Galen said. "We saw Jake and Xain's room, and Kenny's models, and Kevin's pictures, and then got to meet Vincent and Lawrence and Lehman and them. But really, no kidding, married?"

J.J. grinned. "Yeah, really. Tomorrow. You're going to be there, right?"

"We can go?!" Galen asked.

"Of course, you're Clan now, our brothers," J.J. said. And the grin on the faces of all three boys was enough to light a room by.

 

Cory and Sean made one last round of their family, ensuring each was sleeping peacefully before heading into their room and closing the door. Sean smiled as he pulled out a CD with no label and placed it in the player. As they waited for it to begin, Sean pulled Cory over and began giving him a loving hug.

"This is from me to you Babe." Sean said as he nibbled on Cory's ear.

"I love you too Teddy Bear" Cory replied with a smile.

"Bet I love you more!" Sean giggled.

"Who needs sleep?" Cory giggled in return as he heard the first lyrics of the song.

When your body's had enough of me
And I'm laying flat out on the floor
When you think I've loved you all I can
I'm gonna love you a little bit more

Come on over here and lay by my side
I've got to be touching you.
Let me rub your tired shoulders
The way I used to do.
Look into my eyes and give me that smile
The one that always turns me on
And let me take your hair down
Cause we're staying up to greet the sun.

And when your body's had enough of me
And I'm laying flat out on the floor
When you think I've loved you all I can
I'm gonna love you a little bit more

Got to say a few things that have been on my mind
You know where my mind has been
I guess I learned my lessons
And now's the time to begin
So if you're feelin' alright and you're ready for me
I know that I'm ready for you
We better get it on now
Cause we got our whole life to live through

And when your body's had enough of me
And I'm layin' flat out on the floor
When you think I've loved you all I can
I'm gonna love you a little bit more

When your body's had enough of me
And I'm layin' flat out on the floor.....

("A Little Bit More © 2007 Dr Hook)

 

He opened his eyes and sighed.

Cory felt his thoughts flit from one image to another, and his feelings were in turmoil. He moved his head and looked at the time, and sighed again. The room was warm and dark, and as comfortable as ever, especially with Sean at his side, but he could not find sleep.

He slowly moved himself and got out of bed, carefully trying to not wake his beloved. Looking down at Sean, Cory smiled to himself at the song his auburn haired lover had sung to him earlier; and at the results, but his smile had no lasting power and faded fast from his lips.

Moving to the door, Cory was about to open it when a voice from behind stopped him. "Where're you going, bro?"

"Outside. I think some air might help me sleep, Teddybear," Cory answered as he turned and watched Sean pad over to him.

Sean's face was showing concern, "Then I'll come too; I can't sleep, and I'm not letting you wander around alone, love."

Cory nodded with gratitude. He did not really want to be alone anyway, but he had not wanted to wake the love of his life. He reached out and took Sean's hand and smiled thankfully at him, before heading out and down the stairs to the front door, Sean at his side.

Once outside, both boys sank to the ground and sat on the grass, leaning against each other.

Time passed them by slowly. Sean was watching the stars, trying to see if he could make out a starship above them. It was a quiet sob that alerted him to Cory's state.

"What's wrong?" he asked, turning his head and drawing Cory in tighter against him.

Cory whispered, "Everything, Sean."

Sean held him as Cory wept gently into his shoulder, rubbing small circles into the fair skin on his back.

"Cory? Sean? What's wrong?"

Cory looked up and blinked. Six figures stood close to them both, but his tear clogged eyes couldn't make them out clearly.

Sean whispered, "Hi, guys."

Tommy replied, looking at Cory's sorrowful face carefully, "What're y'all doin'?" He moved closer and sat, pulling Kelly down with him.

Dean, Justy, Adam and JJ followed.

"Cory wanted fresh air; we can't sleep," Sean said softly, concern still evident for his grieving boyfriend.

Tommy reached over and hugged them both, "C'mon, big bro. We ain't gonna know what's wrong 'less ya tell us."

"Everything," Cory sobbed again. "Me, Timmy, you guys, those that... that died." He paused before whispering, "J...Joel... everything."

"Ah," Justy sighed, hugging Dean closer to himself sadly.

Kelly started to ask, "Why us, Cor? What's... oh!" He trailed off. "You mean about what happened to me, Dean and Adam?"

Cory sniffed and nodded.

Dean forced a smile, "We're okay, Cory. Really we are."

It hung there for a moment before Justy said, his voice trembling, "No, Dean. We're not. I'm sorry, guys, but I ain't gonna lie to him when he's seeing it himself!" He looked around the other five newcomers to the outdoor gathering, tears beginning to run down his own cheeks, "I won't play the game that it's all okay, 'cos it's not. Dean nearly died. You too, Adam, and you, Kel! Cory nearly got himself killed, and only because his son took a life... no, two lives, along with Sammy standin' by him when he was his worst, is he still with us! It's NOT all right!"

Apart from Sean and Cory, the others were stiff with shock.

"What 'game'?" Cory rasped out.

"Way to stir up dem hornets, Justy." Tommy sighed, hanging his head.

"Tell me," Cory pressed, his eyes still sorrowful, but now narrowing.

Adam looked around the group looking for objections and daring any to voice them. "You nearly broke on us, Cor," he answered softly, reaching and taking one of Cory's hands as the blond Patriarch moved to cuddle in beside Sean. "You were in a real state, and Kyle and the others were doing everything they could to help you."

Tommy continued as Adam stopped for a breath, "It ain't workin', bro. Kyle kept worryin' it was slippin'; Him 'n the double-J's keep trying but it ain't doin' what it's 'posed to. So... well, so..."

"So we thought," Dean joined in, "that we'd help by not adding to it. We've all been through hell, Cory; but your mind hadn't yet healed after regaining your memories properly, and now this. We decided not to tell you that we, too, can't sleep. That we are frightened of living nearly forever and losing... losing e...everyone..."

As Dean started to weep, Kelly blubbered, "I don't... I can't live for...forever without Mom, or without T...Tommy. I know, I know," he put in quickly as Sean was about to open his mouth, "We all know... we can become Vifer too, but that still means we'll live for ages... like, forever... without you guys!"

JJ added, "Aunt Teri is even thinking about becoming Vifer, Cor, so she can be our Mom for as long as she can... but... I can't allow that! I won't! She'd have to see you and Sean and Timmy and... all die?? No way can I ask that. But if I don't become Vifer myself, then soon, Adam will be a 12 year old kid with a sixty year old wrinkle as a boyfriend, then I'm gone and he's alone... and I know it's not really forever, but it's gonna seem like it! SO I HAVE to become Vifer, 'cos I won't leave him alone, and then... then I have to watch all of you die..." he too trailed off, and the look in the other's eyes said it all. They were all thinking the same.

Cory's eyes were horror struck. "Why?"

"Why what?" Tommy said, still looking at his feet while sitting there, legs drawn up under his chin.

"Why ... did ... you ... not ... TELL ... ME!" Cory nearly yelled, holding back in time as he did not want to wake his children.

Tommy looked up, his eyes filled with tears and fire. "'Cos fixin our problems can be done in time, Cory! You ain't GOT that! If... we was tryin to help our kin be helpin' you by dealing with our problems ourselves!" Tommy yelled.

"Who are you to make that choice for me?" Cory yelled, irrational fury now gripping him. Sean tried and nearly failed at holding him back.

"Jesus Christ, it's a good thing I can turn off people's hearing," Jason muttered loudly as he and Nathan appeared out of nowhere, both their eyes glowing brightly. "You lot could wake the dead... in fact, you did. Brandar is pissed!"

The seeming insensitivity in Jason's words made all the boys jump up in anger.

"Sit down," Jason ordered, raising his hand and making a lowering gesture.

The now furious boys complied without knowing why or how.

"Now that I have your attention," Jason said in a far more soft and loving tone. "Sorry, but you were all getting into a place you really can't be going to right now, of all times. I had to make you snap out of it. I'm sorry."

Justy was the first to rein in his temper. He nodded slowly. "Jace is right. We were shouting at each other, and that... that's not going to help any."

One by one, they cooled down. Tommy, the last to nod in acceptance, got up and walked to Jason and hugged him firmly.

"Sorry for actin' like a crip'd badger," he whispered to Jason. "Thank's for stoppin' us; love ya, bro."

"Love you too, Tommy," Jason whispered softly, returning the hug. "Now, git and park yer ass on that there grass while I 'splain a few things," he said in a very bad southern accent.

Tommy rolled his eyes, "Y'all need ta stick to messin' wit' heads, Jace, leave prop'r speakin' to those that kin do it right, will ya?"

"Deal. Now sit, Tom-boy, or I'll have you floating upside down for half an hour..." Jason giggled lightly before adding, "and no, Kelly. A sixty-nine might be fun while he's like that, but we don't want to see it, okay?"

A few chuckles went around the circle, but as with Cory and his smiles, none seemed to last. They did what Jason intended them to do, though; the brothers were brothers again, and not nearly punching targets for each other.

"Okay, first, I'm sorry again for what I did, and I'm even sorry I had to be here at all and interrupt what would have been some unique Clan Brother bonding, but..." Jason started with a joking smile.

"No," Justy interrupted. "We're sorry, Jace. You're right, we were getting... emotional."

"That's not a bad thing, really," Nathan said, opening his mouth for the first time since arriving. "We're not Vulcans, Justin."

"Justy, please."

"Okay, Justy," Nathan beamed at him, receiving a warm smile back.

Jason pulled Nathan into his side, and they both sat down with the others under the night sky. "Guys, I know that I'm probably going to sound well arrogant saying this, but I know what you're going through. In a way. I've 'lost' people; my little Ollie not least. I was just lucky to know a certain little angel who likes upsetting the stream of time so I could get Ollie back. But I have still lost people. I've seen things some of you have not, although you know of them as some of your brothers have been through stuff that makes what I've seen seem pathetic. Just know that I know something about this, okay? I'm not going to live forever, but I can understand your feelings of losing someone you love, or even the fear of it. However, you went about things with Cory all wrong."

"What?" Dean managed to say after the stunned silence.

"None of you six needed to keep Cory in the dark with your problems. He LOVES you. You really hurt him there when you said you'd been hiding things from him. He'd break off his dick for you... well; no, maybe his arm for you. His dick is for another in the sound of my voice," Jason giggled as both Cory and Sean blushed so badly it could be seen easily under the tiny light that was outside Cory's front door.

The others sniggered, and Kelly giggled, "Jason 1 - Blondie and Mount 0."

"We'll get ours, Jace!" Cory managed, half a giggle escaping through his blush.

"It got the heart pumping in a nicer way than a good, warming fight, though, didn't it?" Nathan sniggered.

Jason moved over and sat on Cory's lap, kissing him on the cheek as he did so. "Whatever, bro. But please wait 'til after I've finished. This is important."

"You have ten minutes," Sean said, half seriously.

Jason smiled at him, then grew serious. "We've been debating between ourselves how to say this to you guys," Jace said at last, "and by us I mean your telepaths and my lot."

"Just say it, Jace," Cory whispered, his chin on Jason's shoulder.

"Okay. Cory, on Saturday your mind started to break again. It's 'cos you were trying to be a leader as well as a Patriarch. The two came into conflict and you couldn't handle it. Sarek saw that at once and has even talked to you about it, right?"

Cory nodded. "Yeah; that's why he put Sean in charge."

"Well, Tyler was there to jump in and preserve you at that point too. But, well... there's a problem. We can't fix it. Kyle let me in on it Sunday night, and Viccy, Nath' and I have been helping him and Tyler and Levi. We've been taking it in turns to loan you a room in our heads. It's also why the Double Js were made N-Gens, so they could use their huge powers to help like I could; loaning you space in their heads."

Nathan added, after looking at his wristwatch, "Yesterday morning, we opened your minds in that Vulcan Style Bond-link, hoping that being tied to Sean deeply would help, as well as just be a precious gift to you both."

"It failed," Jason murmured. "We only managed to tie the two of you together so firmly that if you slip into a coma, Cory, then Sean will. And it's hard and fast, now. Your natural links are too powerful for us to break."

"Oh, shit," Cory whispered, looking at Sean as his face paled.

The other boys also paled and started moaning softly, "No..."

"Now, don't start that just yet!" Jason said firmly. "We can't do anything else except hold your mind secure for you, but: a Vulcan Kolinahr Master might be able to help you. We're not sure, but since Poppa Spock is going to be here by Thursday, then..."

Cory took a breath and nodded, "Then he can at least try." The look he sent to Sean said something else, however.

Sean sent quickly down their Bond-Link, 'He doesn't know... Mikey said the Shaper would help you.'

'That's what I'm now worried about. How can that poor kid do that?' Cory answered seriously.

"Why can't Kyle and Ty do it, though?" Justy demanded, bringing the other two back to paying attention.

"They don't know how to do a Vulcan Mind Healing." Jason shrugged, "I have been trained some, but a Human telepath cannot learn it all as we can't Meld. A Meld is the most powerful natural telepathy we know of, even when measured against a Mikyvis, Levi said. In some aspects it's obviously weaker than a Mikyvis, or even my telepathy, but in some key areas, it's stronger than us both. There are some things neither they nor we N-Gens can do, guys. But a fully trained Vulcan can. I just hope they can heal you, Cory, or you're going to find that you're a permanent part of my head, and I won't be able to go home. I'd have to stay within a few hundred miles of you at all times; or one of us N-Gens would."

They sat in silence for a while. Jason broke it after he felt they were ready, "As for you boys not talking to Cory and Sean about your worries, then just do it. We are keeping them together, and especially Cory, so yes, he can be told; just don't expect him to talk yet. He can't, not yet. You can cry with him, though, and let him love you and hug you. We're all here for you, but he'd be devastated if you lot didn't tell him this stuff. Okay?"

The others' all nodded mutely.

Nathan stood up, "Okay, it's time for me and Jace to get to bed. I'll let you beat him up tomorrow some time, Cory. I want my Jace-Pillow, and if you don't let him go, then these guys get to see two cute blonds have a mud-fight... Okay for you, as you're 'dressed' for the game, but I'll be pissed getting my uniform muddy!"

Giggles came from them all as Cory realized that he was in the nude, as was Sean. "Oops!" he giggled.

"Uh huh," Jason laughed. "Good thing it's a warmish night, or I'd be committing adultery sitting here!" He rose off Cory's lap and floated to Nathan. Once he had landed he added, "Don't worry about things, Cory; and don't worry about him, guys. Poppa Spock could well be all he needs. Talk for a bit, then get some rest at least. Tomorrow is a full day for us all, more so for two of us, no?" he asked, winking at the two blushing leaders of Clan Short.

Nathan and Jason reactivated their cloaking devices and vanished.

"Well," Justy said as he started to shift closer to Cory and Sean.

"Agreed," Dean added. "Come on, guys. Chill out and let's just talk. Since we messed up with our stupid ideas, we might as well talk now."

"Then y'alls gonna git to bed, okay?" Tommy half ordered his older brothers.

Sean raised an eyebrow, "Oh really? Tell me, little brother: why were you up and out with these five so late? Afraid the kitchen would run away?"

Tommy sighed, "'Cos there ain't none of us been sleep'n neither, so we all up an' decided to do some walkin'... next thing we knew we'd done run into each other, then Y'all turned up."

"Yes, my plan worked well," came Mikey's voice as he appeared and joined the mass group on the grass. "Come on," he continued as he found his lap suddenly filled by Sean and Cory, "Start talking. I'm here to help, but I'm not saying your parts for you!"

 

The next morning:

"Unca Kyle, wake up! We're hungry!" Timmy, Pauly, and Ricky chorused from the side of the couch.

Kyle rolled over and looked at the three nude angels bouncing near the edge of the couch. "Austin makes sure breakfast is ready for you; why are you waking us up for it?"

Timmy giggled. "Our big bros are fixin' the wedding! Austie, Brandon, Conner an' Leo are gettin' tuxes for all us an' the kitties. CD an' Calen are settin' up the music. We gotta make sure Daddy an' Poppa don' do nuthin, so you gotta make all us breakfast so we can find them!"

"Well," Tyler yawned as Antonio mumbled something unintelligible as he awoke, "They're off checking on Joel."

Kyle giggled as he sat up and looked over at Tyler, Levi, and Antonio. "I see y'all heard our nephews! Ty, you up to making breakfast? I mess up cold cereal!"

"Ain't that the truth!" Levi said as Antonio giggled.

"Hey now, I've never cooked for you!" Kyle responded, trying to look insulted.

Levi giggled. "You didn't have to; Pop made sure we were warned before we were even born!"

Tyler tried and failed to look innocent as Kyle shot him a dirty look.

Antonio giggled. "I like that... natural preservation of the species! One of the few things that can kill you guys; Kyle's cooking!"

The three naked rugrats who had woken their uncles looked on with smiles on their faces as the four on the couch dissolved into laugher.

Timmy waited a few moments before engaging his devastating puppy dog eyes on them. "We're staaarrrrvinnngg!"

Antonio reached over and poked at Timmy's belly. "I'd say, in my professional opinion, there might be at least another hour until your stomach starts eating itself, Sir." he stated professionally.

Ricky giggled, his hands clapped over his mouth, as he watched the confusion play over Timmy's face for an instant. Then Antonio found himself pounced by the three little boys.

"Feed us! Feed us! Feed us!" Pauly cried out between giggles as all three started bouncing on the nearest available person. Not to feel left out, Levi joined them, after reducing his apparent age to match Pauly's.

"As Bel would say, 'More FOODS, less PLAY!!'," Levi sniggered as he used his poppa's belly as a trampoline.

"Alright already!" Tyler giggled. "I just checked with Tommy, he's got your plates ready! BUT you need to get dressed.... that includes YOU Levi! Next time shrink the clothes when you change age!"

Levi giggled. "I'll just borrow some of Pauly's clothes until my tux is ready!"

"Kewl! C'mon, Leevee; let's get dressed!" Pauly said happily as he tugged the purpled eyed boy off the couch and ran out with him.

Timmy gave Kyle more puppy-dog eyes. "Unca Kyle? Can you dress me an' Ricky usin' your mickeymouse magic? Pweeeeeezzzzeeeeeee?"

Sniggering, Kyle nodded and waved his arms mysteriously, "Abera-kadabra!"

There was a brief flash of light, courtesy of Tyler, and Kyle stopped time. Kyle quickly created new clothing and between himself and his husband, they dressed the two motionless boys.

When Kyle started time again, the two boys found themselves in matching outfits; except that Timmy's Tee-shirt said "Belongs to Ricky" and Ricky's said the opposite.

"KEWL!" the two young boys giggled as they examined each other's clothes. "Thanks Unca Kyle!"

Just then, Levi and Pauly reappeared in the room, both wearing black shorts and grey shirts. On the back of both shirts was a simulated rubber stamp stating 'Property of Mikyvis Time Corps'.

Pauly giggled as he noticed Timmy and Ricky's shirts, then play-pouted, "When do I get someone to belong to?"

Levi cocked his head slightly, then his eyes glowed white:

"...//In less than a week shall you find him and he find you, little princeling...//..." came the Voice of the Guardian as "Belongs to Joseph" appeared on Pauly's own top.

Pauly looked at his shirt, then cocked his head at Levi in unspoken question.

"Don't ask me!" Levi giggled. "I'm not allowed access to THAT stuff!"

The chuckle of the Guardian was heard by all, as Levi's shirt suddenly said "Belongs to (Not Telling)"

"Hey! That's cheating!" Levi giggled as he examined the shirt. "You been hanging with Galli again Guardian?" He thought for a moment before asking, "Can you at least tell me when, like you told Pauly?"

//Soon...// was the only answer Levi got from the now disembodied Voice before it faded away again.

Kyle giggled. "Don't worry munchkin; I'm sure that I'll have to talk to Mont and Bast to see if they'll guard you from all the guys and gals that'll want to be your special person just as soon as everyone sees that shirt!"

As Levi was giggling a knock was heard on the door. It opened quickly and two Klingons, an Andorian and a tiny Bajoran came piling in.

"Yous gonna miss da foods, guys!" Belar yelled at the top of his lungs.

Timmy giggled back. "Tell the old guys that; they keep talkin' while we're starvin'!"

"Yeah!" Ricky added. "They're havin too much fun bein' silly!"

"That is what I suspected," Telez said lightly, "so Belar thought bringing three warriors might be handy. Not too sure what he thinks we can do against Mikyvis, other than hugging you into submission, though."

Koth looked at Pauly's shirt and then at Levi's. "Who the 'ell is Joseph; and who ain't tellin' who you're gonna belong to Leev?"

"Ask the Guardian; he's messin with me today!" Levi giggled back. "He decided to 'help' Pauly and me... not that he helped any!"

Korris grunted. "I think we're better off not knowing," he chuckled. "Come on, slow coaches. Aunt Teri and Aunt Helen say that your food will be given to the crocs if you're not there sharpish!"

"Kor," giggled Koth, "'gators, not crocs!"

"A big lizard with teeth is a big lizard with teeth. If I can't eat it, I don't care what species it is!" Korris retorted playfully, winking at Timmy.

Timmy giggled. "Granma won't do that anyways! We're hungry though. Levi, can you take us all over there?"

Kyle held up his hand. "It's not THAT far, we can walk guys! I'm ready if y'all are."

"You're weird Daddy; always walkin' everywhere!" Levi giggled as he managed to avoid a belly poke from Kyle.