Love Triumphant
VCTF- Like the Phoenix
Chapter XVIII
John was feeling a bit dizzy. This method of transportation took some getting used to. Not to mention the fact that they barely had time to land on what Cole informed him was Olympus before Patty and Victor were directing them towards another earthly location. Cole's mother -in-law explained she had left them right before they had taken on Jack because she got a call from Zeus saying he had some instructions for her. He had wanted her to help Victor and Angel explain the true circumstances behind Sam's kidnapping and the equally unusual story of her rescue. The king of the Greek gods also wanted Patty to escort everyone to what appeared to be a mess hall on an abandoned military base.
Grant smiled when he saw Bailey, Grace, Angel, George, and Chloe sitting at a table looking completely bewildered. The Halliwell's friend Darryl was there as well. John wondered how the normally unflappable Bailey had reacted when Patty first told him of the whole supernatural scenario. Sam seemed to be taking it all in stride. John was glad that she didn't seem to have any lingering psychological effects from her captivity. Whatever healing power Leo had wielded had done the trick. Sam raced forward and pulled her teenaged daughter into a tight embrace. Then she gleefully dolled out hugs and kisses to her old friends.
Bailey shook John's hand and said, "good work John, good work!" Grace hugged him and said, "see I told you miracles exist!" George patted him on the back and said "thank you for bringing Sam back to us." "Well as I explained to Sam, I had more than a little help," John told the former members of the VCTF. He motioned for his new -found family and friends to join the group. Once again he heard sounds of astonishment as a whole new group of people saw he and Cole together for the first time.
"So do you want the total scoop on our boy Grant here?" Grace asked Cole and the Halliwells. "Sure," Phoebe answered enthusiastically. "I for one would like to know every last detail about my new brother-in-law." "Don't believe a word she tells you, Phoebe," John said groaning. "Now would I say anything bad about you John?" Grace asked with a wink.
Everyone took seats around a huge table. George sat on John's left side. "Leave it to you to go on a mission to rescue Sam only to end up discovering three new quite beautiful women in the process," he teased. "Two of them are married," John informed him. "One to my brother, as you've already heard. I may have a reputation as a playboy John said defensively, "but I even I draw the line at adultery. "Hey buddy, relax I was only teasing," George countered.
"And what about the third sister? Prue is it?" Bailey chimed in from John's right side. She isn't married! I bring that up because I've noticed the two of you shooting glances at each other when you think the other one isn't looking."
"I can't believe, I've actually missed this abuse," John sighed pinching his nose. "If she is looking at me, it is only because she's imagining what I'd look like boiling in a pot of oil, although I've been assured they are not the type of witches that actually do that type of thing. If I was interested and I am not confirming that I am, I doubt Prue Halliwell would give me a chance. From the little time I've spent with her over the past few hours and what I've been able to pick up from Cole and her sisters, she is a very independent lady and she most likely would prefer to keep it that way.
"Ah so you are interested," Bailey nodded. "Bailey have you gone deaf since we last saw each other? I said I wasn't confirming that I was." "You don't have to John my boy. The fact that you were intrigued enough to start closely observing her actions and interactions clued me in. Not to mention the fact that you are actually talking about the independent nature of her personality instead of her body measurements. That in itself speaks volumes."
"Hey I get paid to observe people who are involved in cases I am involved in just like you do. And I resent your implying that I am that superficial." Bailey and George smirked. John lowered his head to the table. "Alright you win. I'll give you that in the past I may have provided you with evidence to the contrary on that issue, but could you give me a break? It's been an extremely long, trying day, and I'm sleep deprived," John sighed. "Okay we will back off for now but as soon as you've recovered from your excellent adventure this interrogation will begin again," Bailey informed him jokingly. John didn't doubt it. "For now let's just enjoy the fact that we have Sam back safe," he said aloud.
They weren't given much time, however, as they were soon interrupted by the arrival of some very important dignitaries namely a whole host of gods and goddesses lead by a distinguished smiling older man who was introduced by his grandson Evander as Zeus. Apparently the surprises weren't over yet.
Zeus gratefully accepted the applause and introduced the surrounding court. Cole appeared behind John when a couple named Erin and Morrigan were introduced. "Those are our grandparents, a couple of thousand years removed," he whispered to John. Morrigan is the queen of the gods and goddesses of Ere, which by the way is known as Ireland today and Erin is its god of love. John nearly joked on the glass of water he'd been given by a waitress who had appeared out of nowhere. "Impressive but a little hard to swallow isn't it," Cole joked as he patted his brother helpfully on the back.
Zeus continued. "Once again I promise you that I will make this short and sweet. First I would like to welcome our new friends and family members. Second of all I would like to make you an offer and let me reassure you it is just that an offer and not a demand. You are free to accept or decline it according to your own free wills. It is the privilege of the Olympians and its closest allies to help the Light protect human kind. I have studied your personal histories and know that all of you have exhibited extreme intelligence and bravery in your human law enforcement capacities. I would like you all to join our team. There are a few of you who are immortals by birth even though some of you don't know it yet, and as to the others I have been given the power to make you immortal as well.
If you all agree, you will form the center of our team that deals with crime and evil in its human form. You will also work closely with our demon fighting division which will be headed by my granddaughter Prue and my grandson-in-law, Cole. Together you will be part of an agency known to this universe as "The Olympian Security Agency!" We will also have a companion Spiritual Center, which will train you and other lost descendants how to use magical gifts. It will also help you learn of the rich historical heritage of our race of beings, as well as offering our assembled community cultural enrichment. Patty Halliwell will be the president of our little university.
The agency itself will be based here on earth. We are currently on a former army base in Northern California. This will be our site. As for your personal lives, you will be free to live a relatively normal life here on earth should you choose with your families, or you can take them and come live on Olympus or in Ere with the rest of us.
If you choose to do that you will also have a private home set up here on the base to bring any outside parties to whom you don't wish to reveal your double lives so to speak. Since you all will have the power to orb at will transportation between work and home won't be a problem. You will also receive a fair salary in U.S. dollars. We Olympians are quite the crafts people, if you remember your mythology," he said chuckling. Our art -work has been selling well for thousands of years and we can afford to be generous. I realize this will be a major life changing decision for all of you and I will give you ample time to think about it. In the meantime please enjoy our hospitality.
Now if you will indulge me for just a few moments more, I have a few surprises to spring and then you will be encouraged to partake in food, drink, and festivities, or if you would prefer to go take a much deserved private nap," Zeus joked. Then he asked Piper to join him up front. John and the rest watched as the middle Halliwell sister made her way to Zeus.
Her grandfather handed her a large key. "Thank you grandfather, but what is this for?" she asked. "Why my dear it is the key to this building, your new club. I realize the ambience isn't much but that can be changed in an instant. He snapped his fingers and suddenly the room appeared like a nightclub. "It is P3" Piper exclaimed. "Or you can redecorate it, however, you choose, that is if you would do me the honor of accepting it as my gift. I mean after all we can't be all work and no play. Our team is going to need a good place to rest, relax, recuperate, and simply have a good time now aren't they?" Zeus asked. "Oh yes grandfather, I accept gratefully." She kissed him on the cheek and then returned to her seat. Her husband and sisters patted her on the back as she wiped away tears.
Zeus cleared his throat. "And now I have one final surprise. Dr. Samantha Waters and Chloe Waters could you please step forward. John noted Sam and Chloe were a bit befuddled that the king of the Greek gods was inviting them to his side but they both regained their composure quickly and walked up to stand beside Zeus. "You have been through a tremendous ordeal not just in the past few days but through out your lives. I cannot erase all that has happened to you even though I wish it was in my power to do so.
I did some quick research, however, and discovered some very interesting information. This data will allow me to return something or should I say someone very precious who was taken from you. You see I found this very interesting fellow was working as a white lighter just like our own Leo. Apparently this fellow didn't care much for his former bosses, the Elder's tactics either. He had put in an application to join us already. He would have notified you himself earlier but he wanted you to have a chance to lead a regular life here on earth. He hopes you will forgive him for that. At any rate the time for your reunion is long overdue. "Young man will you please join us," Zeus commanded. Sam cried out for joy and Chloe burst into delighted tears as Tom Waters stepped out from behind a curtain.
John wiped away his own tears. Sam had her husband back and Chloe had her father. This was as it should be. Sam had once confessed to him that even though she cared for Coop deeply and mourned his death when it happened, it was always Tom's memory that stayed in her mind. Tom was her one true love and John was glad that her happiness was now assured. That was all that mattered in the end. John looked at Bailey and knew that Malone was doing his best to accept this outcome with as much grace as possible.
Zeus concluded his remarks by saying that all of the agencies potential staff and supervisors would be given three weeks personal leave before the agency officially opened for business. Then he clapped his hands, the lighting changed to a more intimate level, the music arose, and food and drink service began in full. A succulent meal was placed in front of him, yet even though he was starving, John didn't dive right in. His mind was in overload. There was so much he had to think about.
VCTF- Like the Phoenix
Chapter XVIII
John was feeling a bit dizzy. This method of transportation took some getting used to. Not to mention the fact that they barely had time to land on what Cole informed him was Olympus before Patty and Victor were directing them towards another earthly location. Cole's mother -in-law explained she had left them right before they had taken on Jack because she got a call from Zeus saying he had some instructions for her. He had wanted her to help Victor and Angel explain the true circumstances behind Sam's kidnapping and the equally unusual story of her rescue. The king of the Greek gods also wanted Patty to escort everyone to what appeared to be a mess hall on an abandoned military base.
Grant smiled when he saw Bailey, Grace, Angel, George, and Chloe sitting at a table looking completely bewildered. The Halliwell's friend Darryl was there as well. John wondered how the normally unflappable Bailey had reacted when Patty first told him of the whole supernatural scenario. Sam seemed to be taking it all in stride. John was glad that she didn't seem to have any lingering psychological effects from her captivity. Whatever healing power Leo had wielded had done the trick. Sam raced forward and pulled her teenaged daughter into a tight embrace. Then she gleefully dolled out hugs and kisses to her old friends.
Bailey shook John's hand and said, "good work John, good work!" Grace hugged him and said, "see I told you miracles exist!" George patted him on the back and said "thank you for bringing Sam back to us." "Well as I explained to Sam, I had more than a little help," John told the former members of the VCTF. He motioned for his new -found family and friends to join the group. Once again he heard sounds of astonishment as a whole new group of people saw he and Cole together for the first time.
"So do you want the total scoop on our boy Grant here?" Grace asked Cole and the Halliwells. "Sure," Phoebe answered enthusiastically. "I for one would like to know every last detail about my new brother-in-law." "Don't believe a word she tells you, Phoebe," John said groaning. "Now would I say anything bad about you John?" Grace asked with a wink.
Everyone took seats around a huge table. George sat on John's left side. "Leave it to you to go on a mission to rescue Sam only to end up discovering three new quite beautiful women in the process," he teased. "Two of them are married," John informed him. "One to my brother, as you've already heard. I may have a reputation as a playboy John said defensively, "but I even I draw the line at adultery. "Hey buddy, relax I was only teasing," George countered.
"And what about the third sister? Prue is it?" Bailey chimed in from John's right side. She isn't married! I bring that up because I've noticed the two of you shooting glances at each other when you think the other one isn't looking."
"I can't believe, I've actually missed this abuse," John sighed pinching his nose. "If she is looking at me, it is only because she's imagining what I'd look like boiling in a pot of oil, although I've been assured they are not the type of witches that actually do that type of thing. If I was interested and I am not confirming that I am, I doubt Prue Halliwell would give me a chance. From the little time I've spent with her over the past few hours and what I've been able to pick up from Cole and her sisters, she is a very independent lady and she most likely would prefer to keep it that way.
"Ah so you are interested," Bailey nodded. "Bailey have you gone deaf since we last saw each other? I said I wasn't confirming that I was." "You don't have to John my boy. The fact that you were intrigued enough to start closely observing her actions and interactions clued me in. Not to mention the fact that you are actually talking about the independent nature of her personality instead of her body measurements. That in itself speaks volumes."
"Hey I get paid to observe people who are involved in cases I am involved in just like you do. And I resent your implying that I am that superficial." Bailey and George smirked. John lowered his head to the table. "Alright you win. I'll give you that in the past I may have provided you with evidence to the contrary on that issue, but could you give me a break? It's been an extremely long, trying day, and I'm sleep deprived," John sighed. "Okay we will back off for now but as soon as you've recovered from your excellent adventure this interrogation will begin again," Bailey informed him jokingly. John didn't doubt it. "For now let's just enjoy the fact that we have Sam back safe," he said aloud.
They weren't given much time, however, as they were soon interrupted by the arrival of some very important dignitaries namely a whole host of gods and goddesses lead by a distinguished smiling older man who was introduced by his grandson Evander as Zeus. Apparently the surprises weren't over yet.
Zeus gratefully accepted the applause and introduced the surrounding court. Cole appeared behind John when a couple named Erin and Morrigan were introduced. "Those are our grandparents, a couple of thousand years removed," he whispered to John. Morrigan is the queen of the gods and goddesses of Ere, which by the way is known as Ireland today and Erin is its god of love. John nearly joked on the glass of water he'd been given by a waitress who had appeared out of nowhere. "Impressive but a little hard to swallow isn't it," Cole joked as he patted his brother helpfully on the back.
Zeus continued. "Once again I promise you that I will make this short and sweet. First I would like to welcome our new friends and family members. Second of all I would like to make you an offer and let me reassure you it is just that an offer and not a demand. You are free to accept or decline it according to your own free wills. It is the privilege of the Olympians and its closest allies to help the Light protect human kind. I have studied your personal histories and know that all of you have exhibited extreme intelligence and bravery in your human law enforcement capacities. I would like you all to join our team. There are a few of you who are immortals by birth even though some of you don't know it yet, and as to the others I have been given the power to make you immortal as well.
If you all agree, you will form the center of our team that deals with crime and evil in its human form. You will also work closely with our demon fighting division which will be headed by my granddaughter Prue and my grandson-in-law, Cole. Together you will be part of an agency known to this universe as "The Olympian Security Agency!" We will also have a companion Spiritual Center, which will train you and other lost descendants how to use magical gifts. It will also help you learn of the rich historical heritage of our race of beings, as well as offering our assembled community cultural enrichment. Patty Halliwell will be the president of our little university.
The agency itself will be based here on earth. We are currently on a former army base in Northern California. This will be our site. As for your personal lives, you will be free to live a relatively normal life here on earth should you choose with your families, or you can take them and come live on Olympus or in Ere with the rest of us.
If you choose to do that you will also have a private home set up here on the base to bring any outside parties to whom you don't wish to reveal your double lives so to speak. Since you all will have the power to orb at will transportation between work and home won't be a problem. You will also receive a fair salary in U.S. dollars. We Olympians are quite the crafts people, if you remember your mythology," he said chuckling. Our art -work has been selling well for thousands of years and we can afford to be generous. I realize this will be a major life changing decision for all of you and I will give you ample time to think about it. In the meantime please enjoy our hospitality.
Now if you will indulge me for just a few moments more, I have a few surprises to spring and then you will be encouraged to partake in food, drink, and festivities, or if you would prefer to go take a much deserved private nap," Zeus joked. Then he asked Piper to join him up front. John and the rest watched as the middle Halliwell sister made her way to Zeus.
Her grandfather handed her a large key. "Thank you grandfather, but what is this for?" she asked. "Why my dear it is the key to this building, your new club. I realize the ambience isn't much but that can be changed in an instant. He snapped his fingers and suddenly the room appeared like a nightclub. "It is P3" Piper exclaimed. "Or you can redecorate it, however, you choose, that is if you would do me the honor of accepting it as my gift. I mean after all we can't be all work and no play. Our team is going to need a good place to rest, relax, recuperate, and simply have a good time now aren't they?" Zeus asked. "Oh yes grandfather, I accept gratefully." She kissed him on the cheek and then returned to her seat. Her husband and sisters patted her on the back as she wiped away tears.
Zeus cleared his throat. "And now I have one final surprise. Dr. Samantha Waters and Chloe Waters could you please step forward. John noted Sam and Chloe were a bit befuddled that the king of the Greek gods was inviting them to his side but they both regained their composure quickly and walked up to stand beside Zeus. "You have been through a tremendous ordeal not just in the past few days but through out your lives. I cannot erase all that has happened to you even though I wish it was in my power to do so.
I did some quick research, however, and discovered some very interesting information. This data will allow me to return something or should I say someone very precious who was taken from you. You see I found this very interesting fellow was working as a white lighter just like our own Leo. Apparently this fellow didn't care much for his former bosses, the Elder's tactics either. He had put in an application to join us already. He would have notified you himself earlier but he wanted you to have a chance to lead a regular life here on earth. He hopes you will forgive him for that. At any rate the time for your reunion is long overdue. "Young man will you please join us," Zeus commanded. Sam cried out for joy and Chloe burst into delighted tears as Tom Waters stepped out from behind a curtain.
John wiped away his own tears. Sam had her husband back and Chloe had her father. This was as it should be. Sam had once confessed to him that even though she cared for Coop deeply and mourned his death when it happened, it was always Tom's memory that stayed in her mind. Tom was her one true love and John was glad that her happiness was now assured. That was all that mattered in the end. John looked at Bailey and knew that Malone was doing his best to accept this outcome with as much grace as possible.
Zeus concluded his remarks by saying that all of the agencies potential staff and supervisors would be given three weeks personal leave before the agency officially opened for business. Then he clapped his hands, the lighting changed to a more intimate level, the music arose, and food and drink service began in full. A succulent meal was placed in front of him, yet even though he was starving, John didn't dive right in. His mind was in overload. There was so much he had to think about.