Voyagers Book II

A Collaboration of TrueFan, Zarek Dragon and Douglas DD

Dr. Tom proposed to Christian in the Medical Bay. Christian was speechless.

Grams came to visit the Robinson home, and was pleasantly surprised with how well-mannered and behaved her family was.

Jace informed his dad that he and Jordan would not be living in their family home, so Jason decided to put the house on the market, giving Jace whatever credits it brought forth. Jace also informed them that permission was given from his mom and dad to travel aboard the Sooloo.

Gramma Miranda was given a tour of the Sooloo; she was impressed with the ship. Randy Jenkins impressed her with his cooking skills and gave her some shimmy lasagna to take home.

There was a procession taking Medici's body to a shuttle which would take him to the RDS Shouryou. As the procession came to Kyle, Zarek stopped and let it slip about Kyle's bloodline.

Christmas said Koji's name as his first words, and Koji asked if he could hold him. Koji kinda got smitten with the little guy. Will he be wanting a little one to help take care of?

Monday, 9 March 2122

SS Sooloo Bridge ~ 1500

Hal was sitting at his seat, reviewing some information on a data pad when Dave sat in the seat beside him. He could tell his husband had a lot on his mind and remembered the day, not so long ago, when he was more nervous than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. He grasped Hal's shoulder and give him a reassuring squeeze, "Nervous?"

"No, not really..." Hal replied unconvincingly.

"Babe, you will do fine. Just remember to trust the crew to do their jobs."

Hal leaned over and kissed Dave. Moments into the kiss, they broke apart after hearing someone clearing their throat. Bill Mirah, smiling, said, "Commodore Bowman... you do know that fraternization with your subordinates is against Space Fleet regulations?"

Knowing Bill was joking, he replied, "Yes Sir! However, if I am not mistaken, there is an allowance for subordinates who are married to their superior."

Bill, Dave and Hal laughed. Bill replied, "I am happy to know you've read the 'revised' regulations... so many weddings in the Explorer Fleet kind of required the change, or we'd be busting senior officers way too often. I just came up to wish you luck on your first command, Captain."

"Thank you, Sir."

Bill shook his head as he noticed Hal holding Dave's hand. He then headed off the Bridge, calling out, "We'll see you on Draconia."

Kyle, sitting at Navigation with Will at the helm responded as he tried to suppress a giggle, "Don't you mean Darastix, Admiral?"

Bill turned facing Kyle, "Nobody likes a smart ass, Commander Robinson," at which point he grinned and winked at Kyle as he exited the Bridge.

Hal shook his head as he called out, "All hands, report readiness to depart."

A few moments later, Hal noted his display that confirmed everyone was ready. He then opened the ship-wide channel. The tactical officer, knowing Hal's words needed to be heard by all the ships in the task force, patched him into the communications.

"Attention: I know some of you are happy to be returning to space, and some of you are excited to go for the first time. For those of you feeling at all nervous, remember, you've trained for this and I am happy to have all of you aboard. With the Commodore's permission..." Hal noted Dave's non-verbal approval before continuing, "Commander Robinson, if you please."

Kyle simply replied, "Mr. Crusoe..."

Knowing what Kyle was saying, Will Crusoe, as deftly as he moored them in space dock when they arrived, moved the Sooloo, followed by the rest of the ships, out of dock and on their way.

Corridor ~ 1600

Koji sported a big smile as he walked with his opsolai to their cabin. He liked little Christmas—he liked him a lot. He liked that the tot's first word was "Koji." He liked how he and Christmas connected. He wondered if he was old enough to babysit him. He wondered what kinds of games he could teach Christmas to play if he did babysit him. And then a thought hit him like lightening—he wondered if he could have a little brother of his own.

If he had a little brother, he could teach him how to talk, how to walk, how to play games, how to use a computer, how to read books and he could teach him how to make friends by introducing him to Christmas. Koji's smile grew bigger as he realized he had just hit the jackpot. All he had to do was convince his opsolai to adopt a baby and he would become big brother Koji.

"You've been grinning wider and wider all the way here," Danny said to Koji as they entered their quarters.

"I like Christmas," Koji responded.

"I assume you mean baby Christmas and not the holiday Christmas," Kyle said as he entered the quarters behind Danny and Koji, then closed the door.

Koji wondered what the best time to ask them would be and decided not until after dinner so he would no longer be hungry. It was easier to talk to his dads after they'd all had food.

After dinner turned out not to be a good time; Opsola Kyle went to the Bridge to take care of whatever he needed to take care of. As Koji walked with Danny to their quarters, he wished he had asked about having a brother during dinner when they were all together. He didn't want to ask just one opsola, he wanted to ask both at the same time.

Tuesday, 10 March 2122

Robinson Quarters ~ 1400

That opportunity came before dinner the next day. Koji was in his room doing assigned schoolwork at his computer and Danny was at the computer terminal in the living quarters; he was creating an on-call schedule for his pilots when Kyle came in after finishing his watch along with two extra hours of work. The husbands shared a kiss and then Kyle commented on how busy it had been on the Bridge as the Bridge crew worked hard to ensure the first real work of the new systems went smoothly.

Koji made out the voices of both of his opsolai, went into the living room and gave his Daddy Kyle a hug. "We hardly had any school yet and I have worked on my computer, and I don't think that's right," Koji complained.

"Now you have stuff to talk about in school tomorrow," Kyle pointed out.

"I can talk in school really good without doing work at home."

"I bet you can," Danny chuckled.

"I like Christmas," Koji said.

"That's what you told us yesterday," Kyle responded. "I'm glad that hasn't changed."

"I want a baby brother like him," Koji stated assertively.

Kyle and Danny weren't expecting that request from their son, although considering his unpredictability they realized they probably should have. Kyle looked over at Danny and instantly read the definite NO that was focused in his husband's mind.

"That's a nice sentiment, Koji, but I'm afraid that's something that isn't going to happen," Kyle told him gently.

"Why not? Koji needs a little brother. You and Daddy Danny need to get him a little brother."

"Koji…"

"Please. Koji said please."

"Koji. Listen mode!" Danny snapped.

Koji quieted instantly. Danny and Kyle had worked hard to get Koji settled into listening mode when he started going over the top. The good news was, he stopped to listen. The bad news was, it wasn't for long, so they had to say what they wanted to tell him in a hurry before he went into phase two.

Danny nodded at Kyle, who said, "Koji, we understand how nice a little brother would be for you, but we don't have the time or the space to take care of a baby brother. Even when he doesn't have a watch, your Daddy Danny is always on call in case there is an emergency that needs the fighters or a shuttle. I have responsibilities on the Bridge and a lot of time when I'm not on watch. Having a baby takes a lot of work and we don't have time to do it."

"Koji is here to help. He is a big help."

"You would be a great help, but you have school to go to, and while Danny and I can leave you alone, we couldn't leave you and a baby alone." Even when they had to leave Koji alone, Danny and Kyle had him hooked into another set of quarters, usually Steve and Brad's, for quick communication if something out of the ordinary happened. Leaving a seven-year-old, even one as confident and self-sufficient as Koji, was not something Kyle and Danny liked doing.

"I can teach him to talk and to walk and to eat…"

"…and to change his diaper," Danny interjected.

"Not that," grimaced Koji as he shook his head.

Kyle insisted, "Changing diapers is part of the package."

Koji thought about that for a moment and then said, "Then I can do that."

"You should talk to Jace and see if there is anything you can do with Christmas," Kyle said.

"I want a little brother."

"Remember what we've said when we talked about the difference between the things you need and the things you want?"

"Yes, Opsola, but I said I need a little brother, remember?"

"You said you needed one, but do you really need one or is this something you want really bad?"

"I need one," Koji responded stubbornly.

"Koji," Kyle said in a tone of voice that said Koji was stepping over the line.

"Well, I do," Koji said unconvincingly.

Having enough of this, Kyle brought the discussion to a close, "The debate is closed. End of discussion."

Koji looked to Danny for a sympathetic gesture. Seeing none, he retired to his bedroom to sulk.

"Well?" Danny asked with a grin.

"Trust me, if I ever become a captain, I swear the entire crew of a starship will be easier to work with than our son," Kyle chuckled. "He will just have to get over it and move on. After our stop at Draconia, we will be moving on into mostly unexplored space. I don't think we'll be finding any babies floating around between the stars. Koji will have to get over his snit."

"I will say this much. Koji does understand when a situation is over and can move on without holding grudges."

"True," Kyle said. "It's just that it often seems to take forever for Koji to understand when to quit."

Wednesday, 11 March 2122

The Classroom 0730

Ali started the class with an introduction, "Class, I would like to introduce a special guest on the Sooloo to you. This is Mrs. Blackwell, Jace's mom."

"Please, call me Heather," the guest requested.

Most of the class were surprised, but Tomo voiced what they were thinking, "A female on the Sooloo?"

"There goes our nekkid everything, especially swimming," Koji groaned.

"Boys, I want to tell you a secret," Heather responded. "When Jace was your ages, I had trouble keeping him in clothes. It wasn't because he was out growing them; he just didn't like wearing them."

"And he still doesn't," Jonas chuckled.

"No surprise there," Heather laughed. "But what I am telling you is this, be yourselves, and don't worry about embarrassing me. If you don't mind if I see you… nekkid, as Koji called it, it won't faze me any. Just act like you would if I were not on the ship."

Koji smiled, "You remember my name from me holding Christmas. Will you be bringing him to class?"

Laughing, Heather explained, "Christmas won't let me forget your name, that's for sure, he keeps saying it. As for bringing him to class, I may, but I don't want him to distract you from your schoolwork."

Ali continued, "Heather would like to sit in on the classes while we travel to Darastix, do any of you mind?"

"Nope," Koji was the first to respond, "I like her."

Thursday, 12 March 2122

Classroom ~ 1500

Greg Robinson felt somewhat impatient as he waited outside of the Sooloo's classroom for the class to be dismissed. He was looking forward to walking his grandson, Koji, to the Chief Officers' Mess, where they would enjoy whatever afterschool snack Randy Jenkins had conjured up for the day. Greg was eager to hear what Koji had to say about his lessons for the day. Short explanations were not one of his grandson's strengths.

Greg didn't see it as a weakness, especially since he enjoyed listening to the boy's ramblings about whatever subject struck him as interesting. Greg loved chatting with his grandson, even if many of the conversations ended up being a bit one-sided. This was one of the many things that made being a grandfather special—he could just be a listener when it suited him. He and Koji had come up with a system of stopping him, or at least slowing him down. Greg simply held up his right hand and smiled and Koji responded accordingly.

Now that Koji had school to talk about, Greg wondered if the hand in the air would be enough. He chuckled at the thought of Koji talking himself to sleep. This was so different than his relationship with Kyle had been. It was a relationship that required him to make some serious amends to his son because he failed at the procedure for dealing with his son or any growing child—listen, listen, listen.

The door to the schoolroom opened and boys started pouring out. Koji was busily chatting with Tei as he came out the door. Greg wasn't sure why, but he thought they were a cute pair of friends. They obviously were quite fond of each other. When Koji saw Greg, his face lit up and he ran over and gave him a tight hug.

"Naflopsola!" Koji gushed. "Did you come to walk with me?"

"I did. And I thought a walk to snack time would be perfect," Greg replied.

"I love snack time and I'm going to love snack time even more with my Naflopsola."

"Tei can come with us if he wants," Greg offered.

"Lars and Jonas and Tomo and Oliver and Jason and Jordan and Koji and me were all going to eat our snacks together," Tei responded. "But Koji won't see you much longer so you eat together, and he and I will have lots of snacks after you have to go."

Koji looked at Tei as if he had sprouted horns. Tei was not usually much of a talker. He let go of his grandfather and gave Tei a hug of his own.

"Thank you, Tei, you're my best friend in the whole galaxy."

"And you are mine."

Koji let go of Tei, gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, and stepped back to Greg. He reached out and placed his hand in his grandfather's hand, gave it a slight tug and said, "Koji wants to eat with his Naflopsola."

As Greg walked holding hands with his grandson, he thought about this being the reason he wanted to take the Sooloo to Draconia. Being a grandad was as important as anything in his life and he wanted to enjoy every possible second. Not that his time with Kyle and Danny wasn't important as well, but he being a grandfather was an almost other worldly experience.

Greg waited for Koji to spout something, but the boy was surprisingly quiet. He hadn't said a word since they left the classroom. He looked like he had something heavy on his mind. Greg's admiral instincts told him to say something to get the boy going, but before he could say anything his father/grandfather instincts took over. Greg understood that what he needed to do was sit down with his grandson, wait for the snacks to be served and be prepared to listen. He hoped that by now Koji trusted him enough to open up on his own.

They entered the Chief Officers' Lounge and found themselves to be the only occupants. Kyle had told Greg earlier that when the ship was in routine flight, it wasn't unusual for fathers who were chief officers to have afternoon snacks with their sons in the lounge.

"Right now, things are pretty upside down, and probably will be until after we leave Draconia," Kyle had said. "You know how that goes—everybody's putting in extra work and extra time."

Greg understood perfectly. He let Koji pick a table and they were soon sitting side by side. Cook's Assistant Aaron Maxwell was assigned the Chief Officer Lounge during that watch. The watch wasn't as cushy as it sounded since he still had tasks in the kitchen, albeit ones that wouldn't dirty his apron. He carried a monitor that vibrated when someone entered the lounge. He would then stop what he was doing, remove his gloves, attach his name tag and move to the lounge to become the waiter for whatever officer(s) entered. When he saw it was Admiral Robinson and Koji, he grinned to himself. He liked Koji—the little dude had a way of making things fun and interesting.  Aaron gave them a moment to settle in their seats, and then approached the table unobtrusively as he had been trained to do.

"Good afternoon. I assume you and your grandson are here for some after school snacks, Sir." Aaron addressed Greg with the proper protocol. At first, it surprised Greg by him knowing that Koji was his grandson until Greg remembered there were few secrets on a starship.

"That is our plan, Aaron," Greg grinned after checking the thirteen-year-old's name tag.

"And because Admiral Grandpa is an admiral, he always has good plans," Koji chimed in. "What is the snack today?"

"Today it is chocolate brownies especially prepared by Chief Baker Ben Maxey. They are the best in the galaxy," Aaron answered.

"I take it you know that from personal experience," Greg said.

"There's no way I miss anything that Ben bakes—and that goes for everybody on the kitchen staff. What would you like to drink?"

"I'll have Earl Grey tea—hot."

"And I'll have hot chocolate—hot," Koji added.

As much as Greg wanted to learn what was eating at Koji, he decided to engage in small talk until after the snack was served. Aaron returned in a couple of minutes with their hot drinks and promised to return quickly. Two minutes later Aaron returned and served Koji and Greg a plate with a slightly warmed chocolate brownie topped by a generous dollop of whipped cream.

"Chef Randy handled the heating and whipped cream. He said it should be perfect."

Koji grabbed his fork and took out a corner of the brownie. As soon as he tasted it his eyes lit up. As he savored his mouthful he pointed to Greg's plate as if telling his Grandpa Admiral that if he didn't start eating Koji would have no qualms about eating his brownie as well.

"Very well, if you insist," Greg grinned. "I will eat it all as I wonder why modern science hasn't yet figured out how to make desserts non-fattening." Greg took a generous bite, looked at his grandson, and indicated his satisfaction with an enthusiastic nod. Although he didn't want to spoil Koji's good mood, he felt that his attitude made this the right time to broach the subject of what had been bothering him.

"I'd like to ask you a question, one that is naflopsola to autgabin (grandfather to grandson), if you don't mind," Greg opened.

"Is it about me getting a brother?" Koji asked.

"A brother? You're getting a brother?" Greg wondered where that came from.

"No, Koji is not getting a brother, Koji wants to get a brother." Greg could tell that Koji was stressed; he often went back to referring to himself in the third person when he felt pressured.

"When did this happen?"

"When Christmas said his first word and it was Koji. And Koji got to hold him… no, I mean I got to hold him and play with him and it felt really good like I was his big brother and he was my little brother and… and… I knew I needed a brother."

"So, what did you do?"

"I told my opsolai I needed to have a little brother and asked if I could have one."

Greg gave an understanding nod. "And they said no and gave you a lot of very good reasons why you weren't going to be able to have a brother, right?"

Koji nodded. "I need one."

"Don't you mean you want one?"

Koji shook his head. "Koji needs one because he is supposed to be a big brother. Can you talk to Opsola Kyle and Opsola Danny and tell them what I said?"

"I imagine their reasons were that they simply had no time to care for a baby and you weren't old enough yet to be responsible for one." As much as Greg had come around to seeing the value of the adopted boys on the Sooloo, they were all old enough to take care of themselves and to understand the rules and standards of life aboard the starship. Babies demanded time, even more time and then more time on top of that, something he felt the young officers on the ship didn't have enough of as it was. This was his opinion however, and he was not going to burden his grandson with it. But he was not going to support his desire for a baby brother, either.

"I need to be a big brother," Koji repeated.

"The best thing you can be right now is to be the best friend you can be to your friends and to be the biggest help you can be for the officers and crew of the Sooloo. And be a good big brother for Christmas until he leaves the ship at Draconia.

"Remember, Koji, there are things in life you can control, but there are many more things in life you can't control. How about telling me the biggest thing you can control."

"Me," Koji replied simply. He had heard this lecture from his opsolai, but for some reason it penetrated deeper into his psyche when he heard it from his naflopsola.

"I'm going to finish with one more thought," Greg asserted. He paused when Koji held up his hand and then gobbled his last piece of chocolate brownie. When Koji nodded, Greg fought down a chuckle and went on. "If you remember what your dads tell you and remember this little talk, it will make you prepared if something surprising occurs. I've seen enough interesting things happen in space to know that those who are prepared for a surprise, who know who and what they can control, are the ones that most often benefit from a surprise because of that preparation."

"You mean maybe Koji gets what he needs but it is different than he thinks, yes?"

"Yes. Hard work and preparation can create good luck. I know you are a boy who works hard and wants to be prepared. It's something you can control and something you can start on right now. So, instead of hanging your head because you won't be getting something you think you want… or need, keep your head up, work at the things we talked about today, and I know you will be prepared to handle what comes your way."

Koji rose from his seat, stepped over to Greg, wrapped his arms around him and gave him a kiss on his cheek. "I love you Grandpa Admiral. I promise, I will work very hard in school, and work hard with Christmas while he is here, and be prepared."

Little did Koji and Greg know, the big role the naflopsola to autgabin chat while eating the galaxy's best chocolate brownies was going to have an effect in a surprisingly short time.

Blackwell Guest Quarters ~ 1700

Jace was sitting with his dad chatting; Heather was in Christmas' room, changing another diaper. "Koji, here," Christmas spouted.

"I wish," Heather chuckled, "then maybe he could change your stinky diaper."

"Koji, here," Christmas repeated as the door chimed.

Jace opened the door to see Koji. The younger boy commented, "I was wondering if I could play with Christmas a little."

Jace nodded, "Mom's changing his diaper right now, but I don't think she'd mind if you went in."

Heather stuck her head out the door to see who it was, "Christmas was right. He claimed that Koji was here. You want to help me finish changing his diaper?"

Koji was hesitant at first but thought what better way to hopefully convince his opsolai that he could watch a baby than to help. "I guess, what do I need to do?"

"Well, I already have the worst part done. You can hold Christmas still while I put the new diaper on him," Heather chuckled.

"I can do that," Koji boasted, part of him relieved that he didn't need to remove a soiled diaper.

"Somehow, he knew you were here," Heather informed her young assistant. "It's almost like you and he are connected."

"Maybe," Koji smiled. "Irral, I mean first, he knew my name, and now… he knew I was here before seeing me."

"Have you ever heard of babies being connected to someone like that before?"

"No, but I am only seven," Koji responded. "Maybe Zarek has. He's much older, like sixteen. Computer, can you call Zarek on his ship?"

"Authorization for communications must be requested by an officer or above," the computer chirped.

"I authorize it as wife to the Ambassador to Darastix," Heather confirmed.

A few minutes later, Zarek was on the view screen on the wall. "Hey, Koji, is there something I can do for you?"

"Zarek, this is Jace's mom, and brother…" Koji explained the whole story and asked what Heather was curious about.

Zarek listened intently, then replied, "Christmas is half Darastixian, and baby Darastixians have a special telepathy that connects them with their mother. Though rare, they sometimes also connect with others they deem friendly. It is possible that this is one of those rare times and Christmas really likes Koji enough to connect."

Koji smiled, "So, Christmas and I might be connected as friends?"

"So it seems," Zarek confirmed. "Admittedly, there is no way to know for sure if that is the case, unless I read his mind, but at his age, I won't do that."

"You don't have to," Koji grinned, "I feel special."

"You are special, Koji," Heather placed her hand on his shoulder as she spoke.

"By the way, Koji," Zarek smirked, "Sixteen isn't that much older than seven." Koji's eyes enlarged as Zarek continued, "Anything else I can do for you?"

"No, thank you," Heather answered, "I do appreciate you taking time to chat with us."

"It was my pleasure," Zarek replied before disconnecting.

Robinson Quarters ~ 1800

"Opsolai, guess what I did!" Koji screeched as he bounded into the Robinson quarters. He was happy to see that both of his dads were home.

"Let me guess." Koji waited patiently as Kyle made a production of scratching his chin. "Oh, I know, you took screaming lessons along with your buddies and now you're showing off what you learned."

"That is what Opsola Danny says is a not funny," Koji sulked.

"Oh, I don't know, I think it was borderline hysterical," Danny said.

"You did not laugh."

"I was shaking inside."

"Not funny…" Koji pouted, "Now, guess what I did."

"I know you want to tell us really badly so how about you just tell us," Kyle told his son.

"Okay. I helped to change Christmas's diaper. Does that help make me his big brother?"

"Wow, that is awesome, Koji!" Kyle put his arms around his son and gave him a hug. "That makes you a big brother for Christmas for sure."

"What else did you do?" Danny asked. He understood Koji well enough to know that there was more to the story.

"I talked to Zarek after Heather said it was okay for me to call him and he told me that sometimes babies have special connections and that is why Christmas knew my name was Koji and why he knew I was outside the room and didn't even see me. Zarek said they connect with somebody friendly. Do you think I'm friendly?"

This time it was Danny's turn to hug Koji. "Koji, they don't come any friendlier."

Koji backed away and looked up at his dads with a mile-wide grin on his face. "I think I will be a big brother after Christmas leaves because Heather says I am special, and I feel special because Christmas and me are connected."

"Remember what we said, Koji, that we weren't going to get you a little brother," Kyle reminded him.

"I know, but somebody else is going to come and be my little brother for me to baby sit, and I can change his diaper and feed him when he's hungry and the baby, plus his opsola and my opsolai. will make Koji feel special."

"Koji, your Daddy Kyle and I both think you are special," Danny said. "You are very special even if you don't get the little brother to babysit, and don't you ever forget it."

This time Koji initiated the hug—a group hug with both of his opsolai. "I love you daddies."

"And we both love you, Koji," Kyle said softly. "You are our very special son."

Friday, 13 March 2122

Shuttle Bay ~ 0900

"Tommy, what are you doing aboard the Sooloo?" Danny inquired.

"I asked Dad why you quit coming to the house and when he told me, I ran away. I wanted to see you, I miss you," Tommy cried.

Puzzled, Danny continued his questioning, "How did you get on board?"

"I just walked on," Tommy chuckled. "I guess that since I didn't act nervous, they just thought I belonged. I mean, there are a lot of kids aboard."

"No one questioned you?"

"Well…" Tommy hesitated, "there was one guy on Earth who asked if I was with the Explorer program, so I told him I was."

"You lied?" Danny sounded agitated.

"I know, it was wrong," Tommy relented, "but I really missed you. Please don't be mad."

Danny hugged his younger brother. "I'm not mad, Dude, but you might be in a lot of trouble. I will talk to my captain and see if we can't make some arrangement to keep you out of it."

"I love you, Bro," Tommy kissed Danny on the cheek.

"I love you, too, but I need you to stay in my and Kyle's quarters until I can talk with Hal."

Captain's Ready Room ~ 0945

"You found WHO in the shuttle bay?" Hal asked incredulously.

"I found my brother, Tommy," Danny replied with trepidation. While he knew Hal had no reason to be upset with him, he was fearful that the captain might try to find some way to blame him for Tommy's presence on board the Sooloo.

"And just what was your brother Tommy doing in the shuttle bay?"

"Trying not to be found, I guess, although when you're hungry and thirsty, that's easier said than done."

"How did he manage to get on board the ship?"

"He stowed away. Just walked on board like he owned it from what he told me."

"How? He has to get past two and sometimes three layers of security. Aiden is going to be hearing about this."

"This isn't Aiden's fault. Tommy came on when the crew was given their leave and security was provided by Space Fleet Security, which from what I've seen is made up of a bunch of dudes who are pissed off because they aren't in space while a bunch of us kids are. I think they should all be retired because they suck big time when it comes to security." Danny stopped his tirade when he realized he had started to lose control. "Sorry, Sir, I guess I got carried away."

"You're not that far from the truth. One of the things I learned when I was your mentor during the first voyage is that you have a way of giving a not always complimentary but almost always accurate assessment of what you see. It's one of the things that makes you an outstanding pilot," Hal assured.

"Thank you, Sir."

"Danny, you know you can call me Hal in private conversation."

"Yeah, I know. I guess I'm still getting used to you being the captain."

"How old is your brother?"

"He turned ten while we were being retrofitted."

Hal shook his head. "Ten years old and he can sneak onto a starship. You would think we would have learned our lesson after the twins sauntered on board. Admiral Robinson will be hearing about this and won't be at all happy when we have a flag meeting to discuss your brother. Admiral Mirah is not going to be a happy camper either. The Explorer program and Space Fleet Security have not been seeing eye to eye for quite a while now."

"What are you going to do about Tommy?" Danny was more concerned about his brother than he was about the problems with fleet security.

"Why did he run away, Danny?"

"Because we weren't allowed to see each other the whole time I was on Earth. I couldn't even go to his birthday party. We managed to get a couple of glances and waves when we did some sneaking around, but nothing for more than a minute or two. He said he missed me and wanted to see me. It looks like he took the long way around to get to see me."

"That is so sad," Hal lamented. "I keep thinking that prejudice against gays is dead and gone, but there is always some asshole ready to prove me wrong."

"I don't think he ran away to become a stowaway. I think he snuck onto the base, went to the spaceport hoping he could tell me goodbye when I boarded the Sooloo and found it so easy to just go onboard that he followed his nose and suddenly he's a stowaway out in space."

"Where is he now?"

"He should be in my quarters," Danny answered. "Kyle is on watch and Koji is in school, so Tommy should be where I left him since he has nowhere to go. Food and water and a toilet are a good reason to get yourself found."

"How is it you were the one to find him?"

"Crewmen Mason, Gillespie and I were doing a routine check of the Donatello when Tommy came up to me while I was alone. And now, he's in my quarters and I'm here telling you what happened."

Robinson Quarters ~ 1030 

Tommy was seated on the couch watching the video tour of the Sooloo that Danny had set up on the quarters' AV system when his brother entered the room.

"How are you doing, Bro?" Danny asked.

"Okay, I guess."

Danny noticed a wet streak on his brother's left cheek. "Are you sure? You look like you've been crying."

"Oh, yeah," Tommy replied meekly. "I guess I did after you left. I thought I wiped it all off my face."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Tommy pointed to the video screen. "This is a big ship," Tommy commented.

"Tommy, you stowed away on the ship to see me, so I think you should be okay with trusting me and talking to me."

"Am I going to get kicked off?"

"It's hard to kick somebody off a starship out in the middle of space. Even with a spacesuit on, it can be pretty brutal."

"That's not what I meant," Tommy said, shaking his head. "I mean when we get to wherever we're going." Tears started to well up again. "Danny, I didn't sneak into the spaceport to get on the ship. I just wanted to see you and tell you goodbye because I missed you and I love you. But I just kind of wondered what would happen if I tried to get on. I mean, I thought somebody would stop me, but it ended up being so easy. All I had to do was tell a couple of lies and I was on the Sooloo and I didn't know what to do next. So, I found a place to hide and hoped I could find you. I got lucky there was a bathroom close to that closet I was in."

Tommy's story confirmed Danny's theory regarding his brother's original intentions. He didn't leave home with the intent of going into space but was drawn in by the adventure of doing so.

"And then people started coming on board and I couldn't see out of the closet and I got scared I'd get in trouble and pretty soon I fell asleep and then I woke up hungry and I thought the ship was moving and…"

"Hey, Bro, you can come up for breath anytime." Danny sat next to his younger brother and gave him a hug.

Tommy wiped his eyes, "Sorry."

"You've got nothing to be sorry for."

"What are we going to do now?"

"We're going to turn off this video and go to the Ready Room to meet with Captain Tietokone, who will probably allow you to call him Captain Hal in private. We need to come up with a plan about what to do with you."

The boys rose from the couch and Danny stood in front of Tommy. "Dang, Tommy, you just turned ten and you're as tall as I am."

"Mom says I must have a stretching machine in my bedroom. She says she wishes it would stretch the clothes I outgrow, too."

"Ready to go?"

"I need a shower. I feel grungy."

"We'll take care of that later. Captain Hal will understand your grunginess. You need clean clothes too, though mine will probably fit you."

Danny started for the door, but Tommy grabbed his arm and stopped him. "Even more important, I'm starving. Could we eat first? Please!!!"

"Like Mom says, you're a growing boy just like me, only faster. Captain Hal says our meeting is going to be a lunch meeting, so that will take care of food."

"Is the food here any good?"

"It's just as good or better than Mom's cooking."

"That's pretty good," Tommy grinned. The boys left the quarters and strolled together through the corridors of the starship until they reached the Captain's Ready Room.

Captain's Ready Room ~ 1115 

Danny literally pushed Tommy into the Captain's Ready Room; his younger brother was almost paralyzed with fright. He could feel the confidence level drooping in Tommy as they approached the room. Danny tried to assure his brother that Captain Hal was a good man and would be looking at coming up with a solution to dealing with Tommy's situation instead of looking for a way to punish him for stowing away. They looked around the room wondering where the promised lunch was. 

Hal was seated at his desk, a concerned look on his face instead of the look of anger Tommy was expecting. Danny saluted Hal who told him to be seated and treat this meeting as a personal rather than a formal one.

"And you must be the intrepid Thomas Harper," Hal said with a comforting smile. He held out his hand which Tommy meekly took and two of them shook. 

"I'm sorry I stowed away on your ship, Captain Hal. I… I… I didn't really mean to," Tommy stammered. "Please don't lock me up." 

"You can relax, Son. I have no intention of locking you away. But before we work on a solution on what to do with you, tell me how it is you managed to come on board the Sooloo if you didn't mean to do it." 

Tommy started with a statement for Hal. "You can call me Tommy." Hal nodded and Tommy then told Hal the same story he had told Danny. He snuck onto the spaceport acting like he was an Explorer so he could say goodbye to Danny and everything he did kept opening things up for him and before he knew it, he was hiding in a storage locker in the shuttle bay workshop. 

"The fact that you made it here says a lot about your persistence as well as about the laxity of security on the ground," Hal responded. "The fact that you're a big boy helped you out, too. You looked the same size as your older brother when I saw the two of you walk in." 

"That's because he pretty much is the same size as me," Tommy's older brother grinned. 

"You are pretty much stuck on this ship for a long time, Tommy. We will be having a meeting in the conference room to discuss what to do with you." He noticed Tommy wincing. "And don't worry; unless you elect to become a troublemaker, we have no intention of locking you up." Hal was certain that Dave, Admiral Robinson and Admiral Mirah would be of like mind, and if they weren't, it was his ship and locking up Tommy Harper simply wasn't going to happen. 

"What would you like to see happen, Tommy?" Hal inquired. 

Tommy gave the answer that almost any ten-year-old would give in the same situation: "I don't know." 

"What do you think of living with Danny, Kyle, and Koji?"

"They don't have enough room do they?" 

"You would be surprised what our Operations personnel can accomplish."

Tommy was afraid to say what was really on his mind and that was he didn't want to live with Kyle. He hated Kyle for stealing his brother from him and wanted nothing to do with him. The fact that he would encounter Kyle was something he hadn't considered when he snuck onto the ship. 

"Who is going to be at the meeting?" Tommy asked. 

"Admiral Robinson, since he is on board and a flag officer." Danny noted the look of unhappiness on Tommy's face when he heard Kyle's father would be there; he understood the reason behind his brother's frown immediately. "Dave Bowman, who is our Task Force commander and Admiral Mirah, who is the head of the Explorer Program will be live on the video screen. Kyle will be there." Danny saw Tommy's frown increase in intensity, something Hal noticed as well. "And of course, Danny and I will be there." 

"Hey, Tommy, do you trust me?" Danny asked. 

"I've always trusted you or I wouldn't be missing you so bad." 

"Can I tell you something brother to brother?" 

"What?" Tommy responded sulkily. 

"Something I want you to accept for now because you trust me. As soon as you get settled in, we can talk about it." 

"If it means I have to like Kyle and his dad I'm not going to do it." 

Danny eyed his brother as he often did with Koji when Koji was being stubborn. "You don't have to be angry with Kyle and Admiral Greg, Tommy. They're on your side." 

"No, they're not. They stole you from me." 

Danny took a deep breath, rose from his chair, and stood next to his younger brother. "Stand up," he ordered.

Hearing Danny in command mode caused Tommy to flinch. He stood up, wondering if Danny was going to hit him. Then he shook his head—Danny had always been the best big brother anybody could want and outside of accidents when they played or wrestled, he had never hit him.

Danny placed his arms around his distraught brother and gave him a tight, loving hug. "Everything's gonna be alright, Bro. Just listen to what everyone has to say, make sure you ask questions if you don't understand what's going on, and be ready to do what you are asked to do. And when it's all been decided we'll sit down with Kyle and Greg, who's my dad now, and talk about what really happened to make me leave, okay?" Danny could feel his brother's tears dripping onto his uniform. 

"I guess," Tommy sobbed. 

"Tommy?" 

"Only if I can tell how I feel when you and me talk to Kyle and Admiral Greg." 

"I would expect nothing less." Danny squeezed Tommy a little harder. "I love you, Tommy. I hope you believe me when I tell you that I missed you a lot, too. But wherever I've gone, you've been with me because you're the best little brother I could ever want, and your love is always with me." Danny wasn't sure where those words were coming from since they sounded almost like what a grownup would say, but he knew that every word he had just said was true. 

"I love you, Danny, and I promise to do what you want, and I am even hungrier." Danny let go of his brother and looked over at Hal. 

"Randy assured me lunch would be here on time which makes it as good as done," Hal said. "I will call him right…" Hal stopped when he heard the door buzzer sound. "Enter!" he called out. 

Randy was standing there along with Aaron Maxwell, one of the Cook's Assistants. "My apologies for being late, Sir, but Engineering was doing some kind of battle situation testing and managed to blow out the circuits to the kitchen. A disaster of the first order as you can tell. The power wasn't out long, but we had to start the burgers over."

"I will make sure Connor gives me a full report," Hal assured Randy. "We can't have our meals disrupted." 

"Like I told Connor, better the stoves go out now than our weapons systems later." 

"Neither one should happen. It looks like Engineering has some work to do. In the meantime, set out our lunch, please." 

As soon as the lunch was laid out Randy and Aaron left with the lunch cart. "I wonder what in the galaxy happened with Engineering. I know I'll be finding out soon. But for now, I will contact Dave and tell him we're delaying our meeting by fifteen minutes, so we don't have to rush lunch." Hal looked over at Tommy attacking his burger and fries. "Judging by Tommy, however, we may not need the extra time," he chuckled.

Engineering ~ 1120

"Run a full diagnostic," Connor demanded, "I want to know what caused the power outage."

Tom Kohl came over to Connor holding a burnt piece of equipment, "I think I figured it out, Sir. Someone swapped some of the Darastixian components for these cheap pieces."

"They did WHAT!!!?" Connor couldn't believe his ears.

"This piece was where a Darastixian power modulator used to be. Fortunately, we have some spares, and I have Kai, Juro and Tomo going through every piece, looking for what's been replaced and putting the correct part back in."

"Excellent, when they are done, I want a detailed list of every piece that was replaced." Connor looked at the computer, "Computer, who last worked on this power modulator?"

"The power modulator was replaced by Commander Benjamin Hole upon our return from the shakedown cruise," the computer reported.

Connor looked perplexed, "Commander Benjamin Hole? Is he any relation to Alan Hole?"

"Commander Benjamin Hole is the father of Alan Hole."

"What department does he work in?" Connor was starting to see a possible reason for the sabotage.

"Commander Benjamin Hole is assigned to Base Security in Vegas."

"What was he doing changing parts?" Connor questioned. "If we hadn't ran the simulation and got into a battle, what would the outcome have been?"

"Had the modulator not blown, it would have allowed too much power to go to the weapons with a seventy-eight percent chance of the ship blowing itself up," the computer explained.

"Did he replace any other parts?"

"Negative, that is the only part I detect that had been replaced."

"Good," Connor spouted. He shared with Tom what he discovered and then made his way to Hal's Ready Room.

Hal's Ready Room ~ 1145

When Hal gave Connor permission to enter, he noticed Danny and a boy he hadn't seen sitting there eating. "What do you have to report?" Hal inquired.

"Sir, there was a power modulator replaced by this man, Commander Benjamin Hole."

"That's the man who let me aboard the shuttle to get on the ship," Tommy explained.

Hal asked, "Are you sure?"

"Sure looks like him, and I had to laugh when I saw the name on his uniform saying B Hole."

Hal scowled at the image of Benjamin Hole, "The plot thickens."

Officers' Mess ~ 1200

"Did you find out what caused the power outage in the kitchen?" Randy asked as Connor, Aiden and Juro sat down to eat.

Excitedly, Juro exclaimed, "We sure did! Someone replaced one of the Darastixian parts with a faulty part."

"Who?" Aiden snapped. Connor hadn't informed him about it yet; he planned to tell him about everything as they ate.

Connor answered, "Commander Hole."

"Don't you mean Crewman Hole, and how? He was in the brig and removed from the ship before Christmas."

"No, I mean Commander Hole… Commander Benjamin Hole, father of Alan Hole. Apparently, he is assigned to Base Security, and put himself on the detail to the Sooloo. He boarded the Sooloo and knew exactly which part to replace. Had we gotten into combat with that faulty part, the ship could have blown itself up."

Aiden seethed, "I hope someone reported this to Mirah."

"I informed Hal, and I am sure he informed the Fleet Admiral," Connor explained. "Here's the kicker, when Juro went to inform Shasho about using a replacement part, we discovered we had an extra part, so Hole must have not wanted to get caught with it and left it onboard." Juro just nodded.

Aiden, having calmed down after knowing it was being handled, quipped, "We may not be able to get him for theft of the part, but he will still be facing enough other charges… several counts of attempted murder, sabotage…" and Aiden listed several other possible charges.

Conference Room ~ 1600

Danny, Tommy, Kyle, Admiral Greg Robinson, Dave and Hal occupied the Sooloo's main Conference Room. Admiral Bill Mirah was there also, but he was a virtual presence, his visage appearing on the large screen built into the aft bulkhead. They had been discussing the topic of stowaway Thomas Harper. The time had come to decide his fate.

"As I see it, after hearing all your input, we have two choices to start with," Bill Mirah said. "One is to have Tommy returned to Earth on the Darastix. The disadvantage is he would miss some schooling and, for all intents and purposes, would be alone. While not exactly a prisoner, he would have no peers to associate with either. However, unless something unplanned happens, the amount of school missed would be tolerable, especially if Ali has time to work up a slate of lessons for him."

Danny was holding his little brother's hand, squeezing it tight as the Admiral droned on. "Option two is for Thomas to stay on the Sooloo as a student at the ship's school." This time, Tommy squeezed Danny's hand. "Hal, judging by everything you've told me, you are in agreement and are willing to have Thomas reside on your ship. Unfortunately, we have an obligation to return Thomas to his parents and that is my decision. If it weren't for the Darastix returning to Earth I would go along with your recommendation. But as it is, I am obligated to make every effort to return Thomas home."

"Sorry, Tommy," Hal said sincerely. "We would love to have you stay with us. I think you would do well here, but Admiral Mirah is right. We have to return you to your parents."

"What if I don't want to go back?" Tommy asked pleadingly. "I hate my father. You don't know how bad he is. He ruined my tenth birthday, he ruined me seeing Danny, he yells at me for everything and blames me for Danny not being able to come to see me and I never did anything! I don't want to ever see him again."

As much as he didn't want to, Mirah ignored the outburst. He saw it as the kind of tantrum a kid that age would have when he didn't get his way. "I will call Mr. Harper and tell him where his younger son is and his ETA."

"May I say something, Sir?" Danny asked nervously. Admiral Mirah was the big boss and could shoot down the idea he wanted to present in an instant. But he was going to give his presentation until it was shot down or he had finished presenting it.

"Feel free, Danny," Bill said sympathetically. He knew Danny's history with his father and understood that having his brother literally drop in on him surely had the boy in some turmoil. And to make it worse, his brother was in a state of upheaval as well.

"I have an idea and before you say no, I hope you will let me tell the whole idea."

"Agreed."

"I want to call Dad. We haven't talked in so long because of how he feels about me and Kyle. I want my dad to know that Tommy is with me on the Sooloo because he wouldn't let us see each other, not even on Tommy's birthday. I'm going to tell him that everybody likes Tommy and hopes he can stay here, including Tommy. Then I'll tell him I'm turning the call over to you to take care of all the official stuff."

"He may not take your call or cut the connection, you know," Bill cautioned.

"I know and if he does, well, then you take over. You had planned to call him anyway. I have planned what I want to say, and I promise that as much as I hate him, I won't be an ass… I mean, I won't be… um… stupid about it." Danny was flustered by his almost saying "asshole" in front of Admiral Mirah. Everyone else at the meeting had heard him use the word before.

Bill could tell how important this was to Danny. He had no problem with Danny sticking a little jab into his father's obstinate hide. "Permission granted, son."

Danny nodded with a satisfied grin. Hal called on communications to make the connection. Kyle reached out with his right hand and grabbed Danny's left hand. He gave Danny a nod and had the look of love in his eyes that Danny knew well.

Zach Harper's face came up on the viewscreen. At Hal's bequest, communications had set the video so it would only show a close up of Danny's face. "What the fuck do you want? I thought I told you I never wanted to talk to your sorry ass again," the man growled.

Before his father could disconnect, Danny went right to his topic. "I want to talk about Tommy."

Zach had been wondering the same thing. He and Danny's mother assumed he had stayed at a friend's house and that the absent minded brat had forgotten to ask for permission or tell them where he was. "What about him—you know you can't see him again."

"Do you know where he is?"

"At some friend's house where he shouldn't be because he's too fucking irresponsible to tell us where he's going. He's going to be one sorry piece of shit when he gets back home no matter where he is. It was bad enough having you as a son and Tommy is going to be the son I want even if I have to beat it in him."

Danny hoped everyone had heard his father's diatribe. "I just wanted to tell you that Tommy can't come home for a while. He'll come home as soon as he is able."

"What do you mean he can't come home? How the hell would you know? Where the fuck is he?"

"Thanks for tearing our family apart. I hope you're happy at home. Here is Admiral Mirah to answer all your questions. Just remember that everything he tells you has happened is your fault."

Bill Mirah's face replaced Danny's on the screen and Danny's connection was cut.

Greg got up and walked behind Danny, placing his hands on his son-in-law's shoulders. "Wow, well done Danny," Greg said. "I'm proud of you. You said what you had to say without being out of line." He then stepped behind Kyle. "I seem to remember another young man whom I love dearly having done the same thing not all that long ago."

The rest of the meeting was with taking care of the necessary paperwork and fulfilling the bureaucratic Space Fleet rules. Steve Boyer joined the meeting to take care of the details. Danny was appointed Tommy's guardian. Tommy was assigned to Kyle and Danny's quarters where, for the time being, he would be sleeping with his nephew, Koji. He was scheduled to meet with Ali the next morning for testing so he could be assigned his educational curriculum. Tommy quietly sobbed through the entire affair.

SS Darastix ~ 1700

When the channel was just Bill Mirah and Zach Harper, Mirah looked serious, "How is it that we left Earth on Monday, the ninth, today is Friday, the thirteenth, and you didn't know where your youngest son was?"

Zach got defensive, "That brat is always going to friends for a week at a time without asking permission."

"And you never called his friends to find out where he is?"

"Never thought I needed to; he eventually shows up."

Bill shook his head, "What about school? Didn't they call to see why he was absent?"

"They did this time," Mr. Harper admitted, "but I figured he was just playing hooky and I would deal with him when he finally came home."

"What if someone took him?" Bill inquired.

Zach Harper chuckled, "They'd pay me to take him back. He's nothing but a brat, especially since his older brother abandoned him."

"From what I gathered; it is YOU who kept them apart. Danny never abandoned him." Then Bill gave the really important questions, "Do you love your sons? Do you want Tommy back?"

"What kind of question is that?" Mr. Harper asked. "You know what? Why don't you keep both of those ungrateful sons of a bitch?"

Bill heard in the background, "Did you just call me a bitch?"

"I'll be sure and let Tommy know he can stay on the Sooloo. It sounds like you have another issue to deal with."

Meanwhile, Back on the Sooloo

After the meeting ended and everyone except Hal had left the conference room, Tommy edged closer to his brother. "Why do I have to go home, Danny?" Tommy asked through his tears.

"Because it's where you belong, Bro," Danny said even though he knew Tommy was aware that was a flat out lie.

"I don't want to go home."

Danny put an arm around his younger brother and pulled him closer. "I thought you said you didn't run away and now you don't want to go back?"

"Dad is always mean to me. He blames me for everything. Mom tries to help me, but it usually doesn't work."

Kyle, who could see that Danny was struggling to help his emotional brother, sauntered over and sat on the other side of Tommy. Tommy pointedly ignored him, an act Danny noticed.

"Okay, Bro, I was going to tell you I'll try to work for you, and we'll see what happens. But if you're not going to accept Kyle, who is my husband and your brother-in-law, then it's all been decided. I can't have you behaving the way you are right now."

Tommy said nothing.

"Maybe we would start with you telling me what your problem is."

Tommy looked directly at Kyle and said, "He stole you away from me and the family and made Dad mad at everybody because he stole you. And it was his fault you got kicked out of his house and that started everything and you got sent to school and then Kyle made you go into space with him and Dad said I could never see you again…," and then Tommy broke down, shaking with sobs. He was so distraught he didn't shake off Kyle when he felt Kyle's arm wrap around him along with Danny's.

Other than Danny, Tommy and Kyle, Hal was the last person left from the meeting. He could see that this was a family affair that would best be worked out without him. "Contact me if you need help," he told Danny and Kyle. He turned and left the conference room.

When Tommy finally gained a semblance of control, Danny resumed the discussion. "Did you know that Kyle and me hardly ever saw each other after Dad sent me to the Space Academy, even after Kyle went there?"

Tommy shook his head. "Unh, uh."

"We just never had the same classes or lived in the same dorm. It was weird because the Academy isn't that big, but other than a glimpse or two we went our own ways. And when we did see each other we pretended we didn't until, well, we met big time after the Explorer Program started."

Kyle took over at that point. "Danny and I suddenly remembered how much we liked each other, no, loved each other and missed each other. As much as we wanted to be together, we learned I was going into space on the Sooloo and Danny wasn't. And then things changed really fast and the next thing we knew Danny was assigned to the Sooloo and here we are."

What Danny and Kyle had given Tommy was the abridged story of what happened while leaving out a ton of pertinent details. They silently understood then that they had given Tommy enough information for now. A couple of days later, Danny and Kyle agreed that they would give Tommy the full story when they both felt he was ready for it.

"So, you mean Kyle didn't really steal you?" Tommy asked.

"He never did. We've been best friends since first grade except for that year or so after Kyle's dad kicked me out of his house. Even then we were friends, but we were so unhappy about things we didn't know what to do."

"We ignored each other so it wouldn’t hurt so much," Kyle added.

Tommy turned to Kyle and wrapped both his arms around his brother-in-law. "I'm sorry, Brother. I'm sorry I was mean to you and believed my dad's lies about you. I want to be the bestest brother to you I can be."

"Apology accepted, Brother Tommy. Let's see what we can do together from here and hope things work out for you." Kyle kissed Tommy on the forehead the way his own dad did to show his love. "I love you, Little Bro, and no matter what anybody says, it's true now, was true before and will always be true."

"I love you, too. Are you going to help Danny see if I can stay here?"

"Absolutely, I will. I want you to stay as bad as Danny does."

What was left now was dealing with family. Tommy and his nephew Koji would need to begin their bonding process, especially if they were going to be sharing a bed.  He would also need a detailed tour of the ship so he could negotiate the corridors on his own. There were a few rules and regulations he needed to understand right away, but it was decided he would learn the more arcane rules and regulations in school.

Senior Officers' Mess ~ 1730

First, it was time for dinner and learning the ins and outs of dining on the Sooloo. Dinner also meant that Tommy would be sitting with Koji.

"Uncle Tommy!" Koji squealed when he saw Danny, Kyle and Tommy enter the Senior Officers' Mess. As the son of a senior officer, Koji could enter the dining room alone providing he was there to eat with his father.

The little boy ran up to his "new" uncle and gave him a big hug. He was surprised how big Tommy was. He was two years younger than Kyle and Danny but just as tall. "I like having an uncle who is going to sleep with Koji. But you can't snore or kick because you're in my bed."

"That sounds okay to me. I don't think I snore, and I saw it's a big bed so I shouldn't kick you. Do you have the same rules?"

"Nope, but Koji doesn't need them because he doesn't kick or snore. You can ask Tei, he will tell you that I am saying the truth. Those rules are just for people who do kick and snore."

"Whatever you say, Koji," Tommy grinned. There was something about the enthusiastic little boy that made him feel good.

"And tomorrow in school I will show you everything we do, like lunch, and looking at the stars, and using the computers, even naked swimming time in the holodeck."

"That sounds like a lot to learn." Naked swimming had caught Tommy's mind, and he wondered what that was about.

"It is a lot to learn and that is why you need Koji helping you."

Danny and Kyle noticed how Tommy seemed to relax as Koji babbled. It was obvious their son had gotten the bonding process with his uncle off to a good start.

Tommy wanted desperately to stay on board the Sooloo. To have any kind of chance at all, he was going to have to do his very best. The time to do that started now.

As dinner was brought to their table, Koji gave Tommy his chance. "I love you Uncle Tommy," the young boy said sincerely.

"And I love you, Nephew Koji. Thank you for letting me share your room and your bed with you."

Koji grinned and gave his uncle a tight hug.

1800

Just as everyone started on their dinners, Hal entered the dining room and approached their table. Tommy's thoughts were interrupted by Hal entering the dining room. The captain walked to their table. "It's good to see that you all seem to have an appetite."

"I don't really have one, sir, but everybody says I should eat," Tommy said.

"Everyone has given you sound advice. I came to remind Danny that he will be Tommy's legal guardian until we reach Darastix."

"Who gets me then?" Tommy asked sullenly. He felt like he was being treated as a robot or the like by the Captain.

"Whoever wants the job gets the job."

"Well, in that case I will be Tommy's guardian after we get there," Danny interjected.

"How long are you willing to have the position?" Hal asked.

"For however long it takes until Tommy has to leave the Sooloo."

Tommy pushed his plate away from him. "I don't want to eat, and I don't want to leave the Sooloo and when I get home I'll run away for real." Once again, the ten-year-old was battling tears.

"So, tell me this, Danny. What if your brother just stays aboard the Sooloo and you have to keep your word about staying on as his guardian?"

"Huh?" "What are you talking about?" "What do you mean if I don't have to leave the Sooloo?" "I love my Uncle Tommy and want him to stay," was shouted out simultaneously by Kyle, Danny, Tommy, and Koji."

"What I mean is Zach Harper gave his permission for Tommy to stay on board."

And then chaos really broke loose with kisses, hugs, pats on the back and even a big hug for Hal from Tommy. "Why didn't you just say so instead of playing with us?" Tommy asked.

"Because I wanted to be sure your brother was truly willing to take responsibility for you. I have no doubt that he is. My only question is whether you, Tommy, are truly willing to report to your big brother like you would to your superior officer?"

"I am, I am, no matter where we go, I'll do what he says, even study for school," Tommy replied as he subtly yanked his big brother's chain. "And all of a sudden I really am happy."

"How did you get Tommy's dad to change his mind?" Kyle asked.

"That is something we can discuss later in the privacy of my ready room. Right now, you guys enjoy dinner, dessert and each other's company. I want to meet with the four of you tomorrow in my ready room at 1530 to discuss Tommy's long range plans and discuss how things changed so quickly."

"You want me, too?" Koji asked.

"You're an important part of the Robinson clan, so of course I want you, too." Hal turned to Tommy. "And welcome to the Sooloo family, Thomas Harper. We're honored to have you aboard and part of the best ship in the Explorer Program." He gave Tommy a smile and a quick salute. He then turned and left the dining room.

"Now what?" Tommy asked.

"Now we eat and then all of us will take you on your tour of the ship followed by a tour of your new quarters," Kyle told him. "We love you, Tommy."

"And I love my new family," Tommy grinned before taking a big bite out of his chicken drumstick.

Tuesday, 10 March 2122

Earth ~ Vegas

Admiral Crusoe's Office ~ 0800

Admiral Robert Crusoe had just arrived in his office and was sipping on his coffee when the chime indicating an incoming transmission alerted him. He reached out while still paying attention to something else but was alerted when the system requested an authorization to accept an off-world comm. Robert turned his head and noticed the origin being the USS Sooloo of the Explorer Fleet. As any parent would, he immediately thought there was some major problem with his son who was a Navigator on the ship. He hastily hit the accept button and was greeted by the face of Aiden Douglass, the Sooloo's Security Chief. "Commander Douglass, to what do I owe the honor of this contact? Is there a problem I should know about?"

"Well Sir, actually, there is." Robert obviously tensed up because Aiden quickly continued, "This has to do with something that happened there, not here, Sir."

"I will admit, Commander, you had me worried for a moment. I assume that since it's you contacting me, it has something to do with Base Security?"

"Yes Sir, I may get in trouble for telling you this in advance, but Will's a friend and I didn't want you to get blindsided."

Robert laughed, "I'm appreciative, Aiden, but you don't have to worry about getting in trouble. You'll learn that it's not the fact that you are aware of everything that goes on in your department, it's how you react to it and what you do to make sure that type of thing never happens again. So, what's going on?"

Aiden explained what he knew about the part replacement and the guard allowing Tommy to stow aboard. He let Robert know about the fact that the guard in question was the father of Alan Hole, the crewmember on the Sooloo who caused some of the problems in their first voyage.

"Don't worry about it, Aiden. Thanks for the heads up, I'll take all of this under advisement. Please tell Will that I look forward to his next weekly communication, so does his brother."

"I will, Sir."

Robert ended the contact then hit the intercom for his assistant. "Please have the Senior Officer of Base Security contact me immediately."

The response was almost an instant, "Yes, Sir."

End Notes:

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