Memories Part 2: Spreading The Hope

A few minutes later, Cory was knocked to the ground by Levi as he was walking into CIC.

"I'm really sorry Uncle Cory!" Levi whimpered as he helped Cory back to his feet. "Did I hurt you? I'll fix it if I did!"

Cory shook his head. "Don't worry about it lil guy; it's just a bruise. How in the heck were you moving that fast?"

Levi gave a small smile as he lifted one of his feet, showing the recessed wheels in the bottom of his shoe. "I found these awesome shoes while I was poking around other timelines; it looked so easy when the kids there were using them."

"If you figure out how to use them, show us - they look like fun!" Sean giggled as Cory braced himself on Sean's shoulder.

"Yeah; figure out where the brakes are!" Cory added with a laugh.

"I asked that; the sales guy laughed when I asked about the brakes." Levi giggled. "That universe is really weird; instead of directly transferring from your account like we do, they make you give them paper and metal things that everyone carries with them. The paper stuff has serial numbers so I had to make a bunch of the metal things to buy these. Kids ain't allowed to carry the plastic cards they use to do like we do when we get stuff."

Seth overheard Levi and laughed. "That is called 'money' little dude! We used to use it all over; some small countries and towns still use it, even though now it's automatically equal to the standard credit no matter where you are. That is why the US calls credits 'dollars' and the UK calls them 'Pounds'. They are the same thing; it's just each area calls them by their old name."

"Oh!" Levi said with a puzzled frown, "Why did the guy look at me weird when I gave him 6,143 of those little copper things that they use? It seemed a lot easier than trying to add up the silver stuff."

Seth, Cory, and Sean all groaned. "Poor guy!" Seth laughed. "Those were pennies, Levi; and usually they are only used to fill in odd amounts! I bet that if you had been an adult they would have refused the money; I know that just before we went to the credit system my teachers said that a lot of places would do that."

Levi nodded that he understood. "The guy's name was Thom; he was really nice about it. He didn't even count it; he trusted my count."

Through the northern door of the CIC, Sarek and Amanda entered and, upon seeing Cory and Sean with Levi and Seth, they walked over.

As they got to them, Cory found himself being hugged tightly by the Lady Amanda. "Come here, sweetheart. How are you feeling, Cory?"

"Hi Grandmother!" Cory said as he tried to stay stable. "I guess I'm holding up; kamikaze Mikyvis ain't helping though." Cory turned so that Levi could see his grin, letting Levi know he was just joking.

Amanda still held onto him tightly, but pushed him back so she could look into his face. She saw that he was not being entirely truthful. "I think we all need to sit down somewhere. Come on, in this briefing room."

Sarek opened the door and gestured for the boys to enter. Cory, however, was walked in arm in arm with his Grandmother. They found places to sit, but again, Cory was the odd one out; he was on Amanda's lap. "Do not think of complaining, my grandson. You need this, at least. We are here for you when you are ready to open up, Cory; but we will not force you. Just know we are here."

"My wife is correct, young one," Sarek added, his mannerisms more human than Cory had previously encountered. "I know that there is one coming that will heal you; as per what Levi said yesterday, but do not forget your family who love you. Once you feel you can speak, be it before or after that certain someone heals you, remember us. We will continue to hurt until we know you are healing."

'Busted!' Sean sent to Cory while trying to suppress a giggle.

Sarek noticed the suppressed giggle, and also noticed the half smile in response to a telepathic message. He also 'felt' that a Vulcan-style bond now existed between his two grandsons. "I see Jason has done what he had planned. Sean?"

"Yes, Grandfather," the teen replied.

"You are not exempt from that which my wife has said." Sarek then pulled Sean over and held him as firmly and lovingly as Amanda was doing for Cory. "We are here for you; we always have been, and always will be. Come to us when you are ready. Even if that takes forever."

"Now who's 'busted' Uncle Sean!" Levi giggled.

Mont and Bast decided a little humor was needed. They quickly grabbed Levi, and with smiles on their faces held him in midair by his hands and feet. "Patriarch; I believe this one has not had his daily dunking." Bast stated.

"May we do the honors?" Mont added with a toothy grin.

Cory smiled. "If you wish, but save the shoes. I still want to make some my size and try them out!"

"Cool!" Levi giggled as he hung there, willingness to let the G-Cats have their way stopping him from popping out of their grasp. "Can I have a cat-bath after? Daddy said it was really awesome!"

"Of course. Dunking human style, then bath our way!" Mont said as he settled the boy on his shoulders.

As both lions walked out, Bast turned to Cory and said, "We'll be back after. We know you're okay here, and we think you need some alone time with your grandpa and grandma."

"Okay!" Cory replied as he watched them leave.

Sarek relaxed as the door closed, leaving all four of them in a peaceful, calm quiet for a few moments. Both of his teen grandsons were also more relaxed now; even without knowing they were doing so, walls were in place in their minds when others were around. However, as with all Vulcan families, such walls fell when in the company of those you were closest too.

"Cory, Sean," Amanda began, "both I and Sarek have had a long talk; both here after I arrived, and even before over subspace. Your Clan has gone through so much in recent days. To be honest, most of you have been through hell over most of your young lives."

"Some of your have never had childhoods; Kyle most especially." Sarek continued, "When we melded yesterday, a unique experience for me as it was a Mikyvis Meld, I was given his entire history. He has never had innocence from the moment he could consciously understand those thoughts and images he was subjected to from other's minds. Worse were those events he personally went through. My wife and I are going to start to change all that."

"How? The past has already happened." Cory replied with a puzzled look.

"We know, and we do not mean we will change the past," Amanda murmured quietly.

Sarek gave a brief, small smile to his blond grandson, "Five of your number have had Vulcan training in regards to Telepathy and mental indexing, and they have trained others, telepath or not. However, none of you have had the training required to place to one side such events and tasks that are firmly within an adult's remit so as to allow you to have your childhood. Jason and his Clan have had such training, which is why they can fight, execute criminals, and perform VSO tasks, yet still remain children."

"And many of them have been through situations much the same as many in this Clan," Amanda added. "Again, we do not mean such training will return those childhoods that are lost. Kyle will never have his innocence returned."

Sarek interrupted her politely, "That is true in a way, but he does still retain an innocence of a sort. The childlike wonder is still there, but he no longer knows how to let it 'out'. That is the training we can give. We can allow all of you the chance to gain the tools needed so that you can forge a new childhood for yourselves for the time remaining to you of your youth."

"That would be nice." Sean commented. "Timmy worries me; he's trying to be so much like his Daddy that he's doing stuff no six year old should even be thinking about. That's why we let him do whatever he wants with the local animals; it lets him be a kid and discover stuff without it being work."

"I agree," Amanda nodded, "Jason and Nathan both had to take a life the day before they left Earth for Vulcan in January. It tore them up. After their training, they have been able to regain their childhoods, and still be VSO."

"We do not want your Clan to become another like Clan Evans, Cory," Sarek said gently. "They had to be VSO. They will always be VSO, even though their Clan status is now paramount. They are your guards forever. However, as Saturday proved, the Dragon cannot always be there for you. You need to have the mental training so that when things happen, you can deal with recovery more easily."

"How though?" Cory asked. "Everyone thinks that we need to keep going with what we started. All I wanted was to help out a couple of kids I saw that needed someone. Now according to everyone else I'm in charge of the most important thing to ever happen on Earth. I'm still just a kid; why does the rest of the world expect ME to fix everything?"

Sarek took, for a Vulcan, a while to think about his grandson's question. He said slowly, "Cory, I want you to answer this next question without thinking about it. I want you to answer it... 'from your heart'."

Cory nodded mutely.

Sarek looked at him seriously, "Do you know what being a Patriarch really means?"

"Leader of a family?" Cory replied.

"Yes. And no." Sarek moved Sean to one side, then offered the other half of his lap to Cory, who moved over to share with his boyfriend. "It means 'Father'. Nothing more, nothing less. Next question: does a father, a good father, make every decision for his children?"

"I guess not; I can't remember my father." Cory replied soberly.

"I know," Sarek said softly, kissing the teen's forehead gently. "Instead, answer it as a father yourself. Do you make every decision for your son, Timmy? Do you chose what he is to wear all the time? Do you chose his food? Do you inform him when he will need to visit the bathroom to relieve himself? Do you tell him what to think, feel, and do?"

"No." Cory replied. "He'd laugh at me if I tried it."

"Correct, I believe he would." Another smile came from the normally reserved Vulcan. "Instead, you train him; you provide the tools and information he requires to make such decisions for himself. You love him, help him, and care for him. You teach him how to fly, and then catch him should he fall. You do not fly 'for' him."

Sarek let that sink in for a moment, then rephrased it, "Such is the role of Patriarch. It matters 'not' what the 'world' thinks you should do. It 'does' matter what your family sees you do. You train them, you provide the tools and information they require to make their decisions; you love them, help them, and care for them. You teach them how to fly, and then catch them should they fall. You do not fly for them."

Cory's eyes started to fill with tears. He tried to restrain them, but he could not. Amanda moved over and started to rub his back, and Sean leaned in to kiss him softly. Cory started to sob, and turned to hide his face in Sarek's chest. The old Vulcan murmured quietly, "You have tried to be a leader, and you have done a remarkable job in doing so. However, it is not what you are to do as a Patriarch of a Clan, child. A House Patriarch does those things, and Family Patriarchs do as well. Clan Patriarchs only do so when one of the other two are not present. Your role is 'father', not 'leader'. You need to release yourself from the burdens you have placed upon yourself needlessly. That is part of the training you and the others will receive on Vulcan."

"On Vulcan?" Sean asked quietly in shock as he squeezed Cory's hand.

"Yes. As of Friday, my wife shall return to Vulcan with a number of Clan Short to give them training, and, in her own words, give them a holiday. They can relax away from the strains of Earth and find some peace. In shifts, we shall do this for as many of Clan Short as are willing."

"Like any of the guys here would turn that down!" Sean commented with a small giggle as he leaned in and gave Cory a quick kiss. "I love ya Cor; listen to Grandfather and Grandmother."

"I'll try." Cory replied softly. "It's just so hard; all of these guys look up to me like I'm some kinda miracle worker or something."

"Isn't that how all children should look at their fathers, if their fathers are good, child?" Amanda asked softly. "You know what impact you are having on the world around you by turning to see who is following, and by seeing who looks up to you."

"Yeah; sometimes I kinda wish it was just me, Sean, Kyle, Ty, JJ, and Adam though." Cory said with shame in his eyes. "Back then we could just be ourselves; nobody was watching us and trying to be like us. I'm so afraid that I'm gonna do something wrong and get hated by all of the guys who look up to me."

A naked Levi popped in suddenly, holding two large brushes. The two lions popped in with him, equally naked, and all three were on the floor, 'grooming'. Levi giggled, "Sorry, but Someone wants to say something."

Amanda laughed at the shocked and stunned looks on the two lions faces. "Okay, child. What is your message?"

"Not me... the Guardian guy wants to talk 'gain," Levi stopped brushing Mont and Bast and sat up, while the lion boys simply laid there, watching him curiously.

"...//You shall return to the beginning after the waxing and waning of four suns, Prince Cory. You shall be healed in spirit when night falls on the first day; you shall be ascendant on day three; you shall rest and play on the fourth, in the knowledge that the Shaper holds the reins in your place//..."

Levi then vanished, as did the two cats.

Sean shook his head. "If Levi wasn't bad enough, we've got this Guardian dude playing Confucius."

"The Guardian... of Forever?" Sarek asked, his face attempting to remain impassive.

"I think that's the dude." Sean replied. "He said he is 'forever and the guardian of it'; or something like that."

Sarek remained still for a moment, then said, "I cannot speak of this unless both the High Council of Vulcan and the Senate of the Federation rules on you gaining such knowledge from me. Should you gain said knowledge from other sources, I must ask you to keep it in confidence. I know that you are all trusted with such things, but this is of the highest secrecy within the bounds of the United Federation of Planets."

Cory tilted his head. "You mean this 'Guardian' is some sort of secret?"

"Yes. He is," Sarek said carefully. "I can say no more, other than that he has warned us and confirmed what amounts to ancient Legends for us. Something is out there, and he is standing for us. More than this, I cannot tell you; not yet. I shall confer with the Council of Vulcan and the Federation Senate on this issue. If the Guardian is speaking through little Levi, then Clan Short should be pulled into the situation."

"I get a feeling that you're too late on that Grandfather." Sean replied with a grin. "I don't think he cares about secrecy rules!"

Sarek looked at Sean; then smiled. "I would not presume to tell him what and who he can speak to. As he undoubtedly told you, he is Forever, and its Guardian. What he does to ensure we remain safe is his and his alone to decide."

"Do you mean stuff like calling Kyle the Prince of Forever and Levi the Voice of Forever ?" Cory asked.

"He also called Levi the Preserver of Time," Sean added. "The 'Tempus Reservo' of the Mikyvis."

"That sounds like him," Sarek nodded. "He seems to be starting the gathering required that he spoke of when last I saw him."

"Would that be the 'Time Council' thing that Mikey mentioned?" Sean asked.

Sarek's eyes widened. "No... it cannot be!" he stuttered, his training vanishing totally.

Amanda looked sharply at him, then straight at Sean. "Does the word 'Gallifrey' mean anything to you, Sean?"

"Not much besides I have a stuffed toy for a kid with that name who is supposed to be here soon." Sean replied.

"Jace said something about a TV program over in the UK about him too." Cory added.

Now it was Amanda's turn to look shocked. "A toy... for a child... called Gallifrey?"

"Gallifrey was a world that once existed, but vanished long ago," Sarek said as he found his voice. "We Vulcans have been space faring for at least sixty thousand years, but as with this world, we went through our own cycles of violence. We learned and lost much over our history. A history far, far longer than you are aware of. We may have been in the stars long before, but such knowledge is lost even to us."

"They have been to Gallifrey, long ago," Amanda continued. "Vulcans walked in the red grass of the Mountains of Time, and saw the Lords that lived there. Then the planet vanished, and all the Lords of Time with it. I heard of this, as did my brother, Richard, when we were children. I met your Grandfather not long after 'unofficial' First Contact, and after we Bonded, I studied Vulcan history. My brother then went and told some of it to an English friend of his; hence the 'Doctor Who' TV shows that came after."

"That should also explain to you why other vulcanoid races are on different planets. We colonized many worlds, but when we destroyed ourselves in the times before Logic, they were cut off from the Home world. They are different to us, now, yet still our people in part." Sarek added.

"Wow!" Sean exclaimed as Cory sat in shock. "They never taught THAT in school!"

"We do not speak of it outside of our own. You are family, you have the right to know," Sarek said quietly. "It is hard for us to speak of those times before logic. We are a proud race, and those times were both great and terrible."

"You know," Cory mused, "Mr T. says that the only way to learn from history is to remember it as it happened. I can kinda understand keeping it private though; if it was public knowledge then someone could use the past against the present."

"Correct. We remember the past, but it would not be in any one's best interests for those days to be made public knowledge. Unless required," Sarek nodded.

Amanda smiled, "I think that covers as much as can be said about this topic right now. As for what Levi just relayed to us, I think you children need to get ready for a few interesting days, then you'll be going back to Des Moines for a break. I believe that is where this all 'began' for you?"

"But who will take care of things here while we're gone?" Sean asked. "We can't abandon these guys after what they just went through; it wouldn't be fair."

"I shall remain in Orlando until your return, Sean," Sarek said, "and I believe the 'Guardian' told you that 'you shall rest and play on the fourth, in the knowledge that the Shaper holds the reins in your place'. I do not know who this 'Shaper' is, but if the Guardian says he can hold things together for you, then I have no doubt that you are about to receive a new 'Short' brother. The Guardian likes things to be kept within families."

 

A short while later in the Rec Room:

Contentment. Peace. Joy. Such were the emotions that were spilling from the Quiet Area of the Rec Room and impacting upon everyone in there. Jason's eyes were glowing blue, and had been for the past half an hour, as he cuddled his three children in his arms.

Snuggled together happily, Oliver and Jessica were wrapped around each other, and Belar was hugging around Oliver's back. Jessica's face said everything the clearest, apart from Jason's, of course: all is now well. Her brother was back. Somehow she knew he had never died; even though they were not twins, the blood link, and other bonds, between them had assured her of that.

Every few minutes, Oliver would randomly kiss one of his two siblings, or his father, then relax back into the hugs. His war-paint had disappeared, yet Nathan was certain he had not washed. Nathan had an idea of why that was, however, and he grinned as he watched his family. Jason needed this more than he, right now. He would get his hugs in a short while. So, for now, he just sat there on the floor by Jason's feet and basked in the ebb and flow of the empathic projected waves of bliss coming from all four of them. So did most of the rest of the room, for even in their play, they were smiling and looking at the happy family sharing their quiet time.

Riti was having a blast as well. He was sitting on the floor with his back to an armchair and Iori, Oliver's Eagle Spirit, was on his lap. Riti's wings were unfurled within easy reach of the armchair, upon which both William and Duke were. They were preening Riti, and Riti was preening Iori. Both Timmy and Ricky were sitting in front of the feathered boy, watching them all in fascination.

"Who're you preening next, Uncah Reetee?" Paulie asked as he walked over, a big grin on his face.

"Duke," Riti said with a smile. "William wants to make sure his friends get preened first."

The Lo'Garn was slowly going over each feather in Iori's left wing, preening carefully and slowly, much to the enjoyment of the Eagle. Iori clucked; quietly screeching at him as he went from feather to feather. Timmy and Ricky burst out laughing after one such happy screech.

Nathan asked curiously, "What did he say?"

"He says that's better than playin' in the shower!" Ricky giggled.

"Yeah, William and Duke's been showin him in his head what it's like to do stuff like they do with us." Timmy added.

"Ooh... okay," Nathan grinned, and Iori clucked at him lazily before hopping down from Riti's bare legs. As fast as Iori got down, Duke landed by Iori and walked up onto Riti's thigh carefully. Riti giggled.

"They at least queue better than most humans," Korris laughed as he watched Iori fly up onto the chair and take over preening Riti's far larger feathers.

Victoria walked over with two glasses of orange juice. After placing one near Riti's feet, she sat next to him; not facing the same way, but facing towards the inside of his left wing. After taking a quick drink of her own juice, she began to preen the inside of her boyfriend's wing, much to his contentment.

William popped his head around the edge of the wing and clucked a few times. Victoria answered easily, moved up and kissed the Eagle on the top of his head, and went back to her work. William clucked happily, and also returned to his task.

"Can you teach us how to preen, Uncle Reetee?" Timmy asked excitedly. "Looks fun, and William and Duke will like it if we learn!"

"Sure, come here, rugrats," Riti beckoned them closer, and then started showing them what to do with Duke. After about ten minutes of this, he said, "Now, you two try with my right wing. My feathers are stronger than your Eagle's, so if you make a mistake while learning, you won't hurt me as much."

Kyle and Tyler were watching with bemusement at the mass preening taking place before them. "Our Levi's finished getting groomed right about now, and there's preening in here. What else?" Tyler giggled.

Jason looked over, his glowing eyes dancing with mirth, "What about the human 'grooming' in the bathroom over there, angels?"

"That's private between JJ and Adam, bro!" Kyle giggled.

Jason nodded while laughing, "I know. But you did ask!"

"You've been transferring those languages already?" Kyle queried, nodding in Victoria's direction.

The Welsh Patriarch nodded, "Only to my sister and Nath' so far. Their minds are resilient enough to deal with an error on my part. Didn't want to practice on Korris, for example." He grinned at his Klingon brother, "He's strange enough as it is; don't want to make him worse!"

"Once you have finished being all paternal with your kids," Korris retorted, "you will be going swimming... in lead boots!"

"Aww... C'mon Korris;" Kyle giggled, "I know some really kewl ice water lakes in the Antarctic that haven't been visited in a while. Don't need lead boots up there - after a few dips you have ice cube shoes!"

"Interesting," the twelve year old warrior mused, "Most interesting. Give me a yell after, and we'll plot."

"Just so long as you know you'll have payback," Jason said calmly as he hugged his kids tighter. "You know I can, bro. And you, your Majesty; I only hope you let yourself get paybacks pulled on you, or it's just not fair," he added with a grin, although he was semi-serious.

Nathan giggled, "Yeah, you'll get used to that. He took me to task for pranking Antony with my TK. He's all about fairness; only prank to the level that others can reach and accept payback."

"Well, you dangled the poor kid over the pool for half an hour, then stopped him from getting near you for a week!" Jason retorted. "Using your abilities, fine. Be fair, though. You have to, or what's the point? All it is, then, is bullying."

"Jace is right." Kyle commented. "If you can't take it then don't do it."

"Yeah, so the lumps in my head told me after he finished slappin' sense back into me," Nathan smiled ruefully.

"Jace, you should know trying to knock sense into a blond don't work!" Kyle laughed.

Kyle found himself pulled off the sofa and onto his back on Nathan's lap, his ribs being tickled unmercifully with Tyler helping Nathan. "You were saying, Sweetheart?" Ty giggled.

"Hey!" Kyle giggled. "YOU'RE the one who told our son he could have purple hair; the evidence backs me, Cuddlebunny!"

"He thought it was kewl!" Ty replied in his own defense.

Oliver giggled, "I gotta see him!"

"Oh," Jason murmured as he watched Kyle squirm about, "you will baby-boy. And yes, Tyler, it is cool. And I'm not a blond agreeing, so Kyle can be quiet now!" Jason stuck his tongue out at the Mikyvis in question, then grinned cheekily.

"Ewww... keep your tongue in your mouth Jace; I know where it's been!" Kyle laughed as he rolled off of Nath's lap.

"Ty?"

"Yeah, Jace?"

"Deal with him!"

"Done!" Ty replied with a grin. Kyle stopped speaking as Tyler pounced him for a kiss.

"Peace at last," smirked Antony.

Kyle was not complaining.

Jason stopped giggling as a message from Telez was Sent. As his eyes went unfocused as he responded, Sarek, Amanda and Sean entered the Rec Room. Amanda stopped dead as she saw Oliver on Jason's lap.

"Oliver?! Jason! What...?" she stuttered.

Sarek's eyebrows raised quickly, and he turned to Sean. "What has happened this morning that I need to be aware of? Oliver has been dead for the past six weeks."

"You know everything Levi can do, don't you Grandfather?" Sean replied.

Sarek nodded. "Time travel." He turned to Jason, "Grandson, can you send me the information, please? I need to know how this can be possible without a paradox."

"Certainly," Jason replied as his eyes gained focus. A second later and Sarek had all of the events of the morning relayed to him, just at the same second that two transporter beams appeared and resolved into another Klingon boy and an Andorian.

Complete pandemonium ensued, as the very first person Koth and Telez saw was Oliver running towards a weeping Amanda.

"Shi'zar!" Telez swore as his legs gave way, tears running in streams down his face.

"OLLIE!!!" Koth yelled as he joined the boy in Amanda's arms.

Nathan sighed, "Oh, boy!"

Kyle regained his feet. "Grandfather; with your permission I can update all who wish it so they know how this was possible."

"That would be acceptable, however, please give me a moment before you do." Sarek opened his communicator, "Sarek to Dragon's Nest. Angela, do you receive me?"

'Angela here. Go ahead, Ambassador,' Jason's mother responded after a few seconds.

"We have a development that I know you are unaware of here in Orlando. Please gather Llywelyn and prepare to be brought to our location."

'Oh God, Sarek! Is it one of the kids? What's wrong?'

"Nothing is amiss, Angela. Something is very right. Please get Llywelyn," he repeated gently.

Jason looked slightly sick by now, however, "I can't believe I forgot to tell them!"

"Don't worry, bro," Nathan said softly, smiling at his Bonded, "everyone'll know you had reason to forget. Same for us all. We were just so happy he was alive!"

A second later and a new voice was heard over Sarek's comm; a tired voice, ' You called, Aunty Ange?'

'Sarek wants us in Orlando, Llyw. Come here, sweetie.' they heard her reply.

A sad sigh was just audible, and in a voice close to tears, Llywelyn responded, 'I don't wanna go... I'm just too... tired. Please, don't make me.'

Levi walked in to hear this byplay, and decided enough was enough. Angela and Llywelyn were immediately in the room with them.

"Now, Kyle," Sarek stated firmly.

Kyle nodded, as he proudly broadcast the first truly independent action of his first son.

Angela went still as the knowledge of her returned grandson flooded her mind. Llywelyn, however, spun about and found himself face to face with his lost boyfriend.

"O...Ollie! My Ollie!" he wept out as he pulled the brown haired boy into his fierce hug.

Telez stood up shakily to his feet, moved towards Levi; and promptly engulfed him in a massive hug, "You are our angel!"

Everyone in the room nodded, much to the young Mikyvis' embarrassment.

"Don't argue, Levi! You are!" Jason said firmly, his own joy at this reunion flooding the room again as his eyes blazed forth even brighter. "Get used to it!"

Shrugging in defeat, Levi giggled from the depths of his hug with Telez. He murmured finally, "I love it when a plan comes together!"

Sean giggled, then addressed the whole Evans group, "Guys? Cory is resting in the Briefing Room right now, but I know he'd love to see this. Come on."

Slowly, everyone moved to follow Sean, Oliver being passed from one hug to the next as they went.

 

As the happily reunited family left the room, Cory sat back and reflected on what he had just seen. The earlier pain he had seen in Jason and Nathan at the seeming loss of their son, now overcome by the miracle that Levi provided, was an emotional drain that Cory had barely held himself together through. It hit too close to home; Cory realized that it could well have been Timmy who they could have been talking about since Timmy had taken it upon himself to go into battle.

The peace of the room was suddenly disrupted by multiple transporter arrivals; obviously NOT Federation as the sparkles started at the floor and rose in a rainbow of colors. The first to resolve was Vincent; the second Vincent saw Cory, his face showed that his planned arrival speech was totally discarded.

Vincent immediately walked across the room and, without hesitation, climbed onto Cory's lap.

"Hi dad. I'm home." Vincent whispered into Cory's shoulder as he hugged him firmly.

After a moment of surprise at the unexpected transport and the group of strangers that were standing before him, Cory devoted his attention to Vincent and returned the hug.

"How are you?" Vincent asked with concern.

"I'm fine." Cory whispered in return, then continued, "I'm even better now that I can see for myself that you're safe."

A low, rhythmic sound, something between a purr and a growl, drew Vincent's attention.

Vincent looked beside Cory to find Mont and Bast staring across the room.

"Shhh... they're friends guys." Cory whispered to his side.

"They look hungry." One of the new arrivals whispered in a cautious voice. He looked to Cory like a cross between a scrawny human and an albino bird; about six feet tall with off-white feathers and taloned hands. Instead of a beak, the visitor had segmented rigid lips that were capable of displaying his emotions.

Vincent looked down in time to see one of the cat-like people slowly lick his lips.

"Stop that Mont." Cory said in a tone of voice that was half scolding and half playful.

Movement drew their attention, and they saw the seven foot tall Gorn Captain that had also beamed in take a half-step forward, silently letting it be known that he was protecting the bird-man.

"Vincent, maybe now would be a good time to intro..." Cory began to say, then froze when a boy who looked similar to Riti stepped out from behind the group. Vincent saw a curious look appear in Cory's eyes; a knowing look.

Vincent quirked an eyebrow at Cory's abrupt stop. When it was obvious that Cory wasn't going to say whatever was on his mind, Vincent got off Cory's lap to make the introductions.

"Patriarch Cory Short, this is Captain Rasch of the Soleen-Avalla." Vincent said in his 'mature' voice.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Captain Rasch." Cory said with respect, but Vincent also noticed an underlying tiredness in his voice.

"It is a pleasure for me as well Patriarch Short. As a representative of the Soleen-Avalla empire, I have been instructed to extend greetings from our counsel of elders." Captain Rasch said in a formal and respectful tone. The low accented voice that the Captain's translator use was perfect for conveying the sincerity of his words.

"Kewl." Cory said with a grin. "Please relay my thanks back to them."

Vincent smiled at the informal response, then said, "Cory, this is Treep, he's Captain Rasch's first officer."

"It's nice to meet you Treep. Please don't be afraid of Mont and Bast. They know you're a guest and would never hurt you." Cory said as he met Treep's concerned gaze. "They'd have to deal with the Tribe if they tried."

"Thank you. It's nice to meet you Patriarch Short... you too, Mont and Bast." Treep finished uncertainly and seemed to be fighting to hide his nervousness.

"I think I like him." Bast said in a playful voice.

Vincent moved to Lehman's side and said, "Cory, this is Lehman. I probably should have told you about him before but... well, lots of stuff has been going on and I just didn't think about it."

"It's nice to meet you Lehman." Cory said formally, then looked at Vincent and asked, "Could you maybe explain why he looks *exactly* like you?"

"Oh yeah." Vincent said shyly, then continued, "I guess if you don't know the story, that could be kinda weird."

Cory raised an eyebrow in a distinctly 'Vulcan' fashion, prompting Vincent to explain.

"Lehman is a Chameloid. He can change himself to look like just about anyone. He changed himself to look like me and kinda got stuck." Vincent said with difficulty, wanting to keep the explanation brief.

"We can talk about it later if you want. It's kind of a long story." Lehman said shyly.

Cory nodded his agreement to the arrangement. "Don't leave without telling me; this I gotta hear."

"Okay, I guess that leaves Lindon... I mean Xandor." Vincent said slowly as he moved to the winged boy's side.

"Ah... Another long story?" Cory guessed, that strange 'something' in his eyes again.

"No. Actually, it's really short." Vincent said seriously.

"Too short." Lehman said with a slight nod of agreement.

At Cory's inquisitive look, Vincent continued, "Xandor is from Lo'Ga... That's it. He doesn't remember anything from before we rescued him. I was kind of hoping that maybe Clan Short's telepaths or Doc Austin or maybe that Levi kid could do something to help him."

"You know Levi?" Cory asked with surprise, but didn't seem to be worried. "What did he do THIS time?"

"Yeah. He just kind of popped in out of nowhere, told Xandor his real name and where he's from, then popped out again." Vincent said, feeling like he was understating the event, but he honestly couldn't think of any other relevant facts to relate about the meeting.

"Daddy and Pop should be able to help Uncle Xandor 'member all the stuff he forgot." Levi said as he appeared beside Xandor and pulled him into a quick hug.

"Like that." Vincent said as he gestured toward Levi.

"I would try to do it myself, but I might mess things up trying to put old memories and new memories together the right way." Levi said from the hug.

"Well then..." Cory began to say, but was interrupted.

"Daddy and Poppa can fix you Uncle Xandor. Come on." Levi giggled. "We'll be back Uncle Cory!"

Before Xandor could agree, protest or even fully understand what Levi was saying, they were gone.

Vincent stared at the vacant spot for a moment before turning to Cory and saying, "I get the feeling that some things have happened while I've been gone."

Cory gave a weary chuckle and said, "I guess you could say that."

Captain Rasch and Treep looked at each other with concern at Xandor's disappearance.

Vincent noticed their worried expressions and hurried to say, "If you're worried about Xandor, Ship can check on him to see that he's alright."

Captain Rasch gave Vincent a brief smile, then said, "Ship, can you tell me of Xandor's condition?"

"He is currently being introduced to Levi's parents. Do you wish to speak to him or for me to relay a message?" Ship's voice asked from Captain Rasch's pendant.

"No, thank you Ship. Just please monitor his activity and notify me immediately if he is in any distress." Captain Rasch said firmly.

"Yes Captain." Ship responded in the completely professional tone that he had used the first time Vincent heard him.

"They won't hurt him. I promise." Cory said cautiously to the large Saurian that Vincent had brought with him.

Captain Rasch turned his attention to Cory. "I believe you. If I thought otherwise, I would have had Ship teleport him out immediately." Captain Rasch said in a professional voice, then continued more softly, "If our situations were reversed, would you do any less to protect someone in your charge?"

"I suppose not." Cory reluctantly admitted.

"Hey Cor. Levi says they'll be here in about five minutes. You'd better get a move on." Sean said quickly from the doorway, then noticed who else was in the room.

"Hey Vincent. I heard that you were on your way, but no one told me that you were here." Sean said happily, then looked Vincent up and down before adding, "Kewl bathrobe."

Vincent giggled at the comment, then without thinking, he ran to give Sean a firm hug.

Sean was a little bit surprised by the move, but was soon hugging Vincent just as firmly in return.

When the hug was finally finished, Vincent pulled back and asked, "What's going to happen in five minutes?"

"Oh, we have some visitors on the way and Cory is needed for the whole greeting thing." Sean said casually, and from the way he said it, Vincent was sure that it wasn't anything dangerous.

"Is it anything I can help with?" Vincent asked automatically, not really considering the words before he said them.

"I can't think of any way you could help with our visitors, but I can think of something else that you could do if you're interested." Sean said with a smile.

"What can I do?" Vincent asked quickly, feeling a need to do something to help his Clan.

"Well, there is a certain Clan member in the Rec Room who is nearly crawling out of his skin, waiting for his brother to arrive. It would be a big help to all of us if you would go in there and talk to him." Sean said with a grin.

Vincent smiled as he realized who Sean was talking about.

"Okay. Thanks Sean. But remember to call me if there's any way I can help you guys." Vincent said as he looked Sean in the eyes.

"Yeah. Promise. Gotta go." Sean said before hurrying away.

"I'm sorry I can't stay and talk, but I'm sure Lawrence can fill you in on everything that's happened since you left." Cory said as he slowly stood. "Things are still totally nuts around here."

"Yeah. Take care of yourself Dad. I love you." Vincent said as he walked to Cory and gave him a quick hug, then to Cory's absolute surprise, Vincent kissed him on the cheek.

Cory returned the hug and whispered, "I'd really like to sit and talk with you later."

"Yeah. I'll catch you later when you've got all your stuff done." Vincent said as he reluctantly released Cory from the hug.

Cory reached up and rubbed Vincent's slightly shaggy hair as he walked out of the room with Mont and Bast following close behind. "You can count on it; if I gotta have Kyle freeze time to do it I will."

As they left the room, Cory half whispered to Sean, "Did Mr Farnsworth arrive early? It's only just after nine."

"No," Sean whispered back as they moved across Main CIC towards where Kevin was waiting nervously. "Levi said we have new visitors, and this time, it wasn't anything to do with him!"

"I'm in shock," Cory giggled quietly. "Well, judging by Kev's presence, I take it this is a Diplomatic meeting?"

"Yes. I would be there as well, but I think our little Kyle needs some kid time, so I'll leave you with Kev and Levi - he'll be around when needed - and I'll take care of his little majesty."

"Cool," Cory smiled as they reached Kevin. "Hey, Kev. You ready for an unknown meeting?"

"Sure, Cory. Xain's been saying I've been ready for a while; I just hope I won't mess up," Kevin replied shyly.

"Don't worry dude," Cory ruffled the younger boy's hair. "Jason Evans and his boyfriend Nathan unlocked telepathy in me and Sean, so I'll make sure you'll have the help you need. You won't need it, though. You'll do just great."

Kevin smiled at the praise, and relaxed at the assurance of Cory's help if needed, then opened the door into the hallway. As Cory moved after him, Sean said, "See you both later. I'm off to find the wandering Kyle."

 

Meanwhile:

When Xandor disappeared with Levi, he found himself in a room just about the same as the one he left. In front of him were two boys, who looked very much like the child that had teleported him here, and both had friendly, smiling faces that set him at his ease straight away.

"Daddy, this is Xandor. I would stay, but there are people coming and they're a surprise, so I have to get some people ready to see them." Levi said in a rush.

"Okay, kiddo. Thanks," Kyle replied. After Levi had vanished as suddenly as he and Xandor had appeared, Kyle grinned at the winged boy, "I'm Kyle, and this is Tyler. We're Levi's parents, and we're gonna help you remember who you are."

"O...okay," Xandor mumbled.

"Don't be scared, Xandor," Tyler said as he moved closer to hold the boy's hand. "We won't hurt you, but if it makes you feel better, there is someone else here who might set your fears to rest. Riti?"

From the corner behind Xandor, a cloaked form moved over. "Hello, Xandor," Riti said as he lowered his hood and removed his robe. As normal, he was nude, but Xandor wasn't concerned about the younger boy's unclad state compared to his own; he just saw Riti's wings.

"Wow! You're like me?!" he stuttered.

"Yup, and soon, we're gonna know who you are for real. Wanna hold my hand while they do their thing?"

"Okay. Thank you!" Xandor smiled as he took Riti's hand, and together, they both sat down on the nearest sofa.

As Kyle was about to say something, however, he started to giggle. "What's the matter, Kyle-bear?" Tyler asked with a happy smile.

"Sean," Kyle answered, still giggling. "He's trying to find me and make me have kid-time."

"Oh, well," Tyler laughed, pointing at the doorway out, "You better hop along, then! Kid-Time is serious!"

"But..." Kyle started, but a kiss from Tyler silenced him.

"You know what will happen once Sean gets here and tells you to do something, dude. You've never told him no since the day you met him. Might as well pop straight into his arms and just do as he says."

Kyle smiled wryly, "You're right. Okay, Xandor; Tyler can help you, you don't need both of us anyhow, and my big brother wants me to relax, so..."

"That's okay, Kyle," Xandor nodded with understanding. "Once I get my memories back, I hope I remember having as good a brother as he seems to be for you."

"Sweet," Kyle giggled, then vanished.

Tyler moved over, "Now, this won't take long..."

 

Outside CIC:

"Papa, are you sure that they will agree with you?" the eleven year old blond asked as he stopped at the door in front of him.

Jakob looked into his son's bright gray eyes and smiled. "From the reports I've seen, I believe they will Jens. The only way to find out is to go in and ask."

They walked through the outer doors of the foyer and stopped by the terminal before the inner doors. "Identify yourself please." the terminal announced in a voice strangely like Mickey Mouse.

Jakob smiled as his son giggled at the voice. "Jakob Hoffmann, with my son Jens."

"Voiceprint match found; beginning DNA verification." the terminal responded. A second later, it continued. "Identity confirmed. Please enter the building and go through the first doorway on your left. Welcome to Clan Short Headquarters Bundeskanzler Hoffmann; Patriarch Short shall be with you momentarily."

"How did they know who you are?" Jens asked in wonder as they followed the terminal's directions.

"They must have a very powerful computer; one with access to things I can't even see." Jakob replied. They both stopped as they entered the Conference Room. Behind the head of the table were the expected Federation, Vulcan, and Clan flags; what shocked them was the German flag in it's proper place in the order.

Suddenly a boy with shoulder length carmel blond hair appeared next to them. "Uncle Cory is on his way here; he said I had to let him walk. I'm Levi Richardson, Clan Intelligence."

"How'd you get in here!?!" Jens asked in awe. "And why are your eyes purple?"

Levi giggled. "Species secret, if I told ya I'd have to tickle you into submission!"

Cory entered just then, Kevin on his heels. "Levi, stop teasing our visitors." he said with a smile as he walked up to Jakob.

Kevin stepped up next to Cory after getting a squeeze on the shoulder from Cory. "Bundeskanzler Hoffmann, Jens Hoffmann; welcome to Clan Short Headquarters. I am Kevin Thompson, Clan Diplomatic Corps. I would like to present Fleet Commander Cory Short, Patriarch of Clan Short of the House of Surak. He is joined by Levi Richardson, Clan Intelligence."

'You did great Kev.' Cory sent, causing Kevin to smile. He then looked Jakob in the eyes. "Bundeskanzler Hoffmann, it is a pleasure to meet you and Jens. Please have a seat; Levi tells me you have a favor to ask of us."

Jakob raised an eyebrow at that statement, but nodded to Jens and followed Cory to the table. Once everyone was seated and it was agreed to use first names, Cory explained his earlier statement. "Jakob; just so you understand, our standard security procedures include a surface telepathic scan of unexpected visitors no matter what the results of the computer identity scan. All Levi has told me is what I've said already; past that anything he knows is between you and him only."

"That makes sense." Jakob replied. "Considering what you just went through, I think it makes perfect sense. That kind of forward thinking is the reason that I wanted to ask this favor of you."

Cory smiled. "Thanks; I hate violating privacy, but the lives of everyone in this building mean more to me than anything else."

Jakob smiled, and glanced at his son. His smile grew as he saw that Jens was involved in a deep conversation with Kevin. Levi, on the other hand, was sitting back and watching the whole meeting with a knowing grin on his face. Jakob turned back to Cory. "I can't say much about this, despite the fact your Intel people probably know more than I do. There's something going on in Europe right now that makes me uncomfortable. Since Germany is head of the European Trade Alliance, anything which affects the community in general ends up affecting me. All I have are rumors that I can not verify, but it's something that I really don't want my son exposed to. After some thought, I decided to ask a favor of you. Would you consider taking Jens in and training him in your procedures?"

Cory raised both eyebrows in wonder. "Jakob, I think you need to have a talk with our European people. Levi, can you ..."

"Already on it Uncle Cory; he's got to finish something then he'll be here." Levi answered with a grin.

Cory shook his head. "See what I have to live with?" he giggled. "As far as Jens goes, this is the first time I've been asked by a parent to do something like this. Almost all of these guys have been through things that will give him nightmares. You're asking me to expose him to learning about things he shouldn't have any idea about at his age; things I wish I didn't know about yet. Part of the reason my family is so effective is the pain they share among themselves; are you sure you want to expose Jens to something that will change him forever?"

Jakob folded his hands in front of him. "Thank you for bringing that up; Jens and I discussed that very problem last night. There is a group out there which is trying to steal the innocence of children in a different and in my opinion much worse way. I think he can help you by providing his untouched innocence while at the same time you can teach him to protect himself and others from the very things that brought your group together in the first place. Jens is aware that he will learn of things which will make him angry or ill, and I am confident that any changes to him will make him a better man when he grows up."

"What if he never grows up?" Levi asked with a grin.

Jakob shook his head. "If you manage that, it'll be something beyond my ability to say yes or no to. If it's God's will then let it be. Cory; while your family has been forged from pain, it spreads hope and love. I only want the best for my son; in today's world the best for him is right here."

Cory nodded seriously. "I see your view, and from that side I can agree with you. Before I can say anything either way, I really would feel more comfortable if I knew he could handle it."

Levi interrupted again. "Uncle Cory? Kev already got his okay; would you like me to give you the results of my full scan?"

Cory looked at Jens. "Is it okay if Levi shows me what he found in your head Jens?"

"Sure!" Jens replied. "It was fun showing him around in there."

Cory nodded to Levi, and a few seconds later turned back to Jakob. "You've been a great father to Jens, and I believe that he would have no problems adjusting to Clan life. If Jens and you both decide to do this, I will introduce you to my Mom so you can make arrangements for keeping in touch and a place you can stay when visiting. While Jens will be able to come and go as he pleases, there might be times when he'll be in lockdown with the rest of us or might be recalled for something. He'll always be your son; but he'll also be a full member of Clan Short. Both of you will be considered under Clan protection; that way there is no legal red tape separating the two of you. I need to hear acceptance from both of you before I can agree myself."

Jens broke away from his conversation with Kev. "Cory; I know what I'm getting into. I'm okay with it; so yes."

Jakob smiled at his son's response. "I think your diplomat is rubbing off on him already Cory. I accept your proposal as well."

Cory nodded with a grin. "It's official then; as of right now, you are both under Clan protection and Jens is a full member of Clan Short. Levi...."

"Justy is making the entries right now." Levi giggled.

'Okay, I'm here, Cor;' Jason sent to Cory from outside the door where he was unseen by the visiting Germans. 'Nath' is dealing with the issue Adam just dumped on the two of us, but I can only give ya about an hour before I'm needed on an extraction. What's the deal, big bro?'

Cory quickly explained who was in the meeting, then added, 'I've not mentioned Clan Evans, Jace. I'm not sure how you want to play this as you're a covert group, at least to the rest of the world.'

'Sweet, I'll just be mysterious, then,' Jason giggled.

The door opened, and Jakob and Jens turned to see Jason enter. Curiosity was etched in their faces when they saw his attire; robed and hooded in black with the Silvery Dragon encircled Crest visible on his arm.

"This is Jason," Cory said by way of introduction. "Jace, this is Bundeskanzler Jakob Hoffmann and his son, Jens. Jens has just become a Clan member, and his father is under Clan protection."

Jason nodded, and lowered the hood of his robe. He looked first at the boy, and did a double take. "Well, well. You finally learnt to look both ways when crossing the road, dude?" Jason giggled at Jens.

Jens grinned happily, "Yeah, I do now. Papa, this is the boy that saved me last month! I never knew he was from Clan Short!"

Jakob smiled and faced Jason more fully, "Thank you, Jason. I owe you more than you know."

"You owe me nothing, Chancellor. Just doing my job," Jason grinned. He then became serious, "Cory has explained to me that you have come into troubling information regarding the Pax Europa. Is this accurate?"

"It is. There is nothing definite that I can tell you, and I would have trouble finding out exactly what is going on. My position at once hinders and helps me. All I have is feelings and whispers that make no sense, yet trouble me all the same."

Jason thought for a moment, then spoke carefully, "I am telepathic, Chancellor. Do I have your permission to scan your memories of these events and situations?"

Jakob nodded. "Certainly."

"Thank you. I want you to think on these things, that way I will keep my invasion of your privacy to a minimum." Jason closed his eyes and started searching.

A few seconds later, and he looked back up, his eyes blazing, "As I thought. Fleet Commander Short," Jason turned to address his brother formally. "I am in your jurisdiction right now as the Chancellor is under your protection. I do, however, need to ask him some questions to test his resolve. Do I have your permission?"

"Acceptable, Division Commander. Do as you know to be logical," Cory replied emotionlessly.

Jakob's eyes were wide as a nervousness started to grow in him, "May I know what is happening?"

"Nothing bad, Chancellor," Jason assured him. "I need to ask you some questions, and I need your gut, honest answers. Is that acceptable?"

Again, Jakob nodded, this time less surely than before.

"Chancellor, if a call to arms was issued, would you send Germany to war?"

"No," Jakob replied instantly. "We are allowed to defend ourselves, but the British Empire is the only one in Europe that can go to war to defend the Protectorates."

Jason nodded with the briefest of smiles, then asked his next question, "If the 'Terran-Call' was made, to stand as one for our planet, would you stand? Even if it meant your death?" Cory and Jakob stiffened in their seats; the 'Terran-Call' was the name for the Planetary Red Alert signaling that Earth was under attack.

"Yes," Jakob managed. "If the Call was made, I would lead, not just send."

"Then the 'Dragon' will Watch-Care you; especially as your son has joined Clan Short." Jason finished with a smile.

Jens asked quickly, "You speak as though you are not a part of Clan Short, Jason. Is that right? You're not Short?"

"No, I am not. I am Patriarch of Clan Evans of the Family of Sarek. My Clan is a Brother Clan to Clan Short; and we are their defenders. We are the 'Dragon'."

Jason turned again to the Chancellor, "Here, take this," Jason handed Jakob a Vulcan communicator, "It is easy to use, and has only one link; to our Emergency Line. If you or your country need us, we shall come, and the might of Vulcan shall ride in with us. Keep it with you at all times, for should the Call go out, you will hear from us on that."

"Jason," Cory broke in quietly, "What do you know that we don't?"

"I do not know, brother mine. I have just had a... feeling..." Jason's eyes said there was more to it than that, and the briefest look he shared with Levi made the young Mikyvis' eyes open. "Something may be coming, and we need to be ready."