Camp Bam Bam

"So you think I did the right thing?" Adam asked, getting serious. "I mean assigning four of the cats to act as Joel’s personal guard is not a problem, especially since it came out exactly WHO he is. But... Well...I don’t know." It was shortly after the emergency meeting that had been called Thursday morning. The meeting which saw the end of Clan Short as they knew it. The meeting that Joel’s parentage came to light. And now they had a lot more to deal with.

"Well, none of the cats had a problem... as a matter of fact, they seemed rather happy."

"Yeah, I know, I’m just wondering if they will be okay being split up like this." Adam said as he stood there thinking about what this would mean for his friends and brothers.

"Well, Vish and KT seem to be doing okay with Mike. I know Khan keeps in contact with them all the time, so they aren’t really split up. Plus, they’ve been trained to deal with any situation... so I’m sure they can handle it."

"Yeah, you're right. Oh cool... There’s Sammy." Adam said while waving his young friend over.

"Hey, guys... what did you think of all the new stuff going on?" Sammy asked with a grin as he hugged the boys.

"Well... let's just say things got a bit more interesting," Adam said with a grin. He really liked the younger boy.

"Oh yeah. Things are always interesting around here. Even more so since we showed up!" Sammy chuckled. "Anyways, Jace says you guys need the basics now that you're N-Gen. I figured I’d help out."

Adam grinned while looking at Chang. "I don’t know... what do you think, Chang. I don’t know if I really want him running around in my head."

"You know, you might be right there. That might be dangerous... For him," Chang said with a small smile, which for him was like rolling on the floor laughing.

"HEY!" Sammy said with indignation. "If you don’t want me to do it... I’m sure Pablo can come and help."

"NO! That’s okay... I’m sure you’ll be fine." Adam said quickly, dreading the thought of Pablo around and the kind of mischief HE caused. "Not to mention having him near my mind... no, thank you."

Sammy just laughed as he motioned them over to a couple of seats. "Okay, let's make this quick. I’m just going to dump the stuff into your minds, then we can talk about it. Since it’s happening in the mind, though, it’ll go a lot quicker. You guys ready?"

It only took Sammy about five minutes in real time to do what needed to be done, but to all three boys, they were in their minds, talking about how their minds now worked, for over thirty minutes.

"Wow!" Adam said looking a little overwhelmed. "I never thought it could be like this."

"You’ve got a really strong mind, Adam... but then I guess you would have to." Sammy said as he once again pulled Adam into a hug.

"Yeah.. I need to... to deal with everything that's going on." As if on cue, they walked into the dinning room where all his brothers were, including Jimmy and Kent. Adam was starting to wonder if things back in the Unit Complex might not be more sane than they were here. Just after they all got there, and sat down, Cory showed up... purple wings and all.

"DYLAN!!!! YOU ARE SOOOOO DEAD!!!"

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.

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!"

"Nah - you look best in 'em, Cor," Sammy giggled.

"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 was 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 the others. 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 ask without asking if the other boy was okay.

They both nodded, 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 rug rats 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?", not being able to understand what the ‘bird boy’ had just said.

"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 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 floating 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 surrounding 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.

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 manged 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 I felt that one!!!"

"So what happened?" Teri asked as she looked around at the shocked and even frightened faces 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 ask 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 shitload 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 anymore, 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 anymore 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 than 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 lets 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 bare - 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. Honor 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 them - 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....

 

---

 

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," 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 recognize 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 recognized 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, 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 seemed 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; 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's cool for them to join us?"

Everyone nodded, even Juan, "Of course. We all have to thank you anyway, Joel. Sit, sit." Adam grinned at him.

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 than 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 a ‘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 he was red.

No one could do anything other then fall over laughing. Logan was taking a drink of juice right then, but 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, and then shoved it gently, in the little Vulcan's ear and wiggled it around. "That’s a wet willy."

"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?"

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 couldn’t hold it in anymore. 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 and he opened the box.

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

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 color... 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.

"Is 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, "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 honor 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 a feeling you will know how to use this better then 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 recognized 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 swordsmith!"

Chang had a small smile on his face as he 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 your 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 boy's 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 explain. "It’s called an Ipod. When you figure out what kind of music you like, you can put all your favorite songs in there and listen to them whenever you want. If you can’t figure it out, just let me know and I’ll show you."

Korris then drew the small Vulcan's attention to himself. "Koth and I have decided that we wish to honor 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 honored for you to carry it and once trained, use it."

Joel trembled as he took the large weapon into his hands. "I shall do honor by this, Korris," he said reverently. "I shall keep it and honor 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 honor. So, we honor 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 him 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 fell 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 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 grinning 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', none 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 Juan. 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 Joel to the wooden flute, and this song in particular. After seeing how Joel acted, and KNOWING what made him act that way, Juan thought this song might help him as much as it helped Juan 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 wouldn’t 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 anymore, 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 midair 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 he was 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 midair.

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 shoulder being forced from its socket when he landed with the remarkably heavy boy on top of him as 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 Juan’s 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 the rest of the Clan 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. 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 with 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 will 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 wan. "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 cannot. 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 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...."