12

"How do we proceed?" the lone female Delegate had found Ianto in the garden and approached cautiously.

"I am sorry that you are stranded and am unsure how to help you. If you ask for another vessel to come get you, chances are they will be freed once they touch the soil of this planet. If we take you home we have no guarantees you will not try to enslave us. So… stalemate." Ianto sighed sadly, "I understand your confusion, I was a H 4.0 myself, I know the world seems to be upside-down but if you give it a few day and observe how things work around here you will see that we have no need of slaves. None. Watch, listen, learn. You might see a world without violence."

She nodded as she rose, "We are able to communicate with our planet?"

"Oh course, you are free to do what you wish on your own vessels. You are not prisoners here merely stranded and our guests" Ianto assured her, "Please, do not hesitate to approach and I shall effort requests as best I can."

She went to leave the garden and hesitated, turning back "And …. If one does not wish to leave?"

Ianto looked up with shock as he finally saw what she was asking and he answered as best he could "Anyone seeking asylum shall be welcomed into the fold. We do not judge. If a member of the delegation does not wish to return to your home planet they will be welcome here."

She nodded as she considered that then she slipped away and Damec stepped out of the foliage with Zane in his arms. He looked at the retreating woman, "She ask what I think she asked little one?"

"Yes. Seems some are not only noting the atmosphere of free men, they are finding the air easier to breathe as well" Ianto sighed as he looked at the little one, "Old Father, he needs to take the bottle more."

"But you have sustenance still to offer" Damec frowned.

"Yes, but what will we do in seven months time when another is to lay at my breast? Do you think he will share?" Ianto hissed furtively and Damec stalled as he stared at him.

"Don't look at me like that, you think I wanted another?" Ianto sighed as he rubbed his face, "I had hoped Zander here was the last. I have given three to the bloodline and I thought the Gods would be satisfied but apparently they wish for one more changeling."

"The Gods are merciful" Damec gushed with open delight, "One more for me."

Ianto looked at him and burst out laughing at the logic employed, "Yes Old Father. One more for the pot you stir!"

"But you've not told? You are almost two cycles gone at least."

"I waited, unsure if it was real or just my body adjusting. Now I am sure, my second cycle time passed and no show. I feel the changes starting. I am sure" Ianto sighed, "I have yet to go to Owen for he will chastise me. He warned that I needed to let my body have time to heal and strengthen after having Zane so soon after the twins. Male models are not build for multiples."

Damec was overjoyed as he squeezed his little boy and kissed the tiny face. He revelled in knowing that once this one was walking around there would be another to strap to his chest in a show of dominance and love. Then he saw the problem, "Ah. You and Jackson."

"Yes. A time of quarrel is not a time for an announcement of fore coming." Ianto agreed, "I do not want him to think I offer this as some apology for I do not apologise for my beliefs. Yet….how long do I wait before it becomes wrong to hold it back?"

"If you ask me my love, that time is passing momentarily" Damec warned, "Regardless of your mindset the affections are needed to grow a good strong dumpling. Also, in knowing might he be reminded of what he had gained with this union? Show what such a union produces for these people who must learn?"

"Maybe. I just so not want to show a weakness"

"No, a new life is never a weakness my lovely" Damec preened, "It is a show of strength. We are many and we are all free."

Ianto nodded as he hoped it might be so.

He knew the real test would be the conversation he had to have now with his husband.

Would he want another?