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Pandemonium. Everyone, or nearly everyone, started throwing questions at Cory, and some very hard looks at the now pale faced Jason.
Those from Clan Evans in attendance were still and quiet as the tension could be felt building in the room. Sammy and the Trinity felt the anger building and knew at whom it was directed, so they got up and ran to the stage to surround Jason and Nathan. Vishnu and Kartik soon joined them. Sammy crossed his arms across his chest and glared around at those who were now sending dire looks Jason's way.
Gabe stood slowly and glared between Cory and Jason. "What do you mean, Cory! You've merged the Clans??"
Cory half smiled. "No. Jace knows nothing about this yet, guys."
"Then what?" Danny called out quickly. "What's going on, dude?"
"Something good," Cory began, his smile growing larger, "something not seen for more than a thousand years..."
"I name you Sa'ren, Child of Spock, Child of Sarek," Spock whispered before kissing the forehead of his little boy.
Joel beamed up at him before raising his arms around Spock's neck and grabbing on in a tight hug. In the back of his mind, Joel knew that this name of his would be shocking to many, but for right now, he didn't care.
Cory and Sean exchanged a long look with Aaron and Mikey. Mikey had a knowing smile on his face, but Aaron looked as lost as they were.
Mikey giggled as he looked between his three lost 'little' brothers and his even littler one being hugged by Spock. "You want me to explain?" he asked while trying not to giggle.
Cory nodded, and Sean said, "Of course. Spill it, Mike!"
Mikey gave in and laughed, then said, "Joel IS the Blade and Scion of Surak - he IS Sa'ren. He is the 'It' of the Prophecy, and the one who would 'find' It. He is both Joel Short of Earth and Sa'ren of Vulcan. Where he goes with this is now up to him. Does he walk the human path or the Vulcan? The path of the Wielder or the path of the Blade?"
Aaron tilted his head. "You wanna try that again in English, bro?"
Mikey giggled even more, "Joel is both the one the Prophecy talks about finding and renewing the Sword of Surak, as well as being the Blade of Surak - at the same time. The two are not the same. The Sword remains shattered at the highest point of this Mountain we're inside of. Joel, though - he IS the Blade of Surak, and the Scion. The Heir. Does that help?"
Seeing the still-lost looks of his brothers, Sean giggled. "Mikey, you should know better than to use words with more than two syllables when talking to blonds!"
"Ah," Mikey said seriously, while Aaron punched one of Sean's arms, leaving Cory to take the other. "Okay... Cory? Aaron? Jo-el is Spe-cial!... better?" he giggled.
"BITE ME!!!" both blonds exclaimed in unison.
Sean caught the look that Spock sent them all at that point, "Guys, we have a task to do, remember?"
"Oh... oops!" Aaron murmured as he coloured up in a blush.
Together, the three teens and their angel-brother, came forward and stood next to Spock. The Vulcan looked down at them, then smiled and winked. He backed away slightly, and Joel was now within easy access of his four big brothers. Aaron unfolded the black robe he had been carrying and nodded at Cory, but before Cory could get Joel into position to be dressed, the Doctor walked up.
"I need you to stand away for a moment, guys. This is important," he said to them seriously. They nodded and backed away, then the Doctor turned to Joel, "Just remain still, little brother. Nothing bad will happen."
As Joel half smiled at him and nodded, the Doctor turned to that part of the room that, to everyone there but him, seemed empty. He nodded, and pointed at Joel. "Remember," he whispered in an old dialect of Vulcan. A moment more passed in stunned silence before the Doctor looked back at Aaron and the other three, "You can complete the ceremony now."
They knew from the Doctor's tone that he was not about to explain, at least not yet, so the four brothers came back to the stone table and gently dressed their smiling little brother. "Welcome to the Family of Sarek, Sa'ren of Vulcan," Mikey said, being the oldest.
Joel giggled and then slipped from the table, only to be scooped up and cuddled possessively over Cory's hip. Joel nuzzled his face into Cory's neck and smiled. "Do you like my name?" he whispered to Cory, a hint of worry in his voice. His beloved brother's opinion meant more to him than almost anything else.
"I love it; not everyone gets a Name through the Sight at the Ahm-Van-Kal. It just goes to show how special you are," Cory replied.
Spock raised an eyebrow, "You Saw too?"
Kyle giggled. "I showed all of them what I was seeing, Dad."
"Ah," Spock said softly.
Kevin ran over from where he had been standing next to Chip and slammed into Cory's side. He looked up into Joel's face, "I love your name, Sa'ren!"
"And I love you," Joel whispered as Cory knelt down to allow Kevin to hug his boyfriend tightly.
Spock looked on with peace, then looked at the Doctor, "I believe that we have now completed the reasons for why we were brought to this time?"
"Yes," the Doctor replied. "If everyone can gather close, I shall return us to the Enterprise. Then, Dad, you have to explain what will now happen to the Clan due to these events. As well as write them a new Charter!"
"Don't fry your brain cell, Tigger!" Mikey giggled as Cory's mouth opened without any words forming. "You'll see!"
Joel started giggling from Cory's arms, "Yeah, he will, Mikey; but does he have enough room on his shoulders for the new titles?"
The Doctor started laughing at the look that came to Cory's face. He waved his arm, and the entire group Folded away. He then, still giggling, turned back to that 'empty' corner. "Surak, T'Klass. Remember that child. Remember his size. Make the Armour, and use what remains of the metals once used by S'harien himself when he made the now Broken Sword. Destiny awaits."
Surak moved into the centre of the room, and a young woman moved forwards with him. "Who are you?" the Vulcan asked.
"One who knows. You have heard the voice of Logic. You have seen a vision of what will be. Make the Armour," the Doctor answered, then Folded away to rejoin his family.
Surak looked at his pupil. "Come. We must ascend Seleya to the peak. My son has placed the Sa'ren there, and there too lies the remains of the metal from which it was made. I must prepare for my Heir's coming."
T'Klass nodded, her eyes wide. "I shall assist as I may, Surak."
"Titles? What.... what are you doing to my CLAN!!!" Cory spluttered as he sank into the nearest sofa, Joel still held in a possessive grip. "What's going on?" he whined.
"I think I have an idea, but I'm waiting for Father to explain," Sean commented.
The Doctor weighed in with a giggled, "What 'Clan', Cory... You claimed kinship with the Heir of Surak, and then your mother accepted Ko'mekh over Joel... you thought your 'Sub-Clan' would remain unaffected?"
"But... no way ... that couldn't be... nobody's done that..." Cory stuttered.
"You have activated an ancient rite, my child," Spock said as he sat next to the stunned blond and pulled both he and Joel onto his own lap. "In the last 50,000 years of Vulcan recorded history, this has happened less than ten times."
"23 times in total in the Million year history of your people... You had culture for most of that, but kept destroying yourself. This rite, however, is very, VERY rare," the Doctor added.
Spock raised an eyebrow, "Most intriguing. You will need to talk to the Vulcan Academy, my son. They will be most interested in regaining the lost history of our people."
"I will," the Doctor giggled. "Now you'd better get back to saying what Cory has done."
"Done to what?" Aaron asked in exasperation, smoke almost pouring from his ears with the strain of figuring out what was going on.
"Under normal circumstances," Spock started to explain, "Cory and Sean's act of swearing brotherhood with my son would have simply changed the Clan from 'Sub' to 'Full', making Clan Short and Clan Evans equal within the Family of Sarek. However, once Teri claimed Ko'mekh over Sa'ren, she started a chain of events that could, and in this case, did, lead to the formation of a Family-Clan."
Aaron tilted his head. "I'm going to risk a guess here. There's not much difference between a 'Family-Clan' and a 'Family' is there?"
Cory, his face pale, shook his head.
Spock nearly grinned, but managed to restrain himself. "There is no difference, other than the source."
"Oh... oh boy," Aaron said as he sank back into Dean's arms.
Tyler raised his hand. "Uncle... ah, I mean, Dad?" he asked, with a giggle. "You said that Mom becoming Joel's... wait. Joel, what do we call you now?"
Joel smiled softly. "My mother gave me the name 'Joel' 'cos she didn't want me to be named in that place by non-Family. I asked Daddy if I could keep the name, so I'm now Sa'ren Joel Short. I... I think I'd like it if my f...family kept calling me Joel?" he stuttered towards the end, his eyes filling with tears. He looked around at them all hopefully.
"Your wish is our command, Lil'elf," Cory said as he pulled Joel into his side tighter.
Kevin started moving over on the sofa until Spock scooped him into the mass cuddle taking place. He whispered to Joel, "Can I call you Sa'ren? I really like the name; it suits you."
Joel looked long and hard into those beautiful brown eyes, then smiled, "Yeah, Kevvy. I'd like that." He then mashed his lips with Kevin's, and a chorus of 'awww, sweet!' could be heard quietly from some of the others.
Tyler giggled, then looked back at his new dad. "Ah, about what Mom did. You said that it started a chain of events? What happened to make us this new Family? If it's only happened a few times in your history, then it must have been a complicated set of events."
"It is complex, Tyler," Spock nodded. "First, the Heir of a House has to be the one sworn into brotherhood by another family or group. That Heir must be a child in the eyes of Vulcan and unable to care for himself. Also, the Child must only have one living parent, in Sa'ren's case me, his father. The new family or group has to have a parent of the opposite gender - in this case your mother, Teri, and she must claim Full Mother over the child. Once that occurs, the child's Father is locked into a situation where he is the father to the Fatherless children, and the mother is locked into being the mother of the motherless. We both become de facto Full Parents to all our children in common."
"And that makes the Clan a full Family?" JJ asked quietly.
"Yes," Spock nodded again. "It makes you a new Family within the House of Surak. You are no longer a Clan within the Family of Sarek. You are now a Family within the House of Surak."
"I don't know if I can deal with this," Cory whispered plaintively. "I..."
"What's wrong?" Aaron asked quickly. "What am I missing?"
Cory looked at him and his eyes seemed scared, almost. "I... I'm a Patriarch of a Family! I'm... that means I have a seat on the... on the..."
Spock tightened his grip on the three in his arms. "On the Vulcan High Council," he completed for his blond, teenage son. "Cory is now, or will be once this has been ratified by my father, Patriarch of a Family, and therefore a High Councillor of Vulcan."
"Oh shit..." Sean muttered.
"I'll second that..." Teri replied as she pulled Sean into her side.
Spock looked at them all seriously. He then spoke quietly to the blond on his lap, "Son, until this becomes final, you are not automatically the Patriarch. Since you were Patriarch of Sub-Clan Short, you have the right to retain that for the new Family. However, if you choose, at this point only, you can step away and the eldest brother would take the post. If he refuses, it falls to the next, and so it would go until one accepted it."
"Don't you flamin' well dare," the Doctor giggled, and they all looked at him. He rolled his eyes, "A Billion years old here? Come on, guys! I've got enough to do with rebuilding my RACE!" He continued to giggle while winking at Cory to show he was joking, "As honoured as I'd be, I wouldn't have the time!"
"Some Time Lord... not having the 'time'," Bryce sniggered as he poked the Doctor in the ribs.
The Doctor poked his tongue out at the young Mikyvis, then turned on Mikey.
"I'm dead. I pass!" Mikey giggled, also winking at the now laughing Cory.
"Hell no!" Aaron spluttered in terror as they all turned their eyes on him next.
Tyler was rolling on his back laughing and so missed Sean, Adam and the others all shake their heads 'no'. Kyle giggled, "You're up, Cuddlebunny!"
"Wh...what? No! Nuh huh! No way!" he paled. "I'll zap anyone who makes me!"
Levi giggled, "So, now it's down to the kids of our Dads and Uncles; I'll do it!"
Everyone chorused 'No!' at the same time.
Cory motioned for Levi to join him. "Sorry Nephew; I don't think the Vulcan Council is quite ready for a Mikyvis!" he giggled. "I guess since all my brothers are chickens, I'm gonna have to do it... unless Joel wants the job, he's the only one who didn't say no!"
Joel put his finger to his lips and looked like he was seriously considering the offer. He then giggled, "No, sorry, Blondie! I'm the Heir of a Family already, not to mention the House... It's all yours!"
"Cheater!" Cory giggled as he leaned over and kissed Joel's cheek.
"Don't you still love me?" Joel whined in a baby-voice, but his eyes were dancing with laughter.
Cory smiled and rubbed his nose briefly with his little brother's. "As Uncle Mike keeps saying, 'Forever and ever, and a million years past that!'" He looked up at the others and relaxed back into Spock's arms, "Thanks, guys. That helped."
Sean looked at his husband seriously, "You know you have us there for you, hon. We won't let you do this all on your own."
"I know," Cory smiled back lovingly. "I know."
Teri looked at Kirk and said, "Things are about to get very interesting."
"Don't they always?" Kirk replied with a grin. "You do know, don't you, Teri, that your son now has the power to declare war on behalf of Vulcan?"
"Like it's ever stopped him before?" Aaron giggled.
Joel slipped from Spock's lap with Kevin and together they ran over to Kirk, Teri and Sean. After climbing into Kirk's arms, Joel said seriously, "When can we go back? I wanna see my grandparents! Ambassador Sarek is my Grandpa! And Amanda is Grandma! I wanna see them!"
Spock smiled, and Sean could see there was mischief in the Vulcan's face. That shocked him.
"Me thinks a prank be brewing like none Vulcan has ever seen," Aaron giggled. "I GOT to see this one!"
"You will see, son," Spock said, his smile still there. "My father surprised me once, long ago. He took something my mother said seriously. The surprise was good, but shocking none the less. It is now my turn to get, as humans say, 'pay-backs'."
Timmy giggled, then plodded over to climb up to be with Cory and Levi on his grandfather's lap. "Why're you smiling and jokin', Granpa? You didn' much befores."
Spock cuddled the small child close and replied, "Sa'ren needs a loving, emotive father, Timothy. It is logical for me to supply all that he requires. Also, you are all my children and grandchildren, now, and you are human and therefore need the same from me. I shall endeavour to supply that for you."
"Don't feel you need to do that, Dad," Cory said softly. "We understand Vulcans... mostly. We know you don't normally show your emotions, and I know that Joel understands that very well."
Spock nodded. "I do not mind, Cory. Also note that Vulcans are always less reserved around our immediate Family. Also, do not forget that I am half Human. I chose to live in the Vulcan way, but there is a Human side within me as well."
Cory smiled and cuddled in further into his father's arms.
"Can we go now? Pleeeeaaaaasssseee??" Joel whined plaintively from Kirk's arms.
Aaron picked up Sean and threw him over his shoulder. "I've got the Historian; I'm ready!"
"Shall I take everyone, Daddy?" Bryce asked helpfully as everyone stood up and started gathering together.
Spock laid a hand on Kyle's shoulder. "I have been meaning to ask. How did you appear here earlier? What technology are you using?" he asked quickly before Kyle could do no more than smile at his son.
Kyle tapped his own head with a giggle, "Brain power!"
"Dey mikleyfishes," Asher supplied helpfully from Justy's shoulders. "Dey can do magics and fun stuffs and ever'thin'!"
"'Mikleyfishes'?" Spock said slowly, his eyebrow raised.
Joel started giggling as he cuddled into his Uncle Jim's arms, "They're 'Mikyvis', and they are kinda like the Doctor, Daddy."
"Ah," his father nodded. "Evolution. Intriguing."
"Can we go back by transporter? I like that, it's fun!" Joel bubbled.
Levi giggled, "But it's soooo slow!"
"Mmm, Poppa Spock?" Kyle asked, looking up into Spock's eyes. "What would happen if a Mikyvis went through a transporter?"
Spock gave the little boy a long look. "You would be transported from here to your location," he replied, his face deadpan.
"Even though we're made of anti-energy?" Kyle asked as he let his 'shield' become visible.
Spock did not react. He kept his hand on Kyle's shoulder and nodded to himself as he thought quickly. "We would have to check, but to the transporter, you would read as a source of Anti-matter. That cannot be transported, therefore, nor would a Mikyvis be transportable. The attempt would be... catastrophic."
Cory whistled, "No shit. Didn't think of that before! You'd blow Enterprise from here to the Core, guys!"
Jude looked puzzled, "But in one episode of Star Trek, you guys transported Anti-Matter... why can't you now?"
Spock looked down at his new son, "We have never done so, Jude."
Joel looked thoughtful, "I seem to remember that as well. It might be artistic licence, Jude."
Jude nodded. "Oh, okay."
"You think you could explain to us non-Engineer types why they would cause that?" Aaron asked as he reached over and gave Cory a squeeze.
Joel answered for Cory, "Anti-Energy is basically much like Anti-Matter, Aaron. Anti-protons, neutrons and electrons. Anti-Matter is just physical, while energy is more plasma based. The stuff they use to drive Warp Engines has to be properly contained by magnetic devices so as to not interact with the positive matter universe. If they touched, you'd have a big boom. So, if Lil'bear or the others went through a transporter, the buffer would de-materialize their current energy form into a data-stream... and you'd have Anti-Energy flowing through a Positive-Matter buffer... it would react the same. Boom. Big Boom."
"How big, Dad?" Gavin asked with a concerned tone.
Spock answered, "We have enough Anti-Matter on the Enterprise that an uncontrolled reaction would vaporize the ship, and from our position the blast would rip away the atmosphere from the side of the Earth we are facing. If just one of these children went through the transporter, you would have much the same reaction, only compounded. They would detonate the ship itself, which would also cause an obvious Anti-Matter breach, causing a double level explosion. Most of this side of the planet's surface would be turned to glass."
"... and if they all went through at once?" Aaron asked nervously.
"Anti-Matter, or in this case, Anti-Energy reacts one particle to one particle with Positive-Matter. The spill over from," Spock paused and looked at Kyle seriously, and Kyle pointed out Tyler, Bryce, Levi and Dylan. "The spill over from five children of their likely energy-mass... The Earth would start reacting. The data-stream the children would have been converted to travels well within subspace, and thus, if the mass of the Enterprise is already used, the released uncontrolled Anti-Energy would continue to spread - seeking Positive-Matter or Energy to react with. Depending on how much Energy is contained in even one of these five, you are looking at the end of all life on Earth at the least, to the complete annihilation of the planet and its satellite at worst. Maybe even more."
Cory groaned as the possible impact of an accidental forced transport made its impact known. "Dad, Uncle Scotty; we need to see if there is a tag that the transporter can pick up on the pre-scan which will trip the main power shunt if a Mikyvis is detected. It'd have to be in the pre-scan so that it can't be overridden by an unknowing tech."
"Ye dinna needta worry y'self, Laddie," Scotty weighed in suddenly as he glanced at the five boys in question, "the transporters ain' 'lowed to be beamin' Anti-Matter. We just be needin' t' see if the Lady kin see these wee Laddies the same."
"How can you do that without actually transporting them?" Aaron asked.
Cory smiled over at him, "Before each transport, the computer scans the target to gather data on their cellular structure. It's needed in order to reassemble you on the other end. There are checks built in, and I was just making sure that our bros would be covered. I don't want to see the Earth go pop, and especially not our bros!"
"How much energy would we be talking about, Lil'bear?" Joel asked curiously as he kept his cheek next to Kirk's.
Kyle thought for a moment, then, "Well, we draw energy from everywhere... other Universes, everywhere... I don't know if we'd continue 'drawing' on that energy if we were a data-stream."
Levi's eyes blazed out white, and the Guardian answered the Prince of Forever, "...//You would. The Father of the Shaper is correct in that it would be annihilation: for the entire Universe, for you would have no control over your link to everywhere, and continue to feed yourselves and create more Anti-Energy. Should you go through a transporter, you would do what the Fallen have been attempting to do for Three Cycles of Creation - Destroy everything//..."
Justy looked at the five Mikyvis seriously. "I have never ordered you to do nothing before, guys, but I'm doing it now! No transporters rides! Ever!"
"Yes SIR!" all five Mikyvis responded as they came to attention and executed crisp salutes.
Levi added with a giggle, "They're too slow anyways!"
"Yeah, even Ark is faster!" Bryce added. "More fun too -- we can talk while waiting to come back!"
Joel giggled, "Transporters are cool - they are all tickly and stuff. I like them."
"Then we shall not disappoint you," Kirk laughed. He then looked at Scotty and McCoy before asking Kyle, "If it would be okay with you, Kyle - could you and your family come back to the Enterprise later? Either today or tomorrow? I think we'd all feel better once we make sure the transporters in the Federation and elsewhere will refuse to lock onto you. And I think Bones might want to do some investigations into your new form of life. Me too, to be fair. It's why we joined the Fleet, after all. Would that be okay with you?" Kirk then chuckled and winked at them, "And to sweeten the deal so it's not a boring time, we'll tell you stories about our missions, feed you cookies and treats, and give you as many cuddles as you'd like."
"Can we slow time, Daddy?" Bryce asked with a giggle.
"NO!" Cory giggled. "No fair cheating to get more cuddles and cookies in. You have to handle it just like the rest of us!"
"Awww Mannnn....." the two youngest Mikyvis exclaimed in unison. "You're no fun, Uncle Cory."
"Umm, excuse me?" came the plaintive voice from Sean. "Have we finished holding this quite interesting discussion on the Doomsday Mikyvis yet, 'cos I'm beginning to feel a little sick."
They all turned to look at Sean... who was still slung over Aaron's shoulder. Aaron had Sean's legs gripped firmly and gently before him, but most of Sean was hidden from view behind Aaron's back as he more or less hung there, upside down.
"Hush, you," Aaron giggled as he slapped Sean's butt lightly.
"Moooom!" Sean called out as he tried, unsuccessfully, to protect his behind.
Teri chuckled, "I think we better get home. Come on, boys."
"Ain't ya gonna tell him to put me down?!" Sean called out as Aaron turned and started for the door again.
"No," she answered, still laughing.
"MOM!"
Joel giggled in Kirk's arms as the Captain followed the kids and Teri from the room. Chip, Scotty and Bones followed him, and the Mikyvis giggled and vanished instantly.
Jude came close to Kirk and quickly found the Captain's arm being put around his shoulder as they walked to the turbolift. Jude nearly fainted, and he thought the smile on his face would never leave. Billy Joe giggled softly at him.
As the lift came to a stop and the groups met back up to head for the transporter room, Jude asked quietly, "Joel, can I ask you something about what you said earlier?"
Joel looked from his perch on Kirk's hip, "Sure, what's up?"
"When we met yesterday and you looked at the book I was reading, when I mentioned Slipstream and you explained it, you said it would take an hour to get from here to Vulcan, but when you saw the new engine on Enterprise, you said only a few seconds. Why the difference?" he asked as he looked up at his little brother.
"The specs," Joel answered with a grin. "Whoever made the engine in this ship is a hell of a lot more advanced than those races who had it in the TV shows, Jude. The engine on this ship is a beast!"
"You know about Slipstream too?" Kirk asked them both in shock and wonder.
"Uh huh," Joel nodded as he absently kissed Kirk's cheek. "Yup, we do."
"And we'll keep it secret, Uncle Jim," Jude giggled.
"Good," Kirk laughed, although his eyes were thoughtful as he looked between the teen he was carrying and the one at his side.
Cory finished relaying the events of the past two hours to the gathered kids, and when he finally stopped talking, the silence in the Auditorium was palpable.
"I think you broke them," Joel's giggle completely shattered that silence, bringing giggles from various places in the room. He grinned at Cory from Sarek's lap, for the Ambassador was seated on the floor, his wife at his side, and Joel was being quietly passed back and forth for extended periods of snuggling. "Shall I get the super-glue?" he giggled.
"Don't give them ideas, Lil'elf!" Cory burst out laughing, and the room started laughing with them. He then looked down at his grandfather and said softly, "Dad says that you have to make this final, Grandfather. Until you do, there is no Clan, nor a Family."
Sarek looked back up at the blond teen and nodded. "My son's logic is flawless. I endorse a new Family into my House. What do you want your Family's name to be - Family Short?"
Cory traded a long look with Sean and then around at the others in the large Auditorium. He eventually settled his eyes on Jason and smiled, "The world and the Federation know us as 'Clan Short', and it would be confusing to suddenly change the name on them. It is logical for us to be Family 'Clan Short', Grandfather."
A cheer went up from the massed group assembled, and could be heard from the speakers where those not present were listening in via the comm links.
"Then so it shall be," Sarek said as he handed his tiny grandson over and into Amanda's arms and stood to his feet. "I shall make the necessary calls to Vulcan now, High Councillor."
"Vulcan got your tongue, Blondie?" Joel giggled as Amanda made sure her grandson was properly kissed and cuddled.
Cory just nodded his head before deciding it would be best to sit down until he recovered from the realization that it was no longer just talk; he ACTUALLY WAS the head of a Family.
Before Sarek could even make his way off the stage, however, an overly excited Jason Evans waylaid him. "GRANDPA!!!"
Sarek turned and raised an eyebrow. "You are not normally this excitable, grandson. What is the matter?"
"Just a sec!" the twelve year old bubbled. He turned and looked at the gathered members of his own Clan in the large room and they all nodded at him after a silent moment. He then stood straighter and his eyes blazed out so brightly it lit the edges of the room. After another moment, he turned to the still stunned and seated Cory and said formally, "I, on behalf of Clan Evans, do hereby request Nohv-Maat, and I relinquish all rights and privileges of my place as Patriarch to Clan Evans."
Cory looked up at Jason with a small grin forming on his lips. "What took you so long? It took you thirty-six point five seconds to respond to Grandfather's announcement. Your request is logical; as of this moment, Clan Evans shall be assimilated into the Family Clan Short."
"YES!" came the deafening yell from over five hundred voices, most of whom were being relayed through the speakers.
Sarek nodded, his face pleased. "Jason, you are still a Patriarch. That can never be taken from you. Now, please excuse me; I need to speak to the Vulcan High Council. There is much that has occurred that they need to be aware of - having a new Council Member not the least." He then quickly left the stage.
Jason sat down quickly next to Cory as the noise level in the Auditorium suddenly spiked ten fold. "Still Patriarch? How will that work, Cor?" Jason asked his brother Patriarch nervously.
"I think you're second-in-command now, bro." Cory replied. "Your title can never be taken away; but in family matters, you probably can speak for me if I'm not around."
Jason breathed out shakily. "I was hoping it would just be me being in charge of my own division of the Clan... Isn't Sean next in line to you? Or Aaron?" he whispered plaintively. "I... since I've been guarding you, I never wanted my role as Patriarch. I just wanted to be your brother as a part of your Clan. Now Grandpa says I'm still Patriarch... I don't want it. I don't mind being Lead One for the VSO, 'cos I still get to look after you... are you sure, Cory?" he finished with a whimper before cuddling into the blond teen's side.
"Yes," Cory whispered back as he wrapped an arm around his shaking brother, "I am. The fact that you don't want it, and don't seek for it, is what makes you the right person for the job. I don't want to be a High Councillor, and I never imagined being the head of a Vulcan Family. I was content with Clan Patriarch. I need your help, bro. You've had a far longer experience of running a Full-Clan, and being the VSO leader for this area. Those skills I need, and I can use. It is logical. And on a personal note, I trust you. Please?"
Jason sighed again, but he did smile. "I don't think I could refuse you, ever, Cor. Okay. Since you've twisted my arm," he finished with a slight giggle as he wiped the few tears from his eyes. He then twisted and embraced Cory fully, bubbling out, "Oh, God, I'm soooo happy! I'm Clan Short! My guys are Clan Short!!!"
As Cory cuddled his now hyper Second in Command, Spock moved to the front of the stage and looked out over the new Family-Clan. "Children," he started, holding up his hand to regain some silence. "Children, many of you know me, if only from the news or from School. Some of you know me already as 'Uncle'. I am Captain Spock. I need to explain to you my standing in regards to Family Clan Short."
Everyone started to settle again, and this time, the old 'Clan Evans' kids were completely mixed in with the old 'Clan Short' ones - as a Family.
"As my son Cory has explained, the sons of Teri are now my sons. She is also the mother of my Child, Sa'ren. The events that have been explained to you that created your new Family also places me into a position over all of you. I am now A'nirih to the entire Family-Clan. Many of you have fathers already, some more than one. Many others have no father. Now, you either have one, or another one. An A'nirih is a 'Caring and Nurturing Father', or in human terms a foster father. I do not replace any that you may have; I just am another for you. Do not feel you need to call me 'father', or any other variation of the name. I am Spock. If you wish to call me 'Uncle', or 'Pop', or 'Dad', you are free to do so.
"If you have no father of your own and wish it, you can ask me and I will become 'Sa'mekh' over you - a Full Father, as if I had been the one to father you in fact. This would be a legal standing that none but I could then break. That offer is open to any and all in the Family that request it, and will be open to all that join from now on.
"Please note: due to the dynamic between myself and Teri Short, she has also become M'aih to the entire Family. If you have a mother already, she is another to you; a foster mother. If you have no mother, then you do now," Spock finished, leaving a stunned group of children to stare at him.
Teri walked to his side and added, "I shall say the same as Spock regarding those with no mother of their own. If you wish it, if you want me to be, I will become your mother 'for real'. A Ko'mekh, legal 'blood mother' from the Vulcan viewpoint. You do not have to change your name, nor leave the family group that you have already, but if you want a mother, I will be there for you. Always."
More dead silence.
Joel giggled from Amanda's arms and whispered, "I think they're broke again, Grandma!"
"Oh, sweetheart," she whispered back, tears flowing again down her face, "Oh, how I've wanted to hear you call me that. I never thought I'd hear it from you... no, they are not broken, Sa'ren. They just have a lot of new information to process."
Joel turned more fully to look up at her, "You were hurt a lot, weren't you? When I disappeared?"
She nodded and pulled him in tightly to her breast and held him close. "But I have you back. And I'm never going to leave you, and nor is your father or grandfather."
Joel shivered happily, and continued to snuggle there as the noise level picked back up in the room.
Sean was seated next to Cory, and Nathan was cuddled into his side. The blond Welsh boy had become so excited over being Clan Short that he had burst into uncontrollable sobs of joy, and Sean had had to calm him down. He raised his head and called out, "Gabe, how's the surprise coming?"
"Wh...what? Oh, that! Okay, Sean. Why?" came the shouted response from somewhere in the mass group that were milling around Teri and Spock.
"I think we have another reason to celebrate, dude! We've got a Family Birthday as well!" Sean called back, laughing.
Jude's face poked out from the group, "More reason? What are you up to, bro?"
"Your party and Joel's party, you goof!" Cory sniggered.
Joel looked up from Amanda's arms, "You're really giving me and Jude a party?!"
"Of course. Draco?" Cory called out.
'Yes, Great Father of Family Clan Short?' Draco giggled from the speakers.
"Bite me! Get this message out to everyone: there's a triple Birthday Party at Clan Short Headquarters, and as many as want to come are invited. I'm sure our resident Mad Doctor can handle the 'room' issue!" the Patriarch giggled.
'Roger, roger! I hope someone there can pass a miracle of the feeding of the five thousand!' Draco giggled as the comm went silent.
"Who're you calling 'mad', you blond yank?" the Doctor's voice could be heard from the balcony, where he was being cuddled by Jon Bon Jovi.
"You, I think. And watch who're you're calling 'yank', limey," Jon could be heard answering for Cory before the Doctor's hysterical laughter rang out as the music legend started to tickle him. "Time Lord or not, you better watch it!"
Sammy was sitting on the edge of the stage and looking around in wonder at the mayhem that was taking place. First, he had thought that Jason was about to be lynched by the Clan, now this... he just sat there, crying happily at the massive level of joy and happiness he could feel flowing around the room. Mike watched for a moment from the balcony before coming down to pick up his little boy. Whispering softly to him, Mike carried Sammy back up with him to find a quiet place to sit and talk.
Mercury and Hermes came bounding up onto the stage next, and started to cuddle in around Joel and Kevin, who had also joined the hug going on Amanda's lap. "You wanna see what we've done to get your party going? It's really cool and you'll really like it Joel at least we hope you will 'cos we worked really hard on it for you and everything," Mercury bubbled out a mile a minute.
Joel nodded with a grin, while Amanda laughed, "If you help this old lady stand up, then you two can show me as well."
"Amanda," came an emotion filled voice from behind the group as they entered the Rec Room.
Amanda turned and smiled at her little brother's tear filled face as he looked at her. Or, more properly, at the small, lightweight child she was carrying. "Richard," her rich voice throbbed with love before she whispered to the curious Joel, "This is my brother Richard; your grand uncle."
Joel's eyes lit up quickly as he slipped from her arms and trotted over to cover the rapidly shrinking gap between them and the fast approaching, old-seeming man. He was quite sprightly, all things considered, Joel thought. "Hi, Uncle Richard," he said happily as he allowed the crying man to pull him up and into his arms.
"Oh - oh God," Richard wept into Joel's hair as he held him possessively for a moment, before looking up at Amanda. "I... I was up there watching," he jerked his head in the direction of the balcony, "and I just couldn't believe it. I couldn't move, and couldn't..." He trailed off, his voice failing him.
"I feel the same. He feels like a dream, and I don't want to wake up from it," she responded as she closed in to hug them both, Kevin and the cheetahs being pulled with her. "Sarek feels the same."
Richard simply nodded before continuing his cuddle with his grand nephew in silence, weeping softly into Joel's hair. After a moment, "I wish Bruce was here to see this."
"Is he not feeling well?" Amanda asked with concern.
Joel's eyes popped open wide and he spluttered out before Richard could answer, "Wait, wait! Grandma? Your last name is Grayson, yes?"
"That is right," she answered.
Richard nodded, adding, "Correct, Sa'ren."
"Richard Grayson?" Joel said, looking into the man's eyes as he was being held in his arms. "Bruce...?"
"Wayne," Richard answered.
"Batman and Robin...?!" Joel stuttered in shock as he stared into his uncle's face.
"Who?" Richard said, his voice startled.
"No, 'John' is in the next room," Mercury said with a toothy grin.
"Sis, who are 'Batman and Robin'?" Richard asked Amanda, giving a curious look at the smiling cat.
"Well, you were 'Robin', Richard. Remember from our circus days?" Amanda stated, looking at the boy in her brother's arms closely, "so I would assume Sa'ren thinks that Bruce is 'Batman'."
"Holy sh... uh, tunket; I forgot about that," Richard said, and Joel just started giggling at him.
Both adults looked at Joel, and Amanda asked, "Care to explain, grandson?"
Joel glanced between them rapidly. "Um... well, in that place, there were once comic books about a pair of crime fighting superheroes called Batman and Robin. They would solve crimes by using their heads and high technology, and their alter-egos were called Bruce Wayne and Richard Grayson. Bruce was a real rich guy and owned Wayne Enterprises, from which he funded his nightly Superhero stuff, and Richard was his ward, a teen from the circus who'd lost his mum and dad... that's real here too??"
"Well, sort of," Richard said. "I was adopted by Bruce when Sis married Sarek... but our crime fighting was just as amateur detectives helping the police."
"You did use high technology, though -- from Vulcan," Amanda said fondly to her brother.
"Wow! WOW! Is Uncle Bruce alive? Can I see him? Please, please??" Joel started bouncing about like a jack rabbit in Richard's arms happily.
"Well..." Richard began.
Joel's face fell, and his eyes radiated concern. "Oh... he's not well?" he mumbled quietly as his grandmother's concerned question just prior to this discovery registered in his Vulcan mind. "I'd be good, Uncle Richard; I promise. I won't hurt Uncle Bruce. Promise. Maybe I can help..."
"Shh, Sa'ren. Yes he's ill, but he's still alive - he is 110 years old, and he's pretty feeble these days. Bed-fast much of the time, but his mind is still sharp, and I know he'd love to see you," Richard continued. "We were, after all, there when you were born; and we grieved when we thought you and your mother had died on the Zhuk'Fasek. It will probably be a lift to his spirits to see you." Richard then added under his breath, in a tone of incredulity, "Batman and Robin?"
"Can we go now? I really wanna see him... can I bring the Doctor too?" Joel asked seriously.
Richard looked at Amanda, "Which doctor?"
Amanda grinned, "No, not Doctor 'Which', Doctor 'Who'... THE Doctor... Ish-Hassu. The old history from Vulcan that YOU spilled to those British playwrights all those years ago, RICH!"
Jude had broken from the group hug in the Auditorium and was listening at the door. "Dr. Who, Batman and Robin, and Sarek and Amanda, all in the same room -- it's like a SF convention!" he said, laughing.
"You are going to explain that, grandson," Amanda said to him affectionately.
"You were all considered fictional heroes in our world, Fa'komi," Jude said with a smile.
"That's going to take some getting used to," Amanda smiled, as she nodded at him.
Richard's eyes were now even wider. He looked back at Joel, "Why do you want to bring Ish-Hassu?"
"Because I have a feeling, Uncle. I think he should come. Right now," Joel said seriously.
"You are getting good at this, Shaper," the ten year old Doctor said as he walked out from behind Jude. "Jude, Kev, you two have tasks here. Mercury, Hermes, that goes for you, too. I shall Guard the Shaper for this trip."
Richard stared at the ginger kid now standing at his side, and put Joel down slowly. "O... Okay. Shall I call for a transport?" he managed, not entirely certain about what was going on, but when the DOCTOR gets involved, he knew from Vulcan History that anything could happen.
"No. That wouldn't be good. I'll take us," the Doctor smiled, then looked at Joel, "Ready to go to Gotham City?"
"THAT'S real TOO?!" Joel bubbled as he, his grandmother and uncle and the Doctor Folded away...
Bruce was quietly listening to the radio as he stared at the light from the window, which was nearly all his aged eyes could make out now. He had been more relaxed today than for many a long month, and he was in two minds about calling for Richard to return from Orlando. He just had this gut feeling that his time was coming, and of all the people in his life, he wanted the last thing he heard and felt and saw to be Richard.
A flicker of motion was all he saw of the two adults and two children Folding in next to his bed.
"Wow," came a high pitched, very young voice, "it's really Bruce Wayne!"
'Odd. A Welsh accented angel?' Bruce thought as he turned his head to try and make out who was there.
"Bruce," Richard said with forced enthusiasm masking the worry he felt, "I've brought someone to see you -- someone we never thought we'd see! This is Spock and T'Sara's son, Sa'ren!"
Bruce turned to look in the direction of Richard's voice, and saw a smaller figure standing next to him - two of them. "Who's the other boy?" he asked with a stronger voice than Richard had heard from him in some time.
Amanda spoke up then. "The answer to that is even stranger than the fact that Sa'ren's alive, Bruce. This is Ish-Hassu - Doctor Who!"
"Oh. Nice to meet you, Doctor," Bruce said with a slight smile.
The Doctor cocked his head to the side, "You don't seem overly surprised at your nephew being back from the dead, nor about my presence, Bruce."
"Once you are my age and find yourself alive every morning, nothing else can surprise you. Sa'ren? Come here, child. I have not held you since you were six days old," he replied as he held open his arms, into which Joel climbed gently.
"Hi, Uncle Bruce," Joel whispered to him before kissing his wrinkly cheek.
"Hello, Sa'ren," Bruce whispered softly. He held the small boy close and touched his face lightly, before turning his watery eyes to Richard and Amanda, "I am glad. Now I can go home happy."
Richard was about to say something quickly but Joel beat him to it, "You're not dying, Uncle Bruce. Your heart is beating strong. Doc? Can you come up here too?"
The Doctor did so, just as gently as Joel had, and sat with the Vulcan as both were loosely held by the very old man. "I don't know what you think I can do, Joel, but I know something is about to happen."
"Can't you help him?" Joel whispered back.
"Joel. It's his time, bro. Age happens to most, and if I was to try and change it, things could get very bad," the Doctor replied sadly.
Bruce weighed in, "Sa'ren, I've had a long, full and happy life. I'm not scared of dying. All men must die, little child."
Joel's lip quivered, "But I don't want you to. You must stay longer! Uncle Richard needs you. I felt it when I was hugging him; he's scared of living without you, Uncle Bruce! I won't let you go."
Bruce shivered then glanced with appeal at Richard.
Again, Richard did not have time to say anything as the Doctor whistled, "I don't believe it. Okay, Mr Wayne? You had a Vulcan process done on you years ago, correct?"
"Correct. It didn't quite do as we thought it would, but it gave me many more years than I would have had," Bruce smiled, looking between the two boys in his arms and the two adults behind.
"Jo... I mean, Sa'ren has done something. He's made it so that I can complete that process properly and return you to the correct physical age you should have been had it worked right. However, even though this new Destiny is possible, I will only do it if you want me to."
Bruce started to speak but Richard was quicker, "Oh, please father - accept it."
Their eyes met, and Bruce nodded weakly. "Okay, son," he whispered.
"Get down, Child of Spock," the Doctor said softly, and Joel was quickly lifted away by Richard.
The Doctor then looked at the man lying relaxed on the bed, and spoke, "Time is a River. It flows only one way. But what if you could take that River into your hand, and twist it to your own ends? What if you could lay your hands upon the Ribbons of Fate and the Wheel of Providence, and move them to change what could be? I am the Doctor, I am Gallifrey. I am the First and the Last and the First of the Lords of Time. By the Power of Time, and in the Name of the Jewel of the Heavens, Gallifrey, I do now take Time into my hands: N'hare ke'lish naq re'ntha - Bruce Wayne xzoni'r rika!"
Light exploded from the bed as the Doctor warped Time around himself and, using the new Destiny the Shaper had placed into effect, altered Bruce Wayne.
Amanda felt joy wrap itself around her, and she felt tears trickle from her eyes as she looked into the Soul of Time as it responded to the command of its Lord.
Richard wept as his heart filled with a hope for the one he loved that he had never dreamed would ever come back.
Joel simply bounced up and down as he laughed at the joy and wonder in the room.
Time moved and Time flowed and Time laughed as its power was put to a use that brought joy to its master, for the Doctor was laughing in wonder - never before had he ever had the chance to channel and wield this much power. Never before would he have risked it. The Vortex, the very Heart of Time, laid itself open to him, and he grasped it and threw as much of the power as was needed into reversing the Fate of Man - and Bruce de-aged.
The light faded and Richard gasped with joy, for Bruce was lying there - looking much as he had over forty years ago. The two men were now almost the same age in appearance.
Joel smiled and slipped from Richard's arms to be immediately picked up by Amanda. "Rich, Bruce. We'll leave, now. You are both welcome to come to Orlando - once you're ready, of course," she smiled at them both knowingly, all the while glancing repeatedly at the Doctor.
The ginger Time Lord slipped off the bed quickly as Richard moved to help Bruce sit up, and he smiled up at the Lady Amanda. "They'll be a... while," he giggled as he Folded out, taking Joel and Amanda with him.
Kevin looked at the two cats with him, glanced over at Jude, and shrugged. They shrugged too.
"What's our task? Why didn't he say? Does he ALWAYS do that? It's very irritating," Mercury groused.
"You don't watch Doctor Who?" Jude giggled.
"Nope," Hermes replied. "Unlike Logan and his insane little brothers, we have good taste. Transformers, Roadrunner and... ah, never mind." Hermes blushed and became silent.
"And what?" Kevin giggled, nudging him in the ribs.
"Teletubbies," Adam Casey supplied with a roll of his eyes as he came up behind Jude from inside the Auditorium. "THE most annoying and weird British show that is more irritating than Barney the Purple Dinosaur!"
"They are not!" both cheetahs retorted, before blushing again.
Adam raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Oh, so why are you blushing then?" he laughed as he moved over to hug them both. He whispered into their ears, "Guys, I'm just teasing, but I'm serious about one thing. I've seen a change in you and your brothers and sisters assigned here. I like that change. Don't stop, okay? Be serious ONLY when you must. If these Orlando kids help you six BE kids too, then you'll only make me cry happily. Got it?"
"Got it, boss," Mercury replied with a soft purr as he and his brother cat-kissed their Commander.
He grinned at them before asking Kevin, "I need to talk with these two and the other cats and Cory, Kevin. Do you mind if I take them with me now?"
Kevin shrugged, "Dunno why you're asking me, Adam. They are Sa'ren's guards. But no, I don't mind," he added with a smile.
"I'm asking you," Adam said seriously, "because I know my people. If they guard one person, and that person has a partner or family, they guard them all. Thanks, Kevin. I won't keep them long." He squeezed the small boy's shoulder gently for a second before saying to the two cheetahs, "Come on, Cory's back in there."
As the three left, Jude said as he came to stand by Kevin, "Well, that's their task. What's ours?"
Kevin was about to shrug again when he saw Mike Reynolds carrying Sammy and leading his brothers and the Trinity out of the Auditorium. "Well," he said to Jude, "I've wanted to talk to the Trinity since Sunday. Might as well try now." He ran over and joined in with the group, leaving Jude to wonder what to do himself.
He decided to get some fresh air, and walked outside and towards the front entrance as if compelled somehow. He stopped, however, when he saw Clan Security process and admit a half dozen Starfleet officers at the gates. He ran over when he recognised one of them as Admiral Morrow.
"Just the young man I was hoping to see," the Admiral said with a smile as he and his staff were given the all clear. He gestured and together they all started back towards Main CIC. "How are you feeling, Mr Lee? Your arm fixed up?"
"Yes sir," Jude said, in complete shock at speaking to this famous 'Star Trek' Admiral. "Doctor Chapel fixed it for me, and my brothers' injuries, while we waited for news about Joel last night."
"Good," Morrow smiled. "And how is young Joel?"
"Excited, sir," Jude giggled, "he's found his dad!"
Morrow looked both surprised and pleased, "Who and when?"
"Just this morning, and it's Captain Spock!"
Adam Casey and the two cheetah twins finally got through the milling crowd in the Auditorium and onto the stage. Cory was still sitting in bemusement on the stage floor with his fellow Patriarch, Jason, cuddled in close to his side. Next to them, Nathan and Sean were in much the same state. "Patriarch, I need a moment of your time for official business," Adam stated formally as he gathered the attention of not only the four boys cuddled up together but of the other G-Cats in the building. As he sat down in front of Cory, the entire G-Cat group formed a semi-circle behind him.
"Granted, Commander," Cory said in his Vulcan mode as he attempted to focus on the Unit Commander.
"It is in regard to Joel - I mean, Sa'ren," Adam said, dropping formality as he saw how distracted Cory seemed. "What with him being the heir of Spock, and therefore the House of Surak, my original intent for him to have a temporary guard seems to be in need of changing. I was only going to have Merc and Herm stay with him until you were happy he was safe. That might not be the case, now."
"What do you mean?" Sean asked as he and Nathan shuffled even closer to Cory and Jason.
Adam shrugged and explained, "He's a target now. He was before simply by being part of Clan Short. We know that there are going to be those out there wanting to get us for what happened on Saturday, and not just the FCC. Others like them are now threatened by us. That makes each and every one of us a target. But Joel is now an even greater one."
"Logical," Jason said. "His prominence started when my grandmother the Queen crowned him, Cor. Now, he's the son of the oldest and most powerful Family in the Federation. He's in a great deal of danger," he said seriously.
Cory became all business. "What is your plan?" he asked both Adam and Jason.
Adam looked at Jason first and nodded at him, so Jason said, "He will have VSO protection, as do all Patriarchs and heirs of the Vulcan Houses. That is standard. Personally, he'll also have one of the Seven Leads of the Dragon watching him at all times until we find a permanent detail for him. But that might not be enough. Please be aware, this came as a bit of a shock, Cor, so I'm thinking fast on the spot, here. First, the VSO are the best at what we do, and second, we have the most secure area on Earth as our charge's home. But with a threat like this... this is unlike anything the VSO have had to deal with in regards to House security for untold generations. We are spies and counterspies, Cor. We know what can happen, but we could be facing something that we are simply out-manned to counter. I will need to have assistance from the military - which means you, Adam." Jason looked at Adam seriously, "We need to work together on this one - at least for as long as Joel is on Earth."
"Sounds like you're thinking - for once!" Sean told Jason teasingly.
"Bite me," Jason muttered, poking Sean in the ribs.
Adam smiled then began to add his piece, "I've already talked with Mont and Bast, and I have decided that, if they want to, Merc and Herm will become Sa'ren's permanent guard, and..."
"Yessir! Please! Yes!" both cheetahs bubbled quickly from behind Adam, and Vishnu and Kartik started giggling at them.
He turned and looked at them before laughing.
"Well... he gives good belly rubs," Hermes whined before given them all a toothy grin.
Vishnu agreed, "He learnt that from SamSam!"
"Trust you two to think about that, guys!" Tyr muttered with a purr.
"Okay," Adam laughed, "we have them both wanting to. The second thing I was going to add was that we'll need more than just the two of them. From what I can gather, Aphrodite and Artemus have taken a liking to both Kevin and Sa'ren, and since they are both a couple it would make sense to double the guard."
Amur Khan added, "The way at someone is sometimes through those they love. Sa'ren's vulnerable when it comes to Kevin. Arti said they are inseparable. We, Adam and I, think it's best to team up these four," the large tiger pointed at the two cheetahs and the two girl-cats, "and get them to co-ordinate with Bast and Mont. Between the six of them, you, Sean, Kevin and Sa'ren are well protected at close range."
"And from a distance, we'll increase security around any residence that Sa'ren is in," Adam finished. "Jace will be our unseen eyes and ears, we'll be the visible iron fist in... well, in an iron glove. I don't think we'll look good in velvet!"
Sean giggled, "Logan says you look cute in that velvet gee-string he got you, Adam."
"Boss? Something you want to tell us?" Mercury giggled.
"No. Privilege of command," Adam said with dignity as he stood up and glared at Sean for a moment. "Jace, I'm going to make the calls to Utah. You and I can liaise after, regarding security for Sa'ren."
"Okay, bro," Jason smiled back.
Adam nodded at those still seated before turning to leave. Mont and Bast moved to cuddle in behind their two charges, leaving the two girls and the cheetahs to sit down in a pile in front of them. The others all smiled and moved off to mingle with the Clan around Spock and Teri.
"Welcome to the family," Cory giggled at Joel and Kevin's four guards.
They purred happily.
Five minutes later, they had made their way out and into the Rec Room and cuddled up in a mass pile on a large sofa.
"I think the others are going to be a while," Sean said as he smiled at Cory. "Our bros are answering the other guys' questions, and Dad and Mom are swamped."
Joel, Amanda and the Doctor Folded in at that moment.
"Where've you been?" they all asked the three newcomers at the same time.
Joel giggled, "Went to see Uncle Bruce, and the Doc just did something wicked cool and made him younger and everything!"
The Doctor rolled his eyes, "I'd not have been able to if it wasn't for you, Shaper."
Joel's face grew a little tense. "I didn't do anything, though. I didn't make anything change; not on purpose," he whined as he crawled up onto Sean's lap quickly.
"No. And maybe that's how it'll nearly always be, Joel," the Doctor grinned. "Now, I hope you'll excuse me. There's something I have to do," he added as he Folded away quickly.
"Uncle Bruce? Who's he?" Cory asked Joel quietly as he reached over to massage the nearest of his little brother's ears.
Joel closed his eyes happily and replied, "Bruce Wayne. He and Uncle Richard live in Gotham."
"Bruce Wayne of Wayne Enterprises?" Sean asked curiously, looking at Amanda. "I thought he died years ago."
Amanda nodded, "He's been out of the public eye for a long time, Sean. He and my brother have run the company from their manor. At Bruce's age, most people just assumed he was dead."
Mont smiled, "The Doctor changed that?"
"Oh, yes. Now, Sa'ren? Do you and your brothers want a drink?" she asked as she ruffled her grandson's hair.
They all shook their heads, and Jason answered, "We'll have something when we eat, Grandma."
"That will be fine. I am going to have a cup of tea, though," she smiled as she turned and walked from the room.
Jude entered less than a minute later, leading Admiral Morrow and five other Officers. "Cory, we have visitors!" he called over, as he came closer.
Cory was about to stand up when the admiral waved him back. "This is not formal, not yet, Mr Short. Jude has just been updating me on recent events. I believe congratulations are in order: for all of you, but especially for - Sa'ren, correct?" he asked, looking down at the small Vulcan on Sean's lap.
"Uh huh," he grinned back. "You really Admiral Morrow?"
"Last time I checked I was," he answered with a chuckle.
"Hi, Chief!" Sean said then as he saw who was with Morrow. "You took us up on the offer of a visit, then?"
"Sure did, Lieutenant," Chief Petty Officer Gary Howardson answered as he came to stand next to the admiral. "Boy, this place is sure something else, lads. I'm impressed."
Jason was looking up at him curiously, as was Nathan. "Chief, have we ever met before?" Nathan asked politely.
Gary shook his head as he found an empty seat to settle on, "I don't think so, son. You're VSO, correct?" he added, nodding at their uniforms.
Jason nodded as well, "Yes. Dragon Division. I am Jason Evans, Lead One, 'Voice', and this is my husband, Nathan Evans. He's Lead Two, 'Fire'." He looked hard at Gary. "I'm sure I recognise you from somewhere, sir," he echoed Nathan.
"Daddy! Poppa! Look what Grandpop Spock gave us!!" Jessica yelled as she and Oliver ran into the room and pounced onto their parents. Jessica waved her new necklace under her Poppa's nose as she made herself comfortable on Nathan's lap, "He said I should wear it always, 'cos..."
There was a loud thud as Gary slipped from his chair and onto the floor. His face was pale and his limbs were shaking.
Oliver glanced quickly at him, then did a double take. "D... DADDY?!" he yelled, his eyes fixed with the now speechless man now crying on the floor.
Nathan and Jason shared a quick look, while Jessica jumped from Nathan's lap and ran with Oliver over to the Chief Petty Officer.
"'Daddy'?" Cory asked Jason softly, "I thought they were orphaned!"
"So did we," Jason muttered as he and Nathan got up. They both paused. What were they to do now?
"H...how? Where? Oh, Oliver! Princess! Oh... oh GOD!" Gary sobbed as he pulled his now crying children into his arms. "Oh, Thank you, God! Thank you!"
Admiral Morrow watched for a second before looking at Cory, "Is there a private room they can go to? I think these five have a lot to talk about."
Cory nodded and rose to lead the way. Nathan made things easier for Gary and the two crying children by levitating them from the room as Jason and Nathan followed Cory and the admiral.
"What's going to happen with them now?" Bast asked Sean. "What's the rules in cases like this when the original dad shows up?"
"You tell me and we'll both know," Sean replied seriously. "I'm pretty sure there will be a procedure AFTER today, though."
"Fuck," Hermes grated out as he curled up into a ball against his twin.
Mont ruffled his fur between his ears softly. "Watch your language, little brother - but I agree."
"So do I," Sean whispered, "so do I."
Viccy, Riti and Jimmy managed to get out of the mass of bodies and started for the doorway. "I've gotta eat! My wings are all empty and stuff!"
"Your wings?" Jimmy giggled.
"Yeah!" Viccy answered as she rolled her eyes, "Riti eats so much, he must store the food in his wings!"
"You're strange," Jimmy said as he continued to giggle.
Timmy came running over, "Oh kewl! Hi! I'm Timmy, and this is Ricky! You coming to help us raid the brownies?"
Viccy laughed as Jimmy nearly nodded his head off. "This is Jimmy, Timmy. Can we come too?"
"Sure!" Ricky bubbled as he grabbed Jimmy's hand.
Timmy grabbed Jimmy's other hand, and together the three little kids started running out towards the Kitchen, yelling, "WE'RE STARVIIIIING!!!!!"
Riti watched them leave, then turned to Victoria, "What's wrong? I sensed something happening, and you're not feeling right."
"Oh, Reet... it's Ollie and Jess... they found their daddy!" Victoria said as she started to cry.
Riti at first was puzzled. Wasn't that good news? Then he too started to weep, "Oh, fuck... Jace... Nath'... shit..."
They then both moved out of the room, looking for their brothers.
Teri sighed and rolled her eyes as she watched most of the children leave at warp speed yelling for food, completely missing the two now sad kids expressions. "Kids," she muttered to Spock before facing him, referring to the loud calls for food echoing out from the direction of the Kitchen.
"I need to place a call to Vulcan, Teri," Spock said softly as the last of the kids around them started to move out of the Auditorium and into the Rec Room and Dining Room.
"Anything serious?" she asked with concern.
Spock shook his head, "No. It is going to be emotional, but not in a bad way. I need to talk to T'Sara's parents on Vulcan. They need to know that my Child has been found."
"Of course," Teri said as she let go of Spock's hand.
Spock's lips raised in a slight smile and he said, "I will need to talk with you later this day. Sa'ren is going to be going through Pon'Farr shortly, and it is unlikely that you have ever experienced an adolescent Vulcan in that state. Point of fact, Sa'ren's Pon'Farr will not be of a normal 'teen' level in any case. You will need to prepare, so if you are willing, we can Meld later for me to fully explain to you what to expect and how to help me help him."
"Agreed," Teri smiled back. "If you need me, I'll be in the Kitchen... the natives are hungry."
"So I noticed. Do all children's stomachs rumble that much?" Spock asked rhetorically.
Teri laughed as they both followed the children out. She split off from him and headed for the Kitchen, while he went immediately to Main CIC.
Sarek was still at one of the viewscreens, talking to two Vulcans on a split-screen. "T'Seela, do you concur with my assessment?" he asked.
"When have I ever disagreed with you on a point of logic, Sarek? Great House Sukaan will add its support to Great House Surak; as always," T'Seela replied. "And, forgive me for saying so, Sarek: I am pleased for you and your son. A lost child found is the greatest of blessings."
"Thank you, T'Seela." Sarek looked at the other Vulcan, "And you, Misak. Does Great House R'Kath concur also?"
"I do, and I too wish to add my blessings to you and your family. However, there is an issue that will be raised, Sarek," Misak replied, "in regards to the Naming of your grandson. 'Sa'ren'? You are aware that Patriarch Siprak will attempt to use this against you, are you not?"
"I gave it some thought, but the Naming has never been called into question before, and I do not think any would dare make such a claim as to suggest that my son deliberately Named his son 'Sa'ren' to force the Prophecy of the Legend," Sarek answered firmly. "It would be a grave attack on my House should he try to make such a claim. Never has a Vulcan lied about where a name comes from in the Ahm-Van-Kal. If no Name is given by the Sight, then we say it plain and pick one of our own choosing. Logic and custom would dictate that my grandson would have been named Solkar after my own grandfather had no Name come from the Sight. Such is not the case. Spock Saw, and Sa'ren was named truly."
Misak nodded. "I believe you, and I believe Spock, Sarek. I, like T'Seela, have never doubted your word nor your logic. I am just relaying the situation as I see it. This could be taken wrong. Let us hope not. I need to go now, my friend. I shall send more information as and when I can. Live long and prosper; to you, your son and your grandson."
"Peace and long life, Misak," Sarek and T'Seela said together.
T'Seela then added, "I too must go now, Sarek. Give that child a hug from me; I remember that one and only time I held him and I will look forward to the day I can do so again. Farewell and peace to you," she finished before the screen went dead.
"That went well," Spock murmured as he moved closer to his father.
Sarek nodded, "Indeed."
Spock sat down at a free console and took a deep breath. "I now must make a call. I only hope it goes as well," he said quietly.
Sarek nodded and placed a hand on his son's shoulder, "I shall remain here with you, my son."
As Spock started the call, Joel walked into the room. He stood near the door and watched happily as his father started to make the call.
Trip was reading next to an open window overlooking the main street of Shi'kahr and listening to the music from the Vulcan harp that his wife, T'Pol, was playing when the comm system signalled in incoming priority call on a Starfleet frequency.
"I shall answer it, my husband," T'Pol said as she stood and walked to the console.
Trip watched her curiously. "It's been years since anyone used that frequency... oh, no... you don't think anything bad has happened?" he asked quickly as he stood and moved over to be with her. The last time it had sounded, it had been bad news. Very bad news.
She looked at him and reached to take his hand. With her other, she accepted the incoming call.
"Spock! Sarek!" Trip smiled in relief. Their faces looked emotional from what he could tell, but not due to anything bad, Trip thought. "Why are you calling on this channel? You scared me, son," he asked Spock.
'I...' Spock's voice suddenly fell away. He coughed and tried again. 'I have news, father.'
Trip was about to get concerned when a child's voice sounded from just off the screen, 'Daddy?! Is that... that's my other grandpa, isn't it!!! That's Commander Trip Tucker!!!!'
T'Pol's eyebrows disappeared into her fringe, while Trip sank to his knees. "'Daddy'?... Spock? What... who?" Trip choked out, but silenced totally when a curly haired, blue eyed little boy's face came into view on the screen as the child climbed into Spock's lap.
'AND my GRANDMA T'POL?!? Hiya, Gramps! Hiya Gramma!!!' the boy yelled as tears started flowing down his pale cheeks.
T'Pol now joined her husband and sank to her knees as well, and both started sobbing loudly; they both saw their daughter's image in the child's face - and they both knew who he was.
'As my wife would say - 'out of the mouths of babes and sucklings...',' Sarek murmured. 'T'Pol. Trip. Please tell us you are still fine, or I shall use my Ambassadorial frequency to summon aid to your residence.'
"We... we are well..." T'Pol choked out as she managed to pull herself to her feet. "H...how, Spock? How?" she asked. She was looking into the face of her grandson, which was all she could see as Joel now had his nose almost pressed to the screen as he tried to take in as much of his grandparent's features as he possibly could. It was heartbreaking yet wonderful, T'Pol thought as she studied that beautiful boy's face. She raised her hand to touch the screen, as if she could reach across the light-years and hold him in her arms.
'It is a long story,' Spock's voice answered from somewhere behind his son's body, which was now completely filling the screen.
Trip sobbed out as he too pulled himself to his feet shakily, "I'm booking a starship... hell, I'll pull the old Enterprise out of the Museum and fly us there."
"There is no need of that," came a voice from behind them both. They spun around and saw a small, ginger haired boy standing there with two packed cases of clothes. "I've already sorted out your travel arrangements."
"Who are you?" T'Pol asked, shock in her voice for all her control was gone now.
The Doctor smiled. "Ish-Hassu," he said as he, the bags and the two stunned grandparents Folded away.
"GRAMPS! GRAMMA!" Joel yelled as they appeared, and he dove off his father's lap and charged straight for them.
Amanda came into the room in time to see her two old friends pull Joel between them and burst into more tears than she had seen in many a long year from either. The last time she had seen this was when she and Sarek had broken the news to them about their daughter and grandson. Then, the four grandparents had gathered after that horrific call and cried together. Now she looked at Sarek and her son... and she just knew - the Family would be crying again, only this time with joy.
She, Sarek and Spock moved over and joined T'Pol and Trip on the floor. Joel was sandwiched in-between his only surviving blood relatives and he, like all of them, was now in floods of tears.
He had always been alone.
Unloved.
Unwanted.
An Angel had saved him. Had brought him to a Home. Given him to a group of boys who had taken him into their hearts as a brother. He had gained a mother for the first time in his hellish life. He had found someone to fill and share his heart.
Now, he had found his family.
His blood family...
And they loved him.
Had always loved him.
Had cried for his loss, and now for his return.
Finally, forever and ever, he was truly home.
...and Time started to shimmer and echo...
//Blade of Surak, Shaper of Destiny - For the Mending of a Father's Heart... for the Healing of a Broken Son... for two Souls to join in Love... for a Brotherhood that will never break. Welcome Home, Sa'ren of Vulcan...//
//Welcome Home...//
Ilu told me that I would require tissues in mass quantities, and he was indeed correct on that score.
This chapter was stunning. I have tears running down my cheeks. This was indeed well worth the wait. I dare anyone to deny that this was a wonderful chapter.
Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher
What Darryl said. Seriously, knowing what was coming in this chapter, I was still moved to tears.
What a beautiful, wonderful chapter! Thank you, Ilu!
D of D&B, CSU Archivists Team
I thought you'd all had enough of cliffhangers, so I left only two things hanging here - Jimmy, and Ollie and Jess.
Fear not, for I have it all in hand...
Iluvantir