Silver Dragon

Chapter 7

USS Hood,

Officer's Lounge, Deck C

"What those kids went through," Graham started brokenly. He cleared his throat a few times before continuing. "I've repaired the damage to all four of them. They all needed re-constructive surgery of their lower intestinal track, due to the amount and violence of the abuse they have received. However, their mental states is going to be an issue."

He paused. "And two of them are androids."

Spock raised his eyebrow briefly. Jason just nodded, "Yeah. Matt' knew 'bout that. They are his, uhh... well, his uncles, I think. No, that's not it... It's complicated. We need them to explain it all. My head hurts right now," Jason whimpered and pulled himself into Spock's embrace further. Tears began to openly fall from his eyes. Nathan was also looking a bit off.

"You okay, Nath'?" Graham asked quickly.

"N...no," he trembled. "After I lost it in the Beefeater... I've... I've been feeling... strange."

Graham rose up, "Come on, Spock. Bring them to Sickbay; let's get them checked out."

Dafydd moved to go with them, but stopped and looked towards the other children. "Spock, you stay with them please, I'll stay with this lot."

"Certainly," the Vulcan replied as he stood easily, a boy balanced on each hip.

"Kor, Koth? You want to go with them too, or stay?" Graham asked.

"We'll stay, thanks," Koth answered.

As Spock moved to leave, Antony and Telez ran over. "Viccy says you ain't feeling to good, bros," Antony said with concern. "Can we come with ya?"

"Uh huh," Jason answered tearfully. He reached out with his free arm and grasped hold of Antony's offered hand. Telez went around to Spock's other side and offered his own to Nathan, and then they all made their way out.


Sickbay, Deck G

Commander Tulek met them in sickbay. As First Officer he had been reviewing data on the three incarcerated adults in the brig, one of which was still screaming. His eyes filled with concern when he saw the two boys in Spock's arms being brought into the room, both of whom looked to be in pain. Jason was now sobbing full out, the pain in his head had reached a level he could no longer cope with. Not even Tulek's Vulcan training could still the emotions threatening to break free due to those heartbreaking sobs.

"Quickly, lay them here," Graham pointed to the main biobed. "Both together, it doesn't matter on this new bed."

Spock did so quickly, and watched passively as Jason pulled Nathan into his arms. Nathan, hurting only a little less, tucked Jason up into his embrace. It was a total change around, for Jason was the one usually protecting him. He sobbed out pitifully, "Please, Doc! I can't cope, and Jace is worse... please stop the pain!"

Graham's heart was breaking. He used the settings on the biobed and both boys were plunged into an immediate deep and dreamless sleep. A small sigh of relief came from both as they went under.

Telez and Antony hung onto each other and cried in fear. They did not want to lose their brothers.

"What the holy hell is wrong with them," Graham muttered under his breath.

"I can help," said a new, rather young voice from behind him.


Victoria was crying. Her empathy was abuzz with echoes from her brothers' pain. Suddenly she sat upright in her mother's arms.

"Who is he?" she asked of no-one in particular.

Koth looked at her. "What's wrong, Vic?"

"There's someone... or something... it feels like... Oh! Jace let me see him in his mind yesterday! It's Levi!!!"

"And others," came two voices in unison from the doorway.


"You are Levi, are you not?" Spock asked the purple eyed boy carefully.

"Yup!"

"You made another mistake with time, dude?" Telez asked playfully as he went over and hugged the child.

"Nope!"

Antony giggled, much relieved at their little 'angels' presence, "So you came for a visit?"

"Sorta!"

Telez laughed as he picked Levi up and kissed him happily, "Shi'zar! You only speak in one word sentences now?"

"Nope!" Levi giggled mischievously as he kissed Telez in return.

Graham looked perplexed. Antony turned to him and answered the unasked question, "This is the one who healed Koth. It's not something we're really allowed to talk about by Grandfather, but since he's back..."

"Don't worry. I won't stay long. We have things to do here," Levi said easily.

"We?" Telez asked.

"Yeah. The others are up there with the rest."

Spock broke in, "Why are you here again, child? Time travel can mess with the future, namely your own. Starfleet has strict rules on its application, and I for one know about that very well."

"Well, I can't tell ya exactly why I'm here, or why the others are. It's kinda like you said. If I told ya, then it would mess with when I'm from. But what I am here to do is needed or you won't get to when I'm from, and maybe I won't be born neither!"

Spock blinked. "You are obviously being careful. Proceed with what it is that is required. We shall speak more on this in ten months."

"Yup! Okay, let's take a look here," Levi moved over to examine the two boys on the table. As he did so, the door flew open and Victoria came charging in, followed by the twins, Ross, Belar and Riti. Only the two Klingons were absent.

"Where is Koth and Korris?" Telez asked in amusement.

Levi answered for them, "They cannot see me yet. Koth has to wait until the right time. He and his brother are asleep right now. They won't know I've been here." He continued to stare at the two asleep boys on the biobed.

The kids who ran in watched quietly as Levi looked at first Jason and then Nathan. Victoria moved over after a minute passed. "Levi?"

He looked up at her and smiled, "Yes, Heart?"

"Huh?" she replied in confusion.

"Sorry. Messing with ya, but you'll get the joke in a few minutes. What's up, Viccy?"

"Umm, what's wrong with my brothers? They will be okay, won't they?" she trembled.

"Oh, yeah. No probs, once the others get down here. I need to chat to them 'bout this before I do somethin'."

Victoria nodded. Levi stared at her closer. "Well, okay. About you too, Viccy. Hold on," he moved away and started looking at each of the children in the room. "All of you! Unusual."

"Levi?" came a voice from the doorway.

"In here."

Telez turned and saw two... beings... walk in. He could see they were humanoid, but they were... well, cloaked in a multicoloured light show that danced around their bodies. "Wow!"

Giggles came from both beings of light. "Sorry, dudes. You can't see us or know our names yet, and our voices are masked too. We have enough problems with this little imp rampaging though universes and timelines without us adding a possible paradox into the mix!"

"Hey!" Levi whined.

"Kidding, kiddo, you know we trust ya. Okay, what's the deal here?"

"Check them out and then we'll talk. This is more than just chance, I think," Levi answered.

The two child sized rainbows walked up to the biobed and scanned Nathan and Jason. They then did so to all the others in the room. "Wow!" one said.

"Blond moment, cuddlebunny?" said the other.

"Swimming for you later, sweetheart! Do you see what I see in these guys?"

"Of course. I'm not blond... Ouch!"

The kids laughed as one rainbow poked the other in the ribs.

Graham gave up on understanding who or what was happening and simply asked, "What do you see?"

"Well," Levi said, with a roll of his eyes to his giggling companions, "all of these guys are special in one way or another. That alone is unusual in a group that has only formed over the last four days or so. Yet three of you are unlike most others on earth."

"How do you mean?" Riti asked.

"Well, for example," 'Cuddlebunny' Rainbow started, "Riti. You have telekinesis, but it's used for your flight only. You cannot do what others with that power can. However, you are mildly telepathic. You all are. In most cases, only to a point where you can form links with others and speak to them only."

'Sweetheart' Rainbow added, "And that is true even for those two Klingons upstairs. We have already activated their skills, but Jason will need to complete it. Once we have finished here, that is."

"And the three who are strange?" Andrew and David asked, speaking again in unison.

"Jason, Nathan and Victoria," replied Levi. "There are natural and enhanced telepaths, empaths and telekinetics on Earth. Usually, the naturals are found in identical twins, like you two. You are also enhanced telepaths, that's why Ross can hear you and you him. He's also telepathic, but enhanced only. Jason and Viccy, though. Their abilities, empathy and telepathy... it's all natural. They have no markers for enhancements at all. And nor does Nath'. His telekinesis and empathy is completely natural."

"It is very, very unusual; especially due to the power levels. That is why they have had this mind-burst," 'Sweetheart' Rainbow completed. "They have stepped over a limit in their growth. They were going to anyway, but their bodies can't handle it. If we don't do something they, and you Viccy, would likely die."

"It's like they are another step in evolution, but Nature forgot a few modifications. We have to complete it for them and you." Levi turned back to the two sleeping boys.

His companions moved to stand next to him. "Ready?" 'Cuddlebunny' Rainbow asked.

"Yup," echoed the other two.

And they dove into Jason's mind first...


Jason and Nathan woke up at the same time, and briefly thought they had died, for standing in front of them were two angels... and Levi. Grinning at them.

"Wakey wakey!" Levi giggled, in a very good British accent.

"Levi? Wow! You're back!" Nathan pulled the kid in for a hug. "And who are your friends?"

Levi, now sitting on both Jason and Nathan's laps, giggled. "Can't tell ya, sorry. You'll find out soon, though."

"Hi, anyway," the two Rainbows giggled at them.

"Interesting... wow... what happened to my head?" Jason asked in wonder.

"We fixed ya," said 'Cuddlebunny'.

Levi added, "Spock knows about it, and he'll help ya with it after. I just dumped the information in there for him. We have to fix your sister, now, and then do a few things to the others. We can't stay much longer."

"Umm, okay, dude," Nathan mumbled. He looked over at the counter nearest the door where a glass of water stood. He could sense the water. He could feel the glass. He reached out and it came flying smoothly through the air and landed in his hand. "That was a lot easier than before!"

Levi hopped off his lap, "Yeah, a lot of stuff is different now, Nath'. Talk to Spock. Now, for Viccy."

The three Mikyvis surrounded the girl. "Don't worry, Viccy," 'Sweetheart' said, "We're just making you what you should be."

"Okay. I trust you. You helped my brothers."

Moments later and they were finished. They turned and briefly did what was needed to the others, including tiny Belar.

"Right. Jace. We placed in your mind everything that was needed for the others, including your sis. Once Spock helps you, you'll be able to sort out who does what and work things out for yourselves. We really have to go, now. We'll see you all in ten months. You'll see us before, though." Levi took a hold of his companions' hands.

"Bye for now, Patriarch Jason Evans of Clan Evans," they said in unison. "Voice of the Dragon..."

Then they vanished.

"Well... I'll be damned!" Graham stated in amazement.

"Voice of the what?" Victoria asked in extreme confusion. "Levi called me 'Heart' as well. What's he mean, Jace?!"

"Oh... my... GOD!" Jason's eyes grew wide, for in his mind a message was playing... from himself. "Sis... you are Heart... the Heart of the Dragon... Nath' is the Fire; Antony, the Eyes. Tel, you're the Wisdom! Riti's the Wings, and Koth is the Talons!!"

Spock went ridged. "Seven aspects of a Beast. Seven leaders of a Division."

"What?" Jason turned to Spock.

"I was right, and I now know where you will get your visible authority from, child. You are, or will be, part of Vulcan Special and Covert Operations."

Jason had heard about the VSO groups. "The Dragon Division..."


As Spock and Jason finished their mind-meld the other children gathered near. "Guys," Jason started, "we need to talk. A lot." Korris and Koth, along with the Evans' parents and Mary had come into Sickbay while he had been melding and were standing with the others.

Nathan nodded absently. He looked at the Doc, "Uncle Graham? What of the four kids? Matthew and the rest?"

"Sleeping for now. You guys had better sort out... well, whatever you need to sort. We can deal with them after." Graham answered calmly.

Jason slipped down from the biobed, "Come on, guys. Dad? Can we use one of the Conference Rooms on this Deck?"

"Sure. Three doors down on the right. Take as long as you want, Jace," Dafydd answered as he picked his son up and squashed him in a loving hug.

"Daaaad... I need to breath!" Jason squealed as he hugged his father back. He was not that concerned, however. He loved his dad's hugs.

Dafydd chuckled, kissed his son, then placed him back on his feet. "Off you go, kiddo," he said. As Jason turned, Dafydd patted his butt to get him moving.

Giggling, all twelve children ran out of Sickbay and down the corridor.

"I said it before, and I'll say it again," Graham said as he finally stripped off his surgical gown, "the resilience of youth!"


They all sat around the table and listened as Jason started to explain:

"Looks like Viccy, Nath' and I are a lot more different than we first thought. Levi and those others had to come back and sort us out, or we'd have gone mad with pain as we changed. Levi left a few messages and instructions for me, and basically we are about ten times more powerful than others like us on earth... especially after what they did to help. Levi said it is, or will be, needed."

"That makes me feel better, yes sir," Antony muttered.

Jason turned his amused glance at his brother and friend, "You have skills too, Tony. More than just being a sensitive as we first thought. They have done a re-order on your mind that is very different from what they did with the rest of us."

Antony blinked. "What do you mean? I don't feel no different!"

"No," Jason shook his head, "you won't, not yet anyway. Levi said you are a precognitive."

Nathan and Telez sat there stunned. Korris looked at Antony in wonder, while the rest just looked confused. "Precognitive??" Antony stammered, "You mean I can see the future??"

"Kinda. More like possible futures. You will be able to do more, once we meet up, or I should say 'catch' up with Levi and the other two. They can't unlock everything about you yet."

Antony stared at the table top in front of him. "How does it work?" he asked in a whisper.

"Dreams, at the moment." Jason went over and hugged the boy. "Give me a moment. Levi has changed me a lot, and I want to be careful here," he said as he laid his hands lightly on Antony's shoulders.

Antony felt a tickle in his mind, and was drawn inwards. He found himself standing in a room with Jason, and Jason was holding on tightly to his hand. "Wow! This my mind?" he asked.

"Yes," Jason said. He drew Antony over to what looked like a doorway with a window in it. "This door is to the past, and is locked from you, and from me. I don't think I can ever go there, not unless I change more."

"To the past??"

"Uh huh. Over here, however," he turned and led the boy to the other side of the room. "This is the future."

"Is this one open?" Antony reached for what looked to be a handle.

"Yes and no. You cannot open it when awake. Your unconscious mind has the skills right now, but your waking mind doesn't. Again, I cannot go there. Not yet, anyway. Maybe not ever." Jason turned back to regard the room.

"What's that door?" Antony pointed to the far end of the room.

"Your memories, your thoughts, everything in the present that is you," Jason whispered. "I need to pull out. Your mind is very different now, dude. It's not hurting, but it's hard work keeping myself together in here. I will have to help you learn to block. Even with these two doors closed, a lesser telepath can get lost and hurt in your mind, and all our brothers and my son have some ability to come here like this. I don't want them hurt."

Jason disappeared from the room, and Antony opened his eyes. He looked over his shoulder at his brother, turned, and pulled him into a fierce hug. "I love you, bro. Thanks for showing me."

"Don't mention it," Jason giggled as he hugged back just as fiercely. "I'll be talking with you later on tonight about your other abilities. Just don't try nuffin' til then, okay?"

"Okay," Antony mumbled happily.

"And I love you too, you great goose!" Jason tickled his friend's ribs before moving back to his seat.

"What about the rest of us, Jace?" Riti asked quickly.

Jason motioned for his winged brother to join him for a cuddle, "Well, you, my little feather-head. You've got telepathy... kinda."

"What ya mean?" Riti said as he made himself comfortable on his big brother's lap.

Jason looked him in the eye. 'Can you hear me?'

Riti's eyes widened, and he nodded. "Yes, I can..." He was silenced by Jason's hand.

'Just think it back at me,' came the instructions.

'Um, like this?'

'You got it!'

'You're not taking it from my mind?'

Koth giggled, "No, he ain't, dude. I can hear you too!"

Jason spoke aloud then, "That was broadcast telepathy. Those you love can hear you, or you can direct it at someone specifically, once trained. I can do it too, but that's 'cos it's a minor skill." He looked around at the rest. "That's something all of us have, telepathy not withstanding. We can all broadcast to each other."

"Over how far?" Koth asked, his eyes distant as he seemed to be working on details the others had not realised.

Jason thought for a moment. "You know, I'm not sure. Normally it wouldn't be that far, but... Levi left a giggle-message here. It triggered when you asked that. God knows. Or should I say, 'Levi Knows' how far we can talk to each other."

Victoria seemed quiet. She looked at her brother and sent, 'Jace. I... My telepathy has changed I think.'

'Yes it has, sis. You are stronger now, just as my Empathy and Nath's Empathy is stronger too.'

She smiled, "Wow, I can feel more things too! I can feel your emotions from your past in your memories! This is going to be something to get used to!"

The twins started giggling, and Ross and Belar soon joined them. Jason glanced over and saw them floating around the room, chasing after each other. He glanced at Nathan. Nathan was busy reading a datapad that was floating in front of him, the data shifting when required as the controls were being activated without anyone touching them. Also, the chair he was sitting on was floating near the ceiling, and a glass of water was floating next to him.

"Jesus! You flamin' show off!" Antony giggled.

Nathan smiled down at him, "Just testing the limits."

"Found any, sweetheart?" Jason asked, amused to the extreme.

"Nope, not yet!"

"Wow Wow... hey, Nath'! Stop that!!" Jason started blushing and moved his hands to cover his now growing problem.

"What?" Nathan asked back, angelic expression on his face as he used his abilities to manipulate his favourite Jason-toy.

Jason flushed more, and started moving about on his chair. Riti, still having a cuddle, opened his eyes wide as he felt motion beneath him. He hopped off Jason and giggled as he looked at his big brother now tented lap. "Having fun?"

"Nath'! You need... need to s...stop this!"

Giggles came from the floating boy on the chair. The twins and two little boys were still floating around the room, the glass of water was still stationary next to him, and his datapad was still before his eyes. Yet there was no sign of stress on his face. "You don't like it?"

"It's... em... oh, shit!... embarrassing!"

"Okay, if that is, what if I do this too?"

Jason's eyes opened wider, if that was at all possible. There was still the obvious movement in his front, from what Telez could see, yet Jason now fell forward and off the chair.

"Are you massaging what I think you are massaging, Nath'?" Telez asked with mild curiosity.

"Uh huh," Nathan started reading the next page on the datapad, a small grin on his face. He glanced down lovingly at his boyfriend. All thought of embarrassment seemed gone from Jason's dreamy looking face.

Korris looked over the table at his human, blissed out brother. "You know, I envy him. That looks f... WOW!"

"Say what, brother?"

"HEY! You are bonded with Jace, not me! This... oh, by Kahless!!... Nath'!!!"

"I'm not touching you," Nathan replied easily, yet he did stop affecting Korris, "I'm just showing off."

A very long, loud groan came from under the table.

"Jason need a change of clothes?" Antony giggled.

Nathan shook his head, "Nope, unlike you, he's still firing on empty... like me."

"N...nath'..." Jason mumbled from under the table.

"Yes, love?" Nathan floated down and landed next to his exhausted looking boyfriend.

He was pulled down into a fierce, passionate kiss. Amazingly, none of the boys still playing at the far end of the room in mid-air fell to the floor. Nathan was beyond the edge, now.

'I do love you,' Jason sent to his boyfriend, 'even if you are a tease! I'm just sad I cannot do the same back to you.'

'Whatever you do with what you have is more than enough, love,' Nathan sent back. 'You do more than you know!'

The others in the room giggled, and Victoria said, "Awwww.... sweet!"

Nathan blushed as he brought the four children to the ground and all other floating objects as well. "Did I broadcast that?"

"Yup," Jason muttered weakly with a small giggle.


Ten minutes later, time spent for Jason to recover in, mostly, and the meeting was winding down. This time, Jason had shown off his own ability. He had reached into Nathan's mind and controlled him and his telekinetic powers. Nathan was nearly as amused as Jason had been by the end.

"How do you do that, Jace?" David asked.

"I'm telling his mind to do things and he does it. I'm controlling his thoughts, so... I'm controlling him." He looked around at the rest, "I think that about covers it. We all still need training, but I know that Poppa Spock has plans for that. When ready, I'll set up the joint links between us all."

"Dada! I'm hungry!!!" Belar protested from Nathan's lap.

All their stomachs started rumbling as they realised that they had not eaten since lunch time. "Okay, let's find the 'rents, and get food!" Jason decided. "Then we can see Matthew and the others."


It was nearly six pm, and the Core group, plus Korris, walked into the recovery section of Sickbay. Mary and Graham were already there waiting for them.

"We can bring these guys out of their sleep any time, Jace," Graham spoke quietly. "But we do have a concern here. These two boys are androids. And they have suffered severe cranial trauma, and I don't know how to help androids with this form of injury."

Antony looked at the two sweet looking chocolate-brown haired boys sleeping next to each other. "Have you tried contacting their makers?" he asked.

"Vision Industries closed down in about 1988, Tony. I don't know if there's anyone left who can help."

"There is," Telez stated. "I came across mention a year ago when I was doing research on human androids for a project for school. You know, when we were posted on Jupiter Station?"

"Oh, really, Tel? What do you remember?"

"There's one guy left, and he owns everything that remained from V.I." Telez went to the viewscreen.

"Who?" Victoria asked.

Telez turned to her and then to them all, "An android. The first of the M.A.R.C. Series."

"What; Marc himself?!" Jason stuttered. "Is he even still around??"


Sullivan's Island,

South Carolina, USA

Marc sat and stared out at the ocean. The sunlight no longer seemed to shine, and the breeze coming through the open window felt stale and did nothing to alleviate his spirits. He was alone. He knew there must be some androids left active, but he had found no trace of any for the last two and a half years: and the last contact he had received had been from a M.A.R.C. Series requesting assistance to commit suicide.

Marc was so close to that right now that he even scared himself.

He sighed and started staring down at his hands. His friend, Jim Strafford, was still away on business. He could not do anything without saying goodbye, and he really had had enough, now.

His search for the D.A.N.N.Y. unit had been fruitless, and he was alone.

Alone.

He got up and walked to the nearest mirror. He no longer recognised himself. His blond hair now seemed dull, his eyes lifeless. 'I've had enough,' he thought to himself as he leaned his forehead against the glass of the mirror. 'I want to die.'

Ring...

He sighed again and moved over to the house phone and picked it up, "Marc speaking, who..."

Ring....

Marc shuddered. It was not the house phone, but the one for Vision Industries.

"Shit, not again..."

He moved over to it, dragging his feet. 'I can't deal with another termination. Please, not another one.'

"Vision Industries, Dr. Marc Furst speaking."

"Greetings, Dr Furst. I am Captain Dafydd Evans of the USS Hood."

'What is a Welshman doing on a US ship, and why is it called the Hood?' Marc thought quickly. "How can I be of assistance, Captain Evans?"

"We have need of your specialized services, Doctor. We have rescued two androids from a serious situation. Whilst my ship's doctor has healed them physically, they have both suffered damage to their positronic brains, and Doctor Fisher has no prior knowledge or experience with androids. Are you willing to come to our aid, here?"

Marc remained silent for a long moment. 'He wants help keeping them alive?'

"Doctor? Are you still there?"

"What? Oh, yes. Sorry Captain. Are they conscious?"

"Currently in an assisted sleep. They were, according to the report, unintelligible when we rescued them. If we were to bring them out of sleep they would likely get frustrated at the least, or injure themselves more at worst."

"What happened to them to cause these injuries?"

"That is something I'd rather not go over on an open channel, Doctor."

Marc nodded to himself, "I can respect that. Okay, I can have my equipment ready and be available within the next ten minutes. It is then dependant now on my getting to you."

Captain Evans chuckled, "I can have a team with you within the next 2 minutes and you will be here in less time than you will need to gather your items together."

Marc blinked. "Care to explain that one?"

"I think I can do better. My sons are bouncing around me like lunatics. Is the area directly behind you clear of obstacles?"

Marc turned around and then said, "Well, yeah. I suppose."

"Bridge to Transporter room. Lock onto the four children on the Bridge and transport to the following location."

Marc heard a few electronic buttons being pushed, an 'Affirmative' from yet another voice, and then a ghostly, echoing hum. He knew what was happening before he even turned to look into the space behind him. Four bodies materialized. All smaller than he. And one was blue. Bright blue. With antennae.

"I...I gather you are with Starfleet," Marc stated into the phone rhetorically.

"Correct," came the Captain's chuckling response. "My sons and their friends will help you, then we can talk in person."

"Okay," Marc whispered, and he hung up. He lifted his eyes to regard the three grinning human children in front of him, and the equally grinning Andorian. "Welcome to my home," he said in greeting, a sad half smile playing on his lips.


USS Hood

Stepping off the transporter pad with the other four kids, Marc took his time to take in the room he was currently in. His first visit to a starship, and his first time in space. 'Okay, well. Might as well do something fun before I die.'

Jason looked at him sadly, but Marc failed to notice it. Jason focused on the back of Marc's head, then shock his own in understanding sorrow.

The doors hissed open and a Starfleet Captain walked in. At least Marc assumed it was a Captain. He did not notice the rank insignia as Spock's ears took his attention first. "Wow! You're Spock!"

"Correct, Doctor Furst. Welcome on-board the Hood. Do you require assistance with your equipment?"

"Uh, yeah. Yes please. It's very heavy, though," he responded as he pointed to the large item still on the platform.

He gaped as Spock lifted it easily. "Please follow me. Would you care for something to eat, or do you wish to see the two patients first?"

'Patients?' Marc thought quickly, 'They are different, these Starfleet guys. They treat us as equals?'

"Yes, they do. We all do, Marc," the boy called Jason said as he came alongside him.

He looked down into the blue-green eyes staring up at him, and blinked.

Jason grinned in apology, "Oh, sorry. I'm a telepath. You were broadcasting a bit, there. I'm not reading your mind, just what you are shouting."

"Oh, um... okay." He replied to Spock, "The patients first, please Captain. I can talk and relax afterwards. They need me first."

"Very well. Follow me." Spock gestured and led the group out of the room.


"Can I be told what happened to them, please? And not just these two, the human children as well?" Marc asked with insistence.

Graham nodded, "Yes, but please sit. This is not pleasant."

Marc did so and put his entire attention on the Starfleet doctor.

"The oldest boy is Matthew. He is eleven years old. His younger brother is the next. That's Tristan, and he is nine. Their parents have been systematically abusing them for their entire lives, but recently it has turned from physical and verbal abuse and brainwashing to sexual abuse as well. When the two android children came into the situation is still unknown, but from their injuries, they have been suffering the same for at least six months."

Jason sat near to Marc and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I can take a look into their minds and tell you, if you want me to, dude. Might help you?"

Marc nodded sickly, "Please. God, how can any parents do that to their children? To any children!"

"Ask that of my brothers," Telez added. "They were slaves until yesterday."

Jason threw a warning glance at Telez and sent, 'Dude! Red One?'

'Oops, sorry Jace!' Telez blushed as he sent back.

Jason rolled his eyes. Marc failed to pick up on any of it, however. "Give me a moment, Marc. I'm looking now."

It was longer than a moment. More like three minutes. Jason turned back to the others. "Llywelyn is eight and Rhys is six. They were bought by a Mr and Mrs Stephenson on the 3rd of July, 1976. They had no children of their own, and wanted some badly. They requested that their two android sons be fairly young. They died in a car crash a year ago."

Jason paused before continuing, "Mr Stephenson had one living relative left, a niece. She had married young and had two children of her own; Matthew and Tristan. Llyw and Rhys were sent to live with them. That was when their abuse started. The ones most abusive to them were Matthew's father and uncle."

Marc looked, if anything, more sick. However, he stood with a new determination in his stance. "Doctor Fisher. I have no familiarity with Starfleet medical equipment, so I will need your assistance to fix the damage with both of these boys."

"Certainly," Graham also stood. He addressed the others, "Guys, please leave while we sort everything out. I'll call you once we're finished."


Nearly four hours later, Jason, Nathan, Antony and Telez were to be found cuddled together in Graham's office. They had gathered a large supply of pillows and made a type of nest and were now dozing and awaiting Graham's appearance. All the others were back on Earth in their new home. Jason was only half asleep and was passively scanning the area around him to keep on track with Marc and Doctor Fisher.

He felt the shift in attitudes before the door to the office opened. Marc walked in and stopped dead, watching the four boys as they seemed half asleep. A small, sad smile played over his face. "Jason?"

Jason opened his eyes fully, and gently untangled himself from the puppy-pile. "Yeah, Marc? How are they?"

Marc's smile grew broader, "They are well. The damage was minor, but just fairly wide spread. It took a while to get their vitals stable, but I think they're gonna be okay."

"Well, physically at least," Jason commented. "I can see them hurting inside for a lot longer."

Marc nodded seriously, "Agreed. Do you know what your father will do with them now?"

Jason nodded, "'Do with'? Nothing, dude. We will love them, not do things with them. They are, like you, people. Yeah, humanity designed and built you, but you are just as alive as me!"

Marc impulsively hugged Jason. The young telepath continued, "Mary Parnell, Antony's mother," he pointed at Antony lying on top of Telez. "She will adopt Matthew and Tristan. As for Llyw and Rhys? Antony and Telez are adopting them."

"Wait, wait. They are just kids! They can't adopt!"

Jason smiled at him. "Come here, dude. Sit down and let me explain. Grandfather has allowed me to as long as you can keep it secret."

"Secret as in?" Marc asked curiously as he sat next to the brown haired eleven year old.

"Red One, or 'Yon'kur Wuh', is the Vulcan's highest level of secrecy. Anything I tell you, you can never breath to another person, biological or android, until you hear from either me or from Ambassador Sarek that Red One has been released in regards to the USS Hood." Jason explained.

"I understand that form of secrecy. Vision Industries had a lot of stuff going on under the surface before it closed. I still don't talk about it, but I can now."

"So, it's up to you. I can explain as little or as much as you want me to, but no matter what comes up in the future, you cannot say anything. And I'll know if you can be trusted as you answer."

Marc thought for a moment. Those two android boys in the other room had a chance of a good life, he was no longer as alone as he thought, and he was needed again. Needed for more than just helping self-terminations. "Yeah. Everything you can, Jason. Everything."


By the time Jason had finished, the other three were wide awake and sitting around the two on the chairs. Antony was rubbing his eyes, and looking at Jason oddly.

Marc looked bemused. "Well, I can see why you are able to adopt them now, guys!"

"Do you think you can keep things secret to a point that no-one will know about it?" Antony asked, a weird look in his eyes.

"Yeah, that's no problems. If something like this comes up in the future, I will act like it's a total surprise. That part is easy."

"Good, for there is something you need to know." Antony said and stood to look Marc directly in the eyes.

Marc nodded, "Go for it."

"When your father, and yes, that is how you feel for him, asks you to go with him on a trip, do it. You will find more than just a reason to keep on going."

Marc blinked.

"And in ten months time, you will gain even more. There is pain coming, but more joy than you know. Don't you dare think of terminating yourself. You are needed, Marc," Antony finished.

A single tear rolled down Marc's face. "How did you..." He looked at Jason, who nodded at him.

"I heard you say it in your head, bro. I heard you say you wanted to die. Please don't." Jason begged.

Marc bowed his head. "Are you really going to love those two in there, Telez, Antony?"

Telez nodded firmly, "We already do. Safe Haven has already been invoked. It just needs them to agree, now."

"When will you ask them?" Marc pressed.

"Tomorrow. All four are staying asleep tonight, then tomorrow, we'll come up and sort it all out." Nathan stood and pulled Marc into a hug. "Tonight, however, you get to have a Nest sleep over with us."

"In Wales," added Jason. "Then you will memorize our phone number. When you need to talk, about anything, just call. As long as it's..."

"Safe to do so, yeah, I know," Marc sobbed quietly. "Yeah... I'd... I think I'd like a sleep over. It's been a long time... since I had someone to hug as I slept."

"Then come on. It's late, but the others are still awake and waiting for us." Jason led the way from the room, and Marc followed; his hope returning slowly.

As they made their way to the transporter room, Jason sent to Antony, 'You had a dream?'

'Yup. It was well weird.'

'Okay, bro. What do you think about asking Marc to join us? He's so lonely.'

'No, bro. He will be our brother, but not yet. Not for... well...'

'Let me guess; ten months? He's going to join this other Clan?'

'You got it,' Antony smiled.

They reached the Transporter Room, and called for Dafydd.

Five minutes later, they were on Earth.


Mary and Angela had a light supper prepared for their children, plus their visitor when Marc and the boys entered the house. "I think you lot need food before bed," Mary started as she placed a plate in front of Marc and firmly guided him to the table.

"Don't argue with her, dude," Antony stage whispered to Marc as it looked like he was about to protest. "You'll eat it, whatever you say."

He nodded back with a half smile. The food did smell great, and he had eaten little that day. Android or not, past seventy or not, his body was that of a thirteen year old: he inhaled the entire plate. Then the seconds. Then the thirds!

Jason giggled, "You do better than me! I'll have to beat ya at breakfast, Marc."

"Doubtful," Marc giggled back, "Especially if that is as nice as this was. Thank you, Mrs Parnell, Mrs Evans. I enjoyed that."

"You're welcome, Marc. But call me Angela, please," Angela answered easily.

Mary added, "And I'm Mary."

"Uh, well..."

Antony tapped him lightly on the arm to gain his attention, "You can call them aunt, if you'd be more comfortable, dude."

Marc looked unsure. Did he really want family ties again? He was not certain.

Angela could sense this, and walked around the table to sit next to the boy. After pulling him onto her lap, upon which he just about fitted, he was enveloped into a loving, motherly hug.

Shock registered on his face, followed by longing, and then, finally, surrender.

Marc cried, and this time happily.


Entering Jason's bedroom was a unique experience for the android: the first thing he noticed was eight other children, from four years old up to eleven, playing card games while naked. And one was a girl. And Marc's face went red so fast that Telez was sure his head would explode.

"Err, you never said you slept naked, Jace!"

The brown haired eleven year old shrugged, "Didn't think 'bout it. If you want to be dressed, then cool. Don't bother us. And if you want us to dress so you won't be uncomfortable, then that's cool too."

Marc stood there fidgeting. It was not the idea of sleeping with a group of boys naked that bothered him. It was Victoria's presence, and she knew it. "Marc?"

"Ah, yeah?" he responded while trying to look only into her eyes, and barely succeeding. He had little interest in her as a girl, but it was still... distracting, no matter how young she was.

"I have seen boys naked since I can remember; my brother Jason being the first. I don't find it unusual, nor do I laugh or nuffin'... unless you get a stiffie, then I just tease."

He averted his eyes as he nodded at her, still unsure.

"You can look at me, if you want. I'm use to it; especially with this lot. Even these gay guys look. It's normal. And I trust you... I know, Marc. I know what you like. I am empathic." She smiled at him gently.

He paused for only a moment before deliberately looking at her. She sat there calmly, allowing him to get used to the fact that it was considered normal in this group. With an accepting smile, Marc and the last four boys stripped as well, and piled onto the bed with the others.

Jason sent to his sister, 'What on Earth did you do to help there, Vic? I felt something, but...'

'Sent him my accepting emotions. I didn't change his own feelings, but it did show him a balance. He then made the choice, deep down.' she answered as she pulled one of the twins, Andrew, into a snuggle as they bedded down. Riti was near to her with the other twin, David, tucked into a hug.

Marc found himself pulled dead centre of the puppy-pile, and between the two Klingons on one side and Jason and Nathan on the other. It was then that Ross noticed that Marc was older than the others, and even more developed than Antony was, "Wow! Yous got hairs 'round your peepee! And dey're tha same colour as you hair!"

Marc groaned and started blushing yet again as everyone looked at him. "Leave him alone, Ross," Telez said quietly to his littlest brother. "You'll have them one day too. It's normal."

"'Kay! Dat's kewl!"

Marc patted him gently on his head, which brought a wide smile to the small boy's angelic face, before being able to ignore the stares from the youngest members of the Nest and close his own eyes. He giggled to himself as he thought, 'Insane. Either I am, or they are. I'm not sure which!'

Jason sent back to him, 'All of us. Sanity is boring. Sleep well, bro.'


30th December, 2003


Marc awoke feeling warm, relaxed and more comfortable than he had felt in a long time. He glanced around at those snuggled up on all sides, and he finally figured out why he could not move his arms. Belar had graced him with the honour of a Bajoran-style blanket; the little boy was spread out on top of him. He grinned happily.

"Morning, Marc. How ya feeling?" Koth muttered from his left.

Marc giggled as Riti stretched, his wing tips tickling his legs, "I'm cool. You guys are insane, though."

Victoria sat up and watched as Belar woke up and rolled on top of his Papa. "Wow! Androids get stiffies too?"

Marc blushed all over: he was blond after all. He tried covering himself, but Riti's sniggers stopped him, "Look around you, Marc. We're all the same way."

Riti was right. Marc, glowing like a neon sign, sighed and then laughed. "Like I said. Insane."

His stomach rumbled loudly. Everyone else's answered.

"Dada! Foods!!!" Belar proclaimed into Jason's still sleeping face.

Jason woke with a start, "You little rugrat!"

Marc could not help but laugh himself silly as a tickle war broke out. After five minutes of this seemingly unplanned war, hunger won out. As his son led Marc from the room and out onto the landing, Jason giggled to himself. 'Great work, bros. You too, sis,' he sent to them. 'I think he's got some of the 'kid' back in him, now.'

As Jason got out of the bed, Marc came zooming back into the room. "Dude! I'm not eating in front of your parents like this!"

Jason looked Marc over. "What's wrong? Oh, you mean clothes? If you want to, then dress. We don't, but don't let us force ya, bro."

Marc looked at Jason carefully. "I'm not being the odd one out. That makes things worse!"

Jason grinned, "Cool! Come on, cute-bot. You've got nothing to be ashamed of."

Marc blushed and followed Jason and Nathan from the room. Nathan did thump his boyfriend playfully in the arm for the cute remark. "Just 'cos he's blond, Jace, don't give you the right to window shop!"

"Hey," Jason protested. "He's cute! What can I say?"

"Nothing. That's my job. Marc? Just for you to know? You're cute!"

"Oh, man..." Marc giggled, as they reached the kitchen.


Sickbay,

USS Hood

Marc stood to one side as Mary and Antony talked to two of the four boys who had been rescued the day before. Matthew and Tristan were, to his mind, very messed up. There was a lot of religious words in their vocabulary, and whilst that was okay in a way, their usage of them showed a severe amount of brainwashing. He sighed sadly. This type of nonsense was the hardest to deal with, for both humans and androids. He fervently hoped that the two android boys were unaffected by this.

Mary sat between the two brothers, "Matthew, Tristan. If you want, and only if you want, I would like to be your new mother. Antony here really wants to be your brother as well."

"If you want, and if it's God's will," Matthew whispered, fear evident in his voice.

Antony moved in front of him and took his hand, "Dude? Jason and Nathan are living in the same place as me and Mam. We all live together. You have friends there already, and you have more brothers to stand with you than you know."

Matthew looked at Tristan, and they both turned back to Mary, a small smile on their faces, "Yes please, ma'am," Tristan spoke for them both, "I think we'd like that. We'll be good, as God is our witness."

"I am sure you will, sweetie; I'm sure you will. Come on," Mary stood and took them both by the hand, "Let's go home. Your brother here has something else to do. We can all have a long talk later."

She led the hesitant boys from the room, and the door hissed closed. Graham, standing just inside his office door, sighed, "They are going to be a lot of work. Jason says that it took ages for Matthew to speak normally to both him and Nathan. I hope we can help them."

Telez, standing with him, said, "I'm sure that if Viccy can't, then Poppa Spock would."

Marc moved over to the two android boys as they were talking and ran a final check on them both. Looking at Antony and Telez he asked, "Shall I bring them out of sleep now?"

They moved over and nodded. As Llywelyn was the oldest, he was brought out first. He looked at the three boys near him and fear came ever so briefly to his face, but when his eyes caught Doctor Graham standing just behind them, he relaxed. He was with Starfleet!

Telez said quietly, "Hey, Llywelyn. My name is Telez, and this is my Bonded, Antony. Our brothers were the ones who rescued you yesterday."

The eight year old nodded slowly, "The two Klingons and the Vulcan and the two boys?"

"Yep," Antony answered easily, "they're the ones."

"Where is... where are they?" Llyw asked in fear, and the others could tell immediately who he was referring to.

Graham responded for them, "Arrested by Security and in the brig. You have nothing to fear from them ever again, child."

Llyw looked over at his brother, then back, "How is Rhys? He is okay, isn't he?"

"Yes," Marc answered, "Both of you are fine, now. I made sure of that."

"Who are you?"

"My name's Marc, and I'm an android like you."

"You were never given your own name?"

"No, Marc is my real name. Marc Furst." He grinned, "I had it first."

Llyw gaped at him, then pulled him roughly into a hug. "Oh, thank GOD! We're not alone! It's really you? The first of us?"

Holding the smaller android gently, Marc answered, "Yeah, it's really me. And no, you are not alone, and neither am I; not now."

Rhys was then prompted to wake up, and after being hugged onto Llyw's lap and having had everything explained again, he looked at Graham and asked the question everyone had been expecting from his elder brother, "What will happen to us now?"

With a grin, Telez and Antony answered...

... ten minutes later, Marc witnessed the power of Vulcan at work as Captains Spock and Dafydd ratified the Safe Haven Act... and Telez became 'Pappa'... and Antony became 'Daddy'...


Saying goodbye to Marc was very hard for the gang. He had stayed until lunch time, UK time, so that he could return in daylight to his South Carolina home. He had taken an hour to nap prior to that, at Nathan's suggestion, but saying goodbye? Belar cried.

"Will yous com' back an' visit us?" he sobbed into Marc's chest as the blond android was about to be transported home.

"If I can, Belar. I like it here. Your guys are great," he answered as he hugged the tiny Bajoran to himself tightly.

Jason and Nathan moved over to also hug him farewell, "Remember that phone, dude. And like Bel said, if you want and can, we will always have ya here for a visit."

Wiping a tear from his eyes, Marc hugged them back fiercely, "You bet. And tell Antony, I'll remember."

Five minutes later, and Marc was inside his own home. He moved to the kitchen and started making some coffee and a bowl of cereal. He carried both through to the living room, placed them on the table before the settee and opened the windows. As he moved to sit down and watch the play of the early morning light on the water, he caught his reflection in the mirror. He stopped dead. He recognised himself again. He saw something within his own eyes, but what was it? He grinned when he worked it out. Hope. Though he was now physically alone again, he really was not. He had friends.

He sat and stared out at the sea. The sunlight seemed to shine again, and the breeze coming through the open window felt alive and his spirit was lifted by it's invigorating scent.

Marc smiled, and took a long sip of his coffee. In his mind he ran over what Antony had told him:

"When your father, and yes, that is how you feel for him, asks you to go with him on a trip, do it. You will find more than just a reason to keep on going... And in ten months time, you will gain even more. There is pain coming, but more joy than you know. Don't you dare think of terminating yourself. You are needed, Marc..."

As he seemed to hear his friend speak yet again, images arose... an image of thirteen year old brown haired, blue eyed boy flashed before him... and he was quickly followed by many, many others... most were human, even some seeming Native American; yet there were a number of non-humans as well: two Vulcans; a Rigelian; yet another that bore wings; one could change into any form he wished; and...

He rubbed his eyes. It was huge, this image, this hope. It reached forward and touched so many lives... and Antony had shared it with him, via Jason, it seemed.

Hope: and such hope it was... "I'm not alone any more," Marc whispered to himself.

'No,' came a sudden voice in his mind. It was Jason. Over the distance between Wales and South Carolina, Marc could hear him clearly. 'No, brother mine. Not alone...'

'...Never alone!'

Marc smiled...


Forever World, Multi-Universal Planet
Starfleet Codename: Gateway
Sunday 24th, October 2004

From the future, upon the whispers of Time and through the currents of Space, the Voice of the Guardian of Forever echoed backwards...

//To Set the Path; To Make the Way; To Find the Unborn;...//

He watched as the Children of Forever, the Mikyvis, returned to their own time. He also watched as dark others fled the presence of Marc. Marc was no longer depressed of spirit, so those dark others had nothing left to work with.

 

The Guardian turned his attention to a Being that stood next to him. The Being said, "Our Father has heard your call, and the child has been targeted for retrieval. A Saint of Heaven is now on the way."

//I know, Lord Gabriel. I shall be ready. The Shaper shall come home//

The Archangel nodded and vanished.

 

The Guardian sent his attention back to the past, and watched Marc smile. His life had been spared from termination, and through that, Danny would now live again. The effect rippled, and Clan Short, the Nexus, was confirmed in Time...

 

With satisfaction, the Guardian sent a message to those dark others : a warning...

//...Let the Enemy Beware the Dragon...//


To be continued...


Author's Note:

Special thanks to ACFan for the use of his boys, and more Special thanks to JeffsFort for the use of Marc from Sentenced to Life.

I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Hugs and God Bless,

Illúvantír


Editor's Notes:

This was a very delightful chapter. It gives us some very wonderful insights into Marc's emotions. We also can see some things that are to come about, in ten months, and if we think about it, there just might be some other surprises as well which are hinted at. I am eagerly waiting for the next chapter.

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher