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Chapter 49 - Chapter 49 - New Flavors

Arles walked through the hallways of the Doctor's ship. He wore the same trousers and t-shirt that he had worn the day before at the funeral. He rubbed his hands together excitedly as he nearly skipped. It has been the best evening, and morning, that he could ever remember having. He felt as if he glowed as he stepped into the med bay, whistling with his hands in his pockets.

Genie laughed. "And what has you in such a good mood?"

She was holding the younger version of Arles, who was looked around at the lights of the monitors on the wall.

Arles smiled at her. "It's been a good morning."

She grinned, "You mean it was a good night."

He nodded, "That, too."

She shook her head in disapproval. "Friends, huh?"

"I'm glad you're here. Where is everyone?"

"Mum and Dad left to go back to surface. Legate is playing cards. I came in here to ask Papa something, and got put on babysitting detail. He's in with Grandfather."

Arles teased. "Why dear sister, I thought you would still be avoiding all three of the parental units."

"Two, I am." Genie agreed. "I see that you are still wearing the same clothes you had on when I saw you last."

He chuckled. "I had on a full suit-"

"And she stole it? How did that work?"

He grinned and looked away. "Genie. She's…." He bit his lip.

Genie smiled. "Is she?"

"She's not like Iesu. But, she is."

Genie glanced down at baby Arles, who was coo'ing. "She's a princess from another planet who don't approve of Quauthin warriors being in Royal houses? Does she know you're the nephew of the King that she has grown to despise, Romeo?"

Arles pointed at her. "No. She's easy to talk to. She's….interesting. Intelligent."

She smiled, "Arles? Are you falling for this girl?"

He crossed his arms and planted his feet. "No. I don't think so. How would I know?"

She shrugged her shoulders, "It's just something you know."

He considered, "Nah. I don't think so. I hope not."

She giggled. "Arles. You've told everyone you are just friends-"

He nodded energetically. "Yes. Just friends. And I don't want this to go any further than us."

She nodded, "Of course."

"I don't want a….. woman right now."

She laughed, "That's such a lie!"

"Damn it, Gene. Stop doing that for five minutes."

"If you didn't want honestly, you would have gone to Sammy." She insisted. "No, what you meant to say is you don't want a wife."

He shook his head. "I don't want that, no."

"So, you're just going to be friends."

He nodded. "Yes. Friends. I can do that. She's really helping me with this entire…thing."

"What thing?"

He rubbed his face. "I. Well. You have Legate to talk to. Sammy has Karen. Do you talk to Legate about, being here? Being…"

"What? Not able to return home-"

"Trapped. Yes?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "Sure. I didn't realize you didn't have that-"

"Well, I know I can talk to you about it. But, it's just….you're busy with him."

"Arles. I'm still here for you."

He smiled, "I know. And I appreciate it, Gene. I do. I just….it's nice."

She looked back at the baby Arles. "You need someone like that. Well, what have you told this girl?"

He looked at the baby and held his finger out for him to grab. "Nothing really. She did tell me that I had a black sister."

Genie laughed. "Newsflash there."

He looked back up at her from the baby. "Yeah, that's what I told her. What would she say if I told her that you're actually Rixalarian? And there are two of you? Hell, two of me!"

Genie shook her head. "I'd talk to Karen first-"

"Nah. I'm not going to tell her. That's something you tell…..someone who's going to be around a while. I remember the security concerns and they haven't changed. She's just a friend."

Genie teased, "Not a girlfriend?"

He crossed his arms and shook his head, "Not my girlfriend."

Lewis walked into the room, "Hey! Both of my boys!"

Arles watched as Lewis picked up the baby and kissed his face. "And are you ready to go home then?"

Genie smiled. "He's been looking at the lights out here. I think he likes them."

Lewis smiled proudly at the baby. "Yeah. He likes the lights." He looked up at Arles, "And Arles Lovell likes other flashy things."

"What are you on about Papa?"

"Someone copied Stark's car, and John's ship to Florida. Who would have done that?"

Arles ran his hand through his air. "Actually, that was me."

"Why do you need two of Stark's car? What happened to the first one?"

Arles looked back at Genie, who rose her eyebrows at him. "Ummm. Well, Papa. You see…"

"You didn't give it someone did you?"

He shook his head. "No, sir. I…ummm…"

Genie looked back at Lewis. "I need to get some sleep. Legate is teaching a swimming class later today-"

Lewis held up his finger. "Just a second. Arles. What happened to the first car?"

Arles closed his eyes and sighed. "I destroyed it."

Lewis handed the baby back to Genie and got into Arles' face. "Destroyed it? How?"

"It doesn't matter, Papa-"

"You're right! It doesn't. You and your brother both have apparently had such a long time of being reckless together that it has grown into a habit!" Lewis growled. "Well, son. That day is over. Do you hear me?"

He nodded, "Loud and clear."

"What was the shield on?"

"100%-"

"Everytime. Everytime, Arles! It only takes once!"

"I wasn't planning to-"

"Do you think anyone ever plans for something to happen? Huh? That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard in my entire life!"

Arles held out his hands, "I know! Papa, I'm fine. I know it was stupid-"

Lewis pointed at Arles' chest. "Stupid. Yes! And that's not what you're going to be! 100%! You do this, or I'll have Stark sort it out where you don't have the damn choice!"

Arles sighed. "Yes, Papa."

Lewis nodded. "Good. What is it at, currently?"

Arles closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He looked down at it and cleared his throat, "It was actually turned off-"

Lewis exploded. "Turned off! And do you want to explain to me why?"

The baby started to cry in Genie's arms. Genie was sure that Lewis shouting had startled him.

"Actually, I don't want to know!" Lewis looked back at the baby and held out his hands. Genie handed the baby to him and Lewis kissed his head and bounced on his feet. "Shh….it's okay."

The baby stopped crying and whimpered.

Lewis got back into the other Arles' face. "I get that you are young, and probably aren't thinking about everything around you at the moment. You and your brother are not bulletproof and it's time someone told you that! That's the reason I'm making this decision for you. You know what I want. Do it! Are we clear?"

Arles put his hands in his pockets and nodded, "Yes, Pa-"

"Good!"

Lewis turned to Genie. "And you-"

She threw her hands up. "I'm actually good, Papa!"

"What is your bracelet on? Right now?"

"I'm on the ship-"

"It's a simple question, Genie. What is it on?"

"20%. That's where mine stays-"

"Good!" Lewis nodded.

The baby began to cry again.

Lewis kissed the side of the baby's head. "It's alright." He looked up at the older Arles. "We're not done here. The pair of you are going to have a nice chat with me at some point. Very soon."

The baby screamed and continued to cry.

Lewis kissed the side of his face. "Yes, we're leaving. It's alright."

Genie and Arles watched Lewis leave the med bay with the baby.

Genie seemed to deflate from the pressure. "What the hell?"

Arles shook his head. "I don't know. He's been in Primus mode for days. Mad Primus. I think he's finally gone mental."

She held up her hands and shook her head. "Whatever. I'm going Legate's suite to sleep."

"Legate is doing what? Swimming lessons?"

"Yes. He's….having swimming lessons."

Arles crossed his arms. "Why?"

Genie groaned and covered her face. "It's really for Mari."

"Who is Mari?"

"That little girl who was at the flat-"

"Yeah, I know that. But, who is she?"

Genie sighed. "Mari. Lenox's daughter."

Arles thought. "Lenox doesn't have a daughter named Mari."

"He did. She drown when we were all small. He never mentions her because of that weird Quauhtin thing where you don't talk about the dead."

Arles eyes became huge. He shouted, "Are you bloody mental-!"

She put her hands on his chest. "Shhh…..my gosh. This is the med bay and people are trying to rest-"

He pointed, "I should go tell Papa so he'll get off my ass for ten minutes-"

Genie held her hands over her face and shook her head. "I can't believe this-"

The adult Samuel walked out. "What is with all of the yelling?"

Arles pointed at Genie. "You wouldn't believe what this nutter has done!"

Genie shook her head. "I'm leaving. You have lost your mind."

"Me?! You-"

"And another thing Arles. I think it's….girlfriend. That's the word you're looking for." Genie snapped as she walked out of the med bay.

Arles threw his hands over his head. "Damn it! Oh. That….ugh!"

Samuel laughed.

Arles turned to look at him. "What are you laughing about?"

Samuel doubled over. "You two are so entertaining."

Arles rose his eyebrow at his brother. "Papa just went all Primus on me-"

Samuel nodded and laughed, "Yep! Him and Dad all over me, too! I'm growing numb to it. Oh, and I found the pain blockers. Cheers."

Arles put his hands on his hips. "What's with you? Stoned?"

Samuel motioned for him to join him. "You'll love this. She doesn't know. Come on."

Arles ran both of his hands through his hair and groaned as he followed Samuel back to the rooms.

"Karen asleep?" Arles asked.

"Yeah. She rang her Mum and then went to sleep. I had to come back to the med bay."

"Experiment?"

Samuel leaned on a door to a patient's room and smiled like a loon. Arles was reminded of their Dad's mad expression. "Experiments. And now I have four!"

Arles put his hand on his brother's chest. "Hang on. Who is in here?"

"Grand. And she doesn't know, so…" He tapped his lips. "Mum's the word."

He leaned on the door to open it. "And Grand! Look who I found!"

Samuel led Arles through a door where Jackie Tyler sat up in the bed. As soon as he stepped inside, his lungs were filled with a strong spearmint smell. Pete sat next to her, laughing hysterically. The bearded Tony Tyler sat in the corner, arm in a sling, laughing with them.

Jackie clapped her hands together. "Arles! Come see Grand!"

Arles smiled. "Grand. How are you feeling?"

He went over to her and kissed her cheek. She held his hand and laughed as he sat on the bed with her. "I'm fine. John has told me I can go to my suite, but I told him I wouldn't until everyone had come to see me."

Arles took a deep breath and realized the reason the room smelled of spearmint was because someone had turned up the oxygen. Both of his grandparents, Samuel, and Tony were all high from it. It wasn't taking him too long to catch up.

Jackie smiled, "So, Sammy tells me you were with some girl."

Arles pointed at Samuel with a threatening look.

Samuel laughed hysterically. "They are just friends, Grand."

Pete Tyler crossed his arms and laughed, "Having breakfast with a friend, huh? Were you at her place?"

Arles grinned, "Why is everyone on my case? We're just friends."

Tony laughed, "What's your friend's name?"

Arles smiled, "Kelly."

They all laughed as if he was proving some point that had been trying to make.

He looked back at Jackie, "Grand, ask them to stop."

Jackie held his hand in hers. "All of you. That's quite enough. Arles says she's a friend-"

Samuel coughed and said, "Bullshit." At the same time.

Tony and Pete both laughed with Samuel.

Arles rolled his eyes and smiled.

Jackie motioned for Samuel to come closer to her. "You. The one being cheeky. Come here."

Samuel shook his head, "I'm not being cheeky."

She pointed at him, "I'm going to slap you. Come here."

He shook his head. "I don't want to."

Jackie waved her hand. "Damn kids. Just like his father."

Arles chuckled.

Jackie pat his hand. "Invite this Kelly to our party."

Samuel snapped his fingers. "Brilliant idea!"

Arles was already shaking his head. "No. No, no. No way."

Pete grinned at him, "Why not?"

Arles shrugged his shoulders, "We're just friends. And….all of you will be there."

Samuel rolled his eyes. "She saw us all at the funeral."

Arles closed his eyes and shook his head. "No. Anyway. What are you lot in here talking about? Me?"

Jackie shook her head. "Phhh….that and other things."

Arles glanced back at Samuel, who sat on the arm of the chair Tony Tyler sat in. "We're talking about the new flavors in here."

Jackie laughed. "Yes. And I've heard of them for so many years. I'm grateful you guys are finally adding some more."

Tony smiled. "So. There was already cherry, which makes you have less wrinkles."

Pete Tyler nodded. "My favorite one. And you see how well it works."

Jackie waved him off. "Oh, such shit. Do you hear this?"

Samuel and Arles laughed at their Grand's swearing.

"It's just bloody pop! It doesn't do anything!" Jackie insisted.

Pete sat back and propped his feet up on the side of her bed. "It's all in marketing, Jacks. You could sell people anything as long as they think it's helping them."

Jackie nodded. "Then I have the best ideas. Sammy, take notes."

Samuel laughed under his breath and wiped his eyes. "Go on then, Grand. What other flavors do you have?"

She counted on her fingers. "Okay, you have pineapple which is supposed to prevent hair loss. You see Pete didn't have any of that."

Pete held his hands out in mock surprise. "Jacks!"

They all laughed.

She continued, "And berries..."

Tony Tyler rubbed his shoulder. "That's to prolong life. It's called, ummm…. "

Pete Tyler helped. "Sunrise."

Jackie pat the bed mattress. "Yes. And the one that helps with weightless that's purple. That only works because it gives you the shits."

Arles doubled over laughing.

Tony laughed. "Tell Arles about the flavors that you want him and Sammy to make. The ones you told us about."

Jackie suddenly remembered. "Right! The way to make your millions….no…billions…."

Samuel grinned, "Billions, Arles."

Tony laughed, "It's a better idea than that. I think trillions, Mum."

She pointed at him. "And you're right. It's all about the penis."

"What?" Arles asked in surprise and looked back at Samuel.

Samuel was laughing so hard that he was crying.

Jackie didn't act like it had phased her. "The penis. You sell a drink and tell men that it will make their willy bigger, it will sell out. See! Even my gay son agrees."

Tony Tyler was laughing so hard that he couldn't speak.

Jackie continued, "That will also help with your friend, Arles. Don't let her see you drinking it though."

Samuel had laid his head on the wall and was laughing hysterically. Through his laughter, he said, "Oh, I'm going to die. This is the funniest shit ever."

Arles laughed.

She continued. "And it should be blue. You know, because of that old saying about the blue balls."

Samuel, Tony and Pete Tyler were hysterical again.

Arles laughed. "Grand. Oh wow. I can't believe you-"

"What's not to believe? That's just one I had. Sammy, are you taking notes?"

Samuel shook his head and wiped his eyes. "No."

"Then, get to it young man! You have a baby you need to pay for!"

He got a bit of paper and nodded as he laughed. "Right."

He wrote something and showed it to Arles. "She's so high!"

Arles laughed. "What other flavors, Grand?"

"Well, one to give you muscles. Like, if you're working out."

Samuel nodded and made a note. "That's good. Arles had one that had CPD in it."

Pete was confused. "CPD? What is that?"

Arles explained, "The part of marijuana that makes you stop being anxious. Helps make you feel good."

Pete asked, "But, not high?"

Samuel shook his head. "No, that's THD. It's a different chemical."

Jackie complained. "Well, that's shit. Why do it if it doesn't make you high? That's what we need to do, Pete. Get some weed and smoke it."

Samuel, Tony, and Arles began laughing hysterically. Samuel fell over and put his head on the bed she was laying in.

Arles put his arm around his grandmother and kissed the side of her head as he laughed. "Oh this is madness. I feel like I'm at home."

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