(Three)

Fallen had led the Professor and Henry back up the ramp of the Lucky Dragon. Scott trailed them, walking slowly to satisfy his curiosity. He was like Henry in that he loved technology and anything new that could be exploited to help their cause. Fallen noted his curiosity and detailed some of the machines she had that he might be interested as they wandered into the Main room.

Seth popped up on the screen almost immediately. "Back so soon, my Fallen?" he asked then paused, startled when he saw she'd brought someone new aboard. "Oh, excuse me. Good morrow." He bowed low in his chair.

"Seth, this is Scott Summers and Professor Xavier."

"Pleased to meet you." Seth bowed again.

"The pleasure is all mine. This is some ship you have," the Professor commented.

"Thanks."

"This is Seth, Kimble's twin."

"I see. Fallen tells me you are unable to join us outside of the ship."

Seth lowered his eyes. "Yes. I'm here. In the ship. I'm part of the computer system," he explained slowly. He rubbed his hands together nervously. "There was an...accident and Kimble was able to come out. I got left behind."

"I don't understand. You got sucked into the computer?" In the Professor's strange life, he'd seen it all.

"No," Fallen answered. "They were both part of the system. Always had been. Neither one of them is organically alive. Kimble was using the hologram program when the --- accident --- happened. Kimble is now a living hologram of sorts. Actually, we're not sure what he is anymore."

"If Kimble's not alive, that could explain why I was unable to read his mental presence."

Fallen laughed. "Oh, I assure you, Kimble is very much alive in every way that counts---and a handful. He's very precocious and inquisitive."

The Professor recalled Kimble's display of power in her defense. "I'm sure he is."

"Kimble and I spoke at length, Professor," Henry said, interrupting them. "I believe it may be possible to retrieve Seth from the system as well. Hopefully with less painful consequences." Henry briefly explained the nature of the 'accident' and how Fallen had been injured. "Kimble told me what would be required to create another Siskan hologram. If we find those elements --- and I think we can, given enough time. I fail to see why Seth can't be liberated as well."

"You can do this?" Fallen asked Henry quietly, hope filling her eyes.

"Yes. I believe so. As I told Kimble, I would attempt it just for the challenge."

"There's too many codes that have to be rewritten," Seth said, his disappointment obvious. "Kimble has all the main files. They can't be copied from his...his brain or whatever he has. His hard drive, I guess you would call it."

"We'll rewrite them," Henry promised.

"Do you have any idea how long that would take?"

Henry smiled. "You've got anything better to do?"

Fallen turned to the Professor. "Pardon my rudeness, but may we please stay with you so we can attempt this? It would mean so very much to me."

The Professor could see in her mind the depth of her love for Seth. "Of course. You may stay as long as you like."

"My ship and my crew will be at your service. I have many useful technologies---"

The Professor raised his hand with a laugh. "We'll discuss this later. Why don't you settle in and join us later for supper. I look forward to hearing of your many adventures."

"I don't have the words to thank you."

He smiled. "It's hardly necessary. You have returned my people to me. They are more precious to me than anything else you could have offered."

He patted Henry on his big blue arm. "You have been sorely missed, my friend."

"I am glad to be home."

"May I speak with you privately, Henry? A lot has been going on while you were away."

"Yes. You can follow me to Med Lab. I need to take a look at two of the Clansmen. As much as your invitation to dinner sounds, I'll have to take a pass. I won't leave those men untreated, no matter how incorrigible they may have been." Henry turned to Fallen. "I'll leave you in the good hands of the Professor here. I'll see you later, after you've settled in a bit."

She smiled at him. "Take your time. I'm not going anywhere."