FCS: Las Vegas

11:30 pm November 11, 2004 – Residence of Dominic Torricelli

Dominic was fast asleep until something caused him to wake. For some reason, he felt cold all of a sudden. The next sensation he felt was the mattress compressing as if someone were getting into the bed with him.

His eyes now focused he noticed that it was Ronnie joining him in bed. What surprised him most wasn't the fact that Ronnie was joining him, but the fact that Ronnie was naked, and that certain part of him was rather excited.

Dominic's natural reaction came out without him even realizing it. He said, more sharply than he intended, "What the hell do you think you're doing, Ronnie?"

Ronnie's face was a clear indication that he hadn't expected that kind of reaction. Dominic, seeing what appeared to be tears gathering in Ronnie's eyes, sat up… making sure he was still covered below the waist.

In a much more caring voice, Dominic turned to look at Ronnie and said, "Ronnie, I'm sorry for snapping the way I did, it's just that you surprised me. Our relationship isn't based on anything physical; I love you for who you are! You are way younger than me, and I wouldn't feel right if I were to use the love you have for me by allowing you to do something that, quite honestly, you may come to regret later in life."

"But, Dominic, I love you and I want to show it the way other guys show how much they love someone."

"Look, I am humbled that you feel that way toward me… I love you too, but I can see so many reasons that this could go wrong. Why don't we do this, let's allow our relationship to grow naturally? In a few years, when you're physically and emotionally a bit more mature, we can look at things again."

Ronnie had tears running down his face, but he nodded. Dominic held open his arms and Ronnie jumped into them as they shared a hug. As Dominic rubbed the boy's back he whispered, "I just feel I'd be taking advantage of you. I never want to betray your trust, ever."

7:00 am PST – November 12, 2004 – Desert Division Cafeteria

When Lance and Brent, along with their four sons, arrived at the Cafeteria, Rudy, Troy, Giles, and Justin were already there. Eric arrived a few moments afterward. They all got their breakfast and had a great chat. When they'd finished eating, Eric asked Forth, one of the Cyclones, to take the boys to play outside for a little bit so they could have their meeting.

After making sure all of the boys had their communicators, Brent and Lance hugged their sons, and thanked Forth for taking care of the boys and watched for a moment as they left the cafeteria.

Brent opened the meeting by asking Rudy if he'd had any more visions about the quintuplets.

"Actually, yeah, I did. It looks like their parents are having money problems and they plan on selling the boys."

Rudy was interrupted momentarily by the gasps from a couple of those seated. He continued, however, "I also know where they're going to meet the guys who are supposed to buy them. They're supposed to meet them at 8:00 pm, but that's in Arizona, and I know they're ahead of us by one hour at this time of year, so they'll actually be meeting them at 7:00 pm our time."

Justin then asked, "Did you see the people who were going to be buying the boys?"

"No, but I did see that the dad planned on bringing his gun." Rudy replied.

"Brent," Justin commented, "if they're going to be armed, we need to make sure we have enough backup present. I suggest bringing two strike teams in addition to whoever you're planning on being there."

"That sounds like a good idea," Brent started but was cut off by Rudy.

"NO! When I saw the actual exchange, I only saw Brent, Justin, Giles, and a boy I met yesterday. He was one of a set of triplets, I think his name was Jude. Wait… there were three others standing behind Brent, two boys and a big guy in a hooded robe."

Brent thought about this for a moment, "Justin, it looks like you're supposed to be there, and the three others must have been my security guys. What about having those strike teams outside establishing a perimeter? That way if the guys get away, we can still get them?"

Justin thought about it for a moment before replying, "That should work. Between me and your security guys I can be assured that you, Giles and Jude can be kept safe."

Giles, who had been quiet up until that time asked, "But why do I need to be there?"

Rudy was staring off into space but moments later snapped back to the 'real' world and said, "I don't know why really. A lot of what happened in my vision I can't explain, but I know I saw you there and I'm afraid if you don't go, things won't happen the way they are supposed to."

"Giles," Brent expressed with compassion, "you don't have to go if you don't want to."

"No, if Rudy says I need to be there, then I'm willing to go."

Justin then added, "If he's going to go, we need to spend some time with him giving him a little bit of training so he knows what to do."

"That's a good idea. Giles, after we finish here, assuming Justin is okay with it, I want you to go with my security guys. They will help you learn what you will need to do."

Justin nodded indicating that he was happy with that arrangement. He then said, "I assume Lance will be in the CIC along with Chase, Emily, and Roberto. Plus whatever staff is normally manning the CIC."

"That seems like it would work. Rudy, as far as your ability is concerned, it seems like you're getting more control over it." Brent stated.

"Yeah, not all the time, but most of the time I can activate it on my own now."

"A little later today, or tomorrow, I want to get you in touch with someone from Clan Intelligence. They can help you learn better control over your talent."

Rudy was smiling as he replied, "Ok."

They had agreed to meet for dinner at 5:00 pm so they could finalize their plans. They would have Icky teleport them and any equipment they might need at 6:15 pm so they could be set up and undetectable from outside the diner before 7:45 local time. Brent, Giles, Jude, and Justin, along with Lincoln and Ryan will be wearing plain clothing, sitting at one of the tables or booths in the restaurant. Lincoln or Ryan will have a gym bag that will hold their weapons. Jolin will wait outside and when the parents and five boys arrive, he will wait until they make contact with the buyers. Then he will enter and the show will be on the road. The meeting broke up at that point.

Chase, Lincoln, and Jolin took Giles to one of their training fields. First, they showed him how to use a phaser. Once he had mastered the safety requirements, Giles was shown how to aim and fire the weapon effectively. He was a quick study and within a relatively short time, he was better than just proficient.

Next, they taught him some basic moves should he need to defend himself in a hand-to-hand encounter. At least he'd be able to hold-his-own until backup arrived. They said they didn't expect him to need to use those skills, but it was better he knows them than need them and not know them.

They spent the remainder of the morning training, something that Giles really enjoyed. They decided that Giles was proficient enough at what he needed to know and went to lunch together in the cafeteria.

After lunch, Giles went back to his room to rest until dinner.

09:30 am November 12, 2004 – Desert Division Cafeteria

As Lance, Eric and Brent were about to leave the cafeteria, they saw Hania Begay along with another, younger Native American boy who Brent recognized as Mason Tecumseh. They approached the pair and Brent said, "Hey Hania, Mason, how's it going?"

Mason looked up at Brent and with a huge smile on his face, yet tears in his eyes he said emotionally, "I never thought I'd see Uncle Hania again! I never would have guessed that he'd be here!"

Brent looked at Hania with a question. Hania smiled and replied, "I used to look after a lot of the younger ones back on the reservation, they all called me Uncle Hania."

"Well, I'm glad you two found each other, if you guys need anything, ask Brent, Lance or me," Eric replied.

Brent then, in his official voice said, "Lt. Commander. I need you to liaise with FYS, specifically a Lt. Kyle Esparar. He will fill you in on all of the details. Just make sure he gets whatever he needs."

Hania then formally replied, "Yes, Sir. Director Knocks-Downing. I will do as asked immediately."

Brent, now that the formalities have been handled, with a big smile he said, "Cool, thanks, Hania. I knew I chose the right man for the job!"

Hania laughed as Mason looked up at him and asked, "Are you a real Lt. Commander?"

Hania looked proudly at his nephew and said, "You bet I am, big guy." He then picked his nephew up, and placed him on his hip as he turned and walked back to the CIC to make his call.

Lance, Eric, and Brent then left the cafeteria, heading for the Medical Center. Once there, they found Dr. Linda in her office. Knocking on the door and after being motioned in, they took seats and waited. A few moments later, Dr. Linda put the PADD down and smiled at the three boys across the desk from her.

"Good Morning, guys. I assume you're here for the rest of your new brothers?"

"Assuming they're all ready to leave here, yes."

"They're all ready, in my opinion. I assume you guys will be doing individual visits with the eight of them?"

"That was my intent, can you give us an overview of their conditions?" Brent asked.

"Sure, as I did yesterday, I'll start with the oldest and go to the youngest." Linda grabbed a PADD and after referencing it, she continued, "First, we have fourteen-year-old Vinnie Croft. He's been pretty malnourished over the past few years and as a result has not grown as much as he should have. According to him he only just started puberty a few months ago. Looking at him you'd think he was about 11. Next is thirteen-year-old Presley Marcus. His condition was markedly better than Vinnie's but still looks a little younger than he is. He looks about 12. He's not nearly as undernourished as the others, and he explained that he usually was able to get his 'customers' to order food for him after he gave them, as he called it 'extra special treatment.'"

The boys involuntarily shivered hearing this, but Linda continued, "Next is twelve-year-old Chuck Eliot Warner. Developmentally, he's about where he should be for his age, he's a little on the husky side, but I wouldn't exactly call him overweight. Moving on, next is an eleven-year-old who could easily pass as nine. Micha Crisp is a very sensitive young boy, he would routinely give what little food he had to someone else just because they needed it more than he felt he did. Remarkably, he's the only one of the boys other than Ace who is an anal virgin. He was unable to explain why his 'customers' never wanted him in that way, especially when they saw him and told him they were going to 'fuck him silly.' He said that after they touched him the first time, they usually changed their minds."

Brent looked at Lance and said, "I think we need to get him evaluated by one of the Intel guys. There's something there that we just can't see."

Lance and Eric agreed. Linda then continued, "I agree, whenever I saw him and touched him, I got a feeling that all I wanted to do was to make him happy and protect him. But that's up to you guys to figure out, there's nothing medically that could cause that. Next is eleven-year-old Tristin Wilson. This redhead is a real firecracker. Always making jokes, always seems happy. Kind of reminds me a little of an older Timmy Short. That brings us to nine-year-old Rich Sheridan. Slightly undernourished, but in surprisingly good health. He had only been with the others for a week or so which could account for that. Next is also a nine-year-old, but unlike the others, he appears older. I have verified that he has entered puberty so I will diagnose that as precocious puberty. His name is Bucky Shelby and I would say he looks about ten, but that will change as his puberty advances. Finally, that brings us to Ty Wheelock, a malnourished eight-year-old who appears to be seven. He needs to be sure to have several McCoy shakes daily. That's it… if you'd like, you can go visit them now. When you're done, they're free to go."

"Thanks, Doc, I wanted to let you know that we're going out on another rescue tonight. A set of identical quintuplets. The boys are about five-years-old. Intelligence tells us that they've not yet been mistreated, if you know what I mean, but, when we get them safe, we'll bring them here for evaluation. That will be probably about 8:00 or 9:00 pm tonight."
"Thanks for the heads-up, we'll be ready when needed."

Brent, Lance, and Eric stood and waved at the doctor before heading out to visit their new brothers.

After seeing a couple of the boys and informing them that they'd be leaving by lunchtime, Eric, Lance, and Brent moved on to the next boy they were going to see. They entered the room of Chuck Warner only to find the biobed empty. A moment later, they heard the sound of a toilet flushing and Chuck walked out of the restroom, naked as the day he was born. Without any embarrassment, he walked back to his bed and hopped up onto it.

Brent walked over to the boy and said, "Hi, I'm Brent, the Division Director. I want you to meet Lance, the Assistant Director, and Eric, who is our Officer-in-Charge of Intake and Orientation."

The moment Chuck's and Eric's eyes met everyone in the room was non-existent, at least to the two of them. Eric walked over and shook hands with Chuck and there was an immediate spark felt by both. Lance and Brent saw this interaction and smiled at each other, knowingly.

As Brent was about to start explaining what was going to happen, Eric started speaking.

"You're going to be leaving the Medical Center today about lunchtime. Then after lunch, I'll show you around the compound and take you over to the Division Store to get you some clothes for now. Then we'll figure out where you're gonna stay."

Chuck smiled and asked, "Can't I stay with you?"

Brent and Lance had to really work at not laughing while this was going on. Eric was blushing as he replied, "Maybe..."

At that point, both stopped talking and just stared at each other. After a couple of minutes, Brent broke the mood by saying, "Well guys, we really need to get to the rest of the guys who are going to leave the Medical Center at lunchtime. Chuck, sometime before lunch, some clothes will show up for you to wear out of the Medical Center. It was nice to meet you." Brent was certain he didn't hear a word of it.

"Eric, I guess I will see you later then..."

Eric smiled and nodded, "Uh huh." Then followed Brent and Lance out of the room.

Lance smiled at Eric and sniggered, "Does Eric have the hots for the new guy?"

Eric blushed again and said, "Well, he is cute, isn't he?"

As they turned the corner heading to Micah's room, Brent saw someone standing by the door. As he got closer he realized who it was. "Kyle?"

"It's about time you got here. I've been waiting for you for..." he looked at the imaginary watch on his wrist, "almost 30 whole nanoseconds!"

"How did you know I was going to call you?"

Kyle took another bite of his cookie before replying, "Remember, I have a room in your head? I know what you're thinking almost before you do."

"Ok, I guess... we were going to visit..." Brent started before Kyle took over.

"Micah Crisp. Eleven-years-old, and you think he might be a Telepath, but you're wrong. I will check him out and let you know about ten seconds ago."

Brent shook his head and said, "A Touch-Empath?"

Kyle looked over at Lance and said, "Sometimes Directors can be so dense."

Kyle then smiled and said, "Ok, enuf playin' Let's go see if we can get this kid sorted."

Kyle then entered the room, followed by the other three. He walked up to the biobed and said, "Hi, I'm Kyle. Is it okay if I sit with you?"

Micah sat there not knowing what to say or do. He looked over at the other three and saw them nodding so he replied quietly, "O...ok, I guess."

"If you touch my hand, you'll know I won't hurt you," Kyle said sincerely and reached his hand out for Micah to touch.

Moments later, Micah smiled as Kyle stood tapping his foot at Brent. "A little help?"

Brent knew that Kyle would have no trouble getting onto the bed, but figured he didn't want to scare Micah so he lifted Kyle up onto the bed.

"Micah, when you touch people can you kinda feel what they're feeling?"

Micah looked at Kyle with a shocked expression before stuttering out, "Y..y..yes, sometimes."

"Well, you're really special, later, I will show you some things that will make things easier." Kyle then put his hands behind his back for a moment.

When he brought them back in front, Micha saw the obviously old, worn bear in Kyle's hand and yelled, "Mr. Snuggles! How did you find him?"

Kyle just smiled as he handed the boy his stuffed animal and replied, "Sometimes I find stuff for people, stuffed aminals are my specialty... after cookies." He then reached behind himself again and brought forward a plate of hot chocolate-chip cookies, which he offered to Micah.

"I like you, you're fun, and you found Mr. Snuggles and gave me cookies!"

"Ok, Micah, I will see you around lunchtime. Ok?"

"Ok, see ya!" Micah then grabbed another cookie and stuffed it into his mouth, waving at the four as they left his room.

Once outside, Kyle said, "He's definitely a touch Empath. He can alter people's feelings toward him, but he doesn't do that consciously. We should have Ty work with him. Now, let's talk about the other two."

Brent looked at Kyle with a question, "What other two?"

"Well, it seems you have a precog who is just coming into his abilities, and there's also a boy who has the power to heal?"

Lance replied, "Rudy and Angus."

"Well, I'll meet them at lunchtime, until then, I need to go," Kyle replied and then vanished.

Brent shook his head and said, "Mikyvis. I'll never understand them." Then he thought he heard giggling, but when he turned, he didn't see anyone.

They finished visiting all of the other boys right before lunchtime. As happened the previous day, each boy found a bundle of clothes that seemed to just appear at the end of their beds. Once Brent and his crew had gathered the boys who were leaving the Medical Center, they left, after thanking Dr. Linda again.

Chuck immediately moved over next to Eric who smiled bashfully at the boy. Eric then led the group over to the cafeteria, answering questions about what the new boys were seeing. Lance and Brent collected their sons and made their way to lunch also.

Near the end of their lunch, Kyle appeared along with two others. Since Angus and Ace didn't know who they were, Kyle introduced himself, then Tyler, who he introduced as his husband. When he got to the other red-headed boy, Brent said, "I've seen you around but every time I went to talk to you I couldn't find you!"

Kyle looked down at the boy with a mock cross look on his face before saying, "You were supposed to stay hidden; Brent, This is my nephew, Luke."

Luke smiled and said, "I'm Luke Lambert, the Mikyvis that has been assigned to help you guys!"

Brent opened his mouth to talk, but no words came out.

Lance then asked, "We get our own Mikyvis?"

"Uh huh!" Luke sniggered.

Brent sighed, "Just when I was getting used to things around here!"

Kyle then approached Angus and asked if the two of them could have a chat. After looking up at his daddy and seeing him nod, Angus said, "Ok."

"Great, your head or mine? Oh wait, we better use mine, at least for now, I need to do some rearranging of yours first."

Angus then looked strangely at the boy before the next thing he knew he was in a room with purple walls, floor, and a lighter purple couch. On the table in front of the couch were three plates of cookies. Kyle sat on the couch and invited Angus to sit with him. After offering Angus some cookies, Kyle got down to business.

"Angus, it seems you have some really special abilities. Is it okay with you if I check some things? You won't feel a thing."

"I... I guess." The boy replied, uncertainly. A moment later, Kyle said, "Yeah, you have a real gift. You have to be really careful though cuz you can hurt yourself really bad, maybe even... you know, but don't worry, we'll get you all fixed up and teach you what you need to know."

Angus didn't know what to say so he just grabbed another cookie and chowed down on it as he nodded his head.

Kyle talked to Angus for a while about his abilities then said he needed to meet with Rudy. The next thing Angus knew he was standing exactly where he had been. Kyle was nowhere to be seen though.

Luke came over to him and said, "Pretty cool, huh?"

"I guess. Where'd he go?"

"He went to find Rudy. Uncle Ty is over talking to Micah."

Brent, in the meantime, was chatting with Justin. Justin told him that they had everything ready for their mission that evening.

After speaking with Justin, Brent decided he was going to spend some time with his kids.

04:00 pm -- Number 10 Knocks-Downing Street

When they got home, Angus decided he was going to take a nap. Greg decided to join him. Doug and Ace went into the backyard to play. This gave Lance and Brent a chance to have some private time together.

When it came time to wake the boys up to go to dinner, Brent walked up to the bedroom Greg and Angus were sleeping in.

The sight he saw tugged at his heart. Angus had his little brother wrapped in his arms, his hands up along his brother's head. Both were sleeping soundly. Brent went to Greg and shook him awake. When Greg opened his eyes, he exclaimed, "Huh?" A moment later he said, "Daddy! I can see!"

This woke Angus up not to mention being heard downstairs by the other three who came running. Greg was understandably very excited. He was busy looking around at all the things he'd seen via other's eyes, but never from his own perspective.

Brent, concern evident in his voice, called out, "Icky, I need a medical tricorder, now!" Seconds later, one appeared in his hands. He scanned Greg and was puzzled that he couldn't find a reason for him to have regained his sight. He tapped his communicator, "Brent to Dr. Linda."

"What's up, Brent?"

"Well, I think this qualifies as odd, even within the clan. Greg woke up from a nap and he was able to see."

"I thought he was blind since birth," Linda stated.

"Actually, he was blinded at about 3 months of age. According to Doc Austin, the degenerative disease left insufficient amounts of his optic nerve to be able to be regenerated."

Linda then asked, "Was he in direct contact with Angus?"

The light went off in Brent's mind, he now knew what happened. "Let me get back to you, Linda, I think I know who I need to talk to."

"Ok, let me know what you find out. Either way, I want to examine Greg as soon as it's convenient."

"Will do, Brent out."

He then tapped his communicator again, "Brent to Kyle Richardson."

Brent then felt someone tapping him on his hip. When he looked down he saw Kyle standing there. Before he could ask, Kyle said, "When I was with Angus earlier, I reorganized some of the stuff in his brain. I put limits on what he could and couldn't do until he was fully trained, but what I did may have enhanced or focused his abilities. During the two hours that he was in direct contact with Greg, his ability probably fixed the nerves in Greg's eyes."

Brent was shocked but he finally asked, "Is it permanent?"

Kyle touched Greg's forehead for a few seconds then smiled as he said, "He still has the degenerative disease, but, if he stays in contact with Angus a couple hours a day, like when they're sleeping, it could be. You should have Doc Linda look at him though."

Brent was so happy, he picked Kyle up and gave him a huge hug. "I will never call you leech again!"

Over every commbadge and speaker in the area, a dozen other Division Directors and Assistant Directors shouted, "That's alright; we'll make up for him!"
Prez and Keith laughed, "Creator of twenty-foot Mikyvis Waves!"

Thanks for the cuddles, I'll ignore the 'leech' comment, this time." Kyle smiled and vanished. Greg was in Lance's arms and wiggled wanting to be let down. He tried walking on his own, but wasn't used to the perspective difference and stumbled a few times. He gave his parents a lopsided grin and said, "Um, until I get used to seeing, I think I might need to hold someone's hand when I'm walking."

Greg took Lance's hand and the family walked downstairs. They needed to get to the cafeteria for their 5:00 pm meeting.

Dinner was quiet since they were there about an hour prior to the main group of kids who would be eating. The team that was going on the rescue were all present and in good spirits. Giles asked, "I still don't understand why I'm going. I'm so little, I mean, I may be 13, but Doug looks about my age and he's only 7!"

Brent, got up and wrapped an arm around the small teenager and said, "We're going to rescue a group of five-year-olds. Do you think they'll feel safer with you than with any of the rest of us? Plus you've been trained and from what I'm told, you can handle yourself."

The smile on Giles' face let everyone know that Brent had said the right thing. At 5:45 pm, Brent and the rest of the team that was traveling got up to leave, Lance stood and gave his partner a kiss and a hug then informed Brent, "I'll take Greg over to let Doc Linda do a scan of him. I can still be in the CIC with time to spare. I will ask Hania if he can watch the boys during the mission."

"Thanks, babe. I love you, and... I promise to be careful." He then followed the rest of the crew, his three security men close behind him.

06:25 pm PST November 12, 2004 - Desert Division Marshalling Yard

The team of 26 assembled along with their equipment in the yard. Anticipation and a little anxiety were the emotions that everyone felt, not just the empaths. At exactly 06:30 pm, Justin checked with Brent and found that everyone was ready so he called Icarus to begin the transport as they had planned. Within moments equipment and personnel started vanishing and reappearing several hundred miles to the south. They had chosen a rather secluded area for their arrival, it would take them about five minutes to walk to their destination.

Once everyone had been teleported, the strike teams, Echo and Lincoln, moved out with stealth, followed by the main group, dressed in plain clothes, all except for Jolin who was wearing his hooded cloak. The good people of Phoenix weren't quite ready for a nearly seven-foot tall human/tiger hybrid roaming their streets... at least not yet.

When they arrived at the diner, the core group entered and were shown to a larger table in the center of the restaurant, Justin commented that they got lucky in that they would have a good spot no matter where the trash was put. They each ordered something that would be appropriate for a group of young teens and tweens to be ordering and then they waited.

Jude was more excited than he'd ever been. This was his first mission and was glad they felt he was ready for this. He had been instructed by Justin, who is also a telepath, to scan everyone and to report via head-speak immediately to both Brent and Justin whatever he found out.

At about 07:45 Arizona time, Mikel Sukarov aka Jacob Polk, the father of the quintuplets, along with his wife, Marissa aka Svetlana Sukarov and the five boys, Adrien, Andrei, Darien, Raiden, and Raandi entered the restaurant. They were shown to the other large table virtually right next to the team.

"The boys are really scared." Jude mind-talked to Justin and Brent.

"Yeah, and so is the mother. The father though... I have a feeling he's about to have his last cup of coffee... ever." Justin replied.

At precisely 08:00 local time, four men entered. It was immediately known by all that these were the men that they'd been waiting for. Justin sent to Jolin, "Just wait a moment, I'll let you know when to show yourself." This was simultaneously sent to the leaders of Echo and Lincoln teams.

The four men, after looking at the five boys as if they were pieces of meat, sat down. Justin had already scanned each of them and was making a report to Brent and Jude, "Normal protocol on a mission is that we telepaths scan everyone. I have done that, and I am sure Jude has as well. This group is holding at least 100 more kids in a warehouse on the other side of town. I am dispatching Lincoln Team there to secure that facility." Upon hearing Brent's mental okay, Justin then sent, "Captain Wilkes, Take Lincoln team to 8533 McDowell. There's a warehouse there that has at least 100 children being held. Secure the facility until we arrive."

From the other table, due to the enhanced hearing that Justin, Ryan, and Lincoln had, they heard, "Ok... the brats look healthy enough. We agreed on $10,000 for each of them."

Marissa turned to her husband but wasn't given the chance to speak before her husband said, "We're doing this! That's fucking final! If you cause me one bit of trouble, I am sure there's someplace in the desert that your body will never be found, so don't even think of it, BITCH!" That last word heard by all present in the restaurant.

After what was said was relayed to Brent he stood, moments later the rest of the boys stood as well. Brent took a step toward the other table and said, "Excuse me, Sir."

The man who had been talking said, "Go away, boy, we're not interested in whatever your school has you selling."

"Well," Brent retorted, "what I am in the market for, so to speak, is five boys who deserve a good life."

As everyone was focused on the man who had been talking, nobody noticed one of the others draw a gun except Justin when he picked up the man's thoughts. Unfortunately, Justin didn't have time to warn Brent. The next thing anyone heard was the sound of a gunshot.

Almost as soon as the shot rang out, Giles anger reached a point where he just wished that the man was dead. Moments later, a meat cleaver flew out of the kitchen and found its mark. The man who had shot the pistol was collapsing, a meat cleaver embedded in his skull, right between his eyes.

In the CIC, Lance watched the man aiming his gun at Brent and yelled out. He was afraid he was going to witness the death of the boy he loved.

In the fraction of a second after the shot, everyone expected that Brent would have been injured, if not killed. What they saw when they looked at him was Brent, frozen, staring at the bullet which was half-an-inch from his forehead. Luke Lambert standing there with a grin reached up and plucked the bullet out of the air and Brent started moving again.

By this time, Jolin and the remaining strike team had entered the restaurant and secured the boys, along with their parents and the three remaining men. Giles went to the boys to comfort them as Brent approached the group of adults.

"Jacob Polk, Martin Fuentes, Alonzo Vitelli, and John Jackson. You have all been found in violation of numerous sections of the United Federation of Planets Safe Haven Act. In the case of Martin Fuentes and John Jackson, between them, they have eight violations of section 21.1 of the Act, Direct Murder of a Child. The rest are guilty, in addition to a number of lesser violations of between five and three-hundred violations of section 17.1 - Slavery. The combination of these leaves me little choice but to pass sentence immediately. Under the authority vested in me by the Safe Haven Act, and in accordance with Vulcan law, Family Clan Short assumes jurisdiction and I hereby sentence the four of you to death. Sentence to be carried out immediately. Marissa Polk, you are in violations of several sections of the act, but it seems that there is still a part of you that could be rehabilitated. I hereby transfer authority over you to Starfleet security for final judgment and sentence. Under section 200 of the Safe Haven Act, Adrien, Andrei, Darien, Raiden, and Raandi Polk will be in the custody of Clan Short, Desert Division. Colonel West, your sidearm, please."

Giles and Lincoln led the boys outside as Justin looked deeply into Brent's mind and found that Brent was not being irrational in his desire to perform the sentence himself so he handed over his phaser pistol.

Brent checked the settings to make sure that death would be instantaneous, leveled the weapon at each one in turn and fired. Leaving Marissa standing alone with the remaining Clan boys. Brent then tapped his communicator, "Clan Short Desert Division Director, Brent Knocks-Downing to Terra Main Transporter Control."

"Terra Main, go ahead Director."

"Please transport the female approximately two meters in front of me to a secure holding cell in your security section. Your Security Chief should at this time be receiving documentation of the charges. She should be referred to Starfleet Judicial for ultimate trial and sentencing."

"Acknowledged, Director. Energizing."

Marissa was surrounded by the transporter beam and within moments was gone.

Brent then went to Lincoln and Giles. Jude following directly behind him. "Giles, Jude, please bring the boys back to the Medical Center so they can be evaluated, Lance will meet you there as soon as he can."

After getting nods from both, he had  Icarus teleported them.

Justin then turned to Brent and said that the other location has been secured. Brent was about to call for Icarus to teleport them when Justin said, "There's over 100 kids and fifteen scumbags."

"Icarus, can you teleport the rest of us, and any equipment to the second site."

Moments later, Brent and the rest were standing outside a large warehouse on the west side of Phoenix. Captain Lindon Wilkes approached and gave his report. "Sirs, we arrived at 08:24 pm local time outside the warehouse. We gained access via a side door undetected. We immediately noted several heavily armed men surrounding a very large group of children apparently aged between five and fourteen. My team was able to subdue the men within six minutes. Two of the men were killed in the ensuing firefight. We did have one minor injury to one of my team, but he has been teleported to the Division Medical Center where he has been treated and will have no long-lasting effects from a bullet in his upper left thigh. The remaining fifteen men are being held, under guard in a secure location in Las Vegas awaiting the Director. We have determined that there are 108 children. 22 females, aged 12 to 14, and 86 males, aged 5 to 14."

"Thank you, Captain. Well done." Brent then walked over and got the attention of the kids. "My name is Brent and I am the Director of Family Clan Short's Desert Division in Las Vegas. You will all be taken to our Medical Center to make sure that you are all in good health. After that, we will talk to each of you to determine if your parents are worthy of caring for you, but don't worry... if you don't want to be returned to them, then you will not be required to do so. You will have the choice as to whether you remain with us, or if other arrangements need to be made. In a few minutes, you will all be teleported to our base where we can answer any questions that you all have. Before that happens, does anyone have anything that needs to be addressed immediately?"

A fourteen-year-old girl asked, "What do we have to do if we stay with you?"

"Well, if you are asking if you have to do anything you don't want to, the answer is no. All we ask of those living with us is to keep your personal area clean, respect others, and do your best to be the best person you can at whatever you do."

The girl then said, "Yeah, I've heard that before."

Brent then said, "When you get there, you can see for yourself. If you don't like what you see, we can make arrangements for you to go somewhere else where you will be safe. Now, you will be teleported in small groups. I will see you all there in a while."

Justin told Brent, "Captain Wilkes contacted the Medical Center to let them know that they will be receiving a larger group of rescued kids. Eric and the Cyclones are standing by to assist in any way they are needed. Lance asked him to let you know that Greg has been evaluated and you will be pleased with the result."

"Excellent, I think the next thing we have to do is to deal with the scumbags... I mean suspects that were apprehended here. I would like the Triple-T's to assist in the telepathic interrogation of these men. I am sure that there are more kids that are no longer here, it's important we find them."

After making sure that the kids were being teleported in an orderly manner, Brent and Justin teleported to the holding area at Desert Division. Matt, Max, and Jude, one from each of the sets of the Triple T's were waiting for them when they arrived.

Brent said, "Ok, what we're going to do is to do a deep scan of each of the men in holding. When you have finished with one, you need to come to me and send what you found out about him to me in my head. Once you have all finished, we'll figure out what to do with these guys. Justin, if we find out any information about where we can find the rest of the kids, dispatch someone to secure the child and hold the person or persons that are with them. We will make the rounds and deal with each of them when they come up."

"That sounds like a workable plan. Ok, guys, let's get to work!"

Brent took a seat as the four telepaths started doing their scans. Max was the first to report to Brent. The information he received from the man was bad. Brent looked at the ten-year-old with compassion and asked, "Are you okay?"

Max nodded and said, "Yeah, I will be. That guy done some stuff to a lot of kids that really makes me sick."

"When we're finished here, I will ask for a Vulcan mind healer to come and get rid of some of that junk from your mind." Brent related to the boys.

Over the next 30 minutes, Brent received reports on all fifteen of the men. In addition, Justin had dispatched four teams to secure six other kids. All boys. Once Brent had all the information on what these men had done he had them all brought into the room. They were restrained and were under guard.

Brent stood and said, "My name is Brent Knocks-Downing, Director of the Desert Division of Family Clan Short. Combined, the fifteen of you are responsible for no less than two-thousand violations of the Federation Safe Haven Act. Each of you has committed at least two counts of section 21.1, the Direct murder of a child. Between you guys, you are responsible for over one-thousand-five-hundred combined violations of Section 13.1: Use of minor children to provide sexual gratification, Section 13.2: Prostituting own children to provide sexual gratification for self or others, Section 13.3: Forcing children to perform sexual acts on themselves or siblings or other minor children. In addition to 1,817 counts of Section 11.2: Threats of beating, strangulation or physical restraint. In accordance with the Safe Haven Act section 200.4 and Vulcan Law, Clan short assumes jurisdiction and I hereby sentence you all to death. Sentence to be carried out as soon as I assign individuals appropriate to deal with entities such as yourselves. I say 'entities' because the acts you have committed have shown that you do not deserve to be considered human."

Brent then had them taken back to their cells.

Brent tapped his communicator, "Desert Division Director to Admiral Spock."

Spock replied, "It is agreeable to hear from you, Nephew. How may I be of assistance?"

Brent's voice belayed the fact that he was troubled as he replied, "Uncle Spock, I need some advice."

Spock replied, "On what do you need advice, Nephew?"

"I just had to judge several men to death, but I am troubled that I want to punish them in a manner I am not sure would be logical."

A few moments later, Spock replied, "I have yet to see your division's compound. If you are agreeable, I will transport down and we can discuss this in a more private setting."

"That would be great, Uncle Spock. I was also going to call for a Vulcan Mind Healer to help a couple of our telepaths who did the scans on these guys."

"Then it is logical for me to visit you. I can help you with your situation and assist those that need healing at the same time."

"Thanks, Uncle Spock, we'll be waiting for you."

9:15 pm PST - Number 10 Knocks-Downing Street

After putting their sons to bed, Brent and Lance were sitting in their living room when Brent's communicator chirped. "Spock to Brent."

"Go ahead, Uncle."

"I am ready to transport to your location."

"We're at our home, we look forward to your visit."

Moments later a transporter beam appeared announcing the arrival of Admiral Spock. Once he had fully materialized, he offered his greetings. Brent offered him a seat and after a quick eyebrow raise, he took a seat.

"Uncle Spock, we did a rescue today that was supposed to be just five boys. While doing that, we found out that there were over 100 more so we rescued them as well. The first group, after reviewing the fact that..."

Spock held his hand up causing Brent to stop speaking, "Nephew, it would probably be logical for us to meld. I can get all of the information that way in a much more productive manner."

Brent nodded and Spock placed his hand on Brent's face, "My mind to your mind... your thoughts to my thoughts..."

A minute or so later, Spock broke the meld. He sat back and seemed to be deep in thought. He then sat back and said, "Nephew. I believe I now know what is troubling to you. You are still quite new to this and you are doing an admirable job in assimilating your new position, the first group you sentenced, I find that you acted quite logically. For the second, the fact that you are concerned about your initial desires shows that you are allowing logic to dictate your actions, not your emotions. After seeing what these... individuals are guilty of, I can see merit in either of your options. Had you decided to prolong their suffering because of your emotions, I would have advised that you rethink what you had planned."

"So you don't think turning the Moroi loose on them is bad?"

"You need to realize, under normal circumstances, it would be the wrong thing to do, but in this case, your thoughts were to invite those of that species who need to feed but are still performing a good service to the community at large. Your other option could be thought actually the less positive of the two since the G-Cats do not require the sustenance."

"Thank you, Uncle."

"It was logical for me to offer you assistance, Nephew. Now, would be an advantageous time for me to assist those in need of healing."

Brent nodded then called out, "Icarus, can you ask Jude, Max, and Matt to prepare to be teleported here for their Vulcan Mind healing?"

"Yes, Brent. They're almost ready. I will teleport them in a minute."

"Thank you, also ask Justin if he is in need also."

"I will, and if he does, I will teleport him as well."

A few minutes later the three members of the Triple T's arrived and were introduced to Admiral Spock. In turn, Spock melded with each of them. The changes in their expressions when he had finished, showed that the healing was effective.

Spock then stated that he would take his leave for the time, but would return for a tour of the compound in the coming days. Everyone thanked him then watched as he disappeared in the beam of a transporter.

Brent then said he needed to check in at the Medical Center on the condition of the kids who were rescued. He was thankful that Justin had dealt with the other kids that had been identified and that in his opinion, the worst cases did not merit Brent's involvement in judgment or sentencing.

Lance decided to stay home with the boys and Brent left for the medical center.

When Brent arrived, one of the staff handed him a PADD on which all of the new kids were listed in order of their condition. Luckily all of them were in relatively good shape physically. One girl though, a 13-year-old, had been impregnated by one of the men who had been holding them. Brent thought that a visit from Dr. Dan may be a good idea within the next few days.

One name, in particular, caught Brent's attention. Once he verified that he was correct he tapped his communicator, "Brent to Troy."

"Hey Brent, how'd the mission go?"

"It went well. Could you and Rudy come to the Medical Center, there's something I need to discuss with you."

"Sure, we'll be there in a minute."

09:45 pm PST -- Desert Division Medical Center

After confirming with Dr. Linda that all of the kids would be able to leave the Medical Center, Brent was on his way to the room of one of the boys who arrived that evening. As he was on his way, Troy and Rudy found him.

"So, what did you need to discuss with me?" Troy asked.

"Walk with me," Brent said.

When they arrived at the room Brent was heading to, Troy looked in the door and his eyes opened wide, "ANDY!"

Troy then ran and hugged his friend with Brent and Rudy following him into the room.

After the two boys broke their hug, Troy stepped back and introduced Rudy. "Andy, this is Rudy. He's the one who got the Clan to rescue me, and it seems you too."

"Hey Rudy, I'm Andy." He said offering his hand for Rudy to shake.

Troy was looking slightly embarrassed as he added, "Um... Andy? Rudy is also my boyfriend."

Andy's smile let everyone know he wasn't upset about it. "You know, I was hoping you'd find someone you liked. I know you kind of had a crush on me, but, being honest... I'm not gay. I guess I'm more bi. I don't mind sex with another guy, but, I prefer girls. I'm happy you found someone to love who could love you back the same way."

Brent was impressed at the way Andy dealt with a possibly sticky situation. He resolved to have a talk with Andy at some point soon.

As Brent was dealing with Troy and Andy, Eric and the Cyclones had gotten all of the others to the cafeteria to get a good meal. Once the two had a chance to be reunited, Brent sat with Troy, Rudy, and Andy in the cafeteria so Andy could get a good meal in his belly, the first he'd had in a fairly long time. Eric was busy assigning housing for everyone. It was agreed that they would assign building 4 of quad 1 as the female dormitory.

Brent made a quick announcement that it was getting late and in the morning they'd have a Divisional Meeting in the morning after breakfast at which time they'd arrange a mall trip for all of the new kids and any others that needed to go.

It was nearly midnight when Brent returned home. Lance was already in bed and asleep. Brent undressed and got into bed. He was asleep almost before his head hit the pillow.

=To Be Continued=

Clan Short Archivist's Notes:

Hmm, our intrepid author seems to have it in for his characters. He hasn't given them any time to be comfortable in their new home, and he keeps giving them more kids to care for. At least they aren't living in the same house. Yet! Andy was rescued which is a good thing, a very good thing. Now taking a hundred and forty plus kids to a Mall shopping??? Dr. Dan STAT to our author.

(Someone needs to tell our author that AAKD is a disease, not a contest!)

The Story Lover

Author's Note:

What? They'll get a rest, I promise! It's just they have all that room in the house, it would be a shame for it to go unused... ALSO, from everything I've seen, all of the Directors want to emulate the one couple who are the epitome of what the Clan is all about. Sean and Cory.
Yeah... the mall scene is going to be fun to write... Dr. Dan!!! HELP!!!

Errata: It has been brought to my attention that one of my characters name was inconsistent. Well, let's get that corrected. Starting with this chapter, I will 'correctly' use the name of one of the CyClones. The 'speller' in me automatically corrected the name Forth to Fourth. From this point forward I shall standardize on his original spelling, Forth. Thanks to the reader who kindly pointed that out to me.