It was closing in on eleven o'clock at night in the United Kingdom, but on the west coast of the United States it was not even three in the afternoon. A group of Vulcans and children beamed directly inside the building, each Vulcan either carrying a sleeping child, or steadying a worn out one in a loose hug. Jason was standing in front of Sarek, who had his arms around the boy, practically holding him up.
"Cousin, we had better get these little ones to bed now. There are five rooms upstairs we can spread them out in." Sarek said quietly to Tulek, who was carrying Victoria in his arms.
Jason mumbled, "No, please... let us stay together..." He nearly fell in exhaustion, so Sarek did the most expedient thing and picked him up.
"What of the ron'tu, Ambassador?" one of the other Vulcans asked, Shelly waiting patiently at his side.
"Take her to the kitchens to be fed. She can stay down here until the children wake up. Please carry the children," Sarek asked of the others, "and follow me."
Nathan and Telez were also standing, but were also picked up by their Vulcan guides and all were carried upstairs. The Vulcan with Shelly led her into the kitchens and made her comfortable.
The first room Sarek came to had a large king-sized bed upon which everyone laid the children.
"Nathan, are you able to get them all prepared for bed, or do you require assistance?" Tulek asked the blond haired boy.
"I'll manage. Tel will help," he replied quietly.
Sarek nodded, "Very well. I shall check on you shortly. Otherwise, sleep well." He led the others back out and the door was closed.
Telez glanced at Nathan, "Do your brother and sister sleep in nightwear, or bare?"
"Bare, unless cold."
"Okay. Tony? You awake?" Telez gently shook his boyfriend.
Antony cracked open an eye, "I am now. Wassup?"
"Naked or sleepwear?"
"Whatever, dude. Tired..." the boy trailed back off as sleep took him.
Jason, still awake but lethargic, had already started removing Riti's one-piece suit. "God, I can't do this... Nath'?"
"Just sleep, Jace, I'll do it," Nathan concentrated and Riti's clothes removed themselves and fluttered to the floor. Jason's clothes also came undone and came off the tired yet amused boy.
"Show-off," he muttered, as he pulled the winged child into a hug.
Riti stretched out fully on his big brother, his face down with his head tucked under Jason's chin. His wings extended in a form of a stretch before folding back up tightly. He did not even wake up. Telez had finished stripping down Antony and had started on Koth. Victoria's clothes did the same as Jason's and removed themselves at Nathan's prompting. He shifted the girl until she was snuggled close to her brother.
"Shi'zar!" Telez cursed quietly. Koth was now naked and Telez had seen something horrendous.
Nathan looked over and gasped, "Jesus Christ! What did they do to him?!"
Through sudden tears, Telez whisper, "Castrated... oh, Great Snows! Those Orion bastards!"
Koth woke up to see both boys standing over him in tears, and Jason was also looking at him in sorrow. He looked down and began to cry in shame, "I was dishonoured already, but they..." He broke completely.
"Why? They never do this! Why did they with you?" Telez asked him gently, even though pure rage burned behind the tears in his eyes.
Koth blubbered, "I fought them... I was fighting back... My brother was stunned and couldn't, so they left him alone, but I killed one before they stunned me too... I ripped off his balls and then gutted him with my mek'leth. When I woke, they had already taken my... cut my..." Koth's blubbering became full out sobs then.
"Shh," Nathan laid down next to the nine year old Klingon and pulled him into a cuddle.
Telez was about to join them when suddenly a small caramel-haired seven year old with bright violet eyes appeared from no-where. "Umm, I think I made a mistake," he muttered.
Telez spun around, "Who are you? Where did you come from?" He dropped into a traditional Andorian fighting stance ready to attack should he need to.
"Sorry. I made a mistake and came to the wrong time. Don't worry, I'll be gone in a second." The unknown boy looked down at the crying Klingon in Nathan's arms. He stared at him for a long moment before moving over and laying his hand just below Koth's belly button. Koth began to glow briefly. When he removed his hand and the glow had faded, Koth looked down to see his testes were once again in his scrotum and his penis was whole... what had been mutilated and lost had been healed and returned.
He impulsively pulled in and embraced the strange boy, weeping in shock and joy, "Thank you! By Kahless, thank you!"
"S'okay. You're all okay, now," the boy said. He stood back with a satisfied smile on his face and looked at the now awestruck Andorian, "Can you tell me when this is, please? I know I'm in the right plane, but..."
"When? As in the date?" Jason queried as Telez was just chewing on air in his amazement.
"Yeah."
Recovering slightly, Telez murmured, "26th of December."
"And the year?"
Telez really blinked then, "2003, earth standard..."
"Oh, not too bad, then. I'll be going now, but don't worry, I'll not tell the Clan about you. We'll 'meet' again when you join us and we join you." He gave them all a sunny smile.
"Can you tell us who you are?" Nathan asked quickly.
"Sure, you are keeping secrets, so you can keep this too, yes?" They nodded. "I'm Levi. You can tell Grandf... I mean, Sarek. Spock too. I must go; Daddy and Poppa are fighting some bad guy, and I need to find some place safe for us all if things go wrong. Seeya in ten months!"
He leaned in to hug the ecstatic Klingon again, and then he vanished.
"Ten months?! Clan? God, I need sleep," Nathan flopped back on the bed. Telez could only nod his head in agreement.
Koth, however, was now wide awake and exploring himself with excitement, "I'm whole! Was he one of your angels? You think? I...I...I don't believe it!"
"Not an angel, but... he felt different. He was good, though," Jason mumbled. "Sleep, little one, we'll sort it all out tomorrow." On automatic, Jason had scanned the boy at his appearance. He could read very little, as if he was either being blocked, or that the boy was someone who could not be read. The only thing he saw made no sense; a green hued Vulcan Crest. He filed it away in his mind so as to ask Sarek later.
Koth nodded happily and laid back on the bed, his face split still with a grin, and his fingers still happily touching those items which he never thought he would have again.
After a few minutes, all the children were arranged into what could only be described as the most comfortable-for-children yet most uncomfortable-for-adults sleeping pile. Nathan lay right up against Jason with Koth stretched out on his chest, just as Riti was on Jason's. Victoria was snuggled into Jason's other side while Antony lay against Nathan's free side, Telez pulled up on top of him.
It was not long before the only sounds that could be heard were soft snores and quiet mumblings of seven warm, cosy and peacefully sleeping children.
Jason awoke with a pressing need for the bathroom. Riti had already shifted about so that he and Victoria were tangled up together, his wings were acting like a blanket for Jason. He gently removed himself from the puppy pile and moved to the en-suite as quickly and quietly as he could, to relieve himself. On his way back to the bed, he heard voices from outside the ajar door, and so he moved over and listened quietly from just within the room.
Spock was addressing his father, "Kirk has received the Admiral's reply and we are preparing for departure. The Excelsior, the Lafayette and the Reliant-A are standing by. The order has been given to track down the two remaining pirate ships and detain them."
"Acceptable, my son. When will you be leaving?"
"In thirteen hours. Captain Evans of the Hood has also requested he go as well, but he needs your approval. I do not think he should be allowed to go, as he is still grieving Captain Fowler's death."
"I understand your reasoning. However, I shall speak briefly with the Captain before I accept or deny the request. It may well be that this is a chance for the human need for justice and retribution to release itself."
"As you wish, father. What of these children and 'Yon'kur Wuh'? Are they the ones you have chosen in order to start your designs for Earth?"
"No," Sarek replied thoughtfully, "they were simply in the right place at the right time. My plans require a group with more authority than I can give these children, or to be precise, more visible authority. However, once 'Yon'kur Wuh' is over, these boys will be a force that shall reshape the British Commonwealth at the barest minimum. I have wide ranging plans, my son, and Jason and the others will fulfil them in part, as well as help to do so in full."
"I see." Spock paused, then, "Jason, it is not polite to eaves drop on another's conversation. You are free to join us, if you wish. We shall not hide what we say."
Face blushing, the naked eleven year old moved from the shadowed doorway and stood by Sarek, "I'm sorry. I heard you talking, and..." He trailed off awkwardly.
"Apology accepted, young one. Why are you awake? You have only slept for four hours," Sarek asked as he knelt down to be at Jason's level.
"Needed the bathroom, Sir," Jason shrugged, "and then I heard ya talking."
"Please, Jason. Call me Sarek."
"I... I don't feel comfortable with that really, Sir," Jason mumbled.
"Would the honorific 'Uncle' be useful for you?"
"Would that not make my father your brother in Vulcan tradition?"
Spock raised an eyebrow, "I am impressed with your astute observation, young Jason. Yes, it would indeed make you my cousin, as would it do so for those still sleeping. Would it make you more comfortable if I was to be your 'Uncle'?"
"Then that makes my dad your brother instead?"
"It would not be the first time I would have a human brother, Jason. Commander Charles Dodds is also an adopted son of Sarek."
Jason thought quickly, then asked shyly, "I'd like 'uncle', but... I read something in school about... ummm... What about you being our Poppa instead?"
Spock's face went pale and he closed his eyes quickly. Jason felt a flash of grief pour from the normally emotionless Vulcan and he quickly added, "Sorry, Sir. Please, don't hurt, I'm sorry." Jason's weaker empathic skills were screaming with echoed grief from Spock, and tears began to fall from his eyes..
"I..." Spock cleared his throat, "I would be honoured to be counted as A'nirih to you and the others, young Jason." He pulled the boy in briefly and hugged him.
Sarek nodded thoughtfully, "This... is unexpected. This cannot be made official, my son. 'Yon'kur Wuh' forbids such in the case of Jason. However, once 'Yon'kur Wuh' is over, we will have to invoke Bosh-Maat."
"More, my father. Bosh-Than-Sakai-Maat."
"Yes, of course, for you are their A'nirih, and Antony and Telez are as brothers to the others." Sarek said in a considering tone, and Spock nodded in agreement to this.
Sarek turned to the now gob-smacked boy, "Jason, you and your siblings, once 'Yon'kur Wuh' is over, shall officially become children in the Family of Sarek. This cannot happen right now as 'Yon'kur Wuh' overrides such. However, in both Spock's heart as well as my own, you are as our family, as is Nathan, Victoria, Riti and Koth. Antony and Telez, and any others to whom you swear brotherhood in the future, shall become a Clan within the House of Surak and linked to the Family of Sarek. In our hearts, they stand as such right now, but it cannot take place yet."
Jason was stunned, "A Vulcan Clan? Really?"
"Yes, once 'Yon'kur Wuh' is over. Until then, your authority as Patriarch is unofficial. We will have to find a way to give you visible authority until the the correct time without breaking 'Yon'kur Wuh'."
"O...okay, Grandfather," came the still stunned response from the child. He hesitantly turned back to Spock and took his hand. Spock knelt down also to look at his new 'son' in the eyes. "Poppa Spock. I felt you hurting a second ago. Why?"
Spock gathered the child into his arms. "Long ago, I had a son, Jason," Spock started thickly, pain once more evident in his face and now his voice, "he died, however, before I even laid my eyes on him."
"Oh," Jason mumbled from the hug, "I'm sorry, Poppa. I understand." He paused, "What was his name?"
"I never saw him, Jason. I never Named him," Spock replied, untold sorrow behind every word. He held Jason close for a moment, then released him.
"How are the others?" Sarek asked, his voice also beginning to fill with a remembered grief.
"Sleeping. Oh, there was something strange just after you left us earlier, but we'll tell you in the morning." Jason yawned.
"Come, grandson. You need rest. We shall speak more when you awake."
"But, we'll be up in the middle of the night, grandfather! Is that fair for you?"
"Vulcan's can go without sleep for a number of days, if required. It is no imposition to me, I can assure you." Sarek lifted Jason into his arms as he stood, then cradled the boy over his hip, "Come, you need rest."
He carried Jason back in and lay him easily between Nathan and the Riti-Victoria tangle. He watched as Jason fell immediately into a deep sleep. "Sleep well, my grand-children," Sarek whispered, as he moved away from the bed.
Outside the now closed door, Spock and Sarek spoke briefly again, "Father, if 'Yon'kur Wuh' is over soon, you will have your designs ready."
"Yes, my son, however, it shall last until at least late October, early November, Earth time. I will watch and wait. If an opportunity arises earlier, I shall take it."
"Logical," Spock replied as they made their way downstairs and out into the early evening air.
Nathan woke up first and looked at the nearest clock. He was confused for a moment until he remembered that he was in California and it was only one o'clock in the morning. He yawned as he chased away the cobwebs of sleep, causing Koth to mumble and nuzzle in further to his chest. Nathan tightened his grip on his newest little brother before looking at Jason sleeping next to him.
What a day Boxing Day had been. Nathan remained quiet as he sorted through all his thoughts and feelings. What a roller-coaster ride the last three days had been! He had been saved and adopted by Jason's parents, he and Jason had become boyfriends, they had met Antony and Telez, then rescued Riti, and finally helped Koth send his now lost family to the afterlife with the Ritual Death Call. He not only had a boyfriend who was also his brother, but two alien younger brothers, a little sister, an Andorian cousin and a good friend who was as good as a brother. He had never felt so happy, and yet so sad. Koth, and all that had occurred on the Enterprise, had put a downer on the entire affair, but he knew they would pull through.
Then, to add the final mystery to the whole thing, a strange purple eyed little kid had appeared, confused the ever living hell out of them all, gave Koth his family jewels back, then vanished, saying he would see them in ten months! 'What the hell was that about!' Nathan thought in confusion. 'Ah, whatever. These guys come first. We'll deal with this Levi when we can.'
Koth was also beginning to wake up. The last memories of his dreams were still in his mind:
Jason and Nathan making the Call with him had touched him in a way he had never before experienced. Not to mention the ethereal Song that slammed into his senses from the delicate seeming winged kid. In those seconds, he seemed to see Kahless before him, and behind Kahless the shadow of a huge Tree. He even thought he had heard the sound of multitudes of voices cheering in welcome and the brightest golden light seemed to emanate from both Kahless and the Tree. He had felt, deep in his heart, that his adopted father, Captain Steven Fowler, and all his uncles from the lost Lexington had been accepted. Those tears of anger and frustration had stopped, to be replaced by tears of joy and bitter-sweet longing. Kahless even told him he was not dishonoured in his eyes, nor in the eyes of Sto-Vo-Kor. Koth had stopped his Call, and just let Jason comfort him. Everything else seemed a haze until they had arrived in this room.
Seeing Nathan and the Andorian boy look at his mutilated genitals had made him so ashamed. He felt less than dirt, yet Nathan nor the Andorian had cared. They just cried with him. Then an angel, he had to have been an angel, came. He had healed him, like in some of those old human stories Daddy Steve had told him; about some Man two thousand years ago who had gone about healing people. He hoped he would meet that angel again, and thank him properly.
Now, as sleep finally left him, the only worry he had was who would look after him now. He seemed to remember that Vulcan man talking about something with Jason and Nathan, but he was not listening. He just hugged Nathan tighter before opening his eyes. He raised his head and looked into the smiling face of the blond older boy. "Good morning," he whispered.
"Well, kinda. It's still night here," Nathan giggled before he kissed Koth's cheek.
Antony and Telez stirred and woke next. They immediately started a morning kiss; a far more serious kiss than Nathan had given Koth. The Klingon watched in wonder. "Wow, you guys are together or something?"
Telez finished his kiss and grinned at the smiling boy, "Yes, Koth. We are Zan'Fi Na to one another."
"Honour to your Bonding," Koth said formally. He looked down at Nathan's face, "You have someone too?"
Nathan giggled and looked at Jason.
"Oh! You two? I thought you were brothers!"
"We are, but by adoption. They saved me day before yesterday from my old dad."
Koth nodded, and grinned, "Hope I can find a family as nice as you guys."
"You already have," Antony said quietly. "Your Daddy Steve said that should anything happen to him, his oldest friend was to be the one to look after you."
"Who's that?!" Koth asked with excitement.
"My daddy," Nathan answered him with joy, "Dafydd Evans."
"Uncle Daf? Daddy Steve showed me pictures of him, and said we would meet him in a day or two..." Koth trailed off and started crying and happy tears flowed down his cheeks. "I... I had hoped... I really..."
Jason's sleepy voice came next, "You no longer need to hope, little brother. We are your family now. Forever and ever."
"Yeah," Riti's equally sleepy voice added. Riti opened his eyes only to find that the person he was all tangled up in a sleep-cuddle with was not his big brother, Jason, but his strange sister, Victoria... and they were both naked... and little-Riti was more awake than he was! "What in the name of the Tree!"
Riti darted away from Victoria before she also woke up and freaked. He was blushing to the roots of his hair, and Nathan's laughter was not helping. "Shut up, Nath'!" he whined loudly.
"Sorry, but that was just too rare!"
"What's everyone yelling 'bout!" Victoria's disgruntled tones did little to stop Riti's growing panic. He had been sleeping, all naked and stuff, with a girl! And not just a girl, but a weird one at that!
"We're not yelling, Vic," Nathan continued to giggle. Riti looked at him in horror. He was not going to say, was he? "I was just laughing at Riti."
Victoria opened her eyes. Riti was sitting on Jason's chest, looking like he was doing an impression of a tomato, and he seemed to be in the same state as the other boys. "What? That he has a stiffy?! So do you, silly!"
Riti went even more red and started mumbling to himself while covering his wide awake member with his hands.
Victoria could sense that Riti was more embarrassed than a simple erection would have caused. Her eyes narrowed and she demanded, "What happened, Nathan!"
"As the yanks would say, I plea the fifth!"
"Jace?"
"I see nothing, I hear nothing, and I say nothing," Jason responded with his eyes still closed. He was lightly holding Riti steady as the little kid shifted about in his embarrassment on his chest.
Riti was beginning to think that the now dangerous looking girl in front of him would not find out when Telez thought he would muddy the waters. Well, seriously stir the crap out of the waters, in fact, "No, nothing at all, dear cousin. Only that you and Riti were all snuggled up all cosy like, and he woke to find his... what do you Earth children call it? Oh, his 'willy' was awake before he was!"
"WHAT!!!"
Riti took off. Literally. The room had high ceilings and was also huge. He took full advantage of that fact and was hovering as high as he could get from the now equally embarrassed seven year old girl. He said in near panic, "Viccy, I... it wasn't on purpose, I promise! I was sleeping on Jason, but I woke with you. I'm really, really sorry!" Tears were even threatening to fall from his eyes.
Victoria reached out with her abilities. He meant it. Her embarrassment did not lessen, but she did smile through it and beckoned Riti down to her, "S'okay, Riti. Come here, I'm not mad at ya."
He looked at her uncertainly before fluttering down and landing next to her. She pulled him into a hug, "You're my brother, yes?"
"Y...yeah..."
"Well, Jace and I have snuggled before. No big deal."
"But..."
"Yeah, I know. Don't worry, s'okay," she pulled back from the hug slightly and looked at Riti's still bright red face. "I'm sorry I was mean yesterday."
"And I...I'm sorry I hurt your feelings. I... didn't know and stuff and..." Riti looked down sadly, "I'm sorry too."
She kissed him on the cheek and hugged him tightly. Seconds later she started to giggle, "You're getting a stiffy again!"
"Aww... will it never go down?"
Antony giggled, "Weeellll... you could make it by..."
"Tony! Stop it!" Nathan said in amusement. "Let them alone, and you, Tel, that was just mean too!"
Telez' antennae seemed to wilt a bit in shame, "Yes. I'm sorry, Riti. That was mean, I'm sorry."
>From the hug with Victoria, Riti giggled slightly, "Okay. It worked out."
"You are all nuts," Koth added in amusement from Nathan's comfortable hug.
"Speaking about nuts," Telez turned his gaze on Koth. "Was that a dream last night or did we have someone called Levi arrive and give you a gift?"
"Yup!" Koth said happily as he pulled up from the hug, "Look!" He sat on Nathan's stomach and cupped his privates to show them off to the others.
Victoria, Riti and Antony, however, were puzzled as to why the little Klingon was so excited about showing them his boy-bits. "What's going on?" Antony asked.
Koth sobered, "Sorry. I ah... Nathan, can you say? I don't wanna..." He fell back and hugged Nathan again, hiding his face.
Nathan explained quickly, with Telez' help, about their terrible discovery before going to sleep, as well as about their strange visitor.
"Oh," Victoria released Riti and together they crawled across and sat on Jason's other side, squashing themselves between their older brothers, and pulled Koth into a three way hug.
Once they had released him, Antony pulled him over and both he and Telez cuddled him between them. Antony said, "Glad you're okay now, Little Man. Now, I'm hungry, what say we go raid a fridge or something?"
Six voices yelling 'Yes' sealed the deal, and they all scrambled off the bed. "Umm... where's our clothes?" Telez asked.
Riti had not noticed that oversight, "So? Just come on, I'm hungry!" He darted to the door and looked out into the dark hallway. A door a few yards down was open and a soft light came from inside. He looked back over his shoulders, "What's the matter? You guys all shy?"
"Well, no, but this ain't our house! We can't go running about in the buff in a foreign embassy!" Nathan protested.
"Oh, in the name of the Tree! Okay, you stay, I'll go find someone," and so saying, Riti ran off towards the other open door before anyone could stop him, his wings fluttering out behind as he went.
He poked his head around the door and looked in. Sarek was reading a notepad by the light of a lamp. "Sir? Mr Sarek? We're awake and kinda hungry."
Sarek looked up at the little Lo'Garn, then gestured for him to enter the room. He was unsurprised at his unclad state, "Where are your brothers, sister, and friends?"
"Hiding in the room, Sir. They are all shy about... ah... oh! About running around in the buff in... something called a hembasy?"
If Sarek was an emotive, he would have burst out laughing. "I see. Come with me, youngling. I had their clothes removed for cleaning. We shall get their garments from the staff, then they can attire themselves, should they wish to."
"Okay," Riti waited by the door and took Sarek's hand as he came out.
They walked down the hall and downstairs. In a little under ten minutes they returned carrying the clothing for the others. As they entered the room, they beheld a council of war. Jason was saying, "Look, guys, I'm starving, and he's seen me naked last night. He'd not gonna care!"
"Jason, I am NOT showing my altogethers to the Ambassador while happily chowing down on a bacon butty!" Nathan said firmly.
"Jason is correct, young Nathan," Sarek stated, startling the six children, "I would not be concerned. It took the Lady Amanda and I seven years to get Spock to wear clothes in public, not to mention around the house. However, here are your cleaned clothes. If it makes you more comfortable, you may dress. If you want to remain as you are, again you may. It is your choice."
Jason giggled at the look on Nathan's face. He whispered in Nathan's ear, "If you are up for chowing down on something, then..."
"Jace!!" Nathan started blushing even more.
Antony, although the shyest of the kids, said, "Look, guys. It's the middle of the night here. I'm hungry, and we'll all need showers after. What say we just go eat and then shower, THEN dress?"
"Sounds like a plan to me," added the un-phased Andorian who was hugging him.
Victoria moved over to Sarek, "It's really okay? This is an hembasy an' all."
"Yes, it is okay, and no, this is my private home here on Earth. It is Vulcan Territory, but the Embassy is in the Starfleet Command Building." Sarek assured her. "If you have all decided, then please follow me to the kitchens and you shall breakfast."
An hour later, and a few dozen tonnes of food destroyed and ingested, the seven kids were back in the room. Riti was looking into the bathroom, "Nice room... but what is a shower?"
Jason explained as he looked at the large shower area. He turned to rest, "Group shower, guys? Will save time."
They agreed. Within moments it became funnier than a television comedy. Riti was having a blast and would flick his wings at them in turn, tickling them with his feathers and shaking water everywhere.
"Jeez, dude, you're acting like the budgie I used to have!" Antony giggled.
Jason roared with laughter, "Stands to reason; he is a bird boy!"
Koth was receiving a lot of attention from everyone as well. The Klingon's forehead was obviously ridged, but so was the centre of his chest from his neck to the bottom of his ribcage, as well as all down the length of his spine. As Nathan was exploring and washing Koth's back, Koth giggled, "That tickles, Nath'!"
Riti was giggling now as well as every so often Victoria would tickle his ribs briefly, causing his wings to flutter uncontrollably.
By the time seven pre-teens finish with a shower, you can be almost one hundred percent guaranteed that more water will be outside the shower area than on the children themselves. Well, not so as to break with tradition, so it was this time. Antony and Telez were the first to grab towels and start drying each other down, closely followed by Jason and Nathan. Koth hung back along with Victoria and Riti. "Umm, Jace?"
"Yeah?"
"I... I'd like to, well... you know... I've not been able to for a while, and..." The small boy made a universal gesture that the older ones immediately understood.
Nathan stared at him, "Wow, dude. You were a fast learner!"
Koth giggled, "I saw my big brother do it once, and it looked fun, so I tried." His face fell then, "Wasn't long after that those... that they came."
Jason nodded seriously, "Sure, dude, we'll leave ya some privacy, cool?"
Riti asked Koth quietly, "What are you going to do?"
Koth blushed then whispered in Riti's ear. The little cherub giggled and blushed as well. "Can I too? Will you show me?" he asked in a whisper, looking both nervous and excited. Koth nodded with a grin.
Victoria stamped her foot. "Jace, are they going to get noisy like you and Nath' do?"
Jason giggled at her exasperation, "Yup, I think so, sis."
She came over to Jason and asked curiously, "What do you guys do to get so noisy about anyhow?"
"Well, look at the time," Antony said quickly, blushing furiously. "Come on, Tel, let's get dressed." He grabbed Telez' hand and dragged him from the room.
"But I'm not dry yet!" Telez protested as he was pulled through the door.
Nathan dropped his towel and said, "Your sister, bro. I'm with them two!" And he too ran out.
Jason called after him, "Hey! She's your sister too, Nath'!!"
"Not when she asks those question. She's all yours then!" came the response.
Jason sighed and looked back at his sister. He was also red faced, and so took the easiest way out he could, "Just... if they don't mind, watch them, sis, then you'll know... in a way... I'm off, seeya, guys!" Jason turned and legged it, closing the door behind him.
Victoria stared at the closed door before turning to look at the nine and eight year old in the shower. They had their backs to her, and Riti's wings were still dripping like crazy. He had his eyes fixed on Koth, who was talking to him a mile a minute. She came over to them and stood by Riti, who had just moved his own hand to copy Koth. "Wow! Uh, Viccy, what'ya doin'?" Riti stammered.
"I wanna know what you guys do to get so noisy 'bout," she pouted at them.
Koth shrugged, and nudged Riti. "I'm okay with it, how about you?"
"Ah, well... oh, okay. Just don't laugh, okay, Viccy?"
"I promise. I won't," she replied with a smile.
"You chickens!" Jason berated the two giggling boys who were lying on the bed. "What was that about, leaving me with that question!" Telez, towel in hand, was standing near to the bathroom door looking at all three blushing boys curiously as he was drying himself down.
"Hey! You ran out faster than Nath', dude. Who you calling chicken?" Antony laughed.
Jason opened his mouth to respond when Victoria's voice echoed in his mind, 'Jace? They look like they are having fun! It's not fair!! Can't I do something fun like it too?'
"Oh, Jesus," the embarrassed boy muttered.
"What now?" Nathan asked.
Jason blushed even more, "She's getting jealous that they are enjoying something that she can't copy. She asked me... well, if... oh, you know!"
Nathan collapsed in gales of laughter.
Telez took pity on Jason, "I could explain it to her, if you would like, cousin. I have no hang ups regarding sexuality."
"No, s'okay. I'll deal, bro," Jason sighed. He sent back to his sister, ' Vic, I'll send you some pictures I saw in one of dad's books, okay? You'll have to explore from there, or ask mammy when you see her, okay?'
'Okay, Jace.'
Jason did as he said and sighed again. God, that was embarrassing.
They suddenly heard some rasping chuckles coming from behind the closed door, along with a form of high pitched cheeping giggles. Koth and Riti were as interested and amused by Victoria as she had been of them. Suddenly, Victoria sent again, 'Wow. Thanks, bro! This is cool!'
"Oh. My. God!... I'm sooo going to die. Mam will kill me," he said as he fell onto the bed to be hugged by the still howling Nathan.
Telez simply added formally, "She asked, you answered. You did not lie." He dropped formality and continued, "Don't worry at it, cuz."
A minute or so later and the sounds changed from the room. The giggles and laughter had been replaced by silence. The four on the bed sat, now fully dressed, and waited. "I give it another minute, any bets?" Nathan giggled quietly.
He was wrong. Thirty seconds later a fairly high pitched growl started, then broke off quickly. Then a more normal human sound of appreciation followed. Finally what can be described as a high pitched cheeping erupted from who could only be Riti. This all took about ten seconds from start to finish.
"Well," Jason said.
Nathan could only nod in agreement.
"Sounds like they enjoyed," Telez said uselessly. They all knew that had been the case.
"And she calls you guys noisy?" Antony questioned Jason. "Just what do you do if you are noisy compared to that!?"
Jason gave him the finger, and Antony laughed.
After another five to ten minutes, the bathroom door opened and three dry and rather relaxed yet slightly red faced kids walked out. Well, Koth was just a darker shade, but you could tell he was blushing. He ran and jumped on Jason's lap, sighing happily. "Everything works," was all he said as he relaxed into the cuddle.
Jason kissed his hair and tightened his grip on the little Klingon. "We know. We heard. I'm happy for you, little man."
Riti and Victoria stood side by side as the others looked at them with amused grins. Koth saw the looks from the older kids and started to giggle, "They couldn't take their eyes of each other! It was so funny, watching them watch each other. I could have wandered off and they'd have not noticed!"
Antony started singing softly, "Riti and Viccy, sitting in a tree..."
Victoria stuck her tongue out at them, "We were not just looking at each other. We were all watching each other. Koth, you..."
He interrupted her in a half serious tone, half teasing one, "I'm a Klingon, and it's dishonourable to lie, so don't even try saying it! You two only glanced at me, and that was only at the start!!"
Riti's eyes tried to be anywhere but on the other's faces. Victoria's mouth opened and closed repeatedly, before she finally giggled. "Well, I... ummm..."
Riti glanced at her and blushed. She caught his gaze and also blushed, then she shrugged, "He's just too cute..."
Riti mumbled something that no-one really heard, but everyone guessed at; he thought Victoria was cute too.
She turned and addressed the others, "We're not together or nuffin'! We're..." she turned to the winged boy, "friends? Just friends?"
He nodded happily, "Yeah, friends."
"Well then, 'just friends', you gonna get dressed? Sarek wants to see us," Jason asked in amusement.
Riti shook his head, but did start handing clothes to Victoria. Once she was dressed she grabbed a hairbrush and started pulling it through her long hair. Once she had finished, she tidied up Riti's far softer and more delicate hair. "Okay, Jace. We're ready," she smiled as she took her 'just friend's' hand.
Sarek was seated in the front reception room waiting for the children when they arrived downstairs. He gestured to the various chairs and sofas surrounding the room, but was unsurprised when they all gathered together in a group by his feet. "Jason," he began, "have you talked to your brothers and sister about what transpired last night?"
"No, grandfather. I haven't had a chance to do so yet," he replied, causing everyone to look at him.
Nathan stammered, "Grandfather? You're calling him grandfather?"
Telez added as he fixed his gaze on Sarek, "Brothers?"
"Then I shall do so," Sarek stated. "Last night, Jason mentioned that he was unable to simply call me Sarek, so the conversation came to the point where he asked if my son would become his A'nirih. In your words, 'Poppa'. It is like a second father. As Vulcans count family more by our actions, words and bonds of fellowship than simply by our blood, every one of you are counted as brothers and sister to all. You are, or would be, a Clan."
The kids looked at each other, as well as at Jason who was smiling and nodding back at them.
"At present, you cannot become so due to the Red One code that is in effect. The possibility remains, however, and will take effect the instant Red One is dropped."
Victoria raised her hand timidly, "But... we already have a daddy, Mr Sarek!"
He nodded at her, "Yes you do. However, in Vulcan tradition you may have many mothers and fathers. A'nirih means caring and nurturing father. It is like a foster father or adopted father. That last is only in part, however. Should the worst happen and your 'Daddy' die, my son would stop being your A'nirih and become Sa'mekh instead. In Vulcan tradition, should the primary care-giver pass away the next in logical succession shall take their place.
"I have spoken to your parents and they all agree to this, as it lends you all a safety net. You will always have a family no matter what may happen in the future."
"But it's not official yet?" Telez asked hesitantly.
"No, for Red One, 'Yon'kur Wuh', overrides anything that happens after it, until it is stopped with only a few exceptions. You will become officially members of my family as well as a Clan in your own right the instant Red One stops.
"Any further questions?" They all shook their heads. "If you do have any more, talk to Jason first. Since he asked Spock to be A'nirih, then upon him lies the role of unofficial Patriarch. Jason, you mentioned last night that an event occurred that you wished to talk about?"
Jason nodded just as Spock entered the room. He sat down near to his father and was immediately approached by Antony, Riti and Koth. "I gather you have been told?" They nodded at him and the younger two were promptly drawn onto his lap.
Antony stood and fidgeted nervously, his eyes fixed on the floor between himself and Spock. He stated softly, "My daddy left me. He hit me. He didn't like me 'cos I was gay." He looked up with pleading eyes at the Vulcan before him, "Do you hate gays too, Sir?"
Spock's eyes lit with suppressed fire, "No. Your orientation is of no business to me as long as you are faithful to the one you are bonded with, and are not being harmed, forced nor coerced."
Antony whimpered and crawled up next to Spock and was drawn into his side. He whispered under his breath, his voice filled with tears, "Thank you, Poppa."
Jason and Nathan smiled at them, as did Victoria and Telez. Jason turned back to Sarek and relayed the events of last night, including what had happened to Koth when he had been made a slave and the healing the strange boy did.
"I couldn't read much from him. I think he was blocking me, but I did catch something. A Vulcan Crest," he finished.
Sarek leaned forward, "Can you describe it?"
"Green, mostly, with the IDIC symbol surrounded by the Federation Wreath. There were Vulcan letters spelling out the earth word 'short' there as well."
Spock also asked, "And the child stated he was from ten months in the future, and that he was part of a clan?"
Jason nodded. Spock turned to Sarek, "If this is a traveller from our own future we must say nothing, or it could effect the course of history."
"Agreed. Children, are you able to keep this secret, even from your parents?" Sarek asked them.
They all nodded.
"Good. You may speak to either my son or myself regarding this visitor whenever you wish, especially if he reappears. It is best to not tell any others, not even any new brothers or sisters you gather to your fledgling group."
Again they nodded agreement.
"Very well. You are free to explore this house and entertain yourselves, or stay and talk with either my son or myself. All others in the house you may talk to, but remember those things you are not to say. They cannot be told. No one can, not unless they mention it to you first. Even then, it is best to say nothing until you know from us that they are authorized for such knowledge."
Everyone stood up and Jason said, "I think we'd like to explore. When will it get light outside, grandfather?"
"At five in the morning it would begin. I would like you to stay on United Kingdom time as you are not going to be here here for long. I would expect you to be returning to Wales tomorrow."
They all nodded as they filed out, excitement building as the desire to explore increased.
"I am troubled by this Crest young Jason saw, my son. I am of two minds regarding such knowledge." Sarek said, as he sat back in the armchair once the children had left.
Spock nodded agreement, "A 'Clan Short', and judging by the IDIC, linked to our House. It means that your design is about to take place, and not involving these children; at least not at first."
Sarek remained silent for a while. After ten minutes thought, he asked, "My son, when does Enterprise come in to start her refit?"
"Late July, Earth time. Once here, I shall keep in close contact with my nephew, Justin. It is likely to be a link either from Charles family, or via myself. When are you returning to Vulcan?"
"In March. There is a gap period. We will need cover."
"Can Jason and the others assist there, and keep watch?"
Sarek nodded his head thoughtfully, "Maybe. We shall see, my son. 'Clan Short'..."
"Would it also mean having two Clans in our family? Can Earth adapt to that form of intervention?"
"That remains uncertain," Sarek said, a hint of worry in his voice, "for it has taken many years to bring Earth to this point. There are options open, however, should two Clans come into existence. Two options."
Spock nodded as he recalled the old traditions, "Yes. There is precedent for both. We shall have to advise both Clans at the correct time as to the correct course of action. They can choose to disregard the two options and remain independent, however, as would be their right."
"All in good time, Spock. All in good time. This visitor may not be from our plane, as he so succinctly put it. He made a mistake with time, so a mistake with dimension may also be viable. We know right now that a Clan Evans will arise anywhere from ten to eleven Earth months in the future. Let us plan for that eventuality and prepare for the possibility of the other."
Shelly had joined up with the group of kids almost as soon as they left the reception room and started their exploration of the large house. She spent her time licking Riti again, much to his amusement. Much to everyone else's amusement as well.
"Hmm, Jace, is that what I think it is?" Nathan asked as they came to the last room on the ground floor.
Jason poked his head into the room briefly before looking back at the others with a wide grin, "Yup, indoor swimming pool!"
"Sweet!" Antony started bouncing.
Riti looked worried, "Swimming? I don't know how. I don't know if I can learn either." He flicked his wings briefly to emphasis his point.
Jason looked him over quickly, "We'll teach you, and we'll be there in case you get into trouble. You should be okay with learning, little dude."
Koth wrapped his arm around Riti's waist as he pulled him into a loose hug, "I'll help you too. We're brothers. Hey! I'm a big brother! Nice! I've always been the younger one!"
The others giggled at Koth's happy discovery before moving into the swimming area. "Shouldn't we ask Grandfather and Poppa about swimming first?" Antony queried. "You know, that we'll be skinny dippin' an' all?"
"That's a good point, Jace. Come on, we'll go ask," Nathan ran back out hand in hand with his boyfriend.
They got to the reception room to see both Vulcans quietly talking. Jason coughed politely to gain their attention. "Grandfather, we found the pool. Can we go swimming, please?"
"Certainly, child. You have free rein in this house."
"But we have no swimwear. Would it be okay to go nude?"
Spock raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Sarek looked at his son, before turning back to say, "Also acceptable. Like I mentioned earlier, you would not be the first children to favour going unclad in my presence." He turned to look back at the emotionless form of Spock with clear meaning.
Spock patently ignored him.
"Busted!" Jason and Nathan giggled, before running over to claim some hugs from them both, after which they ran back out to join up with the others.
Riti had mastered a few basic swimming strokes by the end of the first hour, although they had all had to get creative with adapting the styles to accommodate his wings. He spent most of the time in the shallow end with Koth and Victoria as he was still uncertain without one of the larger children with him.
Jason and his blond haired boyfriend had retired to the side of the pool for some rest and cuddling. Watching the others was relaxing, especially Koth, who seemed to be in his element; teaching some Klingon swimming tricks to his little brother and sister. There was a slight movement near them so they turned to find that Telez and Antony had climbed out of the pool and were looking at them both shyly.
"What's wrong?" Jason asked them.
Telez was nudged by the shy and red faced Antony, so he spoke for them both, "We are wondering if we could retire to the bedroom. We've talked and we want to... well..." He too suddenly grew embarrassed.
Nathan giggled, "Sure, we'll keep these guys busy. You go have fun."
Antony, although still red faced, said, "Fun was yesterday in the bath. This is going to be more..."
Jason started really laughing then. "You'll need something, though, guys; and I'm not sure where to get some here. You'd best see Poppa Spock."
"You're kidding, right?!" Antony gasped, "we can't go asking him for lube!"
"Why not?" Telez queried. "Did he not say that as long as we are not forced, coerced nor hurt, then he is cool with us loving each other? Would this not aid towards not getting hurt?"
"Logical," Jason said in a passing imitation of the Ambassador. He then broke down giggling.
Riti swam over, climbed out and shook himself and started flapping the excess water out of his feathers. Shelly watched him from the doorway, most impressed at his ability to soak the older kids. Riti asked, "What's up? Any problems?"
"No, well not once these two ask Poppa for some lube." Nathan continued to giggle.
"What is lube?"
Antony groaned. Telez explained briefly while trying to keep his blue face from becoming sapphire.
"Oh! You're gonna go mate? Oh, okay. You want me to ask... umm, what's the word?... oh... ask Poppa for you?" Riti offered helpfully.
Antony looked between them all before saying, "Thanks, dude. If you're okay with asking."
Riti ran off quickly. He was unable to find Sarek in the reception room, but he did find Spock in the kitchens. The other Vulcan staff in the house watched the little feathered whirlwind enter, grab Spock's hand, then spill out the request at a mile a minute.
"And why do you require that, youngling?" Spock asked curiously.
Riti giggled, "Not for me, Poppa. For Tel and Tony! They want to mate."
"I see. Tell them I shall meet them in five minutes with the required item."
"'Kay. Thanks, Poppa. You're great!" The boy then gave Spock a very wet hug before turning and speeding off.
He found the others still at the pool side, and he told them happily, "Poppa said to see him in five minutes and he'll have it for you!"
"Ah, okay," blushed Antony. "Where is he?"
"In the kitchens where I found him."
"What?! You asked him in there?"
"Sure! Why? Shouldn't I have?"
"Oh gawd!" Antony hid his face in Telez' shoulder.
They had finished swimming and had moved to the window to watch the dawn. The light seemed to play off the Golden Gate Bridge in the bay far below them, and the lights of the city seemed to mesmerise all the children. Antony and Telez had been gone for more than an hour, and the other two older kids were doing all they could to entertain the younger ones, to keep them from getting curious as to their absence too much. Riti was no trouble, as he knew, and Jason was sure that Victoria had guessed, going by her sly look as the two young lovers had vanished earlier. Koth was blissfully unaware for the moment, however. Jason had no idea how he would really react to the knowledge of the other two making love, so he kept them all busy.
Now, however, a yearning to explore the city below grew in them all, Jason and Nathan included. They were so caught up in the play of the early morning light washing over San Francisco that they failed to notice Spock and Sarek enter the room.
"Children, if you wish, you may come with us to Starfleet Command. We are leaving in two hours, and Spock will be headed from there to the Enterprise," Sarek started.
Jason turned and gazed up at the older Vulcan, "That would be so cool!"
Spock looked at the little winged cherub before him, "Young Riti, will you be wearing clothing outside, or would you still prefer to go unclad?"
Riti turned his head in that exorcist move yet again to focus on Spock, "If it's warm enough, I'd like being like this please, Poppa!"
Sarek thought for a long moment. "Riti. No-one on earth knows of your species. If you do go and someone asks about where you are from, leave the rest of us answer it."
"Sure, okay," he said as he turned to gaze longingly out of the window again.
"I'll go get the other two in an hour or so, Grandfather. They need some time," Nathan almost whispered as he too was gazing out at the Bay below.
"What of yourself and Jason, young Nathan? Do you two also not need some time alone?" Spock asked politely.
Koth turned to face them all. He grinned suddenly, "Ah, that's where they are! Funny. They are not noisy like my parents were... they would brake furniture and everything when they got in the mood!"
Riti giggled and hugged his friend and brother in close. He also drew Victoria into his other side, "Leave them alone, Koth, We'll wait here, Jace, if you wanna mate with Nath' as well."
The older boys blushed and giggled, but they did accept a suddenly produced tube from Spock before legging it out of the room.
Sarek watched them go with hidden amusement. He turned back to the three younger children. "Do you wish to continue swimming?"
"No, grandpa," Victoria said, "can you tell us a story instead?"
"Certainly." Sarek and Spock led the three kids out and to the nearest sitting room, where upon they started telling some old Vulcan tales and history stories. It was interesting to note that while they were nothing akin to human children's tales, all three kids were caught up totally with them.
An hour later, Antony and Telez walked out of the bedroom they had all woken in that 'morning', only to find that Nathan and Jason were leaving the bedroom opposite. They all grinned happy, knowing grins at each other before linking hands and walking four abreast down the hall and downstairs.
As they came near to the room next to the indoor swimming pool, they heard the sound of children crying. Concerned, they ran in to find Riti on Spock's lap and Koth on Sarek's with Victoria sat between them holding the other boys' hands. Both boys were sobbing and breaking their hearts over something, and Jason had a strong feeling as to what that could be.
Sarek looked up to see the four older boys in the doorway and nodded at them. They ran over. "Children," Sarek started softly, "I believe you are required here. We were telling them of Vulcan and our planet's history, and I believe the fact of us telling 'stories' has brought up the grief in these two younglings."
They all nodded and reached over to pick up the two crying little boys. In a group on the floor, Jason and Nathan held Riti tightly between them, while Telez and Antony did the same for Koth. Victoria crept onto Spock's lap and closed her own tearful eyes as she used all her ability to help her brothers. She only wished she had more idea about what to do, but she still did all she could.
Riti clung onto Jason and his sobs began to lessen, "I miss my mother. She w...was always telling me stories. My father as well... it's just not fair..."
Jason started to rock back and for as he murmured, "I know, I know, sweetheart. Shhh, it'll be okay. We're all here, and we won't leave you." Nathan, not really knowing why, started to smooth down the feathers on Riti's wings, in effect, preening him. The boy relaxed more, and eventually stopped crying.
Koth was both angry, sad and proud as he sobbed into Telez' shoulder, "My dad was so strong. He was a great warrior, and he... he was even given the Order of the Bat'leth. I just about remember that day, but mostly when my brother would tell me of it... why? Why did those... those Orions attack us like that? Why? And why did they come back and take my Daddy Steve? I'll kill them... I'll kill them..."
All Telez could think of to do was to start singing the Song of Kahless; something he had learned on Andoria. As both his people and the Klingons were warriors, they did know a lot about each other's culture. As he sang the great war song, Koth began to first hum along with him, then to sing out as well.
Riti, not knowing the words soon caught on with the tune and he too started to sing; it was like a bird singing, no words yet a powerful melody that brought tears to all the kid's eyes. It also started a fire in their hearts, for the words of the Song of Kahless seemed to spring to life, wrapped up in Riti's ethereal music.
As the song ended, Jason felt something stir in him too, so he began to sing a song he had loved for a while, although he quickly adapted it to this situation:
"Cover me, cover up my tears,
Cover up this boy who's covered up in fear.
I need a peace of mind, I need a piece of You
To cover all that's gone and everything that's new.
You unveil me with Your mercy,
I want to breathe you in.
You unfold me, then You hold me:
"Cover up my heart, cover up my soul,
Cover up this world and everything I know.
You cover up the sky, You cover up the sea,
Cover up the mountains and every part of me.
Everything single breath I breathe...cover me.
"I am still alive and covered up in tears,
Covered in their lines as innocence appears.
So give me a peace of mind, give me a piece of You,
To cover all that's gone with everything that's new.
You unveil me with Your mercy,
I want to breathe You in.
And You unfold me, then You hold me:
"Cover up my heart, cover up my soul,
Cover up this world and everything I know.
You cover up the sky, You cover up the sea,
Cover up the mountains and every part of me.
Everything single breath I breathe...cover me.
"You unveil me with Your mercy,
I want to breathe You in.
You unfold me then You hold me,
I want to shed this skin.
You unveil me with Your mercy;
You unfold me, then You hold me:
You un-break me, would You take me home?
"Cover up my heart, cover up my soul,
Cover up this world and everything I know.
You cover up the sky, You cover up the sea,
Cover up the mountains and every part of me.
Everything single breath I breathe...cover me...
"Would You cover me?"
('Cover Me', by Bebo Norman - © MMI Essential Records)
By the time he had finished, both boys were quiet and gazing at him, one from Telez' arms, the other looking up into his face from his own. Koth moved and got up. He came and seemed to clamber onto his big brother's lap and shared it with Riti. "Thank you," he whispered.
Riti made room for him as they both hugged Jason. "I love you, Jace," they both whispered at once. They looked at each other and giggled before turning to the others.
"All of you. I love all of you," Koth said thickly. "Not very Klingon to say, but I don't care. I never told Daddy Steve that... that I l...loved him, and I'm... so ashamed. I won't let that happen again." He hung on tighter to the cherub he was hugging.
"We love you too, Koth," Riti whispered softly to him. "You're one of my big brothers, and I love you."
The older boys grinned and nodded. Everything would be all right, eventually.
An hour later they were all ready and dressed to make their way to Starfleet Command Headquarters. Riti was the quickest to get ready; he only had to preen his feathers! They all gathered by the front door with Spock while they waited for Sarek. "What's gonna happen? What is happening with Starfleet?" Victoria asked excitedly.
Spock answered her, "We are preparing to take action against the Orion criminals who thought they could attack a Starfleet vessel with impunity. They will be taught that such actions come with a heavy price; especially slavery." He looked down at Koth and added, "We have received information retrieved from the Lexington and we know what occurred to you, my child. We will track down those directly responsible and bring them to justice."
The fire in Spock's eyes would have made most children scared, but Koth was not like most children. He was Klingon. "Good! I wish I could go too, Poppa Spock. Can I? I want to 'repay' them myself! And find my big brother!"
Spock shook his head, "Not this time, youngling. We will, however, find your brother. What is his name?"
"Korris. He's... well, he'd be eleven now. I hope he is okay, or has found a glorious death if not." Koth said thickly.
Sarek appeared then and gestured to the door, "We have an Earth vehicle outside waiting for us. The residents in this area are generally relaxed about shuttles landing here, but not at this early hour. Please, lead the way, Spock."
They left and saw large stretch limousine waiting for them. They entered and within moments were comfortably making their way to Starfleet Command.
Riti was kneeling on Nathan's lap and had his long fingered webbed hands pressed up against the glass of the window as he was staring at the people outside and the buildings they were going past. He would make various noises of interest depending on who or what he saw, and he sounded much like an amused budgie. He had been nervous about the vehicle he was in, but Nathan had soon calmed him down by rubbing his back in the gap between where his wings joined, as well as rubbing his chest and tummy. He was now lightly held by the blond haired boy as he entertained himself by seeing as much of San Francisco as possible.
They drove passed the Federation Council complex, which was pointed out by Sarek to all the children. Riti asked, "What's the Federation?"
Sarek answered, "The United Federation of Planets. It is a Federated group of Sovereign Planetary States which have joined together for mutual trade, defence and free distribution of technology and discovery."
"How big is it?"
"There are over 100 sovereign worlds within the Federation, as well as thousands of colonies, outposts and Starbases. The Central Hub of the Federation covers more than two thousand cubic light-years, with over four and a half thousand spread between all four Hubs in total. It is the largest Interplanetary State in the known galaxy. The Federation is counted as one of the three great powers in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants, along with the Klingon Empire and the Romulan Star Empire."
Koth, seated on Jason's lap, reached and pulled Riti over to hug him, "It's huge, little brother. I was rescued on the border of the Klingon Empire by Daddy Steve. It took us six months to get back here, although we weren't going that fast. The Lexington was on a survey mission, so we took our time."
"Sounds nice," Riti purred happily from the joint hug he was getting from Koth, Nathan and Jason. "Who started it?"
"That is a long story, young one," Sarek leaned back in his seat, "but I shall tell you the brief outline. Eighty one years ago, the Andorians and we Vulcans detected a Warp signature on Earth. Warp ability is usually the sign that a species is about to take their place in the interstellar community, however, Earth was still, in part, primitive. They were making huge leaps in technology in some aspects of life, yet were far behind in others. We made contact, and helped them grow. One of the unique situations we found was that the major powers of Earth were setting up a joint government, the League of Nations. It's goal was to prevent another world war, as well as to promote trade.
"Forty nine years ago, the League of Nations proposed, and we concurred, that a new Alliance should be founded. Based upon the unique League of Nations, in the fall of 1955, the Treaty of Sol was signed by the four founding races; the Vulcans, the Andorians, the Telarites, and the Terrans. Within five years we had over fifty other races request joining. Today, we have one hundred registered members, not counting the colony worlds."
Koth asked, "So, do the Terrans lead the Federation?"
"No, young one. The Federation Council leads the Federation, and all have a say in what happens. The majority of Earth is still divided, however, so the Terran influence within the Federation is lessened to just those enlightened Terrans from Starfleet and the external human colony worlds, as well as to the League of Nations Council itself. Only when Earth has a true United Government shall their voice reach to same level as our own. It is to that end that the Federation Capital has been placed on Earth. It will help encourage the peoples of Earth to unite willingly. We do not wish them to remain primitive any longer than is necessary.
"The secondary reason for Earth holding the Captial of the Federationis that Earth is in the central position within Federation space, within the Core Hub, and has been designated Sector 001 by Starfleet. It is the most highly defended place within the known galaxy due to it's location between the Confederacy of Vulcan, Andorian Empire and Telarite Space. Terran Space lies within these three, and is therefore the most logical choice for the seat of the President of the Federation."
Jason loved to hear about things like this; interstellar history was his second favourite topic in school, with Vulcan Culture being his first. He tickled the cuddly Klingon in his lap briefly before pulling him in closer for a hug. After giving Koth's cheek a kiss he asked, "Can you tell us more before we go to bed tonight, Grandfather?"
"Certainly, Jason. I would find that acceptable."
"We are here. Please prepare to disembark, children," Spock stated from the front end of the limo.
"Can I fly? Please? Oh please, say I can!" Riti begged of Sarek piteously. They had left the limo and were standing within the Starfleet grounds. The outside world of San Francisco was effectively cut off from this environment, and many more aliens were evident than outside the grounds.
"Yes, youngling, but please stay in our sight range," Sarek responded.
"Yippee," Riti almost crowed with delight and took off like an arrow from a bow. They all watched in wonder as the tiny child flew well above the height of the tallest surrounding buildings before he dove down at high speed, only to pull up again at the last second. Many other Starfleet officers and workers stopped what they were doing to watch, many of whom were trying to work out what race this naked child belonged to.
"Come," Spock said, as he started walking, "We shall make our way to the meeting and call Riti once we are there."
It took ten minutes to get to the main complex, and Riti remained airborne the entire time. Sometimes he would fly away and swoop about, at others he would flutter along just next to and above his brothers. He even lifted Victoria up and flew along for a few minutes with her held in a tight hug. She was the lightest of them all, so he managed it easily. Koth was next lightestand was giggling like crazy once Riti had placed him back on his feet.
As they neared the building they were heading for, Jason asked Spock, "Poppa? When's Starfleet going to hold a Memorial for Uncle Steve and the Lexington?"
"On the 31st of December, Jason," Spock answered. "It will be held here, in San Francisco."
Jason nodded as he pulled Koth over and gently hugged him as they walked.
Sarek called for the airborne kid once they got to the main doors, "Riti! Come to us, now. We need to go inside."
"'Kay, Grandfather!" he crowed as he landed next to Sarek. He was grinning widely and looked happier than he had since they had rescued him. He quickly reached out and took his grandfather's hand happily and walked inside with the group.
In the foyer they were met by Dafydd and Angela Evans, Graham Fisher and Mary Parnell. Yells of "Mam!", "Dad!", "Naj"; Mez"" and "Mammy; Daddy!" were shockingly loud in the room, and six of the children flung themselves into their parents' arms. Only Koth hung back, holding tightly to Spock's hand. He was uncertain about these adults, even though he recognised two of them from Daddy Steve's pictures.
After the greetings, kisses and hugs were finished, Jason turned and called Koth over. He came up shyly and was held between Nathan and Jason. "This is Koth, Dad," Jason started, "and he is the son of Uncle Steve."
Dafydd went down onto his knees and took Koth's hands into his own. He started sadly, "Koth, I'm really sorry about what happened yesterday. I loved your father a lot; he was my oldest friend."
Koth smiled sadly in return, "S'okay, Sir. He died a good death, a heroes death. He is in Sto-Vo-Kor now, and he is honoured. I do miss him, but I'm happy too, now."
Dafydd nodded with understanding. "Koth, your father left me a message that should anything ever happen to him, that I would be the one to look after you. I cannot just assume that, though. What do you want? I will love to be the one to look after you, as would my wife, but only if you want us to."
Koth grinned at both Dafydd and Angela, who had also knelt down to look at him. "I want you two to be my new daddy and mama. Jace, Nath' and Riti are great brothers, and Viccy is a cool sister. I'd really really like to be with you always!"
He was drawn into a joint hug before he even finished his sentence, "So be it, little one," Angela muttered softly, "You are our son, now."
He mumbled quietly, "And Korris? If Poppa Spock finds my big brother, can he stay with us too?"
"We would never split you from your brother, Koth. Yes, he will come to us as well," Dafydd said, close to tears.
The others watched happily as Koth was officially made an Evans. Everything was getting better, now. And payback was about to be unleashed, Starfleet style, upon the Orion Slavers...
Okay, I take no credit for anything in this chapter. It's all down to Cory, Sean, Joel, Kyle, Tyler and Levi. I am utterly amazed at their imaginations, and utterly terrified of where this is headed.
I'm starting on Chapter 5 asap, as I really want to see where those six munchkins are taking me next...
Who says the Compound Angels shouldn't be authors, huh?
Hugs and God Bless,
Illúvantír
Thanks, Unca Ilú! We're all glad you are willing to bow to our superior knowledge and imagination. - Joel
I second that motion. Now, Babe? Is there room in this place for a second bedroom? We now have another mind to manipulate! - Cory
I think I found an unused section of Uncle Ilú's head, love. Kyle? Tyler? Can you... oh, good, you already have! - Sean
Rooms prepared, guys. All made up just like back in Uncle AC's head. - Kyle
Nibbles ready, bros... - Tyler
Poppa? Can I have some of that Dandelion and Burdock fizzy drink again? It's yummy! - Levi
HUGZ FROM THE ANGELS!
Oops, I missed Uncle Ilú. He left to get some sleep I guess. This is a great chapter. There was a lot of interesting detail given and we have some nice new people to love. This is a good thing. Riti seems to be getting on rather well with his new family.
I'm ready for the next chapter.
Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher
What a wonderful chapter -- with a whole new Clan (well, after Red One ends), and hints of things to come all across the CSU!
Illúvantír, you are marvellously inventive and I look forward to seeing what happens next.
D&B