Memories Part 2: Spreading The Hope

Cory sat back with a smile as the room recovered from the blast of love that Kyle and Tyler had flooded the crowd with. As he looked around, he could see it in the faces of everyone else; that one moment had healed them more than any amount of time could have done.

As Sean cuddled into Cory's side, Cory noticed two boys from the newly designated Special Forces Unit standing nearby looking a little lost. "Hey guys; c'mere!" Cory said as he waved the two of them over.

"Do you need something Sir?" the older of the two asked as they both came over and came to attention.

"At ease gentlemen." Cory replied. "Are you guys' on-duty?"

"We are off-duty Sir, but have been instructed to be available if you need anything." the younger one replied as they both shifted from 'attention' yet remained standing.

"You're off duty? Chill dudes!" Cory said as he pointed to the chairs in front of him and Sean. "Have a seat; you're making me nervous!" he added with a giggle.

The two boys took the offered seats and waited to see what Cory needed.

Cory glanced over at Sean before turning to the boys. "Guys, neither one of us has had much chance to learn much about the Unit since y'all dropped in and saved our butts. I learned a little bit from Jory while we were trying to launch trees into orbit; but I'd really like to just sit down and compare notes on the Unit and the Clan."

"We'd like that Sir." the oldest boy replied.

Sean giggled. "Guys, let's drop the formality; you're gonna strain Cor's brain cell. Just call me Sean and him Cory; there ain't any reason to be formal in your own home, and this is your home now just as much as it's ours."

The younger boy grinned slightly as he responded. "I'm Corporal Kelly Carlson; Demolitions."

Cory memorized the hazel eyed, black haired boy's appearance so he would always be able to address him by name and rank if needed. "You know, having two 'Kelly's' around might be an issue. Do you have a nickname?"

Kelly grinned. "Yeah, I've had that problem before. I answer to 'KT' most of the time to my friends."

"Would you mind if we called you that? I'll warn ya, most of the little ones will probably make it into 'Katy'." Cory replied with a knowing smile.

"Sure; it won't be the first time that mistake's been made." KT replied with a laugh.

Cory then turned to the older boy, and added his brown haired, green eyed appearance to the files in his head for the same reason he had memorized KT.

"First Lieutenant Kane Carlson; Commander, Strike Team Bravo ... or at least I was before I lost my men." Kane said, finishing in a sorrowful tone.

Sean reached over and placed a hand on Kane's shoulder. "You did not 'lose' them." Sean said with certainty. "You trained them to prepare for their place in the next life. Your time of training was done and they were called to their next tour of duty. While their job was done; you still have more to do or you would have been called with them."

"How do you know that?" Kane asked.

Sean shrugged his shoulders. "I think hanging around with all of the guys who can see possible futures is rubbing off on me. Either that or Kyle being in my head so much has made something start working that I never could do before. I just know it; and I'm certain that I'm right."

Kane started to reply, then paused as one of the younger Unit boys yelled "Hi Kane! Look!"

Kane turned his head to see the boy on the back of Allie, taking the guided tour of CIC with a squirrel sitting on his shoulder.

"I think the doctors gave me too many pain killers." Kane groaned as he waved back then shook his head. "This crap CAN"T be real!"

"Why not?" KT replied as he reached down to help a baby raccoon onto his lap that was trying to climb his leg. "I think I could get used to this." he added as the baby found a comfortable position to get it's ears scratched while the boys talked.

Before anyone could reply, Ricky wandered over with a full grown raccoon on his heels. Sean and Cory watched with grins at the confused looks on KT and Kane's faces as Ricky chattered away in raccoon with the adult and the baby for almost two minutes.

"Boomer likes you!" Ricky exclaimed to KT after it appeared the deliberations were over. "Misty says that if you want him to stay wit' you he can; he's old 'nuff now!"

"Is she sure about that Ricky?" Cory asked seriously. "He looks kinda small to be on his own already."

Ricky rolled his eyes. "Uh huh... he's the littlest one! He's big 'nuff!"

KT lifted the little raccoon up and looked him in the face. "Is that what you want ... Boomer?"

There was no way to mistake the nods that Boomer gave in reply. "Okay; I guess you're living with me now!" KT giggled. "Tell Misty I said thanks ... uh .. Ricky?"

Ricky chattered in raccoon for a few seconds, then translated Misty's response. "She says thanks for being so nice to Boomer." He tilted his head then broke into a huge grin. "I gotta go! Timmy's talked the trinity into takin a shower with us!"

Cory chuckled as Ricky ran off with Misty hot on his trail. "Congratulations KT; it looks like you've got a permanent roommate!"

KT giggled as Boomer stretched up and gave him a quick lick on the cheek. "Yeah; I just heard a couple of voices in my head though askin' if I wanted to learn to talk to him. Wazzup with that?"

"That would be the terrible twosome!" Sean giggled. "It's Jamie and Jacob; they're part of our Intel team. They'll upload all of the languages we all know into your head if you give them the okay. Timmy and Ricky must of given you their stamp of approval; normally it's not offered until after your first Clan meeting. Even then only people who need it are ever offered the animal languages!"

"Kewl!" KT exclaimed. "I just told them to go for it."

"Double-Ewe...Tee...Eff!" Kane exclaimed. "This is totally nuts! Talking to animals; telepathic language lessons, kids riding alligators..... what's next? The Easter Bunny gonna hop through the room?"

Cory laughed. "Not that I know of; last I heard the Easter Bunny was a fable. If you want, Jamie and Jacob can give you the basics that'll help you understand. Jamie just told me they're about done with KT; no matter how much I argue it, those two keep a presence in my head in case something happens that I can't handle. They're a little over-protective of me; I'm sure you'll understand why if you let them fill you in."

"Do it bro; trust me." KT added before trying out his new skills at raccoon conversation.

Kane stared at KT as he obviously was suddenly able to converse with Boomer. "Uhhhh .... oh what the heck; go ahead I guess."

Cory nodded, and watched as Kane was caught up on the history of the Clan.

'Cor; there's some stuff you need to know about these two.' Jamie told Cory in his head.

'What?' Cory thought back.

'Kane lost his team in the line of duty; there was nothing that could have saved them. After what Sean told him he's dealing with it okay, but he feels lost without a command. If we were asked though neither one of us would release him for combat duty again; he's always going to second-guess himself in any similar situations.'

'So what should he do?'

'Jacob just talked it over with Adam Casey and JJ; we all think that he'd be great to be in charge of the Compound Training Center. JJ thinks he could handle CIC security too; that way JJ can stick with the outside stuff.'

'I like that; Adam needs to be here though for it to be offered to him. What about KT?'

'You know about him being in demolitions? He was traveling light while he was placing his next round of explosives when he was ambushed. He took the guy out with his knife, but ended up with his right arm broke in multiple places in the fight along with a bad wound to his leg. As he fell to the ground, he spotted a sniper taking aim at the command team. He pulled himself over to the guy he just took out, recovered the guy's pistol, and took out the sniper before the sniper could get a shot at the command team.'

Cory paused before replying, taking a chance to look at the thirteen-year-old and fifteen-year-old sitting in front of him. 'Have Justy and Adam get together ASAP and make sure they both have the full report. Unless one of them can give me a logical reason otherwise I want him promoted to the same rank as his brother and a proper medal given for his actions. Also; our policy of not splitting blood relation applies; they need to find a fitting position for him on HQ staff. Thanks Jamie.'

'Already on it Bro; Justy says to tell you he'll handle it from here. We're just finishin' catching them up on stuff. We'll catch you up later.'

The conversation in Cory's head ended just as Kane shook his head in disbelief. "Dude! That's just NUTS!" Kane exclaimed with a grin. "Even with everything I'm seeing it's still hard to believe."

"Just wait!" Sean giggled as Cory just grinned. "That was just the basic stuff!"

 

"Uncle Sean?" Levi asked as he walked up.

"Yeah little guy?" Sean replied.

"I got a message from Shadow; he says you better pass out them toys or he's gonna send some friends to help you remember." Levi said.

"Oh shit!" Sean said as he looked around. "Guys, can I get a hand? Ark, please send all of those stuffed animals I asked you to hold over here."

<They are now in the Conference Room, Sean.>

"Thanks Ark." Sean replied with relief.

Cory, KT, and Kane all gave Sean confused looks. "I'll explain later; it's something I gotta do yet from my moon trip." Sean replied to the unasked questions.

"I gotta swing by the hospital, then go do some stuff." Levi said. "Daddy and Poppa are out trying to make sure Axon don't mess up our universe; they've turned on everything I possibly can do so I can make sure y'all are safe. I'll be poppin' in and out; but I'm watchin' all the time in case something goes wrong."

Cory stared at Levi as he tried to sort out everything that was just said. "Slow it down kiddo; did you just say that your Dad and Pop left to fight Axon without telling anyone?"

Levi nodded. "They hadda do it like that Uncle Cory. You, Uncle Sean, and Uncle JJ swore to stand by him two months ago; but if Daddy had let you go along like you woulda wanted to you woulda been killed. Uncle Levis is with them; me and Uncle Miah are makin sure everyone is safe and I'm watchin to make sure Daddy and Poppa are okay."

Cory glanced at Sean then replied. "I'll take your word for it Levi. Your Daddy doesn't do stuff unless he's sure nothing bad will happen from him doing it; you need to make sure you do the same thing since you can do the same stuff he can do now."

Levi smiled. "I promise I'll do that Uncle Cory. Daddy let me see some stuff about him growin up when he was makin me; kinda like Uncle Sean tellin everyone's histories. Daddy was gonna do bad stuff to himself when he was sent to the home you guys was in 'cuz of always hearin' everyones voices in his head; but when he met you and you wasn't always fillin his head with stuff he decided to let you be his firs' friend ever. After Uncle Tyne fixed Daddy's head he promised that he'd never let you, Uncle Sean, or Uncle JJ get hurt again if he could stop it. Since Daddy has to be the one to fight Axon; he's trustin me to keep his promise he made when all four of you swore to be brothers."

"Keep me updated Munchkin." Cory replied as he tried to digest the information he just received.

"Okay Uncle Cory; I gotta go." Levi said. "I've got all eternity, but everyone else don't! I'll help you with the stuffed animals when I get back Uncle Sean!"

Before anyone could reply, Levi vanished from the room.

"Who ...? What ...?" KT asked as he stood up with Boomer in his arms.

Cory giggled. "I was just getting to that; you've just met our newest Nephew, Levi, who also happens to be the newest member of a new species known as Mikyvis."

"We'll tell you about it as we're sorting the stuffed animals." Sean added.

 

New York, Near to the League of Nations, US Department.

As Sarek and Voice left the restaurant, Sarek asked quietly, "Did you send the message to she who is my wife requesting her presence on Earth?"

"Yes, Grandpa," Voice answered, sudden weariness in his voice. "She is coming on the 'Sehlat' and the Sehlat Division have reported they are a day away from Terra Main. I'll be glad to meet Commander Sellik again, as well as cuddle with I-Matri. That Sehlat is so sweet, and she has had her pup. I wonder..."

"You wonder if the pup will bond with you?" Sarek asked curiously.

"Uh huh. I know she's wild, and the father was too, so bonding with the pup would be an exceptionally rare thing to happen, but it would be... wonderful!"

"I am not surprised at your hope. Sehlats are one of the most intelligent animals that we Vulcans have come across, and also extremely loyal." He pulled the boy in closer before asking, "Is there more to report?"

Voice yawned and stumbled slightly, "Umm... yeah. Sorry. Commander Charles Dodds is incoming on Enterprise. They finished their tour and were mapping a nebular with some strange readings when yesterday's events happened. Well, you know Kirk and Poppa Spock. As soon as the message came in, all three were issuing the order jointly. If it wasn't so serious it would have been funny, knowing that my as yet unmet uncle was ordering the same as Uncle Jim and Poppa at the same time!"

"Humor. I still do not fully understand those things that amuse you about it, grandson, yet in this case, I too find that... funny."

Voice sniggered quietly as Sarek picked him up and placed him over his hip. Sarek hugged him close as they moved down the street, while those they passed stared at them. It was not every day a Vulcan comforted a tired human child in the open. Voice continued, "Also, Rory Teeter received a message from the Clan at the same time as Vincent Winters. Rory is coming with Grandma, and Vincent is on the way in a Soleen-Avalla ship, along with a Chameloid friend called Lehman."

"Voice," Sarek started, "has Starfleet been notified of the Soleen-Avalla's arrival?"

"Yes," Voice yawned again. "Admiral Morrow is aware, but due to the recent chaos an Admiral Farnsworth has been detailed to arrange the diplomatic meeting. I am afraid that Farnsworth will botch things up. He's just not capable outside of Research and Development."

"Send the 'Yoshuhlnak'. Wisdom can handle Contact, and he is of the same rank as that Admiral. As young Fire keeps saying, 'Beware the Dragon...'. I do not envy Admiral Farnsworth the pleasure of crossing swords with your Andorian brother."

Voice giggled tiredly, "Telez is crazy, but I love him."

Sarek nodded peacefully. "Come. We shall rest for a few hours, and then join with my other grandsons."

Voice laid his head on his grandfather's shoulder. "I'm nervous, Grandpa. All my guys want to join them, but we can't! I don't want to be Patriarch over Cory, I love him too much and he does a great job... a better job than I, I think. Yet if we join, Clan Short is no more. My nascent Clan is senior in all ways."

"I know. There are other options, however," Sarek offered.

"Yeah." Voice sounded bitter as he recited, "Merge into one, and Clan Short dies. Ally, and Clan Short is subservient. Remain apart, and... nothing. Brother Clans, but the wonder of being 'Short' is denied us. It's not fair, grandpa," Voice started to cry quietly in tiredness. He sobbed into Sarek's shoulder, "Why? Why is it like this? It's just not fair... why did they have to be hurt?... why couldn't we help? We should have... we should... have..."

Sarek said nothing as the boy lapsed into sleep, worn out by his duties over the past thirty six hours, and by grief at not being able to come to the aid of the Clan they had protected since before Clan Short had even come to be. Sarek understood that there was nothing that could have been done with the time allowed, nor with the fact that the 'Dragon' have been on an extraction at the time, and so did not lay blame for the 'Dragon' being absent, yet Voice seemed unable to accept it... yet.

"Jason; my beloved grandchild. You will heal in time. Sleep now."

Once said, Sarek called for an immediate transport to the D'Kyr. Their visit to the Short Compound would happen later that day.

 

Camp Little Eagle Medical Center:

"Hi Antonio; I'm Kyle's new son Levi!" Levi giggled as he appeared in the hospital room.

Antonio spun around from where he was looking at the records of the room's occupant. The scowl left his face and became shock as he looked at the boy who had suddenly appeared behind him. "Dude; if you didn't look so much like Kyle I'd be kickin' your butt outta here!" Antonio finally sputtered.

Levi smiled. "Daddy promised to help you heal Peter, but he hadda go stop a bad guy from messing up the Universe. I'm gonna help you 'nstead so Peter ain't gotta wait."

"Help?" Antonio replied with a puzzled look. "How?"

"Can I show you in your head?" Levi replied seriously.

Antonio nodded. "Sure." After about a minute, his eyes went wide. "WHOA!! Now THAT is awesome! You guys call yourselves Mikyvis huh?"

"Yep." Levi giggled. "Shall we wake sleeping beauty here and get started?"

Antonio giggled. "Sure; I was about to wake him anyway."

Levi walked over to the head of the bed. "Peter; wake up dude, I've got a surprise for ya!"

Peter looked up through sleepy eyes. "Who are you?"

"I'm Levi; I'm gonna help 'Tonio fix you up the rest of the way."

"You're a doctor too?" Peter replied as he managed to wake up the rest of the way.

"Not really; I'm kinda more of a natural healer." Levi replied, trying not to reveal more than he had to. "It kinda runs in my family."

"Is he for real?" Peter asked, turning to Antonio.

Antonio grinned. "Believe it or not he is; I've been helped by his Dad and it definitely runs in their family."

"Well ... I guess he can try ... but only if you stay here with him Antonio." Peter replied, obviously still not totally sure about Levi.

Levi smiled. "Not a problem; I want him here too. I think it'd be better if we were someplace nicer than a hospital room though. Grandpa Dan thinks the white beaches up in Pensacola are really kewl; you guys wanna go up there? I can find us a nice quiet private spot."

"How would we get there?" Peter asked, his interest in the idea showing on his face. "Wait; don't you need medical stuff there?" he added dejectedly.

Levi glanced at Antonio to let him know that he was going to answer, then replied. "My Uncle Cory has some connections he lets me use that'll get us there. Don't worry about the equipment; everything I need is in my head. I TOLD ya it was natural!"

Antonio nodded as he walked over to the intercom. "He's right Peter; he's got the resources of Clan Short at his disposal so getting around is easy."

Peter tilted his head and studied Levi as Antonio let the front desk know that they were going to be out of the building. Once Antonio had checked out, Levi smiled. "Y'all ready?"

Both boys nodded. Before their heads had time to stop moving, they found themselves standing in swimsuits next to three lounge chairs under umbrellas on a deserted section of beach. The pearl-white sand of the beach seemed to go on forever; the only other visible creatures were a few birds in the distance.

"What the heck?" Peter exclaimed as he looked down. "Not only was I NOT wearing this a second ago ..... I don't even OWN a Speedo!"

Levi giggled as he glanced at the equally shocked Antonio. "You own one now Peter; you look good in it too!"

Antonio shook his head in wonder. "Well, that answers that ... you're just like your Dad ....."

"Yep!" Levi giggled. "Have a seat; I figured we can grab a swim after we get done."

"I didn't know there were any places left on the beaches up here that were this deserted." Antonio commented as both him and Peter took their seats. "How'd you know about this one?"

"It was pretty easy." Levi giggled as he took a seat on the edge of Peter's lounge chair. "This actually won't be called Florida here for another thousand years or so."

Peter started to say something, but Levi stopped him. "Dude, your brain is gonna fry if you try to understand without help. Part of the reason I brought you here instead of somewhere in our time is now that you've seen some of what I can do, it'll seem more real when I tell you everything. I can explain it all in your head if you are okay with me doing that; I won't do it unless you trust me to though."

Antonio noticed Peter's look and replied to his unspoken concerns. "Peter, he did the same thing for me before we woke you up. It's safe dude; and it does help understand a lot of the stuff."

Peter nodded, then warily turned to Levi. "If Doc Antonio trusts you I guess I can too."

Levi giggled. "Relax; I'm not going to do anything yet. I don't want to start until you understand what's gonna happen. This is just putting the info in your head so what I tell ya makes sense."

Peter nodded as he sat back, figuring it would take a while so he might as well be comfortable. To his surprise, he realized Levi was done after only a few seconds.

Levi turned to Antonio with a grin on his face. "When we get back, you need to get Jamie and Jacob to help Peter out. He's almost as strong of an Empath as Poppa is; he just ain't trained to use it and the stuff the other hospital was doing blocked it in him."

Antonio looked over at Peter, who was just sitting there in wonder at the information he had just received. "I'll do that. You really sure Levi?"

Levi nodded. "He's got the tag in his genes; it's strong too. He's an Empath for sure."

Antonio nodded. "You know better than I would. Consider it done."

Peter looked over at Levi in awe. "Dude! Are you Superman or something?"

Levi giggled. "No way! I don't do tall buildings and I'm not allergic to rocks!"

"And if he's like his Dad he prefers his birthday suit to tights!" Antonio added with a chuckle.

"YEP!!!!" Levi replied with a huge grin.

Peter giggled at the antics of his two new friends. "Whatever! You gonna check me out sometime today Levi?"

Levi nodded. "Sure; just to play it safe I'm gonna put your conscious mind into my head while I'm workin' on your body. You'll be able to see what I'm doin and that way you won't feel any pain as things are being fixed."

Peter nodded. "Okay; I like the idea of watchin' you."

Levi turned to Antonio. "Do you wanna join us in my head? It's easier for me to ask stuff if you are in there so I can show you."

"Are you sure about that?" Antonio replied. "I don't want to overload you and make you mess up."

Levi smiled. "There's so much room in there I could have the entire Clan in there and nobody would know anyone else was there. A Mikyvis' brain is spread over most of Creation; if I run out of room on this plane I just transfer some stuff onto another plane. I don't even think about it; it just happens." He paused for a second then continued; if the boys had been watching him closely he would have seemed to flicker. "I just checked on Cory and everyone; they are all okay for now. Daddy hasn't really started his fight yet, so I've got lots of time."

"Let's do it then." Antonio stated.

 

Inside Levi's head:

Antonio and Peter suddenly found themselves standing in a brightly colored room that had hundreds of hallways seemingly leading to all of Eternity. Suddenly Levi appeared next to them. "Welcome to my head guys! Stick with me and we'll go to the room I set aside for doing this; the halls change all the time so I don't bother with signs." With that, Levi led his two shocked companions down one of the halls. After passing through three more hubs like the one they had appeared in, Levis turned down a hall that almost sent them back the same direction that they had come from and escorted them into a room. "Have a seat!" he giggled as three lounge chairs suddenly appeared.

Once they were all seated, Peter found his voice and asked "How do you keep from getting lost in here?"

Levi thought for a second. "I guess the best way to explain it that you'd understand is that I create the halls as the places they go to become available to me. It's like a really big computer; I have an index of the hallways and where they go; if I need to go somewhere I just check the index and go to that location."

"That makes sense." Antonio replied with a nod. "Jamie and Jacob taught me a similar way to index my head so that I don't overload my memory capacity."

Peter smiled. "You gotta teach me that! It sounds soooo kewl!"

"You think that's kewl; watch this!" Levi giggled. "Before we try to cure you, let's fix the damage that was done to your body." With that, Levi gave a running commentary as he repaired the muscles weakened by the radiation treatments and reversed the damage caused by the cancer that had wreaked havoc on Peter's body. "Okay; let's take care of that cancer." Levi commented as he prepared to go deeper into the cellular makeup of Peter. After a few seconds, Levi growled in frustration. "Antonio; if I got the information from your diagnosis right, aggressive lymphoma type eighteen is genetically triggered, right?"

Antonio nodded. "Yeah; what's wrong?"

Levi created a large image of Peter's DNA string so that all three of them could view it. "You're the doctor Antonio; what is wrong with this?"

Antonio studied the strand in front of him closely. Suddenly, he sucked in his breath as he realized what Levi had found. "The strand is cracked! Is that a mistake in the image? I didn't see that on the console!"

Levi shook his head. "It's not a mistake; I bet the console is unable to detect a flaw like that. I traced it back to his birth; the strand was weak but intact when Peter was born. When they started the barium treatments the strands fractured; in fact there is one chromosome which has degraded to the point it barely functions. That is why I did not detect Peter was an Empath until I found his 'tag'; the barium was destroying it."

"Does that mean you can't fix me?" Peter asked in a dejected voice.

Levi was totally serious in his reply. "It means I need to ask you to make a choice; one that will affect you for the rest of your life. I want you to think about your answer and ask questions before you reply."

Peter nodded. "Okay, I guess."

Levi sat down as he began explaining the options. "All three options are going to require the rebuilding of your DNA, so there is no difference in the amount of work that will need to be done. The first one is me going through and backing up your DNA in time to before the radiation treatments were done. I don't know how to fix the actual damage to it that you were born with doing it this way, and I can't promise that your cancer won't come back since there is a good chance part of it is based in the damaged sections that are too weak to mess with."

Antonio spoke up. "I think you're right Levi; what we do know about his cancer points to that area in the DNA strand. All attempts to do any repairs in that area so far have been 75% fatal; nobody knows why though."

Peter got a hard look on his face. "If that's my best option just let me die now; I'm not going through that hell again."

"That is the only option that leaves you just as human as you were when you were born." Levi replied. "The next option I can't do but I can request it from my Uncle Tyne and he would probably okay it in your case. There is a sub-species of Humans called 'Vifer'; what it consists of is a complete rebuilding of your genetics and internal systems. The side effects of it are that you get a silver tone to your skin and you age about 1 year for every 4575 years that pass."

"I know a few Vifers; it is an option, but the long life messes with you unless you make a conscious decision to accept it." Antonio added.

Peter set his jaw. "Levi, you've been nice to me, and you've helped me already more than anyone except for you, Antonio. If neither of you can do it then I won't do it." He paused then added "If neither of you can do the last choice, don't bother telling me about it."

"Watch this." Levi said seriously. "I'm gonna show you something through Antonio's eyes." As Peter nodded, Levi aged himself to about fifteen years old, then picked up Peter's body and sat it on his lap in a cuddle.

Peter gasped in awe, then looked over to see that the image of Levi next to him had also aged. When the Levi in front of him motioned for Peter to join him on his lap, Peter jumped up and took full advantage of the offer.

"Now THAT is something I didn't know about!" Antonio said in awe.

Levi chuckled. "It's GOOD to be Mikyvis!"

"Uh huh," Peter replied happily from the much needed and welcomed cuddle.

Levi kissed Peter's forehead. "I can do the last option, but it's the most severe change of all. If you go with this one, you will no longer be human. Since I never was human I can only tell you what I know from my Dad and Pop. It means you'll never grow older; in fact you'll not be affected by time at all. You've seen the kewl stuff I can do; there is a bad side to it too. Right now my parents are off on another plane trying to save our universe from someone trying to destroy it. All of us have to watch as the ones we love, even the Vifer, grow old around us. You see; I can make you like me, but it means that you literally would never die unless something close to a miracle was to happen."

"Dang Levi; you make it sound like a life sentence." Antonio commented.

"That's because for someone who has lived as a human it is." Levi replied seriously. "Once it's done there is no way to undo it. The only reason that this is an option for you Peter is because the Empath gene was passed to you sometime recently in your family's past."

Peter thought about it for a full minute. "Thanks for being honest about it not being all fun. I've heard all kinds of promises trying to say they were gonna make me well again. Antonio, you were the first one to just do what you could and then tell me what would still need to be done. Levi, now you are telling me that you can make it all go away, but I have to stop being human to do it. There's gotta be a reason God made me what you called an Empath, even though whatever it is doesn't work in me right now."

He paused, then continued slowly, "I've wanted to help... to be something more than just a sick, dying kid. When I asked to be taken by your guys, I thought it would just mean I would live a week with something good."

He paused again. "Now I get a chance to help others who are ill like I am. If being a Mikyvis means I can help others so that they don't suffer like I had to, then do it."

He looked at Levi with pleading eyes, "Please?"

Levi took the time to review Peter's thoughts before replying. "If Antonio agrees then I will do it; but a lot of your extra abilities will be locked out until either my Dad or Pop can make sure that everything is okay and that you understand what you can and can't do with them."

Antonio tilted his head, then answered professionally. "As the primary caregiver for Peter, after reviewing the options available it is my professional opinion that the conversion to the species known as 'Mikyvis' would be in the best interests of the patient both physically and mentally. I hereby give consent to begin the procedure based on the wishes of the patient and my own observations and research."

Levi nodded as he stood up and placed Peter back in his chair. "I'm gonna leave the two of you in here to talk while I do it. Even though I know I could do it while in here, I want to concentrate so that I get everything perfect. You've earned that Peter, and I won't give you anything less."

"Thank-you." Peter said as he gave Levi a hug then watched him leave the room.

 

Thirty minutes later:

Levi re-entered the room in his head where Antonio and Peter were waiting. When he found both of them napping, he couldn't help but to giggle, which woke both boys up instantly. "Hey guys, you're getting kinda comfortable here!"

"Are you done? Did it work?" Peter asked expectantly.

Levi nodded with a smile. "I just double-checked everything; the restructure took fine and all that is left is to reintegrate your conscious mind with the new unconscious mind. You'll keep all of your memories, even the ones from in here, since you were running on top of a part of my mind to keep your consciousness active. Antonio, I'll need you to watch from back in your body while I help Peter get set up with the new layout of his brain. This is the hardest part; I'll need you to really pay attention Peter."

Peter nodded. "Okay; I'm ready!"

 

Antonio watched Peter expectantly. The signs of the weakened state he had been in were gone from Peter's body; his muscle mass was normal and his hair was fully grown in. After a few minutes, Peter opened his eyes and stretched, then looked towards Antonio with a huge grin.

"He did it!" Peter exclaimed happily. "I'm really fixed; Levi showed me what he did and I'm really all well again!"

Levi sat up with a grin. "He's a natural! C'mon, let's grab a swim before we head back!"

As the three of them ran towards the Gulf screaming in glee, a lone small figure watched from the undergrowth.

 

"Welcome to the Great White Beach, Messengers of the Great Spirit." an elderly Native American man announced in a language similar to the Seminole that Antonio knew well. As the boys came up the beach from the water, he added "I am Tatokeh. The Great Spirit has foretold your coming and has asked that Yistanku be given to you to assist in your travels."

Antonio quickly recognized the various pouches and trappings on the man in front of him. Knowing that this man was a powerful medicine man, most likely an ancestor to some of Byron's Seminole family or friends, Antonio replied formally. As he was forming the words, Levi did a data-dump of the current language into Antonio's head along with the message 'He's your kin, go for it. I'm checking to see what we're screwing up in the future now.'

"The Great Spirit honors us with this meeting." Antonio replied in the native's tongue. "He has called us from many moons away. I am Antonio, son of Matthew. This is Levis, son of Kyle; and Peter, son of Josiah. As the Great Spirit has called us all to the Great White Beach, so shall He tell us if this is the Moon for Yistanku to be taken to do His work."

While Antonio was doing the introductions, Levi was quickly indexing the possible futures that would stem from this meeting. As he was doing it, he had Peter join him to learn just what was possible and how one interaction could change the future. Just as Antonio finished speaking, Levi and Peter agreed on what would need to happen. Levi told Peter to go ahead, after ensuring that Peter had the full load of languages and protocols of a standard Clan member.

"The Great Spirit has spoken." Peter announced formally, speaking in Ancient Seminole for the first time. "This Moon is the time; Yistanku is to join us. You have trained him well, and he now shall represent your Tribe until the day we are all called to the Happy Hunting Grounds."

As Peter was speaking, Levi filled Antonio in. "This Medicine Man is a Founder; I think it's a requirement for the title in this time. We were meant to be here and do this; all other possibilities make it so that Camp Little Eagle never exists. The boy needs to come back with us or we're gonna create a paradox that could kill some or all of us."

"What about the kid; is he a Founder too?" Antonio asked.

"Yes; his abilities are just about to emerge; Uncle Tyne will need to teach him." Levi replied.

Antonio nodded, then addressed the man and boy in front of them. "Yistanku; come forward. The Great Spirit has determined that you shall now be the son of the son of my Chief. Our Chief Medicine Man shall train you. You have done well Tatokeh; may you and your tribe have many moons of bountiful harvests."

The boy, who appeared to be no more than eight or nine, bent over to pick up the bow, quiver, and arrows that were laying at his father's feet. He then proudly walked over to where Antonio was standing and stopped. "My Father has seen many strange things which we have no words for. I go with Honor to do the bidding of the Great Spirit."

Antonio nodded. "You honor yourself and your Father by accepting this task. We shall guide you so that you will cause much joy to your people."

'Pit stop on the way back to prevent culture shock!' Levi sent to Antonio and Peter. He then turned to Tatokeh. "The time has come; you may tell your Tribe that Yistanku has been called."

Tatokeh nodded, then turned and wordlessly headed into the brush.

"Let's go guys; we've got some training to do!" Levi announced just before teleporting them all out.

 

CIC Conference Room, ten minutes after Levi left:

"Anyone know who 'Yistanku' is?" Sean asked as he held up a stuffed alligator toy.

"Yeah; he's my son!" Antonio announced as he appeared along with Levi, Peter, and Yistanku.

Sean spun around to see the new arrivals standing behind him, grins on their faces at his shock. "Y'all REALLY need to stop that!"

"Why; it's so much fun makin' you jump Uncle Sean!" Levi replied with a giggle.

Cory giggled at the conversation. "Give it up Teddy Bear; he inherited the jokester gene from his parents!"

"Why is Yist dressed like an Indian?" KT asked as he picked up a cartoon roadrunner toy. "Hey! This one's for me!"

Yist walked forward and curiously took the stuffed toy from Sean. "Thank you Elder. I am still .... integrating? .... the language and customs of your time. Levi has instructed me and prepared me for the differences between when I come from and when I am now."

"I'll be right back, I need to check something." Levi said. He popped out for about thirty seconds then reappeared. "Okay, there's a really happy Klingon out there somewhere!" he giggled.

Cory stared at Levi in shock. "We need to have a talk rugrat ... now."

"Wait Uncle Cory; I've got a few things I need to do before Daddy starts fighting!" Levi replied. "I'll just be a minute; at least it will seem like that for you!"

As Levi popped out again, Cory looked at Sean. "We're gonna have a LONG talk with that boy's parents when they get home!"

 

The Dream Dimension:

Levi popped into the dimension he had spotted on his travels while looking for a safe haven in case of failure in the fight against Axon. "Knock Knock!" he giggled.

Brakkii turned and looked over the swim-suit clad, purple eyed child before him. "Mikyvis, right? You are not Ferox, I know that. They don't come here. Outside their universe."

"Levi Richardson, at your service!" was the giggled reply.

"Brakkii, at yours," Brakkii responded formally. "Can I help you, or are you just visiting?"

"Actually, I wanted to help you!" Levi replied with a smile. "There's about to be some major stuff happening to the timelines, and I know you are tied into some of them that are being affected. I liked this place when I checked it out, and wanted to warn you so that you could pull the links. If you need help I'll help you."

Brakkii's eyes widened. A look of concentration passed over his face for an instant. "Well, done. I'm all in here, now. You'll explain later?"

"Yep; I'll be back in a little while. I've got a few stops to make first." Levi replied with a smile. "As long as you are safe I'm happy."

"I'll be waiting. And watching the Main Line. Take care, Levi." Brakkii paused. "Levi?"

"Yes?" Levi replied with a smile.

"There was a traveller a few weeks back. He never made it to where he was meant to go. You are best to look into it, I think," Brakkii stated as he formed an illusionary image of a different Universe between them both. "He's here."

Levi looked over the image. "So THAT'S where he went! Thanks! I needed to find him so that the right future happens; Someone's givin' me the info I need to make sure the right timeline happens. Thanks; now I can make sure everything is right for my Daddy."

"Good. See you later, Levi," Brakkii smiled at the boy as he vanished.

 

Cory was standing staring at his watch. "49 ... 50 ... 51 ..." he counted as he watched the seconds tick away. Just as he reached 59, Levi popped back in, two new companions by his side.

"I TOLD ya' it'd be a minute!" Levi giggled. "You wanna do introductions now Uncle Cory?"

Cory's eyes bugged out as he noticed Levi's companions. "Sure; then all of us are going to listen to you explain exactly what the hell you think you are doing!" Cory replied in exasperation.

Sean decided that discretion was the better part of valor and so went back to his toy collection that he had to sort out. He lifted up a stuffed bear with saber teeth. "A sehlat toy? And who on earth is Joel? Levi? You going to get a fourth kid???"

"No Uncle Sean; I don't know that name yet." Levi replied seriously. "Uncle Cory? I can explain, but Daddy and Poppa need to be here when I do it or it really won't make sense."

Cory nodded. "Ark; once Kyle, Tyler and Levis have returned, could you please inform all Council members that I request any of them that are available to be present for the debriefing of Levi in regards to his recent activities?"

<I will deliver the message Crafter.>

"Thank you Ark." Cory replied before turning to the group of new kids. "Welcome to Clan Short guys; I'm Cory and the cute guy sorting out stuffed toys is Sean. Levi; you caused this, you can introduce your friends."

Levi giggled as he glanced over at Antonio. "Antonio helped!" He then turned to the boys and introduced them in order. "The first one here is Peter Lambert; he's from Maine and was sent down here 'cuz he was dyin' of cancer. I went to help Antonio help him out cuz' Daddy promised we would. The only way that he was able to be healed, and Antonio agreed with both me and Peter before I did it, was to either make him Vifer or Mikyvis. He chose Mikyvis, so that's what we did. I've locked him down until Daddy can make sure"

Cory looked at Antonio, who nodded his agreement. "I have no problem with that; it sounds like you took the time to make sure it was the right option. Welcome to the Clan Peter."

Peter grinned. "Thanks Cory! Now I can help Levi heal everyone once his Dad says I'm okay!"

Levi giggled. "Thanks, I need all the help I can get! Over there by Peter is Yistanku, son of Tatokeh. Antonio is going to adopt him. We had to bring him back with us from his time or else there would have been a time paradox that would have resulted in Chief Tecumseh never being born. He was the first sign that I had that Someone of a higher power was guiding me to close up some loose ends in our timeline that needed fixed before Daddy started fighting Axon."

"You may call me Yist; I like that name." Yistanku offered.

"Oh, Uncle Cory, Yist is a Founder; Uncle Tyne is gonna need to help him." Levi added seriously.

Cory looked over the black haired, brown eyed Native American with a smile. "Okay Levi; thanks for the warning. Welcome to 2004 Yist; if you need any help understanding this time just let one of us know."

"Thank you Elder." Yist replied with a small smile.

Levi then turned to the red-haired, green-eyed twelve year old on his other side. "This is Robbie 'Rocky' Aniston. He's gonna be needed in a few years here, but he joined us now since his boyfriend was coming over. Speaking of his boyfriend that is the guy cuddled up to him; just call him 'Bork' since there is no way I can pronounce his real name. Don't bother asking where he's from; I checked it out and it's an unlisted planet in an unknown universe on an unmapped timeline. He was supposed to have ended up in one of our alternate timelines, but now for our timeline to progress right we have to have him in this timeline or else there will be a paradox."

Cory looked over the boy in front of him, about eleven years old with orange eyes and purple hair, including a purple mane stretching down his spine. "Dude; Cyna is gonna LOVE your hair! Welcome to the Clan guys!" Cory paused then looked back at Levi. "Levi, you realize this didn't get you out of having to explain yourself to the Council; right?"

"Okay Uncle Cory." Levi pouted, his humor at the situation obvious in the smile he was trying to hide.

Sean shook his head. "Guys, if you want to help pass out the toys you'll get to meet some of the rest of the guys. It's the easiest way to meet everyone."

Everyone agreed and started gathering up toys. Peter suddenly stopped as Miah walked into the room.

"Levi; why do I feel TWO Mikyvis in this room?" Miah asked with a smile.

"Hi Uncle Miah! I had to help Peter; and the only way to help him was to make him like me." Levi replied.

Miah walked over to Peter and began checking him over. "Hmmm, considering you're not even twelve hours old yet Levi, you've done an amazing job. Levi, could you transfer the situation that caused you to agree to converting Peter to my head?"

Peter smiled. "That would work; Levi locked me out of everything until his Dad says I'm okay."

Miah nodded at Levi. "Smart move; I think even Tyne will appreciate that. Please fill me in Levi."

Levi nodded, then sent the information Miah needed to his head. After a few seconds of review, Miah smiled. "Well done; I am glad you did not just jump into it. You can unlock Peter to the same point you were at when you were born Levi; his conversion is stable so I'll accept the responsibility for allowing you to activate his skills."

Once Miah was done, Peter joined the rest of the group in passing out the toys. As they finished, each of the new boys found themselves invited into various groups around the room. Yist was especially happy to find himself invited by Timmy and Ricky to help oversee their animal therapy program.

 

An hour later:

Kane and KT had assumed guard duty for Cory and Sean, and all four of them were lounging in the once-again empty Conference Room.

"I don't know whether to be happy that Levi is being so careful or scared of what he can do." Cory commented.

"I know." KT piped in. "Who is gonna watch over the watchers?"

Sean shook his head. "I think I know where this is gonna lead; Kyle and Ty are going to need to set up a Council to police themselves."

"What?" Kyle asked as him, Tyler, and Levis popped into the room.

Cory took one look at the trio. "Sit down; you all look like you were run over by a shuttle. Kane; go get my mom, Dan and John. Kyle, what happened bro?"

All three boys plopped down in the nearest seat as Kane ran out of the room. Kyle immediately rolled into a ball, quietly sobbing. It was apparent that Tyler wanted to join him, but was holding it together to report to his big brother.

"Axon is dead." Ty replied softly. "There are trillions of people who are never going to be born because of what we had to do to kill him. All of the branches from our timeline are gone; seven branches managed to break off and form their own universes; the rest are gone forever."

As Tyler curled up against Kyle, Cory looked at Levis with helplessness written all over his face. "Levis, what can I say? I have no idea how to help them."

Levis started to respond, but was interrupted by Levi and Peter leading the adults into the room. As Levis stared at the newest Mikyvis, Levi rushed to his parent's side. "Daddy, Poppa. You gotta listen!"

Both boys looked up at their son with teary eyes; something in his voice telling them that he knew something important. "I was checkin' all of those branches before you started fightin' Axon." Levi said, not giving them a chance to speak until he was done. "Most of 'em were about to die off by themselves. There was a few of 'em that were stronger, but those Axon had messed up so bad that it was worse to live in them than it was to never be born. The only ones that survived were the ones he didn't mess up yet; there was no way to fix the ones he messed up. When you started fightin' him I helped a couple of them break free and fixed the damage he done to them; before you started fightin' I was fixin' holes that he'd set up to get back into this timeline if you were winnin'. I was bein' guided somehow by Someone else so that I knew where to go and what to do; I don' know who but whoever it was made sure I was where I was needed to help out. I'll bet those people who ain't gonna be born in the times that don't exist anymore are gonna be born in the times that survived instead."

Peter joined Levi, and added his own comments. "Levi's let me see what he saw before your fight so that I understand how to look forwards and backwards to see what will happen depending on the decision someone makes. Right now there are two boys in the other room from another universe that would have unknowingly caused that universe to fail if Levi had not been sent out. There is another boy here from the past that I watched Levi check out; if we had not been there at that exact time to bring him to this time then what is here right now wouldn't be here and Axon would have already won since there never would be a fight. You saved trillions of people from suffering needlessly; and there are three kids here that are constant reminders of the trillions you saved."

Levis smiled. "You both made valid points; I only have one question... WHEN was another Mikyvis added to the species?"

Cory followed his gut instinct, which told him this was not the change of subject that was needed. "I've already looked into in for you; and based on what I've been told it was something necessary. Considering the events that surrounded it, the timing was necessary too. Levi is going to give a full report once we can get most of the Council here; that way he don't have to keep repeating it."

While Cory was speaking, Peter slipped off to the corner of the room and returned with two stuffed bears and a stuffed bunny. He handed the bunny to Tyler first. "These are from the Archive on the Moon; they've got your names on them." He then handed a purple teddy bear to Kyle, and a white teddy bear to Levis. "I think the Savant on the Moon knew who was special; that's why there were toys for everyone, even those who came today and a few that are not here yet."

"Thank-you." Kyle and Ty whispered in unison.

Dan put a hand on Levi and Peter's shoulders as Teri and John moved towards the three boys recovering from their fight. "Thank you boys; you've done your part quite well. Why don't you go with your Uncle Cory while we give these guys some private 'kid time'?"

 

Yist was in awe at his new little friends. While he had heard of Spirit Guides from his father, he had never met one. Now he knew two, and they were more than happy to welcome him into their family and include him in their quest to comfort the victims of the latest fight with the help of their animal friends.

Timmy had just finished passing a message from one of the deer to Johnny, who ran off to get some pain killers for the boy in need. A voice from behind them made Timmy and Ricky both turn their heads with huge smiles appearing on their faces.

"Liketv-Lvmhe, Tvmketv-Lvmhe. Ceme hayetv Este-hvpo Cutke Lvmhe afvcke. Honvnwv yakpe tolaswv sumketv eme horre." Soaring Eagle, Sitting Eagle. You make Camp Little Eagle happy. Men of forked tongue lost his war.

Chief Tecumseh paused and then focused on Yist. "Hopuewv, kicetv vne ceme hocefkv." Child, tell me your name.

Yist stood up proudly; immediately recognizing the status of the man addressing him. "Vne Yistanku, eppuce Tatokeh, Semvnole heles-hayv. Vne vtetv sulke paksvnke cvpke sumketv." I'm Yistanku, son of Tatokeh, Seminole Medicine Maker. I come (from) much yesterdays long lost.

Timmy stood up and announced proudly. "Mekko Tecumseh; Antonio's vfvstetv Yistanku. Chief Tecumseh; Antonio's to take care of Yistanku.

Chief Tecumseh smiled. "Yistanku, hiyomat ceme Mekko Emosuswv. Vne Eppuce hayetv vne afvcke." Yistanku, now you Chief's Grandchild. My Son makes me happy.

Ricky giggled as he looked around at the confused faces of the new kids who had become curious at the sight of a real Indian Chief. "Chief; I think we better switch to English; a lot of these guys don't know Seminole... yet! Our cousin Levi taught Yist English already."

As Ricky made his announcement, Antonio and Byron managed to worm their way through the crowd that had formed. Byron immediately went to Yist and placed a hand on his shoulder. "My empvlse (spouse) has discussed his vow to take you in as our hopuewv (child) with me. The approval you have received from the Spirit Guides affirms his opinion of you. I must know your wishes; is this option agreeable to you?"

Yist smiled as he looked up at Byron; in the tribe he had lived in all of his nine years it was rare that someone of his age would have a say in this type of decision. "I find it ...." He paused for a second, then grinned as he replied. "Timmy helped me with my words; I like it and I want to be your son. Ricky says I need to tell you I'm something called a 'Founder'. What is that? Is that why I can hear what they are thinking?"

Byron giggled as he pulled Yist into a hug. "Welcome to the family! I'll let the Head Founder of this time explain what it means to be a Founder to you; but since Timmy and Ricky seem to be 'selective telepaths' I'll bet that you being descended from Founders is helping them talk to you in your head. You can count yourself among a very small list of people that both of them can talk to like that."

Ian walked up to the group, William perched on one shoulder and Duke perched on the other. "Hey guys; my shoulder buddies said we've got new family!"

Yist looked over and saw the eagles on Ian's shoulders. "Do those belong to you?" he asked in wonder.

"Naw." Ian giggled. "They're Timmy and Ricky's partners; I was feelin' kinda bad so they came over to cheer me up."

"You can TALK to them?" Yist said in awe. "Only Spirit Guides can do that!"

"Spirit Guides AND special people who the Guides think are worthy." Ian corrected. "I don't know why, but they think I'm special enough to talk to."

Yist nodded. "Legend says that those who are destined to assist the Guides are allowed by the Great Spirit to communicate with the Guides. You are a very rare member of the Tribe to be afforded such an honor."

Chief Tecumseh nodded seriously. "The legends have been lost through the years. We must sit down and discuss that which has been lost since your birth, Grandson."

"That might need to wait, Chief." Ian noted as William clucked in his ear. "Yist is in need of training."

Timmy nodded. "Uncle Ark; can Uncle Tyne come here?"

<Uncle? I am not sure I enjoy what that title implies, that being the gender part of that of course. Tyne is currently reading reports in the Council Chambers, give me a few moments to get him to give up the excitement of the reports he is reviewing on the reconstruction projects I have different teams working on.>

Timmy giggled. "Sorry Uncle Ark, but English ain't got a word for family with no sex. Thank you!"

Yist smiled. "I believe that from what I learned from Levi that "Mekko" is most appropriate."

<I am not a chief but it does imply no gender. However, what is wrong with just using my name; it is, after all, very short and easy to remember.>

"But you're grown-up family; I ain't 'posed to just call grownups their names." Timmy replied meekly, yet mischief was clearly seen in his eyes.

<I am not as easy to fool as your parents, Timmy. If I ask you to use just my name then would it not be making me uncomfortable to use anything else?>

Cory came jogging over. "Timmy; stop teasing Ark. You know better than to pick on it about what to call it."

Timmy looked at Cory innocently. "But Daddy ...."

Cory giggled. "Nice try kiddo; I know you better than that! It's not nice to irritate someone by picking on them about their gender, or in Ark's case not having a gender. I think you owe Ark an apology."

Timmy shuffled his feet as he stared at the floor. "I'm sorry for pickin' at you Ark."

<Apology accepted.>

"You know, when Ark was first activated it couldn't understand what sorry meant," Tyne said as he walked into the Rec Room. "It had to learn that some things are either made in error or are misunderstandings. Of course it had to learn what those meant as well."

<Well, all of what makes humans what they are can be very difficult to grasp from a logic stand point.>

Tyne grinned, "That's what makes us special. Anyway, sorry for not coming right away Timmy, I stopped in CIC for a minute to check in with the team finishing up the Founder console integration in there."

"Hi Uncle Tyne. Could you please help out Yist. His head's needin teached." Timmy asked, still feeling down about being disciplined.

"Yist?" Tyne said a bit confused.

Cory smiled. "Excuse Timmy's manners; he's kinda happy to have a new friend. This is Yist; Yist this is Tyne. Tyne; I'll explain what you find after you feel Yist is okay."

Byron spoke up. "Yist, Tyne is the 'Head Founder' I was telling you about. Tyne, please take good care of my new son; according to Levi he's a Founder."

"I'm the Council Seer..." Tyne almost instantly frowned as he looked over the boy in front of him, "Well I can tell by how you're dressed that you're not from the Founders that we picked up recently. Do I dare ask where you are from?"

"I am from the area you now call Pensacola." Yist replied. "Is there something wrong with my clothes? They are the ceremonial dress of my Tribe."

Cory quickly added "Seer; in the absence of the Council Nitor I took the report from Levi which explains his presence here. The actions necessary were valid; there was not time to bring it to your attention before action was required. I asked Ark to let me know when enough members of the Council were free to give a full report. Levi will be present to answer questions."

"Levi is involved and it requires a meeting..." Tyne said, the tone of his voice suggesting that he wasn't thrilled to hear this. "So you're dropping a Founder in my lap, a Founder that isn't one of mine, that we have to have a meeting over, and you expect me to be of any help? I don't dig in heads that I know nothing about unless I either know more about them or I'm intending on doing anything but helping."

"I might be able to help, Seer." Antonio spoke up. "I was present at Yist's recovery; Levi was assisting me with healing a cancer victim. Unfortunately; the previous treatment administered by the doctors on Earth caused irreparable damage to the boy's genetic structure. I reviewed the evidence and found that the only two options which would allow survival were either Viferization or Mikyvis conversion with all abilities frozen until medical review by someone specializing in the species. The patient was explained the negative points of each and chose Mikyvis conversion. Miah has reviewed the conversion and proclaimed the patient healthy."

Just then, Peter popped in, gave Antonio a hug, then popped back out. Antonio giggled. "The patient has a tendency to give random hugs though! That was Peter." He paused then added "Yist is from around the year 840 A.D.; I believe his Founder skills are starting to develop and he needs skilled guidance to prevent problems."

All time seemed to stop as Tyne stared at Antonio, like he would disappear if he did. It was more than him just not liking the news.

"And you thought these people were working with us," said a boy that looked just like Tyne, but was dressed in black, walked over to Antonio and looked him over. Antonio couldn't see him, of course, but he was there. "I'd say at every turn they seem to be working against us."

"I wouldn't really say that they are working against us," said another Tyne, this one being dressed in pure white. "It was the more structured way to go about...oh who am I kidding, these people make chaos look like a good time. What the hell are they thinking?"

"Guys, this isn't the time for this," said a very young Tyne as he looked up at the real Tyne. "I'm not sure we're in good shape here, we're appearing while he's in the middle of a conversation."

"Which means that either he's holding us in an instant of time to try and absorb this, or we are standing still staring at this boy," said another Tyne that was dressed in blacks, whites, and grays.

"Well how do we fix this, Reason?" The young Tyne asked the mixed colors Tyne.

"Unless Tyne slipped into a state of mind that he's never been in before I'd say we are in real time," replied Reason.

"Logically we need to solve the problem," added the Tyne in white.

The Tyne in black frowned, "Any ideas on that, oh bright one?"

"What was he just told?" asked the young Tyne.

"The young never pay attention," added the Tyne in black.

Reason waved off the comment, "I'm guessing that we are having trouble handling how the Clan goes about fixing its problems. We ask them to take responsibility for themselves and in turn they misuse their power before setting up controls and boundaries."

"With the state of things with Axon I'm not so sure time was allotted for setting up controls and boundaries," said the Tyne in white.

"That doesn't mean we don't expect cautions to be taken," added the Tyne in black. "I say we condemn."

"But if Antonio approved then that means the Council has to at least support what he decided," said Reason. "We can't condemn the actions of a Council member without more information being presented."

"I don't know about all of you but I need a vacation," the real Tyne suddenly said. "I'm just not able to deal with all of this, I'm only 14. Reason is right but I can't say I don't feel what Black is saying."

All the other Tynes looked at him and then at everyone else.

"They heard that I bet," said the Tyne in black.

"Yes, we did; I couldn't agree more right now." Cory replied. "That is why I was trying to put off involving you until the entire Council was available to discuss it in a proper setting. If I had known that Yist was in need of training so soon, I would have had Levi report to you personally to give his report so that you did not get blindsided in public like this."

Kyle walked up, his hair a mess and his eyes red. "We're gonna sort this out right now." he announced as time froze around them. "Tyne, it's just you, me, Cory and Antonio now. I'm not releasing Time until we are all in agreement on what needs to happen. Ty, Levi and Peter are standing by to join us if you need them."

The Tyne in black looked Kyle up and down, "You're back, that must mean you did what needed to be done to make this world safe. At least I can sleep tonight knowing that evil met its end in a deserving way."

"Murder is..." the Tyne in white started to say but Reason held up his hand for him to stop.

"Even logic must give way to life, White, and no one can deny that," said Reason. "I agree with Black, it is good to see you Kyle; though we've never really met before I suppose."

"He can see us?" asked the young Tyne.

"He's Mikyvis, demi-gods that exist without limits or boundaries," added the Tyne in white.

"White, that's enough," the real Tyne said softly, still staring at Antonio.

Kyle replied weakly. "Yes, Axon is dead; along with trillions of people who will never be born thanks to me. I just finished getting filled in directly by my son. Levi was operating under my orders to try to find a safe place to put everyone in case I failed. In that regard he did quite well; in fact his main choice was saved from destruction by his thorough checking in each place he went. Regarding Peter; he was following up on a promise I made; if you take the time to look into Antonio's memories of it you'll find that it was not something Levi did lightly. Yistanku is the direct result of a pending time paradox; Levi was meant to bring him from his time to ours. If Levi had failed to do so, then our present would have never occurred. As a natural born Mikyvis, Levi can search Time hundreds if not thousands of times faster than you Tyne; yet it took him a full two minutes to determine that this was the right choice to make."

The Tyne in white frowned, "I'm sure you remember that when Tyne looks at anyone's mind, he doesn't pick and choose like you do, he get's it all at once."

"Never mind that," replied Reason. "Kyle, being that you're not tied to time I'm not sure if you understand this or not but those that could have lived were going to die or never exist in the first place. You are responsible for more people that will live then you are for those that could have lived. To quote an uncle of yours; 'the needs of the many always outweigh the needs of the few, or the one'. You are not responsible for anyone's death but Axon's; and he was someone that, if left alive, was dangerous, and would have been more dangerous in time."

"Besides, there is nothing wrong with death," added the Tyne in black. "One hundred percent of us die, after all."

"What about this Peter," asked the Tyne in white? "If what Reason said was true would it not be better to let one person die then to bring another Mikyvis into this world that did not know what that really means?"

Young Tyne walked up to White and punched him in the nuts. As White screamed and fell to the ground young Tyne shook his head, "Get a grip, that's like saying it was better for Tyne to leave Rusty the way he was just because you didn't know what future would come from this. I'm not sure about you but I feel too much for that to be an option."

"It would have been better for him to have been made Vifer," said Reason. "But what's done is done, so it's not what they should have done, but rather what will happen now that it has happened."

Kyle nodded. "Levi believed that as well; but to make him Vifer would have required forcing it on Peter, while despite Levi's best attempt to play it off as a bad choice, Peter still insisted on becoming Mikyvis. Remember that not just anyone can be converted by one Mikyvis; it takes a strong genetic heritage of Founder and/or Empath for it to be possible. I've checked it out myself and that is the ONLY subspecies of Humans which are convertible with our current knowledge."

"Yes, yes, we know that, but what is the mental state of this new Mikyvis? Did anyone bother to check that?" asked the Tyne in white. "It's not a matter of whether its right or wrong from a life saving point of view but rather, what impact will this have on the world?"

"Often we find humans falling short, what's to say this kid doesn't fall short as well since he was human," added the Tyne in black. "We don't need another Axon."

Kyle sighed. "Let's see here .... medically reviewed by a Council Officer, complete mental state scanned and possible futures explored into the next two thousand years, all abilities locked out until reviewed by the acknowledged independent expert in my species, Miah of the Ferox Science Council, additionally reviewed by myself and Tyler as soon as we had knowledge of the conversion .... all of which was decided on by Levi before he took the first step ..... how many more friggin checks do you want!"

"Enough to make it absolute," Reason finally said. "Forgive them Kyle, they don't mean to cause you any more stress but if Tyne didn't feel over stressed himself then we wouldn't be having this conversation. They just want to make sure that we don't make the same mistake that the Founders of the past have. Everything that they seemed to create for good reasons seems to have caused more pain and suffering then it has good. They aren't saying that you and the rest of your species aren't careful, they just want to double check."

Cory absorbed all he had heard and finally spoke. "Maybe that is just the problem; the Founders of the past might have tried to micro-manage their creations. It is proven in this time that not allowing something breathing room is the easiest way to make it fail; they teach that in junior high business classes. I think that since the species is now expanding past their own family that Kyle and Ty should create their own Council; the standards of their species are going to have to be different than the standards we hold to ourselves just due to their additional capabilities."

"Actually, the problem with the Founders was that they didn't micro-manage their creations," replied Reason. "In fact they did exactly the opposite. I do think that creating a Council would be a good idea though. Although..."

"It should have been set up long before this point," the Tyne in white blurted out as he got back up. Young Tyne just shook his head again and punched him in the nuts again, causing the same reaction as last time.

"As I was saying," Reason continued. "I think we could all do with some rest, along with anything stress relieving we can think of."

Young Tyne grinned, "I can think of a few things like that."

"This is no time for your mind to be in the gutter!" cried the Tyne in white.

Young Tyne sat down, pulled off his shoe, took his sock, and stuck it in White's mouth. "I think you need to be quiet now."

"I agree," the real Tyne said, finally speaking again. He looked away from Antonio and looked over at Kyle, "I'll have Cyna draw up some ideas if you want, but I think we could all use some rest. I agree with Reason as well, Peter is fine."

Kyle nodded. "I'm gonna need to fill 'Tonio in since he missed most of this. If Cyna wouldn't mind, I'd like to have Miah as a non-voting advisor on the Council since he's the expert on my species biologically; do you think he'd mind talking to Miah about it?"

"I don't think he'd mind at all," Tyne said as the different versions of himself started to fade away. "I'll take Yist with me to the Ark Compound but I'll probably leave him with Syris for a few hours, that way I can rest and Yist can learn what he's missed; Syris will fill him in, he's very good at that."

Just then Peter popped in, quickly giving Cory, Antonio, Yist, Byron, and then Kyle surprise hugs. He turned to Tyne, and smiled as he said "Levi says you're the Council Seer. Is it okay to give you a hug too?"

Tyne shook his head. "I don't think that would be a good idea right now."

Peter grinned. "Okay; I'll give you one when you feel better. I gotta go; I'm helping Levi. We're making sure anyone's physical hurts are all healed that will let us fix 'em." With that, he waved and popped over to the other side of the room.

Cory glanced at the rest of the group, then turned to Tyne. "Tyne; as a friend could I suggest having Cyna sort through everything to pull out the information that you really need to know yourself. He could pass specific stuff that anyone else needs directly to them for you. I tried to do the same thing you're doing; I found out the hard way that too much has happened for one person to absorb it all at once. Neither one of us needs to break down right now. While Jory and I were out blowing things up to help me blow off steam, he told me that the secret to a great leader wasn't knowing everything; it's surrounding yourself with people who know when you need to be involved and when they should handle the problem themselves. I've got those people; I'm gonna let them do their jobs and they'll come to me a little at a time as reports are really needed instead of all at once. If I've heard right, you're getting your own crew of people at Ark that might help take some of this stress off of you."

"I'd have to have trained people first," replied Tyne. "I will get some rest though. I know what'll happen to my head if I push myself much further."

Cory smiled. "Tell Rusty I said 'Hi'; I'll try to keep the zoo in its bounds while you're taking a break; if I need help I'll just have Ark do a mass dunking. Take care bro." He then turned to Kyle. "C'mon lil bro; Josiah set up a mini-golf course in my back yard and I need you to help me test it."

Kyle tilted his head. "I really need to ....."

Cory stopped him. "What you really need to do is relax and play some golf with your brothers. JJ and Sean are waiting; let's go."

Kyle looked around to see where Tyler was, and realized what Cory was getting at when he saw Ty being dragged by Tommy into the kitchen. 'We're taking a break cutie!' Kyle sent to Ty. 'Have fun; and try not to eat too many mistakes!'

"We'll be back in a little bit." Cory said as he put his arm on Kyle's shoulder and turned towards the exit. As they reached the door, he noticed two of the lion-kids, Mont and Bast, had fallen in behind them.

Cory paused as he considered how their presence might affect his plans. After a few seconds, he turned to the two cats. "Guys; I know that you're assigned to guard me. There are going to be four of us out here, I would really appreciate it if you could watch out for all of us so that we can just relax for a while."

Mont nodded. "We can do that."

"Thanks, let's go then!" Cory announced.