Memories Part 2: Spreading The Hope

Rec Room:

"Kyle, did Levi give you any idea what his plans were for these young ones before he ran off?" Teri asked with a smile as she reached out and ruffled one of the kid's hair. "I'm beginning to think your eldest son is taking after you with all the mischief he's getting into."

Kyle giggled from his perch on Sean's lap. "But Mooommmm... I'm an innocent angel!"

Sean nodded as he giggled and gave Kyle a squeeze. "Yeah, so innocent that I'm making him sit here so I know what he's doing."

Kyle stuck out his tongue at Sean before snuggling into his chest. "You love me anyway bro... That means a lot to me."

Sean smiled as he wrapped his arms around Kyle. He missed the times like this when Kyle forgot about the world and let himself be a kid; it appeared that what Sarek had done in Kyle's head had relaxed him enough to allow him to relax his defenses. "I've loved you since the day you asked me to be your friend lil guy; you're my very first little brother now and forever."

Kyle smiled as he wiggled some to make himself more comfortable. Sean looked up at his mom with a contented smile. "I already know what Levi thought would be best Mom; he dropped it in my head before he ran off to help Cory. I agree with him, but we need to wait a few minutes for everyone involved to meet up here."

Teri motioned for the new kids to join her in her chair. "I hope whoever it is knows that they need to be here."

Kyle giggled from his perch on Sean's lap. "Don't worry Mom; Levi's already talked to them."

As if waiting for mention, Curly, Brian, Nick, and Ashley all walked up. Johnny was with them, and flew by his parents to land in the last open spot in Teri's lap. A few seconds later, Kevin and Kristen joined the group, Anne by their sides.

"Mom?" Teri said in surprise. "When did you get here?"

Anne gave a small smile. "About an hour ago; I've been busy checking on my grandsons." She stopped and leaned in to give Sean and Kyle hugs. "I've heard all about what has happened in the last two and a half days." Anne said as she stood back up. "Kyle, you have a wonderful little boy as your first son. I met Levi while I was talking to your Dad about the changes you and Tyler have went through, and he called Bryce and Dylan in so I could meet them too. Levi is a little angel which you have every reason to be very proud of Kyle; you and Tyler got everything right the first time when you created him. Just so you know boys, he already filled me in on what needs done here; so you can just sit back and watch while I make sure everyone is taken care of."

Sean and Kyle both giggled. "Yes Grandma!" they chorused, both aware that once Grandma Anne took charge there was no arguing with her.

Anne turned back to Teri. "Teri, Levi also filled me in on why those little darlings cuddling with you need to be placed by the Clan instead of FYS. I can tell you the details later when we're in private. Right now we just need to make sure they have a family again, then Levi will pop in to make it official. That little guy doesn't sit still for a second, does he?"

Teri began to reply, but paused her response as Slider came plodding over carefully carrying a little kitten. After he placed the kitten in Kyle's lap, the dog settled in almost on top of Sean's feet; making it obvious that neither Kyle nor Sean was going anywhere without his knowledge. The kitten did it's part by scampering up Sean's shirt and making itself comfortable on the shoulder not blocked by Kyle's head.

Teri smiled as she replied to Anne's question. "I don't think Levi knows the meaning of rest, Mom. After what I've seen him do today, I have no doubt that whatever his reasons are, they're valid. How long are you staying?"

Anne looked around the room as she replied to Teri. "That is something I need to discuss with everyone later. Yesterday affected more than just the people in this room. When I first saw my grandsons doing what they do best, I knew that at that time me being a part of their daily lives might slow down their growth into what they've become. That is not the case anymore; and I think it's time that ALL of their family be there for them."

Kevin interrupted at that point. "Mom, we've all decided the same thing. After everyone finally got to sleep last night, both bands sat down and talked it over. We agreed to consider suspending touring until things got back to normal. After Levi talked to me a little bit ago, I made a conference call that I just hung up from before we came in here. We're retiring from the music business as of about ten minutes ago; the rest of the guys are going to give it a go at solo but still keep themselves available if they are needed. Family needs to come first; we can't be there for those that need us if we're out tou..."

"Auntie Teri, Levi didn't tell me Samantha and me's new papa talked so much!" a little brown haired five year old interrupted.

Kevin froze, his train of thought totally forgotten. After an uncomfortable pause, he looked at Kyle. "Kiddo, your son is soooooo going swimming if I catch him. A little warning would have been nice!"

Kyle giggled from the safety of Sean's lap. "That takes the fun outta seeing your face Uncle Kev! You shoulda known that if you're bein' invited to an adoption it means you're takin someone home with ya!"

Kev shook his head, and turned back towards Teri and the kids. "Well little man, since Levi seems to be telling you more than he told me, why don't you introduce yourself!"

The five year old grinned. "I'm Eddie, this's my sis Samantha!" he replied proudly as he put an arm over the brown haired five year old girl next to him.

"We're twins!" Samantha added. "Are you really gonna be our papa and mummy?"

Oliver sniggered from his just-acquired perch on the arm of Sean's chair. "They're definitely from Kent!"

Kevin and Kristin answered the question by going over and digging the two little imps out of the pile of kids. Kevin hoisted Eddie to his hip as Kristen did the same for Samantha. "I learned long ago not to argue with Kyle; everyone says Levi is just like his Dad, so if Levi thinks we're the best parents for you two then I'll trust his judgement." Kristin said with a smile in Kyle's direction.

Levi popped in next to Oliver, causing all but Kyle to jump. "Does that mean you're ready to make it official Uncle Kev?" he asked with a grin.

"Levi, have you even walked ten feet in those shoes yet?" Teri asked with a chuckle.

"Yep! I walked a whole quarter mile when I picked up Bork and Robbie, Grandma!" Levi replied with a huge grin.

Kevin shook his head. "Like father like son...." he mumbled.

"Yep!" Levi grinned. He suddenly got serious. "Edward Jonathon Handley and Samantha Sharon Handley were rescued under authority of the Safe Haven Act Section 200.3; in regards to them and their companions I hereby claim full powers as specified by Section 203.2 due to observations as specified in Section 68.1(a). The subjects are hereafter under Clan Short Protection due to abuses listed under Safe Haven Act Sections 17.1 inclusive, 17.22 inclusive, 14.1, and 11.5(b)."

Levi paused, then looked at Kevin and Kristen. "Uncle Kev, Aunt Kris?"

"Yeah Levi?" Kevin replied, slightly shocked by the way Levi rattled off the Safe Haven sections.

"I kinda cheated and looked into the future to see who would be the best parents for each of these guys and Samantha." Levi replied meekly. "You ain't gotta say yes unless you really wanna adopt them; all of the kids know that the choice is still open for the adults. I showed them a list of the families I thought were the best for them and what it'd be like living with them and these two picked you off of the list."

Kristin smiled. "That is so sweet Levi! Your Grandpa Dan was bragging about all of the things you can do; it was really nice of you to use your skills to help match up families. I see why he was so proud of you now." She turned to Kevin. "What do you think Hon?"

Kevin grinned. "I think he's still going for a swim; our new son and daughter can help toss him in."

"Levi's our angel; we can't do that!" Eddie announced forcefully.

"Don't worry Eddie; I'll never do anything that could hurt Levi." Kevin replied as he pulled Eddie against him into a cuddle. "He's my grand-nephew; I won't allow anything to be done to him that he doesn't consider fun."

"We know papa!" Samantha said with a knowing smile.

Kevin glanced at Levi. "Telepaths?"

"Nope; just a sixth sense!" Levi replied with a giggle.

"Kids know when their daddies are messing, Uncle Kev," Oliver added as he smiled happily, at the same time noticing Nathan in the Dining Room talking to Koth.

"Congrats Kev!" Nick said as he watched Teri cuddling the remaining kids in her lap. "That was worth walking over here for; those two have struck the jackpot."

"Thanks Nicky!" Kevin replied.

Before Kevin could add more, Johnny spoke up from his spot in the kid-pile. "Daaaaddddyyyyyy???"

"Oh no; I know that tone...." Ashley mumbled. "Your turn Nick."

"Chicken!" Nick chuckled. He walked over to where Johnny had sandwiched himself between two boys just slightly older than him. "Do I need to ask what your devious little mind has cooked up munchkin; or should I say what you've talked your Grandma into?" Nick asked with a grin.

"Daaaadddddyyy!" Johnny giggled. "I wounna do that!"

"Sure kiddo!" Nick chuckled. "Why don't you introduce me to the two guys you've decided you want us to adopt?"

Johnny tried his best to look innocent, but the giggles from him and the two boys he was with gave it away. "Okay Daddy!" he finally said when it was obvious he was busted. "This is Adrian," he said, pointing at the seven year old with brown hair and gray eyes. "An' this is Cliff!" he finished, pointing at the six year old with black hair and brown eyes. "They's from England!"

"Bugger that, Johnny!" Cliff exclaimed. "That bloke's from London; I'm from Yorkshire! There's nowt' Cockney about me!"

Adrian grinned, obviously this was a regular banter between them. "Bleedin' right; I'd rarver be Cockney. Sorted mate."

Nick looked over his shoulder at Levi. "Hey blondie? Do they come with translators?" he asked with a laugh.

"I understood them just fine!" Levi responded with a giggle. "I'll update you so that you can too; even though it'd be funny watching you learn."

"He's definitely YOUR son!" Ashley chuckled as he ruffled Kyle's hair.

Kyle giggled. "I think he's more like Ty."

Iori flew in and perched on Oliver's shoulder. He looked down at Kyle and clucked a few times.

"What did he say?" Nick asked.

Oliver giggled, "He says that Uncle Tony was right; Levi is like both his daddies!"

Levi giggled. "Good; I've got special Daddies! You gonna ask if your new sons want 'dopted yet Uncle Nick?"

Oliver was watching both little boys as their faces registered shock.

"So you jus' mean that I have to say yes, and bob's your uncle, he's me old man?" Adrian asked in a disbelieving tone.

Nick grinned as he glanced at Ashley. "Well?"

Ashley chuckled. "Like the little Mickey Mouse here is giving us a choice? I'm all for it, despite his meddling."

Nick smiled as he turned back to the boys. "Well guys, I'd say with a nod of your head you can make Justy hit that 'enter' key his finger is hovering over. You ready to have a new family?"

Cliff and Adrian both started nodding; by the time their heads reached the second nod, Levi announced "Done!" with a huge grin.

"Told ya!" Nick announced as Johnny scrambled onto his shoulders and Adrian was scooped into his arms. Ashley came over and picked up Cliff, then the new family went to stand by Kevin, Kristin, and their new kids.

Just then, everyone's attention was drawn to the sight of Robbie excitedly dragging Cory over to the group; Jakob, Jens, and Jace following with smiles on their faces. "C'mon Uncle Cory! Peter says I'm gettin' new brothers!!!!"

Cory laughed as Robbie broke loose from him and pounced the two boys left on Teri's lap. The youngest of the two was securely snuggled into the side of the oldest; Robbie instantly wiggled into the other side and put his arm over the little one.

Justin looked over at Brian with a grin. "Did you think to call our eldest son to see if he's available to join us?"

Brian nodded. "I had Ark pass the message; I had a sneaky suspicion about what Levi was up to."

Cory just shook his head. "Levi; try warning people first from now on, okay?"

Levi giggled. "Okay Uncle Cory! You gotta admit it's fun this way though!"

Cory motioned for his guests to join him as he approached his mom. "Mom; this is Bundeskanzler Jakob Hoffmann and his son Jens. Bundeskanzler Hoffmann; I would like to introduce my mom, Federation Youth Services Director Teri Short."

"Good morning Mrs. Short, it is a pleasure to meet you." Jakob said formally as he approached and extended his hand.

"Good morning Chancellor Hoffmann." Teri replied as she reached out and shook his hand. "Forgive me for not standing; two of these boys are in the process of adoption and are fully taking advantage of the free cuddle service."

Oliver looked at Teri, a slight puzzled look on his face, "You usually charge for cuddles, Auntie Teri?"

Jace giggled, "You goose! She's teasing, baby-boy!"

"Oh!" Oliver's blue eyes registered relief, "That's okay, then. Thought I had to pay her back after those hugs from earlier!"

"You do!" Teri chuckled. "You have to spread them around to others that need them."

Oliver grinned happily, "I can do that, Auntie Teri!!" So saying, he moved and joined Samantha and Eddie as they were being hugged by Kevin and Kristin. "I like giving hugs!"

Jakob smiled at the display he had just witnessed. "I can see where your son gets his caring ways from, Mrs. Short. Jens has been accepted for training with Clan Short; Cory indicated that Jens would be staying with his family. I would hate to presume your approval of another mouth to feed."

Teri smiled as she motioned for him to stop. "You don't need to worry; Cory and Sean have their own house with plenty of spare rooms, even with the grandchildren they just added. Jens, you are welcome at my house any time; I have an open door policy for all of the kids in residence here. Chancellor, since your son is now part of the Clan, you are welcome to claim one of the apartments in my building as your own home away from home for when you wish to spend time with your son or just get away from the public eye for a while. It will be yours and yours only."

Jakob's eyebrows raised at the new information. "That would be quite helpful. If I'm going to have an apartment under your roof, I must insist that you call me Jakob. How is it that someone as young as Cory has his own house?"

"I'll call you Jakob as long as you call me Teri." Teri replied with a smile. "As far as the house; any of the boys who gather a large family of their own are allowed on-site housing. It gives them the freedom to raise their family while still having the support of their parents or another adult nearby if so needed."

"That makes perfect sense...." Jakob began to reply. He stopped and turned as he saw Harry appear out of the corner of his eye. "Good morning, Your Highness!" he said as he turned to face Harry.

"Good morning, Chancellor," Harry said as he caught Jens from his mid-air pounce. "How are you, and how is your dear wife? All well, I hope?" Looking down into Jens' eyes, Harry chuckled, "I'm guessing you are very well, my little friend, going by that pounce!"

"I'm good, Harry!" Jens giggled happily as he snuggled into the Prince's arms. "Didn't know you were here, though! When did you join Clan Short?"

"I didn't. We'll talk after," Harry said softly as he turned his attention back to the Chancellor, "Sorry, Uncle Jakob. My questions still stand, though. How are you and my Aunt?"

"We're doing quite well Harry." Jakob chuckled as he watched Harry try to keep his balance. "You know that idea we talked about? Cory approved it; as of a few minutes ago Jens is now a member of Clan Short."

"Good!" Joy flooded Harry's face, and he looked down into Jens' eyes, "Well, cousin; we're going to see lots more of each other!"

He looked back up at his uncle. "Picked your room yet?" he asked with a grin.

Teri looked at Harry in shock. "How did you know about that Your Highness?"

"Well, Aunt Teri," Harry responded, mischief in his eyes, "I had the download from those wonderful Twin Terrors out there last night, and then, it's logical: my little Jens is part of the Clan? His dad gets a room."

"I think the Queen and I need to have a little talk." Teri responded with a small smile. "For your cheekiness you're sentenced to appear at my table for dinner tonight. Is that understood?"

Harry nodded, grinning from ear to ear. "One moment, Aunt Teri." He touched a button on his communicator at his neck, "Prince Harry to Agent Williams."

"Go ahead, Your Highness," came a scottish accented voice.

"Is my grandmother available for a voice conversation with the Director of Federation Youth Services?"

A new voice, an older one, came over the comm, "Yes, grandson, I am. Am I on with Director Short right now?"

"Yes, grandmother. One moment, I am handing her the comm." Harry handed a hand held unit to Teri. "You were saying, Auntie Dearest?"

"Good afternoon Your Majesty; I've been meaning to arrange another visit." Teri answered, grinning at Harry. "It seems one of your Princes is feeling a bit cheeky today."

"You have our permission," the Queen's voice sounded as full of equal mischief as her grandson's, "to tan his hide for him, should you feel the need, Teri. And what did I tell you, young lady? You can call me Lizzy when not in public!"

Harry sighed and rolled his eyes. "Grandma! Not in front of the commoners, please!" he giggled, winking at the kids on Teri's lap.

Teri shook her head, then responded with a huge grin. "I believe I may need to take you up on that Lizzy. I have two of your younger subjects on my lap at the moment, with a few others standing within hearing range; in addition Chancellor Hoffmann and his son are present. I couldn't let them down by being informal right away. As far as Prince Harry goes, if you are available I believe a sound tanning from both of us might be in order."

"If you have room, Philip and I can come over. I have wanted to meet all of your wonderful children. Charles and William are busy in Scotland for the next few days, but I and my husband are free and will be coming on Wednesday. Can we come over now?"

"Certainly. I can have one of those children bring you both. Be warned, he isn't technically human, and can transport you instantly." Teri replied.

Prince Harry began to look worried.

"I'll go now, Grandma!" Levi announced as he giggled and vanished.

"He is alien... oh, hello there, young man. Come here, you look very huggable. Now, then, you're not human? No? Well, you can tell us about it once we're in Orlando. Philip?" the Queen called to her husband.

"Yes, Cabbage?"

"Cabbage?" Cory giggled at Jace.

"Grandfather Philip is great!" Jace smiled back.

"Grandfather?!" Cory looked shocked.

Jace giggled, "Harry's my brother. The Royals adopted me, just like Poppa Spock adopted Harry!"

Whispered conversation could be heard over the comm, then it went silent. Queen Elizabeth and the Prince Consort Philip appeared before them, with Levi grinning from the Queen's arms.

"Your clothes and stuff are in the rooms I picked out for you in Grandma Teri's house, Grandma Lizzy!" Levi smiled as he kissed her cheek.

"Thank you, little man. Now, Teri. Who are all these wonderful boys I see before me," she asked as she looked around the room. Seeing Jason she added, "Prince Jason? Good to see you've met your wards at last."

"Welcome to Orlando Lizzy and Philip." Teri replied with a smile at the worried expression on Harry's face. "Obviously you know our little angel Levi; his dad Kyle is the one taking up lap space over in the chair there. Most of my sons are out playing host to the rest of our guests, but the two most famous ones are right here. Sean is the one providing lap space for Kyle, and Cory is the blond sitting on the arm of the chair...." Teri then made the rounds of the rest of the group, ending with the three in her lap. "... we have Robbie, he's the son of Justin and Brian; and last but not least Richard and Ryan, who I believe are about to become Robbie's brothers."

"You really the Queen?" Adrian asked, grinning up at the grandmotherly looking lady standing near him.

"Yes I am, and I know where you are from, young man," she replied, smiling at the boys heavy cockney accent. "I am very pleased to meet you all, and look forward to getting to know all of you. One rule, however. I am Grandma Lizzy; understand?" she asked, a chuckle in her voice.

"Yes Grandma!" the kids chorused.

Levi giggled. "My brothers are gonna freak when they hear you're our Grandma! They were just born this morning, so they're at school for a little longer."

"School?" Philip and Jakob asked in stunned voices. "Born this morning?"

"Uh huh!" Levi giggled. "We're not born like you, and don't have to grow up."

"So, how old are you then, chicken?" Elizabeth asked curiously.

"A day and a half!" Levi answered proudly.

"A very loooonnnnggggg day and a half!" Cory giggled as Levi stuck his tongue out in response.

The Queen sat down quickly. "A day and a half? But... my grandson, Jason, said..."

"I said we met him back at Christmas, Grandma, but it was time travel. Looks like we were searching all along for the Unborn." Jason grinned as he walked over and ruffled his angel's hair. "And I for one am glad he's this special. Finding someone who had used a time travel machine would have been a... let down; that right, angel-boy?"

"Uh huh!" Levi giggled as the Queen hugged him tighter.

"Special isn't the word. This is going to be an interesting few days. Oh, Harry, dear?" she called in a voice dripping with wickedness.

"Uh, yes, Gran?" Harry replied nervously.

"You found a gorgeous hunk here yet?"

He blushed to the roots of his hair. "No, grandma. Most are taken, and only a few over 18 anyway."

"Pity," she chuckled, winking at him. "Just find the one your heart loves, sweetheart. Teasing aside, I hope you won't be alone much longer."

"He won't be," Levi said, smiling up at the prince.

Harry turned his suddenly hopeful eyes on the tiny Mikyvis, "R...really?!"

"Yup. Dunno how, cos it's a bit hidden. But in a few days, I think," Levi nodded certainly.

"So sayeth the Master of Time." Sean announced sotto-voice.

"Uncle Sean!" Levi moaned, proving that Mikyvis somehow could still blush.

"Sweet!" Jason giggled, "A blushing angel! You're too cute, Levi!"

"Awwwww mannnnnn!!!" Levi replied, literally glowing in embarrassment.

"Jason Iain Evans, you leave him alone!" Angela said firmly as she entered the room. "Poor kid. He's not here for you to tease rotten. That's our job, isn't that right, ladies?"

"Correct," the Queen answered as she tickled the boy in her arms, making him giggle.

Teri just smiled and nodded. "Well, after the amazing blushing Mikyvis has stunned us with his show, we still have these two other angels to sort out. Justin and Brian? You ready for your turn?"

"In just a minute Grandma; Rusty is on his way over." Levi announced between giggles.

As if on cue, Robbie yelled out "Hi Rusty!! Hi Tyne!!"

Levi looked over his shoulder, and smiled as he saw Tyne walking over with a confused look on his face, Rusty by his side looking equally confused... "Hi Uncle Tyne and Uncle Rusty!" Levi announced.

"Perfect timing guys; Rusty's about to get new brothers!" Brian added.

"Somehow I'm not surprised, Abbas. It was only a matter of time until you started adding to the family," Tyne said as he eyed the two sabre-tooth kittens. "Aren't those supposed to be extinct? Like long before even I was born?"

Levi nodded. "They were; but 'Someone' says they're 'posed to come back. I was just the lucky one who got to do it!"

"Lucky...to bring back a dangerous animal...who said you could bring it back if you don't mind me asking?" Tyne said trying to not sound too concerned.

Levi responded carefully and seriously. "There is a being out there that is responsible for everything that happens in Time; past, present and future. When Daddy had me look for safe places for everyone while he was fighting Axon the being contacted me and has been having me do stuff that fixes some of the mess-ups in time; stuff like bringing Yist into where he was 'posed to be and healing someone in the past to cause the things happening now to be able to occur. He says that since I'm the first 'Born' Mikyvis I'm most suited to help him do the stuff that we are supposed to be doing."

Tyne frowned, "What makes this 'being' any better than Axon? What makes him right and Axon wrong? Are you following what this 'being' is telling you to do blindly, just going on what seems right or do you know?"

Sean spoke up from his seat, Kyle still cuddled to him. "Tyne; the being he's talking about is known to Starfleet as 'The Guardian of Forever'. The Vulcans have been working with and been in contact with him since long before Earth had space flight, or even before Ark was built. Since Levi has come along, the Guardian has spoke to a few of us, and I know from questions we've asked that Levi checks everything himself before doing anything."

"Thank you Sean. Just be careful what you get yourself into though," Tyne said not sounding thrilled. "Not that I have a say in any of this, but don't dig yourself a hole that you can't get yourself out of Levi. Your friends and family are not as powerful as you are."

"I know Uncle Tyne; if I mess up I'll hurt a lotta people." Levi responded as he climbed off of the Queen's lap. "I've already found out some stuff about Time the Ferox don't know about; the more I learn the more I'm checking to make sure everything is right for everyone and not just what I think is right. That reminds me, I've got something I wanna ask you about; would you like to come into my head where we can talk in private?"

"I'm not fond of leaving my body unattended," said Tyne. "I do that far to often already on my own and I already hate when I do it."

"Okay; would you be more comfortable with a time freeze?" Levi asked. "Either that or we could miss a second here and talk in another dimension."

Tyne rolled his eyes, "Whatever happened to just stepping into the other room? I suppose you could do either of those; just leave my head alone."

The room froze around them, Time seemingly coming to a standstill. "This is kinda about my Daddy, Uncle Tyne. If we went into another room, he'd still know 'bout it since he's watchin' out for me and everyone else; this and the other two ways are the only way I can talk without him knowin' what I'm talkin about."

"That makes sense then," replied Tyne. "So what about Kyle are we talking about that you don't want him to know that you're talking about with me?"

Levi answered with a serious expression. "Daddy is hurtin' inside because of what he did when he fought Axon. Nobody seems to understand what he is feelin. I was takin' Uncle Nathan on a history tour to answer his questions about the Founders and we hit on a point in time that was really important. That point is what decided if humanity failed or continued; and the person who decided it was you, Uncle Tyne."

"Me?" frowned Tyne. "What event from my past are we talking about exactly?"

Levi tilted his head. "I think I better show you how I see time so you can see how come I stopped at that point first, Uncle Tyne. When I'm scanning time, I see things that tell me something has happened, but I don't know what happened unless I stop to look."

With that, a glowing tree with branches appearing and vanishing came into being between them. Levi pointed at a spot in the main trunk where it slimmed down to a single strand before spreading back out. "I'm always looking at all of these at once so I can watch out for my Clan brothers. This spot is where Daddy fought Axon. The dark spot in the center of it is what would have happened if he had lost; since he won it just left a scar on the strands of Time. Usually there are a bunch of little scars when something happens; but this time there is only one big one, like there was no other possibilities."

Levi moved his focus to a spot higher in the tree. "This is where I brought the kittens back; Daddy double-checked me and we found out that there was no choice at that time; there are no scars to show something happening if I did not bring them back." He scrolled down the trunk a little then pointed at a thin spot in the trunk. "This is where I picked up Yist; when I followed the line that made that scar I found out that a lot of bad things would have happened and a lotta people would have died if I did not do what I did."

Levi then scrolled way down the trunk until he reached a spot that looked almost identical to the one where Kyle fought Axon. "When I was showing Uncle Nathan about Founder History, I looked for scars to see the stuff that was important. Most of the scars were really good things, so Uncle Nathan got to see how the Founders made things better. This scar seemed different though; so I dug around until I was able to see what happened if the event had not occurred. I had to double-check myself, but I found out that humanity would have completely vanished if the event had not went the way it did. I didn't want to see another fight like Daddy and Axon, so I just looked at the very end after the event was over. I looked by myself, then told Uncle Nathan that I could not show him to protect the privacy of everyone involved. I saw the results of what you did; you are the only one who understands how Daddy feels about doing something that is totally against everything that makes them who they are."

Tyne scowled, "You're talking about when I killed all those Moroi, after Cyna was killed. I don't see how the two events are related, and I don't see why that would be something major in history."

Levi replied carefully, fully aware of the touchiness of the subject. "I think Ark can give you better details than I can without taking you there; but what I found is that what you did eliminated the confidence of the Moroi Council, which caused them to eventually fail. If you had not fought back, they would have killed all of the Founders and then fed on Humanity until it was wiped out. The amount of damage you caused on that one day changed their entire way of doing things; they went from offensive to defensive."

"I won't think about the fact that I had to suffer for humanity to keep living," Tyne said while shaking his head. "I'll just take your word as fact on all of that for now. But what exactly makes you think that what I went through is like what your father is going through? Last I checked Tyler didn't die."

"That part is right." Levi replied. "But Daddy shares something with all of the Founders; he believes deep down in his soul that there is no reason to kill someone no matter what they have done. He buried killing the guy he thought was his father in the back of his head as soon as he did it; but then it got brought back out and doubled when he had to kill Axon. He's not able to bury it again; his mind ain't set up like that anymore."

"Levi, I haven't really dealt with what I did all that well; I'm sure you know this," said Tyne. "I ended up splitting parts of my mind to help me deal with the guilt and pain I went through...which is something I don't recommend if you can help it. Living with yourself if you believe that what you did was the worst thing you can do isn't easy. And then lately I've been doing things that kind of work against what I'm trying to live with. How many more Moroi have I killed in the last few days?"

Levi nodded. "I know that Uncle Tyne; you did what had to be done in the most humane way possible for that species. The only other way is long and drawn out. If you liked it I would not be asking you to talk to Daddy; he is feeling it for the billions who will never be born due to him having to destroy timelines. All of us Mikyvis except Daddy have a modified set of values that tells us not to kill; but if it comes to a choice of one person or millions of people we will choose the path that saves the most lives. Sometimes someone who understands what you are going through is more help than someone who can tell you how to deal with it; none of us can really understand what Daddy feels inside because of what he did since Poppa put the 'just in case' into our core values."

Tyne thought for a few seconds before sighing, "I'm not sure what you want me to say to him, but if you want me to talk to him I will."

Levi gave a small smile. "You'll know what to say as you need to say it Uncle Tyne; he trusts you more than anyone. Nobody knows this, but in another universe that Daddy went to after the fight Daddy did something he don't normally do." Levi paused, then expanded on his statement. "Daddy was mad when he went there, and some bad guys that called themselves the FCC started killing a bunch of people he made friends with from something called a Zeppelin. He blew up the Zeppelin, then did a buncha stuff that started a war; he made sure that any of the FCC guys he could find were killed. It's hurtin him just as bad as what happened when he fought Axon; and I don't know how to help him."

"That would be guilt," replied Tyne. "And it's caused my head to split to try and find a balance. I'm not finding any easy way to deal with guilt, it's not something that someone else can make go away for you. Guilt is something that you have to digest yourself, though talking it out can help a lot."

"Can you do that? I don't wanna lose my daddy." Levi asked, his worry evident in his voice.

"I'll do whatever I can, but I can't promise you that I'll be able to help," said Tyne. "I'm still dealing with my own guilt."

"Thanks Uncle Tyne." Levi responded. "Maybe helping Daddy will help you too. Are you ready to go back to normal time?"

"Sure Levi, go ahead and return us to normal time," said Tyne.

"Not bad Munchkin." Kyle giggled as Levi stopped affecting the time around himself and Tyne. "You got it down to 542 microseconds."

Levi smiled. "I had to give ya something to do while you was waiting Daddy! Counting microseconds is good for ya!"

Elizabeth looked between Mikyvis father and son curiously. "Did not your son say he was pausing time? Is that why he is now three feet from where he was?" she asked Kyle.

Kyle nodded. "Yes Grandma Lizzy; at least that's what we call it. Really what he does is speed time up locally around him and whoever he selects so that it looks like everyone around them looks frozen in time."

"You control... time?" she asked carefully.

"Kinda." Kyle replied with a giggle as Sean poked him in the ribs. "We can affect Time and help steer it in the right direction if we need to. We can see it in all directions; the Mikyvis that the Council approves can even travel through it and make adjustments that are needed to ensure continuity." He then looked up at Sean. "I know bro; kid time or else!"

"Time. Well, well," the Queen muttered, a strange look in her eye.

Jason raised an eye brow, "What is it, Grandma?"

"An old story; High Prince Sarek told me about it when the BBC brought out a certain television show..." she trailed off, again with an odd look clearly seen in her eyes.

"'Doctor Who'?" Sean asked, knowing the answer.

Elizabeth nodded, "Yes, and Gallifrey. The Lords of Time. Anyway," she turned to regard Tyne, then glanced at Jason.

Jason coughed, "My apologies, Your Majesty." He turned to Tyne, "Council Seer, may I introduce Her Imperial Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Empress of India and the Colonies, and Protector of the British Commonwealth Alliance."

Tyne's blank stare between him and Elizabeth brought a smile to Jason's face. He explained, "Queen Elizabeth is the hereditary Head of Government for nearly one third of the planet, and holds position representing one third of the League of Nations, the closest Earth has to a current World Government."

Tyne's eyes registered comprehension, and so he turned and nodded politely at the Queen. Jason continued, "And this is her Prince Consort, her husband; His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh."

Jason then turned to his grandmother. "Your Majesty, may I introduce Council Seer Tyne Mundus Oraculum, the Head of the Founder Council, and his Tobimurys... Uh, 'husband to be'... Council Cautela Rusty Scott Timberlake, Head of Council Security."

He watched his grandmother nod her head towards Tyne, a smile on her face, yet curiosity was still in her eyes. Jason explained briefly, "The Founders are a group of humans who were genetically enhanced over 60 thousand years ago. They formed their own Council, and the Seer is the Head of it. In the distant past, they were given a world wide authority. Now, however..."

"Now, they are running under the radar, as it were?" Elizabeth asked shrewdly, addressing the question to Tyne.

"You could say that," replied Tyne. "Our culture was just about wiped out but we're reforming, so to speak. The first stage of rebuilding is underway, with the Hand of the Seer Cyna Oraculum, coordinating those efforts. I'll probably end up appointing a new council position to take over culture restoration in the future. But until we're done reuniting our people it isn't really safe for us to present ourselves to this world yet. With the kind of information we guard I can see us having trouble from any ambitious organizations looking to take over this world or any other if we are not prepared to put up a strong, united front; defense only though, we don't do offense."

"With a culture as old as yours, I can readily see your point in keeping your existence a secret," Elizabeth smiled. "I shall respect that, and until you are ready, you and your people shall be counted as Clan Short in my eyes. My Government shall not be told of you."

Tyne grinned, "Thank you, I appreciate your willingness to keep our secret."

The Queen smiled and nodded her head solemnly at the young Seer.

"I shall update my grandmother with all I have learnt, Tyne; if that is okay, of course," Jason said with a smile as Nathan walked into the room and joined him. "I'm still catching up with the new information, and since the Royals are as close to my Clan as you and the Founders seem to be with Clan Short, then information shared between those we trust seems logical. Would that be acceptable, Seer?" Jason finished in full Vulcan mode.

"We'd be more than willing to share any information with you that you need," replied Tyne. "Although anything technology related has to pass through the Council before you can use it. Ark will help regulate that though."

"Of course," Jason agreed.

The Queen, meanwhile, was looking at Tyne closely. "Child, are you okay? I feel that you are in turmoil about something," she asked him softly.

Tyne shook his head, "Name me a leader that doesn't go through turmoil on behalf of their people? I'll be fine, but thank you for your concern."

"I know that feeling," the Queen said gently, "but I think this is deeper. However, if you ever need to talk; either to me as a grandmother and a shoulder to cry on, or as one leader to another for advice, my home is always open to you. I came to my Throne as a young girl; too young, I feel. I can at least listen, and maybe advise. The offer is open, Tyne."

Tyne nodded his head, "Thank you, I appreciate the offer."

She smiled warmly, "Also, maybe this will help you for the future; when you are ready, when your people come forward to join once again with the family of Nations, the British Empire will recognize you. It may not be I, but my family will acknowledge you and support your people when they come out of the shadows once more."

"Enemies are easy to come by but friends are not, we will gladly accept any friend's offer to help, and we may need that support some day," replied Tyne.

"Then it shall be so. Thank you for accepting me so quickly, child. Now, I think there are two young children here who have something special about to happen. We can talk more on this later, for I am always interested in new cultures." The Queen and the Seer smiled at each other, before turning back to the main group.

Robbie giggled from Teri's lap, where he had ensured that Rusty, Richard, and Ryan were all introduced to each other after he had found out the boy's names. "Daddy, when do I get to show off my new brothers?"

Justin looked over at Levi, who was standing there doing his best to look angelic. "Since you're so much like your Dad; do I need to ask, Levi?"

Levi giggled. "Justy hit the 'enter' key about two minutes ago Uncle Curly!"

"Aren't you supposed to ask first?" Brian asked with a smile.

"I did; you all replied mentally!" Levi replied. "It's not MY fault you mistook it for planning your answer for when it was asked out loud!"

"He's right, you know," Jason said lazily as he and Nathan were being hugged into Cory's free side.

Curly and Brian turned and raised an eyebrow questioningly at the Welsh Patriarch.

Jason giggled. "He slipped the question in there, but you were both going over what you'd say to any and every possible question... well, how was a day and a half year old MEANT to know you weren't talkin' to him??" He then winked at Levi, who winked back.

"Aren't you meant to ask before you read minds, Jason?" Curly frowned.

"I'm in monitor mode, Uncle. To block all noise for someone of my abilities means I have to sing songs, do maths and even try thinking about naked girls just to stop picking up on your loud thoughts! What you were thinking about, and the love boosting the volume of it, is being picked up by the weakest telepath in the Compound, never mind one of us Next Gens; to say nothing about the Mikyvis. So, yes, I would ask, if I was going to delve into your mind." Jason explained with a grin.

Just then, Peter popped in, gave Levi a hug, and announced "You was yellin so loud I heard you clear up North! Uncle Jace is right!" He then popped back out as quick as he had arrived.

Prince Philip chuckled, "Another of your children, Kyle?"

Kyle shook his head, barely controlling his giggles. "Nope; he's all Levi's fault!"

Elizabeth looked down at Levi, once again perched on her lap. "Care to explain, child?"

Levi giggled, after sticking his tongue out at his dad. "Peter was ill, and there were only a few things that would make him better. He chose to become a Mikyvis like me, so I made him one."

"Interesting. That was very good of you, child. I'm glad you made a worthy choice of the gifts you possess. I sensed his gentleness of spirit as he appeared here." She hugged the young boy tightly as he started to blush yet again.

"Like I said, Levi," Jason giggled, "You're just too cute when you blush!"

"So are you Uncle Jace!" Levi giggled. "I'll remind you of it when you least expect it!"

Shrugging, Jason smiled, "Wouldn't be the first time, angel-boy, that someone gets me that way. Kinda used to it by now!"

"That sounds like a challenge," Sean snorted.

Jason grinned, "What can I say? I'm a sucker for punishment. Besides, if Levi wants to tease me, he has every right. I owe him my life. I really wouldn't mind."

"Awww mannnnn.... I didn't do THAT much!" Levi replied as he cuddled into Elizabeth's side.

"Do I have to say it again, rugrat?" Jason asked lovingly. "Sure, your 'rents helped you, as did Peter as we now know. But, at the root of it, it was you. Now, you can either argue more, or get your skinny Mikyvis butt over here for some hugs!"

Levi giggled, then looked up at the Queen's face.

"Grandson," Elizabeth ordered, "You get your 'skinny butt' over here instead. I can hug you both as you hug each other... I'm not going to be here forever, so I don't want to miss out on hugs because you are impatient!"

Sean giggled. "The only way Levi'll sit still is if someone is cuddling him!"

Laughing, Jason ran over quickly and joined Levi on the Queen's lap, and there they watched as Curly and Brian smiled at them before moving over to Teri and the two remaining boys on her lap. Curly and Brian couldn't help but grin when they noticed that Taron had decided he needed attention, which meant he was now sprawled across the boys getting petted and having his ears scratched.

"Turncoat!" Jason giggled at his pet.

Taron blithely ignored him, and continued to purr as Ryan nuzzled his own small face into the large kitten's fur.

Brian chuckled. "Levi; before you get any ideas the answer is 'NO'!"

Levi smiled innocently. "Uncle Brian, I wasn't planning on them having Sabre-Tooth kittens. I promise!"

Ryan looked up, a small hesitant smile on his face, then he turned and leaned close to Richard. He seemed to whisper something in his larger friend's ear, before going back to nuzzling Taron.

"What did he say, Richie?" Oliver asked curiously.

"He's kinna wondrin if we'll be a'havin new daddies soon." Richard replied, his Scottish accent plain to all.

"Aye laddies; the time be coming soon." Cory replied, the expression on his face making it clear he was not making fun of Richard's accent.

Richard looked up at Cory in surprise. "How is it you be speak'n as if you're from Aberdeen?"

Cory smiled. "I've worked with Commander Montgomery Scott, in fact I worked for him on the Enterprise. He taught me Scottish and I taught him a few languages."

Oliver fell over laughing. Queen Elizabeth rolled her eyes, then said, her voice matching the other two boy's accents perfectly, "If Mr Scott heard ye speakin' about the Highlands like that, Cory, he'd be a'havin' words with ye."

"Aye; those words've been had." Cory smiled. "Mr. Scott an' myself joke 'bout it. Scotty kin do a passin' South Mississippi himself now though."

"Jeez! Poor Uncle Len!" Nathan giggled from his place on the floor at Cory's feet.

Jason rolled his eyes as Nathan was pulled into a headlock by the Patriarch and was given a noogie. "I would say 'Trust a blond to put his foot in it', but since it's two blonds fighting... I'll say nowt!"

"Uncle Jace??? Did you forget I'm blond?" Levi asked innocently as Jason felt a certain part of his body suddenly get really cold.

Jason gritted his now chattering teeth, clamped his lags uselessly together, and looked down at the giggling Mikyvis sharing the Queen's lap with him. He reached out with his abilities to plant a similar suggestion into Levi's mind.

Levi returned the temperature to normal as his eyes shot wide open. "THAT is what happens when that gets cold? That feels weird Uncle Jace! It hurts some too!"

Jason lifted the suggestion as he pulled the child into a hug. "Yeah. You went just a little too cold, angel-boy; next time, chill, not ice-cube forming," Jason whispered with a giggle.

"Levi," Nathan said from his small wrestle war with Cory. Both boys had stopped to watch Levi and Jason and were half on the floor and half on the seat.

"Yeah?" Levi mumbled from the dual hug from Jason and the Queen.

"You passed the test, little dude," Nathan half whispered.

Brian was laughing at the antics going on around him, but started slightly when a very small hand took his. He looked down into a pair of blue eyes framed by a cherubic face and light blond hair. "Ryan, right?"

The little boy nodded.

Brian crouched down to let the child look at him easier.

The boy shuffled in closer and kissed Brian's cheek. Pulling back and staring into the man's eyes for a long moment, something clicked in Ryan's mind.

"You me dada?"

The first words that he had spoken openly since arriving there shocked the room into silence.

Oliver gasped, "Ryan! I've never heard you speak before!"

Brian leaned in and kissed the 4-year-old, light-blond haired, blue-eyed munchkin's nose. "You better believe it Ryan." he answered softly. "I'm your new daddy, Justin is your new poppa, and Robbie and Rusty are your new brothers. Your friend here is too if he wants to be."

Richard grinned, his green eyes sparkling. "Aye, I counna turn that down!" he said as he nodded his head, the curls of his red hair bouncing on his freckled forehead.

Justin smiled as him and Rusty joined the group. As he reached out and ruffled Richard's hair, Justin noticed what looked like a crude drawing of a dog on Richard's left arm. "What's this?" he asked, pointing at the drawing.

Richard smiled and replied in his thick accent. "Ryan likes connect the dots. I've got lots of dots; so I let him use them."

Justin chuckled. "So I see; you and your new big brother have that in common!"

Rusty smiled. "You're just jealous because you don't have any Dad."

Justin shook his head with a smile. "Whatever... if someone can convince this nice ... uhh ... kitten ... to move I think it might be a good idea for our new family here to find some food."

"Don't look at me!" Brian exclaimed. "Big teeth ... long claws ... if he wants to lay somewhere I ain't gonna argue!"

Jason started growling and purring at Taron, who looked petulantly back at him. Jason patted his own lap, and purred louder. Taron nodded, nuzzled the kids on Teri's lap once more, then hopped down.

He went over and climbed onto Jason's lap, licked Levi, then started to purr contentedly once in place.

Elizabeth started to pet and tickle the large kitten, making the purrs louder. "He is a beautiful creature," she said to her adopted grandson. "He will love Cwm-Ysbryd-Arian, Jason."

"Uh huh," Jason smiled.

"I would recommend, however," Prince Philip added, a wicked gleam in his eyes, "that you don't startle him the way you did us on our first visit."

"Grandpa!" Jason and Nathan yelled out, blushing to their hairline.

"Do I want to know?" Teri asked over the giggles of the boys present.

Both blushing boys sealed their lips and shook their heads violently at her. Oliver, however, was howling with laughter at the memory.

"We'd just had showers; me an' Jess an' Bel and dad 'n pop," he stuttered. "We didn' wanna get dressed right 'way, so we all ran 'way dripping all over the house. Dad and Pop had to chase us before Gran, Nain and Tad saw us makin' the carpets all wet and stuff. Only they were drippin' like us too!"

Elizabeth and Philip started chuckling, then Harry continued the tale as Oliver had dissolved into laughter too far, "I had brought my family to see the Dragon's Nest, and it was a surprise visit. My father and brother were with us as well. We walked into the house to see all five kids running from one room to the other, and Nathan was turning the air blue with his language. Riti and Victoria were coming down the stairs just as bare, but when Viccy saw us she ran away fast. It took Nath' and Jace a good twenty seconds to realize they were naked and dripping in front of the entire British Royal Family! Only Riti didn't care!"

Jason had hidden his glowing face in the Queen's shoulder by now, and Nathan was doing the same in between Cory and Sean.

"Ollie, you are gonna pay!" Nathan muttered. "You two, Prince!"

"Nuh huh; I gotta go see that, it sounds funny!" Levi giggled. He seemed to flicker for a second, then suddenly was roaring with laughter. "Your faces!" he sputtered. "The looks on your faces....."

Jason did not reply to that. He whimpered slightly and pulled into the Queen's hug further, his face still hidden. Levi sobered up from laughing quickly, and Nathan, despite his own embarrassment, got up and rushed over.

"Sorry, Uncle Jace; did I go too far?" Levi asked softly as Nathan joined the hug.

"No, Levi," Nathan replied quickly, "It's okay; it's just that he really felt bad then 'cos we barely knew our grandma, and he's still a bit messed up from getting Ollie back. He'll be fine."

"Nathan is right, Levi. You were not being mean," the Queen added quietly as she kissed Jason's hair.

Jason raised his face and looked at Levi. A few tears were in his eyes, and his face was almost bright red. He quickly pulled the little boy in, kissed him, then went back to hiding his face; Levi held tight with Nathan.

Cory got up and wrapped his arms around Jason from behind. "Relax bro; it's over now." he whispered softly. "It's over and everything turned out fine."

Jason did not trust himself to speak, so he sent instead, 'Thanks, Cor. Sorry I'm being so childish; dunno what I'm crying 'bout.'

"It's love little brother; knowing you're loved and having those back that you love." Cory sent back.

Jason turned around and returned Cory's hug. 'Yeah... thanks.' Jason smiled shyly as he released his big brother, 'You're great, you know that? Sean is lucky to have you!' and Jason kissed Cory's cheek quickly before relaxing back into his husband's embrace.

"You big softy, Jace," Nathan whispered lovingly.

"Well," Harry cleared his throat as the uncomfortable feeling was washed away by Cory's instinctive 'magic', "The reason I came back from Utah is that we need you guys there A.S.A.P."

Oliver got up and said, "I'm Calling for the others."

A few seconds later, he said, "Only Riti is staying. He says... oh, wow! Xandor's his cousin!"

"Nath'," Jason ordered, "Go get the little ones and take them home. Tell Red to get the others ready in case needed, then come back. And get the puppies back to Shelly as well. She's gonna miss them."

Oliver broke in, "Timmy is saying that the Rugrats have just been taken back by Tyler, and Red's being told. Black Feet is still here, but the other five pups have returned."

"We better go, then," Jason said, all traces of his embarrassment now gone as the Division Commander in him appeared. "Riti has the Watch here, we go to Utah."

"Roger," Harry responded.