The Rescue, A tail of Mixed Families

Protagonist is hardass ex military NCO with two female alien companions and a couple of hybrid kids. Rescues two alien child saves. Cop investigating kids j "

I was standing in ore sales office moving money between his many government controlled and tracked accounts. Taking the maximum untracked Cash-Out on each transfer. I had over 11 thousand in cash from this trick. I always wanted to be able to move undetected if required, training. Then I heard the uproar from outside, damn, that sounds like my ladies. I shut down my terminal, gathered up my stuff and walked outside.

Ashara is my Avon partner. She is very attractive, with big green almond-shaped eyes and high cheekbones. Very small breasts, but Avon didn't nurse much so that was normal. A kind of crest running down her skull. She was covered with a light blond, feathery down. Avon from their home world groomed around their face for a bird-like appearance, but off-world, it was mostly trimmed or shaved for easier use of breathing aids or like Ashara, preferred appearance. Semi oviparous, conceived in kinda standard method then laid or gave birth to large leather shelled egg in a few months which grew and eventually hatched. Gestation was around 7 or 8 months, slightly less with hybrid offspring. Famous for unparalleled love of children including very very violent defense of them. "Avon with egg" was listed as "avoid at all costs".

Gillian is my Klab partner. She had typical pure white hair, cream complexion, tall aristocratic (to earth eyes) appearance, perfect figure (typical description), high cheekbones, large violet eyes that glowed in dim light, and 6 fingered hands, 4 fingers and two thumbs actually. Native gestation around a year. Hybrid varied 11-13 months. Very very strong. Could actually multitask. Always planing 6 steps ahead. No reverse. Standard Klab very fine pattern of lines beneath her skin (her culture used exact pattern as positive identification like human fingerprints) with involuntary faint color shift with emotion. Smart, I watch her play 3 or 4 strong chess players while dictating work memos. Won every game, every time. Worst liars in space. Skin color change Intensifies with age.

When I got to to the street I could see Ashara shielding two kids while Gillian was beating some human with great enthusiasm and a scrap of 2x4.. From the look, he would not last long. I looked at kids, they did not look good, scared, dirty, undernourished, mistreated, and ill clothed. This was going to be a problem and I knew my ladies. I called 9999, said have O'Malley get over here or call me NOW. While waiting, I walked over, smiled at kids, and got Gillian to drop what was left of the guy. What the hell? I asked. Gillian looked up at me and I was really glad that look was not for me. Slaver of 'exotic' children Bob she said as if that explained everything. It did. Looking around I asked Is that his crap? Looking at his transport vehicle, a travel unit. I walked over, jerked the door open breaking the lock, rummaged around, found a wad of cash, walked out, handed the cash to Gillian and said y'all take the kids, start with this, clean, feed, buy clothes, get them a doll, toy, whatever. O'Malley showed up, I filled him in, he looked at kids, got what I assume was a sour look on his face, picked the slaver scum with his left arms, shook my hand with his right primary hand, nodded to the ladies as they left with the kids. He walked off as the rest of his squad showed up. He told them slaver, search his stuff while I take him to station. I called after him, I'm taking the kids. He never looked back, just gave me two thumbs up with his right hands.

I knew what as coming, there was no way my ladies would let the kids fall into the system. I might as well get ready for inevitable. Counting in my head, hmm, my two, these two kids, plus the kids from the school my ladies would enroll them in for sleepovers, I needed around 6 bunk beds. I called General Supply, told them to deliver 2 more bunk beds like the ones I had and asked for delivery kid, when he came on line I said 40 credits to assemble. Each? Nice try, 50 for both 60 he said, deal. Thought about it some more,called General Supply back and add two more bunk beds. Messaged delivery guy, 4 for 120 OK? He said sure. Oh, extra 40 if you can get it done now, before evening. Done!

My two kids would be glad for new kids. Kallar is Gillian's and my 9 year old son. Tall, heavily build, strong, blue eyes, dark blond hair, complexion slightly darker than his mom. Still 6 fingered hands. Appeared to multitask. And beginning to show color changes with strong emotions. Also Saris Ann, Ashara and my 7 year old daughter. More human body shape, cute, blue eyes, appeared to be oviparous, at 7, who cared. Typical kids, loved each other and fought constantly, sigh. And both with their mother's attitudes.

O'Malley , the Vexian police sergeant, called and said we were needed at Children's Court at 9:30 next morning. He said given your reputation the judge will let you have kids or throw you in jail, laughing. His name was actually Ka'Troum, enamored with ancient earth 'movies' depiction of Irish cops. Had his translator altered to produce passable brogue when outputting Standard English. The brogue confused the heck out of everyone else. Had 7 children of his own and his marriage group had or had adopted 37 more. Like most Vexian, he loved kids and his clawed, heavily armored, 2.6 meter, 4 armed, 195 kg, presence was very calming in any disturbance.

My ladies returned with two clean, well fed, well dressed, and very sleepy kids. Carrying toys and bear and doll. I was stalling when message from kid assembling beds popped up, DONE. I paid him and told ladies beds were build, not made up. They headed home. I got a drink.

The next morning, after baths, breakfast, getting them dressed In a rush, all 7 of us walked into court. Child Advocate said, we have a petition for custody of two freed slaves. He looked up with a frown, the applicant is Bob Smith, a well known renitent ex military decorated combat veteran, very hard a*s, no reverse, sniper, High Expert on all current military individual weapons, demolition expert, miner, self taught engineer, no tolerance whatsoever for institutional stupidity, family man as in try-hurt-family=>kill. He has recommendations from a number of high ranking police and government officials. We have no objections to his custody, despite his rough edges, he has significant local roots. The Adjudicator reviewed all the statements. And, are these the children? Yes Sir, said O'Malley. Our research showed they are.

'Nancy' actually Sara Valen a 7 year old orphan Valarie, very slight protrusion of nose and upper jaw area (ancestral muzzle), retractable keratin like claws, orange red fur with noticeable mane, tiger like strips in adult coat, large independently movable pointed ears, strong prehensile tail, bright green eyes with vertical pupils, racial affinity for terrible jokes, practical and otherwise. Casual bigots call her species cat people.

'Harry', actually Tha’Kor, a 8 year old orphan Draconid with immature green scales, child sized wings, small tail, small bumps on forehead heralding the magnificent gold horns that swept up and over the heads of adults and vertical pupils in yellow eyes. Evolved on highly active low gravity, dense atmosphere world among innumerable volcanic vents. Wings and flying were last evolutionary change to bridge growing gaps between active vents. Typically strong, proud, lots of attitude. Smart a*s human once described them as salamanders with grand delusion of grandeur. Again, bigots start with lizard, snake, or usually dragon.

The Advocate looked at me and asked it I had accommodations for four children. Easily Sir I said, actually I had more beds installed yesterday. Is here room in your home. I smiled, well I built my house based on two 15x30 interstellar heavy cargo containers, each has 5 floors, I have not counted exactly but it’s approximately 3000 square meters. Hilariously over sized I know but it made sense as I already owned the land and containers. He looked at me for a long time. Then said guardianship has provisional approval. Inspections will be made regularly.

I turned to O’Malley and asked what of the slaver. Well he said, that the skel wouldn’t talk at all so he was dumped into general population as John Doe, standard procedure. He’s dead. Appears he was big shot in slavery / drugs and had enemy’s. Good riddance I said.

Sorted. Ladies took kids for ice cream, shopping for more clothes, school supplies, and probably something for themselves. I went to get a drink, thank kid for bed assembly personally, and check on some mining equipment I had ordered. When I got home, chaos! Four kids, who apparently had bonded instantly, running through all 9 levels of house, some combination of tag and hide n seek. Both my ladies were fixing dinner, returning work mail, messages, planning school sign up, and looked at me with the ‘let it go dad’ look I knew so well. I got a beer.

I was leisurely eating my breakfast when the rescued kids came up to the table. Ashara offered milk and orange juice, milk rejected but OJ a hit. Gillian brought oatmeal, eggs, and something that looked to me like it had been eaten once already. Oatmeal a hit.

The two of them studied me with the eyes of the abused. My (sad) experience said to let them adjust at their speed. The boy said I’m Tha’Kor. The girl chimed in with I’m Sara Valen. We don’t want the names George called us. Pause. He can’t get us back, can he? I smiled and said you are safe with us. No-one will touch you. And, the slaver George is dead. Really? They said. Absolutely. I actually got small tentative smiles.

Kallar and Saris came in, were chided for being late, fed, questioned about homework completeness, hugged by their moms, and sent to accompany Tha’Kor and Sara as I walked them to school to do the PITA registration. Sara looked up at me, they were late and didn’t finish their assigned task. But you hugged them. No punishment? I stopped and gathered her and Tha’Kor to me. I said the tasks, as you put it, were assigned by school to reinforce lessons taught during the day. It’s important for education but not critical. The games all of you were playing last night were, in my opinion, more important. Not every day but on the day you joined us, absolutely. Understand? She actually gave me a smile.

I was going to need all the smiles I could store up to deal with the anal retentive bull headed regulation quoting morons filling every non-teaching slot in entire school system. I walked kids into school building. Kallar and Saris turned down corridor leading to their classrooms. Tha’Kor, Sara, and I went into administrative offices. Where I had to explain that, no they had no records, slaves rarely do. The third time I had the discussion with yet another thick headed twit, I had a great idea. I called the Child Advocate and asked if shooting a dozen or so school administrators would go against my record. Then I explained the issue. He laughed and said he would call at once.

I got coffee. The head twit came out with completed registration for both kids. Said tomorrow they would give them some tests to assess the correct grade. I gritted my teeth and thanked him. He said he didn’t appreciate my calling the Advocate. I said it was that or shooting your dumb a*s.

Took kids for lunch. We walked into cafe I knew run by Draconid couple. They waved hello, then did a double take and hurried over. Tha’Kor was surprised and glad to see them. He and the owner tried to communicate in halting Draconid language, Tha’Kor had been taken too young and held too long. I asked if Tha’Kor could visit and perhaps relearn his language and culture. They agreed enthusiastically. Tha’Kor was thrilled. They had heard a Draconid child had been rescued but they were too old to raise him. I asked if my ladies could call for menu advice. The owners companion gave me her private contact at once and said any time. We had a traditional Draconid meal and I could see how much it affected Tha’Kor. As we were walking back he told me he wanted to visit again did not want to live with them if it meant leaving his sister Sara. I promised him they would not be separated. Got another smile, I was doing great in that respect.

With kids in school, and despite resistance, in age appropriate grades life settled down. We still had to get them up, cleaned, dressed, fed, and to school. Later we supervised homework and school projects. Fed them, cleaned them, and forced them into bed. We just had four instead of two. Food budget went way up, kids eat a lot. Intermixed with daily routine was watching for and addressing any societal or cultural issues. Especially bullying or prejudicial comments. To some morons hybrid children are acceptable but aliens aren't. or visa versa. Sorry, it doesn't make any sense to me either.

I found an adult clothing store run by a Valarie woman, took all the kids on pretext of buying something for their moms. Sara was delighted as was the woman. Another cultural reference, guide and menu consultant.

With two non-human and two hybrid kids, not to mention my ladies, I have a short fuse where bigotry was concerned. Actually I don’t have a fuse. I just react. So when the guys at my door said “Hey a**, fetch the cat n lizard kids, we need to ask some questions!” my reaction was a little extreme. I backhanded the lout talking with the edge of my hand to the throat, kicked the one next to him in the groin, and pulled my Carry Pistol, not blaster. The third was surprised but seeing the pistol got real still. First guy stopped gagging and pulled a knife so I shot him in his left foot. One of my ladies had heard the shot and already called O’Malley.

O’Malley looked at my surveillance video, listening to audio, laughed, and hauled all three to station. I went to my arms room downstairs in other cylinder, cleaned and racked the pistol, changed holster, loaded small blaster, and felt better.

O’Malley came by that afternoon and asked me who I had pissed off? The three were Rent-a-Thug Solders normally working for local Capo, Under boss, or Boss of organized crime. We looked at each other; The slave kids George was running! They know or have something or these idiots wouldn’t be asking. I said they had nothing when we rescued them, nothing. My ladies supervised cleaning them up. Nothing. So they know something. Watch your back he said as he left. My ladies did not react well to danger to kids. They each started carrying what a lot of military calls crew served blasters. And walking kids back and forth to school. Semester was about over so that was short term.

I got a call from the Child Advocate, some government agent was looking for kids and he was obligated to tell her. I thanked him sincerely. Couple of days later, woman was knocking on my door. Flashed a Galactic Bureau of Investigation badge and asked if I had two government wards. She flashed it so fast all I got was Catherine something. I told her I didn’t know anything about wards, I did have custody of two children rescued from a slaver. Then I asked what business the GBI had with them. She said she was taking custody and where were they. I said no. She looked like she had never hard the word before. Said I had to. I said do you understand NO or do you need a translator. She tried to push past me and saw my ladies with their blasters. Got huffy and left.

Next morning Catherine returned with O’Malley in tow and demanded kids. I asked if they had a Warrant, she said she had a Galactic Subpoena. I said great but that Warrants are for people and subpoenas are for stuff or testimony. And even if they had a Subpoena ad Testificandum they still needed a damn warrant to grab the kids. She looked shocked, O’Malley’s poor attempt to not laugh out loud did not help. Odd, the madder she got, the cuter.

I suggested we try asking instead of wasting time demanding. She looked at me for a minute and said, Can I talk to the aliens? I said no but you can talk to Tha’Kor and Sara, the children I rescued. She said I thought the... their names were Harry and Nancy. They rejected their slave names I said. And yes, come in and I will introduce you. Tha’Kor! Sara!

We settled in living room. Kids looked at her with suspicion, she looked at them. She asked if they had anything of Georges. They looked at each other with siblings silent communication. No, we did not take anything of his stuff. She nodded, my parent instinct triggered, I’m familiar with the overly careful answer that indicates “We’re lying but what we said was technically true”. To my surprise, Catherine said you sound like my kids. So, what did you keep? I smiled and added, this is not just going away, answer her please. Again the look. Deep sighs.

Sara said George kept everything encrypted. He also kept stuff for his boss. Everything is accessed from his master account. He used a long pass phrase. I memorized the first part. Tha’Kor said I memorized the rest. We know we got it right because the parts overlap.

I thought Catherine was going to faint. George the slaver had been librarian for entire crime structure. The pass phase would unlock EVERYTHING, legally, without dozens of subpoenas with mob lawyer attached to every one. She jumped up saying we need to take.... STOP I said. They’re not going anywhere. You don’t have and can’t get a warrant and frankly, I don’t trust you. She started threatening and blustering, I wasn’t listening. Cuter, she could be a problem for me, not as a cop, as a woman.

Catherine I said, cutting her off, I have a compromise. Move in here. She was stunned. You get access to kids, supervised, and I get a cop in residence. This is probably getting violent and messy before it’s over. Cop-in-residence keeps locals off my back and I have some reservations about some local politicians, judges, and police.

This place is built inside two interstellar heavy cargo containers. Bullet proof well above 20 mm, self contained water from cistern, generators in basements, house AI (muted, I hate talking to them) on guard 24/7, comm systems in attic can contact neighboring systems outside local net. And I can communicate with any military ships in system. I can encrypt all communication traffic using current military ciphers.

She just looked at me. Who the hell are you? She finally asked. Sigh, I had to tell her. I don’t advertise, I like low profile. I’m Fleet Command Sgt Major Robert Banes Smith, Galactic Marines, Assault Battalion, Special Operations, retired. Bob to my friends and enemies. Gunny to military. She gave me the look. I said that look is another reason I’m Bob. She said, Smith. Gunny Smith. You went in to Jallas 4, alone, and rescued 173 hostages. You eliminated 37 terrorists. I said I was young and foolish. It was 5 years ago. I age rapidly.

She was thinking. Uh. Uh. Well. OK moving here does make sense but my kids, Ava and John, are with me. Bring um I said, safest place in town. We currently all live on main level. We currently have 4 large suites on this level, huge master suit is Gillian, Ashara, and me. Two are for kids. Fourth is empty but furnished. Upstairs I have framed out suites, each bedroom, sitting room, and bath. I need to paint, wallpaper, trim, order furniture but otherwise ready to go.

How old are your children? She said Ava 7 and John 10. OK, I should mention my son Kallar 7 and Tha’Kor 8 share a room with three bunk beds (6 beds). My daughter Saris 7 has same arraignment with Sara 7. You can assign rooms but your kids may have different ideas. Let's introduce them and let um work it out.

True to her word, Catherine showed up with her kids next morning. All 6 ran off for now traditional exploration, tag, and hide n seek. I noticed Catherine, Gillian, and Ashara all eyeing each other. I told myself it was time for little Roberto to find something to do and I did. Rapidly. At far end of basement checking on cellar temperature. Totally useless task but I’m brave, not stupid.

As school was out of session, time really didn’t matter so we just let um run. Finally we called everyone to lunch, well almost dinner. As expected her kids wanted to bunk with the others. That left 4th bedroom to Catherine. And meant I didn’t have to rush upstairs work.

My ladies and Catherine worked out an agreement. As she had outside fixed responsibilities, my ladies worked at home most days so would continue cooking for everyone. She would buy supplies for everyone. Everyone would clean. I smiled and got a beer. Catherine was nice, really nice.

For a couple of weeks or so everything was calm. Nothing out of ordinary. Slick lawyer showed up with some well used bar girl saying she was Georges companion and demanding the kids. Just for confirmation, I had Sara and Tha’Kor look at surveillance video. They had never seen her before. We told them to take a hike. Next were some shady cops wanting to take kids ‘for confirmation questioning’. Told them to piss off. Gotta loud and tried to threaten me. Catherine came to door, showed her GBI badge and told them to piss off and not to come back. We went to the kitchen and and all had coffee. Nice.

I was in market with Catherine and Gillian. Gillian looked at us got a worried or cautious purple tinge to her skin, and said looks like an attack. We all checked weapons as several thugs rushed us. Screw fighting, just survive. We ended up shooting 4 of them. I killed the fast one. Catherine got two. Gillian broke neck of last one while dictating detailed report of attack. O’Malley showed up, following protocols to the letter. When everyone was busy, he quietly said there was talk among some officers, and said to watch my a*s. And check who I trusted. I thanked him.

A week or so later the house AI screamed warning around 4 AM. I got up and authorized full defensive (lethal) action. The sound of blasters was audible inside. The area behind the house closely resembled historical description of Hades. In the morning, official investigations identified approximately 22 individuals. More or less. DNA testing would be required to identify individuals. If anyone cared.

This was stupid. If it kept up, eventually someone I care about would be hurt. I called the local Boss, identified myself fully, and told him to look me up so I did not have to waste time. Especially my demolition background. Then I said very shortly after his next attack his tower would become a deep pit. And no one would never prove it. And, yes, this is a threat. Oh, your surveillance system failed and is not recording this conversation.

Our life got very peaceful. We noticed several high ranking thugs moving out-system. Made me think of rats and ships.

I actually found I enjoyed spending time with Catherine. I’m think I’m in trouble. From past mistakes I know time will not fix relationships in trouble. That night I screwed up my courage and mentioned Catherine, watching my ladies very closely. I saw a reaction but could not understand it. Later, after our weekly school progress discussion, for four kids now, I said life seems to be back to normal. Ashara looked at Gillian and said he’s so cute when he’s confused and scared. Gillian laughed long and loud. She looked at me and said remember why you don’t play cards? No poker face I said. Correct she agreed. And what makes you think you can hide anything from us? Sigh. So? We like her, does she like you? Haven’t asked yet I responded. So, dumb a*s, ask.

So much for thinking I was in control. I should have known better, nothing can be hidden from companions who really love and understand you, damn I’m lucky. Now the risky part. I found Catherine outside looking at sky. Thinking about leaving I asked worried? No she said, just looking, why the sudden interest? Against all evidence, I can learn so I just said I’d miss you. A lot. She froze, then looked at me. What are you saying? I said I’d like to see where we, as a couple, could go. She just looked at me for a long time. Then smiled and said that sounds like a great idea. We took it very slow but found we had a genuine connection. Our romance took the normal progression, plus the addition of two very amused ladies. The four way discussions, all three ladies plus one eternally confused guy were, uh, interesting. Sometimes painful but honest.

Understand, I never wanted or planned for a harem. I just keep finding deeply compatible ladies I love that can stand me. One thing I needed Catherine to understand was she was joining our companionship, not replacing anyone. I really liked her but there was no way I would walk away from my kids. Or expect her to leave her kids. I was being, probably, over concerned but Ashara and Gillian came from cultures where group marriage or companionship was normal, Catherine didn’t.

I guess I need to touch on practicalities, three can comfortably occupy one large bed. Four can’t. Two, or more, beds create an awkward scheduling issue none of us wanted. My solution was rebuilding our bedroom. New room had two king beds (2 meters wide) next to each other. With lips on side to prevent movement or separation of either. 4 large closets while we were at it. Huge bath, sauna, steam room. I will never need a larger room. Ever. I promise. Sigh, yes, I’ve said that before.

Few weeks later, I took the boys, John, Kallar, and Tha’Kor out to the mine while the new mining robot was being assembled. We took all the parts I’d gotten for existing unit. Watching delivery crew assemble it taught us how to dissemble old one. We got all the parts replaced. Now I have two running, new at 100%, under warranty. The existing at around 85-95%, under luck and duct tape. Old one was running at or below 50 so I’m happy. The boys enjoyed being in mountains and discovered what work is. We were all tired, of work, of my cooking, of sleeping bags, all of it. Good trip.

While I was at mine, my old CO showed up. Ashara told him I was busy and to call in a few days, given our is sues with local thugs, she was careful. Typically he tried to bull his way in calling my name. The knife Ashara pulled caused him to pause, the sound of a blaster being racked caused him to stop and get very cautious. Then Catherine shoved her GBI badge in his face and said to get his a*s gone. He did.

Avon have a love love relationship with their knifed, especially their ladies. Just after Ashara and I got together , I gave her a ‘Bowie’ or ‘Crocodile Dundee’ knife, a 420 mm chunk of razor steel. You’d have thought it was a diamond.

When The boys n I returned, my priorities were shower first, then food and cuddling my ladies, in any order. Eventually they told me about the guy, after their big news (later).

I laughed, called him, and invited him out. Wally showed up, was greeted with smiles, and I handed him a beer. Capt Thornton was a good guy. I think I’m the only person who knows his full name. Military has Walter V Thornton. It’s actually Walling Van Fleet Thornton III. I asked him once if he ever had a boy would the kid be IV. Hell no, I’d use Robert Wayne he growled.

Nice house he said, big enough. I laughed. I built 4 floors into two 15 by 30 heavy shipping containers yielding 5 levels, side by side with connecting walls cut out on main level where we are, about 876 sq meters. Total is about 3000. Damn he said, you starting s hotel?

Then he asked how the hell I had convinced three really good looking, apparently sane, smart women to allow me to cohabitate? I thanked him for his nice words and said the two human kids are Catherine’s, the alien two are rescued slaves, and the other two were mine. But, they were all ours. He said they all acted like family. And after his first visit, he’d heard about my little thug issue. I said that appeared to be over.

And why are you here?

He laughed. Just bringing you the new codes. Oh, that’s a relief. Thanks. He looked off toward the other end of living room (my Great Room is 8 by 10 meters with 3.8 meter ceiling ), looked at me, looked back at ladies and said, Bob, I have to ask, how do you manage to survive three women at once?

I sighed. Wally, you don’t know the half of it. I just found out last night, they’re all pregnant. At same time. In same house. In same bed.

He just looked at me for a very long moment. Then he started laughing and kept laughing so hard he fell off the damn couch. Thanks for being so sympathetic you .... OK I said, now you’re going to run off and tell someone, right? No Gunny he gasped, I am going to go tell every one we ever served with. And laughed again.

They’re about a month along, let me show you something wonderful. Ashara! I called, can you come over here? When she walked over, smiling, I put my hand on her belly, she got the far away look and said he is warn, and safe, and feels the love. Everyone just looked at her. I said quietly that you can also touch her or me. Wally did and just stared into space. The kids noticed and came over. Each took a moment to feel their new baby brother. This appears to be unique to human Avon pregnancies and only between parents. And, NO we are NOT INTERESTED in participating in anyone's study.

Now, no one knows about this, we just discovered it. Gillian, could you join us I said still resting my hand on Ashara's belly. When she sat down, I put my hand on her abdomen. Touch us now. He did and damn near jumped over the couch. We could all feel both babies, warm, happy, loved, listening. Stunned, he asked what if you...... Stop Wally, it's enough that it exists. No experimentation.

After dinner and drinks, Wally said he actually envied me my life and family, wished all of us all the best and returned to his ship.

That night Catherine said we needed to talk, the comment that sends shivers down all men's spines. Then she called Gillian and Ashara to join us. Relief! Very seriously she said the OB/GYN group they all used had a new AI controlled program that took X-rays, MRI, recorded sonograms, CAT scans, everything and created a 3D view of a body. It then examined the view at the pixel level. They had it reviewing all their records. She looked at me and said sorry I didn’t mention this when we went to appointment today but I was processing. As it turns out, we’re not having a baby. My damn world stopped. I could see the shock on Ashara and Gillian. But, oddly she really did not look sad. Then she said, we’re having twins. Shock, relief, joy, happiness, very very strong desire to kick her a*s for that trick. Ashara and Gillian both screamed and threw books, magazines, whatever that was at hand at her while she laughed her head off. Oh, I should mention she has the worst sense of humor ever.

I spent the next few days converting the fourth bedroom to a nursery and small child bedroom. Due to differing gestation periods we would have newborn, 2 or 3 month old, and 3 or 4 month old at same time. Four of them. I alternate between joyish anticipation and pure terror. About 5 weeks later, Ashara went into labor and had our son, in his egg. The labor was around 10 minutes. The real birth or hatching would happen after 6-7 months in egg. Now Gillian would carry for close to a year. I had three bunk beds on each kids rooms. Called and got four more. Called the delivery kid and said 4 more, 80 plus 20 if today. He said done. Then thanked me for work. With our 6 kids, plus 4 new, the 6 bunk beds per room was about right.

I called all the kids to living room, sat down in a rocker I’d just bought holding our new son’s egg. As I rocked, I started talking about a little blond girl walking through the woods and finding a house where three bears lived. Gradually everyone could feel him, warm, safe, loved, and paying attention to my voice. Gillian had seen this before. Catherine looked at us like we’d grown a new head. I told her later that non-space faring Avon consider this an abomination and will attempt to kill parents and child. She said, no way in hell.

After I put him back in his warmed nest (heavily converted crib), I said we needed to test for his name. Catherine looked at me oddly. I said we start mentioning names and we can all feel him pick one. After supper, we sat and started discussing names. After a while, someone mentioned seeing an ancient earth movie named West Side Story with Tony and Maria being the doomed leads. They liked the music. We all felt the interest in Tony. Our son was named Anthony at that moment. I said hello Tony, happiness.

Gillian, who had mentioned the movie, loved it and said she liked Maria for our little girl. I agreed. Catherine and I had been talking about names, John and Ava had been named after her parents, lost decades ago to a drunk pilot. The wrist slap given him drove her into law enforcement. We chose Lucinda. (Lucy) and Emmanuel (Manny) For my great grandparents, nice folks and always kind to me. We both liked them so Hi Lucy, Hi Manny!

I’ve been thinking about CYA. I called the Child Advocate, thanked him for sorting out school and asked for very best adoption lawyer in area. I called Benito Morales and asked him to visit. Once I told him it involved 6 kids, and that I paid fast, he grudgingly agreed. When arrived, we met in the office, oak shelves, cabinets, safe, custom desk with conference table top, seats 9, myself and 8 guests. He complemented us on the house and asked what we needed. I explained background of all 6 kids, mentioned we were expecting 4 more, one already in egg, and said we all wanted to be listed as parents of all 10. Actually, all the kids we have, will have, or get full custody of. I guess this would be called group adoption. He just looked at us, I could see the little wheels spinning. He said, first what you want is either not supported or illegal currently. Next, I happen to think what you want makes perfect sense, clean parental access and control for legal or medical needs. I would like to push this but filling the massive paperwork, having it all rejected, and suing the government is going to be expensive. We told him, covered, do it.

He said, OK, got kid backgrounds started, I will need yours.
Catherine pushed a card across table and said Senior Supervisory GBI special Agent. BA in Criminology.
Gillian pushed a card across table and said CPA, Registered Forensic Accountant, BA in finance.
Ashara pushed some cards across table and said Paralegal for several firms, including yours. BA in Law, finish JD next month, bar exam next summer.
He looked stunned, he should. Great plaintiffs, just great. And you Sir? Sigh.
I’m Fleet Command Sgt Major Robert Banes Smith, Galactic Marines, Assault Battalion, Special Operations, retired. Galactic Cross, 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, and too damn many other little ribbons and metal trinkets to bother with.
He just gave me the look, uh, Gunny Smith? The Jallas 4 Gunny Smith? Guilty I said. I looked at him, why the smile I asked. He said he didn’t think his plaintiff list could get any better but you in uniform - Stop I said. I don’t do that. He looked at me, you want adoption? I smiled, ruthless SOB aren’t you. I like that. OK we have a deal. After he collected copies of birth certificates, guardianship on ex slaves, and school records he said he would get the rest from the Child Advocate. I said say HI sod thank him for recommending you. He blinked twice, smiled, gathered his stuff, said he would proceed and tell as each step started, asked for and got a fat retainer, and left.

Nothing bad ever really ends unless you cut off heads. I need to sharpen my knives. Sigh. Catherine was called to testify at one of the organized crime trials from slavery ring and I went with her, armed. Heavy armed. Some thug stopped us in the hall and said amnesia would keep us alive. I kicked him in groin, grabbed his head and pulled it down into my rising knee. Called over the nearest cop and said to book him for attempted witness tampering. Cop said he hadn’t seen anything. Catherine pulled her new gold GBI badge (supervisory special agent) and politely asked if he knew what happened to cops in jail for corruption? He actually saluted as he hauled off thug. The other thugs in the hall decided they had business elsewhere. As did a few of the cops. O’Malley came by, I told him what happened. He went to pull video to identify the ‘shy’ cops.

Trial was a farce, prosecutor had documents, video, audio, eye witnesses, bank records, communication traces, everything. Jury was out long enough to relive themselves and get a drink, no longer. Guilty on all counts. I caught the prosecutors on the way out and asked what was the point of this waste of time. They didn’t want to answer or even talk. Catherine asked if they would prefer the question from her boss? Looking very uncomfortable they admitted the trial was pure show and decisions came from outside their office. Catherine n I both said crooked politician. She walked into a hush booth and contacted several of her supervisors. When she came out, she asked for dinner out. We walked to a great out of the way cafe. No pretense, great food and service, nice folks. She said there were going to be more trials but no low level thugs. Assistants to city managers, a planet governor or two, sector administrators staff were at top of list. She saw no reason we would be involved.

Benito called. He filed all the adoption paperwork, starting with existing law, he petitioned for adoption of each child by each parent. 24 petitions. The clerk receiving it already had a fit, tried to reject them. Benito said the job was to file, not decide. Clerk had to accept. He expected explosion by end of week. While he was at it, I had him file wills for the four of us. And durable power of attorneys, medical POA, etc. Ashara had done part of it, I just wanted it integrated with kids. I don't think our little family is too popular with them.

Someone at door. Opened and a very pretty 20 something Vaelen (human slang is fox folks) woman or girl, typical orange fur, amber eyes, large individually movable ears high on her skull, relatively long bushy tail, clawed hands leaped from doorway onto my chest, wrapping her arms around my neck and her legs around my torso, kissing my face saying Poppa Bob, over and over. Catherine and Gillian saw it and walked over calling Ashara as they came. I still had my coffee cup in one hand. I got girl off me and asked who the hell are you? Poppa Bob, don't you remember me, I'm Himora. The name was vaguely familiar but I could not place it. She smiled, well Poppa it's been 15 years. Do you remember my mother Traski? The light came on, your mother was a doctor? Yes, she treated you and your unit after the ambush on K'Koor 4. And you were, what, 8? And a half she said. Hesitantly I asked and your mother? Recovered from the wounds she got when the hospital was attacked and my father killed. She's remarried and I have two little siblings. Having done mental math, my ladies were very welcoming. Himora was delighted with the kids.

I thought a long time looking this pretty enthusiastic smart 23 year old girl with so much history with our unit. I got an evil idea, called the warship in orbit and got Wally. Hey remember K'Koor 4? Oh god yes, we almost bought the farm there. Remember Dr Traski? Daughter Himora? Well Himora showed up today and is staying for dinner. Want to join is? Oh hell yes. I didn't warn anyone. When Wally walked in Himora lit up and grabbed him wrapping herself around him him like she had done me, kissing and hollering Poppa Wally. Who looked like he'd been poleaxed. We all noticed he did not hurry getting her to settle down, and stayed within arms reach of her the rest of the night. When things were winding down, he insisted on escorting her home. My ladies said smooth, evil but very smooth.

O’Malley came by, looking unhappy, and told me both the Draconid and Valarie ambassadors are talking about ‘saving’ their citizens from ‘contamination from aliens’, like me. I asked him if these two geniuses had any contact with local criminal organization. He grimaced and said he believed I was correct. I smiled and asked him if he had a minute, he looked at me and said sure. I called my ladies over and and asked him to repeat himself. After he did he told me quietly he was very very happy they were not that mad at him! Someone did not check on how fast ladies can bond and their reaction when some idiot threatens their children. Catherine was livid and called office telling them she wanted full background on these fools, concentrating on mob connections. Gillian called some of her friends in tax authorities and wondered how these fools could afford their lifestyles on relativity modest government salaries. Ashara filed cease and desist as well as restraining orders.

Wally was back, free food, diner with Humors and, I was beginning to suspect, to enjoy a domestic evening spent talking non military, watching and sometime helping school projects After dinner, I asked him what happened to our effort recruiting other races into galactic military. He said a bust, we’ve got about 1 or 2 percent. Unlike humans, most races aggressive enough to be interested had warrior culture. When they had a severe disagreement they, just the aggrieved, went out and fought. Looser died, winners walked. Next! Humans, having no armor, fangs, claws, poison, whatever, got lots of friends to help. Poof! Armies.

At dinner a couple of weeks later I said I wonder what it sounds like when massive egos deflate? The ladies laughed and said they'd heard with tax officials snooping, legal orders, and GBI poking into their history all at the same time, they appeared to be real trouble with their planetary governments, where they had zero immunity.

Exec of warship called down and asked if dinner was over and had the Captain already left for shuttle back to ship for the importance conference with the Admiral? I said he had just missed him and he was in his way. I called Wally and said put on your pants. Your Exec is covering for you and you have a shuttle waiting for your meeting with some Admiral. And wipe lipstick off. He said, damn, it’s late. Thanks. And I need to talk to you tomorrow. I laughed for quire a while. Told my ladies I bet he needs advice on a lady. They smiled and said no bet.

Benito called, he said they have discovered my plaintiffs are very successful, hard nosed, renitent, and have the resources to keep them in court for several years. I think they may give up. There is no opposition other than ‘that is not how we do that’ and defending that in court is impossible. Stay tuned.

I said great job and while your on line, let me tell you why I have companions or partners rather than wives. Because it’s illegal to have multiple wives and I will not marry one thus casting the others into mistress or other woman status. Fix this and I will double your retainer. That got his attention.

Wally showed up the next afternoon, in full uniform, looking like a man who just spent the day with his demanding boss while desperately wanting to do something else. How’s the Admiral? He sends his love, sarcastically. And I know you engendered my meeting Himora. And? Oh god Bob, thank you! What the hell I do now is the question. We are getting inseparable, actually she is on her way over here. I’m a senior Captains and at top of promotion list. They pin on a star and we both know Commodore Thornton has to live at a fleet base. I made a face. Exactly, clean, safe, predictable, boring bases filled with self satisfied, self important, morally pure a******s. With almost no aliens, certainly no alien girlfriends, and no mixed race marriages. You know IDGAS but I will NOT subject her to such an environment.

Knock at door, as the ladies exchanged hugs with Himora I said yeah, I arranged that dinner. I figured you would be good for each other. I‘m very happy y‘all got together. Himora came over and they kinda wrapped each other up for a kiss, her tail we wrapped around one of his legs, yeah, just that would cause hospitalization in a fleet base.

I thought awhile, tactically, are their gaps where you need another base? Yes, and? Starting one from scratch would appear to be hell of a job. Yes it is, why? Well…. If one were to volunteer for such a hard, nasty, long job, rather massive control of the culture of final base would inevitably be Included. Other brass could and would have their opinions but you would have all decision authority. You’d piss off a lot of typical base setters but who gives a s**t. You can’t just say it but once promoted or frocked, getting that assignment should be encouragement to take the star. Or you could decline promotion, or resign. I‘d recommend going over this Rear Admiral’s head, for one thing, he needs an approved plan to sneeze. Think about it when you’re not cuddling on my couch. Meanwhile, let’s eat.

I noticed he was still paying attention to Himora, he was male and not dead after all, but he had his little gears spinning. After a coupe of minutes, he excused himself to make a video call. I pointed him to office, better background for calls. I heard him Identify himself and ask for Admiral Robinson. I didn’t eavesdrop but he left door open. Started with Good evening Sir, do you have a minute? OK OK, good evening Robby. I’d like to discuss something and I figured I'd start at the top. I know I’m at top of promotion list and I also know that guarantees nothing. However, I noticed mine was the first port visit here in several years. 5 the Admiral said. Well i have not talked to Strategy board but it appears we need another fleet base in this area. An area I know quite well. Assuming I get a star, I’d like to volunteer to manage construction of such a base. Robinson was quiet for a few minutes, then said, and it would keep you out of the suffocating existing bases, right? Wally hesitated, then said well that would be true. He said you’re at that a*s Smiths house, aren't you? Uh, yes Sir, why? Stay there. I'm planet side, give me 10. He came running out, Damn, Admiral Robinson is on his way. I raised my voice, Visitor! How much beer is cold? Bob! Wally said, I said Admiral, not one of your crew. Can’t he be both I said?

Wally was still dithering when Robinson arrived. I said Hi Robby how’s life? He cracked up. I reminded Wally that then Commander Robinson had been our team lead back in the day. I introduced him to my ladies and any kids that came by. He said it looked like I had a nice family. Wally introduced him to Himora. He said,ah and the real reason for avoiding the existing stifling bases. Wally, you have good taste. Give me those eagles. Wally had no idea where the Admiral was going. As he unpinned and handed his rank insignia to the Admiral he was handed a box. Those were mine, I want them back on your next promotion. Wally stared, opened the box to see two stars. Consider yourself frocked to Commodore. Wally asked Himora to pin the stars on his shirt. She did trembling, not really regulation placement but correcting how an officer wears his stars is, uh, very rare. Robinson put his eagles in same box and handed it back to Wally.

Tomorrow, 0530, Long Range Planning office. We need to review everything they have on systems, locations, facilities, timelines, trade routes, resources, budget, everything. This is going to take the rest of the week, at least. No one is shooting so we will be ending around 1900. Commodore, you asked for this, you got it, now do it. The actual work won’t take long, 2 or 3 years or so.

Now, Gunny, got a beer? And tell me what the hell this is that you live in. We spent several hours talking about my hide. He was always a nice guy to drink with. ….. Oh god, my head. Every damn time I thought, every damn time I start drinking with Robby I end up with a hangover Classified as Near Lethal. I got up, staggered in to shower n stuff. Dressed and still hurting I stumbled out to face very amused ladies and curious kids. Anything memorable happen last night? Yeah, we’re out of beer, that’s what broke up two reprobates up.

Next few days were peaceful, get kids up, fed, school, work, kids home, feed, homework, reading n games, bath, bed, rinse and repeat. My idea of happy. Mining robots working well, I took a load of ore to sales office, played with my accounts, and did not come home with new people. Ladies met me at restaurant (Himora babysitting) for a nice kid less dinner. Sometimes you just want adult conversation with no interruptions. We talked about their work, Wally and Himora and their chance of settling into military base, adoptions, and town news.

Benito called to set up visit following afternoon. We were anxious so we were listening when he arrived. He smiled and said they gave up. Government lawyers said they didn’t have the time or money to defend something that made that much sense. He pushed a paper across the table, hot off printer, Group Adoption Request. Just like we described, all adults listed are legal parents of all children listed. Smiles all around. I had to ask, scope? Under galactic reciprocity agreements, 100% covered. And legal penalties for violations arr very stiff. You all need to complete your section. I will get it filed as soon as it’s completed.

Now, marriage issue he said, causing all three ladies to stop and look at me. And I smiled and said I told him that I’ve avoided marriage to prevent Mistress or Other Woman from being bandied about. I asked him to look into correcting issue. Legal group marriage would be my preference, that would avoid the whole polyxxxx distinctions. He said, uh I didn’t know your request was private, sorry. I shrugged.

Continuing, he said all the marriage laws blocking you trace back to something called Edmunds Anti-Polygamy Act of 1882 on earth . Which updated the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act  Of 1862 and followed by Edmunds�"Tucker Act of 1887.  Originally They were all attacks on the Mormons or LDS Church on old earth. All stupid, but not as stupid as exporting the puritanical mess galaxy wide. I’d like to say I could get reason to prevail but here we do have opposition, many churches, self appointed moralists, and others who know what’s ‘right’. Under that law polygamy was a felony, 5 years, and cohabitation a misdemeanor. I am thinking we may sue to force enforcement, a few hundred rich folks in jail should get some attention. I said you were a SOB, love it. I asked if this applied to non-human residents. When you go to arrest O’Malley I want a front row ticket, laughing.

I said I was thinking of something like Vexian Marriage Group rather than all the polyxxxx crap. Members would take Marriage Group Name as a last surnames on existing name. If we set up a group, say, Smiths, I’d be Robert Banes Smith de Smiths. I kinda like the ‘de’ (of) rather than the y (and).. Up for discussion once you get the law changed. How about ‘de Amados‘, Spanish Beloved. Too cute? Think about it.

Then I said, why do I care? We could just write all this down, publish it, and announce we were in a Group and anyone who didn’t like it could FO. Benito looked at me with an odd expression, you would, wouldn’t you? I said, Hi, I’m Bob Smith, have we met? Hell yes. Problem would be kids and record keepers fainting.

As he left, he said congratulations on being legal parents. And that he would continue in marriage law change. My ladies studied me for a long time, so you want to marry us? More than you could possibly know. They looked at each other, have a good dinner one said. You will really need your strength later.

We got all the kids together once all the papers had been signed, recorded, printed, and we had copies. I took a hard copy to the school, our GP, kids pediatrician, and insurance company. Once kids were there, we told them we had changes made and they were now all our kids, not adopted, not wards, not even guardianship. Ours. They all had 3 moms and a dad. Stunned stares, smiles, laughter, hugs, yeah we did good.

Wally called late in On Saturday see if he could get invited for Sunday, the only day he was not working, we said sure, would Himora be coming? Of course be said, surprised. When he showed up he looked exhausted, not tired but like he’d been tired 25/7 for weeks. I gave him an ice cold beer, sat down With him and asked him, how’s the planning? Done, we’ll all but writing it up and I have a couple of Chiefs who are wordsmiths. Monday I’m due at Strategy Board at 0900, and that is earliest appointment I have. I will be at office 0800 as usual, I have a lot of little loose ends to tie up. Delivery to Admiral Robinson at 1000 Monday week.

I asked him why the little smile, remember when you were emphasizing my control? Yeah. Some of the typical base twits came to me saying I had the chance to finally have a human only base. I called Flanagan's, you know, they run bars and restaurants in every base , everywhere. Sure. I gave them a sweetheart 99 year lease for numerous facilities. Patel LLC wanted to build apartments and hotel. Same deal. Not one damn word on race of staff or customers. Condition on Patel was very affordable employee housing, at apartment quality, for length of lease. Any vendor who has any race restrictions in proposal is disqualified. Permanently. Word got back to human only asses and they went to Admiral. I started laughing and couldn’t stop. I sent him to a spare room for a nap, promised I’d wake him when Himora arrived. I wasn’t, I was going to send her. Because I can be nice.

Knock, looked like Himora and some guy. Opened door, looked, sorry, who are you? I’m Sarphine, Himosa’s cousin. She told us to meet her here. That kid, that kid! Are we a problem, we can leave. No, I just wish she’d ask. Boy said I’m Chuck. I looked at boy, clothes, hair, shoes, you’re in military, right? Yes sir. Welcome. So, what’s your story? He paused when Ashara and Gillian walked in with snacks, asked if we wanted a drink. I asked if they’d met me and said beer. Sarphine said white wine, kid said soda. Continuing he said he was browsing a book store trying to find something interesting that he hadn't read. Starting talking to pretty girl, saw ring, apologized,
RING!!! Said the ladies, Himora? Sorry, continue please.
he said she had followed him talking, asked if he was looking for girl friend, he said mostly a friend. She had said come with me, dragging him to coffee shop. Sarphine said she was studying at a table when Chuck showed up at her table. The ladies, Catherine had joined us, all said ‘matchmaker’. Chuck said, well I’m grateful. I said, sorry manners and introduced my ladies. Said I’d introduce any kids who wandered through.

Knock, Himora walked in. She and Sarphine hugged. My ladies interrupted with RING!!! Himora looked sheepish and said Willy wanted to tell y’all. Well, Willy ain’t cheap, ring was stunning. I said he looked exhausted and I’d insisted he take a nap before he fell asleep in his salad. He was in spare room. As she left, I said that’s the room with locking door. My ladies all said BOB!!!

About an hour later Willy and Himora came out, got drinks, were introduced to Chuck, who suddenly appeared to be having some kind of existential crisis, and Sarphine. I asked what did he decide about the BOQ and clubs. He said he was old fashioned and believed there was real merit in relaxing among people who were having same kind of problems. And young enlisted needed a refuge with no supervisors. NCOs learned from each other, same for young officers. So, he was planing three clubs named, DEEP6, 7UPS, and BRASS. Yeah, cute, RHIP. He met with Exec of Installations Command, group who runs bases, day to day. They had a long talk about staff, hiring. promoting, discipline, everything. Especially attitude toward non-human staff and customers. Most of them had no problems although a couple started banging the human-only drum. He told them it was going to be run his way. Or he’d bring in an outside contractor to do the work and tell senior offices it was their, by name, intransigent attitude that was the cause. And in any case, those people were to have nothing to do with his clubs. They told him he couldn't do that. Wally stood and said let’s go see Robinson. They quietly folded.

As for Housing, BOQ is dead. Patel LLC is now building Four story apartments aimed toward not only BOQ but also general housing. 16 bedroom (4 each hall, both sides, two halls apartments with massive common room, double kitchen. Two apartments per floor, four floors, 128 tenants per unit. Two weigh room, two sauna per unit. They were looking at 12 units to start. . NCO n officer housing more typical, one bedroom apartments for single officers or NCO, two bedroom for two or small family. Larger family units in planning. Cost set at market less 20%. Groceries market less 10%. Four units forming a rough square, in center, park, playground in family complexes, track, building for dry cleaner, Corpsman Corner (Wally's invention, military doc-in-a-box with full emergency setup and all medics on call, first corpsman to respond to alert gets send code to unlock building, open storage, and access Rx), and bodega

Wally and Himora went with ladies and Sarphine to discuss wedding stuff, Chuck looked at me and said, very quietly, that’s my damn CO!! I realized the kid was panicked. Calm down, just play along, you'll be OK. Wally escaped, sat down, said I wanted to go to court house, noooo, your ladies got me into this. You owe me. I laughed and gave him a beer. Knock, went to door, opened it, Robby In duty uniform, what’s up. He said I understand their is a wedding being planed. May I talk to the bride to be? Sure, HIMORA! She walked out, what? Saw Robby, hollered Poppa Robby and wrapped him in her customary greeting. Finally he got loose, said he was so happy to hear that her mother recovered. However, as her father was gone, he would be honored if she would let him walk her down the isle. She broke into her equivalent of tears and agreed. Wally got up and shook the Admiral's hand thanking him. Robby asked, full dress? Wally of course. Then both of the clowns looked at me, your dress uniform still fit Gunny? Sigh, I thought a nice suit…. NO, full dress, with ribbons and metals. Most if these kids have never seen a Galactic Cross. Much less with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, you’ll do. Do you good. I told them they were enjoying this too damn much. They wandered off to check out rest of Gunny manor. With attention to arms room.

Poor Chuck looked like he wanted the earth to swallow him. He looked at me, The Gunny Smith? I nodded. He hung his head, I could commiserate with him, accept a casual dinner invitation from pretty girl, end up with 4 Star, Commodore building the damn base, and most decorated enlisted in history at his house with four beautiful women while the girl he followed Into this mess disappeared into wedding planning. I leaned over, you don’t drink? Very rarely he said. Have a beer, this is one of the times.

What do you do? I asked. Chuck, Charles Warren actually, said he had a BS Physics in study of Electromagnetism and  Magnetism but was a Armament Weapons Support Equipment Technician. And he needed to complete his thesis to get his MS. His specially was rail guns and was hoping to get the MS before his application to OCS came through. Impressive I said. Worked on rails much? He said he got to tune firing sequence on the firing range 20 mm, increased efficiency 17% and speed by 13%. Weapons officer bumped him a grade on the spot. What speed I asked? 0.46c he said. DAMN! Doing mental math, that’s 138 million meters per second. For a 20mm by 1000mm tungsten rod. Anything that hits is gone. Yes sir. I looked at him. I have a weak spot for smart, on the ball, hard working young enlisted. He was obviously an example of piss poor recruiting and assignment. I was going to fix that. Before he left, I asked Robby to look at OCS status for Charles Warren. He looked at Chuck and said, look? I said for a start, you’ll see.

I walked into wedding planning, said Ladies, we have time and asked Sarphine where is guy you invited and abandoned with no introductions in a house full of intimidating brass, she looked embarrassed. And left hurriedly.

We had a peaceful few weeks. Anthony’s egg got lumpy, indication that the embryo had consumed all nutrients and wanted out. We all gathered and tried to project welcome A small tear appeared, expanded, and he looked at the world, as we all started talking, he recognized us and calmed at once. Washed, cuddled, measured, weighted, wrapped in a blanket, asleep at once.

One down. Two to go. Our kids were fascinated with him and entire process. We had to watch a couple of girls who thought him sleeping should not stop them feeding. dressing, and carrying him around.

Robby stopped by and said he had called BUPERS and told them a crippled monkey could do a better job than what they’d done with my pet Chief Warren. He said Chief of Naval Personnel was really not happy with him. He explained the kid was a couple of months from MS Physics and was being solicited by Dr’s Chang and Rittenhouse, the fathers of military rail guns. And they had him working on crap. Oh Gunny, kid has prototype rail machine gun, fires 3mm by 200mm wires at 15 million KPS (0.05 c). Rate of fire is only 8 rounds a second but each goes completely through main battle tank. Kinetic energy of each hit is measured in 100s of kilograms of TNT and he melted the tank. Built IN SPARE TIME. He said it was crude and he could really improve it. We have to get him into R&D. I smiled and said you think his OCS application will be approved? Funny man, I signed and hand walked as soon as I got off phone with ordinance.

Ladies had finalized wedding, location, time, reception, music, officiant, decorations, flowers, cake, Argggggg! Wally is going to kill me. His day came, Wally, Robby, and I in full dress black. All decorations populating our fruit salad chests

At the wedding, members of party make toasts, as stand in for brides father, Robby went first. Many years ago, as a Commander I was leading an covert team into a terrorist HQ on K’Koor 4, It was a complete mess, bad intel, ambushed, bad. Our medic among the dead, numerous wounded, Lt Jg Thornton, Sgt Smith, and myself among them. With little choice, we trusted local medical staff. Dr Traski saved all of us. The terrorists attacked the hospital, we destroyed them shortly after that. Dr Traski was badly injured and her husband killed. Luckily, their 8 year old Himora survived. She looked after all our wounded, acting like a nurse, even while her mother lay in same hospital, her future in doubt. Gladly, I can say she made a full recovery. I consider both of these young people my friends and wish them only the best.

When it was my turn, I said, I’ve known Walter longer than some of you have been alive. He is my closest friend and I am thrilled that he and Himora found each other and are pledging their lives. Especially to an outstanding lady like Himora. I wish then a long and joyful life.

Vows were exchanged, mixing human and Vaelen customs. Everybody congratulations them, toasts were made, drinks, dinner, drinks, dancing, drinks and home.

Well, with Walter married, Anthony born, other three
embryos doing great, Chuck in OCS, Robby smiling happily as his plans worked, chances were we were due piece and quiet for a few months.

Benito called and wanted to meet, all of us. He said he might have a solution. Legally, these are criteria;
Minimal impact in current names due to existing reputation, licenses, degrees, restricted memberships, and avoiding disruptions.
Full medical access. Spouse can bypass Family Only barriers and gain access and treatment as needed.
Clean inheritance of all spouses.
Legal recognition of relationships
Legal recognition of family access
No central authority, purely peer access.
No patriarchal or matriarchal influence
Now, he asked, is that everything?

After some discussion we agreed from purely legal view that covered it. He grinned and said. Adoption. We just stared. He said we twist Group Adoption to have all of you effectively adopt all the other members. Then you all agree to add “de (group name)” as your last name. Name change is voluntary as it is in typical marriage. Yeah, GA was never untended for this but it is within existing law. This technique will cause an uproar but this time any lawsuits would be to stop a group from their happiness. Tough case.

I looked across table, Ashara? She was looking off into space, her skin seeming to ripple slightly, a sign of deep thought. Finally she said, that would work, mind you, it will cause legal chaos, but I think it’s legal.

I asked Benito what next. He said he wanted to get a form, saying Marriage Group but actually being a GA application. That would remove any question of purpose. Once that has been rammed through, you use it.

We all looked at each other and said in unison, do it.

A few days later, Ashara was laughing with Catherine as we got lunch on table early for a soccer tournament kids were in, I asked what was so funny. She said one of her professors in law school was going off about Benito’s back-door approach to legitimize group marriage. He was quite pissed she said. I asked it she identified herself as a plaintiff? She smiled, after our grades come out.

Wally and Himora found out our plans and Wally’s eyes lit up with revenge. I said nice suit, wear what you want. Actually, I might go for jeans n T shirt. He just laughed, have you mentioned that to your ladies?

Himora squealed, called Sarphine who was at odds with Chuck not yet back from OCS, one of O’Mally’s wives, the Draconid and Valarie families that befriended our kids, a guy from Avon community Ashara worked with, a Klab accountant Gillian had been helping, and Robby. Telling each, of course, to spread the word.

I was trying to compute cost. Gave up. With this guest list, and food requirement, no. Just no. I was not running a restaurant, I wanted a party. Hmmm, open bar and tons of hors d‘oeuvres. Party supply are used to multi race party, sorted. I just had to remember rules, smile, stand where told, wear what told, quiet, pay for everything. I shared everything I had discovered and decided to my ladies for review. I damn well know where decisions regarding wedding are made.

I got everybody together. Ashara, correct me, the stuff we talked to Benito about, the group name. That requires no legal changes, right? Yes she said. OK.

I explained what were doing, new for kids, same page for ladies. What I want to do today is decide on a group name. It’s used as a suffix to existing name. I threw out Smiths for consideration. I also like Amado. The reason for all these questions is that use of group name is not restricted to those married. Youngsters wanting a name reflecting their family could….. Tha’Kor interrupted excitedly, Or those of us with no other names we remember! Wow he said, I could be “Tha’Kor de Smiths”! You were the people who saved me, I would be honored to carry your name.

Damn dust, gets in your eye at oddest times.

Gillian was laughing at me when she said any other suggestions? Looked around and said all in favor of ‘Smiths’? Any opposed? Smiths it is. Sigh. Is that all Bob? No, actually Tha’Kor brought this up.

Now, remember I’m making this up as I go along. Yes, I’m basing this on Earth Spanish language and culture but only loosely. so, this is what I’ve got:

(Existing name) de (Group name) Are full members of social group, almost always a Marriage Group. So we need to have a slightly more complex pattern for anyone and every else in group. I’ll start with the kids.

(), niño de () Children of group, pronounced hee nyoh
(), hija de () Daughter of group. ee hah
(), hijo de () Son ee hoh

So he would be Tha’Kor, hijo de Smiths. If he wants. Tha’Kor son of Smiths, would that work for you? Yes!!! Done I said.

People other than a Group Marriage member who want in, or are asked into group, like Grandparents,Godparents, family friends, would be () descriptor de () where descriptor could be:

(), hombre de () Man, ohm breh
(), mujer de () Woman. moo hear
(), miembro de () Member. myehm btoh
(), uno de () One. oo hoh
(), amigo de () Friend. ah mee goh / ah mee gah

Like Cmdre Walter Thornton, amigo de Smiths. We can write this pediatric description in detail later, I just wanted to get framework done.

I gathered up Wally and Robby, I had a small bar, not really hidden but definitely out of the way, on lower level with pool, card, and chess tables. And of course draft beers, big screen video, microwave, small grill, and refrigerator. We really enjoyed the rest of the planning.

I felt we had made progress, naming structure started, location and menu set for wedding. What we didn’t have was an update from Benito to set date.

While waiting for him to sort out the marriage license issue, we just enjoyed the calm. And like some say, that usually heralds a storm. Very loud banging on door one morning jerked me awake. Habit caused the weapon I was carrying. Front surveillance showed an adult Draconid. Male, large, dressed formally, the horns sweeping up and over his head heavily jeweled, his 3 meter wings folded tight against this back, and apparently very angry with his tail trashing. It was 0540, I was BC - before coffee, I jerked the door open and said What!?!

He screamed Give Us Our Child! Us? I looked behind him, another two large male Draconid with the unmistakable look, and uniforms, of well trained security. I shifted to allow them to see the large, military grade blaster in my hip. Their posture changed, now aggressively alert. About that time my ladies showed up, three more blasters being held knowledgeably and confidently. The security got a much less hostile posture. Catherine showing her GBI badge said What the hell are you doing hammering on my door at this hour? And who the hell are you?

I am Lord Va’Trum, Head of house Kylera and you have our member, release him! Ah, I think I know what hats going on, Tha’Kor. I called, he showed up still sleepy. Wide awake when he saw the Draconid noble. Va’Trum said gods be praised, come, we will go. Tha’Kor said, what? Who are you? Va’Trum said I am head of your house, come now. My boy said I am Tha’Kor, hijo de Smiths, and I ain’t going anywhere unless dad says it’s OK. Va’Trum said I said come!

He was raising his hand to slap a disobedient child when I caught his hand and shoved a blaster in his face, the guards might have done something but the sound of three blasters, two considered crew served, being racked is quite calming. I grabbed his armor at the throat, lifted his 170 odd kilo bulk a bit with one hand, shook him, and said touch my child and you die. At once. His shock at being lifted told me I was the first Galactic Marine he had encountered, the permanent embedded enhancements are a shock to most and we try not to expose in public but I was a little irritated, hit my son?

Catherine said, enough, leave now or you all get arrested. He said we couldn't do anything because he had diplomatic immunity. I said that does not work if you’re dead. She said, Bob put him down please. I dropped him. A bunch of diplomats showed up, fluttering around, trying to make it all go away. One twit told me they were taking Tha’Kor for interviews, looked started when I said, No, go away. Started with the ‘You have to…. ‘ stuff. At that point I told everybody, diplomats, various security services, Draconid nobles, everybody not in our family to get out of my house. Now.

The lead diplomat told Catherine as GBI supervision she had to… She interrupted him, You‘re not taking my son anywhere leave, now! They said you must…. Door opened and Admiral Robinson came in with earths Ambassador. While the Ambassadress tried to soothe the Draconid noble, Robby said, laughing, that the damn overbearing Va’Trum, who believed he had ultimate authority everywhere, had been making everyone's life miserable for a couple of weeks. Also that my shaking him with one hand had gone viral on all military nets. Forget challenge coins Bob, you can’t BUY a drink anywhere!

What happened Robby continued was a school project on genealogy, ancestors, and family. Tha’Kor grabbed a few loose scales and had them included in school package for testing. When the lab ran his, their system started screaming KIDNAPPING VICTIM FOUND and automatically notified Draconid home world and his Head of House. So, I said, he does have claim on Tha’Kor. Damn. Yeah Robby said, he’s just an a*s. Claim, claim… Let me ask some questions, I don’t think he wants to talk to you. He wandered over to growing clump of adult Draconid diplomats and officials.

He came back with a suppressed smile, let’s go talk to Tha’Kor. Tha’Kor did not look happy, Robby ignored that and said do you remember and Draconid names from your, uh, childhood? Anything? He looked blank with his eyes half closed, only K’Lee or maybe K’Lam, I’m not sure, nothing else. Robby beamed, great. Your biological father was a K’Larn, killed when you were taken. Why are you so happy I asked. When he was rescued, they estimated his age at 8. He was severally malnourished and under size. That was two years ago. Today, same process would put his age around 12 or 13, not 10 standard years old. According to their records, Tha’Kor is 14 Draconid years old, which is age of majority for K’Larn Political group. So, legally, Tha’Kor decides for HIMSELF where he lives. Tha’Kor jumped up, hugged Robby, then launched me for a long hug, damn need cracked one of my damn ribs. I was trilled. He was staying and entire family congratulated him, all so happy.

Lord Va’Trum was not. Really loudly was not. He insisted such a mistake was due to our influence and Tha’Kor had to return to home world, with him, to make his decision publicly. We all told him, in more diplomatic language, to piss off. Once all these idiots left, I released that it was 1015, they had caused me to miss breakfast, and invited Robby to join us for brunch.

I was just finishing up on venue. Upstairs in right (from front) cylinder had been cleared. Of everything. A completely open, a 14+ by 30 meter room. I was building a venue for wedding there in the 438 square meters. I was finishing (well supervising, not enough time for DIY) all the toilet facilities. We had a total of 32, in eight groups of four with facing vanities. A four meter bars at either end for 4 or 5 bartenders each. The setup should hold around 300 - 350 standing or sitting at micro tables. Which is a completely stupid number for a welding until our invited friends decided Plus One actually meant bring everyone you want and turned our one ring circus into a four ring extravaganza. The decision to not feed this crowd was looking very wise.

Seating all faced open area in middle where actual wedding would happen. Four isles led to center. What? The light? Yes, I was at the end. Time for a cold beer.

When I went down to main level, all my ladies plus Himora and Sarphine were all discussing women in our circle. After a few minutes I realized the ladies they mentioned were all single and all older than us. Ah, they had decided Robby had mourned his late wife long enough and needed to date. Poor b*****d.

Jeweler called, our rings were done. We had designed them for ourselves. Three strands of 24 caret gold, yellow, white, and rose, woven and held in a steel channel. They represent my three ladies being held by a hard a*s, well…, we like them. Saris, Ava, and Sara, of course are the flower girls (I declined anyone scattering flowers in front of me, despite arguments). Kallar, Tha‘Kor, and John would be ring bearers.

Benito called, needed to meet. Once we gathered, he said we were the damnedest clients he had ever heard of, much less worked for. In about three years we had created more law than anyone he knew of. First, the really helpful Group Adoption which was becoming extremely popular, now marriage. Two foundations of society. He said, if you don’t like or agree with a law, you don’t break it, you remove it. the courts have indicated that your technique of treating marriage like adoption is legal. Marriage Group Application forms have been approved and will be on shelves by Monday. Oh, Ashara, when you pass the bar, I expect right of first refusal on your job application. I have a desk with your name on it. She smiled, grateful.

We, the ladies, already had Save The Date messages ready. They picked a date a few weeks out and sent them. They had RSVP with a small note saying that was our way of saying, tell just now if you are coming or there may not be enough booze

On our wedding day,, I put on a nice suit, no tie, and walked into a process I’d had nothing to do with planning. I was placed in position and told not to move until I hear the music.

Entering the area from four directions, we all slowly walked into a birdcage shaped four sided gazebo covered with wild and cultivated flowers from a dozen worlds, what expats carry to stars and nurture. A little over 2 meters clearance in its imposing 3 meter height. Roughly 2 meters or a little less in diameter. We didn’t hold hands, we linked or piled our hands on each other in middle, each touching all the others.

Officiant stood to one side, someone had commented they were usually at center. I told them it was our day. not some pencil pusher. Officiant asked for our vows looking at me. Instead, we recited them Starting with Ashara, myself, Catherine, and Gillian. Alphabetical order.

Ashara said, we’ve been each others air since we met, as our companionship has grown, our love has enveloped everyone. I take all of them as my partners and children in sickness and health all the days of my life.

I said, I am the luckiest man any of you will ever see. I
am rich beyond words, the love of three wonderful women and the privilege of raising our children. I take all of them as my partners and children in sickness and health all the days of my life.

Catherine said, when we met, I had to shoot him, arrest everyone, or love them. I am so glad choose love, now including all our partners and all our children. I take all of them as my partners and children in sickness and health all the days of my life.

Gillian said, fate has provided me the chance for family and love beyond anything I could ever have imagine. Watching our family grow is beyond words. I take all of them as my partners and children in sickness and health all the days of my life.

The officiant asked, the rings?

John handed a ring to Catherine and said this is from Ava, Lucy, Manny and I, Mom.

Kallar handed a ring to Gillian and said this is from Marta and I, Mom.

Tha’Kor handed rings to Ashara and I, saying Mom, Dad, Saris, Sara, Anthony and I want our parents to have these.

The rehearsal just had them handing us the rings. Now I know what all the whispering had been about. Damn, got dust in my eyes again, as do all the ladies. I’m going to kill them, I just don’t know if that will be before or after I hug all of them.

After giving us a moment, the officiant said, I now pronounce you all married. Congratulations. We imminently enveloped each other in a group hug, kissing everyone.

Applause, shouts, whistles from guests. Time for hors d‘oeuvres and drinks.




Fin

Reviews

[Mila]

I’m screaming, crying, throwing up this was PERFECT.