Sa'ren Part I

"Bondings, Brothers and Portents..."

---

 

Somewhere:

Dawn began to stain the sky, and the darkened mists that was all that could be seen from the ground began to pale. The ground shook violently again, and more and more fissures and cracks appeared in its pitted surface. The air was stale and thin, and not a hint of wind could be felt.

In fact, there was no wind at all.

Anywhere.

Nor life.

At least, not life as was known to the Universe.

Nor known to Creation, in fact.

A roar of cracking stones and falling mountains echoed and re-echoed as the ground heaved once more, this time causing the surface of the world to literally jump and fly in pieces. All those shards of material then fell noisily back to what remained of the ground. The thunder of all those rocks and mountains hammering back onto the surface of the planet would have deafened anyone.

Almost anyone.

Vae'Za did not hear it; not really. He dug deeper into the core of the world, tapping into the energy that was hidden there, and continued to absorb everything. The sudden shifts of mass and loss of planetary internal heat was literally making the world implode slowly.

Not that Vae'Za had any concern other than gaining all the energy that he possibly could.

\\I shall not remain. I shall be free. My bonds. Not long until I can shatter them all. More. Much more. Consume\\ he said again. Talking continually to himself, the terrifying form of this god, this being, continued to leach the needed power from this now doomed world. His prison.

An echo came to him, then; an echo borne on the Winds of Time. Vae'Za strained to hear, and in doing so slowed his consuming.

He cursed the bonds that were wrapped tightly around his Core; around his power. If not for them, he would have had no need of worlds to feed upon, nor would he have had to strain to hear what Time was saying. He would have only needed to reach out, and Time would have become open before his Eternal gaze.

Yet, even with these bonds still about him he now had enough power to get around their restraining influence in part.

Like the ants he so despised, like those Time Lords, he strained his senses and listened to the whispers of Change: of Destinyreforming.

Such happened on occasion - When the 'One' wanted to 'show off'.

Yet this was different.

This was new.

This was a threat.

The Shaper... The Shaper was here.

\\The Champion of the One has come? I shall crush him. More power... more...\\ Vae'Za brushed off the echoes and returned to his 'feeding', but then another echo started, and again, he listened.

\\Sa'ren? What is a Sa'ren?\\

A thought not his own came unbidden, and he grasped it and followed it to its source. After raping all he that he could from the new memories he now possessed, he began to laugh.

\\No mere sword, not even one of prophecy, can harm me. Keep your legends to yourself, insect, and be still\\

Once more, Vae'Za turned back in order to renew his assault upon the planet, but then the loudest echo of them all smote into his mind

\\Not a sword after all. A child. Sa'ren, son of Spock... wait... Spock was your brother. Your brother had lost his son, but he is now found. I feel your pain, and your joy, insect. You should only feel sadness. I shall rend your brother. He thwarted me here. As did you, and as did that annoying walking ape. They shall suffer, as will those they care about. Your nephew shall not fulfil the prophecy to protect your world, Sybok. Vulcan shall be the first to fall when I get free. Let this child stand there. He shall be an interesting one to torture\\

Vae'Za, laughing long and loud, turned his white power and drilled it once more down... down... down... to find the final remaining scraps of energy.

Inside the pillar of white energy that was Vae'Za, a tiny speck could be seen: A Vulcan.

It was Sybok, and a single tear escaped one of his eyes.

Yet within those eyes shone the light of Vae'Za, and his lips were curled in an evil smile, for the Fallen Guardian of Dimension had merged with the brother of Spock.

And in doing so, the first of many bonds had been broken.

Soon, the remaining ones would be as well.

\\Let Time sing over the Shaper, and over this other child called after a broken and useless blade. Soon, Time shall sing no more, and then, Brother Mine, you shall see that I was right. I, Vae'Za, will win. Vae'Runam, you will beg forgiveness from me before the end, and I shall allow you to join me. Until then, hide behind your 'Forever'. I am patient...\\

A thunderous detonation came mere moments later as the prison world of the Fallen Guardian, the Destroyer, imploded and disappeared entirely, leaving behind a ball of energy.

Vae'Za was free, but had expended much of his energy in becoming so.

The star within the Great Barrier was not an option. For now, with these remaining bonds, he could not exist without a mortal host: and the mortal host could not survive proximity to that star.

There was energy, however, in his barrier prison. He need only find a crack, and he could feed off that power - thus two ends would be served. He would be strong again, and he would no longer be contained.

And so Vae'Za began to search for the point where those starships had smashed their way through.

\\Maybe I will have to thank that ape after all, Sybok. What do you think? Lessen his eternal torture by a day?\\

A single tear fell again as Vae'Za began to laugh... and laugh...

---

Earth, Clan Short HQ - Orlando:

Cory closed the door behind him as he left the private conference room where Jason and Nathan were talking with Chief Howardson, while Oliver and Jessica remained held fast in the Chief's arms. Cory sighed to himself sadly, for he did not know how this would turn out without someone getting badly hurt. He rubbed his hands over his face briefly to try and shake himself out of his sudden bad feeling then started back to where he had left Sean and the Admiral. Victoria and Riti suddenly slammed into his side, and he looked down at them with a sad smile. "Your brothers are in there, guys. They might need you," he said as he hugged them both gently.

Victoria nodded. "We felt it. We'll go in... ah, wait a minute," she said as she looked past Cory to where Mike Reynolds was carrying Sammy in his arms. "I think our SamSam needs help first."

Cory went with her and her feathered boyfriend and smiled at Mike. "What's wrong, Uncle Mike? Is Sammy okay?" he asked as he reached to run his fingers through Sammy's hair.

"I don't know," Mike replied urgently. "He was crying in the meeting, so I tried to comfort him. He wouldn't stop, but then suddenly he's like this." Mike looked down into Sammy's unseeing eyes.

The boy was almost catatonic, Cory thought as he moved his hand to call Antonio on his comm-badge.

"No need, Cory," Victoria said as she smiled up at them all. "He's just overloaded with emotions - his own, and everyone elses. Gimme a moment." Mike got down to his knees at that point as Victoria laid a hand on Sammy's forehead, her eyes shining briefly. "There," she murmured after a moment. "He's okay, now. Wakey wakey, Sammy!" she giggled as she kissed the boy on the lips, "Time for the little prince to wake up!"

Sammy opened his eyes and then blushed. "I'm no prince," he complained.

"Not yet," Riti said cheekily, "just wait, though, til Grandma Lizzie hears you say that!"

"You okay, Angel?" Mike asked his precious son with concern.

"Yeah, Dad, I'm okay. It was so much - happiness and tears, love and sadness and remembered things. I was trying to sort through it all and... and..."

"And it was too much too soon?" Mike completed for him with relief. He breathed out with a prayer of gratitude - Sammy was okay.

"Kinda, yeah," Sammy blushed, then looked at Victoria. "How do you deal with it all, Viccy?"

She rolled her eyes at him, "Well, duh! Like I showed you, silly! Use the 'rooms' so that different things are being watched in different places. Then once done and you're in a quiet place, look at each room one at a time."

Sammy blushed, "Oh, yeah I remember... but it was all so nice, so... I didn't wanna miss anything."

Victoria rolled her eyes again. "Boys!" she muttered before grabbing Riti's hand and turning back to the room her older brothers were in, "trying to do everything! Think they're gods! Boys!"

Cory grinned as he helped Mike back to his feet after Sammy had gotten to his own, then slung an arm around Sammy. "You do try doing everything at once, you know," Cory giggled. "Like I do, sorta. Only Grandfather Sarek and the rest told me off for that."

Sammy blushed even more, "Okay, okay. I'll do as Viccy showed me from now on."

Cory kissed his cheek, "Good. I don't want to lose a brother 'cos he doesn't do as he's shown to do, thank you. Now, I have an Admiral to talk to. You and Uncle Mike going to get some food? I think the party will be starting soon."

Mike nodded as Sammy's eyes lit up, "Yes. And that's a magic word around Sammy, Cory."

"What - food, or Party?" the blond giggled.

"Both!" Sammy answered before Mike could.

Cory giggled as Sammy tugged his father off in the direction of the Dining Room before he headed back to the Rec Room and Admiral Morrow.

"How's Jace and Nath'?" Sean asked quickly as he saw Cory enter the room.

Cory shrugged, "Too soon to say. I'm trying to think of a way out of this for them, but there's nothing I can logically do."

Morrow also shrugged, "Don't try, son. Things work out on their own. However, I do have an idea. I will be back later, if that is all right. I have to check some things out with Command." With that, the Admiral and his staff got up and left.

"That was not like him," Sean murmured, "he's not usually that... that..."

"Yeah," Cory agreed as he sat down on Sean's lap. Sean grunted theatrically, and Cory rolled his eyes, "You saying I'm fat??"

Sean giggled, before attacking Cory's ribs with the help of Mont and Bast.

---

Seth watched quietly as the reunited family slowly got to their feet, then smiled as Joel was hoisted up and onto Trip Tucker's shoulders. Sarek was gesturing to one of the empty rooms nearby and they all headed into it to talk. Just as Spock was about to close the door behind them, a speeding blur that Seth was sure was Kevin zoomed through it.

"Looks like things are the norm," Seth heard from behind him a bare second before a strong pair of arms wrapped themselves around his shoulders. He felt a kiss being placed on his head, and smiled.

"Hi, your highness," he grinned as he half turned to return the kiss.

Harry obliged and they spent the next few minutes lost in the myriad kisses being traded.

"Harry's got a boyfriend! Harry's got a boyfriend!" was suddenly heard from the far side of the room. Seth blushed as he and Harry turned to see who it was - Davy and Drew. The twins had their hands linked and were dancing around in a circle, singing that refrain over and over.

Seth grinned as he thumbed the PA. "Jamie, Jacob... come and retrieve your miniature twin cohorts before I have Ark send them swimming.... at the nearest Pole!"

"Harry's got a boyfriend, Harry's got a... hey!" the blond twins cried out as two strawberry blond ten year olds pounced them. "No fair! You set us up to this, Jacob!" Drew protested as he tried to tickle Jacob.

Jacob giggled. "That don't mean we can't still pounce ya! C'mon; Tommy's got fresh cookies cooling!"

"Yeh!" Davy yelled out before all four terrors ran out, following their noses.

Seth smiled and looked up into Harry's face. His smile faded when he saw Harry's expression, "What is the matter?"

Harry sighed. "I wasn't expecting anyone to see this or find out... I... I'm twenty, you're sixteen... what are people going to say, Seth? We can't break the law... well, I can't especially - I'm third in line to the throne."

Seth nodded. "You forget that we are Vulcan... the laws of Earth don't apply. Besides, I'll bet that if Grandma Lizzy heard you say that, you'd get a royal tongue lashing - no pun intended."

There was a loud slap from behind Harry, and his eyes started to water. "My royal self did hear that! Henry Charles - I have never, not in my wildest dreams, thought I would hear you say something like that: you would dare risk hurting the boy you LOVE and who obviously loves YOU in return with such nonsense??"

Harry rubbed his now sore backside gingerly as he turned his now watering eyes on his furious grandmother, who had walked up behind him quietly. He heard Seth giggle, and knew that his boyfriend had seen her - hence why Seth had said what he had. Harry opened his mouth to reply, but the Queen headed him off quickly. "I don't want to hear it, boy! You take your boyfriend to your heart, you love him, you care for him, and if I EVER hear you doubt your RIGHTS to be happy again, I will have you locked in the Tower! AM I BEING CRYSTAL CLEAR?"

"Yes, Ma'am," Harry replied quietly, his face now flushed.

"Well?" she demanded after holding his gaze for a moment longer.

Harry looked confused.

"KISS HIM, you great fool!" she exclaimed, gesturing at Seth, who was trying not to choke on his laughter.

Harry started at his grandmother's near shout before looking down at Seth. Seth grinned, then puckered up his lips and waited.

"I'm so going to get you back, grandma," Harry sighed as he noticed many of the Clan kids at the doorway to the Rec Room, and they were all laughing at him. He did, however, pick Seth up out of his wheelchair and obey his grandmother's order.

Sniggers and cheers started as the Clan applauded the show, but they scattered quickly when their 'Grandma Lizzie' turned her eyes on them. Teasing the prince was one thing, but it wasn't worth getting a slapped butt over - no sir!

In a far more gentle tone, Elizabeth said, "Harry, you keep putting duty before yourself - that is commendable - but sometimes you need to be selfish. This world has many rules governing age and consent. As you know, in the Empire itself it varies from 14 up to 21. You are a PRINCE of the EMPIRE... just PICK which law applies, then do what is right, if you REALLY feel you must. However, Seth hit the nail on the head; you are both Vulcan citizens... go figure. Now, after having had to slap your royal behind for the first time in six years, I'm feeling tired out. I will be in the Kitchen... don't you DARE make me have to discipline you again today, or I will be most put out!"

She then turned and left them alone in the now empty CIC.

"So," Seth said as he relaxed in Harry's arms, "does that mean what we talked about yesterday don't apply any more?"

Harry started to blush. "You mean..."

"Uh huh," Seth said, his eyes smouldering. "I'm not keen on waiting two years, you know!"

Harry started to get a bit hot under his collar, "Umm..."

"My room is that way," Seth pointed, not taking his eyes off Harry's. He then tapped his comm-badge, "Justy, you busy?"

"Just eating. What's up, Seth?"

"I'm in need of someone to man the station for a while."

"How long a while? If it's an hour I can. If longer, I'll get someone who's less tired."

"Well, that depends," Seth said as Harry started out of Main CIC.

"Depends on?"

"On how much stamina a Prince of the British Empire has!"

There was a pause, then, "... OH... I see! Have fun, you two... "

Seth closed the channel. "Well?" he asked his princely partner.

"Just wait," was all Harry could say in answer as they left CIC altogether and headed towards the apartments.

---

The Queen sat herself down at the counter and grabbed the nearest small body that came within reach, and started to cuddle.

Timmy did not complain in the slightest.

She was smiling as Justy turned off the comm, and muttered to herself, "About time."

Justy just laughed.

"About time for what, Granma?" Timmy asked as he nibbled on another of his cookies.

"Harry and Seth are together finally," she answered subtly.

Timmy grinned, "Cool! Wanna cookie, Granma?"

Obviously, there are more important things to consider when you are six years old and hungry...

---

Joel was like a jumping bean, he was that excited. He was on Trip's lap and looking from face to face, his mind a whirl of thoughts and images, all of which he wanted to allow out. Which to speak of first, though? He watched as his father closed the door, nearly trapping Kevin in it as the brown haired boy sped through just in time.

"Kevvy! Come meet my other grandparents!" he crowed out as he sprang from Trip's lap to slam into his boyfriend's embrace.

"Your mother's parents?" Kevin asked quickly as he eyed the two newcomers and smiled at them.

"Uh huh!" Joel bubbled as he turned around to introduce everyone. Kevin wrapped his arms around his Vulcan boyfriend's waist and rested his chin on Joel's shoulder as Joel pointed, "That's my Granma T'Pol, and that's my Granpa Trip. They were on the NX-01 Enterprise together!"

Kevin received nods from both and a smile from Trip.

"This is my Kevvy... uh, Kevin Thompson. He's my boyfriend!" Joel bubbled as he gripped Kevin's joined hands that were resting against his belly with both his own. "I love him a whole heap!" he added, his face alight with joy.

Kevin blushed.

"I think that is obvious," Trip chuckled as he beckoned them both towards him. Once they were within reaching distance, he pulled them up and onto his lap. "I am very pleased to meet you, Kevin."

"Thank you, sir," Kevin replied politely, still fighting with his blush.

"If you don't want to call me Grandpa, or whatever, at least call me 'Trip'. Never liked being called 'sir', even when I was an admiral," Trip laughed.

"You were always the least formal of us," Amanda laughed as she remembered.

"I believe that your phrasing was 'Don't call me Sir, I work for a living'," Sarek added with a small smile.

Joel and Kevin sniggered as Trip grinned like a teenager, "Yeah, that was it, Sarek."

Joel looked slightly curious at that point, for he was going through some of the memories he had picked up from Spock at their mind-meld earlier. "Granpa?" he asked, looking up into Trip's face. "You and Grandma 'Manda are the same age, right? Same for Uncle Rich?"

Trip smiled and nodded, "I know what you're about to ask, little one. We all went through some genetic modifications when we were younger. Amanda and her brother age about three years for every four, but it worked exceptionally well for me. I age one year for ever three. Physically, I'm in my early forties."

"Oh! Okay," Joel grinned before snuggling into Trip's chest, pulling Kevin in as well.

Trip looked up at Spock and the others, and they saw a tear in his eyes. "Sorry, I cannot wait any longer... what happened? How did Sa'ren survive the Disaster?"

Spock sighed. "I shall explain, although first I must inform you that she who was my wife is in this room. She placed her Katra into our son," he said as he pointed at Joel.

"Wh..what?" Trip choked out.

"Hello, Father," Joel said, although the voice was not his own. He pulled away enough from Trip's hug and turned.

Trip gasped, for Joel's eyes had changed shade slightly, and now matched his daughter's. "T'Sara?" he whispered.

"Yes, I am here, Father; and here I shall remain until I am assured my son has all he needs to recover from his past."

T'Pol moved closer to Trip on the sofa and raised her hand to lay a finger on Joel's face. T'Sara smiled from inside her son, and nodded at what passed silently in that touch. Then Joel's eyes changed back to normal and he grinned at them both, "Mother says she loves you lots and lots, too."

They both smiled at him before turning their attention back to Spock, who began to explain how both Joel and T'Sara survived the Disaster.

---

Cory, Sean and the others were in the Dining Room, and all were nibbling on sandwiches, for Teri had said in no uncertain terms that anyone taking the main dishes before the two Birthday Boys were present would sit in the corner.

Dylan was already in one, so they knew she was not joking.

Admiral Morrow came in at that point, saw where Cory was and moved over to him quickly. "I have something that may be of help regarding Chief Howardson and Commander Evans, Cory. Do you think we could interrupt them?"

Cory glanced over at Bryce, who was quietly sitting on Grandma Teri's lap sipping on chocolate milk.

"It's safe, Uncle Cory; everything's calmed down," Bryce said softly, just loud enough for Cory to hear.

"Thanks, Kiddo," Cory replied with a smile. "We can go in there, Admiral."

Morrow nodded with a smile, glanced over at Dylan, then back at Teri with question.

"He can leave the corner now, IF he promises NOT to pinch another marshmallow," Teri said loudly, looking at the Admiral yet obviously addressing the child who was examining the patterns on the wall.

"Sorry, Grandma; they just feel so funny when I let it sit in my mouth though!" Dylan said as he popped over next to Teri and gave her a quick hug. He then popped over next to Cory. "You're right Uncle Cory... that one about four feet up does look like a teddy bear!"

Morrow raised an eyebrow at Cory, then he smiled at Teri. "You know, that makes me feel so much better," he said to her.

"What does, Admiral?" she asked pleasantly.

Morrow nodded at Cory. "That he's a normal teen and gets into trouble with the best of them. I was under the assumption that he was an angel... I just feel better knowing he's human!" he joked, winking at the now blushing teen.

"Naw; the only angels here are my brother Levi and Uncle Justy!" Dylan giggled.

"I AM NOT AN ANGEL!" Justy yelled from his seat at the far side of the table.

"YES YOU ARE, DADDY!" Liam yelled back with a giggle.

"Yes, you are, Justin," the Doctor added as he sat besides Teri, "and so's Joel."

"Awwwww Maaaannnn....." Justy moaned.

"I agree," Morrow said with a straight face.

"You traitor, Uncle Harrison," Justy muttered.

"Just think, Uncle Admiral; all of us are responsible for keeping the Universes safe!" Dylan added with a giggle.

Morrow shook his head and rolled his eyes. He then grinned at them all, "And you know what? I'll sleep safer in my bed at night because of knowing it! Okay, let's go make Jason Evans' and Gary Howardson's day, Cory."

"Race ya, Uncle Cory!" Dylan giggled as a new pair of trainers appeared on his feet.

Cory giggled, and before the Admiral knew it, the two boys were off like rockets.

Bryce giggled. "You'll win, Uncle Admiral!" he said with a wink.

"Huh?" Morrow started to say, but the next second he was outside a conference room door, and a second later, Dylan and Cory raced around the corner. Both skidded to a stop and gaped at Morrow. "I win?" the stunned Admiral asked, blinking around himself.

"Not fair, Bryce!" Cory yelled with a laugh.

"What?" Bryce yelled back innocently.

"There's a reason you wasn't on the Angel list!" Cory replied with a huge grin. He turned back to Morrow. "Ready, Sir?"

Morrow smiled and nodded, while ruffling Dylan's hair. The boy smiled up at him, gave them both a thumbs up for luck, and popped away. "Interesting family, Cory - You feeling better, by the way?" he asked before they went in.

Cory smiled seriously, "Yes sir, I am. And yes, we're very 'interesting'... thank you for being there for us too, sir."

"Don't mention it, son," the Admiral pulled the teen in for a brief hug. "Even if I wasn't trained for it, I would have been there anyway."

Cory grinned before opening the door to the conference room.

They immediately slammed into a completely different atmosphere than the one they had left - this one broke Cory's heart, for Jason, Nathan and Victoria were in tears; Riti was curled up on the sofa and had his wings hiding the rest of him from view; Oliver and Jessica were sobbing and pleading with Jason; and Gary Howardson was ashen faced and shaking.

"Daddy, please!" Oliver was sobbing as he shook Jason's hand. "You're my daddy too! I don't wanna leave you! Don't make me!"

"You're his son, Ollie - I don't want you to go either, but you're his son. He's a good man, he's missed you so long, and he'd never hurt you. There's nothing I can do to keep you with me - you SHOULD be with him," Jason cried.

"We're adults!" Jessica shouted at him, tears streaming from her own eyes as she stamped her foot. "We're VSO! Ollie is of the BLACK! WE CAN CHOOSE! We want ALL our daddies! Daddy, and you and Poppa! WE WANT ALL OF YOU!"

Cory thought for a split second before sending out a wave of calmness which flooded the room. The N-Gens started and looked at him quickly, while the two crying kids ran over and slammed into his stomach and sobbed their hearts out. Gary's face took on slightly more colour, and he said to Admiral Morrow, "I... I lost control of all this... I'm the adult, yet... Sir, I don't know... I resign from Star Fleet, sir. I will go to Wales to be with them and so they can stay with these two whom they obviously love as well... I have to... leave the fleet..." he finished sickly, for he loved Starfleet deeply.

"No, Dad!" Oliver cried as he twisted about in Cory's arms and looked at him, "You can't do that! Oh, I don't know what to do, Uncle Cory! I wanna be with all my dads! It's not FAIR... it's not fair..." he finished with a broken hearted sob.

"Stop," Cory said; the edge of command in his voice causing everyone to take heed. "Admiral Morrow has an idea. You will all listen to him," he ordered, and as Jason opened his mouth to say something, Cory raised a finger. "I am in charge, little brother. As your Patriarch, I am telling you to be quiet and listen to the Admiral."

Jason blinked, then nodded.

Morrow moved over to the nearest empty seat and sat down. "I was expecting something like this. I have become aware of the attachments those in Vulcan Clans make with their new parents, even if they are so much younger than their blood ones. I was expecting this. Chief Petty Officer Howardson - Front and Centre!" he barked.

Gary lept to his feet and saluted. "Sir!"

"Your record is above reproach, yet you are a non-com, and cannot therefore request transfers as easily. You are sent to your postings by various others. This cannot be, and since your record is 'gold', and your training and experience of a level I rarely see in those of your rank, I hereby raise you to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade, with all the rights and privileges that go with it."

"B...but sir, that... that can't be done..." Gary spluttered in shock, forgetting he was at attention.

Cory's face was stone cold serious as he interrupted the Admiral's response. "Lieutenant Howardson. You have been promoted by the Admiral commanding all of Starfleet in the presence of a member of the Vulcan High Council. I now ratify the promotion and I dare anyone to try to say otherwise. You have not seen me angry... yet."

Jason half smiled as he wiped the tears from his eyes, and looked at the freshly minted lieutenant, "I'd listen to 'im, if I were you."

Gary swallowed and looked at the seated Admiral again, "I... I accept, and gladly."

Morrow nodded, and looked briefly at the slightly calmer Cory who was still comforting the two crying children. "Good. Second: Division Commander Evans, I believe the VSO have never had a division based on Earth before the Dragon was formed, correct?"

"Correct," Jason replied formally.

"Then it would be proper for Starfleet to have a liaison on permanent attachment to your division. Do you agree with me that Lieutenant Howardson could discharge the duties of 'Fleet Liaison' to the best of his ability?"

Jason began to truly smile, "I do, Admiral. I concur with your assessment, and would welcome the Lieutenant should he accept the posting."

"Well, Lieutenant?" Morrow asked as he turned back to face the now completely stunned Gary.

Gary saw that Cory was likely about to accept FOR him, and so nodded his head quickly. "I accept. Thank you; both of you," he answered, gratitude clearly heard in his voice.

"Does this mean we can keep all our Dads?" Oliver whimpered as he stared up into Cory's deep blue eyes.

"Do you think I'd allow anything less?" Cory asked softly. "I'm your Uncle Cory; you know, the one who can do miracles?"

Oliver started to giggle, and was soon joined by Jessica. The little girl said, "I don't care if Liam can't see 'em - you have wings too, Unca Cory!"

Oliver stage whispered then, "Just don't ask what colour she thinks they are... you might be gay like me, but I'm sure pink wings would clash with your hair!"

The two kids really started to giggle when a purple halo and purple wings appeared on Cory. Cory looked over his shoulder and laughed. "Point taken, Dylan; now get your anti-energy butt in here since you seem to be snooping anyway!"

Dylan appeared and quickly went over to climb inside the still closed wings around Riti, saying as he went, "Thank you! I have to help Uncle Reetee!"

Victoria quickly glanced at her boyfriend and grew pale. "Oh... sorry, Reet!" she murmured as she helped the little Mikyvis open a way through the Lo'Garn's wings.

His wide, tearful, owl-like eyes blinked at them as they managed their task and he quaked, "It over? Can you stop dumping the stuff in my head now?" His eyes, Cory noticed, were once again glowing blue.

Cory caught Nathan's attention, "Have you worked out yet why he does that?"

Nathan shrugged, "Not really, although he is mostly linked with Viccy. She found that he can act as a 'support' system for her. What else he can do, we dunno yet."

Morrow and Gary just blinked in shock at all this. Gary then looked back at Cory, and started to laugh, for the Patriarch's purple wings were now flapping behind his back.

Cory looked to see what was so funny, then rolled his eyes. "Okay, Nephew; I think you made your point already!" he giggled.

"Aww, okay then... I'll make them go away," Dylan giggled.

Only thing was, when the wings vanished, so did Cory.

"Where did you send him?" Nathan asked with a wicked smile.

Dylan giggled into his hands as he managed to splutter, "Back into the Dining Room... oh, did he mean for me to take the wings OFF him?" he asked cheekily as roars of laughter came from beyond the closed door.

"DYLAN!!!! YOU ARE SOOOOO DEAD!!!" Cory yelled loud enough to be heard throughout CIC.

---

Meanwhile:

"So," Trip said softly as he had one hand around Kevin in his lap and the other in a death grip with T'Pol, "the escape pod fell through one of the rifts and ended up in another Universe?" He had been sitting thus through the bare-bones explanation of the hell Joel had been through, then more so when the 'how' had been explained to them.

"So it would seem," Spock answered as he held his son in his arms. "All the rifts we found were unstable, so it was a result we had never thought of."

T'Pol bowed her head, "How did they survive? I went over all the data that was collected personally, and none of the rifts formed could have sent any escape pod a light-year, even if they had not been unstable. How did the one my daughter and grandson passed through manage it?"

"'Cos of me, Granma," Joel whispered as he raised his face up from the crook of his father's neck.

"What do you mean, Sa'ren?" she asked.

"Mother said that she'd seen the rifts tear other pods apart, then she saw we were heading for one of them. She said she whispered, 'I hope we make it'. We did, 'cos of me," Joel answered softly.

Trip's brow furrowed, "I don't understand."

Joel sighed. "I'm the Blade and Scion of Surak, the Doctor says. And I'm also the one who would find and remake Sa'ren. The prophecy means that the two involved are really the same person. I'm the one to seek it and be it. Therefore, I'm..."

"Ish-Khaui t'Yon-kur Mazhiv?" T'Pol whispered. "The one who shall make what is to be anew?"

"Yeah. The Doctor calls me the Shaper. He says that I make things happen, or that when people say things, I can make it happen. When Mother said that, I made a rift, or allowed one to be made, or something," Joel explained.

Trip shook his head in wonder, then sighed again. "And so, that answers why you ended up in another Universe. Then what happened, Spock?"

"There is little else to explain, father. T'Sara was fatally injured in the landing, although my son was unharmed. She implanted the prototype Bio-Chip into his neck once she had ascertained what the world they were on was like, and left him in the doorway of what she believed was an orphanage. She had forged a human Birth Certificate for him, and then melded with him to leave her Katra behind. She then activated the Chip, and beamed back to the pod using the emergency transporter. The distance was so great that the connection between her body and Katra failed. As soon as her body died, the settings she had on the escape pod started a destruct code. She did not wish to leave anything that could interfere with the natural development of the version of Earth she had landed on." Spock rubbed his free hand up and down Joel's back as he continued, "Little did she know what type of world it truly was, however."

"It's okay," Joel whispered as he felt his father become upset. "I'm safe now, Daddy. Don't be upset, please?"

Spock smiled at his boy, "You are a treasure, my son. You think little of yourself, yet always have time for others. I love you, Sa'ren."

Joel grinned happily. "And I love you too, Daddy!" he crowed before pecking kisses all over his father's face. Then he asked, "Can you teach me that stuff you said you would? About how to use the melding knowledge I learnt from your head?"

Spock nodded and moved Joel about in his lap so that they were both comfortable. He raised Joel's hand and said, "Place them on my face - you know where. Then I shall meld with you, and together we shall practice."

Kevin watched curiously as they began this, but in reality there was little to see. It was all in their minds, after all.

"So, you're my grandson's boyfriend?" Trip asked the boy on his lap, poking him lightly in his stomach.

Kevin giggled and blushed. "Yessir, I am," he smiled.

"My grandson has good taste," Trip grinned at the boy, "You are a little stud-muffin."

Kevin's face went so red Trip thought he would have a stroke.

"Trip," Amanda said in mock warning, "leave the child alone."

"Thanks, Grandmother Amanda," Kevin managed to say.

"You are welcome," she smiled at him. Then she winked, "Although, my old friend is correct - you are one stunning looking child. I am most impressed with my grandson's good taste!"

"GRANDMA!" Kevin wailed as he hid his face in his hands.

"If my wife and friend have finished," Sarek stated firmly, taking pity on the blushing eleven year old, "then I require a moment to talk to Kevin."

Kevin looked up and over at his grandfather.

"Come here, Kevin," Sarek opened his arms towards him.

Kevin quickly did so and was hoisted up and onto the Patriarch's lap. "What do you need to talk about, Grandfather?" he asked politely, still fighting with his blush.

"I would like to meld with you, if you are willing," Sarek asked.

Kevin's face grew curious. "Well... sure, if you want to. But why?"

Sarek nearly smiled, "It is for a good reason, grandson."

Kevin shrugged and nodded. "Okay. You can meld with me, Grandfather."

As the old Vulcan did so with the boy, T'Pol looked at her husband and winked. Trip laughed in return and stood to his feet. "Who are that boy's parents? I believe they should be here for this."

"Allen Thompson is his only caregiver," Amanda said, "and his 'Poppa'. However, you will need to ask Patriarch Cory to come here too."

"Thank you, I shall..." Trip began to say, but was cut off.

"DYLAN!!!! YOU ARE SOOOOO DEAD!!!" came echoing through the walls.

"That is the Cory you need to collect," Amanda said with a laugh.

"Oh boy," Trip chuckled as he left the room.

---

Cory was not amused. Everyone else was, however. Even Sammy had fallen off his chair and was rolling on the floor laughing at the purple winged fourteen year old.

"You know what?" Sean said as he wiped the tears of mirth from his eyes, "I think I love you even more now, hon!"

"He is certainly adorable this way," Sammy had to add, while still laughing hysterically.

Juan stage whispered to Koth, making sure he was loud enough to be heard by Cory, "So he is a fairy! I thought so!"

Cory rolled his eyes. "Dylan, if I get my hands on you, I'm gonna seriously test Miah's theory about the longevity of a Mikyvis! Just wait, you guys, I'm sure he'll get you too! Oh, and Juan? You're going swimming later for that!"

"Nah - you look best in 'em, Cor," Sammy giggled, "and I'll love to see how you catch Juan!"

Cory grinned, "Oh, that's easy... I'll bribe a telekinetic to help me!"

"You ain't got the balls to do that!" Juan retorted, the grin on his face telling his brothers he was playing... at least they hoped he was.

"I disagree," Sean put in with a giggle.

"Uh..." came a voice from the door. Everyone looked over at the middle aged stranger that was standing in the doorway from Main CIC. Adam Casey stood slowly, his hand on his holstered gun, but Teri looked at him and smiled. Adam nodded seriously and sat again.

The man was looking at Cory's back, his face a mask of complete bemusement. "I didn't know there were purple-winged Lo'Garn... ah, anyway; which of you fine lads is Cory Short?"

Before anyone could answer, one of the wings on Cory's back started waving madly.

This, of course, made the room burst out laughing yet again.

"Oh!" the man said, beginning to laugh himself. "So, you're not a weird, Queen-Lo'Garn... okay! You're Cory?"

"I thought Tyler was the only queen besides Granma Lizzie here," Sammy giggled, and Tyler slapped him. "Hey! Just kiddin', Ty!"

"Yes, would you be interested in a Mikyvis....cheap?" Cory replied without paying attention to who he was talking to. "DYLAN! Just wait until I catch your scrawny butt!!!"

The man answered through his chuckles as he walked up to stand nearer to Cory, "Don't know what 'Mikyvis' are, but if they are anything like my grandson, I'll take a dozen. Anyway, there is something happening in the room with us, and I think we're about to need my grandson's big brother, who is also Kevin's Family Patriarch."

"If anyone finds that purple-haired pain in the butt, strangle him while you're holding him for me," Cory yelled as he turned to face his visitor. "Oh SHIT; you're Admiral Trip Tucker!!" he yelled, his eyes wide in shock.

"At your service - and please, either just Trip or uncle or something. I worked for a living," Trip laughed.

"Who?" Logan asked curiously.

Trip laughed, "Bit before your time, my boy. I AM over 80 years old, after all."

Cory was in full hero worship mode and stammered, "Logan, Trip Tucker was the first human Chief Engineer of the first human Starship! The NX-01 Enterprise!"

"Fantastic ship," Trip said softly, his eyes going distant. He then smiled again, "Can I kidnap you for a while, my boy? We really do need you, unless I'm off in my guess."

"Sure, sir," Cory smiled, his wings completely forgotten. "No pro... wait! You're JOEL'S grandfather???"

Trip laughed again as he guided the stunned teen from the room, asking as he went, "And where would we find Allen Thompson? Kitchen?"

As they left through one door, Jason entered through the other with his children, partner and sister. Admiral Morrow and the new Lieutenant, Gary, sat near to Teri while Jason pulled the giggling Dylan out from behind him. "Is it safe for this targeted kid to come out now?" Jason giggled.

Sean giggled, "As long as Cory's in hero worship mode, I think he's temporarily safe."

Dylan sniggered and went to sit near to the Doctor, while Oliver and Jessica climbed up onto Gary's lap quickly. Nathan and Jason found a place next to Sammy, and he looked over at the two kids on the other man's lap, then back at Jason and Nathan. He saw that their eyes were red, yet there were peaceful smiles on their faces.

Sammy let his love and concern go out and wrap around them both like a blanket, and it asked without asking if the other boy was okay.

They both smiled and nodded, and Jason said, "Yeah, I'm okay now, SamSam. That's Ollie and Jess' real Dad. It's okay, though," he added quickly as Sammy's face paled, "Gary is coming over to a new post with us in Wales, so we're all their Dads."

"I'm so glad, Jace, for all of you," he said, looking first at Jason and then Nathan before turning to the rugrats on what was apparently their father's lap.

Nathan added, "It was hard at first, though - but Admiral Morrow must have guessed or something. He came to the rescue."

Sammy was puzzled at that. "I didn't feel anything," he murmured.

"No," Victoria said from over next to Jory, "I was blocking. I had to have Riti support me to stop the shitty feelings hurting everyone in the place. There's just too many strong Empaths here for me to block alone. I didn't think it was a good idea to spoil Jude and Joel's big day with that stuff."

Bryce nodded his head, "You got most of it, I caught the rest. If I hadn't, poor Riti woulda lost it."

"Diolch," Riti murmured from Jory's other side, showing off his new mastery of languages.

Jory, his face a picture at being seated between a naked bird boy and his equally naked girlfriend, managed a weak, "Huh?"

"Means 'thank you'," Victoria sniggered quietly as she saw Jory try and look anywhere but at her.

"Yeah, that was a good idea, Vic. I probably would have freaked if I had felt Jason when he learned about it and the others sure didn't need to feel that type of thing," Sammy said, thinking it out. He then added, "Thanks too, Bryce: Viccy's right; it would have hurt a lot of the kids here."

"Why're you naked?" Jory asked, staring at the cheese sandwich on the plate before him and doing his best to not look at either Riti or Victoria.

"Me, 'cos I'm from a world where my race don't wear much, if anything," Riti said as he started on some peanuts in the bowl before him. "Vic, 'cos our little boy logically assumed that since Dad was 'nakie', then Mommy had to be as well..."

"S'right!" crowed out the equally naked Asher as he was floated over the table towards his parents and Jory. Eli was giggling, and soon he was joined by the others, for one of the Mikyvis had put a pair of 'wings' on the small boy as he was 'flapping' his way over. He landed lightly on Jory's lap, promptly kissed the stunned boy's cheek sloppily, then snuggled in contentedly... and fell asleep a moment later.

The gang continued to pick at their food while chatting between each other, still waiting for Joel to make his appearance. Jude, meanwhile, had been called over by Adam and Logan, and had been presented with the Unit's gift to him. "Wow!" he breathed out as he opened the box Chang pushed over towards him. Inside was a full Unit uniform. "Thanks, guys! This... this is wonderful!"

Adam smiled, "You deserve it. I heard about what you and the rest did last night. Only the brave get the right to that uniform. We're Clan, now; and that makes you 'Unit'."

Jude just grinned widely before hugging each of them quickly. He then grabbed the uniform up quickly and pelted from the room to change.

The Doctor raised his mug of hot chocolate and saluted Adam. "That was well done, Adam. He loved reading about you in the Universe he came from - that just made his day," he said.

Adam's face hardened, and Logan winced. Logan turned to the Doctor and said, "Don't mention other Universes and those stories."

The Doctor tilted his head slightly, then smiled softly. "Adam," he said, as he surrounded himself, Adam and Logan in a bubble of silence so that they could speak privately. "What happens in one place, echoes through eternity. They are not writing your story - YOU do that. They are given the dream, they write it, and your story remains for all time. Even if the enemy wins HERE, you will ALWAYS be remembered. My story is written. And we have stories here about things happening in other 'places'. They are not sick - they are maintaining the fabric of reality. What came first: the word, or the thought behind the word?"

Adam thought about that for a second, then his face registered confusion. "Oh, well," he said eventually. "I pity this 'Roland' dude, then. Having JUAN in his head, and all..." He grinned then, and winked at the Doctor. "I'll have to talk to you later about this, 'cos you just confused the fuck out of me, but... okay, I'll let it slide for now."

The Doctor smiled and allowed the noise from the room to flood back into their awareness. They watched quietly for a while, and then grinned happily as Jude came back in, modelling his new uniform. He then ran off to find Billy Joe.

Adam then had another thought. He nudged Logan and pointed at the ginger haired boy and said, "This is 'Who' I wanted you to meet, love."

Logan faced the Doctor curiously. "Hello," he said. Then he asked Adam softly, "Uh... why?"

The Doctor sniggered and, still holding his mug in one hand, pressed the button on his 'watch' with the other. Logan's mouth dropped open as the Tardis thrummed into existence in the corner of the room, then vanished again. "Guess 'Who'!" the Doctor giggled with a wink.

"NO WAY!" came a cry from Logan and all his cloned-brothers simultaneously.

"Uncle Galli, you're silly!" Liam giggled from his perch on Allie.

"It's just like the show, Logan, way bigger inside than out - only this one talks," Sammy said, grinning at his shocked friend.

From the Doctor's 'watch' came {Yes I talk. Pleased to meet you, Logan.}

"Uhhh.... same to you... Tardis..." Logan managed, his eyes wide as saucers.

"Yes, he tal... AAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!" the Doctor screamed as a shimmering echo burst through the room, causing everyone to shiver violently. The reason for the yell became apparent to those nearest the Doctor, for his very hot chocolate was now all over his lap.

Kyle blinked and the Doctor's now boiling shorts vanished, leaving him hopping about half naked on his chair, upon which he had managed to jump, tears streaming from his eyes. He then Folded away.

"What the fuck was that?" Juan yelled as he jumped to his feet, guns appearing in his hands quickly. He was joined just as quickly by the rest of the Unit and Sammy's brothers. Sammy and Jason also jumped to their feet, but they did not have their weapons drawn - they knew already what that shimmer meant, having been in the one that had saved Cory's life. Even so it didn't stop the worried looks on both their faces though.

Levi, while rubbing his head painfully, stuttered nervously, "Uncle Joel's changed something big again..."

Mikey appeared in the room and immediately started gathering Mikyvis under his wings. "I REALLY wish Cory would stop that; even Ifelt that one!!!"

"So what happened?" Teri asked as she looked around at the shocked and even frightened faces she could see in the group in the room.

Mikey sighed and said, "Wait for the Doc, Mom."

They didn't have to wait long, for he soon Folded back in. The Doctor looked at the Mikyvis gathered under Mikey's wings and said as he moved to join them, "Kyle! Ty! You are on Joel watch. Levi? Bryce? You two are on Kevin watch. Dylan? You are on Standby! I don't want SHIT to happen to either of them!"

"What happened?" Levi asked fearfully as Mikey pulled the ginger Time Lord into his hug.

"Cory's trying to declare war on everything!" the Doctor spluttered, taking a clean pair of shorts that Tyler just created for him and slipped them on.

Sammy's yelled, "WHAT? Why?!"

"'Cos if anyone hurts Joel, Cory has promised to fuck over all creation," the Doctor exclaimed, "and the power of Ki'Melai made it DESTINY!!"

"Joel has made it possible for Cory to destroy the UNIVERSE?!" Justy spluttered in complete shock.

"COOL!!!!! Is he gonna invite us to the party?" Juan broke in, his face alight in a feral grin.

"Not cool with Joel involved, Juan: not cool at all!" Sammy said, looking even more worriedly at Jason now.

"Okay, Sammy, okay... we can skip the 'Joel getting hurt' part and go directly to the 'destroying the universe' bit... that sounds fun!" Jory added. He then mused to himself, "I'm going to need a shit-load more C-4, ain't I?"

"It's not funny, guys. It's serious - dead serious," Sammy said, looking at the two boys from the Unit.

Juan looked confused for a second as he looked from Jory to Sammy to Adam, and then back to Sammy. "Why not? Personally, I think the ending of the Universe could be really funny."

"I don't, because we're not talking about a joke, here, but the real thing. It could end for real. Joel getting hurt is NOT an option, if it ever was!" Sammy said in no uncertain terms as he stared at the younger boy, his eyes flashing.

Juan started to look confused, and also started to get a bit annoyed. "Why? Don't get me wrong, I don't want him to get hurt any more, but what makes him so special?"

Sammy looked at Juan for a long moment before saying "Because of everything Joel's been through, is why. He's been through more than you can imagine, and Cory I guess just said he wasn't to be hurt any more or Cory'd end everything."

"Okay... Well... Since I don't know what Joel's been through, I can't really say anything to that, but what makes what he's been through so much worse then what all of us have been through?" Juan motioned to include everyone in the room before he went on, "It doesn't make sense that Cory would do that for one, and not everyone else. What happened to the whole 'bad things have to happen so good things can'?"

"Juan," Sammy started, "his story isn't mine to tell, but I will say this: To say he's been through hell and I do mean REAL hell, is not even beginning to describe it. You had it easy, and so did I, and most everyone here, compared to what he lived in. You don't get it, though; it's not that Cory just swore to protect Joel - it's JOEL that made it different. Cor promises to protect everyone, but not everyone is Joel. The 'bad things happen' thing, well he's had his lifetimes' fill of them, and let's leave it at that."

"I HAD IT EASY?!?!?! You don't even know any of what I've been through! There are a shit load of us that had our 'lifetimes full of bad things' happen!" Juan may have been close to loosing it, but everyone that knew him knew he was keeping his cool... just - His eyes were still black.

Sammy's eyes blazed for a moment as he took a step towards Juan, then they died softly to his normal deep brown as he looked at Juan sadly. "Did you ever KNOW, and I mean deep down with every single part of your being KNOW, that there was no way out from your hell? Did you know that you would be tortured, hurt, unloved, and miserable until you finally died? Did you know that for every moment, every day, every second of your life; waking or asleep? Cause I'll tell you one thing I've found, no matter what had happened every single kid who has told me anything has said that they could always hope that someday it would change. That someday those good things you talked about might happen or even could happen. Joel KNEW it never could. Joel DIDN'T EVER have ANY hope at all. EVER, Juan. Nothing, can you or anyone else say that?"

Juan's eyes dropped to the floor as he held back the tears. He turned to leave the room, one word softly following him... "Yes."

Koth got up to follow him, but then found he could not move. Nor could Juan, who looked up in anguish at what was stopping him.

"TIME SPEAKES!"

It was the Doctor. The ten-year-old-seeming Time Lord was standing an inch from him and his eyes... his eyes blazed with the age of the very stars.

"There are only a handful in creation that have lived without hope. I am saddened to say that I now know two of them," the ageless boy stated firmly, his voice ringing throughout the room and echoing down Time. He gathered Juan to him and held him tight against his chest, and, after a moment, Juan's arms came up to hug the Doctor in return. The Doctor continued to speak, and his words echoed with an Authority that not even Mikey had ever dared use, "I never wish to hear such an argument again. All have suffered hell - each in his own way. El'Runi'm never lays a burden on a shoulder that cannot take it. Each has suffered only so much that they could bear - but in some cases, the pain and loneliness is so much that it almost feels beyond breaking point. Such a pair are Juan and Joel. In Juan's case, the pain caused a wound. That wound needs to be healed. In Joel's, it purified him... but weakened him. Juan will not be whole until he is healed and until he learns to lean on his Support, Koth. Joel will never be whole without his Strength, without Kevin. Let me ever hear a pissing match like this again, even one unintended and born out of love, and I shall Call 'The Endings' - that I swear. You are ALL brothers. SUPPORT one another."

He then raised Juan's face and looked into his hurting eyes, "I shall answer your question, Little Heart - You asked why Cory would do something for one and not the other? He would not. All are equal. He would say as much for you if you were to tell him all that I know you have been through. But the difference in this case is that while Cory would swear to destroy the Universe to avenge you, he could not be empowered to accomplish that vow. You are not Ki'Melai, the Shaper. Joel is. He does not control his gift, but it acted when Cory made his vow of vengeance. If Joel suffers again at the hands of another, deliberately and with malice on their part, then Cory is empowered to bring the Ending. We, the High Races, do not know HOW that would happen, but it would... or could. Destiny is a mystery, Juan. Its power beyond what we can understand, never mind you, child of Earth. And the Shaper wields it. He is 'His' Shaper... he wields the power over Destiny that only El'Runi'm has until now."

The Doctor then walked the subdued boy back towards Sammy, and the Time Lord looked into Sammy's brown eyes, "You love Joel, and that is good. Don't stop, but don't think that he is the only one to have been through what he did. Don't protect him more than the others. Joel would not want that. He is an embodiment of Love that thinks of all others before himself. Honour that. Here," he smiled, passing the shaking Juan over and into Sammy's arms. "Love your brother, Heart of Gold."

Sammy, his eyes streaming tears of regret at unintentionally hurting Juan, wrapped his arms around the smaller boy. "I'm so sorry, Juan. I shouldn't have said that... I'm so sorry... I didn't know...." He then hugged the boy even tighter, and said raggedly through his tears, "I would never hurt you, Juan, please believe that, please. I... Juan, I love you so much." A bright blue glow infused the room as everyone there could feel him sending out the love he held for the younger boy to him. He wrapped the hurting child in that love and tried to show, in more than words ever could, just how important Juan was to him.

Juan still couldn't raise his eyes off the floor; he refused to let anyone see him cry if he could help it. He knew that Sammy hadn't meant to hurt him, but... but Juan had let slip something about himself he had hoped to hide from everyone. He could tell that even Adam had been shocked to hear what Juan had said. He would deal with that later, because the pure love that was wrapped around him right now, sent to him by Sammy, was making it even harder to keep control. He needed to leave. "I.. I know Sammy," he said barely above a whisper. "I know you didn't mean to hurt me. I know you love me... but... but I gotta go." His voice cracked as he felt his control slipping. "Please... please let me go."

"Juan..." Sammy whispered

The Doctor touched Sammy's cheek, "I'll take it from here, Sammy." Then he sent to Sammy's mind through his touch, 'He needs his pride.'

The Doctor then gathered Juan under one arm and held out his hand for Koth. Once the Klingon had taken it, all three Folded away.

A second later, the Doctor returned and smiled, "They'll be back in shortly." He then gestured to Sammy as he sat down.

The noise in the room began to pick back up as Sammy walked over and sat down next to the small ginger Time Lord. He took the Doctor's hand and sent, 'Why'd he leave? What have I done?'

'Juan has very few things he treasures, apart from his weapons. His family, his new-found hope... and his pride. His pride was one of the few things he ever had that was truly his own. He doesn't like others to see him cry. Maybe he'll learn about the strength he can get by opening up that way, but each of us learns that at our own pace. It took me three millennia, so Juan has time,' the Doctor responded.

'But...I hurt him, John. I hurt someone I care about a lot and I didn't mean too. You think it was a pissing contest, that I put Joel above him but I didn't mean it that way. I was only trying to get him to see what I could without telling him anything of Joel as it's not my place. I...they said Joel was unique in that only he never had hope or any dream of getting out. I didn't know,' Sammy said tears still falling. 'I didn't know.'

'Until Juan said it, neither did I. When he said it, knowledge filled my mind, Sammy. Things are dark for me here right now, so I was unaware he was that much like Joel. I know you did not mean it, and so does he, I promise you. It came out like a pissing contest, but it was not done out of malice. No one here thinks that. Don't second guess yourself, please. You had the best intentions. Our Unit brothers don't really know much about the Shaper. To be fair, neither do you; but you know a lot more than they do - enough to be rightfully afraid about what can happen. But here is something to lay those fears to rest somewhat - Joel is 'God's Shaper', to use the Human terms. HE is in control... so, the question is - who do you trust?' the Doctor smiled as he kissed Sammy's cheek.

'I'll try, John, I just...it frightens me that I did that even without meaning to. Thank you for being here and I do trust Joel with everything in me, and Him too' he sent back.

The Doctor grinned and kissed Sammy's nose. He then said aloud, "You have a big surprise coming, shortly. Get ready to have a grin on your face, kiddo... oh, and eat a lot of fruit... you're going to need the energy!"

"Huh?" Sammy asked curiously.

"Wait and see..." the Doctor giggled.

Levi's giggles at Sammy's expression did not help any. "You'll like it, Sammy; my Friend says so!"

Sammy just shook his head and smiled as he said, "I suppose it won't do any good to give you my famous puppy dog eyes, will it?"

"Oh, sometimes... just not this time... you're going to have a purrrfect day..." then he Folded away; laughing.

"I give up, all these great new powers and I can't find out anything; wonder if finding the Christmas presents will be any easier this year," Sammy said giggling.

Vishnu looked over at him from his plate of raw beef, and blushed slightly.

Sammy didn't notice...

---

Meanwhile, a howling Trip had returned to the room leading a laughing Allen and a still Purple-Winged and Halo-topped and completely disgusted Cory.

"What in..." Amanda started to say before laughing softly at the face Cory was pulling at her.

"Have you seen that soon-to-be-dead-Mikyvis, Dylan?" he asked, looking around the room.

Trip, meanwhile, was still choking on his laughter.

"No, we have not," T'Pol stated calmly, as if seeing purple-winged teenagers was a daily happening. "Although I do not believe I have had the pleasure, but in any case, I have seen no other since we came into this room."

Sarek chose that moment to break the meld with Kevin, then he blinked at Cory.

Kevin fell off Sarek's lap, clutching at his ribs as he laughed.

Before Cory could say anything, Spock finished his joint meld with his son and just stared at Cory.

"Wow! You look so pretty!" Joel exclaimed in awe as he ran over to climb into his brother's arms and smiled happily at him. "Oh, wow! So pretty!"

Cory smiled as he snuggled Joel. "I'm glad you like them - but Dylan is STILL in for it!"

Dylan then appeared in the room and giggled, "I just wanted EVERYONE to see the pretty wings, Uncle Cory!" He waved his hand and the wings vanished, then so did he as Cory started his way.

"CHICKEN!" Cory yelled.

"Well," Trip said as his laughter subsided, "I've never heard of a chicken-skinned rug, have you?"

"There is always a first time...." Cory grumbled as he resumed his Joel-cuddles.

Sarek smiled at the two brothers as they hugged in the middle of the room, then said quietly, "Cory; I need to meld with my little grandson for a moment. May I interrupt your bonding for the amount of time I need to accomplish that?"

"Of course, Grandfather," Cory replied with a smile. "I need to see if Kev has been paying attention in the cuddling lessons Joel has been giving him anyways."

Joel giggled as Cory kissed him, walked across the room and gently lowered him onto his grandfather's lap.

Kevin was already standing there, still giggling slightly, with his arms raised up in a classic 'Timmy-pose' waiting for HIS turn at Cory-snuggles.

Sarek smiled again as the one he considered to be the best Patriarch he had ever met started to bond with another of his family before he looked Joel in the eye. He raised his hand and started to meld with Joel.

"What is happening?" Allen asked curiously as he walked over to ruffle Kevin's hair.

"Dunno, Poppa," Kevin answered honestly as he enjoyed the back rubs he was getting while being hugged by Cory. "Grandfather just said he needed to meld. Dunno why."

They all made themselves comfortable as they waited for Sarek to finish. It did not take long.

The reaction FROM Sarek, however, was not expected at all. Joel was placed gently into Amanda's lap as the pale faced Patriarch rose to his feet. He looked at Cory and said, "I will have this repaired."

Before Cory could ask what was needing to BE repaired, Sarek picked up the coffee table and destroyed the door with it.

"Don't worry about it; Dylan is on repair duty... he just doesn't know it yet," Cory stated with understanding.

As Sarek turned back to face the room, Joel quailed back in Amanda's arms for an instant. Then, he leapt off Amanda's lap and slammed into Sarek's waist. "You scared me, Grandpa," he trembled.

"I am sorry, Sa'ren. What you suffered..." the now very old seeming Vulcan whispered out as he lifted his grandson up and almost crushed him to his chest.

Cory waited a few moments before coughing lightly. "Why was I asked to be here, Grandfather?" he asked as he watched Joel be lowered back to his feet.

"I am just as curious," Allen also stated diffidently, for witnessing a mildly irritated Vulcan vent was never something he took easily.

Sarek nodded at them as he watched Joel slip onto Cory's lap to snuggle with Kevin. "I have just been through both boys' histories, and I have determined that they have already faced and passed what kahs-wan tests for. They have both faced what they feared was their death, and yet have survived. They have both gone further than most Vulcans would. If they ask it, I and Patriarch Cory shall review all that I have gathered from them both to determine if they should be joined as life-partners or not."

Kevin and Joel stared first at Sarek, then at each other. Slow grins started on both their faces. As one, they each looked to their own father. Spock nodded at Joel, just as Allen smiled at Kevin.

"Yes, please!" they both chorused, their faces alight with large smiles as they slipped from Cory's lap to begin bouncing around in a circle, their hands linked. "Please!"

'I need a Mikyvis on standby in my head... NOW...' Cory sent out as he nodded his head in agreement.

'I've got ya covered, Uncle Cory,' Dylan's voice replied seriously. 'Viccy, Poppa and the other Empaths are getting ready to help too,'he added after a second, followed by an almost whispered, 'We love you, Uncle.'

Sarek gently helped the now serious yet pale faced Cory stand. "This shall not be pleasant, my beloved grandson. However, I shall be with you every step of the way. We shall take our time, and I shall do all I am able to assist you."

"And I shall make myself available to you as well, my son," Spock added as he moved to hug Cory from behind.

"That is well done, Spock," Sarek stated. "Please maintain a hold on our Cory while he sees this."

As Sarek raised his hand to start the meld, Cory felt both his hands taken. He knew without looking that Joel was now on one side and Kevin on the other. He focused his thoughts briefly on them both, and felt his love raise up - if they could LIVE through what he was about to see, then he WOULD witness it. They deserved THAT much.

'God, please help me,' he prayed quickly as he felt Sarek's finger find those points on his face and forehead.

His answer was what he could swear was a breeze that seemed to ruffle his hair for the smallest of moments, then he felt Sarek's loving presence fill his mind...

---

When he again saw the room he was in, Cory looked down at the two small boys still at his side. They still held his hands tightly, and Spock was still holding him firmly.

Cory slipped to his knees and, sobbing, pulled both waifs into a crushing grip.

Joel nuzzled his face against Cory's as he felt hot tears drip onto his neck, "Don't cry, Blondie. Please don't cry."

Cory pulled his face back, and with more conviction than anyone had ever heard in his voice stated, "If anyone ever tries to hurt you even a tenth of what either of you went through, I swear that I will destroy the Universe to avenge you if that is what it takes."

Joel's eyes widened as a shimmering echo came, making him tremble. He saw that everyone else also felt something, and he knew that he had done something again. "Ummm..." he whispered fearfully.

"What was that?" Trip asked.

The Doctor Folded suddenly into the room, bottomless and holding his privates tenderly. "Okay, who the hell promised something and made the Shaper make me spill hot chocolate on my nuts?!" he said painfully as his eyes watered. "I'm just glad Kyle made my shorts vanish that fast!"

Kevin looked at the poor Doctor, then said seriously, "Cory's just seen me and Sa'r's experiences, Doc. He was a bit... upset. He promised to destroy the universe if anyone makes us hurt even a little like what we've already been through."

The Doctor stopped holding his privates and stared in shock at Cory. "Well," he stated finally. Then a pause. "Ummm... Hell, I don't know what to say. Good luck with Armageddon, I think fits!"

After another pause, "On second thoughts - Joel?"

"Yeah, Galli?"

"I'm wrapping you and Kevin in cotton wool and hiding you in the Tardis!"

Then he Folded away again, after another long look at Cory.

Joel sighed, then kissed Cory's cheek softly. "I'm gonna be okay, my big brother. Don't do anything to hurt anyone 'cos of me."

"Little bro, you are my brother forever, and I'm claiming the big brother's right to protect you," Cory replied softly.

Joel smiled and again nuzzled his face against Cory's, while Kevin did the same from the other side. Sarek left them there for a while, and went to stand in the corner to think.

Cory suddenly realised something, and whispered to his Lil'elf, "You're feeling calmer. What's changed?"

Joel smiled, "Daddy. He taught me how to use my abilities, and he also showed me how to close the doors on my remembered emotions. I just feel what I feeling now - and not everything else I've ever felt as well all at the same time. I can remember the emotions if I wanna, but I don't have to."

"So you don't remember what happened to you?" Kevin asked curiously.

Joel answered, "Not like that. I remember the events, and I remember that I felt scared or afraid or lonely or whatever in those events. I just don't feel the physical pain when I think on them any more, nor do I feel the emotions all the time. I remember I had them, but I don't feel them unless I want to."

Cory sighed and said, "That's so good, Joel. At least now you can build your happy emotions. And if you want, you could keep feeling the good ones, right?"

"Uh huh, right! Right now, I'm remembering yesterday morning," he nodded, then grinned with a side long look at Kevin, "You know, in the showers when we..."

"I get it!" Kevin giggled as he started to colour up.

Sarek came back and looked down at the three boys at that point. He said to both Kevin and Joel, "Patriarch Cory and I have come to our decision. Are you both ready to hear it?"

Both boys turned in Cory's arms and nodded, although Kevin was curious. "I don't mind Cory making the decision with you, Grandfather, but I was wondering: why couldn't you do it all yourself?"

"Patriarchs of Houses do not make the judgement regarding marriage. It is the senior Family Patriarch or Matriarch who does so. I am acting as the head of Sa'ren's Family," Sarek said with a slight smile. "Since Sub-Clan Short of my Family no longer exists, I cannot also make that judgement for you, Kevin. You are in my House, but you are not right now in my Family. Your Family Patriarch is Cory. Cory himself is in my Family, but he is Head of a separate Family."

"Oh. Okay," the boy answered with a smile.

"Do you wish to speak first, Brother Patriarch?" Sarek asked Cory politely.

"I must bow to you as I compose my emotions, Patriarch," Cory replied seriously.

Sarek nodded and laid a hand on Cory's shoulder briefly. He then sat down with the three boys on the floor and looked into Joel's eyes. "My grandson. I have reviewed your personality and life, and I have seen your hopes and dreams. Even if you believe you have none and that they have been 'taken' from you, you do hold in your heart desires that you have every right to. I believe that you shall find the strength to act on your dreams with Kevin Charles David Thompson. He is that which is missing within you, and the strength you shall need to walk the path before you. I believe that you and he shall become one, and be a rock upon which your brothers and sisters shall ever be able to depend. I am proud of you, and honoured to have you as my grandson and heir - and it is with great pleasure that I accept Kevin as your bond-mate for life, should Patriarch Cory agree."

Both boys were crying softy as they hugged together on Cory's lap as the older teen sat cross legged on the floor. Once Sarek had finished speaking, they turned their eyes to Cory's, and naked hope and pleading was clearly visible in them by the blond Patriarch.

Cory looked between the two boys on his lap with sorrow for what they went through still present in the back of his eyes. "Through your short lives you have experienced actions which only one of your brothers has a chance of truly understanding. Kevin, I have watched as you have grown into the caring young man we all know instead of the scared child we rescued. Based on what I now know, there will be a request made of the Vulcan Council for the Vulcan equivalent of a Grand Jury to ensure a proper retribution. Despite all of this, you have matured and have proven yourself worthy of consideration. You are the strength which completes Sa'ren Joel Short, and he is the courage that completes you, and with that in mind I approve of the proposed marriage and hereby accept Sa'ren as your bond-mate for life."

Trip giggled, and said, "You may now kiss," just as both little boys did so.

Sarek was about to formalize the bonding when he had an idea. He rose to his feet and said, "I believe the Clan is currently in the Dining Room, Cory?"

"They are," Cory answered with a mute smile.

"Please follow me," Sarek addressed them all, and quickly they did so.

---

Juan and Koth cuddled for over an hour, and it was only their stomachs' rumbling that brought them to the point of wanting food.

"You feeling better?" Koth whispered as Juan sat up straighter.

Juan nodded mutely. "A little," he whispered, not taking Koth's gaze. "I'm hungry, let's eat... if there's anything left."

A flicker by the door made them both look over quickly. "There is. In fact, the party still hasn't started," the Doctor said with a soft smile. "You've only been here two minutes."

Koth smiled, and slowly, so did Juan. Juan got up and went towards the Doctor. Once he reached him, he hugged him tightly. After he pulled back, he looked into the Doctor's eyes and said hesitantly, "You know, don't you?"

"I do. Everything; now, at least," the Doctor nodded seriously as Koth joined them. "It's yours to tell, little one, not mine. Don't worry, sweetheart, it'll work out. Come on - I'm just as hungry as you... we old people like our food, you know!"

Juan giggled mutely, "How old are you?"

"Over a billion years... or over seven billion... depends how you look at it," came the giggled response as they opened the door and trooped out and back into the Dining Room.

Juan and Koth separated from the Doctor at the table, and they both moved to sit near to Adam again. As soon as they sat down, a group of adults, two children and one teenager came into the room.

Everyone there eating became silent and turned to see Joel and Kevin grinning, with the others behind them. Apart from the Vulcans, they were all smiling. At first, most assumed that the real Birthday Party was about to start, but then Sarek started to speak. "Justin, can you start the recording, please?"

"On it, Grandpa," he said as he double tapped his communicator. "Go ahead, Patriarch."

The Vulcan raised his voice and stated clearly, "As of Earth Date 28th October 2004, Patriarch Cory and I do recognise the union between Sa'ren Joel Short of the Family of Sarek and Kevin Charles David Thompson of the Family 'Clan Short'. They are now Bonded according to the Laws and Traditions of Vulcan, and also recognised as such by the Laws of the United Federation of Planets."

Kevin and Joel began kissing yet again, and both had happy tears rolling down their faces.

As everyone began to cheer, Sarek knelt down before both boys and placed his fingers on their faces. Joel and Kevin looked at him curiously at first, then their eyes widened in wonder. They quickly turned back to each other once Sarek's fingers broke contact with them and the wonder in their eyes increased.

"I... I can feel you," Kevin whispered softly as he raised his hand to Joel's cheek. "I can feel you..."

"I... is this a Bond-Link, Grandpa?" Joel asked softly, not taking his eyes from his life-mate's.

"It is," Sarek said as he stood. "Now, I believe, is the time for you to both eat and celebrate."

They were quickly grabbed by half a dozen pairs of hands and pulled quickly to their places at the tables. Cory smiled at them, then found the one he was now looking for seated with Adam, Logan and Chang. He walked over quickly, "Jory, do you have a half hour or so to spare?"

Jory smiled up at him as the Patriarch came to a stop by his seat, "Sure, Cory. What's up?"

"I feel the need to make some loud booms, and to launch some palm trees into orbit... again," Cory said seriously, and the look in his eyes told Jory more than words could.

"Not a problem," Jory said just as seriously, "Come on."

As they both left the room, Jory was heard calling Daileass on his communicator to beam over the 'special stock'.

Teri stood up, "Okay. Youngest first - help yourselves, guys, and Happy Birthday Jude and Joel!" she smiled as she pointed at the groaning tables around the room and even those still inside the Kitchen.

Joel and Kevin decided that the mass stampede for food might be hazardous to their health, and so remained comfortably seated.

Within five minutes, however, everyone had their plates full, and were spacing themselves out through the Dining Room and Rec Room. Adam and Logan and their brothers had managed to get a low table in an out of the way corner of the Rec Room, and had settled down to eat. Adam and Logan were mentally talking over what happened with Juan. Adam thought he knew almost everything about Juan, but now it seems he didn't know half of it. Juan still seemed to be very distant since the earlier incident, but Adam knew that now was not the time to confront him about it.

Korris looked up from next to Chang and waved, "Joel; can you come over here, little bro?"

Joel and Kevin walked in, supporting an overflowing plate of food between them, and grinned. They trotted over to the group, and Joel asked, "Yeah, Korris?"

Korris looked around at the others, "It cool for them to join us?"

Adam grinned, "Of course. We all have to thank you anyway, Joel. Sit, sit."

It was lucky that Kevin had taken over holding the large plate, for Joel dropped to his butt instantly on hearing Adam say it. The little Vulcan's face looked pensive as he regarded Adam carefully.

Everyone was a bit quiet after seeing Joel sit so abruptly. Most weren't sure what was going on until Juan's soft voice was heard, "He didn't mean that as an order, Joel. He doesn't give orders unless we're into something military like." Joel looked at Juan, and saw something that he saw in very few others eyes... true understanding. Juan didn't pity Joel, it wouldn't be right in Juan's mind, but he understood.

Joel nodded slowly before looking up at Adam's serious face. "Sorry, Adz... it sounded like an order."

"You do know you don't have to obey orders, don't you, Joel?" Koth asked from Juan's other side.

"Yeah, but my heart doesn't," Joel trembled as Kevin placed the plate of food down quickly and sat quickly to cuddle him. "If Cory ordered me, I'd obey and that's okay, 'cos Cor'd never tell me to do something unless he knew it was right. If others tell me stuff, though, then I just do it 'cos..." he trailed off as his eyes went far away. He whispered softly, "...'cos it's better to do something someone says, even if it hurts and hurts, 'cos if I disobeyed, it'd hurt so worse... I don't want to die..." he breathed so quietly that only the fact he was linked to Kevin allowed his new husband to know what he had said. The others had no problem, being enhanced or alien, or simply linked to another who was enhanced.

No one really knew what to say, other then Juan who was silently nodding. Finally Adam spoke trying to let the tension die out. "Joel, the worst that would happen from one of us is a tickle attack... maybe 'wet willy' or three. But nothing worse. Okay?"

Joel smiled then and his face lightened considerably. "I like tickles... but - what's a wet willy? Is that another name for the blow-job Kevin's been thinking of giving me for the past ten minutes?"

Kevin started blushing to the point that all the others could see was red.

No one could do anything other then fall over laughing. Logan was taking a drink of juice at that moment, so Joel got a shower from it.

Chang, who was actually smiling at the moment, let out with one of his rare jokes, "Well. there's a 'wet Vulcan' - does that count?"

Joel blinked in shock at the sudden shower. "That wasn't quite the answer I was expecting," he stated quietly as he pulled his damp Vulcan robe off and dried his face with it. Underneath, he was still naked from the Naming Ceremony on Vulcan. Once he'd finished he tossed the robe into the corner and glanced around at the others. "I'm thinking that wasn't a 'wet willy'... and going by Kevvy's protests in my head, I don't think it's a blow job either. So, what is it?" the now naked cherub asked curiously.

Will, who was seated right next to Joel, took one of his fingers, put it in his mouth. He then shoved it, gently, into the little Vulcan's ear and wiggled it around. "Thats a wet willy," he grinned.

"EWWWWW!!!! EEEEWWWWW!!!!" Joel yelled as he fell over onto the still blushing Kevin's lap. "Urrgh! That's gross!!" he giggled as he used Kevin's hands to protect his ears.

Again, everyone at the table broke up laughing. It wasn't until Adam could get himself back under control that anyone said anything. "Joel... since it's your birthday, we got you a few things. Do you want them now or later?" Adam asked, still chuckling.

Joel's eyes showed puzzlement as he sat up from Kevin's lap, "You got me things? Why?"

"Birthday presents, Sa'r," Kevin whispered to him with a smile. "Like this morning."

Joel's face took on a weird expression - something between the natural excitement of a child having the time of his life and worthlessness. Worthlessness started to win as he said softly, "You don't need to get me nuffin'. You're here and being nice to me and making me giggle and making me feel good. I don't deserve nuffin' more... I don't even deserve th..."

Kevin interrupted Joel in the easiest manner possible. He kissed him. Then: "You are MY boyfri.... uh, husband!" he said with a giggle. "If I say you're worth a party and presents, then you ARE!"

Joel nodded sheepishly, then started blushing as he looked down at himself. "Keeevvv! You made it stand up again!"

Kevin looked down and giggled. "Later... presents, food... then 'play'..." he whispered with a wink.

Even Chang laughed that time; he couldnt hold it in any more. Finally Adam pushed a large wrapped box across to Joel. "Here you go... we hope you like it."

Joel smiled cutely as he accepted the box and placed it between himself and Will. He glanced up at Will and asked, "You wanna help me open it? It's fun when people help!"

Will giggled and nodded, "Sure!"

Together they ripped off the paper, which Will balled up and threw it to bounce off Logan's head. Joel giggled as the ball came bouncing back at them and opened the box.

His jaw dropped open and tears sprang to his eyes. "Clothes... you bought me clothes..." he whispered, gratitude clearly heard in his treble voice.

Will helped Joel pull the clothes out of the box, then held up the uniform top. "This is not just clothes," Adam said seriously, "This is a Uniform worn by the Unit; worn by only those that are family."

Joel blinked happily at him through his tears. "Thank you," he whispered again. "All of you."

When they got to the bottom of the box, Will pulled out a small pair of bright pink 'G-sting' underwear. In unison, all those from the Unit cried out, "JUAN!!!!"

Ronnie couldn't help but giggle out, "You told me you wanted those for Koth!!!"

"Oops! Sorry, Joel! Those are not for you!" Juan gasped, his face going scarlet as he snatched them from Will's hand and hid them in his pocket.

Koth was also blushing, but a strange grin was on his face as he regarded his blushing boyfriend. Over his shoulder, he said, "Not a fucking word, Korris. Not one!"

Joel just giggled as he pulled on the uniform shirt with Will's help, "Never mind, not my colour... ummm... I better get a pair of boxers before I put the rest on..."

"You want mine?" Juan asked while standing up, reaching for his belt buckle.

Janet quickly put her hands on his shoulders and pushed him back down. "No Juan, I'm sure Joel has his own." Adam and Logan could only shake their heads.

Joel smiled at them then called out, "BIG TED!"

"Yeah, Elf?" Sean called back.

"Are my 'giggle-boxers' still about from last night?"

"Umm... ah, yeah. Levi's got them on... hold on, he's on his way!"

Joel turned just in time to see Levi pop in, a pair of boxers on his head as a hat. "Here, Uncle Joel! I got them warmed up for you!" he said with a smile as he took them off his head.

"Thanks, Lil'mouse," Joel kissed Levi's cheek before the Mikyvis vanished again. He then slipped them on, this time with Kevin's help... not that Joel needed help, but... Kids!

Will was fighting to keep a straight face as he helped Joel into the rest of the uniform, for the little Vulcan was now so excited he could barely keep still. Once he was fully dressed in Unit style, he turned and ran around the low table to sit on Adam's lap and give him a large hug of thanks. "I love them! They're really comfy and don't itch and.... do I look nice in them??" he bubbled a mile a minute in between pecking kisses onto Adam's cheeks and forehead.

Billy couldn't help but giggle out, "Well, he's got as much military discipline as an excited cocker spaniel puppy..."

Before Adam could reply, Chang had stood up, in his hands a long, hand made wooden box. "Yes you do; however, I do not believe you are properly attired as of yet. You have your uniform, but now, you need your weapons. You may not ever need to use them, and I hope that you never do, but it is ill advised to be unprepared if the situation arises. First I would offer you something that is hand made by myself. If you will honour me by accepting it."

Most were shocked as few had ever heard Chang speak that much at once.

Joel looked up at the tall boy before giving Adam one more kiss. He stood and, to everyone's surprise, bowed formally to Chang - in fact, Chang was impressed by his knowledge of custom and tradition. Joel then said in full Vulcan mode, which was the closest to Chang's own idiom that he could approximate, "I would be glad to accept your gift. And, if it is not impertinent to ask, would you also teach me to use whatever my gift from you is?"

Chang bowed as well, while holding the box out to him, waiting for Joel to open the lid and see what is inside. "Of course I would, but I have feeling you will know how to use this better than I."

Joel raised an eyebrow and looked so much like his father that Korris started to chuckle. The little Vulcan lifted the lid of the box and gasped in wonder, "A trillpa'morov? You made this? Oh, oh... thank you..."

He removed the blade from the beautifully carved box and unsheathed it in one fluid motion. He seemed to pause for the briefest of seconds before backing away slightly so as to give himself room. Joel then began what the two Klingons there and Chang recognised as the stately forms of Suus Mahna. He flowed slowly from one stance to another, the blade tracing a slow arc around him as he did so.

Korris noted that he was hesitant in the motions, but the style was that of only a Master. This was Spock's training. "How do you know to do this, Joel?" he asked as he rose to his feet.

Without pausing, Joel answered and his voice was emotionless, "My father. We mind-melded and his abilities passed to me. This is the first time I have put this into practice - a given since I have only known these skills for a little under three hours."

He finished the last of the forms, and re-sheathed the blade. He then rolled his right shoulder and winced as a small pop was heard as his joints clicked. "I think I need practice." He then looked up into Chang's eyes and smiled in gratitude. He then bowed before formality fell away and he hugged the taller boy tightly. "Thank you. I think it is wonderful! You're a master swords-smith!"

Chang had a small smile on his face as released the boy, closed the box, and set it gently on the table. "Yes, you will need more practice to make sure your muscles learn to do what you mind already knows. I think, however, that you will learn quickly." With that, Chang bowed again before sitting down.

Will took that opportunity to come over, and place an arm around the little birthday boy. "So, tell me, helicopter or Jet fighter?"

Joel thought for a moment, then shrugged. "Harrier Jump-jet... hey, I was raised in 'A' Wales, UK, you know!" he poked his tongue out at Kevin who had obviously said something down their bond-link.

Will grinned, as he tussled the boys hair. "Okay... I'm gonna need a bit, but I'll let Cory know that a Harrier is gonna be landing here soon, and that I'll be taking you for a ride."

"Really? In a REAL Harrier!?! Wow! Thanks!" Joel bubbled as he bounced happily. Then a comical look came over his face. "Uh," he looked around at them all. "I know Adz... but I've been getting gifts from people I don't know. What's your names?"

This caused a load of giggles, and Will roared with laughter before pulling Joel in for a hug. Eventually he managed to point out all of them, and said, "And I'm Will."

Joel smiled up at him, then asked again, "Uh... I love the gifts... but I need to know why you're giving them to me? You've only just met me."

Adam smiled up at him from his seat on the floor and opened his arms. Joel quickly slipped onto Adam's lap, and the older teen explained, "You helped Korris and Koth last night. That's one. In doing so, you helped my brother Chang - Korris' boyfriend and now life-partner. We have a family wedding soon because of what you did, Joel. Second, you are one of our brothers, and all brothers and sisters get presents. Together, that's why you are having these particular gifts."

Joel wiped a tear from his eyes and trembled, "I did that 'cos it was right to do it... but thank you. I love you."

Adam smiled and Logan pulled the boy over to give him a hug as well. "Here," Logan said, as he pressed a small parcel into Joel's hands. "This is from me."

Joel sniffed lightly as he opened it. Logan could tell that Joel really didn't know what was in the box, so he explained. "It's called an I-pod. When you figure out what kind of music you like, you can put all your favourite songs in there, and listen to them when ever you want. If you can't figure it out, just let me know, and I'll show you."

"Oh!" Joel smiled and giggled. "Thanks! This is going to be sooo cool!"

Korris then drew the small Vulcan's attention to himself. "Koth and I have decided that we wish to honour you as well, Joel. Here," he said as he handed over a well made but old looking Bat'leth. "This was our father's. I believe he would be honoured for you to carry it and, once trained, use it."

Joel trembled as he took the large weapon into his hands. "I shall do honour by this, Korris," he said reverently. "I shall keep it and honour it all the days of my life."

Korris bowed his head and smiled. Koth then moved over and held out a pair of old Mek'leth blades. "These were also our father's. Like Kor said, I think Father would love you to have them. You helped his children, and have done so in honour. So, we honour you."

Joel was in a flood of tears as he took them and laid them with the Bat'leth. He was beyond words, and Logan held him tighter as he cried quietly - this time, it was just an overload of joy and happiness.

Juan shuffled over and sat next to Logan as he waited for Joel to calm down, waiting to give his own gifts. As they all watched Joel recover, Jory and Cory appeared in the room. Both had full plates of food, and were laughing at the fun and explosions they had just enjoyed. Jory ran over to join his brothers while Cory waved at them before heading off to look for Sean.

Jory slipped in next to Kevin and whispered, "Presents already?"

Kevin nodded mutely, for his own mind rang with the emotions coming down his link with Joel.

"I'll wait," he giggled before falling into his meal with gusto.

Eventually, Joel raised his head and kissed Logan. "Thank you. I like your hugs... they make my belly feel good," he whispered with a ghost of a smile.

"Cool... is it my turn?" Jory asked. When no one said no, he jumped up and ran over to Joel. "Okay... I think you'll really like what I got you," he pulled a box out of his bag and handed it to him. Once Joel opened the box, he pulled out a long box with many different switches on the top. When Joel looked up at Jory questioningly, Jory explained. "Tonight I'll put together a very special fireworks show. However, what you have in your hands right now, is the control for those fireworks. When I tell you to, you flip those switches as slow or as fast as you want. Each switch controls one of the fireworks."

Joel's eyes opened wide. "Fireworks?" he breathed in excitement. "You... you mean those things that shoot up and make pretty pictures and loud bangs in the sky? Like at Cory and Sean's wedding?? AND I gets to make them go boom??"

"Yup," Jory answered ginning himself. "The best part is, there are forty switches on the box. Once you go through all of them once, you'll have to go back through them all again... then... you have one more shot at all of them again. Think you can handle that?"

"120 times? WOW! Lots of pictures!!! THANKS!" he yelled in joy, and damn near strangled Jory as he hugged him tightly... at least, if Jory had been a 'normal', non-enhanced boy, he'd have been strangled.

Juan stood up, and nervously stepped forward, "Uhh.. Joel... I have something for you too. Well.. actually two things. I'm not very good at giving presents, so.. uhhh.. here." He quickly pushed a box into Joel's hands.

Joel smiled as he opened the box and withdrew a pair of daggers. They were well made, and heavy. Logan whispered in his ear, "Those were given to Juan by Adam not long after Adam rescued him, Joel. They mean a lot to Juan, and it is his way of saying 'thank you' for helping his boyfriend, Koth."

Joel hadn't taken his eyes off the blades in his hand as he listened to Logan. Without looking up, he said, "Juan... I... Thank you. I'll take care of them for you... they will be looked after, same as Koth's and Korris' Daddy's weapons. I promise."

Before Joel could look back up at him, Juan quickly pulled out the small wooden flute he brought with him. Very few people knew that Juan had taught himself to play this over the last few months. He found the sound of it to be very relaxing, and a nice change from the hard and heavy music he usually listened to. Now, though, a song came to his mind that he knew he needed to play.

Joe was the one who first introduced Juan to the wooden flute, and this song in particular, and after seeing how Joel acted, and KNOWING what made him act that way, Juan thought this song might help him as much as it had helped him when Joe first sang it.

He put the flute to his lips, and started to play a very slow and haunting tune. All eyes were on Juan, but he had his eyes closed, he knew he wouldnt be able to handle it if he saw everyone watching him. None were more shocked at what was going on then Adam and his brothers. This was something else new that they didn't know about their little brother. Joe for his part just sat there with a smile. He knew the song from the first note. After about a minute of playing, Juan dropped the flute from his lips, and began to sing in a very soft boy soprano.

"There was a boy
A very strange enchanted boy
They say he wandered very far, very far
Over land and sea
A little shy and sad of eye
But very wise was he"

"And then one day
This magic boy, he passed my way
And we did speak of many things
Fools and kings
And this he said to me

"The greatest thing you'll ever learn
Is just to love and be loved in return"

As quickly as he could, Juan brought the flute back up, and started to play again. Putting as much feeling and emotion into the music as he could.

"And then one day
This magic boy, he passed my way
And we did speak of many things
Fools and kings
And this he said to me

"The greatest thing you'll ever learn
Is just to love and be loved in return"

He played a few more notes when he was done singing the second time, then let the flute fall from his lips one last time, head bowed down, and eyes still closed. Any of the empaths could feel the emotions falling off him right now. Among the Clan kids gathered around, Jed, C.J., and the McKendrick brothers had tears in their eyes, both for the beauty of Juan's performance and remembering the pivotal role that song had played in changing Jed and C.J.'s grandfather's attitude three days before.

Juan was about to turn and run from the room, and Koth was preparing to run and join him. However, one second his emotions were building beyond his ability to control, and the next, Juan found that they had lessened. He felt a pair of small hands take his own at the same moment, and he opened his eyes to look at Joel in shock.

Joel's eyes were filling with tears that Juan knew should be falling from him instead, but before he could say a word, Joel beat him to it. "You know, don't you," he whispered just loud enough for Juan to hear him. "I can feel it - you've been there, in that dark place." Joel raised himself up on his tip toes and continued to speak as he brought himself to eye level with Juan, "I know too. But we are not alone any more, Juan. Daddy helped me hide away the pain of my dark times. I remember them now, but I don't feel them the same as I used to. I can help you too, if you wanna... I can't take the dark place away, but I can show you how to only remember it but not feel it. If you wanna, I can show you how..."

Juan trembled for a moment, then whispered, "... yes... please. Please, help m..."

Joel's eyes widened in shock as Juan's eyes flashed yellow, but that was all he had time to do, for Juan threw Joel from himself violently. "GET AWAY FROM ME!" came a bestial, fearful scream from what had moments before been a trembling, near-tearful boy.

All Joel knew was that he was heading towards the wall at a 'not-nice' speed, and that he was having trouble breathing. His father's training, however, came to his rescue and he twisted painfully mid-air and managed to bounce from the wall and onto his feet without further injury. He saw that Kevin was in shock, and that Juan's brothers had already sprung to their feet to surround the now violent boy.

Juan seemed beyond reason. His yellow eyes were showing a clear emotion - panic. Death was coming... fight or flight. Will and Jory were soon on their asses after Juan had slammed their heads together hard, and Adam found himself on his back. Although being the strongest, Juan's sudden fear had surprised him. He rolled to his feet and went back at Juan. This time, in concert with Chang, Adam began to circle the furiously enraged boy.

Joel saw that Juan was backing up towards Timmy and Ricky, who were watching in shock behind him. Joel couldn't let anyone get hurt, not by something that he himself must have caused.

The small Vulcan ran at Juan just as Juan again threw Adam.

"JOEL, NO!" Chang yelled, but it was too late.

Juan saw Joel coming and leapt at him, now fully intent on killing the threat.

In turn, Joel leapt at him, and they met mid-air.

Instead of slamming into Joel's chest and having his hands around Joel's throat, Juan found himself grasping empty air and having a light, small Vulcan latched onto his back. Juan began to turn his body to land with Joel beneath him when he felt a hand grip his neck... then nothing.

Joel felt the wind get knocked out of him, as well as his right shoulder be forced from its socket, when he landed with the remarkably heavy boy on top of him - an unconscious dead weight. Joel just groaned in pain as he gently pushed the now limp Juan off him with his good arm.

Chang was by the boys' sides in an instant, Adam was there as well. Chang went to Joel, as Adam started to pull all the various weapons from Juans unconscious form. "I told him not to bring this many..." Adam muttered under his breath as he pulled out the fifth gun, and the seventh knife.

Chang had helped Joel to his feet, and was looking him over gently before speaking to the boy. "This will hurt, I must put your shoulder back into place. If you wish I can inject some pain suppressant?"

Everyone else was busy trying to calm everyone else down as the very brief fight brought almost the entire Clan running. Will and Jory were just now picking themselves up off the ground.

Joel simply shook his head to Chang's question, and, with a quick pull and pop, Chang re-set Joel's shoulder in his socket. Chang was only slightly surprised that the boy barely grunted as his shoulder was put back in place.

"What is going on here?" came a voice that held as much authority as any had heard before, and Adam turned to watch as Spock pushed his way through with Sarek, Amanda and a few others right behind him.

Adam quickly moved up to Spock after making sure that all of Juan's weapons were removed from the unconscious boy. "Captain, Ambassador, I am not sure why, but something triggered a part of Juan that only comes out when he is feeling threatened or is extremely angry. I take full responsibility, and will accept any repercussions that are needed," Adam spoke while standing at attention in front of the men and women.

Spock looked between the teen at attention, the unconscious Juan on the floor and then his son, who was having his chest checked out by Chang. He looked back into Adam's eyes and said, "This 'part' in the child on the ground - I take it that it is an alternate personality?"

Adam nodded quickly, "Yes sir."

"And that it only responds when your brother is threatened?"

"Correct, sir," Adam said, and out of the corner of his eyes he saw Cory and Sean push their way through to get to Joel, their faces pale.

"Very well," Spock said, and Adam could see him visibly relax. "Retribution is not called for here. Might I ask, is the boy treating my son qualified in medicine?"

Chang spoke from where he was treating Joel, "I assure you, Sir, I am a fully trained doctor, as well as certified in both emergency medicine, and emergency surgery. If you wish verification, I am sure that Dr. Hayes would be willing to attest to my level of training." During that, his eyes never left where he was working. "I am not very familiar Vulcan biology; however, from what I can tell he had a dislocated shoulder, which I have already performed a reduction on. He also has three broken ribs, which I would suggest be wrapped and left to heal."

Spock nodded. "I will take you on your word. Do not be concerned with my son's biology, for in regards to our skeletal structure, Vulcans and Humans are nearly identical. He has more ribs than you, and his bones are denser by at least three hundred percent than Human average, but that is the limit of the differences. Your treatment is therefore acceptable, and you have my thanks. I shall ask Doctor McCoy to assist in my son's healing when this problem with Juan has been solved, and I am sure he would talk with you as well regarding further Starfleet training should you wish it." Spock then drew Adam to one side and began to speak softly with him.

Cory looked at Chang and said, "THAT was high praise, bro. How's Elf?"

Chang raised an eyebrow at Cory's statement, but went quickly back to doctor mode, "I am fairly certain he will have no lasting ill effects from this." He then turned and looked directly at Joel, "I would suggest that you take things easy for a few days. If you wish, I am sure there are pain suppressors available; if you so choose."

Joel's smile was wane, "No, s'okay, Chang. Uncle Bones can heal them up in a few moments. Just no-one hug me 'til then..." He raised his nervous eyes to Chang's as he pressed himself back against Cory's chest, "How's Juan, and what's wrong with him? What did I do wrong?"

Chang sighed, "You did nothing wrong, little one. Juan has a problem in his mind. Because of some of the things that happened to him, he has a separate personality that deals with the stuff that the Juan we know can not. My hypothesis is that what ever you said to him caused this other personality to be scared enough that it took control, and was trying to stop what you wanted to do."

Cory squeezed Joel's uninjured shoulder and said, "Don't blame yourself, Joel. But please, next time try not to get involved with stopping one of the Unit boys if this type of thing happens. They are stronger than average, and some stronger than Vulcans."

Joel looked up at him, "Better me than Timmy and Ricky. I'm Vulcan. I can take more than they can. And I wasn't angry - logic over strength... that, and a nice nerve pinch. I'm going to talk to Daddy. Chang, can you come with me? I'll need your permission and Adz' as well."

"Of course," Chang said, then looked over at Adam who quickly nodded, and he waited near Spock until they got to him.

As soon as Joel came within reach, Spock lifted his hand and touched his son's face lightly. Raising his good arm, for his right was sore as all hell, Joel grabbed onto his dad's hand in a firm grip. "I'm okay, Dad... but I think I know what you're talkin' to Adz about. I wanna help him. I can't say why, 'cos it's not fair... but I haveta help Juan."

Spock knelt down and placed his hands on Joel's waist, "Are you sure, Sa'ren?"

"Yeah, unless you think I need more melding practice," Joel nodded earnestly.

Spock smiled, "No, you do not. Very well. I shall be here to help should you require it."

Joel kissed Spock's nose, then turned to Adam and Chang. "I request permission to mind-meld with your little brother. He has an alternate personality, and according to the information from my father's mind, such in a Human can lead to insanity. I will be doing one of two things, and this will be at the behest of Juan himself when I enter his mind. I will either merge both back into one, or eradicate the more alien presence. The optimal result would be a merger. However, I cannot decide that, only Juan. But I need your permission to even attempt this... yours, or Juan's senior member of family should he have one."

Adam looked over at Janet and Joe who were standing not far away. She had tears running down her face, and Joe was holding her hand. Adam knew they had overheard what Joel said, and after a brief moment, Janet nodded. Turning back to Joel, Adam also nodded, "Do what you can... please."

"You shall have your brother back," Joel said firmly. "I promise."

Adam felt a brief and wondrous sensation flow up and down his spine, as did Chang, and they both looked at each other. In their minds, they heard the Doctor giggle, 'Ki'Melai... His Shaper...'

Joel turned, and with a slight grunt of pain, knelt down next to Juan's prone form. He painfully lent over the boy's face and kissed his forehead. "Hold on, my 'big' little brother; I'm coming," he whispered before placing the fingers of his left hand on Juan's face...

"My mind to your mind..."

---

To know what happens in the meld, please read Chapter 8 of 'Camp Bam Bam' by Roland

---

The Clan watched in silence for the first few minutes. Mind Melds rarely took a long time, but when two minutes became five, they started to murmur nervously. Spock and Sarek looked up from where they and Amanda had been patiently watching and looked around at the filled room complete with apprehensive faces.

"Do not be alarmed," Sarek said softly. "Sometimes a wounded mind can take a long time to heal. Neither my grandson or Juan is in any danger."

Relief seemed palpable as everyone relaxed visibly.

Doctor McCoy chose this moment to bustle his way through from the direction of the Kitchen, Teri at his side. He looked down at the two boys and tutted under his breath. "A party, and this happens." He looked at Spock and said, "Teri told me that your son had his arm dislocated. Who preformed the reduction?"

Spock reached out with an arm and placed his hand on Chang's shoulder, "This is one of the top medical officers of the new Special Forces Division of the Clan, Doctor. His name is Chang."

McCoy nodded and signalled for Chang to come to him, where they conversed briefly in hushed whispers.

Adam Casey edged closer and closer to Spock, not taking his eyes off Juan's prone form. As he felt himself bump into Spock's side, and felt the Vulcan's arm lay itself lightly over his shoulders, Adam looked up.

Spock saw terror in Adam's eyes, and spoke quickly, "Your brother is going to be all right, Adam. At worst, the personality he carries inside him may remain, but both would end up stable."

Adam's eyes seemed to lose some of their tension, and he quickly looked back down at the two melding on the floor. "I don't want to lose him... I love all my brothers," Adam whispered to the Vulcan Captain, "but Juan's my first brother. I rescued him first. He might not know it, but I've always tried to protect him the most..."

Spock simply squeezed Adam's shoulder gently, and drew the teen to stand before him, Adam's back tight against his chest as they both watched.

It took another four or five minutes, then Joel breathed out heavily and removed his hand from Juan's face. Juan's eyes opened and he blinked around from his prone position, as if trying to figure out where he was. Joel whispered to him, "No more than fifteen minutes has passed since I stopped you, little bro."

Juan didn't reply, he just sat up and pulled Joel into a tight hug. Sobbing suddenly, Juan did not notice the whine of pain that Joel made, nor that Joel was trembling hard. At least not at first.

As he pulled back he saw Joel's face twisted as the Vulcan tried not to scream. "What's wrong?" Juan whispered, but he didn't need a response for he saw that the Uniform top and shirt that Joel was wearing was open. Joel's ribcage was bruised badly, and his pale scar-patterned smooth skin was mottled dark green with those bruises.

"Oh shit... what happened?!?!" Juan cried out, then got a haunted look and quietly asked Joel, "I did that... didn't I?"

Adam slipped to the floor and knelt next to them both, "No, it was him, Juan. Not you. Don't blame yourself, bro."

Juan sighed and bowed his head. "No, Adam. It was me," he said in the deathly silent room. A small sob escaped Juan again as he continued, "I wanted to kill Joel. I wanted to tear him apart... yet I didn't want to hurt him, and I loved him... but I was afraid of him..."

Adam reached out and touched Juan's shoulder. "No, it wasn't... Wha?!" he spluttered as Juan raised his head and opened his eyes.

One was black... the other was yellow.

"It was me," Juan said, as tears continued to fall gently down his face.

Will whistled as Jory just stared. Chang, still standing next to McCoy, asked softly, "What has happened, Joel?"

Joel, his hurting right arm held against his equally hurting chest, answered, "They are one. There is no 'gentle Juan' and 'angry Juan' any more. There is just Juan. All they were, apart, he is now - and he is more. He is what he should have always been. Whole. Loving. Strong. Loyal. Brave. He is Juan."

Juan sniffed at hearing what Joel said, "No one's even said that about me before."

"I've got some to add," Koth said as he too knelt down to be with his boyfriend. Juan looked up at him, and his eyes softened even more. Koth smiled and rubbed his hand on Juan's cheek as he looked into those dual coloured pair of soulful eyes, "Beautiful, wonderful, amazing, sexy and mine..."

With tears running down he face, Juan smiled up at the small Klingon boy, "I think it's the other way around... YOU are mine."

Everyone around started to laugh until Joel cried out in pain, "... please... don't make me laugh..."

Juan's face became concerned again. "Chang! Can you help him? Please?" his guilt ridden voice asked as he took Joel's hand.

McCoy and Chang moved over as Chang said, "Yes, we will."

"Okay, people. Show's over for now. We need room. Joel will be up and around in no time," McCoy stated firmly. Then he pointed at Cory, Sean and Kevin, "You can stay, and so can you, obviously," he added, pointing at the Unit boys. "Everyone else, get moving or I'll have you all confined to bed rest, so help me God." Seeing the grins and smirks passing between some of the boys, he amended it: "That's SEPARATE bed rest," and chuckled as smiles vanished from faces right and left.

Those gathered all scattered back to what they had been doing, fast, while Kevin went to the nearest sofa and grabbed a cushion for Joel. The Vulcan was still kneeling on the floor and Cory and Koth were helping him out of his top and shirt. Juan was looking on sadly and started crying again as he saw the state of Joel's shoulder and ribs.

Joel sighed and then reached over to poke the crown of Juan's bowed head. "Oi," he muttered.

"What?" Juan asked thickly as he raised his eyes to Joel.

Joel pulled him over with his good arm and kissed him on the lips. "There," he stated with a smile as Juan gaped at him. "Do you think I blame you, big little brother?"

Juan shook his head slowly. "No, guess not. I still feel bad, though," he whispered as he gripped Joel's left hand tight. He looked at Chang and McCoy, "Is there something I can do to help him? Please?"

Chang smiled and whispered to McCoy, who nodded. "Yes, Juan. Doctor McCoy will show you how to strengthen the weakened ball joint in Joel's shoulder with the regenerator. Will that be okay?"

Juan nodded, and a smile started to replace the concern on his face.

Joel was helped to lie down by Kevin and Sean, and Juan shuffled over so that the Vulcan's head was in his lap. Kevin giggled, "Didn't need the cushion!"

Juan grinned and shook his head. McCoy held out a small device and showed Juan how to use it, then he left the now smiling ten year old to do his job. Koth cuddled in on one side of Juan, while Kevin did the same on the other side. Cory and Sean moved to sit on the sofa with Juan's brothers, thus allowing the two Doctors to get to work.

"Does it feel better, Joel?" Juan asked as he concentrated on the boy's right shoulder.

"Uh huh," Joel smiled as the pain was slowly fading, both from his sore shoulder and his hurting ribs.

Adam was watching Juan closely as his little brother radiated peace at helping another this way. Adam was thinking to himself, and trying to work out what had really happened. Was this really Juan?

"Joel?" he asked from his seat as he sat forwards slightly.

Joel looked over at him, "Yeah?"

"What's going to happen with Juan now?"

Joel smiled, and replied honestly, "Well, logically, I'd assume that he's going to need to talk to his brother, his friends, then have a long talk with his boyfriend, then maybe sex with his boyfriend, and..."

"JOEL!" Juan and Koth gasped as they both coloured up fast, and Juan nearly dropped his regenerator.

"What? What did I say?" Joel asked innocently.

Kevin was giggling, "Oh, nothing... just like you said about that possible blow job type of nothing..."

"He asked me a question, so I answered it... oh, never mind..." Joel sighed with a lost little smile. He looked back at Adam, who was trying not to break his ribs by laughing. "I think you also want to know about what I did in Juan's head?"

Adam could only nod. He didn't trust his voice.

"Well, I showed them how they got split up, and as I did, I started to knit them back together. Once everything had been seen, they sorta recombined, and it's just Juan, now," Joel explained briefly, looking up at Juan to make sure that much was okay to tell. Juan nodded with a smile.

"Oh, okay," Adam managed after he had calmed down some. "And how will Juan be now? I mean... well, don't take this wrong, Juan, but... you don't seem quite like the Juan we know."

"I am, but... uh.... Joel? Can you explain? I don't think I have the words yet," Juan asked with a helpless smile.

"Sure, bro... mmm... I like that," the Vulcan murmured as Juan ran the fingers of his free hand back and forth over Joel's forehead. He closed his eyes and relaxed as he said, "Juan is different, but only in so much as he's calmer, now. Settled."

Juan snorted, "Calm? Me?"

"What are you smoking, Joel?" Logan spluttered. "Him calm? Never!"

"Keep that up," Juan said to him with a smile so sickly sweet a girl scout would have gone green with envy, "and I'll shove your head up Will's ass..."

"Okay, I'm convinced," Will said with a giggle. "He's Juan, all right!"

Joel giggled for a second, then winced. Chang looked up at him, then patted his stomach softly, "Try not to laugh yet, little one. We are nearly finished."

"'Kay," he smiled mutely, yet his eyes registered pain. Kevin reached over and started to massage Joel's ear to calm him, and Juan watched with interest before doing the same to the Vulcan's other ear. Joel smiled up at them in thanks, then looked over at Juan's brothers. "What I meant by calm was that Juan doesn't worry about losing control any more. He doesn't have to worry about getting angry and another persona taking over, nor does he have to worry about feeling strong good emotions and wanting to back away. The two sides of his personality are now one, so he will be able to flow from one side of his emotions to the other without a different persona needing to be in control. He can be loving Juan, or pissed off angry Juan, or cuddly Juan or... you get it? It's just him, now. Both sides back together. He can just relax and be himself. He's centred. He's calm. He's whole."

"He called me cuddly! I like that!" Juan giggled.

Adam nodded with understanding, "I understand. Thank you, Joel. Thank you so much."

Joel looked embarrassed and glanced at Cory and Sean who smiled at him and nodded. He blushed, "It's only what my brothers and Kevvy did for me... help. You don't have to..."

"I know," Adam interrupted firmly and gently. "But I will anyway. If there is anything you need, ever, you only have to ask. We're in your debt twice, now: for Korris and Koth and what that means for our family, and now for Juan himself."

"Awwww, maan!" Joel muttered, his face now bright green. "You're making me feel funny."

Juan giggled and showed how supple the Genesis kids really were by bending almost double to kiss Joel's forehead as he cradled the boy's head in his lap. "You make us feel 'funny' too, Joel. You said nice things about me and about others. I've heard you. Just accept the nice things we want to say about you too, okay?"

"'Kay," he whispered before looking down his chest at what his uncle and Chang were doing. It was not much, now, for they were about finished.

"I think that's got it," McCoy stated with a smile. "No more fighting with freight trains, okay, Joel?"

Joel giggled, and it didn't hurt, so he let himself giggle more. Then, "Okay. No fights. I'll just tickle the one that attacked me whenever I can!"

Juan snorted and giggled, "You'll have to catch me first, shrimp!"

Joel continued to giggle.

---

Ten minutes later, and they had all gone back to their food. Joel was feeding Kevin again, as per normal, while Koth was doing the same for Juan, who was laughing at him. Adam, Logan and the others were just watching Juan in wonder as he just opened up and played. It was simply wonderful.

Joel, however, began to feel strange. It was that same feeling from the Enterprise. As Kevin would say, he was feeling 'horny', so after giving Kevin another mouthful of spaghetti, Joel started to nibble on Kevin's neck.

"Do you two need a room?" Logan giggled as Kevin's eyes rolled back in his head.

"Hummm?" Joel hummed as he looked up. A blush soon followed, "I did it again... sorry, Kev..."

"I'm not complaining, but after we've finished, we'll need to calm you down a bit," the brown haired boy giggled before kissing Joel softly. "You can't miss your entire birthday 'cos you're turned on, can you?"

Joel grinned, then looked up when Spock walked over to them and handed both him and Kevin their shakes. "Thanks, Daddy!"

Spock's eyes twinkled as he nodded. He was about to move away when Jason ran over. "Pop! I need a word quickly?"

"Of course. In private, or will it be acceptable to do so here?" Spock asked.

Jason shrugged, "Here's fine. It's about Sammy."

Joel's attention perked up quickly, and his horniness seemed suddenly forgotten. He kissed Kevin again before rising to stand with Jason and his father. "I know too, Daddy! I'll go and get Sammy while you talk with Jace!"

"Okay, my son," Spock said as he bent down to hug and kiss his boy.

Joel turned back to the table, "Seeya laters! I got another brother to help!"

They watched him zoom off on his mission before looking at each other. Kevin smiled and shrugged, "That's my Sa'ren..."

---

To Be Continued...

---

Editor's notes:

Boy, that was certainly a roller coaster ride!

I'm not really sure what to say. I am so very glad that Joel was able to unite Juan's two personalities. Now Juan will be much better.

I used quite a lot of tissues during the editing of this chapter. My recycle bin is full.

I wonder what is wrong with Sammy. I hope what ever it is, that Joel can help him with it.

I am hoping it won't be too long before we get chapter 14, but I am not trying to pressure anyone.

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher