Rating: NC17

Spoilers: None

Author: Vasalysa, with many undying thanks to Geek.

E-mail: cmbower@ennorath.net Comments are always welcome

McQueen's chest swelled with pride as he entered the chapel an hour later. The sight of his kids in full dress uniform always made him proud and this time it was for a happy occasion. He marched smartly up to the front, stopping before the straight, resplendent figure of his long time friend. He acknowledged the slight smile Ross gave him with the tiniest lip quirk. The chaplain stood to the side witnessing the ceremony.

The chapel door opened and McQueen turned. He swallowed hard, meeting Silver's gaze. The sight of her in her dress uniform brought home exactly what he was about to do. A sense of rightness filled him and McQueen straightened further imperceptibly.

Silver smiled briefly at him before starting down the aisle.

When she stood beside him he turned to face Ross and the chaplain.

Worn bible in hand, Ross gave the group a long look, and then said, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join these two fine Marines in holy matrimony." He paused, clearly enjoying saying the time honored phrases. "Due to time constraints, this will be a brief ceremony. So, as you two have thought this out and decided on this course, I will skip to the relevant portion."

Again Ross paused gazing around the room seriously. "Does anyone object to this marriage?"

Not a word was spoken.

"Then, do we have the rings?"

McQueen nodded and turned to Hawkes. He almost smiled when Hawkes reached into his pocket and started to panic at not finding the ring.

Grinning, West grabbed Hawkes' arm and pressed the ring into the panic-stricken Invitro's hand. "Here. You gave it to me. Remember?"

Red-faced, Hawkes sheepishly handed the ring to McQueen. "Sorry, sir."

"It's all right, Hawkes."

Meanwhile 'Phousse had handed Silver the other ring.

Suppressing a grin, Ross continued. "Very well. We will continue now. Do you Lysa Anne Silver take Tyrus Cassius McQueen for your lawful spouse, to have and to hold, for richer or poorer, through sickness and health, in war and in peace?"

"I do," Silver responded promptly.

"Do you, Tyrus Cassius McQueen, take Lysa Gwen Silver for your lawful spouse, to have and to hold, for richer or poorer, through sickness and health, in war and in peace?"

"I do," stated McQueen firmly, his eyes on Silver's face.

"Place the rings on each other's finger."

McQueen took Silver's no longer so rough left hand and slid the ring onto her ring finger. He rubbed her hand briefly before releasing it.

His hand taken by Silver, McQueen watched as she slid the ring up his finger. She caressed his hand before releasing it and smiled briefly at him.

"I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss." Ross beamed.

McQueen threw military protocol to the wind. He pulled Silver to him and kissed her thoroughly, feeling her respond in kind.

When they broke apart, McQueen kept his hands on her. "I love you."

"And I love you."

The sound of swords being drawn caused them both to turn. A glittering arc of steel lined the aisle to the door.

"Must be our cue," muttered Silver.

"Looks like it."

Grinning, McQueen and Silver marched, hand in hand, under the arch to the door. There McQueen stopped Silver and kissed her once more. "I can do it now and not feel guilty."

Everyone followed them into the corridor. The chaplain held out a hand. "A last bit of paperwork, if you please. This way."

The chaplain's office turned out to be the first left from the chapel. She pulled a computer pad over and handed it to McQueen. "I need you each to review the information and then sign the form. Then you'll sign the actual marriage license. I will then be download both forms immediately to all the necessary departments, civil and military."

"And to the address I gave you, please." Silver shrugged. "My family likes to keep the records updated."

"Not a problem. Just double check that I added it correctly at the end of the form."

Reading through the form, McQueen saw that all was in order and signed both forms. He handed the computer pad to Silver.

The chaplain asked, "Who are signing as witnesses?"

McQueen glanced at the squadron and Ross. How could he single out only two? "How many can we have?"

"As many as you like."

"Then, the entire group." McQueen saw Silver nod slightly.

"Very well. Colonel Silver, when you've finished, leave the marriage license up and pass it to the group. Once everyone has signed, I'll download the forms. Then you can catch your transport planet side."

Silver handed the signed computer pad to Hawkes. "Do we have time to change uniforms?"

The chaplain shook her head. "Sorry. You're scheduled for a transport in fifteen mikes."

"Thank you." McQueen turned to the squadron as Vansen took the computer pad from Hawkes. "All right, once you've signed, go get your gear. Hawkes, find out what bay we're leaving from."

"Yes, sir."

A young woman knocked and entered. "Sorry I'm late. Do you want pictures?"

McQueen hesitated, not sure that they would be able to take the time.

"A couple of quick ones." Silver grinned.

McQueen gave Silver a grateful look.

Twenty minutes later, they were all staring out the ISSAPC's windows, hungry for the sight of their home world. McQueen realized that he wasn't dreading the return to Earth, despite the last three occasions. Tucked away in his sea-bag was the data disc with the pictures on it. He'd get them developed before the consort ceremony. The previews looked good though.

The Marine training base Loxley grew below them.

"Never thought I'd be glad to see that place again," murmured Hawkes.

"You know, I wouldn't mind seeing Sgt. Bogus again," West admitted.

The transport landed and the door opened.

Ross left the vehicle first, followed by the two colonels. He turned to McQueen and Silver. "I'm headed home. I'll be there early in the morning, three days from now."

"Yes, sir." McQueen shook Ross' hand. "Say hello to the family for me."

"I will." Ross shouldered his bag and walked to the flight control building.

The rest of the squadron disembarked. They surveyed the landing pad and found themselves facing the ramrod straight, saluting form of Sgt. Bogus. Automatically, the original members of the 58th returned the salute.

"At ease, Sgt." Silver stepped and clapped the craggy faced man on the shoulder. "Long time no see, sergeant."

"Yes, Colonel. I heard you joined the 58th." The sergeant eyed the dress uniforms.

"Indeed I have. In fact, I've joined in a more permanent union with the commanding officer." She could see the shocked looks on the faces of West, Vansen, Hawkes and 'Phousse.

"Colonel?" Sgt. Bogus looked quickly from Silver to McQueen. Then with a grin, he asked, "May I offer congratulations?"

"Of course, Sergeant." McQueen bowed his head slightly.

"Congratulations, colonels." The sergeant hesitated, then said, "I see a member of the squad is missing."

Vansen answered. "Lt. Wang is on medical leave. He had the misfortune of being a POW for four months."

A grimace and Sgt. Bogus said, "I've followed your exploits, 5-8. I'm proud of you. All of you." He looked Hawkes in the eyes. "You've proven me right once again. I saw something special in you, but I didn't know if you would live to find it. I'm pleased to see you alive and well."

"We're pleased to see you, too, Sergeant," West said.

Sgt. Bogus turned back to Silver. "Colonel, I have a message for you about your transportation. It has been delayed fifteen mikes."

"Thank you, Sergeant. I think we'll wait in Asteroids then. Care to join us in a drink?"

"I would be honored, Colonel."

Sea-bags over their shoulders, the group marched across the flight line. Sgt. Bogus marched beside Silver.

"You've managed to bury your adventures, Colonel."

"Not all of them. The 1-12 was a good unit."

"Yes. One of the best. They rarely got the recognition they deserved. But you have a habit of dropping out of sight for long periods of time."

"Not any more, Sergeant, not any more." Silver grinned. "I'm with the 5-8 now and plan on staying there. Come hell or high water. And the Chigs. I'm not that wet-behind the ears recruit you first met." Her voice lost all banter. "I've seen and done things that would make your blood run cold, Sergeant. Things that even the men who ordered it would turn pale if they saw the results. I grew up fast, on the battlefield and other places I can't say."

Bogus shook his head. "You were never wet-behind the ears, Colonel. When I saw you, I knew you were here to learn what we had to teach you. You were never going to be the soldier who blindly follows orders, no matter the cost. You had what it took to become a real leader, if you wanted to. You also had what it took to become a rebel. I could only hope you decided to become a leader."

"I'm both, Sergeant."

On the other side of the flight control center, they found a truck parked at the curb, just starting up. The driver leaned across the seat. "Need a lift?"

"Asteroids," McQueen stated.

"On the way. Hop in back, folks."

The truck dropped them off outside the officers' club. Inside it teemed with the crowded multitudes that all base clubs enjoyed. Music blared, smells assaulted the nose and voices babbled, still talking about sex, flying, and sex while flying with the war thrown in.

A momentary silence fell over the room as the 5-8 entered. McQueen led the way to a large table near the entrance. As they started sitting down, a young voice asked, "Who are they?"

Then a rough voice answered, "The Wildcards, the 58th."

Swiftly, a slim brunette waitress hurried over. "What would you like to drink?"

The younger members of the squad ordered beers. McQueen went for a scotch, and Sgt. Bogus had bourbon. Silver looked thoughtful. "Too bad you don't serve lagers. I'll take a beer."

McQueen raised an eyebrow. "A beer?"

"I do drink them from time to time. I prefer a stout, porter or a lager, though. Which is why you don't see me drink beer in the Tun."

"There's still a lot I need to learn about you." McQueen leaned back in his chair.

"I can say the same."

The drinks arrived quickly. Sgt. Bogus took his bourbon and gave the 58th a silent salute, drinking the bourbon down quickly. "Again, congratulations, Colonels. May your life together bring you more happiness than pain."

"Thank you, Sergeant." Silver watched as Bogus stood up. "Take care, Sergeant. You train them right."

"Thank you, Colonel." Bogus looked the group over quickly. "I hope to hear more about you, 5-8."

"Yes, sir," the original members responded.

As Bogus walked away, Silver sipped her beer. She waited until the overall level of noise in the club had returned to near normal. "How many are coming to my family's place first? I know Russell, Finch and St. John are. What about the rest of you?"

The four in question glanced at one another. Then Vansen asked, "Can we get transportation to visit our families?"

"A vehicle can be made available, or if you prefer, a chauffeured one. That way you could get some sleep. After all, you do need to see the tailors if you're going to wear anything that fits."

Vansen glanced at West and 'Phousse who both nodded. "Then we'd like to come with you. We want to see Paul."

"Thought you might. Where do you need transportation to?"

"San Diego," said Vansen.

"Chicago," 'Phousse said softly. "Dad's working there this year."

"Farmington, Pennsylvania," West admitted. "Hawkes, did you want to come and visit?"

Hawkes shook his head. "Nah. You need time with your family. And they don't like me. Besides, doesn't Kylen live nearby?"

"Only a mile."

With a wry grin, Hawkes said, "You don't need me then. Three's a crowd."

'Phousse gave Hawkes a concerned look. "Where will you stay?"

"If it's all right, with Paul." Hawkes looked at Silver. "Is that ok, Colonel?"

"There's plenty of room, Hawkes. And I'm sure Paul would appreciate the Marine company." She smiled. "Rather than a lot of medical types."

The door opened and Silver glanced over her shoulder. "Drink up, folks. Our ride is here." She rose. "Gayle!"

"Sa!" A tall, willowy blonde in a Marine colonel uniform approached the table, arms outstretched. "God! It's good to see you."

As the two women hugged, McQueen recognized Gayle as the woman who had taken the pictures of him. Not a beautiful woman with her blunt nose and square jaw combined with a thin mouth, but her figure ensured that men didn't notice her face first.

Gayle held Silver by the shoulders, looking her friend over critically. "You have looked better, Sa. But from what I've heard you're lucky to be alive at all." The blue eyes flashed over to McQueen, then back to Silver. "I see you finally got him."

"It took some doing, but yes." Silver chuckled softly.

McQueen stood up. "Colonel."

"Colonel McQueen, I hope you're ready for her. She's wanted you since she fell for you at first sight, here in this place." Gayle gestured to the surrounding club.

"I know. And I am."

"Good. She needs a strong man." Gayle smiled. "Now, I have the privilege to fly you all to the lovely Northwest. So, let's get going."

Silver drank the last of her beer. "Which one?"

"The Phantom 2200."

"Perfect. Just the thing." Silver grabbed her sea-bag and hoisted it on her shoulder. "Ready to go, folks?"

"Yes, ma'am," echoed the group, empty glassware slapping down onto the tabletop.

With in a minute, the 58th had vanished from the Asteroid Club. Their table remained empty for nearly fifteen minutes.

A quick trip by another truck back to the flight line and the group was back where they had started. As they walked through the flight control building to the flight line, McQueen caught sight of their transport. The large vehicle had sleek lines and nothing about the streamlined craft even remotely looked military, though it easily could have held three interstellar transports. A door up near the front opened as they approached.

"Everyone please board." Gayle gave a half bow and waved everyone aboard. "Enjoy the flight."

The younger members of the squad rushed aboard.

"No co-pilot this time?" Silver paused at the junction leading aft and forward to the cockpit.

"Sa, you and the groom are free to join me anytime." Gayle disappeared in the direction of the cockpit.

"Paul!" Hawkes' excited voice echoed up the corridor.

Silver motioned for McQueen to precede her and he speedily did so, heading for the rear. The narrow passageway opened up into a large, windowed room after ten feet. There the squad carefully surrounded Paul Wang, in his Marine uniform.

On his feet with the help of a cane, Paul smiled at them all. "I've waited for this day for so damned long." He straightened and saluted McQueen and Silver. "Lt. Wang, reporting for duty, sir, ma'am."

Setting his sea-bag on the deck at his feet, McQueen returned the salute. "As you were." He saw Silver doing the same.

"Paul, are you well enough to come back with us?" asked 'Phousse hopefully.

"My doctors think so. I'm not combat ready, not by a long shot, but I can fly a desk until I am. Jake thinks with in a year I'll be one hundred percent recovered." The Asian lieutenant grinned widely.

"Did you know about this?" McQueen asked Silver quietly.

"No. Jake just mentioned that he was doing well."

"He looks good." McQueen still remembered how pale Wang had been when going through the tank process.

"A lot of outside work, I'd guess."

"Sir," interrupted Paul. "I received confirmation this morning from the Corps that I may return to the Saratoga with you. I will be filing reports and the like, but I'll be there."

"Excellent. We have missed you."

"Thank you, sir. I need to continue my physical therapy, but if I stay with it, Jake says I should be ready for flight simulators in six months." Wang held up his right hand. "I have most of my mobility in this hand now, but not quite enough for the joystick. I know," Wang grinned again, "because I keep trying to use a simulator."

"Way to go, Wanger!" Hawkes started to slap Wang on the shoulder, thought better of it, and gripped Wang's left arm. "It'll be great to have you back."

"Yeah, you need to cream him in foos ball again, Paul." West tossed his sea-bag in a corner and sprawled on a chair. "He's been insufferable since you're not there to take him down a peg or two."

"I'll do my best!"

McQueen felt a subtle increase in his weight and glanced out a window. They were taking off. He glanced at Silver questioningly.

"Gayle's an excellent transport pilot. Just doesn't have what it takes to be a fighter jock."

"Why is she here on Earth? Why isn't she flying with a fleet?"

"She had the misfortune of getting caught in space when the Chigs showed up here. Her ship was hit. Her co-pilot, Mike, was her husband. He was in the cargo unit trying to man the roof gun. A Chig fighter blew a hole in the cargo unit, a big hole. Gayle barely managed to close the cockpit door in time. Then she lost engine power. She was trapped alone in space for over five days with only auxiliary power, just enough to keep her from freezing to death. Now, it is all she can do to handle short trips in space. It was a big deal when she managed to fly to Jupiter with General MacIntyre."

"If she's in space for longer?" McQueen shifted his sea-bag over against the wall nearest the cockpit.

"She becomes extremely claustrophobic. She nearly managed to open the airlock on a test run. They weren't ready for the sheer magnitude of her reaction." Silver sighed. "Gayle is a good friend, but not even for me will she leave this system."

"Too bad. We could use someone with her skills."

"Never going to happen, I'm afraid. You know, if you want to, you can go up to the 'pit. I'm sure she'd love to introduce you to the Phantom 2200. And I'm sure if you charm her, she'll even let you fly it for a while."

McQueen's eyes lit up. "Do you think so?"

"I know so. Go on."

"If you're sure?" When Silver nodded, McQueen kissed her cheek. "Then thanks."

As McQueen went forward, Silver hefted her sea-bag again. She signaled Finch that she would prefer to be alone before entering one of the compartments to the rear of the squadron. When Silver re-emerged fifteen minutes later, she had changed into a regular flight suit.

Finch waited until Silver had disappeared into the aft most compartment before saying, "Don't you think we should change?"

The squadron used three of the nearest compartments to change in. When Vansen informed McQueen, they were changing uniforms, he decided to as well and left the cockpit long enough to change. Noticing that Silver was nowhere to be seen, McQueen asked Finch.

McQueen knocked on the aft compartment door. "Lysa?"

"Come."

McQueen entered and found Silver stretched out on the floor. "Is something wrong?" He crouched beside her.

"No, love. I just need a bit of time to myself."

"I'll leave then."

She stayed him with a hand on his knee. "You can stay if you want, Ty. I just wanted to prepare for the trials."

"Do you want me..." His voice trailed away, unsure of what exactly he was asking.

She chuckled softly and wickedly. "Ty, I want you more than the air I breathe or the life I drink and I can't have you until after the consort ceremony." When his cheeks turned pink, Silver said, "Really should finish some of those sentences, you know. It's all right with me if you go fly, Ty."

"We'll be there in an hour and I would really like to try my hand at the controls, but..."

"Go on, Ty, enjoy yourself." Silver caressed his jaw and closed her eyes, letting her hand drop down to her stomach.

"I'll be back in a bit then, Lysa." When she smiled knowingly at him, he ran his fingers over her cheek lightly.

He returned to the cockpit. Sitting down in the co-pilot's seat, he asked, "Do you know what these trials are?"

Gayle shook her head. "No. They're pretty close mouthed about that sort of thing. It's like pulling teeth or getting a tank to talk about their past."

"That bad, hm?" He gave her an subdued smile.

"A lot of the time. But it's worth it."

He nodded. "Lysa mentioned advising Cassie to have you join her circle. Did she?"

"Yes. I'm a part of Cassie's circle as well as Lysa's."

"She's a good kid."

"Yes, she is." She glanced at McQueen. "Are you on or off duty now?"

"Despite the uniform, off duty."

"May I speak frankly?"

"Yes, by all means." His curiosity raised its head.

"I think this is the best thing that has happened to either of you. I don't know you personally very well, Colonel, but I've talked to Jake, Griffin and Lysa. If you commit to making this work, you'll never regret it. The most important thing to remember is communication. If something Lysa is doing bothers you, talk to her and listen to what she says. Sometimes it's a vampire thing, but it could also be just her way of doing things. She has to do some adjusting as well. It's a two-way street. It'll take both of you to make this work. And whatever happens, never stop telling her you love her. You never know when it'll be the last time." Gayle choked up.

"Did you get to say good-bye?"

Gayle shook her head jerkily. "One second he was there, the next... it was all I could do to save myself. My duty kept me going. Now I have Cassie and the others, but it still hurts. I'm just glad we didn't argue beforehand."

"It would have been harder, I imagine."

Nodding, Gayle cleared her throat. "Do you want to fly this baby?"

"If you don't mind." Taking the controls, he knew she needed a break from the conversation.

The Phantom 2200 exceeded all of McQueen's expectations. He had thought space fighters like the SA-43 were among the most responsive craft he had flown, but the Phantom easily equaled them. A couple of indignant yells sounded when he overcompensated for a flock of geese in the flight path.

"Hey, who's flying this crate?"

"I am, Hawkes," McQueen called back over his shoulder, leveling the craft back out.

"Oh, sorry, sir."

"I'm the one who dropped the floor out from under you." McQueen grinned at Gayle. "Is it space worthy?"

"For short distances. It is mostly an atmospheric craft."

"I can see why you would love to fly it." He eased back up to the correct altitude. "It's as sensitive as a Hammerhead. If not more so."

"Thanks, Colonel. But I think I'll stay atmospheric."

"I understand."

McQueen took the Phantom through a series of turns and horizontal zigzag maneuvers, always returning to the proper heading. When Gayle regretfully told him that they would be landing soon, he returned control of the Phantom to her.

"Thank you. I enjoyed that."

"You're welcome. I thought you would."

McQueen made his way back to where the squad sat, still talking animatedly with Wang. Finch, Russell, and St. John watched quietly from the edges of the group, listening.

"Colonel." Wang looked up at McQueen. The others quieted down.

"Yes?"

"I appreciated the letters you sent."

"I hope you understood what was behind them."

"Yes, sir. I do."

McQueen nodded. "We'll be landing soon."

"Good. I'm getting hungry." Wang smiled a bit self-consciously. "I've been eating a lot lately. Guess it must be all the exercise."

Giving Wang a critical look, McQueen saw that the young man was no longer as slim as he used to be. Muscle filled out the shoulders, chest and legs. "How much can you leg press now?"

"I just reached 200." Wang grinned. "Pretty good considering I couldn't even do a pound when I got out of the tank."

"You've made excellent progress."

"Thanks, Colonel. By the way, sir, congratulations."

"Thank you." McQueen sat in a chair. "Is Jake your PT?"

"Unfortunately yes." Wang laughed quietly. "He pushes me hard, but he's always there if I collapse."

"Does that happen often?" 'Phousse asked anxiously.

"Not now. At first, I couldn't even stand up. Then when I could at least stand, I had to learn how to walk all over again. I fell down a lot at first, but with the help of this cane, at least I can walk at a decent pace."

"A desk doesn't require you to run around a lot." West nodded to Wang. He turned to McQueen. "Sir, will Paul actually be able to return with us to the Saratoga?"

"If the Corps has cleared him for duty, I don't see why not." McQueen stretched his arms over his head. "I'm sure we can find a suitable office for him until he's ready for flight and combat." Through a view port, McQueen noticed that they were descending vertically. "Looks like we're landing."

"We took off from here just before lunch," commented Wang.. "Apparently this is Patrick's car."

"He's here for the wedding?" Russell sounded like he was attempting to be casual.

"Yes. He arrived yesterday. With a cargo of Scotch." Wang smiled. "Really good stuff."

"They're letting you drink?" McQueen remembered Jake had forced him to stay dry until after he had finished re-qualifying.

"As treats for reaching certain goals." Wang looked sheepish. "And we all considered being cleared for duty as a qualifying event."

"And it is, lieutenant." Silver stood at the rear of the compartment. "I just reviewed the Corps' notice. Your accomplishments far outstripped what they expected of you." She met McQueen's eyes briefly before turning back to Wang. "I know it can be hard to do, but do remember to thank Jake, Lieutenant. When the Corps expressed doubt that you would ever be fit for any sort of duty, he insisted that you would be. He kept you on the rolls. And you proved his faith in you."

"I know they were pretty skeptical, especially the first several times their doctors examined me. But I didn't realize they were thinking of discharging me." Standing up, holding onto his cane tightly, Wang met Silver's gaze frankly. "Colonel, I appreciate everything your family has done for me. I can't repay you."

"I'm sure we'll think of a way." Silver gave a quick smile.

In a serious tone, Wang asked, "Is being a Remal out of the question? Because I'm willing to do that." He noticed the surprised looks the rest of the squadron was giving him. "What? Don't tell me you don't know about her?"

"We know. How did you find out?" demanded Vansen.

"After spending nearly a year surrounded by vampires, you have to ask?" Wang shook his head. "But I didn't learn the truth until after Cassie went missing. I mean, here I was, Jake hightailed it out of here without a single word of warning, leaving me in Jenny's capable care. She kept dropping cryptic comments all over the place. Cassie started asking me questions that she answered herself, and then disappeared. Jenny started saying things like 'Silver's too strong... if the craving... Cassie's just like her mom, changing early.' Things like that. Tends to make a fellow suspicious. I started adding up the clues and confronted Jake a few days after he and Cassie returned."

"As much as I would like to hear the rest of your story, Lieutenant, we better off-load." Silver nodded toward the exit. "We have a reception committee waiting. Lieutenant, if you would lead the way?"

"Yes, ma'am." Wang started for the exit, hooking his cane over his forearm.

The rest of the 58th grabbed their sea-bags and followed.

Silver caught Russell's arm. "A word of advice, Russell. Don't chase after Patrick. Be yourself and he'll come to you."

"Yes, Silver," Russell said softly.

"I'm not discouraging you, Russ. But men and women chase him all the time. Be his friend first. He doesn't have very many of them outside his circle."

Russell nodded and left.

"Is there a reason Patrick has trouble making friends?" McQueen asked quietly.

"Real friends, yes. He's learned not to trust people who chase after him. You'll understand when you meet him." Silver hefted her sea-bag. "Let's go meet the entire family."

A small crowd waited at the foot of the ramp. The 58th stood to one side with Paul. McQueen recognized most of the people from his previous stay. Three of the men he didn't recognize. One seized McQueen's attention immediately.

McQueen halted in the doorway, a bit overwhelmed. Black hair, green eyes, magnificently built body, the man embodied every woman's, or man's, fantasy about tall, dark and handsome.

"Patrick?" McQueen managed with a mouth gone dry.

"Yes. Now you know how the various vampires react on seeing you." Silver chuckled. "Just treat him like you want to be. He'll appreciate it."

"If you say so." McQueen tore his eyes from Patrick. "Who are the other two? The one in his thirties, brown haired, good looking?"

"Gregory."

"The Gregory?"

"Afraid so. I didn't know if he would be coming or not. He's usually pretty busy."

"Ok." McQueen exhaled nervously. "And the other one?" Standing near Cassie, the stranger had blond hair, blue eyes, and also good looking.

"Peter. My younger brother, not a vampire, and happy not to be." Silver rested her hand on his lower back. "Nervous?"

"A bit."

"Don't worry. If you start to feel overwhelmed, just tell them you need some room. They'll back off."

"Ok." McQueen took a deep breath. "Let's get this over with." He started down the ramp.

Silver followed, watching her family. No one rushed up to McQueen, understanding his need for room instinctively. The first to approach were her parents.

Holding his hand out, Charles Silver said, "You're looking good, McQueen. Glad to see it."

"Thank you, sir." McQueen shook the older man's hand, feeling the firm grip as he set his sea-bag down. "Sir, I -" He faced Silver's father who matched him in height though heavier in the body.

"No need to explain, son. I'm glad she picked someone like you. There's more than enough courage and heart in you to keep up with my daughter." He pulled McQueen close and briefly hugged him. "I'm proud to add you to the family, McQueen."

Awkwardly, McQueen returned the hug. "I've never had a real family, sir."

"It'll take some time, but you'll get used to the idea." Charles stepped back, releasing McQueen.

Nearly a head shorter, Ruth Silver reached up to gently touch McQueen's cheek. "I know how most Invitroes hate to be touched, but I think you'll have to get used to it. We're a very tactile race. I'm very happy you're becoming a part of our family. You're a brave man, McQueen, and I believe you are up to the challenge my daughter poses." She dropped her hand with an impish smile.

McQueen realized Ruth didn't intend to crowd him any further. He gave into impulse and hugged her. "Thank you," he said quietly. "Bear with me, please."

"We'll give you all the time and space you need." Ruth held him out at arm's length and ran her eyes critically over his form. "You haven't been eating enough."

"I've been eating well for the last couple of days."

Ruth chuckled. "I'll bet. Now, we need something besides McQueen to call you."

"T.C. or Ty will do."

"Hm. T.C. is not quite as intimate as Ty so we'll go with that. All right?"

McQueen nodded.

Squeezing his arm once, Ruth stepped to the side. "Ok, everyone. I know you want to badger Lysa and T.C., but we do need to get them to the tailors. So keep it short. There'll be plenty of time later to start involved conversations."

Everyone nodded.

Cassie broke free of Jake's hold and ran to her mother. "I'm so glad you're home."

Hugging Cassie tightly, Silver smiled at her daughter. "Good to be home, kiddo."

Cassie gave McQueen a grin. "Do I get to call you Dad?"

McQueen blinked in surprise. He hadn't even considered the question.

"No, scamp, at least not to start with. Let him get comfortable with the idea of a family first." Silver ruffled Cassie's hair.

"Ok, Mom." Hooking her arm around McQueen's waist, Cassie said, "Come on, T.C. Let me introduce you to Peter, Patrick and Gregory." She walked him over to Patrick first after he picked up his sea-bag. "Uncle Pat, this is T.C. McQueen. He likes your scotch."

McQueen gave Cassie a mock frown. "Stop telling on your elders." He received an impudent grin so he held a hand out to Patrick. "Lysa's told me you're currently running the distillery."

Patrick's voice rolled over McQueen, smooth and velvety. "And she drinks all I can send her." He laughed softly as he shook McQueen's hand firmly.

"She gets some help." McQueen gestured to where the squad stood watching. "They appreciate the scotch as well."

The squad nodded enthusiastically.

"As long as it's appreciated, I'll keep sending it."

Cassie reached up and pulled Patrick's head down so she could kiss his cheek. "You'll like T.C., Uncle Pat."

"I'm sure I will, pet." Patrick nodded to McQueen and stepped aside.

"This is Gregory, T.C." Cassie gave Gregory a bright smile. "He's the leader of the Family."

McQueen frowned slightly at the emphasis she put on the last word.

"The Family is what we call ourselves," explained Gregory. "Vampire and Remal together make up the Family." His baritone voice resonated with authority. "I am pleased to meet you. I always wondered who Lysa would join with." Gregory held out his hand.

McQueen found that Gregory's handshake reflected his aura of authority. "Pleased to meet you too, sir."

"No need to sir me. Just call me Gregory."

"Yes, s... Gregory."

Gregory smiled warmly. "Don't let anyone intimidate you, T.C., least of all me. You'll do just fine as Lysa's consort."

"Thank you... Gregory."

Peter stepped up. "Might as well finish the introductions. I'm Peter, Lysa's baby brother. Following in our father's footsteps, I'm hoping to improve the Invitro healing and regeneration process."

"A greatly neglected field outside this family." McQueen noted that Peter's gaze met his squarely. "Hope you're up to the battle from both sides."

"Definitely." Peter's grin held genuine amusement. "Considering I've married an Invitro. Unfortunately, she was unable to be here today. But you'll meet Cheryle before the wedding."

"Looking forward to it." McQueen allowed Cassie to drag him away.

"Uncle Pete had to tell you." Cassie shook her head. "He's still trying to prove himself worthy of the Silver name. As the only Remal child, I think he feels inferior despite the fact that Grandpa and Grandma were overjoyed to have a Remal child at last."

"That's a very grownup view," McQueen commented as Silver appeared on his other side. They were headed for the main entrance.

"It's all the responsibility we get as children," remarked Silver. "We have secrets to hide from the general public. And we start hiding them from a very young age." She looked at her daughter. "And you, young lady, do not need to give a breakdown of everyone's weaknesses. He can figure them out for himself quite nicely. There's a very keen intellect hidden behind those cool blues."

"Sorry, Mom. Sorry, T.C. I'll try to stop. It's just hard to do when I'm taking psych."

McQueen nodded. "You start analyzing everything everyone does. But you have to keep it under control. Otherwise, you become paranoid."

"There, a voice of experience in addition to my own." A stocky man appeared in the doorway, brushing back his light brown hair. "She's been a handful since she came back and started that damn class." He held out a hand. "Hi, I'm Roger. Cassie's told me a lot about you."

McQueen shook the hand of the closest thing to a rival he had. "I understand you did the painting and murals around the place. I enjoyed the ones I saw during my previous stay."

A warm smile and Roger said, "They're all new now. I'm always changing them. Much to Charles' mock irritation. He says he just gets used to them and then they're gone."

"I'll make sure to wander around then."

Roger corralled Cassie. "We'll show you to your rooms."

"The squad-" McQueen started to say.

"I think Paul and my parents have them well in hand." Silver gestured toward where the 58th were talking to Paul and her parents.

McQueen nodded and followed Cassie and Roger inside with Silver at his side. He discovered that the quarters he had were not that far from the ones where he'd stayed before. Finding his way around would be that much easier.

At the door, Roger said, "It's two. Dinner will be at the usual time. The tailors will be by in thirty minutes. They should be finished no later than three-thirty. We'll see you at dinner."

McQueen turned to Silver as Roger and Cassie headed down the hall. "Now what?"

"Unpack, shower, relax, read." Silver stepped up and kissed him. "I won't see you until dinner."

"The trials you mentioned?"

"Yes. The sooner I start, the faster I finish them. I'll see you whenever I can, Tyrus Cassius McQueen. I love you."

Before she could move away, McQueen wrapped his arms around her tightly. "I remember what else you said, so I won't try to seduce you. But will we have any quiet private time together?"

"Yes, I promise."

McQueen nuzzled her hair briefly. "I love you, Lysa." When she reluctantly pulled away after a moment, he let her go. "See you later, love."

"You, too."

Once she had left his sight, McQueen threw his sea-bag into the room and headed for the shower.

Dinnertime arrived and McQueen felt satisfied with himself. The tailors had been efficient and also Invitroes, so they had taken into consideration his slight differences. Afterward, he had reacquainted himself with the buildings around the estate. During his explorations he had discovered that the 5-8 were quartered not too far from him.

West, 'Phousse and Vansen had already left in two different vehicles. West and 'Phousse were headed east while Vansen traveled southward. Most of their gear remained in the rooms assigned them with the rest of the squad.

Entering the dining room, McQueen smiled to himself, pleased that he had chosen to dress nicely, but comfortably. The various members of the Silver clan already there were dressed in nice casual clothes.

He strolled over to the bar where Jake sipped a drink, scotch by the smell.

"Settled in, McQueen?"

McQueen nodded, pouring himself a scotch. He took a sip. "Will Lysa be able to join us for dinner? Or is she still busy with the first trial?"

"She should be here." Jake paused, then said; "Don't be too surprised if she gets a bit irritable over the next couple of days."

"She warned me."

Hawkes entered with Wang at his side. Wang had apparently rustled up some suitable clothing for Hawkes, though the young Invitro looked distinctly uneasy.

McQueen poured two more scotches and waved the two squad members over. He handed out the scotch as Jake moved away toward his parents. "Finding your way around, Hawkes?"

"Paul's showing me." Hawkes sipped his drink. "Did the others leave already?"

"I saw them off an hour ago."

"I know Nathan felt awkward about going home. It'll be the first time since his brother died." Wang shrugged. "I couldn't help much. My family's been here every two weeks. And they call every other day."

"Maybe I should have gone with him," muttered Hawkes.

"Not if his parents are feeling the way he said," McQueen stated. "That would only have made matters worse."

"I don't know how to help him."

"Just be here for him when he gets back. If he doesn't say anything, don't ask." McQueen straightened, watching covertly as Charles and Ruth entered the room. Behind them strolled Cassie and Roger. "He'll appreciate the support whether he says so or not."

Silver stepped into the room as Jake left and met McQueen's anxious look with a weary smile. She ambled over to the bar. "Don't stop whatever discussion you've got going." A double scotch in hand, Silver stared at it for several seconds before draining it completely. "One down, five to go," she muttered, setting the empty tumbler back on the bar.

The rest of the squad trickled in and Silver played bartender for everyone before moving up next to McQueen. "Finding enough to keep you occupied?"

"Definitely. I'm hoping to get Hawkes out on some of the runs Jake gave me. He could use the hard exercise."

"I heard that, Colonel."

"You were supposed to, Hawkes." McQueen smiled as he looked down at Silver. "Are you done for tonight?"

"No. One more tonight. Talk to Jake about the run. He can arrange to get you wherever you want to go for your little jaunt."

Jake reentered the room, intoning, "Please take your seats. Dinner is served."

Everyone took their assigned seats and servers started bringing out the food. McQueen knew when Hawkes realized that the servers were Invitro's. As Hawkes stiffened on his left, McQueen said quietly, "They are well paid and they've already eaten. Most of the staff here are Invitro's, Hawkes. All bought and paid for, but freed after two years of schooling and training. Most stay here."

On the other side of Hawkes, Paul said, "The Silvers have the largest, well paid staff of Invitro's in the country, Hawkes."

"How do you know? Did they tell you that?" Hawkes asked sharply.

"I used the Web. Remember, I have contacts through it. I did some surfing while I was bedridden." Paul accepted a plate from a male server. "From what I discovered, there is an extensive schooling and training program available."

"The emphasis is on medical," commented the server, "but considering who the family is, that's not surprising."

"And if you aren't interested in medical training?" Hawkes stared at the server.

"They find teachers for whatever you're interested in. My daughter is musically inclined and is taking lessons already at the age of two. For free." The man shrugged. "I could never afford the schooling she is getting out there."

"Can you leave if you want?"

"Yes. Some leave as soon as their two-year stint is up. Sometimes they come back. Everyone is given a second chance. Not all get to keep it though. If you're not willing to work, study or somehow pay for all the benefits, you don't stay." The man set a plate of food down before Hawkes. "This is a good place." He walked away.

Hawkes started eating.

The dinner conversation remained as McQueen remembered, fast, pointed, argumentative, but all good-natured. Silver tended to play devil's advocate, much to Jake's frustration for he usually took that role. Peter rarely spoke, adding telling comments when he did. Patrick contributed even less, though McQueen had the feeling he listened very intently. For his own part, McQueen listened. He commented only when he thought he could make a point.

After dinner, McQueen suggested that Paul show Hawkes the recreational facilities. He approached Jake.

"I was wondering if I might get transportation to some of those runs you gave me. I want to get out and enjoy the area. Plus I want to check on Hawkes' conditioning."

Jake nodded. "Not a problem. I can take you out in the morning. Where do you want to go?"

"One of the desert runs for the morning."

Jake grinned. "And the afternoon?"

"Wooded would be nice."

"Easily done. Seven thirty all right?"

"Yes. And thank you."

"Just glad you enjoyed the scenery. I fear I must say good night though."

"Good night."

Silver stood at the large dining room window staring out into the distance. As McQueen approached, she said, "All set up?"

"For tomorrow."

"Good."

"How long before you have to leave?"

"I have an hour or so."

"Care for company?"

"Always if it's you." Silver glanced around and obviously came to a decision. "Come with me."

She led him to an area he had stayed out of before, considering it a family domain, but he gave a mental shrug. He was about to become a member of the family.

Opening a heavy wooden door, Silver motioned for him to precede her. He paused just inside, his breath taken away.

"Like it?"

"How could I not?"

McQueen took several steps into the huge library. Three stories tall and at least a hundred feet per side; he had never imagined a private library to contain so many books. On each of the three levels there was a twenty-foot wide walkway with tables and chairs to sit and read. Scattered throughout the place people searched the shelves, sat reading, or talked quietly in small groups.

"If I had known this was here before-"

"Jake would never have been able to get you fit."

"True."

"Anytime you're here, feel free to use it, same with the squad. It is actually open to everyone on the estate." Silver gave him a gentle push with her hand. "Go on. Explore. I'm going to listen to some music over there." She pointed to her right at a circle of chairs. "Headphones plug in and a palm computer lets you pick your music."

"I thought I was going to stay with you."

The hunger in his eyes brought a smile to Silver's lips. "It's all right, Ty. I know you'll be enjoying yourself. If I'm not here when you finally wander back, I'll see you at breakfast. 0700 ok?"

"Definitely." McQueen kissed Silver. "I love you."

"And I love you. Now go satisfy your curiosity."

After twenty minutes and only two books in hand, McQueen wandered back to see if Silver had left yet. She lounged, legs stretched out, eyes closed.

He touched her hand and she pushed the headphones off one ear. "Find anything you like?"

Her hand in his, McQueen sat beside Silver. "Plenty. And that's only six shelves. I could spend a lifetime in here."

"Make a list of what you find, a nice long list. You send the books back; someone here will send the next batch to you. Or rather us."

McQueen squeezed her hand. "I'd like to stay here until you leave."

"I won't throw you out. But I'm not great company right now."

"It's ok. I brought a couple of books, and they're not military history." He smiled.

Silver grinned before settling back to her music.

After thirty minutes, she removed the headphones. She coiled the cord and set the headphones on the small table before her chair. "Well, I'm off. See you in the morning."

"Take care."

"I will." Silver leaned over and kissed his cheek before rising. "Night."

"Night." McQueen watched her leave.

He read the science fiction story for another fifteen minutes before deciding to go find Hawkes. The young Invitro didn't know they were headed out in the morning.

Hawkes greeted the news with a groan. "Here I am on leave and I still have to work out."

"The run will do us both some good. 0730. Be out front."

"Yes, sir."

A hot bath and continuing to read the book helped McQueen relax before he settled into bed intent on finishing the story. He set the book on the night stand with a satisfied sigh an hour later. Though the story was over half a century old, the world in the book had come alive for him and the heroine had struck him as a real person, someone he wouldn't mind meeting.

A tap on the light control plunged the room into darkness. McQueen closed his eyes, hoping for a good night's sleep.

Three hours later, McQueen woke, heart pounding and ears still ringing. "Great, just great," he snarled, running a hand through his hair. "Let's wake everyone up."

A muttered curse and McQueen headed for the bathroom and a hot shower. He stopped abruptly when there came a knock on the door. "Who's at my ha- door?" v "Lt. Russell, sir."

Unlocking the door, McQueen said, "Come in."

"Thank you, sir."

"Did I wake you?"

"No, sir. Silver suggested that I check on you. She thought you might need a massage tonight." Russell closed the door behind him.

"When did you see her?"

"About ten mikes ago, sir. She was with Jake and Griffin."

"How did she seem?" McQueen did not disguise his worry.

"Fine, sir. A bit worried about you. That's why she sent me. I almost didn't knock, but then I heard you and figured you might need the massage after all."

McQueen gazed frankly at the younger Invitro. "Do you have nightmares?"

"Oh, yes, sir. Only they usually aren't as bad as yours, sir. I think because I've had Finch, St. John and Silver as well as others to support me. I never had to go it alone." Russell risked touching McQueen. "Sir, let's get you some sleep. A nice hot shower to relax those shoulder and neck muscles."

With a rueful shake of his head, McQueen disappeared into the bathroom. Russell sprawled in a chair, stripped down to his shorts when McQueen left the bathroom ten minutes later.

"You know the drill, sir," Russell said quietly as he stood up.

McQueen nodded and stretched out on the bed, striving to clear his mind.

Settling across McQueen's thighs, Russell asked, "Would you mind if we joined you tomorrow on your runs? We realized that we haven't had a really good run in ages."

"Not a problem."

"Thank you, sir."

When Russell left an hour later, McQueen rolled onto his side and continued sleeping under the light blanket Russell had thoughtfully pulled over him.

The clock showed 0600 when McQueen woke, feeling well slept. A hot shower and he dressed in sweat pants and a comfortable pullover long sleeve shirt. He had no intention of getting sunburned. From the closet, McQueen took his combat boots and a wide brimmed hat.

In the dining room, McQueen found the breakfast buffet up and running. His hat marked a table by the window and he quickly loaded up a plate. The Silver doctors were eating and talking over the day's schedule. They returned his greeting as he paused on the way back to the window table.

"Still set for seven thirty, McQueen." Jake leaned back in his chair. "Though I gather there will be a few more than originally intended. Not that it's a problem. There's plenty of room in the aircar."

"Thank you. I hoped it wouldn't be an imposition."

"Not in the least. Better one trip than several. We'll meet out front."

"Yes, doctor."

Jake grinned. "Go eat. You're going to need those calories."

As McQueen sat down, he saw Wang enter, wearing long shorts and a short sleeve shirt. Wicked scars ran up the young man's legs disappearing under the shorts. More scars were visible on the muscular arms. The ever-present cane lay hooked over an arm, as Wang looked the room over.

On spotting McQueen, Wang started forward and abruptly halted. He made a gesture of 'May I join you?'

McQueen pointed to an available chair and saw Wang's face light up with a smile. He started eating.

"Sir, how should I dress for the run?" Hawkes stepped past McQueen and started to pull out a chair.

"That is Wang's seat."

"Sorry, sir." Hawkes grabbed another seat and set his full plate down. Obviously he had already come to grips with treating Wang normally.

With a mental sigh at the young man's bad manners, McQueen said, "Just because we are on leave does not mean you stop being courteous, Hawkes."

Blushing furiously, Hawkes jumped to his feet. "Sorry, sir. May I join you, sir?"

"Yes, you may. Now sit down." McQueen waited until the chastised Hawkes had obeyed. "As to dressing for the run, something like what I'm wearing would be a good idea. No weapons. We'll have radios in case of accidents. With five of us, I'm sure we'll be fine."

"Five, sir?"

"Russell, Finch, and St. John are coming as well."

"Yes, sir."

Wang limped over to the table and carefully set his plate down. "Good morning, colonel. Did you sleep well?"

"Eventually, yes."

Wang nodded as he sat down. "Hawkes was telling me some of the regular schedule. I know I'm a long way from being able to do the nightly run, but I would like to join in the gym workouts. That would be an excellent time for my PT."

"And give you incentive and support." McQueen nodded approvingly. "And when you feel like tackling the run, say so. It doesn't matter if you only make one circuit. What matters is that you're doing it, and getting stronger."

"I was hoping you'd think so too, sir." Wang grinned sheepishly. "Otherwise I was going to have to think of some way to suggest it and nothing had come to mind."

"Part of my job." McQueen motioned toward Wang's plate. "Eating well, I see. When's your PT?"

"First one is at 0900. Second one is at 1300. Jake's already given me a schedule of what I'm supposed to do every day."

"Good. Before we leave, make sure Silver and I have a copy."

"Yes, sir. And sir, it is really good to see you."

"And you, Wang. You've been missed."

"Thank you, sir." Wang started eating.

A moment later, Silver entered. McQueen thought she looked tired. She stopped beside him, a hand on his shoulder. "Just getting around to eating?"

"Did you get any sleep?"

"Enough." At McQueen's concerned look, Silver said, "I want to be finished before tomorrow afternoon. So I can get some sleep before nightfall."

"And what is tomorrow night?" McQueen asked with a sense of dread.

"The night before our wedding."

"They're not going to..."

"Of course they are. A lot of thought and work has apparently been put into it. Don't worry. There won't be any half naked women jumping out of cakes."

"Too bad," muttered Hawkes.

"Feel free to ask some of the available women around, Hawkes. I know of several who wouldn't mind a tumble with a war hero." Silver chuckled. Turning serious, she fixed her gaze on Paul. "Wang, talk to Gayle, Roger and Peter. Same with you, Hawkes, If you're even contemplating becoming Remal, you need to talk to them. Ask them any questions you have, no matter how stupid you think the question is. There is no such thing as a stupid question where this is concerned. Understand?"

Wang nodded. "Understood, colonel. Gayle's supposed to be back tonight, right?"

"Yes. She flew 'Phousse and West back East since she had a meeting in DC this morning." Silver squeezed McQueen's shoulder. "And you, my friend, would be wise to talk to them as well."

"Then I will."

"See you later." Silver headed for the door.

McQueen watched her, already missing her presence.

"Sir, if you don't mind me saying so, you have it bad," remarked Wang.

Instead of denying it, McQueen nodded.

"So I was right in thinking she was going to be important to the squad."

"Not just us. She saved the Fifth Fleet."

"I get the feeling that Hawkes didn't tell me even the half of what's been going on. I'll be interesting in the rest of the stories. Perhaps soon."

"You deserve to hear about it." McQueen ate steadily for several minutes. "You know where the library is?"

"Yes."

"We'll talk there."

"After we've talked to Gayle and the others?"

"Yes."

McQueen applied himself to his food and the other two did the same. When he finished, McQueen took his dirty dishes to the counter dividing the kitchen from the dining room. He refilled his coffee mug with real coffee and returned to his seat, sipping his coffee and looking out the window.

"Sir, is the Corps going to allow you to continue working together now that you're married?" asked Paul after he brought his own refilled mug back to the table.

"I don't see any difficulties arising. We're an effective team and splitting us up would downgrade our efficiency."

Wang grinned, "That's the colonel I know."

"It's hard to find, Paul, but the man even has a sense of humor," grinned Hawkes over the last of his coffee.

McQueen gave a mock growl. "Exposing my secrets? For that I'm not going easy on you today."

"I never expect you to."

"Good, because I'm going to run you into the ground." McQueen finished his coffee. "Coffee," he said quietly, thinking about how much he was going to miss it.

"Colonel, believe me, I've been savoring it every day." Wang studied his mug. "And the real food."

"I could get used to this, Colonel." Hawkes didn't raise his eyes from his coffee.

"I forget sometimes that you lived on the streets, Hawkes." Wang reached over and squeezed Hawkes' arm. "Well, as long as I'm alive, you'll always have a place to live and eat. I'd guess that will be the case with any of us."

"Including me, Hawkes," added McQueen.

"Thank you, both of you." Hawkes flashed a quick smile.

McQueen glanced at his timepiece. "Nearly time to go, Hawkes."

"Yes, sir. I'll go change and meet you."

Once Hawkes had left the room, Wang glanced down at his coffee before asking in a serious voice, "Sir, is it ok with you if I become a Remal? I don't want to cause any problems between you and Colonel Silver."

"It's all right, Wang. She already has Russell, Finch and St. John. Even adding you, Hawkes, and myself, she still doesn't have enough of us to keep her at one hundred percent. Sex and blood do not equal love and it's me she'll be coming back to every night."

"Not a lot of men can be that open minded, sir." Wang sipped his coffee. "But then not many could handle the thought of marrying a vampire. I'm glad you found someone, sir. I hope you have a long and happy marriage."

"Thank you, Paul. That means a lot to me."

A comfortable silence fell between them. McQueen checked the time a few minutes later. "I have to go. I'll see you at lunch."

"Yes, sir."

McQueen dropped his empty mug off and headed for the front entrance. There he found Jake lounging against the side of the aircar. A smaller vehicle than the Phantom 2200, it still could seat ten to twelve people comfortably.

The rest of the group arrived, all dressed for the run. Jake grinned, shook his head, and entered the aircar, calling out, "All aboard."

McQueen settled down in the co-pilot's seat at Jake's invitation. He wanted to gaze at the scenery. A capable aircar pilot, Jake flew toward the Cascade mountain range and McQueen let himself relax in preparation for the challenge that lay ahead.

The terrain changed from green forest and fields to wooded foothills. A glance out Jake's window showed that snow covered Mt. Ranier down to nearly the foothills. The glacier ice at the peak did not seem as thick as McQueen remembered.

"They've been expecting it to blow every year. It's already over four hundred years overdue." Jake chuckled, shaking his head. "Like volcanoes go off on a schedule. 'Bing. Oh, that's the century mark, better blow my top.'"

McQueen shook his head. "You live in the shadow of a volcano. How do you handle it?"

"How do people living in Southern California deal with constant earthquakes? You accept the risk and live your life. I'd rather a volcano than an earthquake. Though we've had quite a few good-sized quakes over the last century. Waiting for the really big on. Expect that one will trigger the mountain." Jake gave Mt. Ranier a respectful nod. "They've got it wired and have all sorts of emergency plans in case it blows. That's assuming it gives any notice." With a shrug, Jake gestured to the forward view. "Until it goes, I'll live here. There's nowhere else in the world like the Pacific Northwest, McQueen, everything from ocean, rain forest, forest, mountains and deserts, all within a few hundred miles of country. I won't live anywhere else."

The foothills vanished to be replaced by scrub desert.

"It does seem like a good place to live."

"But you have to be prepared for lots of rain. Even with the global warming, Western Washington still gets a lot of rain." Jake glanced at McQueen. "About your run. Did you want to go over the Columbia?"

"Yes."

"Thought you might. I'll set you down fifteen miles or so on the other side of the river. You remember the place you stopped at before? Ten miles this side?"

"Yes. An old rest stop."

"That's the one. Someone will be there waiting to bring you in for lunch."

As the aircar started downward, McQueen asked, "How's Wang doing?"

"Just fine. If he keeps to a regular schedule every day, he should be one hundred percent within a year."

"He'll keep the schedule."

"If you have anything to say about it, right?" Jake said dryly, with a small smile.

McQueen chuckled. "Yes."

"He's been working hard, McQueen. I suspect he'll continue to do so."

"It'll be good to have him back, in any capacity."

"I imagine so." The aircar settled down on the ground. "Your stop, I believe."

"Thanks for the lift."

As McQueen got out, Jake handed him six wrist radios. "Play Dick Tracy, McQueen, if you run into difficulties."

"Definitely."

McQueen surveyed the surrounding landscape while Jake took off. Scrub desert as far as the eye could see. Visible to the east were some bits of green from a farmer's irrigation. South and north he saw cliffs of former lava flows carved out by massive floods during the last major ice age. The Columbia River flowed somewhere to the west.

He looked at the four young people. "Any of you been out here before?" He got back negatives. "Then listen up. Two things to keep an eye out for: rattlesnakes and holes. Checking the terrain in front of you regularly should enable you to avoid both. Avoid small shaded areas. Could be a hole. If you hear a buzzing rattling sound, freeze. Find the snake visually, fast. Then determine if you can jump away from it. If you get bit, call for help immediately after getting away from the snake."

As they all nodded, McQueen went on. "From here, we go west. The Columbia River is roughly fifteen miles from here. Everyone stops at the station on this side and waits until the rest arrive. We cross together." McQueen turned, did a quick mental calculation and pointed to west by northwest. "The bridge is that way. Go at your own pace. Go."

The four dashed off, exactly as McQueen figured they would. Shaking his head ruefully for the folly of youth, McQueen started jogging. The weather at the moment felt good, being not too warm or cool. From the previous times he had crossed the desert, he knew how to pace himself. The first water available would be at the station and he planned to get there without over exerting himself.

The air started heating up an hour later. He came across Finch, sheltering in the shade of a house-sized boulder. As he jogged past, McQueen said, "It's not a race, but a challenge to your skills. The object is to get there."

A moment later, he glanced over his shoulder and saw her following. He smiled briefly.

From the scrub brush a jackrabbit bolted. McQueen watched it zigzag away and wondered which of the three young men he'd come across first. Their egos would keep them pushing, unwilling to appear weak before the other two. If they didn't use their training and their brains to think about the surrounding countryside, they'd run themselves into exhaustion.

The heat continued to build.

McQueen jogged, breathing in through his nose and out his mouth in a steady rhythm. An hour had passed by his mental reckoning as he topped a rise and started down the other side, smiling to himself. Stretched out in the meager shade of two dead oaks lay the three young Invitroes.

Hawkes glanced up as McQueen approached. "Sir, we're thirsty."

McQueen shook his head. "There's no water until the station. If you can't make it, I'll send the car back for you." He started to move on.

Reaching the top of the next rise nearly five minutes later, McQueen saw that the four were traveling together now.

The station felt cool to McQueen as he entered nearly an hour later. He drank sparingly, did a few stretches and then drank some more. He rested, waiting for the four to arrive.

They staggered in fifteen minutes later. Eagerly they crowded around the water fountain. McQueen noted that they remembered enough not to gulp water down. Initial thirst quenched, they collapsed to the floor.

McQueen stood up, hands behind his back. He frowned at them. "I'm disappointed in you. Did you leave your brains on the Bacchus? Shall I have them shipped here? You know how to survive in the desert, so why didn't you use that training? Just because we are on Earth and on leave does not mean you forget what you are. Marines. Suppose some rogue AIs had been out there? You ran yourselves into exhaustion, doing the enemy's job for them."

The four wilted under his scornful gaze. "I'm leaving in ten mikes. If you haven't reached the LZ fifteen mikes after the aircar arrives, we'll come and pick you up." McQueen let his voice reflect the irritation the idea caused him. He walked over to the drinking fountain, took several small sips, and turned away from the four, staring out over the bridge to the other side of the river.

Hawkes ventured, "Sir, we're sorry. We didn't think. We should have thought about it more."

"Damned right you didn't think." McQueen stood straight at the window, hands clasped behind him.

Silence filled the room until McQueen returned to the water fountain and took a drink. He gave the four a cool look. "I'm leaving now."

Hawkes was the first onto his feet. "We're coming with you, sir," he said quietly.

A soft disbelieving snort was McQueen's only reply. He stepped outside and paused briefly, hearing the four crowding the water fountain. With a wry grin, McQueen started jogging toward to the stairs leading down to the footbridge. The stairs went down nearly two hundred feet.

The footbridge paralleled the ground vehicle bridge from the early 20th Century. Wide enough for ten people to walk abreast, it had been built in 2050 only a fifty feet above the raging river to the north of the previous bridge. Since freighters no longer plied their trade on the river, many of the dams had been destroyed, allowing salmon runs to flourish and the river to run far wilder than it had in a hundred years. Today, several fishermen stood on the bridge's upriver side despite the stiff breeze blowing down the river.

The sound of the four behind him disappeared in the breeze, but McQueen detected the vibration of their pounding feet through the bridge deck. He kept moving until he reached the middle of the bridge where he stopped to admire the view. Cliffs lined the river as far as he could see until the Columbia curved out of sight. Sunlight sparkled on the water and spotted several small boats further upriver. His anger and disappointment cooled at the sight.

"It's worth seeing, sir."

"Yes, it is, Hawkes."

After a moment, McQueen started jogging again, keeping to a steady pace that the four matched. The stiff breeze dropped in force as they started up the far stairs.

A sense of accomplishment filled McQueen when he reached the top without stopping or slowing. He took a deep breath and headed for the path that would ultimately lead to the rest stop. But first... Instead of continuing west, McQueen turned north along another path for over a half mile. Through the small gathering of homes and convenience stores, he led them for another mile right up a hill to a sign.

'Ginko Petrified Forest State Park,' read the sign.

"Sir, what's a ginko?"

"A tree that is virtually extinct, Russell. This is a special park. The only one of its kind in the world." McQueen kept jogging down a gravel road leading back toward the river.

"I don't see any forest or even a lot of trees."

"You won't, Finch. The trees that grew here are long dead. Their remains are in the ground."

"What's so interesting about rotting wood?"

"Nothing, Hawkes."

Huge pieces of wood lay scattered on the grass outside a stone one-story building. McQueen selected one of the largest pieces of log, six feet long and over two feet in width. Orange, green and white as well as brown, black and tan colored the log.

"This is some of that rotten wood." McQueen straddled the piece.

Cautiously, Hawkes touched the wood. "It doesn't feel like wood, especially rotting wood. It's hard, like stone."

"That's because it is stone. Fossilized wood." McQueen patted the partial log. "Over fifteen million years ago, where we're standing used to be swamp. This tree ended up buried in the mud of a lake and was buried by lava. The mud kept the wood from burning up and then minerals seeped into the wood, replacing the cells. There are pieces in the museum that have been cut and polished." McQueen swung his leg over and stood up. "We have about fifteen mikes, if you're interested."

McQueen strode over to the building. Inside he turned right and started looking in the display cases at the slices of polished stone wood. In some pieces the resulting slices had produced landscapes or almost portraits.

"Look at this," whispered Russell, gazing raptly at a lacy piece of wood. It resembled filigree far more than a piece of stone.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" McQueen smiled at the awed look in their eyes as they gazed at the fantastic shapes and colors. "The power of nature at work."

When the fifteen minutes was up, McQueen had to pull the four away from the displays. He saw that as they jogged to the rest stop area they were paying more attention to their surroundings, pointing out interesting sights.

Their ride hadn't arrived yet when they reached their goal. McQueen used the facilities and drank some water before sitting down in the shade of an oak tree. One by one, the younger Invitroes joined him at respectful distances. He saw Silver's trio exchange looks.

"Sir, are you ready for being Silver's consort?" asked Finch after a moment.

"It's a little late to back out now." McQueen raised an eyebrow. "I'm committed to the prospect now."

"We just wanted to make sure you understood what it'll be like."

"I think I am. I'll have a better idea tonight." McQueen spotted the aircar. "I'll be talking to Roger, Gayle and a few others."

"Good idea, sir." St. John stretched.

"Our ride is here." McQueen rose. "Are you coming with me this afternoon?"

"If you don't mind, sir, we would like to." Getting to her feet, Finch said, "We'll keep our wits about us this time, sir."

"Good. We'll be on more dangerous terrain."

Lunch turned out to be another buffet style meal. Having taken a nice long hot shower, McQueen sat by the window again, enjoying the view of the grass and forest. He grabbed a hamburger, a salad and a cold apple juice.

"May I join you, Ty?"

"Sure, Cassie." He saw that she had the same food. "Copying me?" he smiled.

"No. Just didn't feel like chicken, potatoes or pizza." She sat down on his right. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine. A little nervous, but that's to be expected."

Cassie grinned. "I'd guess that to be natural. So what are you doing this afternoon?"

"A forest run." After eating some hamburger, McQueen asked, "How long would it take to get to the Redwood Forest from here?"

"A bit over an hour. Why?"

"I promised myself that the next time I was on Earth, I'd go see them."

Cassie chewed her lower lip. "Ty, I know a really neat spot down there. Would you like to go with me?" When he gave her a sharp look, she added, "I'm safe now. No accidents or losing control. Promise."

"When?"

"Tomorrow morning. If we leave around four, we'll have an hour to hike to the spot. It's worth it."

Her eyes fairly glowed, McQueen thought. "If your parents ok the trip, then yes."

"So where are you planning to whisk my daughter off to, Ty?"

McQueen looked up into Silver's eyes. "She wants to take me to the redwoods tomorrow."

"Are you comfortable with the idea?"

"She's confident that nothing will happen, so yes, I am."

"Then go enjoy yourselves. Try to be back before lunch, though. I'll make sure a car is available. What time, Cassie?"

"Four, Mom."

"Think you can get him there in the dark, scamp?"

"No problem, Mom, after all I got you there."

"Ah, so that's where. Ok, four it is." Silver kissed Cassie on the head. "And Ty, you'll love it."

"Now I'm really curious to see it." McQueen caught Silver's hand. "Are you eating?"

"Later. I'm too wound up right now."

"I'll see you tonight?"

"Not until after 2000."

"That's fine. I have some meetings tonight."

"How about the library?"

McQueen understood. "I just want to spend some time with you."

"And I with you." Silver squeezed his shoulder. "Later, love."

"Take care." McQueen watched Silver leave, worried about her stress levels. The tension radiated off her.

"Don't worry about Mom." Cassie reached over and gently touched McQueen's arm. "She can deal with the trials. It's the hunger that's bugging her right now. Since you're not a vampire, you don't feel the hunger she's got. That's why she's not staying around any length of time. It would be all to easy for others to start responding to her hunger as if it were their own." She shook her head. "That would lead to a vicious feedback loop. Her hunger feeds our hunger, which feeds her hunger, which feeds our hunger. It would keep spiraling until somehow the loop was broken, usually by someone getting badly hurt."

"Not a good situation." McQueen turned his attention to his hamburger.

He was eating his salad when he spotted Wang entering the room, cane over his arm.

"Jennie's going to be upset when he leaves." Cassie giggled. "She likes him."

"I think he's interested elsewhere."

"Yeah, I know. He's told her that. But that hasn't stopped her from getting interested."

"How interested?"

"Nothing physical." Cassie waved at Wang and he nodded at her. "She won't step over the line. She gets this way with some of her male patients. One day she'll find her mate. Then it'll stop."

Wang stopped by the table. "May I join you?"

"Get a plate." McQueen speared some lettuce as Wang nodded and turned toward the buffet. "What do you think of him?"

"He's nice. I know for a while there he was worried about something, but then he seemed to deal with it. It hasn't bothered him since." Cassie smiled, looking at Wang getting his food. "He runs deep, but he hides it very well so it's hard sometimes to see."

"I'll remember that."

Wang sat down. "Did you enjoy your desert run, sir?" He had a large chicken salad.

"Yes, Paul." McQueen ate several bites of salad, enjoying the crispness of the lettuce and the taste of real blue cheese dressing. "Unfortunately, you won't have the pleasure of such runs to get you into shape."

"That's all right, sir. I'll settle for the 'Toga. I want back in the war."

"You will be."

Quiet settled over the table. McQueen rose and got another cold apple juice. As he sat back down, he asked, "Have you seen Gayle?"

"Yes." Wang nodded. "She said we could meet in a room near the library after dinner. I can take us there."

McQueen smiled at Wang, appreciating the initiative. "Good." He glanced at Cassie. "So, do you have a dress already for the ceremony?"

"Yes. While you were getting measured, I was making sure mine fit." A huge smile on her face, Cassie said, "I even look good in it. Jennie's going to help me with my hair so I'll look like a girl." She glanced down at the jeans and short sleeve shirt she was wearing. "Dad says I need to think about dressing up sometimes."

"It is something you should practice. I think you'd make a lovely girl." Wang grinned at Cassie.

"Oh, you've been watching the Court Jester again." Cassie laughed.

"I've come to really like Danny Kaye." Wang sat back. "I can't believe the movies here. I think they've got a copy of every movie ever made. There's even German, French, and a lot of others. Same with the music. I love the library and spend a lot of my free time there."

"That's something I didn't get to do," admitted McQueen. "Jake had a tight schedule to keep me on and he'd never have gotten me out of that library if I'd known about it."

"I've only been late to PT once." Wang stared out the window. "But it wasn't because of the library or movies. I was writing a letter, a letter to you, sir."

"I can guess which one."

"I had to get it done right. I lost track of time. Jake found me in my room, finishing up. He chewed me out, but let me send it before PT."

"That was good of him." McQueen leaned back in his seat, sipping his juice. "He didn't cut me much slack. I'm glad he didn't, but sometimes I was ready to kill him."

"That's his job, isn't it?" Wang shook his head. "Especially those first several days, I hated him. I didn't even have the strength of a baby and he was demanding I move. All I wanted was to lie there and take my time. He kept pushing until I finally was able to sit up on my own. That was when I realized what was going on."

"And you were proud of yourself."

"Most definitely, sir." His smile rueful, Wang said, "You never realize how much something means to you until you can't do it again. I had six long months of realizing I'd never walk again. So just getting around like this is worth the time and trouble it's taken me to get to this point. Even if I never get better."

"I understand."

"I know you do, sir." Paul sighed and started eating again.

"What are you doing after lunch, Paul?" Cassie asked, having finished her salad.

"I thought I would lounge around the pool and then take a swim. Want to join me?"

"Sure."

McQueen listened as the two talked about the Olympic sized pool, remembering his own time in the pool. He had struggled to learn how to swim all over again.

Finally, McQueen rose. "I'll see you later."

"Yes, sir."

Cassie gave him a small smile. "Be careful out there, Ty."

"I will be."

Next : Chapter Sixteen
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