XxxxxxxXxxxxxxXxxxxxxxxx

Chapter 26 - A Beautiful Woman

Tony and Soli had put on some dry clothes and met with Bruce and the Doctor in Tony's workshop. Bruce was happy to help with their odd project, even though he wasn't sure what to expect.

Tony had sat him behind the large desk. "Alright, Bruce. Keep an eye on the screens there. If anything goes into the red, scream to let me know. Or just push the button to close the circuit. I'm not completely sure what to expect here."

The Doctor, wearing his glasses, stood looking at a mannequin closely at the end of the room. "Tony, where did you get this?"

"I don't know. A store? Internet? Beats me. Focus, man."

Tony looked up just in time to see the Doctor lick the mannequin's face.

"John? What the hell, man? Freak!" Tony asked.

The Doctor nodded, "No. Not an Auton. Sorry, just had to make sure. Looks just like one."

Tony shook his head as he knelt down in front of Soler. "John. You are strange-"

"You haven't told me that-"

"In about ten minutes."

Bruce laughed at them.

Tony pressed a few things on Soler's bracelet. "Alright. You are on again. Now. Do you need a power source to pull from?"

Soler shook his head. "No. There is a lot of power in here."

Tony smiled, "Yeah, there is. Can you feel it?"

Soli nodded. "Yes. Can't you?"

Tony smiled proudly, "No. But, it's okay that you do. Just pull a bit into your hands, slowly." He pointed at Bruce, "If I tell you to turn him off, just press the button over there that I showed you."

Bruce nodded, "I got it."

The Doctor moved to the side of the room and watched as Soler pulled energy from the lights overhead and rolled it into a ball in his hands. Tony smiled and looked up at the Doctor. "See? What did I tell you?"

The Doctor rolled his eyes, "He's a Khrele. They do that. Do you listen to nothing I say?"

Bruce chuckled at their bickering.

Tony crossed his arms, "Well, Genius. This is where I need help. I've only seen him do this. You seem to know what a Khrele is, so now it's your turn. You help now." Tony stood up and pointed at Soli. "Go. Be a Doctor."

The Doctor rubbed his mouth. "Alright. Soli. Point at the dummy, just there. You should be able to shoot the electricity out, just like you did at me."

Soler pointed at the dummy. His hands continued to glow and the energy didn't move.

Tony groaned, "Turn him off, Bruce."

Bruce pushed the button and the boy's hands returned to normal.

Tony asked, "Have you seen a Khrele actually shoot someone?"

"I was shot by one. Just a week ago. You might remember." He looked back at Soli and smiled, "Pepper kissed me."

Bruce looked shocked. "Pepper what?"

Tony dramatically dropped his head. "It was CPR. Freak."

Bruce nodded his head. "Hell, I'd count it."

Tony pointed at Bruce warningly. "Damn it. Ugh! Can't tell you about that, man. Shut up, John!"

The Doctor was enjoying annoying his friend. "Alright. Change the subject."

Tony ran both of his hands though his hair and sighed. "Maybe he needs to….throw it or something."

The Doctor looked around and picked up the basketball. "Soli. Throw this to me."

He bounced the ball to him. Soli caught it and threw it back to him. The Doctor smiled and holding the ball told the boy, "Alright. Now, throw the ball, without holding the ball."

Soler looked confused, "What?"

"Just, pretend the ball of energy is the basketball. Imagine yourself throwing it at the dummy. See if that will do it."

Soler nodded.

"Turn him on again, Bruce." Tony asked.

Soler took a deep breath and pulled the energy out of the lights overhead. He rolled the energy into a ball and threw it at the dummy. The dummy caught fire and fell over.

"Oh yes!" Tony exclaimed.

"That's it!" The Doctor smiled.

Bruce turned off the circuit. "And he's off again."

One of the shop robots rolled over and shot the dummy with a fire extinguisher.

Tony held out his hand, "How about that? I thought I was the only one he shot with that damn fire extinguisher."

The Doctor laughed.

Tony knelt in front of Soler. "That's great. How does that feel? It doesn't hurt you or anything, does it?"

Soli shook his head, "No."

The Doctor rubbed his chin, "If he was to shoot at metal, or water, it could come back and electrocute him. That might be what happened. He overloaded himself because he can't control it yet."

Tony, still kneeling in front of Soli. "That's true. Huh. Sparky, you don't remember what happened before you woke up in the hospital? Why were you there?"

Soler shrugged his shoulders. "Tony, I really don't know."

The Doctor nodded, "Ah, it might be for the best. I'm trying to remember about Khreles. When they absorb energy, it's like they….tank up. You know, like a car with petrol."

Tony smiled at Soler and whispered, "Petrol. John talks funny. We call that gas."

Soler laughed.

The Doctor didn't notice and continued, "His eyes will begin to glow. The ones I've seen are usually white. Sometimes, yellow. Huh." He remembered the Bad Wolf's eyes glowing yellow.

Tony smiled at Soler and playfully tickled him. "How about that? You probably will need some sunglasses."

Soler laughed.

The Doctor looked around the room and took a light bulb out of a lamp on Tony's desk. He handed it to Soler and helped him put his fingertips on the connectors. "Turn him back on, Bruce."

Bruce pressed the button, "He's on."

The Doctor told the little boy, "Alright. Move the energy into the bulb. Gently. You don't want to push too much in it or it will break."

Slowly, the light he held in his fingertips blinked and then glowed brightly. Tony put his hands on his hips and laughed, "How about that? He's like Fester Addams."

Bruce laughed, "And he's off again. You two are crazy. I can't remember laughing this much."

Soli handed the Doctor the bulb, "That's really neat, John."

The Doctor smiled at him. "When you learn to control it more, you will be able to use your fist as a torch. The electricity will just ….glow there in your hand. It could be useful."

Tony crossed his arms and smiled, "How about that, Sparky?"

The Doctor suddenly remembered something. "OH! I just remembered! Khrele's can…..ummm….it's like….ummm…."

Tony held his hands out, "What?"

"It's like he can phase, but it's because he's moving so fast. His body will absorb a lot of energy, and he will be able to move extremely quick, someplace."

Tony raised his eyebrows. "Now, that's fucking cool. Really?"

Bruce crossed his arms, "You're saying he can travel at the speed of light?"

The Doctor nodded, "Yes. Electricity travels at the speed of light, which is 186,000 miles per second. This is because electricity is electromagnetic radiation just like light. Electricity is the flow of electrons through a conducting wire such as copper and aluminum. But, he doesn't need that. He conducts it himself, so he can….just….appear here and there. In a blink of an eye. I saw a Khrele do that in a battle once. He carried messages between the units."

Tony nodded, "Wow. Do you understand this, kid?"

Soler shook his head. "Not really."

Tony smiled. "I'll help you. It's alright."

The Doctor's bracelet lit up. "I'm sorry, I need to go. Bruce, want me to take you back?"

"If you don't mind, John."

Tony put his hand on Soli's head. "We'll keep working here on this. Thank you for your help."

Bruce grabbed his jacket and stood up. "Sure thing. Hey, thanks for the help with my little problem today. I have a lot to work on now, in a house that isn't going to fall in on my head."

He got even with Soler and offered him his hand, "It was a pleasure, sir. Until next time."

Soler shook his hand. "Thank you, Bruce."

The Doctor nodded, "We're getting together tonight at Lance and Lewis' new flat. Want to join us?"

Tony shook his head. "Nah. I need to be here for a bit. But, I'll catch up with you guys later."

The Doctor smiled, "Sure. See you tomorrow, Soli?"

Soler smiled up at him, "Yes! I have to work on my maths, tomorrow."

Tony looked down at him, "Maths? What?"

"I'm learning maths. And it's confusing, Tony."

Tony smiled, "I can help you with that. There's nothing to it."

The Doctor waved at Soli as him and Bruce disappeared together.

Tony turned to Soler and smiled, "Alright. Want to practice some more then?"

Soler smiled, "Sure!"

"Right. We need music. Jarvis, turn on some music for us. Something, for Soli."

"Yes, sir." Jarvis replied. 'Soul Man' by Sam & Dave started playing loudly. Tony put his hands on his hips and nodded. "That's not bad. What do you think, Soul Man?"

Soler smiled.

XxxxXxxxxxXxxxxxxxx

Legate walked with Jane through the island home. She looked around in awe. "This is so beautiful."

Legate nodded to her. "Yes. Lance is training now. But he won't mind you popping in."

She stopped walking and put her hand on Legate's arm. "Maybe, I shouldn't bother him. He's -"

"It will be fine. Trust me. I've known him a long time. He's like a….fifth father to me." Legate laughed.

Jane relaxed and smiled. "Five fathers, huh? I bet you don't get away with anything then."

Legate laughed. "Oh…it depends what it is. Anyway, it's up to you. He really won't mind."

"He's busy….I don't know."

He stood in front of her and rose his eyebrows, smiling. "Well? Completely up to you."

She bit her lip. "Alright. Take me to him."

Legate nodded. "Yes, ma'am. I am your servant."

He offered her his arm and escorted her through the home.

They walked through the stone entryway and then into the wide stone hallway. Legate pointed at the bare walls. "I told John just this morning that they need some pictures in here."

Jane giggled, "Thank you, Legate. Legate. I love that name. What's it from?"

Legate stopped at a wooden door. "A very old family name."

He opened the door for her and they stepped inside.

The room had floor to ceiling windows and the view of the ocean was breathtaking. The windows were opened and the breeze blew in. Several treadmills and work-out machines lined one wall. A boxing ring sat to the side of the room.

A group of the Quauhtin were gathered around one area, and had not noticed they had stepped in. They were so engrossed in a bet that their raised voices of their playful argument had created an atmosphere of fun. Varro stood with Adriano, shaking his head. "Nah. Bassiano can do more than Lance!"

Logan stood with his arms crossed next to a young boy who looked almost just like him. It was clearly his younger brother. "Jim. What do you think? You've been around Lance."

Jim, a young man aged 13 years, laughed. "I think they are both mad. I wouldn't do it."

Legate bit his lip and told Jane quietly. "Oh, this is good. We made it just in time."

"I don't want to-"

"Nah, it's fine. Come here."

Legate took Jane's hand and led her over to where they all stood. Lance and Bassiano stood under two metal bars, both with their eyes closed, facing one another.

Lance was smiling. "Whatever. Let's just do it. I have Genie. You have Tony."

Lance knelt down and Genie climbed on his back. He didn't open his eyes. "Alright. Hold tight. Ready?"

Genie laughed and wrapped her arms around Lance tightly. "Go!"

Lance rose his hand above his head to feel for the bar. Bassiano had Tony Tyler climb on his back and he stood under the bar.

"It's just above you, mate!" Tony helped Bassiano.

"Thanks, buddy. You're my eyes through this."

Tony laughed. "This is brilliant!"

The room counted and on three, without opening their eyes, they had to jump to catch the bar with both hands. Lance got it on the first try and started doing pull-ups with Genie on his back, laughing. "Go, Lance!"

He began to count as he pulled himself up.

Bassiano took three attempts before he was able to get the bar in his hands. He was already behind Lance by eight by then.

Tony laughed, "He's going to kick your ass, Bassiano."

"You're on my team, Tony Tyler!" Bassiano reminded him. "And don't swear!"

Legate moved where they could see better. He pointed at Jane and the other men waved at her. Legate put his finger over his lips to tell them not tell Lance she was there.

"Lance. Maybe you should disable your opponent." Varro suggested.

Lance had already reached 28 pull-ups. He was covered in sweat. He laughed under his breath. "I should."

Bassiano continued to pull himself up. "Whatever man, do your worst."

Lance laughed. "Nah. He will disable himself."

Genie continued to cheer him on. "Come on, Lance!"

Tony Tyler was enjoying himself, "Is that all you have, Bassiano? Come on, man!"

Just as he said that, Bassiano couldn't pull himself up anymore. "18. I'm spent."

Lance did one more and jumped down. He opened his eyes and someone helped Genie off of his back. He laughed and pointed at Tony Tyler. "Tony, tell Poltious that I beat Bassiano today in training."

Tony laughed. "I will. I'm going to ring him, now!"

Bassiano laughed and held his hands out, "Tony! You were on my team!"

Tony pointed up at him. "And we lost. But, good try, mate. I mean…it's Lance!"

Bassiano rolled his eyes. "Well, he has a point."

He shook Lance's hand, "Well done."

Lance smiled, "You, too."

Legate looked at Jane. "Ummm… right. Lance. Someone to see you."

He looked surprised, "Jane?"

Logan handed Lance a towel.

She smiled at him. "I was dropping off some pictures for Rose, and I asked if you were here."

He smiled. "I'm glad you did."

Legate pointed to the door. "I need to go..ring…Poltious. Jane. A pleasure."

She smiled, "Thank you, Legate."

Tony grabbed Legate's hand. "Let's go!"

Legate laughed, "Excuse us."

Tony and Legate left the room.

Genie took Lance's hand. "Lance. You did great!"

He bent his arm and Genie climbed into his arms. He kissed her cheek. "So, did you. Oh….so strong." He held her in his arms and pointed to Jane. "Do you know Jane?"

Genie smiled, "Yes. She took our photo."

Jane smiled at her, "Hello again, Genie."

"Hello. Did you see Lance doing his training?" Genie asked.

Jane smiled, "I did. I saw you cheer him on. I think that's the reason he did so well."

Genie looked back at Lance's face and smiled.

Lance kissed Genie's forehead. "And Grand is here. How about that?"

Genie giggled. "She's making dinner tonight. Daddy will be making her cross with his complaining. Will you join us, Jane?"

Jane smiled, "Thank you, Genie. I'm a firm….maybe."

Lance nodded. "Maybe. Alright. Thank you for your help, Genie. Go to Grand." Genie hugged his neck tightly before he sat her down. She ran out of the room.

Lance put his hands on his hips and took a deep breath. "She's gotten heavier. Ice cream is working."

Jane looked back at the door Genie had disappeared through. "She might just be growing. Children do that."

He smiled at her. "You are right. So. Dropping off photos, huh? What else are you doing tonight?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "Well, I wondered if you might be off duty?"

He shook his head. "The sort of….bodyguard I am, I'm never off duty."

She looked confused. "What sort is that?"

He ran his hand through his hair. "Well, I'm thinking you might need something to eat. Being here with John and Rose would be…ummm…."

She smiled, "What?"

"Awkward. So, what if…..we….me and you…went to dinner? I'll be your bodyguard for a few hours."

She smiled and nodded her head. "Smooth line, Lance."

He shook his head. "Sorry, it's been a while."

She smiled warmly. "You're doing fine. Yes. Dinner. Yes. I would really like that."

Lance smiled. "Alright. My place is just down the hall. Umm…Let me get cleaned up, and I'll be ready. Shall we?"

He opened the door and they walked down the hallway together.

"So, you actually live in the house?"

He nodded, "Yes. Lewis and I have flat, just here." He opened another door to their flat.

Jane walked in and immediately saw a large sitting room with three grey sofas and a dark grey rug on the floor. Modern looking lights hung down above the sofas and illuminated the room. Windows lined one of the walls. Palm trees and the ocean could be seen clearly.

"Lance, this is stunning."

He chuckled, "It's home."

The walls were white and it had the immediate feel of a place that hadn't been used much, or a bachelors' flat. There wasn't anything on the walls and four footballs sat in the corner. A small cot sat in front of one of the sofas. The floor was stone like the hallway they had just walked down.

"Kitchen is just through here." Lance showed her. They walked through a doorway to a small kitchen. She sat down at the other side of the bar as Lance reached into the fridge. "Water? Tea?"

She smiled, "I'm fine."

Lance smiled back at her and became lost looking at her.

The door opened and Lewis walked in. "Lance! So, how bad did you beat Bassiano? I need to make these Trials tough you know."

Lance smiled and called from the kitchen, "It was fair. Don't worry."

Lewis walked into the kitchen and looked surprised to see Jane sitting there. "Oh! Hi."

She smiled, "Hello again, Lewis. I'm sorry to just…be in your flat."

He shook his head. "No. It's fine. You're most welcome. Tea? I'm going to make myself a cup. It's no trouble."

She smiled, "In that case."

He smiled and walked into the kitchen. He poured water into the kettle.

Lance pat himself with the towel, "Lewis. Jane and I are going to step out for dinner."

Lewis smiled and tried not to look too pleased while he made tea. "Good."

"Well, if you need help with Arles-"

"I have John. Don't worry. We'll be fine."

Lance sighed. "Okay. Umm…just call me if you need me. We shouldn't be long."

He looked back at Jane, "Keep him out for a while. He needs to get out more."

Jane smiled, "I'll see what I can do, Lewis."

Lewis laughed, "Good."

Lance finished his bottle of water. "Lewis, do you mind keeping Jane company while I go get-"

Lewis shook his head. "I don't mind. Go on then."

"You're alright?"

Lewis groaned. "I can make tea, Lance."

Lance smiled and pat his shoulder. He said something in Quauthin and looked back at Jane. "I'll be quick."

Jane smiled and said quietly. "I'll keep Lewis company."

Lewis smiled, "Lovely company while I make tea."

Lance nodded and stepped out of the room.

Lewis wore a t-shirt and a pair of football shorts. He was barefoot.

Jane asked, "So, you play football?"

Lewis nodded, "Yes. We all do. We can count it towards our training. We have to train everyday, at least once."

She nodded, "All of you are bodyguards?"

Lewis poured her a cup. "Yes."

"Thank you, Lewis. So, Lance has done chin-ups today-"

He sipped his tea, "And ran around the island, I think he had several matches with Logan, too. He's helping with his training."

She sipped her tea. "So, he's busy. Should I ask what you have done?"

Lewis smiled and shook his head. "I've walked around. That's the limit of my training for now."

She looked confused.

"I was in an accident, and…. I'm still recovering. Arles is…gosh, nearly a month old. So, nearly a month ago."

"Lewis. I apologize. I didn't mean-"

He shook his head and smiled. "It's alright. So, where are you and Lance off to?"

She smiled, "I really don't know. I was going to ask him to dinner." She bit her lip. "I have thought about it all day, and finally decided to just….go for it. And I think he ended up asking me."

Lewis smiled proudly, "He is really a great guy. I'm his brother, though. I'm a bit…."

"Bias?"

"That's the word. Yes. English is strange isn't it?"

"Yes, it is. That's odd you say that."

He sipped his tea. "Why?"

"Lance spoke something else before he left. What language was that?"

"Umm….a language we grew up speaking."

She smiled, "He said you were born at the same time. Twins?"

Lewis sighed, "John says it's called, 'Quads'."

"Hang on? Four?"

Lewis ran his hand through his hair. "I probably shouldn't have told you that. Well, you'd find out anyway. Yes. There are two more. Luce and Licis. They are bodyguards, too. But, not here."

She sat down her tea. "Hang on. You and Lance are one of four?"

Lewis nodded. "Yes."

She sat back at sipped her tea. "Your poor mother."

Lewis laughed under his breath. "No one has ever said that about it before."

Someone knocked at the door. Lewis yelled, "Yeah. It's open, John."

The Doctor walked in carrying Arles. "And this guy is ready for his Papa. Oh, hi Jane."

She pointed at him, "How did you know that was him?"

Lewis smiled and sipped his tea, "It's the way he knocks."

She shook her head, "Hello, Doctor Smith-"

"No, John. Just John."

Lewis took Arles and kissed his face. "And guess what Uncle Lance is doing?"

"What?"

"He's getting ready to take Jane to dinner." Lewis told the Doctor.

The Doctor smiled, "Really?"

Jane sipped her tea. "He's already warned me that you two, live to embarrass him. So, I'm hesitant to believe a lot of what you say. Just so you know."

The Doctor laughed, "Fair enough. You know Jane, I don't know a lot about you."

She sat down her tea. "Then, ask me."

"Where are you from?"

She smiled, "Venezuela."

Lewis looked confused, "Where?"

The Doctor helped, "It's in South America. Officially it's called, 'Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela'-"

Jane shook her head, "No one calls it that."

The Doctor nodded, "The territory now known as Venezuela was colonized by Spain in 1522 amid resistance from indigenous peoples. In 1811, it became one of the first Spanish-American colonies to declare independence, which was not securely established until 1821, when Venezuela was a department of the federal republic of Gran Colombia. It gained full independence as a separate country in 1830."

Jane looked surprised and held out her hand, "Hang on. No one knows that. I didn't know that. What are you, some sort of…."

Lewis held Arles and bounced, "History nerd."

"I prefer enthusiast." The Doctor insisted, "How did you end up in…where do you even live?"

She laughed, "Yeah, that popping around makes it hard to tell. London. I moved there to attend school."

"School?"

"I didn't finish. I was studying English. Seemed like the place to do it. But, I fell in love with photography and took a few pictures that I was able to sell."

"To who?"

She smiled, "Don't worry, John. It wasn't what you are worried about. I took photos of this…dog in a park. I asked the owner's permission and I just…felt like I had something really good, you know? I asked the owner to sign a release for the image and it's used on dog food tins now."

The Doctor chuckled and looked back at Lewis. "Dog food tins."

"Hey. Laugh if you want. The royalties from that has let me open a studio. I had to go through all sorts of…background checks and such, but finally got permission to be in the President's Grand Balls when she has them. They only allow three photographers, so it was an honor. But, wow. So much paperwork."

The Doctor nodded, clearly impressed.

Lance walked into the room, smelling of cologne and wearing jeans and an oxford shirt. He stopped as soon as he saw the Doctor standing next to Jane. "Oh great. Don't believe anything they say, Jane."

She laughed and sat down her tea. "I've already told them I wouldn't, so I didn't get any embarrassing stories."

He chuckled. "Good."

"Although, I'm curious."

He nodded, "Yes."

"Lewis has never heard of Venezuela. Have you?"

Lance looked up at the Doctor. His face slowly broke into a smile and he nodded, "Yes….that's in….South…..America, right? Where your brother lives."

She smiled, "Yes. Lewis, how have you never heard of Venezuela?"

Lewis shook his head. "I have. I just….thought you said something else. Don't worry about it."

The Doctor leaned against the cabinet and crossed his arms. "Abandoning your primary charge-"

"You know I'm not, John."

"When his mother-in-law is cooking! I thought you really cared, Lance." The Doctor shook his head.

Lewis teased, "He's going to face a Panel after this."

The Doctor nodded. "Yes! Good idea."

Lance closed his eyes and shook his head. "You are so dramatic, John. Jackie Tyler's cooking isn't going to kill you."

He pointed at him, "You don't know that. But, I don't blame you for running away from dinner with this lovely lady. Especially, considering the alternative."

Jane smiled, "Well, thank you, John. I promise not to keep him out too long."

Lewis shook his head. "No! Keep him out. Remember what we talked about."

She smiled, "Yes. Sorry."

The Doctor smiled and looked back at Lewis who asked, "Where do you think you might go?"

Lance shook his head. "I have no idea. Hmm…."

The Doctor chuckled and rose his eyebrows. Lance pointed at him, "Oh! That's a good suggestion, John. Yes."

Jane was confused, "What? He didn't say anything."

Lance grit his teeth. "Ummm….."

The Doctor explained. "He's just known me a long time. He knows what I'm thinking."

Jane nodded, "Oh. Okay. Well, we're off then. Good evening."

They walked out of the door together. The Doctor sat down and looked back at Lewis. "So, how are you with this?"

"Really beginning to see why Summus had that rule. What a headache this could be. He needs to make sure he's honest with her. And so far, we're off to a rather poor start. Does she know-"

"No. Nothing. Jack says she's alright with it, but…I'm really asking how you are."

Lewis looked confused, "Fine?"

"Your brother just walked out of here with a beautiful woman-"

"He needs to walk out of here with a beautiful woman!"

The Doctor groaned and shook his head. "And she's gorgeous. How in the hell-"

"Lance is a good looking guy, John. We all are. Family trait." Lewis winked at Arles.

The Doctor pointed at the door, "What should we do about this?"

"I'm not going to do anything. Is she even human? Can they be that…."

"Beautiful? Oh wow. Yes. And she's human. Completely."

Lewis teased, "Going to tell Rose you said that."

"Rose would agree with me!"

Lewis shook his head. "We should really do something about this. I don't know. I want him happy, but….and if they start shagging, he's moving back to his own flat!"

The Doctor groaned. "So, we're not talking about it-"

"Hell no, we're not. Damn, lucky ass man."

He looked back at him, "How are you? Really."

"I'm fine, John. I had some phasing problems this morning, but-"

He crossed his arms, "Problems. Tell me."

He groaned, "I took a shower and phased without meaning to. I popped all over the place for about two minutes. I wasn't able to stop."

"That's actually good news."

"I almost wish it wouldn't come back if I have to deal with learning to use it again. Tony's phase in my bracelet works good enough to walk through stuff."

"But you are recovering. Give this time."

"What if it continues to do that? I've heard of Quauthin going mad because of it. After this morning, I can see why."

"We'll remove the organ if it doesn't improve. But, we need to give it time first. Lewis, that is really encouraging."

Lewis groaned and looked down at his sleeping son. "Time. Wait. Oh, I hate this."

"How are you doing with training?"

"I tried to run this morning. Made it to the cliff and had to stop. My legs are telling me about it, especially that one that just doesn't seem like it's ever going to get better."

"Sleep, Lewis. It really will help."

Lewis sighed and nodded his head. "Sleep. Rest. Time. Anymore words of….horror you want to speak?"

The Doctor crossed his arms and thought, "Got it. Want to come to dinner? Jackie is cooking."

Lewis laughed and swore in Quauhtin.

XXXXXXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx