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It was like I was in a fog, I knew it but it didn’t change that I couldn’t help it or do anything about it. Too much had happened for me to take in and make fit in my head. My baby had almost died, yet he was still here, I just didn’t know what to think about this. Then…then I had almost lost him again. I really didn’t know how much more of this I could take. It had all become too much.
"What's the matter child?" I heard as I looked up from where I had slumped into a chair, to find Martha, Grandma as everyone was calling her. She was always there to help and right now I needed someone to talk to, and needed that someone badly.
She smiled gently as she handed me a cup of tea, and then sat down across from me. As was typical for this group of people, they could tell when you needed space, and suddenly we found ourselves with no one around us any longer. I took a few sips of the tea while I tried to get my thoughts into some semblance of order. After she had waited patiently, a few minutes, I finally reached the decision to just tell her what had happened over the last few hours as I really wasn’t sure if I could ever get them in enough order to make the telling any easier.
The four of us arrived in Montana and immediately I began to shake, the memories flooding over me. I knew what had happened here, but seeing the aftereffects was almost more than I could handle. They hadn't started to clean everything up yet, so everything was just as it had been when the fighting stopped. All I remembered was the helicopter getting hit, and then I think I remember the crash, but even that, I'm not so sure about.
I couldn't help myself, I knew I shouldn't, but I just couldn't help looking over to where the helicopter was laying. I gasped when I saw the ruins of it laying there, still smoldering in places. Suddenly, as much as I didn’t want to be, I was back in there in the fire and smoke, in the screams, back to when it began.
"Look mommy, we's gonna land soon!" Lincoln cried excitedly while straining to look out the portal on the side of the helicopter. I was quite worried before the flight that it would be really shaky and rough, but I was surprised by how gentle the flight up here had turned out to be. And now, now we were going into some sort of military action, but I wasn’t really worried. With everyone around us that had training, I didn't see that anything could really go wrong. We were given orders to wait until they cleared the landing zone, then we were supposed to run into the barn. No big deal, and all the little ones are really excited about it cause they got to wear bullet proof vests.
The helicopter shook a little bit, as they started to lower the back door in preparation for landing and, I watched as most of the kids stood up and checked their guns. Had it not been for the last few months, I might find it really strange that kids, younger than I am, are playing around with real rifles. But it's not really all that hard to imagine now and I knew they had all been well trained with them.
"Hey Lincoln, Kent. Why don't you guys stick with me. I'll look out for you." I heard someone say, and looked over to see Mark sitting down next to my boy. I couldn't help but smile he had the most gorgeous green eyes. All of the older boys really did a lot to look out for Lincoln and Kent, and Mark was no exception. I was somewhat surprised however, to see that Mark had a side arm strapped to his waist, but then I remembered that almost everyone had at least pistol training so I guess I shouldn’t have been.
"K Marky." Was Lincoln's reply and Kent just nodded smiling, as I watched with fascination the precision that was going on at the end of the helicopter. Every single kid was checking out the gear of the person to their left. Once that was done, they all lined up in almost perfect formation, I saw all the kids with the bigger guns at the back of the helicopter, I guess getting ready for anything that might go wrong. Most people would think that kids couldn't be taught this kind of discipline, but again... they would be wrong, this was an extraordinary group of kids and what I was watching just proved it yet again.
That's when I heard it and with a sinking deep in my stomach I just knew something was very wrong. I felt more than heard the engines wind up, but I had no trouble in hearing the scream of stressed metal as suddenly we're going sharply up, and to the left the silent engines now crying out in a tortured howl. I watched in horror and disbelief as some of the kids that had been standing by the door lost their grip and were thrown violently out the back of the helicopter because of the wild, almost desperate seeming maneuvers. I quickly grabbed the boys around me into a huddled group praying they’d be safe with Kent on one side of me, and Lincoln the other. I felt Mark grab on too, and the three of us held on to one another as tightly as we could as the helicopter continued to bank hard.
Then I saw it out the back, a little streak of white. It seemed so insignificant, so small and I didn't know what it was, but somehow I knew it was bad, real bad. Everyone was screaming now all around us, but I couldn't tear my eyes off that little speck as it came closer and closer seeming to aim right for the open back door and all the kids still massed there.
Then it hit.
I must have blacked out for a second, but when I woke up I couldn't see much other than thick black smoke and flames everywhere. Frantically, I looked around, for and finally found Lincoln and Kent. They were lying next to each other, but both of them appeared to be out of it, I was still looking for Mark but of him there was no sign.
That's when I heard it. Something that I will never be able to forget. Above the sounds of screaming and pain I heard, the sound of tearing metal. I looked up just in time to see part of the railing system rocking and tearing off of it's supports. I knew instantly that it was going to fall on the two boys. I couldn't let that happen and I couldn’t get them out of the way in time so, I jumped over them just as the thing gave way in a shower of sparks, and screaming metal.
I felt it as it hit me, and I couldn't help but scream out at the agony as the thing started to burn into my back, but I couldn't... wouldn't let it fall onto my babies. I don't have any idea how long I was there, on my hands and knees holding that piece of metal off the boys. I cried out in frustration and horror as I saw the young boys being burned by the hot fuel that was sloshing all over the place. The fires hadn't gotten here yet, and I had no idea what I would, or could do when they did.
Then I heard the voices. Someone was there. "Help!!! Somebody help me!" I screamed. Putting everything I had into that call nothing left to me now except the one thought ‘I had to save my little ones’. It could have been hours later, or it could have just been seconds, but I felt the metal lifted from my back. I could feel it literally ripping the flesh out of my back as it went, and again, I could only scream out in pain, as I allowed myself to helplessly fall to the side everything becoming blurry as I realized I could go now, my duty done, my babies safe.
Through the tears I saw that Adam was there next to me now. I watched as he looked worriedly from me then to the boys and before the darkness finally overtook me. I uttered what I really thought were going to be my last words. "Please... please help my babies."
"Come on Mamma... we's gotts to find Khan." Lincoln said bringing me back to the here and now, and with a shudder I had to wipe the tears from my eyes. I thought I had lost my baby, that day, but now, now, I know he was given back to me, and I wasn't going to let him go.
I nodded but before I could move an inch the little guy was streaking off into the woods with me moving quickly to catch up but he was soon out of sight. It wasn’t but seconds later that I started to hear something which at first I couldn’t place but then as I was trying to determine what the noise was the peace became suddenly shattered by what I can only describe as the pain filled howl of a large cat, of Khan.
That sound froze me in my tracks as I listened to the long mourn filled cry which reverberated throughout the forest, none but us to bear testimony to the agony clearly contained within. Because as strange as it sounds, I could feel the emotions in it. It was almost like he was crying out to the heavens with his pain. I knew it was Khan, but I had never heard a sound like that before. So emotional, so utterly not human, yet even as I thought that, I realized that it wasn’t. It was so primeval, so raw, it was so real and as the sound echoed around me, I could feel everything in it from him, deep within me down to my very bones. It was then that I realized that it was probably the most human thing I’d ever heard in my life.
When the howl finally faded slowly away, I realized that I was standing there transfixed by the sound rooted to the spot and had to shake myself in order to be able to even move again. I looked around, and just barely caught the sight of Lincoln climbing up and over a downed tree. As I started to move to catch up to him, I heard another sound that brought me to a stop again although not for long.
This one was not a cry of agony filled with pain and loss but instead, this one was filled with anger... Rage even quickly followed by crashing sounds from up ahead. Suddenly fear filled me, and began to run towards where my baby had disappeared. It was just as I reached the tree surrounding the glade that I saw something that made all the blood drain from my face as icy tendrils of terror ran down my body. I tried to scream, but I couldn't even find the breath to do that.
Lincoln had climbed over some fallen trees, and was walking up behind Khan, who had just ripped one of the skids off the helicopter and was bashing it repeatedly on the burnt out husk of the helicopter the helicopter where his brother had died. The rage and pain in the cries that came from him were even louder than the sound of the tearing metal.
I watched in horror as Lincoln calmly walked up behind him, and tugged on his tattered shirt. Khan spun around dropping the skid. He came around low, with a blow designed to gut whoever had disturbed him.
I screamed, and I know I heard the other two scream as well, as we watched Khan spinning in a deadly dance that had only one possible conclusion. At the last second though, somehow, miraculously, he just stopped with, his claws mere inches away from Lincoln's face, while he just stood there.
For several seconds, no one moved. Khan stared, huffing and puffing at Lincoln, their eyes seemingly locked on one another. Then just as suddenly as everything had stopped, it started again, as Khan fell to his knees, threw his head back and roared with such pain and anguish, that it was a sound which I will never be able to forget.
I could do nothing but watch while the tears streamed down my face as he collapsed on the ground in front of Lincoln. It took a second for me to realize that he was sobbing on the ground there and my heart broke to see what had once been such a proud and fierce warrior broken and beaten down in his inconsolable grief to this. I watched in wonder and disbelief as Lincoln sat down next to Khan and lifted his massive head into his lap, comforting in the way only a child can, with love and total acceptance.
I found the ability to move then, and rushed over to him. When I got there, Lincoln was softly talking into Khan's ear while he stroked the huge cats head. If I wasn't in such a state of shock, I would have thought that it was really cute and touching, as it was, all I could think about was how close I had come to loosing Lincoln again.
I looked up and barely saw Martha through the tears that were again falling from my eyes. "I asked him later on why he just stood there and didn't move." I had to kinda laugh as I thought back to the answer. "You know what he said. He just looked up at me, and with those huge brown eyes of his, he said. "I knew Mr. Khan wouldn't hurt me."
Martha just sat there with her mouth open in shock. I knew what she was feeling, it's what I was feeling at the time. The thing that I still didn't really know how to take was what happened next as I relayed it to her. "The thing is, after he said that, Khan looked up at me, and in a very soft voice said something that kinda has me wondering."
"What was that dear?" Martha asked softly.
"He said, 'I... I could never hurt one of the cubs. It's my job to protect them."
I couldn't help but sigh in frustration. "Yes Juan... I agree. Some of the shit going on here is really fucked up. But you know what... They're trying to help out kids. That's all that really matters to me."
I knew Juan was about to protest, so I beat him to it. Hoping that this would get him to shut up. "Listen... you've always said that the tactics used don't really matter as long as the result is good. Well... they may use different tactics, but you can't argue with the success they've had. I mean you saw the info just like I did. They've helped a bunch of kids, and I really do think that working with them will be best for us. Hell... General Adams can suck Sarek's dick now.... and he can't touch us!"
Well that got the result I wanted. Juan nearly doubled over laughing, and so did everyone else. Except Chang of course, but I did get a half smile out of him, which, for Chang is like rolling on the floor laughing.
I was just about to ask Logan a question, when I caught this movement out of the corner of my eye. Training took over, and I dropped while spinning, trying to knock the legs out from whoever was rushing me. I instinctively knew that everyone else had jumped back, and were drawing weapons.
I watched with amazement as my foot literally just flew through his legs, never touching anything. I came back up quickly, and he had his hands up. I took a second to look this kid over. He couldn't have been more then seven years old, and as I watched he went from slightly transparent to solid again.
"Oops! I forgot..." the boy giggled, the mischief in his eyes showing full well he had not forgotten anything. "I'm not supposed to sneak up on you guys. I'm Levi. Sorry, don't have much time, but you need this." He lifted his hand, and in it was a data pad. I cautiously reached out and took it. And before I could do anything else, the little monster said. "Gotta go! An Alien to rescue, you know... see ya’ll later." Then he just vanished.
We all just stood there staring at the spot where the kid had been. Finally it was Juan who voiced what we were all thinking. "Okay... WHAT... THE FUCK... WAS THAT?!?!?!"
I knew that everyone was hurting right now, hell I was hurting, but at the moment, I needed to be strong for the kids. It still amazes me just how well most of them were dealing with this. There were a few though that I was really worried about.
When I saw her get up, and head outside, I figured I'd better follow and make sure that she was going to be alright. She was one of those few. I had heard about the letter that Kuan Ti had left for her, and I was worried about how she was really taking things. I was also worried about the child she carried.
Quietly I followed her out of the building, and across the field. I almost lost her when she got into the woods, but soon I found her again. She was looking down from a small hill onto the grounds below. I could hear her talking softly, so I stayed back wanting to give her some privacy.
For many long minutes she just stood there looking out, and softly talking. Then I heard something I could only describe as an angel's voice, it took me a moment to realize it was Claire's. I felt the tears leap to my eyes as I knew the song the second she had started to sing it. It was the same one that I had sung many years ago when Logan's father died, and softly I began to sing along with her.
If I had only known
It was the last walk in the rain
I'd keep you out for hours in the storm
I would hold your hand
Like a life line to my heart
Underneath the thunder we'd be warm
If I had only known
It was our last walk in the rain
If I had only known
I'd never hear your voice again
I'd memorize each thing you ever said
And on those lonely nights
I could think of them once more
Keep your words alive inside my head
If I had only known
I'd never hear your voice again
You were the treasure in my hand
You were the one who always stood beside me
So unaware I foolishly believed
That you would always be there
But then there came a day
And I turned my head and you slipped away
If I had only known
It was my last night by your side
I'd pray a miracle would stop the dawn
And when you'd smile at me
I would look into your eyes
And make sure you know my love
For you goes on and on
If I had only known
If I had only known
The love I would've shown
If I had only known*
I listened as the last echoes of her voice faded away and looked up, after wiping the tears from my eyes, and saw something that truly amazed me. There, standing in front of Claire, was a hazy image. I could tell though, just by the sheer size of it, who it had to be. I watched in awe as silently they embraced, and then I saw him look up. For a moment our eyes met, and he smiled at me. I knew then that this was one of those few who I no longer had to worry about. I nodded to him, turned and left them alone to their peace and what I knew would be their final goodbye.
I had asked Adam's brothers to give us some time alone, and they had. He was still having a lot of problems dealing with things, and I was hoping that maybe I could get through to him. I know that this morning's trip to the Wall had helped, helped a lot, but he still needed more. I gently laid him down on the bed, and then slipped in next to him. Just holding him for many minutes while he cried.
It broke my heart to hear him cry like that, but I knew what he was feeling. I'm not sure how I knew, but I could feel everything that was going through him right then, and it made me start to cry myself. We just lay there and cried like that for some time, before I realized that I needed to bring him out of this and do it now. It was going to tear him apart if he kept on like this.
"Adam, you gotta stop; it’s not your fault." I whispered softly to the boy I loved more than life itself who I held tightly in my arms.
"Isn’t it!? I lost most of my command!" He replied and I could feel the pain in his voice as well as in his heart.
"Adam, you know as well as I do, that they knew what they were getting into, love." I said.
"They expected me to bring them through and I didn’t." He replied forcefully.
"Didn't you?" I asked, letting a little bit of anger flow into my voice. He turned around on the bed so we were lying face to face. His eyes staring deep into mine, and my eyes, getting lost in the deep steel gray pools that were his. "How many of them were happy before they came to the base?" He started to answer, but I didn't let him. "How many of them had a family before us...before you. Not many of them. You saw them this morning. They don't blame you, they love you. They love you like... like a savior or something. You gave them something that most of them had lost that most of them never thought they’d have again... life."
He started to cry harder, but I knew I was getting through to him, so I pushed on, hoping I didn't push too far. "You're larger than life to most of them... hell to most of us. You've done more with a group of unwanted kids, than anyone could have imagined. And you did it by being you. You loved them, and through that love, you inspired them to be more than any of them ever thought that they could be." He was crying harder now, but he still kept his eyes locked on mine.
"You trained them right and that’s all any commander can do." I told him.
"Tell that to what’s left." He said bitterly. I could see that the last line didn't have the effect I had hoped for. I didn’t know what to do, it broke my heart to see that he was taking all of this as his personal failure and no matter what anyone did, it didn’t seem to help.
Before I could say anything, there was a soft knock on the door and Adam said "Come."
The door opened and in walked our brothers, Chang, Jory, Juan, and Will.
"Brother, you need to come with us. There are people who need to see you." Chang said.
Adam groaned mumbling "Who is it now?" But no one answered except to pull his arms and lead him from the room.
I followed as they led him down to the conference room we were using, and we entered the room but Adam stopped just inside as many sets of eyes turned towards him and locked onto him. I took a quick count and saw that everyone that was left was there. One hundred and twenty eight people, if you count all the adults. Sixty one less then it should be. Sixty one holes on our hearts. Then I looked into Adam's eyes and I saw that Adam had counted to. I saw in his eyes, that the holes were also in his soul.
You could almost sense the mood shift in the room upon seeing Adam, and I watched as he looked over everyone before walking through the room and turning back to face those who remained of our family.
He just looked at them for several moments and they all remained silent looking right back not breaking eye contact as the bond which had always been there was reaffirmed, the bond and their love. He turned and looked at me, and I watched as I saw something in there that I hadn't seen in a while... confidence. This was truly what he needed, and I don't know why I didn't see it before. Adam was the strength that everyone drew off of, but he drew his strength from them.
He turned back around, and I saw a small sad smile come onto his face, as he looked out at everyone seated there before him. "We’ve been hurt and hurt bad. You all know that. We’ve lost a large portion of our family and they can never be replaced, BUT, we will go on and we will win over what has happened to us, we will come back better than we were before, We are the Unit. There can BE, only one!" Adam said into that silence strongly, forcefully and finally I realized with a passion and belief in what he was saying that communicated his resolve with every ounce of his being.
I could see that everyone felt it as his words echoed around the room and each sat or stood a bit straighter as they locked eyes brimming with tears but also steely determination and in one voice echoed my beloved’s words of moments ago.
"There IS, only one."
Adam looked out at them proudly and it was then that I realized that this group had finally began to heal the hurt that was consuming him. I could see it and more I could feel it in his eyes, his body and in his voice. It would always hurt, but his family had led the way to his going on. My Adam was saved.
After Adam's little speech, we all hung out in the main conference room for a while. I was starting to get worried as Billy seemed to be avoiding me like the plague. Every time I tried to go over to him, Ronnie would move him away. I finally just gave up, not knowing what was going on, but I knew I would find out soon. I just didn’t know if I could handle if he didn't like me any more. I'm not sure why he wouldn't come near me, but something was wrong here.
It took about ten minutes for me to figure it out. Or more like for them to let me know what was going on.
I was watching Billy out of the corner of my eye, when I saw Ronnie come in and make a bee line right for his brother. Now that wouldn't have been suspicious if it wasn't for the big grin and the large bag he held. When he gave the bag to Billy, I watched as Billy looked into it, smiled, but blushed slightly. Now I knew something was going on, but was still not sure what.
I’d finally decided that I was going to get to the bottom of it though and this time no one was going to stop me. I had started in that direction when, right about then, Jory came up behind me, and asked me a question. I should have known that I was being set up, but I didn’t and turned and started to talk to him. It was only about thirty seconds though, when he suddenly told me to turn around. When I did, I saw something that almost made me fall over.
Billy was standing there.... standing in front of his chair. My mouth hung open, as he took a step towards me with a huge grin on his face. I knew him well enough to know that he was in a bit of pain, but... he…he was walking.
"Billy…how…I mean…you’re…you’re walking?!" Was all I could manage to stutter out in disbelief.
A few people around me gasped in surprise, but a few others just started to giggle and I knew then that a number of them had been in on it. "Yeah Will, I'm walking. Some kid named Levi healed me earlier. It still feels a bit strange, but... but I can walk." He said with tears falling down his face. I knew I had matching ones pouring from my eyes.
He slowly walked up to me, pulled me into a hug, and kissed me. I have no idea how long we were kissing, but when we broke off the kiss, everyone there let out a loud cheer.
Then he leaned in and whispered into my ear. "You know... I think he actually fixed EVERYTHING."
I pulled back and looked into his eyes, not really sure what he was talking about. then he handed me the bag, and I looked inside. I know I blushed hard when I saw what it contained, and I could hear laughter coming from a few of the others. "Ummm.... Ummmm.... Billy... Ummmm." I just couldn't make anything coherent come out of my mouth. But Billy knew what to do. He grabbed me, and kissed me hard again.
This time when we broke the kiss, he leaned in and whispered to me again. "It's been almost three years since I could feel anything...." And that's when it hit me. Ever since he was shot, Billy hadn't felt anything from the belly button down. I always felt bad that I couldn't make him feel as good as I did... but with what's in the bag, I guess he wanted to make up for lost time.
The question was, even with my increased stamina could I keep up with him? As if he was reading my mind he very softly and in a husky voice whispered "Let’s go find out."
I looked over to Adam who was smiling broadly. "Bro, I'll see you sometime later on, I guess."
Logan grinned from where he was standing with his arm around Adam. "We won't wait up for you." And with that, Billy and I walked hand in hand out of the room each of us bright red but not caring overly much to find some place a little more private and to see just how well Levi had ‘fixed everything’ although from the looks of something things were working quite well so far.
It was maybe an hour after Will and Billy left that we got another surprise. We were all milling about when one of the Clan kids came running into the room. He looked around quickly, then spotted me, and ran over. I was wondering what was going on, and was just about ready for anything by this point.
"Adam?" The kid asked, and I just nodded. "Something's going on, and we're not sure what to make of it."
"Okay?" I asked, trying to get him to tell me what exactly was going on.
"Well, there's a helicopter heading for the compound, but here's the thing... it's one of yours!" He got out in a rush, and I felt stunned.
Every single one of the surviving Unit members was here. That, and I was told that only two of the Huey's, and two of the MI 26's survived the fight. They were back in Utah at our base. Will said he took care of that personally yesterday.
Logan, Juan, Jory, Chang and I followed the kid out of the room, and went at a dead run to where the helicopter was going to land. I guess no one thought to question it, since it was one of ours.
We just got out the door, and were heading to the Shuttle landing pad, which is where they directed the helicopter to land, when we ran into Mike and Sammy. They were heading out there as well, with most of their group. I guess they heard about it too. By the look on Mike's face, I could tell he was every bit as worried as I was.
I shouldn't have been surprised when Juan reached behind his shirt, and pulled out a pistol. He handed it to me, then, while in mid stride, reached down and pulled two small guns from his boots. He handed one to Chang, and one to Khan. Then, from somewhere, he pulled two more. He gave one to Jory, and kept one for himself.
Jory took the gun, and looked at Juan with a weird expression on his face. "Do I even want to know where this has been?"
Juan just grinned at Jory, "Well, I wouldn't advise smelling it." He said with a laugh, then looked at me. He must have read the expression on my face, cause before I could ask he just said, "like the boy scouts say... be prepared."
All I could do was shake my head, and then look up as I heard the helicopter starting to come in. It was one of the MI 26's, and from the markings on it, I could tell that it was the Mule, the same one that Dennis and his crew saved from being shot down.
The one thing that made me not quite so worried was that it WAS one of the 26's. They weren't armed, so I didn't have to worry about them shooting at us. We waited as the helicopter circled, then watched as it set up for it's landing. I tried to get a look at the pilot, but couldn't see anything because of the helmet.
When the thing finally did land, we all made our way to the door, to wait and see who came out. I know all of us are wound up, and not really sure what would happen next. I mean with everything that's happened over the last few days, none of us really knew what to expect.
We waited until the rotors stopped spinning, and then finally the access hatch opened up. I know I raised my gun a little bit, not knowing who was going to come out. When it opened up fully I saw a tall person in a flight suit and helmet on. The figure took a few steps out and onto the descending hatch, stopped and looked around.
Then we watched as he reached up, and undid the helmet, taking it off to show us that it was actually Tony standing there. The Tony that we last saw just that last Friday, and who's son was still recovering from being kidnapped.
He looked around at us, and then in an almost serious tone he looked right at Mike. "Jumping chocolate Jesus Balls Mike, can't I leave you alone for a SECOND without you trying to start world war three?!?!"
It took us a second, but then everyone dissolved in laughter, as Tony came down , quickly followed by the rest of his family. There were hugs and laughs all around as this joker came back to the family that they had become a part of just a short time ago.
Well I figured now would be as good of a time as any. I looked over at Joe, and he must have read my mind, cause he simply nodded and took my hand. I know most everyone had figured it out by now, but Joe and I were fast falling in love. At least I know I was, and he had said the same.
This was really not something that either one of us had been expecting to happen. Both of us were happy being single, but with the two of us being thrust together to take care of the boys, things just happened. When Joe had his accident, it made me realize that I had fallen in love with him. Something that I never thought was possible after Logan's father. Now, however, we were about to take a much larger step.
"Could I have everyone's attention!" I called out over the voices of the many kids in the room. Almost immediately everyone quieted down, ,and turned to face me. Once again I looked over at Joe, sitting in his wheelchair, and had to wonder if we could really handle what we were about to do. The one thing this group has taught me though, is that if you put your mind to it, you can do anything. And this was something that we were going to do.
Logan gave me a bit of a funny look as he sat down, using Adam as a back rest. I just smiled at him, then turned to look at everyone else. I sent a silent prayer that I wouldn’t screw this up, then I took a deep breath and started. Of course, as it always happens, I had everything set in my mind on how I wanted to say this, but when I opened my mouth, it all just vanished.
"Now, I know that all of us have had a lot of bad things happen to us the last couple of days, but things are starting to turn around. I know that a lot of you kids have been hanging around with the kids from Clan short, and learned some about them." I was about to go on, when Adam stood up, raising his hand. I just nodded at him, wondering what he was going to say.
He looked around at everyone, making sure that all eyes were on him, and then started to speak in a soft and quiet voice. "I don't know about the rest of you guys, but Logan and I have been talking to as many of these Clan guys as we could, to try and find out what they're up to. Before I go on, I need to know if you guys have been too?" All around him, kids were nodding up and down, indicating that they had.
"And do you guys know what it is that the Clan does?" He asked, again looking around.
"Yeah, they've been asked by the planet Vulcan, and the Federation to help out kids that are being hurt." That from Ronnie. I was kinda surprised to hear his voice, but then I saw that he was standing there with Mike and Sammy. Ever since he found out that Mike was his dad, he hadn't been very far from him, if he could help it.
Adam smiled and nodded, "it's a little bit more complicated than that, but that sums it up real well. Now here's the thing. We have been invited to join the Clan, as their Special Forces Division." People started to talk, but Adam held up his hand to quiet everyone down, which they did in short order.
I do have to say that this was a bit of a surprise to me. No one had told me that they had invited the Unit to join them. But then I remembered something that Teri had said. "Sometimes I'm one of the last to find out when they do something. But I've come to trust the judgment of most of these kids, so I'm not too worried." Now I think I understand what she meant.
Once Adam got everyone quieted down, he continued. "Basically what this would mean for us is simple. We would now be responsible, not only for safe guarding the Clan from harm, but also to be their military wing. Now here's the big thing. IF we accept this, we will be working on an entirely different set of laws, those of Vulcan. We would become part of the most powerful and influential Vulcan house. The house of Surak." Adam paused, and Donnie spoke up.
"What kind of different laws?" He asked, getting muttered agreement and nods from many of the others. Adam knew that Donnie knew full well what some of the changes were, hell he had just adopted two kids. But Adam also figured out the Donnie was asking questions because they needed to be asked, and no one else wanted to. He knew he would have to thank Donnie later on for it.
"Well, one of the biggest things that would change, is that we would no longer have to worry about the Military or law enforcement. IF we accept, every single one of us would become part of Clan Short, and thus, outside of the jurisdiction of any Earth Based organizations. In other words, those of us that have escaped form the military won't have to worry about that any more. However, there is a LOT of responsibility that comes with this. Since we are the military arm, we would be responsible for pulling endangered kids out of some pretty bad situations. Situations that might be like what happened yesterday. We could be putting our lives on the line at any time."
From the looks around the room, I'd say that Adam's reference to yesterday hit them, like it hit me. Like a punch in the gut. But then I saw something else. Almost one by one, each of the sick looks on their faces turned to a look of steely determination. After about thirty seconds of silence, Jeremy spoke up.
"I don't know if I can speak for everyone else, but I think so. Yesterday was terrible. Personally I never want to have to go through something like that again. BUT..." He emphasized that word, and quickly reached up to wipe tears from his eyes. "BUT... Think of what would have happened had we not been there. I don't know how many people would have died. Again, I won't speak for anyone else, but if I'm called on to put my life on the line to help out some kid who CAN'T help themselves, then so be it. If in doing so, I die..." he paused again, as his voice cracked saying it. "If I die doing so, then dammit, I can accept that. That's what we trained to do, and that's what we are... We ARE the UNIT!"
The room pretty much exploded after that. Adam walked over to Jeremy, and with tears in both their eyes, Adam pulled him into a fierce hug. It took a few moments for everyone to calm down, and when they did, Adam looked around, and said, "so I guess we're going to join?"
It took a few minutes for the noise level to die down as they all thunderously agreed to join this group that now housed us. I had almost forgotten about what I was going to say when Adam turned back to me. "Sorry mom, I didn't expect that to be as big as it was. Please go ahead with what you were going to say."
"Oh yeah...." I couldn't help but chuckle a bit as the group quieted down again, and turned their attention back on me. "Well here's the thing. I talked at length with the adults around here, and Joe and I have come to a decision. You see, one of the things that the Clan does when it finds a child, or a group of children, is to make sure they have a loving family to join into. Well it seems that there's a lot of kids here, that don't officially have a family, and Joe and I want to change that. We would like to make it official and adopt every one of you. So what I need to know from each of you, over the next few days, is whether or not, you want Joe and me to adopt you...." Well I wanted to keep going, but I got rushed by a bunch of kids all trying to hug the life out of Joe and me.
The one thing that caused me concern though was seeing the shocked and then saddened looks that had come across two boys faces when I made my announcement followed by both of them getting up and walking from the room. I also saw that Adam had noticed as well and was moving towards them when Mike held up his hand and instead followed Vishnu and Kartik out.
I really didn't want to do this one, but I knew they needed to know. It's been about an hour since Mom had made her announcement, and she was still getting swarmed by all the kids. But I had something else I needed to do, and now was as good a time as any.
Ever since I found out yesterday about Alvin's little issue, I've been dreading this. I mean how do you tell someone they don't have a human brain? If it wasn't the fact that it was true, and verified by both Logan and Chang, I probably would have laughed, but I can't.
Since then, I've had Chang go around scanning everyone. I mean who knew who had the computer brains and who didn't. I will say I was relieved to find out that I didn't have one, but who knows what those doctors could have done without us knowing about it.
Thankfully, it's just a small number of people that have to deal with this, not that that really makes this any easier. I was about to tell thirteen kids that they had had their brains removed and a computer put in it's place... this was going to be fun.
As we walked into a different conference room, I saw that they were all already there. I was surprised how well Logan had taken everything when I told him. He actually said that it made sense. He keeps telling me that things will be okay, but I just don't see how. But then again, with all the shit that's happened lately, I don't think any of us will ever be the same again.
"Hey guys, don't get up." I said as they all started to rise when I walked in. I looked over at Alvin, and couldn't help but feel awed by what he did. This little boy, only eight years old, threw himself on top of the boy I loved more than anything else in the world, and saved him. Chang didn't want to say it, but I knew. Had Alvin not taken three bullets that were meant for Logan, not even the advanced medical facilities they had, could have saved him. I would never forget that.
"I know you guys are probably wondering what you’re doing here." I said, looking around and seeing that they all had a question in their eyes. I walked over to the lighted screen that I had brought in earlier. The kind of one you would see in a doctor’s office. I pulled out the x-rays that Marc had used, when he asked me about what was going on, and held them in my hands.
"I'm not going to beat around the bush here guys..." I looked over at Logan, and he just nodded. He was going to let me do this. Even though it was my job, I still wished I could have handed it off to someone else. I cleared my throat, and looked at all thirteen boys here. All of them looking just like Logan, just like my beloved.
"We found out a few things about you guys, and I think it's right that you guys know it. When Alvin was getting treated yesterday, they did a brain scan on him, and came up with something very interesting." I then turned on the light, and put up the three different x-rays, so that they could all see them.
Alvin was the first one that got up, soon followed by the rest of his brothers, as they came over and looked at the x-rays. I took a few steps back, and let them look, sure that they would turn to me and ask questions. But they didn't.
Instead of turning to me, they just looked at each other, and I could almost hear the buzzing as they communicated through their link. This only went on for maybe thirty seconds, before they all moved back to their seats. I was on pins and needles wondering how they were going to take this, but I didn't have to wait long.
Alvin looked up at me, after once more meeting the eyes of the other twelve. It always shocked me that one of the youngest among them would be the spokesman, and leader, but, then again, with this group, anything was possible. "Well, I can definitely say this explains a few things." He said in a very calm voice, and I know my jaw just hit the floor. This was NOT the response I had expected.
Alvin giggled a bit at the look on my face, and held his hand up. "I guess you guys never heard that Daileass was actually one of us who died in a training accident. We all remember when we got this done, though we didn't know what happened till now. But it explains why things were different after that." HE laughed as he looked around to his brothers who were all grinning.
"I mean come on... how stupid do they think we are. It's not like you can miss the fact that you can think about a million different things at the same time, do multiple advanced calculations in your head with out a problem, and not KNOW something is different. Hell this is kinda what we thought it was... just didn't know."
God I loved these kids.
None if us really knew what to expect at this full Clan meeting. One thing was for certain, none of us had expected the Clan to be as big as it is. However, the biggest surprise came when they introduced people from a Vulcan group called "The Dragon Division."
It was very intriguing when one of the members, a Klingon, demanded to be brought to the meeting, saying he needed to meet someone. It was even more interesting when that someone happened to be me. I can not say that I was not intrigued with this individual as well. I had heard much about the Klingon's code of Honor, and found that there were many similarities to that of the Samurai, and would like to discuss such matters.
However, he seemed to have a more personal reason to want to meet me. I found it very interesting that he seemed know me very well, and from what the look on his face said, he already had feelings for me. I am not sure where that will lead, but I would not be opposed to the idea. If that is what is meant to be.
I got the sense that, as we walked from the room, talking quietly, that even if a relationship was not to be, there would, at least be a close friendship. I am sure that we would be able to talk for hours about certain topics, especially Honor, and how it related to our lives. And talk for many hours we did.
I was really glad this full clan meeting was finally over. Not that I wasn't really surprised at how large the clan really was, but it was a long and sometimes tedious thing. I really have to say again how surprised I was by how large the clan really was.
"Can you believe how big this group is?" Logan asked me, reading my mind like he usually does.
I was just about to respond when Todd walked up to us. "Hey Logan you got a minute?"
"Sure, what's up little bro?" Logan responded while pulling Todd into a hug. Todd for his part ate up the attention, like they all seemed to do. Every single one of Logan's little brothers, seemed to always be looking at Logan for attention. They all seemed to look to him for re-assurance that he really did like them. Logan of course, was always happy to give them all they needed.
"There's someone I want you to meet. You remember the kid that I told you about that was at the hospital yesterday?" Todd asked when Logan let him out of the hug.
"Sure, I remember him. He's the one that you said helped you deal with what happened." Logan said, and then I remembered what Logan told me. It seemed that some kid from Maine, another part of the Clan, was at the hospital in South Carolina, the same time Todd was there. Todd wasn't really hurt all that bad, but everyone had to be checked out. We had all been waiting for word on how Alvin and Logan were doing, and Todd was a little bit lost. This kid came up to him, and just started to talk to him. Didn't really do much, other then get Todd's mind off of what was going on, and in Todd's case, that's exactly what he needed.
"Well I just saw him over there, and wanted you to meet him." Todd said excitedly, bringing me back to the here and now.
"Okay, little guy... lead the way." Logan said, as he took my hand, Todd took his other one, and began to weave through the crowd. Kent was right there with me, as he was still shy around such large groups of people. As we moved through the crowd, we seemed to pick up a rather large group of people though.
Khan was there, of course. He hadn't really let me out of his sight since everything happened. With him were the Cheetah hybrids, Hermes and Mercury. All three of them scanning the crowd and looking for trouble. Khan, of course, was in front of us, leading the way, and not letting a lot of people get near us. The rest of Logan's brothers also joined up, almost making a circle around us. I'm sure none of them even thought about what they were doing, and it really did make me feel good to know that they were all concerned about me... even in this place. "There he is!" Todd said, and we all moved over to a group of about fifteen kids.
I couldn't help but snicker as I heard one of the kids that we were walking up to stop, and exclaim, "Holy shit, what's that?!?!" The kid looked to be about sixteen, with brown hair. The rest turned and looked, and I saw more then a few jaws hit the floor. I knew what they were looking at, it had to be Khan. He could be a little bit intimidating, if you weren't ready for him.
Todd just pulled us past Khan, and walked up to one kid who looked to be about thirteen, and said. "Hey Jed, I don't know if you remember me but..."
"Sure I remember you, Todd, you look a lot better then you did yesterday. How are you doing?" He asked, as he started to look around at everyone that was with us, his face growing more and more confused. I can only imagine what he was thinking, seeing all the kids that looked just like Todd.
Logan started to laugh as he caught onto the look on Todd's face. "Hey Jed, what can I say, Mom was busy. By the way, I'm Logan." He started to reach his hand out to shake Jed's, when he got hit upside the head by Janet who had just walked up. "I heard that, Mister." That of course made everyone start to laugh.
When the laughter died down, Jed extended his hand, and took Logan's. "Hey there. That's quite a group you have with you." He said, as he once again eyed Khan.
Logan just laughed. "Yeah, they’re a good bunch... most of the time. Here, let me introduce you to everyone. This is my partner, and Commander of the Unit, Adam Casey, and these are my brothers..." One by one, he introduced his brothers, and then Hermes and Mercury. "...And the big guy over there is Amur Khan, commander of the G-Cat Assault Team... also known as the Pussy Posse."
We all busted out laughing, except Khan who growled out... "Do NOT call me a pussy." The look lasted for a few seconds before he to started to snicker.
Jed smiled and said, "Pleased to meet you. Todd, you'll remember CJ." He gestured to a chestnut haired eight year old standing next to him. "This is my boyfriend Jared," he continued, "and his brothers, Mickey and Raffy. And these are the two guys that rescued me and CJ, Jonas and Harry. The big guy back there is The EMT guy that helped rescue, Jared and them, Skipper, and that's Bobby next to him." Both guys waved to them as their names were given.
At that moment, I saw a shaved headed little boy, maybe ten or eleven, stick his head out from behind Skipper. He looked at me for a second, then looked down to my right. He suddenly got a shocked look on his face, and in a strangled gasp he tried to cry out "Kent!" and then collapsed.
I ran over there, to see what had happened, and to try and figure out how this kid knew my little brother. I knelt down by his side, calling mentally for Chang to get over here, when I heard a gasp from my side.
I looked over and saw that Kent was staring intently at the boy on the ground. Then he looked up to me, and softly said. "Adam...that's... that's Jimmy. That's our brother."
(Author's Notes: You know... that seems like a really good cliff hanger... but I couldn't just leave it here. I mean that would be soooo very not nice. So I have a bit more... and a better cliffhanger for you. You can thank me later. Roland)
"What the fuck?" Is all I could think when I looked around and all I see is darkness. It's not the dark of night, or like when I have my eyes closed, but it's like there's nothing. There's no difference in the darkness, no sound, no smells, no wind against my skin. Just... nothing.
Just as suddenly as I found myself here, the nothingness is shattered with the sound of music. The opening beats are unmistakable, only one song that I know about starts off with a drum beat like that. Inside I feel something stirring with that beat. Something inside is rising, it only took me a moment to figure out what it was... Rage.
That’s when everything changes, I open my eyes. I look around, as the drum beat starts to make the Rage boil inside me even more. Then a guitar starts, and the rage boils hotter... faster, wanting to explode out of me. And I know why, as I look around, I know why the rage wants out, why I can feel nothing but hatred, and anger, loathing, and spite. I'm in a laboratory.
I could never forget the white walls, the medical equipment placed all over the place, but even more then that, the table in the middle of the room. The table that I am strapped to. I see all the different times that I was brought here, strapped down, and... and. I shut those memories out as I look around more, then hear in my mind the singer starting in a soft and low voice.
"Can you feel that?"
"Aww shit."
As the singer continues with his vocals, I see the doctors, in their white coats, and masks on. Moving about and writing in charts. They have no idea the demon has awakened. I remember now, thats what they call me, the demon.
I feel a growl escape from my throat, and I watch a few of them turn to me, at the same time, a few of the machines start to beep louder and faster. I look down at the restraints they have, holding me down, and I feel the Rage build even faster, I feel it starting to consume me, to take over, to control me. And I let it. I let the Rage have free reign. No more will they hurt me... no more will I be subjected to their "tests."
Distantly, I hear the doctors shouting to each other. I know what they are trying to do, they are trying to get me back under control, but you can't control a demon. Not THIS demon. Not after what they've done to me. It's time for them to pay.
Rounding deep in my sea of loathing.
Broken are your servants again.
It's seems that whats left of my human side is slowly changing In me.
I again look down at the straps holding me down, and suddenly I know what I need to do. I concentrate on the straps of leather, and watch as they burst into flames. I feel the skin underneath burning, but I don't care, I just let the pain keep fueling the rage. I have been hurt worse then this. This time though, I use the pain to help me escape more.
Screams, now I hear screams, but drowning them out are my own screams. Not the screams of pain one might think they would hear as I feel the skin on my arms and legs burning, but the screams of unbridled, primal, Rage. And then I'm free.
One of the doctors tries to rush me, to try and hold me down, but he's nothing. Nothing more than an annoyance really. I bat him away like the bug he is, and watch with more then a bit of satisfaction as he flies across the room, and slams into some machinery. I feel the smile on my face as he crumples to the floor broken and bleeding.
For a moment there is nothing but silence in the room as the other doctors try to back away from me. I can smell the fear emanating from them in waves, it's the most pleasant smell you can imagine.
Slowly I stand up, and look around some more. Everyone is trying to stay as far away from me as possible, and that makes me smile. I like them to be afraid. They created me, now they'll deal with me. It's a mistake they won't have to live with long, that's something I can promise.
Two of them decide to be brave, and try and charge me, but before they even know what's happening, I reach my hand out, and both of them are engulfed in fire. Their screams are music to my ears. They've heard my screams plenty of times, now I get to hear theirs.
I watch in amusement as the rest rush out of the room, it won't do them any good, I will find them, and then I will kill them.
I start to walk to the door, but stop when I catch something out of the corner of my eye. It's a mirror. I take a second to look at myself. Changed so much from what I remember. Obviously still a young boy, but now, with my head shaved, and no cloths on my body, I take full measure of what they have done to me. Scars criss cross my upper body. Huge, ugly looking marks that destroy the once smooth skin that only a child can have.
Once again I feel the the Rage building to even higher levels, consuming me entirely, and I don't fight it. Why should I? The song gets even louder in my head, as I stare at myself. Suddenly my body is racked with pain. My back arches, and I feel a cry escape my lips. My body starts to convulse and change. Something even more is happening to me.
"Looking at my own reflection,
when suddenly it changes,
violently it changes.
Oh there is no turning back now you've opened up the demon in ME!"
I fall to my knees as the change takes hold of me. I don't know how long I was kneeling there, but finally I was able to look up, and see myself in the mirror.
I know I should have been shocked by what I saw, but I wasn't. Instead of the boy that was there a moment ago, now I was looking back at an actual demon. Just like out of fantasy.
Red skin, long vicious looking claws, rams horns coming out of my head, and a long tail the started just above my butt. I actually laughed. They kept calling me a demon, well guess what... now I am one. And this demon is looking for blood.
I walked over to the door, only to find it locked. I couldn't help it... I started to laugh. They think a simple locked door could hold me back. I step back, and raised my hand. I could feel it as the door started to get hotter and hotter. There were no flames, I didn't need flame for this... just heat. LOTS of heat.
It only took maybe thirty seconds before the door heated up and started to melt into slag. By the time I was done, all I had to do was step over the melted chinks of metal. Pure simplicity.
The song was still pounding in my head, and I knew... just knew that the singer was talking to me... or maybe I was singing... I don't know, and don't care really. All that matters is making these people pay.
Get up! Come on get Down with the Sickness
Get up! Come on get Down with the Sickness
Get up! Come on get Down with the Sickness
open up your hate and let it flow into me.**
As soon as I stepped out the door I heard the gun shots. I jumped back into the lab room that I woke up in, and pressed my back against the wall. I knew I had been shot, but I didn't care. All it did was make me even more angry. I drew all the Rage I had, stepped back out into the hallway and I "threw" it at them, in the form of a huge ball of fire.
I knew right away that it wasn't as effective as it could have been. I couldn't control it enough to make it stay together, but it did what it needed to anyways. The five guards that had been standing there, were now screaming as they, and everything with in twenty feet of them was now on fire.
I didn't know where to go, but knew I had to get out. I took off down the hall way after the last scream had faded away. I turned a few corners, and soon found myself standing in front of the doors that led outside. It was dark out there, but I could see trees and a few vehicles, so I knew this was my way out.
I had only taken a few steps into the room, when I heard someone start clapping. I looked up, and walking down the stairs was someone I knew all too well. "Well done, son... I am truly impressed." I heard him say as he slowly came down the stairs. I was about to say something, when I heard noise all around me. I looked around, and saw people in armor pouring out of rooms, and down the hall. I spun around and saw that I was now surrounded by at least 20 people, all of them in armor and holding guns.
My eyes settled back on my "father" as he walked closer to me. "Unfortunately, no matter how impressed I am with you, I can't just let you walk out of here. You just mean too much to this project, and to my future. I can't just let my pathway to being a general walk out the door now can I?"
As he walked closer to me, I did nothing. Nothing that he could see anyways. Inside though, was another matter entirely. Inside, the Rage was writhing to be let loose. I felt it seething in my mind, and knew that it wanted to lash out, just as bad as I did. But I knew if I wanted to escape, I would have to do this the right way. "I promise you this, father," I spat the word out with such venom that he actually took a step backwards. "I promise that before I leave this place, you will pay for what you have done."
I met his eyes, and for a moment I saw fear. That moment of fear is what I dreamt of seeing for the past two and a half years. That fear, I know, was the same fear I had as he strapped me down time and again for the different "procedures" I was subjected to.
However, just as soon as the fear was there, it was gone. Back was the cocky man that didn't care about anything other than himself and this damned project. This project that turned me into the demon I am is what will be the end of him. Even if it means I die too. I just didn't care anymore.
"Now now son... there's no reason to be hostile. Just put your hands up, and we'll get you back into the lab, and everything can get back to normal. I promise you that the worst is over, and soon you'll be finished, then you can take your place in the new order."
Every word he said just made me grow more and more angry. "Do NOT call me son. You lost that right the second you killed my mother, and brought me to this place. You lost it every time you helped them strap me down so they could do their experiments. EVERY time they cut me open, and fucked with my body you stood there and watched. I'm not your son, and soon, you won't be anything!" The Rage inside of me was now writhing, and seething so much, that I could feel it on my skin. I felt it wanting to rip out of me, and I just couldn't hold it back any longer.
"No father... I will not go back... never will I go back." I watched as his face clouded over with anger, and he took a step forward. That was the last thing he did.
I let the Rage erupt out of me, and in a short moment it engulfed him totally. He didn't even have the time to scream before he died. I watched through the flames that now surrounded me like a shell, as the soldiers all took a step back. I couldn't see their faces, but the wonderful aroma of fear was coming from everywhere.
The rage built even more, till I couldn't hold it back any more. The shell of flame took on a bluish color, almost white, and then, with a scream that tore it's way from my throat, the fire blasted out from me in a shock wave that tore into everything around. I heard men screaming, and heard the sound of gun fire.
I heard the sound of glass shattering and doors being blown apart. Then it was over. Just before I passed out, I saw nothing but fire surrounding me, as the building that had housed me for the last years burnt to the ground.
*If I Had Only Known Recorded by Reba Mcentire in 1991 on the album "For My Broken Heart.
**Down with the Sickness recorded by Disturbed in 1999
Author's Note: Well I hope you enjoyed this ride of the Unit. Chapter 27 ends the first book of the Unit. I would like to take a moment and thank a few people that have really helped make this story what it is. First off is Darryl, my faithful editor. {Hey, that's me.} He makes it so that my ramblings can be read by all you fine people. The second, and just as important, is Darkstar. If you cried during a scene, chances are, he helped make it as good as it is. I would also like to thank AC Fan, as none of this would have been possible if it hadn't been for him starting off Memories so many years ago. That story is really what inspired me to write the Unit. And finally, to all of those who have written me about this story. I really appreciate all the feedback that you have given. I hope you all come back and read book two, titled The Unit: Camp Bam Bam. Also, there will be other "books" of The Unit, shortly.
This is the End of "The Unit" Part 1
The adventures of Adam, Logan and the Unit shall continue in:
The Unit: Camp Bam Bam
The Unit: Phoenix Rising
Editor's Notes: slash me blushes, all kind of red and stuff. You all need to know that editing this story is one of the coolest things that I am privileged to do. Roland is correct when he says that there are times that DarkStar makes things better. Well that isn't exactly what he said, but there is something that I need to say here as well: Sometimes, Roland has a tendency to under estimate how well he writes. I have witnessed some of the scenes that he has written all by himself, and I can tell you for certain that he can bring tears to your eyes without help from anyone. Roland, please don't take this the wrong way, but you need to get some self esteem going. You are a very talented and thought provoking author and you have brought us some wonderful people whom we care deeply about. If DarkStar and I have added a few things here and there, it is only because we also have imaginations, and we see a few possibilities that you somehow missed, the first time around. Besides, it is always your final call as to whether you want to use what either DarkStar or I put in a chapter and send it back to you. That doesn't make what you do any less exciting; it only means that the chapters that we work on, and you approve our additions on, turn out to be a little longer and have some more details in them. You created not only the characters, but also the situations and the on going plots. You brought THE UNIT into existence, and without your talent, it wouldn't be here.
Thank you, Roland; I am ready for more now.
Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher