The U.N.I.T.

~~~~Adam's POV~~~~

I had trouble sleeping last night, surprise, surprise I suppose, but so many times I would wake up wondering if it all really happened or was just some terrible nightmare. I suppose it's one that all commanders face, losing someone under their command, but so many. God so many. Each time I woke I would look around the room and see so many empty spots and I would know, it wasn't, it really did happen. Then, it was then that I really wished it had been a nightmare as I looked around at those empty places and thought there should be Danny and over there Derrick should be sitting with Tom or why wasn't Gage with Erin. Or why wasn't Keith running around trying to do something else that he knew he shouldn't. So many gone, over sixty of my family weren't ever going to be where they were supposed to be again. Sixty kids that would never grow up and see adulthood. Sixty kids that would never be able to know what having their own children was like. Sixty kids who would never live a life now. More than that though was the realization that over sixty kids who were part of our lives were forever lost to us and we were left behind to try and live without their presence, to fill a void that couldn't be filled. So yeah, I had a bit of trouble sleeping last night.

Not many know but last night when I finally did go to bed I fell asleep in Logan's arms crying. No matter how hard I tried not to, I just couldn't hold it in any longer, couldn't be strong anymore even though I knew I had to be. Every single kid that died kept running through my mind over and over again. Faces, names, memories and loss, the overwhelming loss of it all.

I finally gave up, knowing it would be no use and went out to clear my head. We had taken over the conference room last night, mainly cause I knew that we would all want to be together. While I liked everyone I met so far well enough, I didn't really think everyone would want to deal with meeting new people after everything they had been through.

I made my way outside, then turned my head up to the sky. I wanted to cry out, or scream or something. Anything to let the universe know the agony beating through my heart with each pulse I want to know why, I want to know why this had to happen. Still though, there was no answer to my silent scream which had been echoing for hours with that one word, Why? I felt the tears falling down once again, and I just let them. I had almost thought that I had no more tears left to cry, but, I guess I was wrong.

"You can't change what happened you know?" I heard from behind me, and I didn't even have to turn around to know who was there. I just turned and buried my head into his chest.

"Why Jack, why did they all have to die?" I cried out through my tears.

"I don't know, Adam. If I could take any one of their places I would in a heart beat. But…but…I don't know. It was just their time, I guess."

I didn't look up, but I knew he was crying too. I couldn't help but remember the sick look on his face, and the tears that both he and Dave cried when they finally learned what had happened, and how many kids died. For if those kids were mine to me, they were doubly so to the two men who felt as if every one of us were their children in a way, that and as the 'parents' they were responsible for what happened to us.

"You know, I could be wrong Adam, but I know that every single one of those kids that died out there, died, if not happy, then happier than they had ever been in their lives before now and I damn well know they felt fulfilled when the end came. You gave them so much over the last few months. More than some of them have ever had. They had a purpose and felt needed but much more than that they knew they were finally loved, some for the first time in their short lives. Don't ever forget that. But the one's left really need you now, Adam. They still need you to lead. I know you know this, but they all pull their strength from you." In my head I knew what he said was true. But that still didn't make it any easier. I clung to Jack like a life saver for many minutes. Until I could finally bring myself to ask.

"Do you think they made a difference Jack? I... I mean... do you think that anyone will remember what they did?" I almost couldn't get the question out. Jack pushed me back a little so he could look me in the eyes.

"Of course they will, Adam. They died helping other people. They gave the ultimate sacrifice for others. That can't be forgotten. But more importantly, they'll never be forgotten cause they're in here." He said forcefully as he put his hand on my chest, right over my heart, and immediately the tears sprung back into my eyes. They were my family, I would never forget them, I couldn't forget them, and I was going to figure out some way to make sure no one EVER forgot them or what they gave. I was so caught up in my own emotions that I almost didn't catch what he said next.

"Come on Adam, I want to show you something. Something that I, for one, can never forget."

I didn't bother asking, I just took his offered hand and we went back inside. We had just gotten inside the door when I saw Logan coming towards us. I could see the concern in his look as his gaze passed back and forth, between Jack and me. I still couldn't talk too well, but I didn't need to, as Logan wrapped his arms around me in a silent hug filled with everything that ever needed to be said but couldn't be put into words right now.

"Logan, I'm glad you're here. I was going to take Adam to show him something, would you like to come with us?"

I watched the love of my life pull back slightly and gaze deeply into my eyes and then, without saying a word, nod, take my hand, and together we let Jack lead the way.

He led us into the communications room where he went and talked to one of the kids working there. He came back with a communicator, opened it up, and talked softly into it. I couldn't hear what he said as I was buried deep into Logan's chest, trying to get my tears back under control.

Logan must have heard what Jack said though cause I felt him stiffen up suddenly, then I felt a tickling sensation, and when I looked up we were standing on a path in the middle of a park. I slowly looked around and couldn't help but be awed by the serene beauty of this place.

The birds were out and singing, as the sun slowly rose to the east. I saw the sunlight as it glinted off the water in the pool that was just off to my right. I saw a few people jogging down a path, and I watched one of them as he ran down until I saw what was behind him. Then it struck me where we were. We were in Washington DC, on the National Mall. I saw the giant tower that was the monument to our first President, George Washington, as it rose high into the air.

I turned and looked at the reflecting pool as it shone peacefully in the early morning light. The Giant white granite statue of President Lincoln as he looks out forever over the reflecting pool; forever keeping his gaze on the tranquility of its depths.

Then I saw it, and I instantly knew that this is what we were here for. The Memorial Wall. Of course, I know the history of it well, hell it was something that I had to read up on for my studies. On that long piece of granite is inscribed the name of every American soldier who had died since the forming of the League of Nations in 1916. I know for a fact that there are more than fifty thousand names 50,000 souls who would never be coming back, 50,000 who had given what so many members of our family had, all inscribed on that wall.

Jack started to walk, and Logan, his hand still clenched in mine, followed closely behind him. There weren't many people out at this time of morning, but still I could see some people as they raised their hand gently and touched a specific spot on the Wall. I knew they were trying to get as close as possible to a loved one that they had lost.

Jack stopped at the head of the trail, but Logan walked right by him, and down towards the wall, with me right beside him. No words were passed between us, but when I looked up into his face, I saw the tears falling as we started down the length of the Wall.

We had just gotten to the start of the names when Jack called us to stop. "Hey guys, hold up."

We turned around and he pulled out of his pocket a small tape recorder. "Adam, I want you to think about this song as you look at what is here. I'm sure you know what this is, but really think about it. With your heart, okay?"

I just nodded as he pressed the play button and the soft music filled the air.

There are teddy bears and high school rings
And old photographs that mamas bring
The daddy's with their young boys, playing ball
There's combat boots that he used to wear
When he was sent over there
There's 50,000 names carved in the wall

I listened to that song as we slowly walked down the wall letting the rich deep voice of a master soak deep into my bones. In the books I've read about the Wall, I've heard about people seeing things in it. I never really believed it, but as I walked down the Wall, and looked at all the inscribed names, I started to see things behind the names.

Maybe it was the song and its words, or maybe it was it's storyteller but something brought images of the family members I had lost, and the times I had with each of them. I saw the days upon days of training and how tired they were at night when we all went to dinner, but mostly I remember how through it all, they never complained. Hell I had to think hard to think of a time I could imagine any of them without smiles on their faces.

I saw times when Mom would make them study or do school work, and still never did I hear of complaints. I saw the first morning that we played games instead of training. I saw them working hard and giving everything they had to everything they did, and through it all I saw the smiles.

I saw them laughing and playing together. I saw them working together, studying together, and helping each other out in hard times, even a few of them coming to love one another beyond that of brother or sister.

But what I saw the most in the ghostly images behind the Wall, were kids laughing.

There's cigarettes and there's cans of beer
And notes that say, "I miss you, dear"
And children who don't say anything at all
There's purple hearts and packs of gum
Fatherless daughters and fatherless sons
And there's 50,000 names carved in the wall

I moved on further, and as I did the images changed. No longer did I see just the kids that died yesterday, but I started to see others in there with them. Some of them wearing uniforms from times long past.

I saw them interacting with the kids I knew. Some of them helping them with projects that they had unfinished when we left. Some of them taking the time to work with them on a skill or something else.

But a lot of them were just standing there with open arms welcoming my family members into their new family, and the life that awaited them. I saw many of them just hugging or cuddling with the kids.

They come from all across this land
In pickup trucks and mini vans
Searching for a boy from long ago
They scan the wall and find his name
The teardrops fall like pouring rain
And silently they leave a gift and go

My vision got blurry as I walked down the Wall, and saw the images that played out there. I started to see scenes of other people's lives, people that were forever enshrined on this Wall.

There's Stars of David & rosary beads
And crucifixion figurines
And flowers of all colors large and small
There's a Boy Scout badge and a merit pin
Little American flags waving in the wind
And there's 50,000 names carved in the wall
There's 50,000 names carved in the wall . . .

(Jamie O'Hara wrote '50000 Names Carved On The Wall' in 1997. George Jones added the song to his 2001 album, 'Stone Cold Country.)

The thing that made me cry the most though was what happened as the last chorus was being sung. I stopped dead in my track as I saw someone I knew very well standing there. There was no mistaking the impish grin, and those sparkling green eyes that were always full of love and mischief. There was no mistaking young Mark Little. Only nine years old... we never were able to find his body in the helicopter, before it blew up.

I watched with tears pouring down my face as he smiled at me, then turned and ran to a man that had his arms outstretched. When Mark flew into his arms, he picked him up and twirled him around a few times before setting him back down on the ground. I swear I could almost hear the peels of laughter as they escaped the boy's mouth. He turned back to me as the music ended and waved with a big smile on his face, then faded with the last notes of the song.

I turned and buried my face into Jack's chest after that; I needed something to muffle the soul wrenching cries that I knew were coming from me right then. I just couldn't help myself.

I heard the start of another song begin to play, and felt Jack go to turn it off when Logan stopped him, saying softly. "No Jack, let it play. Please."

~~~~Logan's POV~~~~

I could see what effect this was having on Adam, and I really hoped that this would help him heal. I never really wanted to come to this place, but somehow I always knew I would end up doing so someday. There was something that I needed to do, but I didn't know if I could. I just don't know if I'm strong enough.

Adam buried his head into Jack's chest, and I could feel the pain in his cries. There's just something about when someone cries like that, you can just feel it deep in your soul, and because it was my Adam, my soul ached even more.

Another song started to play, and I could feel the tears jump to my eyes as I immediately recognized it. Jack moved to turn it off, but I put my hand over his, saying in a strangled almost whisper. "No Jack, Let it play. Please."

Jack nodded and Adam pulled back and looked into my eyes. I reached out, and he took my hand. For what seemed like an eternity, but was no more than a second or two, we lost ourselves each in the other, and together we shared our strength.

When our eternity was over, I bent in and kissed him very tenderly on the lips, and then dropped his hand, turned and walked further down the wall. I didn't need to look in the directory for what I wanted... I knew exactly where it was at. The song was softly playing in the background as we moved down the wall.

I saw her from a distance
As she walked up to the wall
in her hand she held some flowers
as her tears began to fall
and she took out pen and paper
as to trace her memories
and she looked up to heaven
and the words she said were these...

She said Lord my boy was special,

and he meant so much to me
and Oh I'd love to see him
just one more time you see
All I have are the memories
and the moments to recall

So Lord could you tell him,
He's more than a name on a wall...

I felt the tears falling down my face before I ever found the section I knew had to be there, as I made my way slowly ever more slowly down to it and sank down to my knees as I finally found it letting my fingertips reach out and trace the name etched within as I wiped my eyes so I could see what lay there. One name in particular out of the thousands, one name I still didn't know if I was ready to finally see even though I was now looking at it.

Lieutenant Brent L. Hayes

She said he really missed the family
and being home on Christmas day
and he died for God and Country
in a place so far away

I remember just a little boy
playing war since he was three
But Lord this time I know,
He's not coming home to me

And she said Lord my boy was special,
and he meant so much to me
and Oh I'd love to see him
But I know it just can't be

So I thank you for my memories
and the moments to recall
But Lord could you tell him,
He's more than a name on a wall.

Lord could you tell him,
He's more than a name on a wall.

(The Statler Brothers, 1988)

As I stared at the name one word escaped my lips "Daddy." I had never been able to say goodbye, but I'd never forgotten him either. As I sang that last line in the song, I took a deep breath and said the words I always knew that I would say here, in this place someday. "Please God; tell him he'll always be more than a name on the wall to me too."

"You can tell him yourself." A small voice said and I spun around, reaching for a weapon I didn't have, in shock; before taking stock of the situation and seeing a young boy of about nine with dark hair and an impish smile on his face standing there.

Next to him was….

"Hey puppy." The man said as I stared in disbelief.

"Dad?" I questioned softly in disbelief knowing there was only one person who had ever called me 'cuddle puppy.' I couldn't help it, the tears started to spill down my face.

"I've always known that." He replied as I moved forward slowly and then ran into his waiting arms. I couldn't believe it. I've wanted to do this all my life, but until now had always thought I would never be able to.

"Daddy..." I cried as I hung onto him for dear life. There were so many hugs that I've missed, and I was determined to get them all now. He held onto me tight, and I could feel the tears falling from his eyes, and onto my hair. Finally though, I pulled back slightly and looked up at the man.

"How, I…I thought…we thought you were…." But I couldn't go on. I knew the answer, but I didn't want it to be.

"I am little one; I just came because you needed me right now." He said.

"Oh Dad, I love you!" I have waited for so many years to be able to say that to him, so many years I dreamed of being able to hold my dad and tell him that I loved him, and that I was proud of him.

"I know and I've always loved you too, always." The man replied choking slightly on the words. "I've always watched you puppy. I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of you."

"Dad…" I tried to say but lost it and buried my head back in his chest. I wanted to tell him that I was proud of him to. I wanted to tell him that I knew he would have been here if he could have, but he had given his life to help others. While I would have loved him to have been there for me, I knew he did what he had to do. And I was proud. Most of all though, I wanted to tell him that I understood. I wanted to tell him so much, but I couldn't find it in me. All I could do was pull him close and hug him to me again.

"I know puppy, I know all of it. But... but I have to go now." He said.

"No!" I cried out, suddenly no longer the twelve year old specially trained, and confident soldier, but once again a very little and very scared boy who desperately didn't want to lose his daddy again. I knew he couldn't stay, but that didn't mean I didn't want him to.

"I'll always be watching baby, I'll always be there." He told me as I finally pulled myself from him, and stepped back.

I drew myself upright, mentally preparing myself for what I had to do. I didn't want to, I would never want to, but I had to try and to do what I could to make my dad proud. Even though I could barely see through the tears falling from my eyes, I uttered the words that had been denied to me all those years ago.

"Good... goodbye daddy."

The man smiled down at his son saying softly, "I love you Logan and I'm so proud of you, you and your boyfriend, and everything you have created. Keep it up, both of you."

I gasped as he said that but relaxed as I saw his gentle and understanding smile. Somewhere deep inside I realized I had worried what my dad would think of me and the choice I had made but now... now I knew. With those words and that look, I knew without a doubt burned deep into my very soul that my dad understood and more, he approved.

I felt Adam then slide his arm around me, and I couldn't help but lean into him for strength. I saw the man, my dad, reach his arm out, and slowly another image appeared. Mark Little was standing there with my dad's arm around him. "Don't worry boys, I'll watch out for them... All of them. Until the time comes for you to watch over them again."

We both nodded, as he and Mark started to slowly walk towards the Wall, and then watched as they passed into it. They both turned around and smiled at us. Slowly, one by one, the rest of our family that died appeared around them. Dad lifted his free arm, and suddenly, nine year old Brittney was under it.

Both Adam and I sobbed as they slowly appeared until all of them were standing there. Once they were all there, and as one, they all went to attention, saluted, and after a couple of seconds, they all dropped their arms. Mark came forward, and reached out through the wall. In his hand he held the small leather bag that he had always worn around his neck. Adam reached a shaking hand out, and Mark dropped the bag into it. I watched as Adam opened the bag while Mark made his final request to my love.

"Could you give that to someone for me?" He said as we saw that there were two golden coins in there.

Adam looked up asking, "Who..." But Mark was gone. We both stared at where he had been, Adam's tears mirroring mine, as they rolled down our cheeks. "I'll... figure it out for you Mark. You have my word on that."

We turned away and started to head back over to where Jack was standing. He may not have been able to hear what was said, but I could tell by the tear streaks on his face, he knew what had happened. Suddenly a young voice was carried on the wind. "And don't worry... we'll be okay till you can get here. Seth's already said he's found what he's looking for, and it's not that bad." We stopped confused by that last comment and looked around, but didn't see anything although I could have sworn it was Keith's voice saying it.

~~~~Emily's POV~~~~

"Huh... what?" I asked groggily as someone shook me awake. I cracked open my eyes, and couldn't help but smile as I saw Donnie there shaking me. "Huh, come on, you gotta wake up. The boy in the hospital just woke up."

"WHAT?!?!" I asked as I shot up from the pile of blankets we had all fallen asleep on. "What time is it?" I asked as I got up, and started to get dressed. I went to sleep wearing just a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, but now I quickly tore them off, and got dressed into a fresh uniform. I didn't really care about the others in the room, with as close as most of us had gotten recently; it just wasn't a big deal.

"It's about six thirty; one of the kids woke me up to tell me they just got a call from the administrator there. I told him to call back and let him know we'd be right there." Donnie said as he handed me my shirt, and I started to button it up.

"They better not have fucked with the kid any... or I'll..." but I let it drop off as Donnie smiled at me, and started to chuckle.

"Calm down momma bear, he's okay." If it were anyone other than him, I probably would have wiped that grin off his face; but Donnie's just too cute.

"Come on," I said as I strapped on my side arm, "Let's go, before they do something... stupid." I said as I started out of the room.

Twenty minutes later Donnie, Juan, and I materialized in the lobby of the Des Moines hospital. Again it didn't take more than a few seconds for the administrator to come running up to us. He stopped dead when Juan fixed him with one of his patented glares.

"Ummm... yes...a…good day to you all. I hope things are going better for you today." My glare matched Juan, as I really didn't like this place that much.

"We'll see when we check up on the boy." I responded coldly. I could see that there was still a small military presence here even though none of ours were still here. Last night they had all been transported down to Orlando so that those that needed recovery time could all do it in the same place.

"Of course. If you'll just follow me...." He started to say, but Juan cut him off.

"No offense sir, but we know the way." of course the way Juan said it, and knowing him the way I do, I don't think he cared if the guy took offense or not. And I really didn't care either. The three of us took off, and made our way to the elevator leaving the administrator standing there with his jaw on the floor and his mouth moving much like a fish does.

Juan managed to hold the laughter in till we got into the elevator. "Man... did you see his face?!?!" He said, and neither Donnie nor I could help but snicker with him. But as quick as it started, the doors started to open, and Juan's business face was back on, as he led the way towards the room where the boy was being held.

As we got near the door, the guard that was standing outside of it knocked softly, then held the door open for us, never once saying a word. I was almost impressed with his professionalism.

When we walked in, all the anger, and tension drained from me as I looked upon the little boy that was lying in the bed. The sun light was coming in from the window, falling across his light brown mousy hair, and he seemed to be sleeping peacefully. He looked so much better then the boy I had seen in here last night, and I felt immediately that this boy needed our help. I looked over at Donnie, and could see the same look in his eyes.

Juan for his part just looked around the room. Then he looked up at me and said softly, "I'll be outside if you need me." I just nodded and smiled briefly as I heard him telling the guard outside that he could go for now. I didn't hear anything after that so I guess the guard had half a brain and did as he was told, that or else he was unconscious. Juan was still in a bit of a pissy mood after yesterday, not that I blamed him.

When I looked back at the boy in the bed, I saw that he was awake and staring at us. However, as soon as he saw us looking at him, he dropped his gaze, and was now staring at the floor. I knew to file that one away, as I had seen it before.

Softly I walked over to his bed, and I swear I could feel him get more afraid the closer I got. I gave a silent signal to Donnie to stay where he was, as I softly slid into the chair next to the bed.

"Hey there. My name's Emily, what's yours?" I said as gently and softly as I could trying not to frighten the boy any more than I already had.

He looked up at me briefly then, with his lip quivering slightly he responded, "Ummm... Josh.. uhh.. Sir.. erm... ma'am... uhhh." He dropped off to silence and I swear, it was like he expected to get hit or something.

"You can just call me Emily, Josh. I'm not gonna hurt you. I'm here to make sure you're okay." I said, again trying to make him feel at ease. I know I had to do something to make him trust me.

"Wait a minute... you were here yesterday? Weren't you?" He asked, and again I almost had to strain to hear him.

"That's right kiddo, I was here yesterday, and made sure the doctor's took care of you." I said, hoping that this might be the opening I needed to begin to get through to him. I was not expecting what he said next though.

"You should have just let me die." He said softly before dissolving into tears.

I couldn't believe it. What could make a kid feel like that? I watched as he broke down into soul wrenching sobs, and moved over to take him in my arms.

He tried to fight me, but I just held him in my arms whispering to him over and over that it'll be okay. "No one's gonna hurt you baby... it's okay..." Over and over again trying to get through to him.

Finally he stopped struggling, and just melted into my arms, as I held him close rocking him back and forth. "It's okay honey, your safe now. I promise... your safe now." I said again

His tears finally dried up after about five minutes, so he sat back. At the same time, Donnie moved a little closer to see if he could help. Josh immediately covered himself like he was waiting to get hit, and started crying again. "Please... I'm sorry... don't hit me." He begged.

Donnie backed off, and I took him into my arms again. "Shhhh.. honey, it's okay... he's not gonna hurt you." I said as I held him gently in my arms until he had calmed down again.

"You're... you're not gonna punish me?" He asked in a quivering voice.

"For what sweetheart?" I asked, again trying to keep my voice as soothing as possible.

"For... for crying." He meekly said and I felt him tense up again. I just kept rocking him trying very hard not to let my anger get the better of me. Anger at what this boy had to go through to make him re-act like this.

"It's okay kiddo... you go ahead and cry if you want. Heck I was crying a lot yesterday." Donnie said softly from the doorway, and at first the boy tensed up again. But slowly he relaxed and looked at Donnie.

I knew that he was searching to find the truth in the older boys eyes clearly finding his words difficult to accept. After a few seconds he said softly. "But... but... men don't cry. It's only for girls and babies. And... and when I cry... I get punished. That's what God teaches."

Again I had to fight the anger back down. I swore to myself then and there, that I was going to find who ever did this.

"That's hog wash," Donnie said, and I heard the kid gasp and look up at Donnie in shock.

Donnie moved over even closer and while the kid tensed up, Donnie's talking to him seemed to keep his attention. "I cried a lot yesterday, and I'm not a baby or a girl am I?" Donnie was very gentle in his words, and before the boy knew it, Donnie was holding one of his hands.

Donnie brought the boys hand up to his face, and Josh's eyes went wide with shock as he now felt the moisture from Donnie's tears. "You're... you're crying. But... but why?"

"Cause I don't like to see little boys hurt. And I want to do everything I can to make sure you never have to cry again." Donnie said, his voice choked with emotions, and the boy just stared in disbelief. If I hadn't loved him before, I did then. He has such a huge heart.

The boy looked down to the bed he was laying in, and in a voice that I almost couldn't hear said, "You... you wouldn't want me. I'm... I'm dirty." As he bowed his head, and started to cry again. I looked up at Donnie, and saw the same look there that I knew was in my own eyes.

Donnie sat down on the bed next to me, and the boy stiffened up again. "Shhhh... It's okay Josh. Please... look at me okay?" Donnie entreated, and slowly reached out and lifted the boys chin till he was looking Donnie right in the eyes.

"The eyes don't lie little one. I want you to look me in the eyes when I tell you this, and if you don't believe me, then we'll leave you alone. Okay?"

The boy sat there, and gazed into his eyes for many moments before slowly nodding. Donnie nodded, then began, "If you'll agree, from this moment on, we would like to look out for you. I know you don't know either of us, but both of us will protect you. You'll never have to worry about being hurt again. You just have to trust us which I know is really hard right now. Do you think you can try to do that?"

Josh sat there for a few minutes never once breaking eye contact with Donnie. I could only sit there and wonder just how Donnie meant to pull off what he had just said, but I knew him well enough that he would move Heaven and Earth if that's what it meant to keep that promise. Finally Josh broke eye contact and looked questioningly at me. I met his gaze and nodded slightly.

With that the dam burst, and he was crying again. This time, though, he threw himself into Donnie's arms. Over and over again, he just kept saying one word as if his very life and soul depended on it. "Yes!"

Some time after that, Josh seemed to fall asleep, and Donnie laid him back gently onto the bed. Once he had the boy situated in the bed, Donnie got up and motioned for me to follow him. We went to the other side of the room, and Donnie looked at me, again, I could see the tears slowly leaking from his eyes. "If I ever get my hands on the...." He started to say. I knew what he meant, so I reached up and gently wiped the tears from his cheek.

"I don't know how I'm gonna do it, but I'm gonna make sure he never has to worry about being hurt again." He said, and there was a fire in his eyes, and I knew he meant to do just that. I was so full of love for him at that moment, that I couldn't help it. I leaned up and gave him a kiss.

When we finally broke away from the kiss, I hugged him and whispered into his ear. "Go see what you can do, I'll stay here with him."

He nodded, hugged me tight for a second, then was out the door. I went over to the chair next to the bed, and waited for either Josh to wake up, or for Donnie to come back with news. I had no idea how he was going to accomplish what he had promised for both of us but I said a silent prayer to whoever might hear to please help him find a way to help this poor baby lying in front of me looking so fragile and alone in the world right now. I knew that neither Donnie nor I ever wanted him to be that way again.

~~~~Adam's POV~~~~

I still don't really know what to think. I feel a bit better after Jack took us to the Wall, but I still can't help but feeling horrible over what happened. I still couldn't believe the experience and what I had seen there. I knew they were happy now and more importantly I knew that they would be taken care of and loved until we could all be together again but while it helped in a way it still hurt like hell. The pain was still there even if I could tell that seeing them had started the slow process of healing the deep wounds piercing my heart. I had to smile though as I thought back to Mark running into that man's arms and the peals of laughter escaping from his smiling lips. It wasn't until later standing there alongside Logan as he whispered "Daddy" that I realized that this strange man that had been loving on Mark was Logan's father. They were in good hands now, I knew that, now I just had to figure out how to let them go yet still keep them with me if that makes any sense. When we got back, Logan asked for some time to be alone, and to be honest, I wanted some too. I needed some time for my brain to settle down, and come to terms with everything that's happened, if it can, and I was beginning to wonder if it ever could.

I've been sitting out here, on the steps in front of CIC, for a few hours so far, and I'm still no closer to figuring out what's going on in my head than I was when I got here. I can't help but think about everything I had learned since I got here. Suddenly I'm the commander of a fleet of space ships. Of course I don't know how big of a fleet it is yet, but still.

I did at least get to have a brief conversation with JJ, the Clan's head of security. It seems that he'll take care of anything within the compound itself, and we'll back him up if needed. However, the Unit will take care of anything that's needed outside of it.

I can live with that I suppose but it was hard to turn over the safety of this new part of my family to another which went against all my training. I really need to figure out how to split up the people I have remaining. We only have one intact strike team, and they're rather skittish right now. I still kick myself for allowing them to form a team themselves. I had worries that they were too young, and needed to have someone with some more age and experience in with them. But, I guess I could second guess myself for the rest of my life, and Jack said that I probably would. He told me that any CO that's worth a damn always does but somehow knowing that doesn't make it any easier or stop me from doing it.

I was brought out of my thoughts by a military jeep coming up the driveway. It peaked my curiosity, cause I knew the security here was Star Fleet type, not US Military, so they wouldn't use jeeps. Also, there was only one person inside, and I knew that JJ was smarter than to send out patrols of only one, so I'm guessing it has to be a visitor, and okay since he had gotten this far alive. I knew that after yesterday he wouldn't have if he had been any type of threat.

I watched as the jeep slowly made its way around the compound until it stopped just in front of where I was sitting. I watched as he got out of the Jeep, and the first thing I noticed was that he was wearing standard issue BDU's. I could also tell, by his gray hair, and the way he moved, that he was defiantly someone who has been in the military for a while. I caught the glint of silver on his shoulder, but it wasn't until he came around the vehicle and started walking towards me that I recognized several things.

The first was that the silver I caught on his shoulders were actually four silver stars. I knew there was only one four star general in the US army, and I felt my blood start to boil. Before I knew what was going on, I was on my feet, gun drawn, and pointed at the man in front of me. A man I never thought I would actually get to meet, but someone who I had always dreamed I would be able to. General Thomas Eugene Larkin, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: the only person who could have authorized, and actually didauthorize; project Genesis.

I saw the look of shock that came across his face, as he saw me, and saw that I drew down on him. I couldn't blame him, really. I mean if I have signed the death warrant for more than a thousand kids, I would be a bit shocked if I met one of them somewhere like this too. Not to mention that it was here where I bet he'd thought he'd be safe.

"Hello General." I sneered out, and I could actually feel my lip curl into a snarl as I spoke. This was something I dreamt of being able to do for a long, very long time.

"Whoa now….what's going on here?" He asked, coming to a stop, and raising his hands. I was kind of disappointed; I was hoping he would go for the side arm he wore.

"Oh? What's the matter General, you don't recognize me?" I asked, again in more of a snarl than anything else, but I really didn't give a shit about being polite with this asshole.

"Ahh... should I." He asked, and I actually almost felt sorry for him. He approved the project, but, from the looks of things, like normally happens, he doesn't know who he fucked by it, or didn't care enough to find out.

"Well, I would assume you would like to know the people who you've given a death sentence to." I was really hoping that he would do something to let me kill him right away. But it's not something I needed right now. He will die quick enough. Or, maybe I'll let Juan have a go at him.

Just then, I heard the front door slam open, and out ran Sammy, with Vishnu, and Logan right behind him. I saw there were some more people behind them, but right now I didn't care. I didn't want to give the asshole any time to try and do something.

"Uncle Tom!!! Adam! NO!" Sammy screamed out as I stood there wondering, What the fuck? I glanced over in time to see Sammy running right towards the General, and actually get between me and the General. This was not something I was expecting, and it was certainly not something I either need or wanted right now.

"Get out of the way!" I yelled at SamSam.

At the same time, General cried, "Sammy, get behind me!" As he seemed to desperately be trying to pull Sammy behind him out of the line of fire.

"No way, Adam, don't... this is Uncle Tom. He won't hurt us." Sammy pleaded with me and I hesitated for a second, as I watched what was going on. Something was not right here. I know General Larkin, he's not a nice guy, and I know SamSam too and he wouldn't defend someone like that yet he was. It didn't make sense but before I could think on it anymore I felt a sharp pain.

"FUCK!" I screamed as I dropped my gun from suddenly nerveless fingers, as something hit me in the wrist, and stuck in there making me uncontrollably release the gun I had been holding. I spun around low, and pulled one of my back up guns, so I could face the new threat. But before I knew what was happening, someone's foot hit me square in the chest, and I was sent flying back, ass over tea kettle.

I came up onto my knees, trying to figure out what in the hell was going on, and I saw Jeremy squatted down, in the perfect shooters' stance, with his pistol out, and pointed at me.

Things got real tense for a moment, because I saw that the rest of my brothers were out there. Chang and Will had their pistols trained on Jeremy who never even blinked, while Jory and Logan had his on the General who had managed to finally somehow get Sammy corralled safely although I could see he wasn't too happy with it. Juan, for the first time I think I've ever seen, had his gun out, but wasn't pointed at anyone. I could really see a pained look on his face, and wondered why,

Something was very wrong here, and I needed to find out what and fast, before this got any worse. Slowly I raised my hands up, and then stood up fully. Jeremy still kept his gun trained on me the entire time.

"Okay Jeremy, I don't know what's going on, but it's obvious there's something. So, why don't you tell me why you would protect this piece of shit." I said, trying to keep myself calm.

"That piece of shit, as you call him, is my Uncle Tom. I don't know what your problem is, but you ain't hurtin him." He spat the words out, and the one thing I knew about Jeremy, was that he was dead serious about this.

"Jeremy, put the gun down, and let's talk this out." The General said as he walked over, and gently put his hand on top of Jeremy's to my complete shock. Jeremy let the gun fall, then, after a second, he re-safetied it, and put it back in his holster. Silently I told my brothers to holster theirs.

"Okay, now that all the guns are away, why don't you tell me what's going on son?" The General said looking at me, and I almost lost it again.

"Don't call me son you bastard, you know EXACTLY what's going on here." I snarled out, and he actually took a step back at the intensity. I may not kill him right now, until I know what's going on, but that didn't mean I had to be nice to him. Then again if he called me his son again I might just be persuaded to do it anyway... not that it would take much persuasion.

"I...I really have no idea who you are, or why you would want to kill me." He said, and he looked totally lost, making me start to think. Either he's the best damned actor I have ever seen, or he really is lost.

Jeremy had never stopped glaring at me and I could see he was ready to come to the General's defense in an instant still, alert and tense. Sammy had managed to bring himself back to a strategic position where he could either defend the General or get to me instantly depending on what might happen and I had to wonder why and why they were calling him their "Uncle."

Alright if he wanted to play dumb; "Okay, let's see if there's something I can do to jog your memory." I looked over to Logan, and he got my silent message, and instantly he was running back into the building. I slowly moved over to the doorway, where I could see Mike leaning heavily against the door frame. I wondered what he was doing here, but right now I had more important things to worry about. He surprised me though, when he said softly so only I could hear with my hearing, "I don't know what's going on here Adam but I would and have trusted Tom with my life. He's one of the good guys out there." I glanced sharply at him but he didn't say anything else and before I could say anything Logan was back.

It didn't take Logan more than a minute to get back outside, carrying the very large briefcase that I kept all the Genesis Project files in. Silently I thanked him, then took out a random file and opened it up. Zachery Tanner. I didn't have to read anymore, as I knew every file in there by heart.

I walked over to the General, and handed him the file. I waited for him to open it up, then I started to read it for him.

"Zachary Tanner, kidnapped at age six on March 14, 1998. Parents were Christopher and Deloris Tanner, he had two brothers, David age nine, and Trevor age four, he had one sister, Debbie age eleven. Deemed to have the proper genetic codes after he was in the hospital to have his tonsils removed. Survived the first round of procedures, however, his body could not handle the increased immune system. Project terminated on February 23, 2000; after his immune system started to reject the changes made to it."

I looked up at the General whose face had gone pasty white. "Trust me General, I was there, he did NOT die easily."

I took a second to let that sink in, then I reached into the brief case and brought out another file. "Would you like to see more of what YOUR Project Genesis did to these kids?"

His head snapped up from the file he was reading, and he stammered for a second before he could get anything coherent out of his mouth. "Wait a minute. Project Genesis. That's…That's impossible, that project was denied operational status over eight years ago."

"REALLY?!?!" I asked, my voice dripping with sarcasm as I reached back into the briefcase, and brought out another file. "So this isn't your signature then, authorizing the project?" I asked as I handed the stunned man the file, then reached in for another one.

"And this one isn't yours either acknowledging the progress reports. Hell this one was from earlier this year... right before I escaped."

I handed him that one, and he really looked to be stunned. I knew I had tears running down my face right now, but I didn't care. As far as I was concerned, this man was responsible for so many of my brothers and sisters being killed. "Oh come on General. I got A LOT more files for you if you want them. Don't you want to see the one thousand three hundred and forty seven children that YOU ORDERED TO THIER DEATHS!"

I couldn't help myself, as I screamed out the last part. I quickly turned and took a few steps away from him. I would have killed him if I had to look at him anymore.

"I don't know what's going on here; Adam, but Uncle Tom would never hurt a kid, never." I heard Sammy say to my back but I didn't move. I was still trying to reign in the murderous rage I could feel coursing through me.

I heard a sob from behind me, and spun to see the General with tears falling down his face. "I... I didn't approve this... I denied it. I would never allow anything like this to happen."

"Then maybe you can explain this then." I said sending a silent command to Vishnu who slowly pushed the hood back revealing his face to the General. I watched the look of shock on his face as he muttered "Oh Dear Jesus" and raised his hand as if to touch the cat-boy before helplessly letting it fall back to his side in horror.

I was about to say something when Jeremy walked up to me. All the anger I felt towards him evaporated as he wrapped his arms around me in a loving hug and softly said. "Adam, I know this man. He's one of my Uncles. He would never allow something like this to happen. Please... if you don't believe him, then take my word for it. He wouldn't." I didn't want to believe him, but I knew Jeremy wouldn't lie to me. Not after everything we had been through.

"He wouldn't Adam. You know it too. Look at him, he couldn't do that." This time it was Sammy speaking and while I didn't know him as well as Jeremy I saw the truth of it in his eyes, brown with flecks of living gold shimmering in them telling me more than his words ever could, and I couldn't help it. I looked up at the general and looked into his eyes. I can't explain what happened, but I started to be able to "feel" things from him. Almost like I can feel with my brothers. Everything I "felt" there told me that they were right. The man who was standing in front of me couldn't do what it said he did. I didn't understand how all the evidence I had could be wrong, but the faith of two little boys and the now haunted eyes of an old soldier told me that somehow it was. I felt arms enveloping me from behind and I just knew it was Mike as Jeremy and Sammy gave me hugs from the front all holding me tightly with love and caring radiating from them in almost palpable waves.

I felt all the anger drain out of my body, as I watched him leaf through the files. I realized it's a good thing that I kept the originals back at the base, and these were just copies as his tears were falling onto them, ruining them. I watched as he gently ran his fingers over the picture of the smiling face that used to belong to Zachary. That above everything else told me that I had been wrong. That look of tenderness and sadness was something that couldn't be faked.

"General, I'm... I'm sorry..." I said quietly. I hated to admit I was wrong but I knew that I was.

"It's okay... ummm... Adam. I would think the same thing with the information you had." He said as he gently closed the file, and handed it back to me. When I took it, he took my hand in his and looked me in the eyes.

"I don't know anything about this right now, but believe me, I WILL find out who is responsible for this, and he WILL not get away with it." The fire I saw in his eyes told me that he meant what he said. I really hoped so, because it's time for this to come to an end. Every beginning had to have an ending and for Project Genesis it was it's time.

~~~~ Amur Khan's POV~~~~

I really didn't want to do this, I mean who would, but I had made a promise, and I will not back out of it now no matter how much it hurts. It took me a little while to get everything I needed together, however, thanks to the people here, I was able to go back to our base and gather what was required.

It was hard to walk back through those halls again with no one there they seemed so, so empty. Even though we didn't even come close to filling it up, there was usually at least some activity going on some signs of life and the happiness that had come to mean home. Being there now when there was no one there, really brought home everything that had happened. The emptiness seemed to echo with my footsteps as I walked along the halls crying out a lament of where have all the children gone? I couldn't bring myself to answer it's cry and tell the silent place that was our home that many wouldn't be coming back to fill those halls once again with laughter and play. So in silence except for those hollow footfalls and the tears falling, which made no noise, I made my way in and then back out to perform the duty I owed, saddened even more by the brief sojourn home.

I fought back the tears that threatened to spill yet again knowing they would come soon enough regardless of any attempt to prevent them. I could cry later, but now was not the time to do it. I walked into the conference room that we had been using as a home away from home, and looked around until I spotted her. As I had expected, she was with the little ones, trying to comfort them. Lincoln was in her lap, and the rest of the little ones were spread out on the floor in front of her.

Joe was just bringing out his guitar, and saying that he was going to play a song for the little ones. It took him a few moments to tune it, and I couldn't help but sit and listen to it as he sang the song, and most of the kids joined in. It seemed to be a song they knew well, but I had never heard it before.

Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee,
Little Jackie paper loved that rascal Puff,
And brought him strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff. oh

Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee,
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee.

Together they would travel on a boat with billowed sail
Jackie kept a lookout perched on Puff's gigantic tail,
Noble kings and princes would bow when ere they came,
Pirate ships would lower their flag when Puff roared out his name. oh!

Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee,
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee.

A dragon lives forever but not so little boys
Painted wings and giant rings make way for other toys.
One grey night it happened, Jackie Paper came no more
And Puff that mighty dragon, he ceased his fearless roar.

His head was bent in sorrow, green scales fell like rain,
Puff no longer went to play along the cherry lane.
Without his life-long friend, Puff could not be brave,
So Puff that mighty dragon sadly slipped into his cave. oh!

Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee,
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee.

(written by Leonard Lipton and Peter Yarrow and made popular by the group Peter, Paul and Mary in a 1963 recording.)

As the song died out, I realized something very important. I may not have ever had to deal with the little ones much, but like everyone else on the base, I considered them more than family. They tried so hard, and did so much for us, without ever really knowing it. They truly became the mascots of all of us.

Many of them were alive because of what Dennis had done for them and I knew Adam was in contact with Daileass going over the cockpit recorders from the two birds that went down, but I didn't know what he was going to tell the little ones about it. I knew he would tell them something to let them know just how much Dennis and his boys had loved them. Whether he would tell them the love was enough to die for them or not I didn't know. One part of me felt he should as Dennis had died a warrior's death in the most honorable way possible but since I had been amongst the squishies I had learned many things and another part of me didn't know if that would be best for them to know, at least right now. I thought a lot about what Dennis and his group had done. It would be easy to say that I would have done the same thing if I were in Dennis' shoes and I would like to think that I would have, but I know for a fact that you never really know until it happens.

All these thoughts weren't going to get what needed to be done, done so I took a deep breath, squared my shoulders, and made my way over to her. When I got there, I waited as they all took notice of me.
Before I slowly pulled the hood of my robe back, and met her eyes. It was like looking into a mirror as I saw the agony from my own eyes reflected in hers and We shared a moment of deep pain, before I took a ragged breath and spoke. "Claire, I have something for you. If you would follow me, I'll show you."

Claire nodded slightly, picked Lincoln up off her lap, and without a word, got up, and followed me out of the room. No words passed between us as we walked to a smaller conference room. Once inside, I motioned her to sit in a chair that already had the small silver box sitting in front of it on the table. She ran her hands over it lovingly as she looked at me with a question in her gaze, but also pain knowing who the box had belonged to. I steeled myself to get what had to be said out as I began.

"It's a tradition in the military to always have letters written for loved ones, before you go off to a battle. However, since we never knew when we would have to go to battle, we just got into habit of always updating our letters. This was…his last one to you." I told her choking up on the last words, and even though I tried, I couldn't stop the tears from falling. I had already read the one he had for me, and knew what he wanted now.

She looked up at me, and I saw the tears that she had been holding break free and begin to fall as she gazed back at the box before her. She was always so strong, and I knew it was taking everything she had to not break down completely. They were so much in love that even someone like me could tell. She nodded again "Thank you. Would you... would you wait with me?" She asked me in a voice that told of the struggle that was raging inside. I simply nodded, and moved back, to allow her some sort of privacy. It really didn't matter as I knew the words by heart already.

She sat there for a few minutes, just running her hand over the box. I was sure the memories were running through her mind at that moment. I Was told that she had actually given that box to him. From what he said to me, it was really the only thing she had left from her family, but she gave it to him, so he would have something to make him think about her, and to let him know that she was his family now too.

She reached out finally with trembling fingers and gently, slowly opened the box. The second she did, music started to come from inside, and a sob escaped her lips. Bag pipes could be heard softly filling the room with the haunting strains of "Amazing Grace" as only those instruments can render it.

~~~~Claire's POV~~~~

I couldn't believe it. This was just too much for me right now. I had just lost him, and knew that I would never be able to hear his voice again, or hold him in my arms. But now, now, Khan tells me that he left a letter for me. We both knew it could happen. We both knew that we could die at any time, and I really thought I would have been better prepared for it, but... but I'm not. I don't know how I'm going to go on without him. He means so much to me... meant so much to me.

The song I knew would come from the box, does, and it's like the flood gates opened up inside of me. I tried hard to stop the tears from falling, but nothing I could do would. Finally, as the music ended, I reached into the box and pulled out what was inside. A sealed envelope, and a CD. Written on the outside of the CD were the words, "You'll know when to play this."

Carefully I opened the letter, and pulled the pages out. Thankfully Khan had thought ahead, and there was a box of tissues next to me. I knew I was going to need them. I opened them up, took the top page, and started to read.

"My Dearest Claire,

Well, I guess it finally happened. Something must have happened and I didn't survive whatever it was. I truly hope that I at least died in battle.

There's so many things I want to tell you, but I know that there would never be enough time, or paper for me to say it all. Saying that I love you just doesn't seem to be enough. Not for everything you have done for me, and everything that you mean to me.

I remember the first time that we met, back at the base where I was created. It was shortly after you got there, and right after they let you out into the yard. I was standing off to the side like I always did, just watching what everyone was doing. I was always an outsider, so I never even tried to make friends with everyone else. I also knew I scared them.

But not you. Never were you scared of me. That first day, I watched as you came out of the barracks, looked around at all the kids playing, then you saw me. I watched as your eyes narrowed trying to figure out who I was. Then, as if you had not a care in the world, you strolled right up to me, and asked me my name.

I knew then that you were someone special. What I didn't know was just how special you really were. So many times, all of my brothers and I would not be welcomed with the rest of the kids, but you would always come to us.

You took the time to learn why we did what we did, and spent countless hours explaining why you did what you did. And never once did you judge me, or think me a freak. I could never figure out why you did it, but I stopped caring, as I started to fall in love with you.

I don't think I could ever really explain everything that you made me feel over the last few years. I guess alive is the best way to put it. Alive and loved, and, my dearest Claire, that means more than anything I ever have, or ever will have.

Then you told me the news. I remember it like it was yesterday (mainly because it was yesterday.) I don't think I have ever cried like that before. I'm going to be a father. That's just not something I ever thought about before, and yet here it is. And I couldn't be more happy. Happy that I will have a son, but more so that he will know the same love and kindness that I have known from you.

Obviously though, I would have updated this letter after he or she was born, so I must have died before then. I only have two regrets then. The first that I will not be there to watch our child grow up. The second one though, is that I will not be able to help you with the child. I just hope that you will forgive me for that.

Well love, I could probably keep writing for hours to you, but it won't make this any easier for you, so I will end it here. Please know that I have always loved you, and I will keep watch over you and all of our family till such time as you can join me.

Goodbye my beloved,

Kuan Ti.

PS. You can play the CD now."

I slowly put the letter down, the tears making it hard to see. Silently I picked up the CD and put it into the player. It started automatically and I couldn't help the loud sob that escaped as the guitar started to play. I knew this song very well, but I was not prepared to hear his voice, and him singing it.

Sometimes late at night
I lie awake and watch her sleeping
Shes lost in peaceful dreams
So I turn out the lights and lay there in the dark
And the thought crosses my mind
If I never wake up in the morning
Would she ever doubt the way I feel
About her in my heart

If tomorrow never comes
Will she know how much I loved her
Did I try in every way to show her every day
That shes my only one
And if my time on earth were through
And she must face the world without me
Is the love I gave her in the past
Gonna be enough to last
If tomorrow never comes

cause Ive lost loved ones in my life
Who never knew how much I loved them
Now I live with the regret
That my true feelings for them never were revealed
So I made a promise to myself
To say each day how much she means to me
And avoid that circumstance
Where theres no second chance to tell her how I feel

If tomorrow never comes
Will she know how much I loved her
Did I try in every way to show her every day
That shes my only one
And if my time on earth were through
And she must face the world without me
Is the love I gave her in the past
Gonna be enough to last
If tomorrow never comes

So tell that someone that you love
Just what you're thinking of
If tomorrow never comes

(Garth Brooks 1989)

I couldn't help it. I was crying like a child by the time the song ended, but I didn't care. How could I not cry? "I... I always knew you loved me." I said softly, as I felt strong arms wrap around me. I buried my head into Amur Khan's chest, and let myself cry so much alike yet so different from his brother. I felt his tears as they fell on my head, and knew that this was as hard on him as it was on me. Kuan Ti often spoke of how close he and his brother were.

I don't know when it happened, but I must have fallen asleep. I started to look around the room and saw Khan sitting in the chair staring out the window. He didn't even turn around when I sat up but softly he spoke.

"You know Claire, he loved you more than anything else. More than anyone else." I could hear he still had tears in his eyes, and I knew he was hurting. Of everyone other than the cats, I knew Khan the best. And I never imagined seeing him like this, now that I was it broke my heart.

Slowly I walked over to him, and wrapped my arms around him. He stiffened at first, and I thought he would try to pull away from me, but slowly he relaxed and let me pull him into my chest.

"You know, I always knew that he would die like that. Out of all of us, he was the one that was the most protective of the young ones."

I had known that about Kuan Ti. Once, back in the first base we lived in, he threw himself in front of a hard ball that was thrown by one of the bigger kids at me, before I had completed the change. The ball had to have been traveling at over a hundred miles an hour, and would have hit me right in the head. But Kuan Ti threw himself in front of it, and made it hit him. Then he went after the kid that threw it, and if it wasn't for the collar that he was wearing, he may have actually killed the kid.

"I know that, and I am so proud of him for it. He'll always be my first love, but you know something Khan, he would be upset with us if we didn't go on." I was saying this more for myself than Khan, but I think he needed to hear it to. "Kuan Ti loved life, and wouldn't have wanted us to give up now. I need to be strong, if not for myself, then for our child, and also for his memory".

Khan stiffened, and I let him go. He stood up, and wiped the tears from his face. He turned to me, and I could see him trying to find his resolve. "You're Right Claire, we need to be strong now. It would dishonor his memory if we were not. In the letter he wrote for me, he asked me to make sure that I help look after the child, and I swear to you here and now, I will do my best to help out when and where I can. You will not have to deal with this alone."

~~~~Donnie's POV~~~~

When I left the hospital, it was with only one thing on my mind. How to help that little boy. Now though, I've got a lot more to think about. I really didn't know what to make of all of it, so I went to talk to someone I knew could help me sort things out.

I found him sitting in the conference room at one of the tables, talking softly with Janet. They both looked up as I walked over to them. I guess most everyone else was letting them have their privacy, so when I walked over, they knew I needed to talk to one or both of them. I figured that Janet's advice would also be good, so I walked up to both of them.

"Sir... Ma'am, could I have a word with you two?" I asked as I stood at attention.

Joe smiled slightly, and indicated an empty chair. "Lose the formalities Donnie; we're not on base right now." He said with a slight chuckle.

I smiled slightly, as Janet pushed the coffee pot that was sitting between them my way, as well as a cup. I nodded to her, as I filled it up, and drank deeply from it.

"So what's on your mind?" Joe asked, as he moved himself around a bit in the wheelchair to make himself more comfortable.

"Well Si... Joe, I just got done talking to Teri Short, the director of the Federation Youth Services, and... well she gave me a lot of information, and I'm not really sure where to go with it." I said as I took another sip of the coffee.

"Okay? Well tell us what's going on, and we'll see what we can come up with." He said, while looking over at Janet. I noticed something different at that point. He looked over at Janet, and they both smiled. But what I really noticed was that he had his hand over top of hers, and when he asked her, he squeezed her hand gently, and that's when I realized that they finally figured out what most of us already knew... they liked each other.

"Ummm... well see... there's this kid..." I started to say when Janet interrupted me.

"You mean Josh?" She said, and I knew my jaw was on the floor. They both just laughed. When Janet was finally able to talk again, she looked at me seriously. "Donnie, don't you think we check up on everyone? Plus, I was trying to find Juan earlier, and when I did, he told me all about the boy in the hospital. So, now, what's the problem?"

For a few seconds, I just sat there in shock. For the first time in a long time, I remembered what it was like to have adults that actually cared enough about me, to look into what I was doing. Most kids would probably hate that, but right then, it felt really nice. "Well, Teri told me all about whom and more importantly what Clan Short is, and what they do."

Joe nodded slightly, "I had been wondering at the people here, and was able to do some asking around, but not much yet. What did you find out?"

"Well, the long and the short of it is this. This entire group of kids have been given the job of looking out for other kids. It has something to do with being part of a Vulcan clan. And then there's the Safe Haven Act, which gives the Federation the right to come in and help kids who are being abused. I guess Clan Short has been directed by both Star Fleet and Sarek of Vulcan to enforce the Safe Haven Act as much as they can." I really hoped I got it all right. I think I did, but with everything she told me, and the fact that I know I'm not really all that smart, I just hope I didn't misunderstand something.

Janet was just nodding her head, and when I stopped she looked at Joe, then at me. "You're pretty close on it all. Joe and I already had a long talk with Teri and a few of the other adults, so we know what's going on here. But the question I have is this, what are you going to do with the information you have?"

"Well..." I started to answer, now not really sure I was going to do it. It sounded like a good idea when I came up with it, but now that it was time to actually say it... "I was thinking that maybe Emily and I could.... well... maybe we could adopt him." There I said it. I still didn't believe it, but I was going to do what I could for that kid. But then another thought hit me. "Ray too... I'd want to adopt Ray as well." It slipped out before I could stop it. But it felt right, and I wasn't sorry I said it.

Suddenly I heard a squeaking voice behind me. "You... you really mean it?"

I turned in my seat, and there was Ray standing a few feet behind me. I could see the tears as they started to fall down his cheeks. I nodded slightly to him as I said softly "If you would let me be your father," and the next thing I knew, I had a lap full of a crying seven year old, "Oh thank you Donnie... Thank you... thank you!"

I just held the boy close to me, as tears fell down my own cheeks. I looked up, and saw that both Janet and Joe had tears in theirs as well. "It looks like you know what you need to do Donnie." Janet said to me, and I simply nodded while hugging Ray tight to me.

After a few minutes, he pulled back from me. "Come on... Daddy... Let's go see my new brother."

I couldn't help it... when he said that one little word, I lost it totally. I pulled him closer to me, and just cried... I cried the happiest tears I have ever cried before.

Finally I let him go, and when he got down, he wiped the tears from his eyes, grabbed my hand, and started to pull me away. "Come on, I gotta go meet my brother!" He was so excited he was literally bouncing as he stood there trying to pull me to my feet.

"Hold on there kiddo, I gotta get something first." I said, thinking about the box I had been keeping in my bag for the last three weeks.

~~~~Adam's POV~~~~

Ever since Mark gave Logan and me those coins, I have been trying to figure out what he meant about Seth. I figured the best place to start would be the voice recordings off of Bam Bam. I knew that Daileass was recording everything that was said, so I got in contact with him. Seth, the person who is in command of CIC burned the info onto a disk for me, so I could play it whenever. I didn't know if I could handle doing it now, but I knew I needed to. I called Mom, Dad, Jack, and Dave here to the small conference room, so they could hear it all too. Now I just had to wait for them to get here. Logan, as always, is right by my side, and I can't begin to thank him enough. Not that I'll ever let him go again, after almost losing him.

The four of them came in together, and silently all sat down around the table. They really didn't know why I had called them, so I guess they were just waiting for me. "Thanks guys for coming here. I can't go into all the details right now, as to why, but I asked Daileass to send me the cockpit recorder from Bam-Bam." I said as I slid the CD into the player.

"The main reason I asked for you guys to be here is so that I didn't have to do it alone. So much shit has happened lately, and I really don't know how much more I can handle." I was close to loosing it again, so I didn't say anything else.

Dad wheeled himself over to me, and put his hand on mine, and that's when I noticed mine were shaking slightly. "Adam, you've done so much with this group. More than any of us thought was really possible. I don't know if I've ever really told you this before, but, with God as my witness, I am so damned proud to be your father."

Oh God, I lost it again. I felt him put his arms around me, and pull me into his strong embrace. I heard someone get up out of their chair, then I felt another pair of arms around me. I could tell that it was Janet... that it was mom, and I cried even harder. For the briefest of moments I felt like a small child without a care in the world. As if, while in these arms, I didn't need to be strong. For a moment I let myself luxuriate in that feeling.

But as with everything, reality came back to me, and I knew I what I needed to do. I gently pulled myself out of the three way hug. "Thanks." I said softly, then sat back upright in my chair. They both wordlessly moved back to their spots, and I took a moment to collect myself again.

When I was ready, I reached out, and pressed the play button and I felt Logan's hand gently grasp my shoulder knowing how hard this was going to be for me.

I couldn't help but smile as I heard Seth's voice fill the room. "Wow it's getting pretty crowded up here." I could see it all in my head. All the helicopters flying around the area, keeping a lookout for threats.

"Yeah it is, let's see if the boss will let us take HI-CAP." I heard next in Dennis' voice. "Viper 8, lead?"

"Yeah, go ahead Dennis." Will responded.

"Hey boss can we kick it up to about 2.5 or so, it's getting kinda crowded up here."

"Sure Viper 8, you're cleared HI-CAP at 2.5 to 3 but be ready to come back down if we need you."

"Roger that, Viper lead." I could hear the engine kick up a bit, and after a few seconds, Seth's voice came back over the radio.

"Ah that's better."

"Yeah it is." Dennis replied

"So you think they bugged out for good?" Seth asked next.

"Don't know, but I hope so."

"Yeah but we missed all the action and I was hoping to get some." Seth said.

"Why were you hoping to get in the shit, man, I wanna stay the hell out of it." Dennis asked, and we could all hear the disbelief in his voice.

"Well…ya see, if we came back heroes and all then maybe Sally would give me some." He replied, and I couldn't help but laugh out loud at that, even though the tears were falling.

"Jesus Seth, is that all you ever think about?" We heard Keith ask disgustingly.

"Well…..yeah!" he said, and I swear I could see him grinning.

"Forget it, Sally ain't never gonna do nothing with you." Dennis said laughing.

"If that's all I'm gonna think about in a couple of years, then I hope I never grow up." Keith replied as we all started laughing... until it hit us exactly what he said. And the fact that now he'd never get the chance to know, or to grow up. I was still laughing, but now I was crying too.

"Ah kid, it ain't that bad."

"Hmmmph" Was the only response.

"Really, it's pretty neat." We heard Eric say, and I couldn't help but look around the room. Everyone had a smile on their faces. I don't know about any of them, but I could see this conversation happening in my head as if I were there watching.

"But that's all…." Keith started to say when a scream cut through his voice over the radio "SAM! INCOMING!!!"

"Find it!" We heard Dennis cry, and I could imagine their frantic looks trying to find the missile.

"Oh Jesus!" Seth gasped.

"Dennis it's going for 'Phantom'!" Eric cried into the radio.

I heard all of them gasp, and then someone, I think it was Seth, quietly chanting, "Climb, climb, climb," Trying to make the helicopter move faster, but we all knew it was in vain.

They all cried out, and I could see in my mind the picture of the missile slamming into the helicopter again. I couldn't help it, I was crying again. I could tell by the sounds around me that everyone else was as well.

"They're hit, they're hit!" Keith cried out.

"Oh God!" Seth cried.

And then there was silence, and I could imagine every single one of those boys trying to digest what had just happened. Finally I heard Dennis say quietly, "Viper 8 descending to one thousand and we're live." I could hear buttons being pushed and switches being flipped, as I watched, in my mind, the four of them, getting everything ready for combat. "Look alive, we're hot and it's payback time."

For a few brief moments there was silence, as they all were getting down to the job they had been trained for. I swear I could see both the fear and the determination in their eyes right then. Fear for what may happen, but determination to do the best that they could.

"Shit! They got another SAM! Helena, break left!" I heard Juan cry out again over the CD player, and I could only imagine the feelings that everyone else had at that moment. I know what I was feeling, and I know I never want to have to feel that again.

"Do something!" Seth screamed, and I knew that they were all thinking the same thing, 'what can we do'.

"There's nothing we can do." Dennis answered, and I heard the strain in his voice.

"There's gotta be something!" Keith cried out.

"Dennis, ya gotta save em, you can't let them die too!" Eric added.

"Guys, there's only one chance, and if we succeed then we won't make it out alive." Dennis said, and I heard a sob escape from someone. Then I realized it was me.

"Do it." We heard both Eric and Keith say at the same time, and I could only imagine the looks on their faces as they said that. Knowing that they were going to be sacrificing their own lives for their family.

"Are you sure?" Dennis asked.

"We can't let em die." Eric said.

I heard someone re adjusting themselves in their seat. "Hang on to your balls then!" I could only cry harder as I heard the engine wind up, and saw in my mind, Dennis swooping the bird down to try to save the precious cargo that was in danger.

"Viper 8! Dennis! What the hell are you doing? Get outta there!" Will screamed over the radio.

"What we have to." Was the response he got and I swear I could hear nothing but peace and determination in that voice. I can only pray, that if I ever have to face my end, it's with as much strength and courage as I heard in his voice right then

"Dennis, no!" Will cried again, but I knew it was useless.

"I wonder if ya can get any up there?" Seth asked, and even through the tears that were streaming down my face I couldn't help but laugh out loud at that. I finally understood what Mark was talking about earlier, and I sent up a quick prayer that Seth finds just as much as he could handle and a thank you for letting Keith find out it wasn't all that bad after all.

Keith moaned "Leave it up to you to worry about that."

"I love you guys." Dennis said, in a voice filled with love, and I could just imagine all of them watching as the missile got closer and closer to them.

"Guess we're gonna find out bro." Dennis said, and then there was static. I couldn't help it, I dropped my face into my hands and cried. From around the room, I heard nothing but the same. While I was crying about losing them, I don't think I have ever felt prouder of anyone in my entire life. Those four boys are what it means to be heroes, and by God, I will make sure people don't forget them.

~~~~Emily's POV~~~~

I sat in here wondering what it was that Donnie was going to do. I knew him well enough to know that he would figure something out, but for the life of me, I couldn't figure out what. So I waited and hoped.

Josh woke up a few times, and we talked when he did, but I wasn't really able to find out much about him, other than he's nine, and is evil. That's all he would say about himself, and I couldn't imagine what it would take for someone to so thoroughly believe that. Mostly though, I just sat here thinking about life.

I was just helping Josh take a sip of water when the door opened up. I looked up expecting it to be one of the doctors. I had talked to one of them earlier, and they said that Josh was soon to be able to be released, as long as they had someone to release him to. I was worried that Donnie might not be able to come up with something in time.

However, it wasn't one of the doctors, instead, Donnie walked in, and to my surprise, Ray was right behind him. Donnie walked up to me, and gave me a hug. He held on for a few seconds longer then I thought he would, but then he let me go, and looked over at Josh.

"Hey there kiddo, how are you feeling?" He asked, while moving over, and sitting on the bed next to him. I saw Josh tense up, but then Donnie just reached down, and pulled him into a hug as well.

He was stiff as a board for a few seconds, but then it was if a dam broke. Josh seemed to relax totally, and I soon heard him sniffling, and sobbing, while Donnie just whispered softly to him. It broke my heart to see the kid so afraid of someone hugging him, and then to see him eat it up like he had never been hugged before, made it even worse. Someone really hurt this poor boy, and I knew it was going to take a long time to get him better.

After a few minutes of Donnie hugging him, Josh started to get some control back. "Sorry for being such a baby." He said, to which Donnie told him that he wasn't a baby.

Donnie helped him wipe his eyes, and blow his nose, then sat back on the bed a bit. "Josh, there's someone I want you to meet. He said he'd like to get to know you, and is going to stay with you, while Emily and I discuss a few things." When he said that we were leaving, Josh got a really scared look on his face, but Donnie quickly went on. "Don't worry little guy, we'll be right outside the door, and if you want, I'll even keep the door open so you can see us... would that be okay?"

Josh nodded slightly, while stealing a glance at Ray who was standing there watching what was going on. Donnie motioned over to Ray, who came and stood next to where Donnie was sitting. "This is Ray, he's gonna stay here and keep you company... okay?"

Josh looked over at Ray, and it was really sad to see that a boy, who was two years older than Ray, looked so totally afraid of him. I shouldn't have worried though, Ray has a way about him that makes everyone feel at ease when he's around, and I saw it working as Donnie stood up, and Ray climbed into the bed with Josh. He was talking so softly to the boy that I couldn't make out what he was saying, but within about thirty seconds, Ray had Josh smiling, even if it was just a small smile.

Donnie smiled as he walked over to me, took my hand, and led me out of the room. Making sure to keep the door open, so Josh could see us. As soon as he turned to me, I asked him the question that I had wanted to ask since he walked in the room. "So? Did you figure anything out?"

He took a deep breath, and I had to fight back the tears. He wasn't able to do something. But then I saw the smile start to appear on his face. "What? What did you find out?"

He smiled stepped up to me, and wrapped me in a tight hug, then kissed me deeply. Even though I really loved him, and his kiss usually was enough to take my breath away, right now, I really wanted to know what he found out. I pushed him back a bit, and just looked at him.

He had this really goofy grin on his face, and I was about to hit him when he softly said, "Before I tell you what I found out, I need to ask you a serious question."

I watched, as he reached into his pocket, and pulled out a box, he opened up, then dropped down on a knee in front of me. I know I gasped out loud and when he looked up at me, I could see nothing but love in those eyes. "Emily, would you marry me?"

~~~~Lynn Masters POV~~~~

Ted and I appeared inside a large room that looked like it must be a living room of some sort. I looked around and was just stunned at the number of kids running around. Ted had told me about this Clan Short, but I really didn't know what to expect. Plus the fact that I was much too worried about Lincoln to care about much else.

"Come on huh, this way." Ted said, while taking my hand in his own. I was really beginning to like Ted. Not just for the fact that he was really good looking, but he was also really sweet, and is one of the few guys that I've known that didn't think of me as a slut just because I had a kid when I was fourteen.

He really liked Lincoln too and I knew the feeling was very mutual, and that was the clincher. Lincoln is easily the most important person in my life, and if Ted didn't like him or Lincoln him, then there was no real reason to pursue a relationship with him.

It was nice to wake up this morning to a face that was familiar. I still don't really remember everything that happened, but Ted was able to fill in the gaps for me. He told me that Lincoln was okay, but I still needed to see him with my own eyes to fully believe it.

We were walking across the room, when someone walked over to us. "Hey Ted." He said, and I guess Ted must have known the boy because he greeted him right back.

"Hey Justy, I'd like you to meet Lynn. She's Lincoln's mom, and my girlfriend." I know I blushed a little bit at that, but I took his hand when he offered it. He looked like a nice enough kid, maybe fourteen or fifteen, light brown hair, and blue eyes. He really was kinda cute, for a kid.

"Hi Lynn, I hope you're feeling better... Ted here told me how you were doing. And of course Lincoln's running around telling everyone that'll listen that his mommy's a hero, and saved his life." I had to bite my bottom lip to stop from crying. Of everything that happened, that's the one thing that still bothered me a lot. Kids his age shouldn't have to know about things like that.

"Ummm... Thanks. Yeah... I'm feeling better. Do you know where my son is?" I asked knowing that I needed to see him for myself soon.

"Of course, sorry, here, let me show you." He said, and I simply nodded as he turned and walked towards one of the doors. Ted took my hand in his and squeezed it as we followed. I couldn't even begin to describe how much he's helped me through this.

We followed Justy through the door, then down a hallway then finally to another door. He stopped just outside it, and I could easily hear the sound of kids in there. Both he and Ted waited for me, and I could feel my hands trembling as I stood there. I don't really know what has me so afraid, but I am. Finally I took a deep breath, reached out and opened the door.

When we walked in, the guys letting me go first, I saw something that I thought I would never see again. My eyes found Lincoln right away, and I watched for a second or two as he and Kent were playing with Hermes, one of the Cheetah kids. The young cat was throwing them up into the air, and catching them. The peels of laughter could be heard clearly even though the room was filled with other people. But something else caught my eye too. In Lincoln's hand was the stuffed doll that Dennis had given him right before we left.

~~~~Flashback~~~~

We were all getting ready to leave to go up to Montana when Lincoln squirmed out of my arms, and ran over to one of the helicopters. I was right behind him, and overheard what he said to the pilot. "BARRNY!!!!! Can I wide width yous?!" He was so excited that he was bouncing up and down.

Dennis climbed down out of the helicopter where he was doing his pre-flight. "Sorry little man," I heard him say while picking him up and putting him on his hip. "We're all full this time, but tell you what, when we get up there, I'll talk to Will and see if I can't take you for a ride, how's that sound?"

"WEAAALLLLYYYY?!?!" Lincoln squealed. So excited that he might get to ride in his favorite helicopter.

"Sure thing buddy... but we all got you something." Dennis said, as he reached back into the helicopter and pulled out a wrapped box.

Lincoln almost fell to the floor, he was squirming so much to get down and open his present. When Dennis finally gave him the box, Lincoln wasted no time in ripping the paper off, and opening it.

"LOOK Mommy!!!! they got me a Bam Bam doll! Just like's on the side of the hewicopter!" He shouted out as he hugged the stuffed doll to him. "This is the bestest thing I evers got!"

Dennis just ruffled his hair, then popped him on the butt, sending him back to me. He didn't let the doll go the entire ride.

~~~~End Flashback~~~~

"MOOOOOMMMYYY!!!" I heard him scream, bringing me back to the here and now and thinking that the doll had saved his life because without it he would have been on Bam Bam when….. I quickly wiped the tears from my eyes, and saw him running towards me. I took a few steps forwards, then bent down.

Almost falling back on my butt when he slammed into me, but it was the best feeling I think I ever felt. "Oh my baby boy... I thought I lost you." I whispered as I stroked the back of his head, and held him as close to me as I could.

He pulled himself back and looked me right in the eyes. "Of course you didn't mommy... you saved me!" I lost it all right there, and just cried while I held him close to me. I didn't ever want to let go.

After a few minutes of holding him, I finally was able to release my baby from my arms. I wiped the tears from my eyes, then bent down and wiped his face. When I stood back up, I saw Kent was standing there. He looked a bit nervous, so I bent down and looked him right in the eye. "Hey there Kent, what's wrong?"

"Ummm... nothing's wrong, I... I just wanted to say thanks." I saw the tears start to fall, so I pulled him into me, and just let him cry. I picked him up, and went over to some seats, and sat down with him still clinging tightly to me. I sat there gently rocking him, and helping him calm down. "It was no problem baby, I'm just glad your okay." I said to him over and over again. I could just imagine what was going through his young mind right then. Lincoln was probably too young to really understand what had happened, but Kent, at five, probably knew. Of everything that was lost yesterday, these kids childhood was the one thing that I cried for the most. These kids have seen things that no one, even my age, should see.

When I looked down, I saw that he had fallen asleep in my arms, and looked up to Ted in question. He must have known what I was asking, cause he just pointed over to an area that had blankets and pillows laid out all over the floor. The little ones had "nested" so many times before; I knew exactly what it was, so I stood up, walked over there and gently laid him down in the middle.

When I got him situated, I leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead. "Sweet dreams little one." I said softly, and almost jumped when I heard a voice from behind me.

"Don't worry Lynn, I'll watch over him." I looked over my shoulder and saw Hermes standing there. As soon as I moved out of the way, he laid himself down next to Kent, and gently wrapped his arms around the boy. Kent quickly latched onto the older boy, and snuggled in close. I was surprised as I knew that both Hermes and his brother have a very hard time sitting still, and here he was quietly snuggling with Kent. I watched as he closed his eyes, and a soft purring started to come from his throat. Quietly I went back over to where they had tables and chairs set up for people to sit, and found myself one in a quiet corner.

I buried my head in my hands, and started to cry softly. This time though, the tears were that of relief. "They really are precious aren't they?" I heard from next to me, and looked up to see Martha sliding into the seat next to me, I quietly nodded in agreement.

"Here, drink this." She said as she handed me a warm mug, "It's just tea." I nodded and took a small sip. I always loved Martha's tea, even though she would never tell me how she made it. Martha really fit into the role of the Grandmother for everyone in our family.

"I know everyone is hurting after yesterday, I just hope that this doesn't destroy the things that all of you have built." She said quietly and I looked up at her, questions in my eyes.

"Well you see honey, things like what happened yesterday are the kinds of things that can break most men, not to mention young kids..." Her voice trailed out, and I finally knew what she meant. I sat there for several moments just thinking about it. I knew that Adam and the rest were strong, but, how strong?

I'm not sure how long I sat there thinking over what she said and sipping my tea, but finally I looked over and asked the question that was on my mind. "Think there's anything we can do?"

She sat there considering for a moment, then she nodded, "Yeah, just be there for them. We're all hurting, but most of us have dealt with failure before, even if they were small ones. I don't think any of them ever have." She said pensively I nodded, understanding what she was saying, and wondering what exactly any of us could do.

I was brought out of my thoughts by a tug on my sleeve. "Momma, do you know where Khan is?" Lincoln asked, and I opened my arms to let him climb up on my lap.

"No honey I don't. I'm sure he's around here somewhere." I said, while pulling him back into me for a cuddle.

"No he's not... I's looked all over for him. He needs me." He said with all the conviction his young voice could muster.

"Why do you say that honey?" Martha asked

"Don't know Grandma... just know he does." He said and again he sounded so sure of himself. I learned early on that Lincoln was special in that he knew what others were feeling. I used to just dismiss it when he said something like this, but I know better now.

I got up and put him on the floor. "Okay little one, let's see if we can't find him for you. Okay?" I asked, and he nodded while taking my hand. Together we went over to where Ted was still talking to Justy.

"Justy, I want you to meet my son Lincoln." I said and saw a big smile come across the teens face.

"Hey there little guy. See, I told you that your mommy was okay. How's everything going now?" Justy said while squatting down and giving Lincoln a quick hug.

"I's doing good now Justy... but I can't find Khan, and I know he needs me right now." He said to the older boy, whose smile faded slightly.

"You know he does huh? Well, let's see if we can't find him for ya... okay?" Lincoln nodded seriously, and I watched as Justy went over to a console on the wall and started talking to someone. A few seconds later he came back over to us. "Well, it seems that Khan asked Seth to transport him back to Montana, where the attack happened. If you would like, I can take you there."

Lincoln looked up at me with pleading eyes, "pwease mommy, we gotta go."

I nodded and he broke out into a huge smile. Justy nodded,"Okay, do you guys mind if I bring someone with me?"

We both shook our heads, and Justy waved someone over. When I looked up I saw a boy, maybe sixteen years old, with beautiful hazel eyes, and brown hair. I didn't need to look further though, cause I saw the look in his eyes as he looked at Justy, and knew that they were an item. I couldn't help but comment to myself about how all the best looking guys were either taken, or gay. And in this place, it seemed to always be both.

He walked up to Justy who put his arm around the boy's waist. "Hey guys, I'd like you to meet my boyfriend Dean. Dean, this is Lynn, and this little guy down here's, her son, Lincoln."

Dean smiled and nodded at me, then bent down and picked up Lincoln. "So you're the little guy that's been running around here all day?"

Lincoln smiled and giggled as Dean pushed his fingers into his ribs and started to tickle him. "Hehehe, yeah... but we's gotta go find Khan."

Dean stopped tickling him, and put him down. "We do, do we, well, do you know where he's at?"

"Yeah, Seth said he transported back to Montana, where the Reynold's live. I was gonna take them there, but wanted to know if you wanted to go along." Justy said, and Dean just smiled and nodded.

"Sure, let's go."