NGS

Chapter 27 'Eric & Erica' or 'Walker's Surprise'

DISCLAIMER: Hiya folks! My name is Yakimaru and I am very sorry for the bad things that my Uncle Kabbukka and his boss, Lord Orochimaru have done. I am truly sorry for anything that I may have done to help them to do these very bad things. Please forgive me. I am grateful to the nice lady Hokage of the Village Hidden in the Leaves, Lady Tsunade, who has been very nice to me and has assured me that I will not be punished and that I can come and live with her and her friend, Lady Chizuna.

Oh, I am sorry! Here I am blathering on about me, me , me when I am supposed to be reading this funny paper to you! OK, here we go. First, we want to thank all of the creators whose creations we have used, are using at present or may use in the future. We dis-claim, whatever that means, all and any rights to these creations. In addition, we willingly allow anyone who wants to use our own creations so to do, as long as the same courtesy is extended to us as we have extended to Mr Takachiho and the other creators whose fine works and creations we have used, are using now or may use at some point in the future.

Now, did Mrs Northman ever have that daughter to go with her and Mr Northman's new son? I wasn't there so here's the nice lady nurse who was there, Lady Dixie McCall. Did I say it OK, Milady Chizuna? Good? Really? Then may I please have some more hot cocoa and maybe just one more oatmeal raisin cookie? Please?

A little busy right now but here's the latest bulletin from the Academy's 'sick bay'. First, Mrs Northman, Sookie, had a very easy second delivery and now she has two beautiful babies, twins, one of each. She is resting comfortably in our hastily 'repped up' maternity ward. She was an 'easy' patient.

Not so her husband! I always thought that vampires were fierce, strong, vital! When he heard that his wife had had twins, the big strong husky Viking vampire- fainted! That was when poor Dr Joe Early discovered that 'amyl nitrite' (smelling salts) affect vampires differently than it does us normal human beings. Oh, excuse me. My vidcell's chirping.

"Yes? McCall speaking. No. You have got to be kidding! She only gave birth after ThanksForGiving Day! Of course I'm not calling you a liar, Ranger Parker! I'll be right over. Huh? Oh, boil some water. Bye." I said and then I almost fainted!

"Damned vampires! I don't care if he is Goddy's kid! The next time he belts me in the chops, I'm gonna brain Mr Eric Northman! Look at my jaw, Dix! (He had a bruise the size of a lemon on his lower right maxilla!) Where's Kell and Mike?" grumbled Dr Joe Early who was holding an icepack to his swollen jaw.

"What happened, Joe?" I asked, sponging off the angry welt and applying 'Kolacydyl' (Their version of alcohol) to it.

"I merely held the AN ampule under his nose and- POW! Now, he's in there mumbling curse words to poor Jeannie (Huntley). She's holding his cold hands and trying to calm him down. Where is Kell? And Mike too. I have got to warn them both about that freak!" yelled Joe and just then, the other two doctors ambled down the corridor on their way back from a late breakfast.

"That first kid was a real problem, Mike." said Dr Kelly Brackett.

"Yeah, Kell. The girl came out like coal down the chute. Hullo. What's wrong with Joe, Dix? He been playin' poker with the 'soul reapers' again?" chortled Dr Michael Morton.

"If you go into that freaky vampire's room, borrow a helmet from one of the gunners! Whatever ya do, don't get any smelling salts anywhere near Northman! Look at my face! Dix, you better get Jeannie outta there. No tellin' what he'll do next!" said Joe.

"Oh, he can't be that bad, Joe. He seems like a nice fellow. A little bit ornery, but we've all sown our wild oats, haven't we, Kell?" chuckled Mike. I walked swiftly down the hall to the recovery rooms. Jeannie Huntley met me at the door to Eric's room. She had a look of horror on her pretty face. Her cheeks were bright scarlet.

"What's wrong, Jean? You look like you've seen a ghost." I asked and she fell into my arms.

"That- that- v-vampire h-has a filthy m-m-mind! He asked m-me if I'd like t-to become a t-threesome w-with him a-and S-S-Sookie! He's a sex freak! He tried t-to u-u-undress m-m-me!" sobbed the poor girl whom we were using as a temporary 'candystriper' nurse's aide.

"I'll have a talk with my 'child', ladies. Uh, did anyone try and use smelling salts to revive him? (I nodded) That explains it. You see, we of the 'undead', have an aversion to any type of sodium chloride- same as Zombies have. However, his conduct is inexcusable! I'd understand if he was only a kid of 250 but he'll be 697 on Candlemas Day! He's just not trying to control his temper. I saw Dr Joe in the hall. More of Eric's handiwork? (I nodded again) Perhaps I'd best take him home. Excuse me." said Sheriff Godric Northman, Eric's 'father' and Sookie's 'father-in-law'.

"Heavens! I forgot! Kell! Mike! Off your keesters, me boyos! Ranger Walker says that Alex is having contractions- five minutes apart- and you know what that means! Let's motor! Hold down the fort, Joe. Goddy's gonna take Eric back home." I yelled, propelling Mike and Kelly towards the roof and our brand new 'flying ambulance'.

"What's up, Dix?" called Johnny Gage from the break room where he was taking a coffee break with Roy deSoto.

"Alex is having another baby maybe!" I called and they both bolted for the elevators. We all piled into the 'ambulance' and then we realized that none of us could pilot the darn thing!

"Hi guys! Need a pilot?" called Gretel from the other end of the roof where she and her brother, Hansel, were flying 'drones' with remotes. She dropped her remote as did Hansie. Unlike on Earth, as soon as the control beams were broken, the 'drones' landed gently on the roof.

"Get in, Chucklehead! Honestly, boys! Everyone strapped in? Then- away we go!" yelled Grets, roaring across the campus to the Walkers' building.

"Better coast in and hover beside their balcony, Sis. We'll never get Tubby to the roof." laughed Hansie and his sister fumed, but she did cut the main thrusters and then she coasted to a hovering halt beside the Walkers' apartments. I hopped out followed by John and Roy, Mike and Kell.

"Where's the vidcomm box, Roy? Darn! I left it in the break room! Now, how can we call 'sick bay'?" shouted Johnny, trying to be heard over the thrumming engines. Roy pointed to me and the doctors.

"Relax, Johnny. Everyone's here. Hurry up with the drug box. Coming, Dix!" yelled back Roy deSoto from the sitting room.

"Where the dad gum heck you guys been? I'm havin' another baby! I mean, I gave it to Alex! I mean-" said a suddenly hysterical Cordell Walker.

"C'mon and help me boil up some more water, Cordell." said CD Parker, hustling him out of our way.

"Amazing! She's almost seven months pregnant!" howled Kelly Brackett.

"That's friggin' impossible, dammit!" yelped Mike Morton.

"Don't tell me, Mike! Tell the kid- or kids?" yelled a very upset Kelly.

"Try and relax, Mrs Walker. Shallow breaths. Blow, baby, blow! NO! Don't push! Not yet, dammit! Get her onto the ambulance thing, guys. Quick as ya can. Hold her down, Dix! Let's motor!" yelled Kelly and off we went in the ambulance. I looked back and I saw another craft following us. Probably CD and Walker.

"Relax, Miss McCall. It seems a bit premature but I sense a healthy heartbeat within Mrs Walker. So does my 'child' and Sookie." said Godric Northman from inside of my mind! I 'mind thought' him my thanks and then I cooed gently to Alex. A few seconds later, we were trundling an anti-grav trolley with Alex aboard it down to the operating room.

"Walker? Where's Walker? I feel funny. Did you get a sitter for my Angela? Did-" Alex's voice trailed off as she drifted off to Dreamland. Good! The sedative was working. Huh? Oh, yeah. Up here, a woman need not be awake to give birth. Sorry but it won't work back on Earth.

"Honey? Are you feeling better? We have a fine boy, dear Alexandra. Angela's sleeping but she is home and in time for Christmas Eve too. What name had we decided upon for a boy? OK. You need your rest now. (Cordell kissed me and then he hugged me tightly) OK, Docs. I'm a-goin', man! Gotta go now, dearest. See you soon." said Cordell Walker.

Yup! It's me, Alex. How does one have a child when one has just had a child less than two months ago? And how could one be seven months pregnant in less than a month? This is a strange world, man! Oh, Walker, darling. Don't you remember? We agreed that, if it was a boy, we'd name him after Dad, my Dad. Gordon Cahill Walker. Has a nice ring to it, don't ya think?

AN- The two prisoners were picked up from Gysymeo by a Romulan Warbird as a personal favour to Vittiorio Galadriel, the 'God of the 3WA and the United Galactica Federation of Galaxies'. Aboard with them to ID the miscreants, Lord Orochimaru and Lord Kabbukka, was their soon to be 'judge', His Honour, Lord 'Q'! As soon as they had been evac-ed to a small world halfway across the Universes, to await their trial in May AD 2260 which world's ID is unknown to everyone but 'Q' and Uncle Vito, the 'Knight Sabre' had been sent back home.

Next, the word had been comm relayed to the 'Dark Avenger' and their 'clones' simply vanished! They too were directed to return to the 'Nova Hellsing' which they did with all possible haste. The 'Nova H' had wasted no time in heading for the Academy.

After they had made their last delivery, Doctor #2, Vickie and 'Harry' Wells had returned to 'Shimougou' with the 'Foucault's Pendulum' and the 'Way Back Machine' aboard. The distinguished 19th-20th Century sci fi author had asked for and received permission to remain in the 23rd Century until the day after 'SuperBowl CCLXVII'- 247 if you don't do Roman numerals.

Walker and Alex, the Rangers, vampires and the rest were finally all reunited for the holidays. Then Mr Galadriel had a surprise for everyone! The 7 Dwarves and 'Snowy' Donovan arrived for the festivities in Hansie and Grets 'skysleigh' just as the town hall chromo bonged nine times.

This coincided with the arrival at the Walkers' place of the new 'flying ambulance' piloted by Medical Major Jeannie Huntley. She was dropping off Mrs Sookie Northman and her newborn twins- Eric & Erica Northman- one of each. Her husband had been sent home to recuperate from the black eye that the new male corpsman (male nurse) Maxwell Q Klinger had given him! It seems that Vikings don't like Mediterraneans and vice versa!

Now that we have the whole gang together once more, here is the soon to be Ambassador Marshall and temporary Supreme Commander General of the new and, as yet, uncolonized world of 'Victorine'- Allison Marie Poe-Prydonia. When she had found out that she was, in fact, not really a Prydonia, but had been raised by one and was, really and truly, the daughter of fellow Gallifreyan Edgar Allan Poeznanovich, Allie had been at first very disappointed. Then she had brightened up and decided that she would keep both names for her own- well, most of one of them anyway!

Her real Daddy, Edgar Allan Poeznanovich, was granted a full pardon by both the High Council of Time Lords & Ladies of Gallifrey as well as the UG and the High Senate on Alderaan. He asked for and was granted permission to join the new colonizers on 'Victorine' in March AD 2260. Allie was delighted that Daddy would be living with her in her brand new 'Capsule Castle' on 'Victorine' and all of her friends wished them both the best of luck.

Take it away, Alley Ca- forgive me, please- take it away, Allie!

Greetings, my dearest friends and fans! My goodness, I am sounding like one of those punk rock stars that Kome is forever playing on that boom box thing that Ace gave her for her last birthday!

Well, we have had several weddings and births since I was first 'loaned' to the 3WA by Grandfather Casterlein! As I speak, Mrs Walker, Ranger Cordell's lovely wife, is in the delivery room behind me for the second time in as many months, believe me or not! Her daughter, Angela, who was born around ThanksForGiving Day in NovDec, was pacing the floor and praying for a little brother!

Oh, since she was born not upon a world's surface but, rather, in deep space, Angela's matabolism is quite different from a normal human's physiognomy. So- Miss Angela Walker's outward apeparance is now that of a young 20-something young lady. In other words, she looks like she's older than I look and I appear to be a young 17 year old girl from Terra, Earth. My true age has been given elsewhere in this narrative and so I choose not to reveal it again. Suffice it to say that I am a time lady and neither Daddy nor my foster Daddy will ever see 500 again! Oh dear! Excuse me, please. My vidcell communications device is warbling.

"Yes, Allison speaking. What? She has? Already? Boy or girl? Oh, Ranger Walker will be so pleased! How is Mrs Walker? Good. And Ranger Cordell? Eh? He did? Same thing as Mr Northman did last week? Very well. I will grab a 'holotaxi' straightaway and meet you there. Tell them both Kudos from me and Daddy and Uncle Scarfy! Adieu." I said into my device and then I slipped it into the pocket of my jeans. Rather a tight fit and no, I not fat! I am pleasingly plump! That's what Uncle Daddy always said when I was growing up.

I flagged down a 'holotaxi' and had the 'droid pilot take me to the Walkers' apartment building.

"Roof, Madam Ambassador?" asked the 'droid politely and I shook my blonde curls. Too many redheads around here so I have dyed my hair yellow with a touch of violet on the ends.

"No, sir. Could you drop me at the Walkers' Northwestern balcony, please? I think they are on the 1700th level." I said.

"No problem. I know where the 'Rangers Round-Up House' is, Madam Ambassador. However, I am only permitted a five minutes' hover time. Have you ever used a 'light bridge', Madam?" replied my pilot and my smile turned into a frown.

"Of course I have, sir. It was my Grand-Uncle Oba-J'Naka Prydonia who discovered the concept back in the 12th Dynasty of Lord Rassilon!" I snapped and then I bit my tongue so hard that it bled! I am forever letting puppies escape from their boxes! However, the pilot merely shrugged his Android shoulders and continued the flight.

"We are here, Madam Ambassador. I have activated the 'light bridge' for you. Please be careful. It is a bit windy outside. (I rummaged in my new Jivonchy pockebook for my vidwallet but he waved it away.) There is no charge, Madam Ambassador. I will add it to your tally. Your father has established an account for you. Have a nice day and Meri Kurisumasu, Madam. My best wishes to the new Mothers. Thank you for leaving the flying to 'RoboTrans'. Please tell your friends about us." said my talkative 'droid pilot as the portal vanished and I hurriedly ran across the light beam to the balcony.

I turned to wave goodbye but the skies were once more empty and grey.

"Get inside afore ye freezes t' death, dearie! Ha'e some hot 'nog, lambie. Goodness! Madam Ambassador, mum! I'd no idee that it was ye, mum! Let me take yer wraps, Madam. Come in, come in. Mr Poe! It's Miss Allison, sair!" said the buxom Scotswoman who was like a Granny to me and like me, she too was pleasingly plump.

"Allie! When did you get in? How are things going in the Morton household? Glad ye could make it for Kurisumasu Ibu (Christmas Eve). Zoe's been here since Monday. (This was Friday afternoon just before tea time.) Hungry? No? Then I guess you wanna see the newest Walker laddie. Alexandra. Cordell. Here's one of Angela's god-mums. May I present my daughter, Allison Marie Poe?" said Daddy Poe. I shook hands with the proud parents and then I am afraid I got a bit huffy with Father.

"Make that Allison Poe-Prydonia, please. No offense, Father. However, I must always think of Uncle Scarfy as my second father. That is why I have legally changed my name. I had it done on Pluto while I was visiting Zoe's family. I'm sorry but-" I stammered.

"Water over the old viaduct, Poppet. By the by, I called you that when you were first presented to me by my dear Iris- Excuse me, please. I must not allow you nor the happy parents to see tears on their special day. Legato? Could you get Allison some food? Thank you, my friend." said my father and he hurried off to chat with Mr Bashful.

"Pay no attention to him, kid. By the way, you do know that he's being assigned to your 'Victorine' ambassadorial staff, don't you? (As a matter of fact, I didn't! However, I was delighted that Daddy was coming along with us. Now I will feel less lonely!) Well, let's get you some tea. There's the chromo. Tea time, everyone! Find a seat." said Legato Bluesummers who was one of a myriad of god-daddies that I had to go with my river of god-mommies!

"Someone say tea? Poppet! When'd you get here? Hoggin' her all fer yourself, I suppose, Blue?" laughed the 'Mad Hatter' who was one of my dearest cousins from Gallifrey. I accepted cup, saucer, cake plate and tea, scones and cookies with a tray of sannis from the jolly fellow who looked like he shopped at rummage sales for his attire!

"Cute little nipper, Cordell! Don't look nuttin' like you!" chuckled Ranger CD Parker who was tossing the newborn up in the air and catching him until lady Ranger Sidney Cooke intervened.

"Thanks a lot." said the new father.

"Time for his 4 o'clock feeding anyway. I'll talk to YOU later, CD." she said, flashing her green eyes angrily at the older Ranger.

She wandered off to find young Gordon Cahill Walker's bottle of formula.

"Congratulations, Ranger Walker, sir. He is a fine looking child. And he looks exactly like you no matter what Ranger Parker might say. However, he does have his Mum's eyes. In my own opinion, I mean, sir." I said and both Rangers laughed.

"Honey, CD was only joking with me. He knows that my son looks like me and you're right, he's got Alex's eyes." replied the new daddy.

"Yeah and Honey- Siddy was just teasin' me, too." chortled Ranger Parker.

"I wouldn't bank on that, CD. She seems pretty steamed that you were playing 'Toss Across' with lil Gordie." said Walker.

"Who's been playing 'Toss Across' with little Gordie?" demanded Mrs Walker, striding across the room to us. She was wearing a lovely blue and grey dressing gown and- Chukka boots!

"Aw Sweetie! You promised me that you weren't going to walk around outside until you felt better. Finny!" yelled Ranger Walker. The old Scotswoman hurried over and caught Mrs Walker before she collapsed into her husband's strong arms.

"Come along noo, lambie pie. 'Tis cold ootside. Ye are a-gonna catch yer death oot on that veranda! Doctor said ye need rest. So- back to bed we go!" said Fionna MacCrimmon, Mr Garner's assistant and housekeeper.

"Oh we do, huh? You and what army, old woman?" mumbled Mrs Walker. That was when the portals slid shut behind them.

"I would like to have some more of that delicious egg nog, please." I asked.

"Yer legs busted, Honey?" slurred the inebriated doggie hanyou, InuYasha. His wolfie pal dragged him towards the outer portals.

"Your drink, Madam Ambassador. I trust that I am not interrupting anything?" asked the cute white doggie, proferring me another glass of the white-gold liquid.

"Thank you, Mr Peabody, sir. No, you were not interruptng anything, sir." I said and instantly regretted saying it.

I guess I'd best take up the tale now, lads and girls. CD Parker, Texas Rangers, Semi-Retired, at your service. That there short Madam Ambassador lady just stormed through the settin' room, grabbed her coat and hat and vamoosed! She was madder'n a wet hen in layin' season!

That dumb white mutt in the tuxedo stumbled in off the back porch and boy oh boy, did he ever have a shiner!

"I say! What did I do? What did I say? Such an excitable young lady!" fumed Mr Peabody, dabbing at his swollen eye with a monogrammed hanky.

"I give up, Colonel. What did ya do? What did ya say?" I demanded, balling my hands into fists. If this young upstart had tried to have his way with Miss Poe-Pry whatever, I was gonna belt him right in the chops!

"I merely asked her if she had any rubbers that I could borrow. Beastly snow out there and all, you know?" he replied and I laughed. Then I whispered into his ear. His fur got as red as the tip of his cigar! Can't say any more because the little nippers might be readin' this, ya see?

"Uncle CD! Uncle CD! Daddy says it's your turn to tell us a bedtome story!" said the cute little kid we called Rin Tin Tin (Rinmaru was Sesshomaru's young ward, Rin) and her fox demon boy friend, Ship something (Shippou was the kitsune fox demon boy who had been 'adopted' by Kaggie H and her brood). The kids had apparently just come from bathtime because they were both in bathrobes. Hers said 'My Daddy's the best' while his said 'Fox Magic is better. Eat yer heart out, Harry Potter'.

"Don't look at us, Ranger Parker. We slay witches; we don't tell kids stories about 'em, man!" said Hansel.

"Not any more we don't, brother. I told ya not to be so graphic about how we got rid of 'em!" sulked Gretel who was hardening arrowheads in the fire for her plasma crossbow bolts.

"OK. Did I ever tell ya the one about how I singlehandedly saved Siddy, Frank, Alex, Jimmy and Cordell from a hundred armed terrorists?" I asked them and the kids' eyes got as big as dinner plates.

"A hundred? I coulda sworn there were only five or six, CD." said Jimmy Trivette who was teaching guitar playing to the big hanyou, InuYasha.

"Four at least, Jimbo." said Frank Gage who was teaching Blackjack to Fflaysie and Cagalli.

"More like three, Gage." said Sidney Cooke who was bathing newborn baby Gordon Walker.

"I heard it was two. Careful, Sid! Don't get soap in Gordie's eyes." said Alex, standing by with a towel.

"Would you believe that there were quite a few like CD says. Only they were all 'holograms' and we were playin' on the 'holodecks'." chuckled Ranger Walker.

"Shush up, all o' ya! The kiddies ain't heard all that afore! Now, once upon a time there were three, uh, pigs and a big old wolf like Kouga there-" I began.

"Hey! I'm a wolf demon, a youkai, not a reg'lar wolf and I ain't bad neither!" yelled Kouga, dripping 'Neptune Kola' all over Mr Peabody.

"I say! Be more careful, Mr Wolfie! I just had this suit laundered and pressed! Gin!" said the cute white doggie who was playing cards with Dr Brackett.

"I think you've had enough for tonight, doggie." growled Revy Roberts, our BOD (Bartender of the Day) this evening.

"Eh? What are you yammering about, woman? I don't want any gin. I just won my Gin Rummy game against DR B here. Oh, mix me another 'Misty Frog'. There's a good little girl. Do go on, Mr Parker. What happened to the three porkers after that?" asked Colonel Peabody, tallying up his score.

"What are the damages, Mr Peabody? I have to relieve Joe in 'sick bay' at nine." said the tall Terran medical man.

"You now owe me 917 UniCreds so don't go offworld without letting me know beforehand, old boy." chortled the doggie and Kelly Brackett sighed and pulled on his heavy parka.

"Need a lift, Doc? I'm going for a 'sky sleigh' ride before I call it a night." said the big vampire, Godric Northman.

"Well, I was gonna walk, Mr Northman. However, it seems to have started snowing again and the winds getting up so perhaps a ride would be better. Thanks. Oh, let me check in on my patients first. I'll meet you on the roof in five minutes. OK?" said the doctor and Goddy nodded and headed for the lifts.

"-And then, the big bad wolf, Grrrr!, tried to sell the first lil piggie to the 'Dallas Chili Parlor' for spare ribs! Then-" droned on CD's voice from the kids' bedroom. Dr B sighed again and peeped into the room where the two new Mommies- Alex Walker and Sookie Northman- were lying in bunks and chattering away to each other like magpies.

"I thought I told you two to get some rest? Now, stop yakkin' and go to sleep. Good night, ladies." said the doctor.

His final call was on Miss Akame who had gotten plastered on spiked egg nog. At least, this patient had taken her doctor's advice and was snoring away like a grampus. Kelly gently pulled her fingers away from her sword hilt and carefully removed the weapon from her grasp and hung it on a wall peg. Then he covered her with another blanket when she shivered a little.

"Uh, 'Artok'? Could you raise the heat a little in here, please?" he said into the aether, feeling like a jackass. That was how everyone felt until they had gotten used to our time era and worlds.

Hi there, it's me. Freya Frosticle, the Fryyggian ice princess from Mongo? Remember now? I had sneaked outta the dry old 'affairs of state' crap in King Varrin's new castle, 'borrowed' a 'rocketspeeder' and jetted over to spend Christmas with my new friends on 'Shimougou'. However, once I got here, unannounced and unexpected, I got cold feet! Of course, 'Shadow Daddy' and most of the telepaths already knew that I was here and seemed to have agreed with each other not to spoil my surprise.

Oh yeah, Doc Brackett and old Goddy Northman took off and I 'mind sent' that all was well on Mongo and Fryyggia to the new Mommies. Then I 'dropped my icy cloak' and materialized in the middle of the sitting room. Mr Parker was just entering the room.

"Those kids! They thought that pigs bein' sold for chili meat was cool! Monsters! The pair of 'em! Oh good Lordy Lord! A g-ghost! Cor-Dell! Grab that big crucifix hangin' behind the piano! Keep back, foul demonic thing!" said CD, holding two candles aloft, one crossed over the other one! I had heard of a cross being used to frighten vampires, ghouls and Zombies- but- ghosts? Then I got angry! I was a high princess of the realm after all!

"Mr Parker! Shame on you, sir! Do you not recognize me, sir? I am a princess, sir! I am not a ghost, spirit, yuyu or spectre, sir! Put those candles back on the table at once, sir!" I snapped, a trifle miffed.

"What's all the ruckus out here? Oh, hi Frosty. When'd you fly in, Honey?" asked Ranger Walker and I grinned and kissed him on both cheeks.

"I didn't see nuttin', Cordell." said CD.

"It's OK, Ranger. We won't tell on ya, man." said Hansie.

"Nope. Just don't do it again, Ranger. If Alex saw that-" giggled Grets.

"If Alex saw what? What's going on? I just had a strange dream and guess what? So did Sookie! Weird, huh?" said Alex, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

"Where's my grandson? I came as soon as I heard. How are you, Pumpkin? Where's little Gordon? Sorry, but with the storm and my schedule- Honestly, being barrister to the Supreme Commander of the Federation (He meant Servalan not Leia) is tougher than when I was defending riff-raff back on Earth! Oh my goodness! I plumb forgot! She'll kill me! Excuse me a sec." said Gordon Cahill, Esquire, hurrying back up to the roof.

He was back in jig time, a tall brunette beauty in flowing white robes beneath a white fox fur coat hanging onto his arm.

"My dear, I think you know everyone. Oh, right. They don't know everything, do they, Puddin'? Ahem. Ladies, gentlemen and uh- other things, may I present my new wife, Servalan Lenore Cahill. We, uh, sort of- uh-" stammered Alex's Daddy.

"We eloped, guys and girls. What's a gal gotta do to get a drink around here? I'm as dry as those speeches I gotta read to the council! Ooh! Where's my little grand-daughter and grandson? I wanna loveys them a lot!" said Grandma Cahill.

"Oye! Keep the noise down or I'll hafta call the bleedin' coppers, blast yer eyeballs! I needs me beauty sleep, ye knows!" howled a punk hair-styled dirty blonde streaked with red and whose hair ends were deep violet in colour! She had a bottle of some kind in one hand while the other was keeping her dressing gown more or less closed.

"Angela Cahill Walker! Where are your pajamas? We have guests! Now go to your room and get properly attired, young lady!" yelled Cordell.

"Who is that uncouth person, Gordon? Alexandra? Cordell?" demanded Servalan.

"Mrs Cahill-" began Alex.

"Call me Mom? Please?" replied Servalan Cahill.

"OK. Mom, that was your grand-daughter, Angela. And here's your grandson, Gordon." cooed Alex when Siddy walked in with the youngest of the Walker clan in her arms.

Servie turned a baleful look on Alex. "Young woman, I was not aware that you were a widow or a divorcee?" she asked.

"Huh? Walker, Cordell, is my first and only husband, Mom Cahill." replied Alex.

"Then how can she have a child that old? Answer me that, Gordon!" snapped Alex's new step-mother. Dr Early stepped forward.

"I can answer that, Mrs Cahill. Angela was not born on 'Shim', Earth or any other worlds. She was born in deep space. As such, her metabolism is different and has accellerated itself to unheard of heights. Trust me, Madam. Although Angela appears to be in her early 30's, she was, in fact, only born just before ThanksForGiving Day in NovDec. Your grandson was born here in this very complex three days ago. He will age at a normal rate. Some egg nog or punch, Mrs Cahill?"explained Joe Early.

"Punch would be nice, young man. Thank you and please call me Servie. Do tell me all about yourself, young man." warbled Alex's new step-mom and Siddy followed them, carrying young Gordon. Alex and Cordell asked me for help in explaining their daughter's predicament.

"You should discuss this with my Uncle Edgar. He will be better able to advise you than I can. Come." I said and Ranger and Lady Lawyer followed me to the towered minaret library of the Academy. Uncle Edgar Allan Poe was seated behind a very high wall of old-fashioned, what we used to call, 'books'. That was long before vidnovels and stuff, of course.

"Well, well, well! I was beginning to wonder when you two would find your way to me. Please sit down- carefully. Java? Tea? Soda? Nog? Punch? Something stronger? No? Very good then. Thank you for bringing them to see me, Frosty. You may go." said Mr Poe and I left. I was as mad as Hell and as curious as the devil too! I stomped my foot and snapped out angrily.

"Cousin Varrin used to give me a few gold pressed coins to go to the plays when he wanted to talk secrets! Goodbye!" I shouted, slamming the wooden doors on my way out. They slammed so hard that I immediately heard the humungous crash when Uncle's books toppled to the floor! Unh unh! I took to my heels and ran like Hell!

"There is a way, children. A way to give Angela back her normal childhood, I mean." I said. This is Poe speaking. Of course I knew exactly what the Walkers wanted. That was why I had asked my 'niece' ice princess to bring them to see me.

"How? What can we do?" yelled Alex.

"I'll pay whatever it costs, sir!" cried Ranger Walker. Strange how these Earthers all thought that money could solve all of their problems!

"It is not up to you, Cordell Walker. This must be Alexandra's decision and hers alone." I said and they both stared at me.

"Alexandra Cahill Walker? Angela must be 'reborn'. In other words, you must give birth to her all over again. This will mean all of the pain and all the rest of it. Then-" I explained.

"What will happen to 'this' Angela, Mr Poe?" she demanded.

"She will not die, my dear. We are not monsters here. She will be placed in the Gallifreyan Matrix where she will have no memories of any other life save the one that we provide for her within the Matrix." I explained as clearly as I could.

"She will be an 'unperson' like in Mr Orwell's book. Isn't that what you mean, Mr Poe?" demanded Ranger Walker and I nodded.

"No identity of her own, no memories of the happy times and the bad, never to know the joys of what she has had so far in her lifetime thus far- NO! If that is what is necessary for her to have a normal life- then- the Hell with it! We will keep her the way she is now, the way we will always know her! Won't we, Cordell?" said Alex.

"There's really no other choice, Mr Poe. However, I am curious. How could a 'rebirth' be accomplished?" asked the Ranger.

"Quite simply. A trip back in time and space so that Alexandra would be here at the Academy when she gives birth, not aboard a ship in deep space. And-" I explained.

"And if you ever even SUGGEST such a thing again, my son, I will personally banish you from the high council! Haven't these Earthers and Shims made enough of a mess out of the continuum as it is, sir? I meant no disrespect to you and your good wife, Ranger Walker, sir!" said the bearded head that was floating at eye level.

"Father? I only suggested it because I was sure that Mrs Walker would never agree to deprive a being of its life and memories. I also knew that Mr Walker would never go against the wishes of his wife. Now- why have you come, Lord Rassilon?" I asked, knowing all too well the reason for his unannounced visit!

END of Chapter 27. Chapter 28 'Lord Rassilon's Bane' or 'Hiring A Governess' to follow soon, we hope! Have a great month, folks and R/R/S away. Here's to an early Spring and an end to our saga of the infamous rift! 'New Galactic Solutions' will end very very soon. All our best to you, our lyal readers and/or followers!- Edie Jordan for keiman and kei (Story Teller Guy & The Keiman).