The Red Dragon Ranger

by DragonRiderNinja

The Red Dragon Ranger must follow his teams arch enimey back in time to protect his team and the Ranger teams of the past, to stop his enimey from enslaving mankind, and to find The Gold Dragon Gem and ultimately find out who he is please Read & Review

53. Chapter 52 The Sacred Trust

A few weeks later after eyeing the buffalo herd over the edge of the hill Logan, Kimberly, and Tommy drew back. "That…was amazing," Tommy muttered, looking at Logan from his side.

"Took my breath away when I first saw it," Logan admitted with a nod. "Now are you two sure about this?" he asked, them again.

"Logan you had your Dances With Wolves moment we want ours," Kimberly protested facing him.

"And besides the Cheyenne need this, and you know it, and you can't do it alone," Tommy put in.

After a second Logan nodded and they drew down toward their waiting mounts. "Just don't fall off your horse Tommy," Logan said, swinging onto Wildfire and Tommy slipped onto his white horse.

"Hey I've gotten better," Tommy said, shooting him a grin and they turned their mounts toward the rise.

"Well keep close to me and keep to the edge," Logan instructed one last time. "And be careful the last thing we need is you gored by a bull."

Coming over the rise the three urged their mounts into a gallop with cries of excitement and the herd took flight. With them in fast pursuit Logan looked under his arm holding his loaded bow glad to see Tommy keeping close. As Tommy drew close his horses head bobbing as it ran full out its main whipping in the slipstream.

He watched as Tommy released the reins of his horse, raised his bow drawing back the string and fired. The bull's legs crumpled underneath it and fell skidding to the ground. With a smile on his face he turned to look at Logan as he raised his bow giving several whoops and cries of triumph for his friends as he looked over as Kimberly downed one herself. And the only real parents he had.

After they each downed a couple more they pulled their mounts to a stop watching the herd move on. Breathing hard Tommy and Logan faced Kimberly. "Kim why don't you get the pack horse with the travois. Well get to work here," Tommy said, and nodding she turned Flicka and galloped back the way they came. "Well let's get to it," and the pair dismounted drew their knives as they neared the great fallen animals.

Over an hour they cleaned and dressed the fallen animals. Loading the wrapped meat and other needed parts onto the travois. Later hands and parts of their clothes covered in buffalo blood, offal, and bits of hair Logan was just finishing on one when he paused. Eyes on the horizon.

Seeing him pause the other two turned to follow his gaze seeing what had drawn his attention. A line of dust rise over the hill. "Maybe its dog soldiers," Kimberly put in.

"Or it could be the herd itself," Tommy said.

Saying nothing Logan looked from one to the other before looking forward again. And his heart sank as the line of cavalrymen came over the line. The three watched in dread as the line of soldiers turned toward them.

Drawing close to each other the three stood back to back as they watched the cavalrymen circled them weapons drawn and cocked but not leveled. As Logan eyed one hard sneering face after the other a cocky sergeant with a prominent mustache urged his horse forward. "What business do you have here?" he demanded, of them.

Looking at him out of the corner of his eye Logan answered, "Isn't it obvious? We're hunting."

For a second the men sneered at them then eyed the still fallen buffalo. "Why so many for just the three of you?"

"We plan to give some to family and sell the rest in town," Kimberly answered which was partially true.

For a second the man eyed them before looking at the half full travois. "You know what I think," he said, looking back at them. "I think you're lying…" he sneered. "I think you're planning to give all this to those red savages!" and he drew his pistol. "We're confiscating these in the name of the US Government!"

"You can't do that!" Tommy snapped stepping forward and both Logan and Kim threw arms out to stop him as weapons were leveled on them. "We just want to give them some food for god sake!"

"Don't waste your breath," Logan muttered, before glaring up at the sergeant. "He'd have to have a heart to understand," and the sergeant cocked his pistol. After eyeing the man for a second Logan moved toward the travois. "Well we'll just leave this and the rest to you…" and he raised his knife to cut the travois free. "But be sure to cook the meat well…hate to see you get food poisoning."

"I don't believe I said, anything about cleaning them," the Sargent said, smugly and Logan froze the knife edge hovering an inch from the cord. "After all why should we get our uniforms dirty you three were doing so well," and the soldiers snickered. "So why don't you finish what you started…under our supervision."

The hand holding the knife shook with his rage as he whipped around barking, "LIKE HELL…" before he paused eyes wide in amazement Kimberly and Tommy already staring in open mouthed wonder.

Frowning the sergeant looked from one shocked face t the next. "What the devil are you…" he stated turning in his saddle to follow their gaze and froze.

There standing right behind them was the herd of buffalo eyes on the soldiers as more and more came over the ridgeline encircling the group. As some rather large bulls pawed the ground shaking their menacing horns. Just as the cavalryman was surrounded Logan felt a powerful presence.

Then directly behind the sergeant at the very back of the herd the animals began to part like the red sea as something large and white moved forward. As it drew near the two biggest bulls stepped to either side reveling a white bull nearly twice their size with fiery red eyes.

For a second the spirit eyed the soldier before declaring in a booming voice causing the soldier's horses to spook and they tried to rein them in, "YOU DO NOT BELONG HERE! GO!"

For a shaky minute the cavalrymen were silent as they eyed the spirit shaking in their boots. "Sergeant," and the man turned his pale fearful eyes back on Logan who bore a cocky grin. "I suggest you do as he says, he's not one to give a second warning. Usually he gores people…"

Letting the statement hang the three watched the soldiers with Tommy being the only one not grinning. For a few second the men still tried to control their spooked mounts before one by one they turned and rode through a gap the buffalo. After watching his men desert him the sergeant looked from Running Ghost, to where his men had disappeared back the three of them and with a deep scowl on his face rode after his men like the hounds of hades was after him.

"Running Ghost…," Logan and Kimberly muttered, when he was gone before dropping down to one knee. Kimberly pulled Tommy down next to her as he remained rooted in a stunned silence. "You honor us with your appearance again," Logan said, nervously.

For a second the spirit eyed them. "ANOTHER ONE…" he muttered, as his eyes fell on Tommy. Before any of them could reply he turned his gaze at the fallen buffalo. "WE THANK YOU FOR HONORING THEM, NOW BE TRUE TO YOUR MISSION TO THE TWI LEGGED," and Running Ghost turned back to them. "BUT REMEMBER YOUR TIME IN THIS PLACE GROWS SHORT…" the spirit continued as the herd turned and moved on a Running Ghost started to fade. "…ALSO I LIKE NAME…WHITE SOARING FALCON…" and with those last words Running Ghost vanished like a wisp of smoke.

When he was gone Logan relaxed with a sigh as he slowly rose to his full height. Looking over he eyed Kimberly as she also stood and both looked at Tommy who stood rooted where he kneeled. "What just happened?" he asked, looking up at them.

Laughing lightly Logan helped him up. "We'll explain but right now we have to get back to work. A lot of people are waiting for these things."

The next morning after the three had dropped off the buffalo meat and everything else the Cheyenne could use they made for the homestead. "I still don't see why we had to… collect their brains," Tommy was saying as he slipped from his mount.

"Best was to preserve the hides," Logan answered. "And it's safer and cleaner then tanning," and after letting their mounts go ascended the steps.

"Well I hope…" Kimberly started as they opened the door seeing the kids at the table for breakfast and Mike turned from the stove. Pan in hand.

"Hope what Dancing Heron?" she asked, smiling at them.

At once Logan and Kimberly put on smiles. "That the Cheyenne put the buffalo parts we delivered yesterday to good use," she said, and they moved toward the table.

"Maybe she's gotten better," Logan muttered, in an undertone as they sat down at the end. At once she shot him a look. "Okay I'm trying to convince myself more than you…" he admitted before sitting.

"Is there something I should know?" Tommy asked, starting to sound nervous.

"You read it Colleen," Brian said, saving Logan and Kimberly from delicately explaining.

Looking over at Colleen as she held up a business card they neglected to see when they had come in. "'Dr. Michaela Quinn M.D.'" Colleen Started.

"What does M.D. mean?" Brian asked, interrupting.

"Well it stand for the Latin 'Medicinae Doctor,'" Michaela answered laying the bowl of eggs on the table along with some newly baked biscuits. "Doctor of Medicine," she clarified for the boy.

"'General Surgeon Colorodo Springs'" Colleen finished. "They misspelled Colorado," she muttered, handing the card to Mathew.

"I'll say," Logan muttered. "I always thought Colorado was spelled with a, A not an extra O," and he spooned out eggs.

"So I noticed," Mike said, taking her seat. "And it took four months to get them printed and mailed from Boston and I can't wait for a new order. There are people out there who need a doctor and just won't come into town," she said, as she Logan handed him her plate. "And since the mountain won't come to Muhammad…"

"Who's Muhammad?" Brian asked, interrupting her.

"Well he was a very wise man. And he knew that there were some things in life that you just have to do weather you want to or not…" Medicine Woman started.

"He was more than that," Logan interrupted and everyone looked at him. "He was considered the last prophet of God and founded the faith of Islam," he explained.

"What's Islam?" Brian asked, frowning.

Biting his lip Logan thought of the best way to answer before he picked up two forks. "It's like this Brian say this is Christianity…" and he held up one. "And this is Islam…" and he held up the other. "Virtually the same and coming from the same source but with small differences," and he laid the silverware back down.

"Like what?" Colleen asked, interest spiked.

Logan shrugged. "Well if you follow the dean like women having the right to vote, education, pick who they marry, and few other things. In fact one of the first woman doctors in history was a Muslim…" he said, and few blinked. "I believe her name was Al-Aslamia," and he picked up his fork as both Tommy and Kimberly eyed him.

"You see you learn something new every day," Mike said, giving Brian an affectionate nudge.

At a hiss Logan looked over to where Mathew had tried to pick up a biscuit and it fell to the floor as his hand jerked from being burned. "It's alright he'll get it," Mathew said, gesturing with his thumb as Pup sprinted forward. At a whimper they all looked again and saw the pup hesitate before backing away from the biscuit.

"Or not," Logan muttered, trying not to grimace before looking back at the overcooked eggs on his plate. "I think mine's ogling me," he muttered, into Kimberly's ear after leaning close.

"The eggs any better?" Dr. Mike asked, hopeful.

"You just got to take 'em off the fryer a little early," Colleen said, lightly holding up her hand thumb close to her finger.

"I like 'em chewy," Brian said, trying to please his mother.

After grinning at the boy Logan looked at Tommy as he took a bite from his eggs. And acquired a look that he was chewing rubber instead.

"Would you like me to make you some oatmeal?" Medicine Woman offered starting to stand.

"NO!" everyone but Brian barked out of reflex and she paused.

"…thanks," Colleen muttered, softly as Mike eased back into the chair.

"Ah biscuits are fine," Mathew offered and he took another one along with Mike.

After Mathew passed him one Logan watched as Mike took up her knife and started to cut into hers. When it didn't go in as easy as she hoped she applied a little more pressure and with a scrape and a jerk the knife shot forward the biscuit speared on the end. At once laughter rang through the house as she waved it about before joining in the merf Michaela freed her knife by whacking it against her plate shattering the biscuit.

"Well you're definitely getting better," Logan said, laughing and she looked at him. "Your last batch would have come apart!" and everyone laughed lauder.

Later after breakfast Logan, Tommy, and Kimberly walked out with Mike. "Now I know why those two got nervous when we saw you cooked," Tommy was saying to her and in good hummer Mike shook her head.

Looking over at them she frowned at the serious look growing on Logan's face. "White Falcon…what's wrong?" she asked, concerned and Kim and Tommy looked at him.

Motioning for them to be quiet he motioned them close. "The children still inside?" he asked.

Frowning in confusion Medicine Woman nodded. "Yes of course," she said.

"Then whose milking the dame cow?" he asked, jabbing his thumb at the barn. "Just listen," he muttered, at the confused looks on their faces.

Frowning the three listened carefully. Then their eyes widened when they heard the sound of milk going into the pail.

"Mike you and Kim go through the front, Tommy and I will circle around," he said, quietly and quickly. "Tommy I hope you can imitate the tiger in more than looks," Logan said, as he and Tommy circled to the back of the barn.

For a couple seconds they waited then they heard mike exclaim, "What are you doing?" Silently opening the door Logan waited for Tommy to enter before he did drawing his knife.

Moving forward they saw a man on the stool holding a pistol on Mike and Kimberly. "Step inside the barn ladies and close the door," he instructed.

Moving fast Tommy moved around the cow and the man jerked the gun at him. The next thing he knew Logan was behind him jerking his gun arm away and placing the edge at his throat.

"DROP IT!" Logan snapped and the man dropped the pistol.

"I'm just borrowing me some milk and I'll be on my way," the man said, in a shaky voice glancing down at the blade at his throat.

"Don't you mean take or steal?" Tommy asked, moving forward taking the gun. "After all you can't return it," and Logan lowered the knife.

"And I'd be happy to give you as much mike as you want," Medicine Woman said, as Logan sheathed the blade and Tommy took out the bullets. Then all turned to look at a basket set carefully on nearby at the sound of the baby inside crying and coughing.

"Please don't touch him," the man said, getting between them and the child dropping to one knee as they moved forward.

"How long has he had that cough?" Mike asked, as the baby coughed again.

"Just a couple days."

"Where's his mom?" Kimberly asked.

"He looks Indian," Mike said, taking the golden hue of his skin and black hair.

"She died," the man answered them and the baby cried again.

"Please he doesn't sound well let me take a look at him," Dr. Mike said, stepping forward. For a second the man looked at them before he nodded.

At once Mike moved forward and started to examine him. "This child is very sick," she muttered, in fear after pressing her hand to his forehead.

"He's just hungry that's all," the man said, starting to draw the basket away.

"No he's got a fever," Mike countered stopping him and continued to examine the baby. "If I don't do something he could die."

"Ma'am you don't know what you're talking about," the man said, lightly pushing her hands aside with a wave of his.

"Actually she does," Logan said, and the man looked at him. "She's a doctor and a dame good one at that," and the man looked from him before her again.

After a seconds hesitation he moved back and with caring hands Michaela reached down and gently lifted the baby out of the basket and into her arms.

A short while later after Mike and Kimberly took the baby into the house. While Logan and Tommy were still in the barn with the man as he brushed his horse down.

Idly Logan sat on a bale of his foot propped up next to him while he sharpened his knife. Not far off with the man's pistol tucked into his belt Tommy leaned on the wall by the door arms crossed. Every now and then the man nervously shot each of them a glance.

Just as Logan was testing the edge of his knife the door opened and both Mike and Kimberly walked in. "we bathed him gave him quinine and his fever's gone down," Medicine Woman said, moving close to the man as Logan and Tommy moved close to Kim. "He's going to be just fine," and the man let loose an audible sigh of relief as he lowered his anxious gaze nodding.

After a couple seconds of silence he said, "Ma'am I want to apologize for drawing my gun on you," and he looked at her. "I'm not proud to steal."

"Then why do it," Tommy asked, stepping forward.

For a few seconds silence rang in the room as they waited for his answer. But he just continued to brush his horse down. At his silence Logan and Tommy shared a glance.

"Apology accepted," Mike said, after a couple seconds and the man relaxed. "The baby is going to need some rest. He'll need time for the medicine to work you can stay up here in the barn," and she gestured to loft over them where Mathew slept.

"That's very kind of you ma'am," he said, lowering his gaze biting his lip. "I got a job starting up in Pueblo."

"Is that where you're from?" Michaela asked, while the three shared a glance.

"No…no I'm from Arkansas."

"Seen time in the war?" Logan asked, and the man's glaze answered the question.

"After the war I did some cowboying in Texas for some years. Then headed west looking for gold."

"You find any?" Kimberly asked, crossing her arm as she leaned against the post. He shook his head.

Smiling Medicine Woman nodding. "Well you'll have to stay at least three days Mr. McCall. I'm sure he'll be fine by then."

"Ma'am I'm afraid I don't have much money," he said, nervously.

"That's okay I'm not asking for any," Mike said, with a light shake of her head.

For a second McCall blinked before he smiled. "Much obliged."

After a brief silence Mike continued, "I need to go out for a while Colleen will look out for…," and turning to follow they also paused at the frown on her face. "…what did you say your boy's name was?" she asked, looking at back at McCall.

Frowning at the question Logan looked back at the man as well. "Well I ain't got around to naming him yet," the man admitted.

Logan blinked at this. "How old is he?"

McCall licked his lips. "A few months."

"And you haven't named him yet?" Kimberly said, blinking.

Again McCall shrugged.

Once the group was outside Logan, Tommy, and Kimberly conversed. "What do you think?"

"I like him," Tommy put in. Kim and Logan shared a glance. "What…? A person like him is rare in this day and age where they can love and have a mix raced child."

"Exactly," Logan said, and Kimberly nodded. "Where we come from it's no big deal it's considered normal. But here in this time it's practically considered blasphemy in all but words. With people thinking like that how often do you think that guy could get a job? Let alone a place to live."

For a second Tommy looked from one to the other. "You're kidding right?" he asked.

Solemnly they shook their heads. "Tommy… racism and bigotry is as common in this time as apples in an apple orchard," she said, and they saw the realization in his eyes.

"And yet they just fought a war to make men, women, and children free," he muttered.

"Irony abounds," Logan muttered. Slowly he looked over at Michaela as she came out with her bag dressed for a day of work. "Okay White Ranger, what's the plan for today?" Logan asked, folding his arms across his chest. "Or do you prefer Soaring Falcon these days?" he added on a half grin on his face.

Tommy grinned back. "Dancing Heron you go with Mike while she does her rounds to the people out of the town. White Falcon and I will go with Sully to the reservation. We'll meet you in town later," and both Kimberly and Logan nodded.

Moving toward the horses Tommy looked at Logan. "How did you know so much about Islam?" he asked.

At once taking up Wildfire's reins Logan paused mind working fast. "One of my friends…back in New Hampshire, Jake… he's Muslim. He told me many things about the faith…and I attended a couple…masses you could call them," he explained.

"What's he like?" Kimberly asked, looking over in interest.

After a moments quick chain of thoughts Logan answered, "sturdy, solid as a rock actually. He like the the faith believes you should judge a person by their deeds not by what or who they are or their beliefs. He's kind of the brainy of the bunch because at the heart of Islam is to seek knowledge."

Frowning the pair looked at each other. "Do you ever wonder if things would be different if this country was founded by Muslims? Do you think things would be different back home?" Tommy asked, looking back at him.

"The thought did cross my mind."

For a second the pair looked at him. "You respect the belief?" Kimberly asked, in slight wonder.

Turning toward her he shrugged. "It's a bit more open minded about some things then Christianity and Judaism so yeah I do, greatly."

"Then why don't you follow it?" Tommy asked.

For a second Logan was silent. "Because of my father I still wouldn't be welcomed," he said, simply. "Organized religion has a very, very, bigoted opinion about magic and those who use it," and turning his back to them ended the discussion.

As they mounted up Logan said, to him, "You seem to be spending a lot of time at the reservation."

Looking over from his white mount Tommy shrugged. "I can't explain it I just feel at home among the Cheyenne," he answered and rode out.

And yet you know why that is, Red Dragon commented.

Yeah…he's a Lost Bird, Logan thought as he turned Wildfire and cantered after him.

A little while later Kim and Medicine Woman rode across the prairie to the first people that she had decided to check on. Coming to them Kimberly eyed the gruff unclean settlers outside their tent. From their shabby cloths to their unwashed faces. Rubbing her upper lip Kim tried to ignore their Body Oder.

"I know it's often…difficult to find the time to visit a Physician. So I'm riding out to farms and ranches in the country to introduce myself and to inform you that I am available if you require medical attention," Dr. Mike said, handing them her card. "I'm living in Mr. Sully's old homestead."

"You a real doctor?" one asked, in a bent out of shape bowler hat and a cup of coffee.

"Yes I am," she said, giving them a warm smile. "So do you have any complaints?"

"Misspelled Colorado," the other in a grubby miner's cap said.

With a smirk Kimberly held in a chuckle. "I mean medical complaints?" Mike asked.

"Our old mule's been feeling off lately," the one with the cap said, motioning toward the animal and Kimberly rolled her eyes. "Maybe you ought to take a look."

"I'm not that kind of Doctor."

"Let's see now," the one with the bowler said. "Uncle Eddie is round back of the tent. Now he's been complaining about feeling cold lately. Why don't you take a look at him?"

Giving them another smile Mike moved to in the direction he indicated while Kimberly narrowed her eyes at the snickers from the men. Suddenly Medicine Woman gave a startled gasp and Kim leapt forward. Half drawing her knife she reached her….

"Whoa!" she barked and whipped around turning her back to old man in the chair while the men to the side laughed. Dressed only in his glasses.

Shuffling to the side replacing her knife Kim heard Mike say, "Well, I'm Dr. Quinn," as she edged forward. "How are you feeling?"

"Just fine thank you," Kim heard the old man say as she exhaled deeply.

"No complaints? Not to cold?"

"No."

Glancing over Kimberly and Medicine Woman lock eyes. "Well… you look in fine health," Dr. Mike said, with a light laugh looking back at the man. Before shifting uncomfortably. "May…May I ask you a question?" and Kim heard his ascension. "Why don't you have cloths on?"

"Well I'm seventy three years old. And I figure I can do whatever I dame well please. I don't want to talk anymore, goodbye."

Eyebrows arching at that Kimberly shrugged in understanding. Glancing over she spied Mike take out a card from her bag before moving forward doing her best to advert her eyes. "Here's ah…here's my card," she said, handing over card and quickly retreating.

Back with Kimberly, Mike exhaled deeply as they moved toward their mounts. "So is it just you out here?" Kim asked, as they passed the younger men. Frowning they nodded. "Not even a girl to court?" they shook their heads. "Gee…," Kimberly muttered, smiling at Mike. "I can't imagine why," and the two shared a giggle.

Back in town where Mathew as leant them the wagon waiting to meet up with Logan, Sully, and Tommy. Kimberly and Medicine Woman were in Loren's store getting supplies for their trip to the reservation and Mr. McCall's baby.

"So who's having the baby?" Loren asked, as he cut cloth for diapers.

"The diapers are for a patient whose waiting for a chance to use them right now," Mike said, as she a Kim packed away baby bottles and formula.

"Well I tell yea you know people are going to be talking if they see two…"

"One," Kimberly corrected looking at him. "After all you met Tommy," she said and caught the look in his eye. "And no they're not for me."

"Well when they see a woman buying baby things. Why don't I just wrap them up in paper for yea," Loren continued gesturing toward the roll of brown wrapping paper.

"That's not necessary," Mike said, with a grin.

"And besides," Kimberly said, taking up one of her bags. "People should remember at she gets infant patients as well," and the two walked out.

"Good day," Loren said, with a nod.

"Good day," they replied over their shoulders.

Just as they were nearing the wagon the trio of men rounded the corner. "Hey let us help," Logan said, and each taking a bag loaded it into the wagon.

"Thank you," Dr. Mike said.

"Who's having the baby?" Sully asked, climbing on the wagon catching sight of the baby things.

"They're for a patient," Medicine Woman explained climbing on after him. "He's six months old and he's staying up at the homestead," she continued as the other three mounted their horses and they moved out with Mike giving a shake of the reins. Loren watching from the store.

"Brian's been asking for you," and Sully looked at her. "He wants to show you how much his puppy's grown," and she smiled at him. "Would you like to join us for supper?"

"Sure," Sully answered with a grin.

"He's be a fool not to," Logan muttered, and bumped fists with Kimberly as she rode close.

"Am I missing something?" Tommy asked, in a low tone coming close on his white mount.

A ways out of town on the way back from the Reservation with the three riding beside the wagon Mike kept looking at Sully as he kept his eyes on her. "What?" she asked.

"Nothing," he answered with a shake of his head.

"Tell me."

"Well it's your driving," he said, with a wave of his hand.

"What about my driving," Mike asked, frowning at him while around them Logan, Tommy, and Kimberly watched in amusement.

"You could give the horse a little more rein," he said.

"Are you saying I'm driving to slow?" she asked, frowning.

"No I'm just saying…" sully said pausing to find the right words. Logan and Tommy shared a wink and his conundrum. "Let the horse go at his own pace if you wanted to."

"Well I don't," Mike said, simply.

"Figures," and Mike turned to Sully while a smiling Logan shook his head. "A woman who doesn't like to be told what to do. Knew that the first time I saw you."

"Here, here," Logan and Tommy chimed in agreement.

"When was the first time you saw me?" Mike asked, eyes going back to the road.

"And what was that supposed to mean?" Kimberly demanded, coming close to Tommy and Logan moved away from him.

"You don't remember," Mike said, after looking at Sully again.

Leaning back in the seat at ease arm going behind her Sully answered, "First time I saw yea you were laying face down in the mud."

"Really?" Tommy and Kimberly asked, looking at them.

"I can attest to that," Logan said, raising his hand.

"I forgotten that," Mike said, with a chuckle smiling at the memory.

"You wouldn't talk to me, or White Falcon" Sully continued.

"I didn't know you, either of you," Mike countered.

"You do now," Sully said, with a grin and she grinned back.

Catching up to Logan, Tommy leaned close to whisper, "the only thing we're missing is you having a guitar and singing a love song," Logan gave him a playful shove back.

"We can't push them together. It's got to come naturally," he said, shooting him a look. "Or else," he finished through his teeth nodding back toward Kimberly.

After glancing back Tommy nodded in understanding. "Got it."

For a few seconds the group rode in silence. "It's nice of you to make these trips out to the reservation."

"Well I'm not being nice it's just doing my job," she said, simply though they all could see there was more to it. "It's what a doctor does."

"Not every doctor," Sully said, with a smile.

"Yeah," Kimberly said, coming close with a squeeze of her knees. "Most doctor's wouldn't go near a reservation with a ten foot poll," with Logan and Tommy nod in agreement behind her.

Pulling the wagon to a stop at a side road Michaela glanced down it. "Would you mind if we check on Rubbi Johnson," she said, jabbing her thumb toward the road. "It's out of the way but…"

"I don't mind," Sully said, with a shake of his head.

"Hey when was the last time you saw her in town?" Kimberly asked, as they turned down the road.

"Last Friday like every week," Logan said, as the shack of a cabin came into view bearing awning on one side and a horse paddocked behind it.

As Mike parked the wagon and climbed off with Sully frowning Logan paused as Wildfire shifted beneath him. "What is it?" Kimberly muttered, catching the look on his face. Not answering Logan lightly sniffed the air. "What is it?" Kimberly repeated.

"Can't you smell it?" Logan asked, slipping down.

Frowning Kimberly sniffed. "No," she answer slipping down next to him.

"I can," Tommy said warily, stepping close eyeing going left and right. "Something's dead."

"Not something," Logan muttered, as Mike opened the door calling for Rubbi. "Someone," he finished seeing the body on the floor same time as Sully who took Dr. Mike by the arm to stop her.

Rushing forward with the others following her Medicine Woman knelt down next to the body. After checking for a pulse at both her neck and wrist she let loose a mournful sigh as the others joined her on the floor.

"It was her time," Sully said, sorrowfully.

"So sad that she lived here all alone," Mike said, looking around. "So far away," she continued crossing one arm over the body's chest

"She shouldn't have died alone," Logan said, running his fingers through his hair.

"I just wish there was something I could do for her," Mike said, looking at all of them.

"There is," Kimberly said, and helped her to her feet. "Let's go pick out her prettiest dress," and they moved toward the closet while Logan got a blanket for Sully to cover the body with.

As the three men started to take the body out to the wagon they turned at a startled exclamation. At once Logan and Tommy rushed back in hands on their weapons. But froze at the door.

"What the hell," Logan muttered, eyes wide in surprise as they stared at the closet in front of Kimberly and Mike.

Hiding huddled in a corner was a dirty grimy boy a little older than Brian. He was dressed in shabby clothes and a tangled mess of black hair reached for his shoulders. As he gazed fearfully at all of them he tried desperately to shrink further and further into the closet.

"Kimberly, Mike," Logan said, and they looked at him. "We'll be outside," he said, and turning ushered Sully and Tommy away from the door.

"You think they can get him out?" Tommy asked, still shaken by what he saw.

"If anybody can," Logan said, looking back at the shack. "They can."

Later after Kimberly and Medicine Woman talked the boy out of the corner and outside. After taking him back to town they took him to the clinic.

"Just sit right up here," Dr. Mike said, to the boy with a smile as she boosted him up on the examination table while the others including Brian and Colleen gathered around. As she slipped on her stethoscope the boy fidgeted away. "Don't worry it won't hurt you. This lets me listen to your heart," she explained and gently adjusting the collar of his shirt and she gently pressed it over his heart. "Sounds pretty good in there," and she looked up at him. "Would you like to hear?" she asked, offering the ear pieces to him.

Timidly he watched as she them and slipped then in place before pressing the other end to his chest again. The boy jerked in surprise looking all over for where the sound was coming from. "That's your heart beat," Mike told him in amusement and he looked at her. "It's nice and strong," she reassured him before removing the ear pieces and picked up an instrument to examine his eyes. "Well he can see alright, and hear," she said, after a couple seconds straightening.

"Can he talk?" Sully asked, concerned next to Brian.

"What's your name?" Mike asked, softly leaning close to him. "Can you tell me?"

But the boy remained silent. "I don't think he understands you Dr. Mike," Colleen said, concerned.

"Maybe he speaks Cheyenne," Brian offered.

"Brian," Colleen scolded.

"He understands," Logan said, moving closer.

"Now just open your mouth like this," Mike said, picking up her tongue depressor and made an "agh," sound. Hesitantly the boy opened his mouth and after a couple times where he pushed the depressor away she managed to look inside. "His throats fine," she reported straightening.

"Then what's wrong with him Dr. Mike?" Colleen asked.

"I don't know exactly."

"He just shy, or doesn't have much to say," and he rested a hand on the boy's shoulder. "When the time's right he'll talk."

"Maybe he's just sad about his Ma dying," Brian put in.

"Miss Rubbie was too old to be his mother," Mike said.

"I didn't know Miss Rubbie had any grandchildren.

"She doesn't look like him she couldn't be his grandmother," Tommy said, rubbing his chin.

"I must have been out to the place a dozen times, never saw the boy once," Mike said, when she drew close to Sully.

"Neither did I," Sully admitted.

"And the two of us before Tommy got here mainly saw her in town, and didn't really go to her place," Logan said.

"Besides we found her a little…," Kimberly said, pausing trying to find the right word tipping her hand back and forth.

"Not to mention this boy is dressed in dirty hand-me-downs while see seemed to afford a few nice dresses," Tommy said, as he eyed the boy.

"I still should have gone there sooner," Mike said, crossing her arms looking at the boy. "Who knows how long she was laying there sick he must have been on his own for days."

Looking back at the boy Logan watched as Brian went close to him taking his hand. "Don't worry Dr. Mike is the best doctor there is," he reassured him.

"Now come on," Logan said, lifting the boy from the examination table. "Let's get you back to the homestead and get a few meals in you," and the group walked out.

Outside Logan was calling Wildfire over from the meadow when Kim and Tommy caught the look in his eye. "What's wrong?" Tommy asked, coming close.

"Don't make it obvious, but my six o'clock, five o'clock, nine o'clock, and ten o'clock," he muttered, back.

After a seconds pause the pair acting like they were in a conversation they glanced in the directions he indicated. "Olive, Loren, Jake, Hank, and the Reverend?" Kimberly said, surprised after seeing the people watching the group from their porches, windows, or doors. "What's going on?"

"They'd been watching us since we got back to town," Logan said, as they horses came close. "Or more accurately…the boy."

Mounting up Tommy paused in realization. "And they weren't surprised. They knew…they knew about him."

Back at the homestead after dinner as they were cleaning up Mr. McCall his baby in his arms walked around trying to settle him. "My Ma owned the boarding house in town," Colleen was explaining as she helped clear the table.

"I bet that's where you learned to cook so well," McCall said, coming close as he kept trying to settle his son. "And I bet she's a good one," he commented nodded toward Mike as she walked by with plates.

"Except for her biscuits," Michaela said, eyeing the wide eyed babe.

From one corner Logan, Tommy, and Kimberly sat with the boy as he watched everyone. Smiling McCall glanced over. "Not many people take in the children strangers and raise 'em as their own," he said, looking back down at his baby. "It's a right fine thing you've done ma'am." Smiling he brought his baby's face close. "You going to go to sleep?" he asked, the wide awake baby. "There's only one way to get him to go to sleep when he's like this. Would you hold him?" and he gently held out the baby to Mike.

"Oh sure," she said, quickly taking him.

Shifting to his feet Logan as they watched Mike take a seat in the rocking chair and picking up the guitar he brought McCall sat down next to her. "I used to sing for him on the trial," he said, and plucked a few strings. "I guess he got used to it," he said, smiling as the baby turned his head to look at him.

"Hush, little cowboy no reason to cry
Your papa will sing you a sweet lullaby
Go to sleep cowboy no reason to fear
Cause all through the night I'll be here

I'll round up the moon for your pillow
A blanket of stars for your bed
I'll round up a dream of tomorrow
To ride toward the good times ahead

The coyote is singin' this day to an end
The rockin' horse trail waits around the next bend
So go to sleep cowboy your papa is here
And all through the night I'll be here

Loving you, holding you ever so dear
And all through the night I'll be here
Yes all through the night I'll be here."

With a soft relaxing sigh watched as he sang with Mike finishing with him the baby falling fast asleep with the last notes. Looking around he saw Brian also asleep in Sully's arms while Mathew held Colleen close as she leaned on him a peaceful smile on her face. Glancing back a he blinked in surprise to see the boy sleep where he had been sitting on the floor using Kimberly's knees as a pillow.

"Well…at least he's got some peace now," Tommy said, looking at him as Kimberly gently stroked his hair.

"Yeah…but tomorrow we got a funeral to go to," Logan muttered, back.

The next day after they had walked the boy to the small cemetery in the shadow of the great oak next to the church. Logan eyed the people around them as they shot the boy strange or hard looks. As Medicine Woman put a comforting arm around his shoulders and Logan narrowed his eyes at them before falling on Jake, Loren, and Olive. Who watched with uncomfortable movements for Olive, a set sour look for Loren, and what Logan could only think of as contempt for Jake.

"What a surprise they're all here," Tommy muttered, in his ear.

"Even Hank," Kim whispered when she saw him behind a few other people before moving forward his hair dancing in the wind.

Watching the four of them Logan listened to the Reverends ceriman with a comforting hand on the boy's shoulder. His jaw set when he saw Jake whisper in to Loren's ear nodding toward the boy. After he dropped the dirt into the grave onto Rubbi's coffin with Michaela's help the three followed Mike and Sully after the group while Mathew took Colleen and Brian to the Café.

"Will someone please tell us what's going on?" Mike demeaned as she faced them.

"And don't say nothing! Or play us for fools!" Logan snapped arms crossed. "We all caught you watching us yesterday! And the whispering you were all doing back there!" and he pointed back towards the uncovered grave where the boy still stood looking down into it.

"And Rubbi Johnson lived quite a way out of town," Mike said, shooting Logan soothing look. "I never saw anyone visit her. I never even heard her name mentioned. And yet all of you were there at that funeral."

"We all knew Rubbi," Olive said, after glancing back at him.

"And the boy?" Sully demanded.

"We want answers! And you're going to give them to us!" Kimberly snapped in a low voice stepping forward. "Who is that boy?"

Straightening Olive took a breath like she was about to go off a high dive. After looking at the others she finally spoke, "his name is Zack."

"Was he related to Rubbi?" Tommy asked, hands going to his hips.

"And why does everyone know about this except me?" Mike asked.

"And us?" Logan demanded.

"Not everyone knew just us," Jake said.

"Why all the secrecy?" Dr. Mike asked.

"He wasn't Rubbi's grandchild," Olive said. "The fact is he was no relation at all."

"Well whose child is he?" Sully asked.

At their uncomfortable shifting movements it dawned on Logan. "You don't know," he muttered.

"Yes we do," and they looked at the Reverend. "The woman who gave birth to him…his mother…she worked at the saloon."

"She wasn't a mother," Loren snapped. "She was a whore."

"She was one of Hank's girls?" Kimberly demanded, before looking at the man who gaze was lowered.

"Same as Rubbi was," Jake said.

"That doesn't mean she didn't love him!" Logan snapped. "Until proven otherwise a mother's love is absolute! Did she ever hurt Zack in anyway shape or form?" he demanded, and he eyed each and every one of them. None met his gaze. "I'll take that as a no…did she have a contract?" and he looked at Hank who looked back at the ground. "I'll take that as a yes. And yet you condemn her and call her bad mother because she was forced to work a job she could get away from after he was born?"

"But he still lived in the Saloon until he was five and she took sick and died," Olive said. "That's when he went to live with Rubbi."

"More like hidden away," Logan snapped at them his hands balling into fists so tight his knuckles turned white. "Why was he hidden away in the first place!?"

"Yes why did she hide him? Why didn't anyone ever mention him?" Mike asked.

Again silence fell over the people before them as they looked at each other. "Horace!" Kimberly snapped and they all looked at him.

He shifted a little under their hard gazes. "We made a promise," he finally admitted.

"'a Promise'?" Mike demanded.

"That boy wasn't right," Loren said, and they all looked at him. "That was as plain as day."

"That's not necessarily so," Mike defended.

"Something had to be done so it was done," Loren continued. "Quietly."

"Miss Rubbi was kind enough to take him in," The Reverend put in.

"For how much?" Tommy demanded.

"And what about the child's well fair," Mike asked. "We found him hidden away."

"Now hold on he wasn't hidden," Loren countered.

"Yes he was!" Logan snapped. "He was brushed aside and tucked out of sight just because he didn't fit your standards of normal!" he said, as he stepped forward to look them all in the eye. "And it wasn't done for him! It was done for yours!"

"And we found him in a closet!" Kimberly joined in.

"He hid from strangers because that's what he learned to do living at the saloon," Jake said, slyly.

At once five gazes went to Hank. "Can't hardly conduct business with a kid standing there gawking," he said.

"I see so it was either that or a closet," Mike said.

As Hank held her gaze Kimberly stepped close to him. "Did his mother teach him to hide and not watch?" Kimberly demanded. After a seconds hesitation Hank nodded.

Sighing in relief they all turned to look at Zack as he stood over the grave as the men finished packing the earth over it. Turning Logan locked eyes with Mike before she turned and walked away.

As the group dispersed Logan, Kimberly, and Tommy watched Zack for a moment. "At least now we know she cared for him to protect him as best she could in her situation," Kimberly said, and Logan nodded.

"In the closet he could block out as much as he could. Because he would have been eaten alive if he had went into the Saloon's main room," Logan agreed.

"And the reason why the town treated him the way they did," Tommy said, with a shake of his head. "He's a bastard," and Tommy rested his hand on Logan's shoulder. "Lucky you weren't born in this time or the same thing would have happened to you."

"It's more than that," and they looked at Logan. "At the whole does he remind you of anyone?" he asked, not looking at them.

For a second they were silent then… "Peter…" Kimberly finally said. "You think he could be Autistic?"

"I think it's a strong possibility," and he finally turned to look at them. "Which means he could be in a lot of trouble in this time."

"How?" Tommy asked, then Logan saw realization dawn in his eyes.

"Because they have no idea about Autism in this time…," Logan pointed out.

"They could just toss him into an asylum," Kimberly said, in a low gasp of horror.

"He'll be no different than a caged animal," Tommy muttered. "Complete with chains, shackles, and bars."

Nodding Logan glanced over their shoulder at Olive and Mike who were talking on the bridge. "He doesn't know what's happening. Maybe that's a blessing," he heard Olive say.

"You don't believe that," Medicine Woman protested.

"I saw Charlotte right after she helped that whore give birth. She said, that baby was blue for an awful long time. Now something wasn't right with that boy right from the start. But I could have told her that."

"How did you know?"

"Babies ought this earth out of love, not business."

"But that's not the boy's fault," Mike defended.

"Well that's true but he's the one paying," Olive said, and looked over at Zack. "Ain't he?" and with that Olive walked away.

"Come on let's go," Logan said, turning to walk away after watching her go. "We got to help Sully, Mathew, and Brian clean out Rubbi's place."

"Let's stop by the homestead tomorrow after practice," Kimberly said, as she and Tommy followed him. Leaning close she asked, Tommy in a low whisper, "you think he's taking this personally?"

"He always does when it comes to people mistreating kids, and I understand why," Tommy answered in the same undertone. "Dame I already feel the aches."

A few hours later they loaded the wagon with the last load from the shake Rubbi and Zack had been living in. "she didn't have much," Mathew said, his arms loaded with a box of things as he walked toward the wagon.

"No she didn't," Sully said, from the top of the pile as he and Kimberly tied of the rope holding it in place.

"Found some letters," Mathew said, handing off the box to Kim.

"Good Dr. Mike would want to see them," Sully said, as Kimberly laid the box down on the seat.

"Maybe she can find some family for Zack," Brian put in.

"I doubt it Brian," Logan said, as both he and Tommy came out bearing boxes of items. "Not many people are willing to take in…well," he said, trying to find the best words.

"A child that's not theirs," Tommy finished for him.

"But ma did," Brian said.

"Well your Ma is an exceptional woman," Kimberly said, hopping down with Sully frowning at the two of them.

"Is that all that's bothering you Brian?" Tommy asked, as they dropped down to look the boy in the eye.

"He didn't even cry," Brian finally said, after a second. "We all cried when our ma died."

"Not everybody's the same," Sully said.

"For some people it's hard to show emotion," Logan put in thinking of Peter.

"Did you cry Sully?" the boy asked, looking back at him. "When your wife died."

As the man lowered his gaze Logan and Kim put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Yes," he finally answered in a low soft voice. For a second Brian was still before he enfolded as mush of Sully as he could in his arms with Sully holding him back with an affectionate pats to the back.

"So did I when my father died," Kimberly admitted eyes going soft.

"Mine to," Tommy said, shifting his gaze.

"What about you White Falcon?" Brain looking up at Logan.

Shifting his gaze for a second to think Logan was silent. "As far as I know I never lost a parent," Logan said, looking back at the boy. "But either way I don't think Zack was that close to Rubbi," he said, before looking at Mathew with the last of the things. "That all?" he asked, and Mathew nodded coming out a sheet of paper falling to the ground.

"Okay lets load up and head out," Tommy said, slipping onto his white mount.

"Brain!" they heard Sully call out and looking over they saw Brain looking at the sheet of paper. He then folded it up and tucked it into his back pocket walking over to the door again. "We gotta go Brian," he said, walking over to the boy and knelt down next to him.

"I'm just thinking," Brian said.

"Watcha thinking?"

"What if Dr. Mike hadn't told Ma she's take us," at Brian's words Logan and Tommy looked over at Kimberly as their horses shifted restlessly beneath them.

"she did," Sully said, after a second putting a comforting hand on Brain's shoulder and led the boy back to the wagon closing the door behind them.

That night Logan's mouth water as he stared at the juicy bloody medium rare or rare roast. "Ahhh give me that master piece of culinary delight," he moaned in pleasure raising his plate for it then paused. "Ah after Zack of course," he said, quickly putting his plate down under Kimberly's thorny gaze.

After everyone had been served Mike took her seat at the head the chair at the other end was empty. As they were expecting Sully in a short while. "Zack I made this Roast Beef especially for you tonight," she said, smiling at him.

"Dr. Mike cooks some pretty good Roast Beef," Colleen said, smiling also.

"When Colleen makes it for her that is," Mathew said, and Colleen gave him a playful shove.

As he took his first bite Logan let loose a moan of pleasure as the meat simply melted in his mouth. With the herbs and seasonings perfectly complementing the dish. "Well no matter who does the cookn'. A man could easily quit the trail if for a meal like this," McCall said, while his baby smiled up at him from his basket and Colleen nodded in thanks.

As Logan was cutting another piece he glanced over at Zack as he hadn't touched his silverware. Instead he was watching Brian as he worked his knife. As they watched he slowly picked up his knife and fork and tried to mimic what Brian was doing.

When he could barely get the fork into the meat Logan, Kimberly and Tommy shared a glace. But nobody said, anything.

Quietly Mike climbed to her feet and taking the utensils in hand showed him what to do. "There you are," she said, and retook her seat.

After looking around at all of them Zack slowly reached out and abandoning the utensils picked up a piece of meat with his fingers. As he slowly started to plop it into his mouth there came a knock at the door. After his head spun around to look at it he leapt from the table and in a rush of movement took cover in the other room by Colleen's bed.

Watching as they climbed to their feet Mathew and Logan went to answer the door. While Mike went to where Zack was hiding himself. As she comforted him Sully stepped in pausing when he saw Zack's state.

"See its only Sully," Mike said, "he's a friend of ours and he comes for dinner with Soaring Falcon, White Falcon, and Dancing Heron," she said, as she slowly drew him out into the open and back to the table.

After Sully took his usual spot and passed his plate down Brian offered the rolls to Zack. "Here you can eat these with your hands," he said, kindly.

"And you want to know what makes them really good Zack," Logan said, and the boy looked at him. Picking up his roll he dipped it into some roast beef juice on his plate. "Roast Beef juice," he said, before taking a bite.

After looking at him for a second the boy mimicked what he did. After taking a bite they saw his eyes light up in pleasure before he started to scarf down the roll. While everyone shot him an almost sorrowful look but saying nothing.

The next day Logan, Kimberly, and Tommy were out alone in the prairie so they could practice.

With a series of moans Kim rolled onto her side as Tommy landed beside her after Logan threw him over his shoulder. "White Soaring Falcon suits you Tommy," Logan commented as they sat up to look at him. "You do spend a good time in the air."

"Yeah…and frankly I'm a little tired of it," Tommy said, standing and brushing himself off. "I mean I know Red Dragon is your father….but are we ever going to at least tie you?" and laughing Logan turned his back shaking his head.

"I have a better question," Kimberly said, and Tommy looked at her. "Are you holding back on us?" At once Logan paused before he turned back to her frowning in confusion. "I've been training with you here for the last six months and I've yet to beat you."

"And you've certainly gotten better," Tommy said, nodding in thought.

"But no matter how better I get you still manage to beat me," Kim continued. "So are you holding back?"

For a second Logan was silent as he eyed one then the other. "What do you think?" he asked.

"I think you're avoiding the question," Tommy said, crossing his arms.

After a beat of silence Logan turned back to face them and shifted into a stance open hands held lightly aloft. After a seconds hesitation both Tommy and Kimberly dropped into similar positions.

After a seconds hesitation they both charged him Kimberly slipping behind Tommy. Spinning around Tommy, Logan trapped a punch that Kimberly threw to counter the move. After throwing her to the side he faced Tommy and after blocking a series of strikes trapped his arm between his forearms. Pulling Tommy close he threw a single open hand strike to the base of Tommy's throat.

As he fell like a rock to the ground Logan spun back and ducked and Kimberly soared over him throwing a flying side kick. Standing straight the two circled each other as she eyed Tommy practically motionless on the ground. Charging forward Logan threw a punch that she deflected then countered with a back hand to his face.

Retreating Logan rolled his jaw as he eyed the spark in her eye. Coming forward she threw a kick. In a flash of movement he dropped under the kick and swept her leg out from under her. She landed on her back and before she could do anything Logan was on top of her face hard. Locking out her arm and his knee pressing into her throat cutting off her air

When her eyes started to roll back Logan jerked off her breathing deeply as Tommy patted Kim on the back as she let out a few coughing breaths. "Jesus…you have been holding back," she finally said, after a couple seconds and she looked up at him. "and I think I like it better when we could actually…" she started to say smiled then frowned at a thought. "That…that backhand," and she pointed at him. "You let me hit you didn't you?" at that Tommy frowned and slowly looked up at him.

For a couple seconds Logan was silent before he turned and started to walk away. "What do you think?" he asked, again leaving a stunned silence in his wake.

"Dame…," Tommy muttered. "He not only beat us physically."

"But psyched us out to," Kimberly muttered, as they watched his bring the horses close.

They arrived at the homestead again just as Medicine Woman was taking bacon and eggs off the frying pan while Colleen played with the baby at the table. "Don't worry Colleen cooked," she said, smiling with a shake of her head. "I'm just taking it off the stove top."

The three let out audible sighs of relief. "Don't get us wrong Medicine Woman," Tommy said, when she arched an eyebrow at them. "You are getting better…it's just…not quite edible yet."

For a second there was silence as Tommy fidgeted nervously under her eye. Until finally she smiled. "Don't worry Tommy," she said, laying the plate before Colleen and the baby. "Your friends have been poking fun at my cooking for a while now."

"Well I hope you won't hold that against us," Logan said, with a chuckle as he sat down.

Grinning Mike waved it off. "I think we all know it's pretty true and that I do need lessons in that area."

"Well at least we all know that you'll have a great teacher," Kimberly said, waving her hand at Colleen who smiled.

At the sound of padded footsteps they turn to see Brian with Zack at his side still in his long johns come out from behind the curtain that concealed his and Colleen's beds. "It's about time you got up," Mike said, smiling down at him. "Your brother still sleeping?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Well go wake him and Mr. McCall and tell them that breakfast is ready," and Michaela started to turn back to the table.

"Mr. McCall's gone to town," Brian said, and all eyes turned to him. "He left this for yeah," and he held out a folded heavy piece of paper. "It's a surprise."

As Brian turned to go wake Mathew everyone watched as Mike turned and sat at the table unfolding the letter. "Dear Dr. Quinn," she read aloud. "I hope you can find a good home for my baby. Anything would be better than the life I can give him. Please forgive me for doing this but I don't see any other way. Yours truly, Red McCall," finishing she slowly lowered the note and a stunned silence fell over the room as Mike turned dot look at the baby.

"Isn't Emily back in town visiting her brother?" Kimberly finally asked, in a stunned voice.

Looking back over at her Mike nodded. "Kimberly ride into town and get her," Logan said, climbing to his feet. While Kimberly sprang into action.

"Where are you going?" Tommy asked, following.

"I'm going to see if I can pick up his trail. Then drag him back!" Logan growled stepping outside.

"Logan no!" Tommy said, following him outside taking by the arm before he descended the stairs of the porch. "I know this rubs you raw because of what happened to you but remember we can't interfere! You said, so yourself!" he snapped quietly as Logan whipped around to face him.

Logan listen to him! Please you know we can't interfere with something like this! What if your morpher shocks you while you're doing it and they see it! How are you going to explain that? Red Dragon pleaded.

For a couple seconds Logan was still. Then with a cry of frustration Logan threw his arms in the air.

An hour later they still outside cooling down Logan and Tommy turned at the sound of horses and watched Kimberly ride back with Emily driving a buggy. "Thanks for coming Emily," Logan said, coming down to meet them.

"It's no problem Logan," Emily said, climbing down. "After what happened in town…"

"What happened in town?" Tommy asked.

"A bandit robbed Loren's store this morning while he was getting ready to open," Kimberly explained.

A short while later they were around the table again after breakfast watching as Emily changed the baby. While Pup ate from his dish in the corner and Brian fiddled with his Chinese checkers. Tommy, Logan, and Kimberly were over by Zack as he watched from his hiding spot.

"It's alright it's bound to happen I stuck mine when I was learning," Emily said, as she secured the safety pin to the baby's diaper. Sighing with a grin Mike moved to sit at the end of the table. "There now all dry baby," Emily said, smiling at the baby as she carrying lifted it into her arms.

"Miss Emily did you see that bandit?" Mathew asked, carrying in a bucket of water for the small wash basin for the baby.

"I was asleep but Loren woke the whole town yelling about it," Emily said, shaking her head.

"Practically gave me a headache, but he did make my ears ring," Kimberly muttered, and Logan and Tommy grinned. But still Logan's mind raced with this information.

"Hank's putting a posse together," Emily continued.

"This enough water?" Mathew asked, as he poured water into the basin.

"Yes," Mike answered and he went back outside.

"You need to put him on a schedule. No telling when he's been eating," Emily instructed Mike coming close. "He should take a nap every afternoon and a bath every day," then she turned to face Brian. "Oh and Brian put away those marbles right now," she said, walking over to him. "A baby could choke to death."

"Well at least I know how to do a himlick maneuver on a baby," Kimberly muttered.

"May I hold him?" Colleen asked.

Gently Emily handed the baby over to Colleen. Once in her arms the baby began to cry a little and Colleen started bouncing him soothingly in her arms with soft sounds.

"Hey what should we call him?" Brian asked.

"We can't name this baby," Mike said, and he turned to her. "It's not ours."

"You mean we're not going to keep him?" Brian asked, sounding a little down cast.

"Course not," Mike answered.

Slowly Emily then turned to where Zack peeked out at her. "And who might you be?" she asked with a smile, bending down.

At once Zack shrank back. "His name is Zack," Logan said, putting a comforting hand on the boys shoulder. "He's a little shy and we're trying to let him come out on his own. Now come on we have to get some of these kids to school."

Riding into town Logan, Tommy, and Kimberly rode next to the wagon chatting with Colleen and Brian. As they pulled up to the front of the school house the bell rang and both Brian and Colleen hopped down.

"Bye Dr. Mike!" Colleen said, facing her before taking Brian's hand.

"Have a nice day at school!" she called out to them.

"We will Ma!" Brian called back. "Wish you could come with us Zack!"

"He's going to help me out at the clinic today! That is after we see the Reverend and run a few errands!" Michaela called back in answer.

"Study hard!" Kimberly shouted after them.

"Don't do anything we wouldn't do!" Tommy called out.

"And keep your heads out of the clouds and on your shoulders! Unless you're doing science, reading, and writing!" Logan called out earning a laugh from them.

Turning to Zack smiling. "Speaking of clouds look Zack," she said, sweetly pointing and he turned to look at a patch of clouds drifting across the sky. "Look at those clouds aren't they lovely. White and fluffy. All different shapes."

For a couple seconds the group was silent as they watched the clouds. Looking back at Zack they eyed his usual blank stare. Sighing Medicine Woman picked adjusted her grip on the reins.

"Horses."

With a surprised jerk everyone looked back at Zack in amazement. "What?" mike asked, a little stunned as she leaned close to him.

Slowly Zack looked at her before turning back to the clouds and lightly pointing. "Horses," he repeated in a soft voice.

At that everyone looked back at the clouds. "Indeed they do look like horses," Medicine Woman said, encouragingly then gave a shake of the rein and the wagon started moving again.

Turning their mounts Logan, Tommy, and Kimberly eyed the clouds. "Now that I think about it I do see horses…," Kimberly said.

"Yeah almost like they were coming out of a wave…or running toward us," Tommy said, rubbing his chin.

"Quite majestically I might add," Logan and Wildfire pawed the ground. "But not as majestic as you," he said, as she soothingly rubbed Wildfire's neck who gave a satisfied whinny and shake of his head. "Either way…that boy's got quite the creative mind on his head."

Trotting over to where the Michaela had parked the wagon. Coming over where he was running a hoe along the side of the church clearing it for the flowers planted there. "Well in the town I grew up in the doctor always took care of that," he was saying walking close to the wagon when they got close. "He knew who had room to take a baby or a childless couple looking to adopt."

"But I don't know enough people yet," Michaela objected. "And this child is part Indian."

"Well that might make a difference," The Reverend said.

"It shouldn't," Mike objected again.

"Darn right it shouldn't," Logan said.

"You're right," the Reverend said, trying to sooth them as he leaned on his hoe. "But some people do not have open hearts when it comes to these matters."

"People like Jake you mean," Tommy said, in an undertone.

"But I'll do whatever I can to help," the Reverend said, looking at all of them.

"Thank you," Mike said, taking his hand. "together I'm sure we can find somebody," and at the sound of thundering horses they all turned and saw a large group of riders come into town.

"There's that posse looking for the man who robbed Loren," Reverend said. "They sure could use your tracking skill when they head out there again," he said, looking up at Logan and Kimberly.

"We'll think about it," Logan said, watching as Jake, Loren, and Hank separated from the group to do their own things.

"Oh Dr. Mike," he called out as the group turned to leave. "You know if we fail to find a couple there's an orphanage in Denver where his kind is more than welcome."

"His kind!" Logan snapped whipping around to face the Reverend face hard.

"Orphan I meant orphan!" the reverend said, shakily stepping back under his glare as Logan's face grew harder.

For a second Logan just glared at the man. Then his eyes shifted to Zack who stared at him. With a growl he turned Wildfire around and trotted off.

"What did I say?" the Reverend said, a little puzzled.

"Two things," Kimberly answered leaning forward. "'His kind' and 'Orphan,'" she said. "Logan was an Orphan and a lot of bad things happened to him because of it," and with that she and Tommy turned and rode after him.

Reaching him as he was securing Wildfire outside of Loren's store they slipped from their mounts. "Want to talk about it?" Kim asked, coming close.

"What's there to talk about," Logan said, facing them. "If that baby goes to an orphanage in this time when he grows up he'll be treated like an animal. Maybe even rented out for cheap labor."

"Logan that doesn't always happen," Tommy said, coming close.

"I know," Logan said, looking at him. "But what do you think his chances are especially if he's half Indian," he finished growing quite as Mike drew close with the wagon.

Going inside a woman with her two children going out took a deliberate step away from Zack. Like they were afraid they'd catch something. Shooting them a hard look Logan put an encouraging hand on Zack's shoulder.

"This young man needs some School cloths," Mike declared walking in on Zack's other side.

"Awh he can't go to school he's a simpleton," Loren said, simply as he waved a hand at Zack.

"Says who Loren? You?" Kimberly demanded, facing the man. Hand on the counter. While ignoring him Mike led Zack over to where the clothes part of the store. "Because unless you can make that official diagnosis keep it to yourself," and she went to help pick out clothes for Zack.

"Yes I think this should suit you nicely," Mike said, holding up a jacket for Zack.

"No I say red is more his color," Kimberly put in picking up one and holding it up to him.

"I tell you he can't learn," Loren said, watching them.

"You should know all about that wouldn't you," Logan said, glancing at Loren with a steely glint in his eye. "You ladies got something to say?" he demanded, of a pair of girls a little older than Colleen whispering to themselves as they glanced at Zack and back. "Or are you going to keep acting like a couple of hens and keep clucking all day?"

"And I wouldn't be so sure about that," Mike said, eyeing Logan as the girls walked out of the store.

"Oh you can parade him around all you like. Buy things for him. But the truth is I don't sell what that boy needs," Loren said, after watching them go.

"Do you sell shirts, pants and vests Mr. Bray?" Kimberly asked, gathering up the items. "Do you sell suspenders and jackets though a belt might look better on him," and she turned to look at a couple belts.

"Do you sell writing tablets and chalk?" Medicine Woman asked, taking those items.

"Course I do," Loren admitted. "All of it."

"Then you have exactly what this boy needs," Tommy said, as the girls came close with Zack and he looked at him. "And a stick of black liquorish," he continued offering Zack the candy. "Now rack it up and wrap it up," Tommy said, as Zack took the candy and bit off a piece after smelling it eyes going wide in pleasure.

With the purchases in the wagon they turned and walked toward Jake's. Logan, Tommy, and Kimberly giving themselves a shake like a boxer about to enter the ring.

"Morning Jake," Mike said, as he brushed off a customer he just finished with.

"Morning," he replied then paused when he saw that Zack was with them.

"I see that you're back to do some business before rejoining the posse," Michaela said, leading Zack in. "Well while you're doing them Zack needs a haircut."

"You can say that again," he replied and his customers laughed.

At once Logan, Kimberly and Tommy stepped forward and the laughter quickly died by the looks on their faces. All three noticing Hank there smoking his usual cigar and the only one who remained quiet.

As Mike dug into her purse for the money. "Keep your money," Jake said, turning toward them.

"Free haircuts today?" Mike asked, pausing in surprise.

"I'm busy," Jake said, simply under a tri of hard eyes before turning.

"Then we'll wait," Logan said, leaning against one wall with Tommy while Kimberly and Mike ushered Zack over the bench to wait.

Walking over Jake bent down to look Mike in the eye. "Look people don't want to be around an imbecile," Jake said, slowly.

"I beg your pardon," Mike demanded.

"The only imbecile I see around here is you Jake!" Logan snapped and Jake straightened looking at him. "Because only an imbecile would turn away a paying customer."

"Causing trouble Michaela," Hank said, looking at her.

"Jake can't refuse a paying customer," Mike said.

"It would be a first," Hank said, and Logan eyed Hank.

"It's unprofessional," Mike said.

"Its business 101 to make money by accepting customers," Tommy said.

"And it's also rude," Michaela said.

"Jake's the proprietor here," Hank pointed out. "On the other hand," he continued and Logan's eyes narrowed as Jake looked at him. "gotta look at the kid somebody oughta clean him up," he said, and mouth opening slightly in surprise Logan and Tommy shared a glance while Kimberly blinked and Mike turned to face him more. "I ain't in no hurry," and he nodded to the chair. "He can go next."

After a little encouragement from both Hank and Mike. Zack moved toward the chair and took his seat. "What just happened?" Tommy asked, whispering into Logan's ear.

"I'm not sure," Logan answered after a second as he eyed both Hank and Zack. "But I'm starting to get a suspicion."

As soon as they were done and left Logan, Kimberly, and Tommy head for the clinic. As they mounted the porch they paused when Mike led Zack back toward the meadow.

"Is doing what I think she's doing?" Tommy asked.

"I think so," Kimberly said, and the three of them started to go after them.

"White Falcon! Soaring Falcon! Dancing Heron!" turning they saw Sully come at them.

Biting his lip Logan looked back toward where Mike and Zack were. "Well maybe she'll wait a couple of days," Logan said, hopefully.

A little later the four were just finishing helping Robert E. at the forge when they heard someone call out to them. Turning they saw Brian and Colleen run toward them.

"Zack ran away!" they called out before they could ask.

"What?" what happened?" Logan barked running to meet them while Sully ran for Dr. Mike at the telegraph.

"Some kids were picking on him at school. Calling him an idiot and a bastard," Brian said, explained as they moved to catch up with Sully.

"I guess she didn't decide to wait," Logan muttered, when they met up with Sully and Medicine Woman as she came out of the telegraph.

"What do you mean run away?" she asked, Sully after he told what happened.

"They were teasing him ma," Brian said, to her.

"We had our backs turned for a second and he was gone," Colleen said.

"It's my fault," Olive said, taking Colleen by the shoulders.

"No its mine," Michaela said. "I thought he was ready."

"We'll find him," Sully said, as Logan gave a whistle and Wildfire came bringing Kimberly's and Tommy's.

"I'll help," Robert E. volunteered first.

"Me to the stew can cook its self for a while," Grace volunteered.

"Check the immigrant camp," Sully directed and Robert E. and Grace rushed in the direction of it. "Ah Colleen, Brian you look around the edge of the woods Mathew check the woods behind the church," and the three children sprang into action.

"I'll go with you," Mike offered.

"No you stay here in case he comes back," Logan said, mounting up.

"What's going on," Hank said, behind them and Logan turned Wildfire to face him.

"Zack ran off," Olive said, before anyone else.

"Ran off," Myra said, concerned.

"Mind if I borrow the wagon?" Sully asked, looking at Mike.

"Surely go ahead," mike said, nodding.

"I want to come," Brian piped up.

At Medicine Woman's nod they moved quickly and glancing over his shoulder Logan saw Hank slip onto his horse and ride out.

As they rode out of town the three on horseback pulled up close to the wagon. "Sully I think we're not going to find him anywhere in town," he said.

"I was think the same thing," Sully said.

"He's going to go someplace where he feels safe, a place he knows…," Kimberly said, and they all glanced at each other.

"Rubbi's!" they all barked together and urged the horses faster.

When they reached the old shack they quickly dismounted and climbed off the wagon. Rushing the partially open door Brian reaching it first they opened it. And saw Zack sitting alone in the closet.

"Zack," Brian said, stepping forward. "Everyone's looking for ya," he said.

With half his face in shadow Zack looked at them then went back to what he was doing.

Bending down Sully murmured into Brian's ear, "go see to him, go on," urging him inside while they watched from the door.

Without a word Brian walked over to him slipping off his hat sat down next to him in the closet. "You can draw," Brian said, when he saw what he was doing and Logan, Kimberly and Tommy shared a glance. At the sound of rustling paper they looked back to see Brian pull more drawings out. "Did 'em all didn't ya?" Brian asked. "They're beautiful."

"Neah," said, softly.

"Yes they are," Brian said, trying to encourage him

"id-d-iot," Zack said, and Logan closed his eyes feeling his pain and misery.

"No you're not," Brian said, looking at him. "You got im…im…imagination."

"Great word for it," Kimberly said, and the other two nodded.

"And look at these trees, and the sun, and this lion," Brian said, shifting from one drawing to another. "Betcha you never seen a real lion did yeah?" and Zack shook his head. "And see there," and Brian indicated the drawing Zack had been doing. "This one's sad," and he looked up at Zack again. "You're sad eh?" for a couple second Brian was silent waiting for an answer before he continued. "I was sad to…when I lost my ma. I cried and cried. Even Sully, Soaring Falcon, and Dancing Heron cry when they're sad. You can cry to. If you want."

For a second the two were still in the closet. Then with a flurry of movements Zack seized the drawing and tor them to pieces. After tossing them to the ground Brian pulled him into his arms when Zack wept loudly.

When they were able to get him out of the closet Logan, Kimberly, and Tommy walked inside and looked over the remains of the drawings. "That's amazing," Kimberly gasped picking up the tattered remains of the detailed drawing with the lion as it sat on a rock overlooking the savannah. "That he can draw like this without a lesson," she said, as she eyed the flowing lines of the lion's main to the depth of the savannah in the background.

"Yeah," Logan said, standing and looking out the door. "I think he's more like Peter than we thought."

The next time Mike did her rounds to the surrounding farms and ranches Logan and Tommy went with her. At the moment she was wrapping a bandage around the arm of a man she had just stitched up with a jug on his lap. While his wife stood behind him and a couple kids rushed about playing or working.

"I had a practice in Boston with my father," she was saying to them. "I'm a general surgeon by I have experience in nustetrics and internal medicine," and she paused when she saw the woman eyeing the card in her hand while she also kept an eye on the children. "I know it's wrong," she said apologetically.

"What wrong?" the moan asked starting to sound concerned looking down at her husband's bandaged arm.

"The printer misspelled Colorado," Medicine Woman said pointing at the card.

"Oh," the woman said sounding relieved. "Don't matter to me. I can't read," she said with a shrugged before tucking the card into her apron pocket.

After pausing at her words for a moment Dr. Mike blinked and looked down at the man. "I'll be back in five days to take out the stiches," she said to him as she tied off the bandage. "You will have some pain but…," she was saying then paused as the man took a swig from the jug the liquid swishing inside. "Probably not too much," she corrected herself. "Well is there anything you want to ask me?" she asked smiling at the woman as her husband got up and went inside.

"Ahh," she said fidgeting nervously. "How much we owe ya?"

"Oh I don't really know," Mike said giving her a smile. "I'll let you decide what you think is fair," she said and started packing up her bag.

"JOE GET A HAM!" the woman called after her husband before facing Mike again more at ease.

"This is a very nice place," Michaela said looking at the farm around her. "A lot of land," and she faced the woman again before she snapped her bag closed. "Great place for children I bet."

Smiling the woman nodded. "It is, and I love children," she said as she moved toward the door where a triangle hung.

"You do?" Mike asked sounding hopeful.

"COME AND GET IT!" the woman called out ringing the triangle.

"I wonder if I might talk to you about…," Mike started moving close to her. Then froze and both Logan and Tommy's jaws dropped as what seemed like an army of kids from youngsters around Dana and Angel's ages to gangly teens came running surrounding the woman.

"Like I was saying I love children," she said as she started checking the faces and hands of each one before they went in. "But my husband said if I had any more he'd leave me," she explained as Mike stared at all of them. "You're welcome to stay," she said as he husband silently came out with the ham and handed it to her before going back in.

"Oh no," Mike said shaking herself. "I have other stops to make," she explained taking the ham.

"Suit yourself," the woman said as Mike moved back toward the horses. And the last of the children came running and into the woman's caring arms.

Reaching her horse Mike tried to find a place to put the ham amongst all the other items that people had bartered for her services. Still stunned the two boys watched as she first tried one side of her saddle bags which she forgot was full of apples. Soon enough she struggled to slip the ham on the horn next two a small sack of flour and a roast after shooing a couple of chickens who had perched themselves on the saddle.

"You know I don't blame him for saying he'd leave her if she had any more kids," Logan said as she fed an apple that had dropped out of the saddlebag to the horse. "There had to be an at least a dozen kids back there," he finished exasperated jabbing his thumb over his shoulder.

Smiling at that she nodded. "Yes but let's not forget about his part in the process," she shot back with a smile.

"Oh bullseye," Tommy commented smiling.

"But either way next time we're in town I need to get another wagon to make my rounds," she said and they nodded in agreement.

Late that night Logan, Tommy, Kim, Brian, Zack, and Colleen lay awake trying to get to sleep as the baby cried loudly. Rolling over from his and Tommy's place on the floor Logan watched as Mike tried to sooth him into sleep in the rocking chair. On the table with a low burning lap before them was a small pile of her medical books that she had been reading before the baby had started crying.

Before he could move to get up the cloth separating Colleen's, Zack's, and Brian's beds from the house was pulled back and Kimberly appeared. "Mike mind if I give it a try?" she asked, quietly moving forward. With a small smile on her face Michaela gently handed the crying baby over and Kimberly began to gently rock him. "Hey there little man…," she said, soothingly as he continued to cry. "Now I know this isn't what you're used to but this is a little something my mother used to sing to me when I couldn't sleep," and the baby not caring just kept crying.

"Shadows in the moon light? Mist in the air? A hawk high in the tree tops?

Don't let them scare you," she started to say then sing softly as she smiled.

"No night, you don't frighten me,

You're dark and grey,

But you won't be here in the morning,

For one whole day,

Cry wind, try to frighten me,

Cry good and strong,

But you won't be here in the morning,

So I won't cry alone,

Full moon glowing a ghostly shade,

Smile away, soon you'll fade,

I look up at the morning star,

Wondering where you are,

Sleep child, sleep now quietly,

Be calm and still,

The mist may rise, the hawk may cry,

As shadows haunt my lullaby,

But they won't be here in the morning,

I will," she finished singing.

Logan watched in silence as she sang and with each verse the baby grew more and more quite until he was asleep in her arms. Smiling she bent down and gently kissed him on the brow.

After she gently handed over the sleeping baby to Medicine Woman, Kimberly paused. "Logan?" she muttered, in concern.

Frowning Tommy looked over and blinked at the expression on Logan's face. "Logan…," he started but couldn't finish as Logan quickly and quietly climbed to his feet and left the house. After quietly closing the door behind him he turned and in the light of the moon and stars grasped the railing. Breathing deeply he closed his eyes and his mind slipped into the past.

It was his first night sleeping on Kimberly's apartment's living room couch at the Wind Ninja Academy. It had been explained over dinner that until they could convert one room into a bedroom for him that is where he would be staying. Though it was late and he had went to bed before the other three he was not at peace.

With violent jerks he tossed and turned with sudden audible bursts of air. Across from and behind him the lights turned on. Then a door slid open and pulling on her robe over her night shirt Kimberly rushed out of her bedroom. Suddenly he jerked straight up screaming eyes going left and right unable to see anything familiar.

"Shh it's alright Logan," she said, soothingly as she reached for him.

At once he jerked away so fast that he stumbled to the floor and backed away from her eyes wide in terror. Gasping for air.

For a couple seconds Kimberly reamed where she was hands held up while Kira and Rachel watched in horror struck fascination from their bedroom doors. Then an odd feeling came over him. It was like someone had placed invisible loving arms around him and slowly but surely his breathing slowed and he started to relax.

"Its okay, it's okay," she said, softly as she slowly approached hands bobbing soothingly.

Again his eyes tracked her movements as she approached. He tensed for a fight. "It's alright," she said, softly as she dropped down next to him and very slowly pulled him into her arms. "You're safe, you're safe," she said, as she rocked him before she started to sing.

When he finally was starting to half asleep again he felt himself being lifted into strong arms and the smell of apple blossoms filled his nose. "Mom?" came Rachel's voice and Kimberly paused looking back at her daughters. "What's wrong with him?"

For a second there was silence before Kimberly answered. "Something really bad… now go back to sleep. Tomorrow, we're going to find the best way to help him," and with that she carried Logan back into her room and laid him softly in her bed and tucked him in. after turning off the light she slipped under the covers with him and he rolled into her. As she gently stroked his cheek the last thing he heard her say was. "It's time to fill your life with light."

"Logan," a voice said, behind him and a hand slipped onto his shoulder. At once he reacted spinning around facing a surprised Tommy as he jerked back hands up. "Easy tiger," he said, half joking.

Blinking Logan shook his head. "Sorry I…" he started.

"Needed a moment," Tommy finished cautiously moving forward to joining him at the railing. "Want to talk about it?" he asked, leaning against it.

Blinking Logan frowned. "About what?"

"About the look on your face I saw when Kimberly finished that song…or what just happened," Tommy persisted holding his gaze face straight.

For a second the two just looked at each other. Then without a word Logan turned vaulted over the railing and disappeared into the dark.

Once he was alone again he sat down his back against a tree. And his mind drifted back again.

That morning after he woke in the unfamiliar bed and he leapt out at the knock fists raised and Kimberly opened the door and asked, if he would join them for breakfast.

Later after he ate breakfast with Rachel and Kira. Noticing their looks they shot him. Not wanting, needing, and despising their pity he left them at the table and ate in the kitchen alone. When he was done he walked toward Kimberly's room. To see what he was to do that day.

After knocking and her answer of, "come in," he started to slide the door open and paused.

She was slipping on a denim jacket over a light button up shirt with the top buttons undone showing a lightly bulging white shirt beneath. As she flicked her hair back from under the jacket he caught sight of something flashing from the belt around her waist.

He watched as she bent down to a cabinet and opening it punched a code into a safe there unlocking it with an audible clack. Before reaching and pulled out a gun and a magazine.

Catching his watching eye she paused as she started to load it. After a second hesitation she slipped the magazine into her denim pocket and the gun into its holster attached at the small of her back. Frowning that his gaze held steady she followed his gaze and her eyes fell on her badge.

Looking up at him she stood straight. "Before you meet with my father I want you to come with me to see someone…," she explained to him walking toward him.

"Someone to help train me?" he had asked.

Smiling she shook her head. "Someone who can help you."

An hour or so later after a near silent car ride with the exception of the radio Logan and Kimberly walked into a police station. Taking in his surroundings he eyes went everywhere. Taking in how many people were around him, why they were doing, and how many guns or batons they carried. But more importantly the best way for an escape route.

After riding the elevator up they came out into a bullpen. Eyeing the plainclothes officers as they went here and there going about their business. While in one corner a small group of suspects stood or sat in a small cell.

One looking over he smiled. "Kimberly!" he called out in greeting before climbing to his feet. "Hardly see you out of tactical Sergeant," he said, reaching them and he shook her hand. "So what brings you here?" he asked, then looked down at Logan's hard eyes. "And who's this?"

"This is Logan and I was hoping to see Dr. Gerard. Is he in his Office?" she answered.

The officer nodded. "Yeah he should be," he said, jabbing his thumb at a door over his shoulder.

"Thanks Jackson, come on Logan," Kimberly said, and the two walked forward. "Why don't you wait here," and she indicated the chair off to the side.

Silently he obeyed and though he was still his eyes, ears, and mind were sharp. He watched as Jackson return to his desk and he caught every time the man looked at him. Along with everything else.

Turning his head toward the cell and saw a couple uniformed officers unlock the cell gesturing a large beefy man out as one drew out his cuffs. Logan's eyes narrowed at the look in the man's. Climbing to his feet the man turned to have his hands cuffed.

As one of the officers proceed to secure his wrists the man spun around and seized the officer by the wrist. In flashes of movement several things happened at once. The beefy man was using the officer as a shield the man's own gun at his temple. And every cop in the bullpen drew and trained their weapons o the pair Kimberly bursting out of the office weapon drawn and level.

"Now you pigs had better drop your guns. Then me and this pig are going to walk…," the man started the paused. For his eyes had shifted to Logan who while he had been talk had climbed to his feet and slowly started walking toward him face and eyes hard.

"Kid get down!"

"Not another step!"

"Get out of the way!"

Ignoring the cops Logan walked right up to the man looking him in the eye. For a couple seconds the man just looked down at Logan before he started to laugh. "So now you pigs have kids fighting your battles!" he barked laughing. Leaning close he asked, "You want trouble kid?"

In a deep growling voice Logan answered without hesitation, "yeah…I want trouble…" and he drew out a coin from his pocket.

"And just what are you going to do with that?" the man demanded. In answer Logan flipped it into the air and the man's eyes darted up to track it.

In one quick fluid motion Logan grabbed the wrist of the hand applied pressure to the right spot and locked out his wrist. One the gun was pointed in a safe direction Logan delivered a hard punch to the back of the man's hand and the weapon went flying. Not needing an invitation the officer took off and Logan delivered a hard side kick to the man's knee which cracked and crumpled under the blow.

Locking out the rest of the man's arm Logan eyed the whimpering man as he begged. "Distract you," he answered then in one motion soundly broke his arm and dislocated his shoulder with a resounding crack. Letting him crumple to floor with a scream. Logan just watch him wither on the floor for a couple seconds before he faced the stunned bullpen.

For a couple seconds the only sound in the room came from the man on the floor as he cradled his now oddly shaped arm. Then there was a flurry of motion as a medic was called for and officers rushed forward giving Logan a wide birth as he walked back to sit back in the chair.

Before it happened his eyes turned to it and watched as the door opened again. Eying him Kimberly holstered her weapon and a middle aged black man with wire rimmed glasses and streaks of grey in his woven hair came out. "So you must be Logan, you sure know how to make an entrance," the man said, walking toward him. "I'm Dr. Gerrard," he said, offering his hand.

At once Logan was on his feet ready for a fight. And around him he saw a few of the cops pause in surprise to his reaction.

For a couple seconds the man in front of him was still before he warmly smiled. "Sorry son if you don't want to shake I won't hold it against you. But would you please step into my office I'd like to talk to you for a moment."

For a few seconds Logan eyed the man and before he took his first step toward the door. Had already estimated how many times he could take the man down and escape. "Would you come in as well Sargent Hart?" Gerrard asked, and nodding she walked in after Logan. Sitting down Logan watched as Gerrard closed the door and sat down at his desk. "Now I… would like to ask you some questions Logan and I won't hold it against you if you don't want to answer," he said, warmly with a smile.

Coming back from his past Logan lifted his head from where it had rested on the side of his head. And climbing to his feet turned and started back for the homestead.

After silently leaping onto the railing like a cat remained in a crouched position hands and feet resting on it he paused. Eyes locked with Tommy's as he leaned against the wall waiting for him. For a beat of silence Logan and Tommy just looked at each other. Giving in with a sigh Logan ran his fingers through his hair before dropping down to the porch and leaned against the railing.

"When…the woman I think of as my mother first got ahold of me. She took me to a physiatrist. I was diagnosed with very severe PTSD," he explained answering the unasked question and Tommy blinked mouth opening slightly in surprise standing straight. "During the day my defense or hyper alertness was to fight or lash out at anyone I felt was a threat.

"At night, for a long time I suffered from night terrors. I would jerk violently in my sleep. Or wake at the slightness sound or feeling screaming."

At this Tommy was silent for a moment. "Well…at least your fine now…you beat it."

"Did I?" Logan asked, facing him. "Tommy this is something that you never truly get over. It can be dulled over time…but it can also be sharpened."

Tommy held his gaze for a second before he nodded. "Sand Creek," he finally muttered, and Logan frowned. "Kimberly told me," Tommy answered before he asked, "did what happened in there trigger something?" and he jabbed his thumb at the door.

Looking away Logan slowly nodded. "The song it reminded me of the song she sang the first night I was with her."

Again Tommy nodded. "Do you think Zack has it?" he asked, after a moment not want to press Logan further.

"Maybe," Logan answered. "But I think it goes deeper than that…"

For a few seconds the pair were silent. "It's late we should get some sleep. Mike is still up reading so let's go in," Tommy said, turning toward the door.

After glanced inside through the window Logan put a hand on his shoulder. "Not anymore," he said, pointing at the now sleeping Medicine Woman using one of her medical books as a pillow. "So how do you feel about sleeping on the ground?" he asked, as Tommy looked at him.

The next morning after sleeping under a tree Logan and Tommy came in just as Coleen was gently shaking Mike awake. "Dr. Mike, wake up," she was saying as Kimberly came over to them.

"You two decided to sleep outside?" she asked, stretching.

"Yeah it was nice," Tommy said. "And we didn't want to bother anyone," and he looked at Mike. "Still trying to find out what's wrong with Zack?"

Kim nodded turning to look at her and nodded as Colleen asked, "What are you reading?" as she picked up one of the books.

"I'm trying to figure out how to help Zack," Medicine Woman answered in a tired voice.

"What exactly is wrong with him?" Colleen asked, sitting down next to her

"That's just it I don't know," Dr. Mike said, turning the page of one book. "No one seems to know," she said, and Logan, Kimberly, and Tommy shared a look.

"Well there's got to be something," Colleen said, looking at one book.

"Well there isn't," Mike said, closing one book with a snap.

"Is there anything I can do?" Colleen asked.

Sighing Michaela looked at her. "There's nothing to do. I mean if he were sick I could give him medication. If he were cut I could suture him," she said, as she started piling her books to put them away. "I hate feeling this way!" she snapped in frustration. "So helpless," standing to put the books away and freezing when she caught the eye of the trio before her and Colleen and Logan could see the question forming in her eye.

Before she could say anything she frowned and looked hat her hand as she heard and felt it touch something that crackled. "What's this?" she asked, taking out the sheet of paper and unfolding it.

"Brain drew it," Colleen said, coming close.

"What?" the three asked, coming close.

Looking down at the drawing they awed at the horses that almost seemed to leap out of the page as they sprouted from the clouds. Before another word could be spoken there was a knock at the door.

"Colleen did Brian say he drew this?" Tommy asked, tapping the drawing.

For a second Colleen was silent as she frowned in thought. "Actually…no he didn't," she said, in thought.

Turning as they heard a voice say, "Mornin Dr. Mike," they blinked in surprise to see Myra on the front porch.

"Myra?" the three of them including Medicine Woman said, in surprise as she stepped out.

"I came to see about Zack," she said, before they could ask.

Frowning in confusion the teens looked at each other as Mike said, "Oh, you rode all the way out here?"

"Well I was thinking…" Myra said, nervously. "Maybe I can help ya all. Take him for a while."

"Take Zack? Where?" Kim asked, hands resting on her hips.

"At the Saloon?" Mike asked.

Myra was silent for a second in answer. "Well I talked to Hank about it. He said, maybe he could find something the boy could do to make himself useful. He could always use an extra pair of hands."

Logan blinked taken aback. "that's… uncommonly generous of him," he muttered, as both Brian and Zack came around the corner carrying eggs with Brian telling Zack to balance them just right.

"Mornin' Miss Myra," Brian said, at the sight of Myra.

"Mornin' boys," Myra replied as Zack gazed blankly up at her.

"I don't know Myra…," Michaela said, nervously. "Why don't we go inside and talk about it," and she started to usher Myra inside.

"Nah I gotta get back," Myra said, nervously. "I just thought that sense school didn't work out…"

"Who said, school didn't work out?" Tommy objected. "It just might take a little more time…," he started but stopped as Logan put a hand on his shoulder.

"Unfortunately the people here will only give him one shot," he said, quietly.

"And that doesn't mean he needs to work in the Saloon," Mike objected. "Things go on there Myra," she said, uncomfortably as young boy ears listened in.

"I'll watch him real close," Myra promised. "He won't see anything he shouldn't."

"But still working in the saloon…I don't see how that…would solve anything," Mike said, trying to find the right objection.

"Well…," Myra said, pausing to find the right words. "He could make himself useful," she finally pointed out. "Feel like he was worth something. Maybe that's what he needs to be a part of the town. Where he can learn to fit in."

In surprise at Myra's insight the three teens look at each other.

"I don't know," Mike said, concerned.

"Mike," Kimberly said, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Maybe this should be Zack's decision," and everyone looked at him.

With a concerned sigh Medicine Woman knelt down. "Would you like that Zack?" she asked, looking him in the eye.

For a moment everyone waited for his answer. Before he finally gave them a nod.

Sighing Logan ran his fingers though his hair. "Alright he made his decision," he said as Mike straighten. "But we'll bring him in Myra," he said, looking at her. "We have to go into town anyway Emily said, that her brother might be willing to take in the baby."

Nodding in agreement Myra returned to her horse and rode out. "I'll get the wagon ready," Mike said, looking at them. "Zack why don't you go inside and tell Colleen to get ready," she instructed and Zack went in to do what he was told.

"Brian."

The boy stopped and faced the three teens as they eyed him with hard gazes. "Was that one of Zack's drawings in there?" Logan asked, jabbing his thumb at the door.

At the boy's nod Tommy asked, "what where you doing with it?"

"I found it when we were packing up Miss Rubbi's place," Brian answered.

"So it was the piece of paper that fell," Kimberly said, openly in thought rubbing her chin.

"I promise that…" the boy started.

"We know you didn't take credit for it Brian," Logan said, kneeling down to place a hand on his shoulder. "But do you mind telling us how people are starting to say you did?"

"I was looking at it in class and Miss Olive saw it. She picked it up and…," Brian said, starting to explain.

"…and assumed you drew it," Tommy finished for him.

For a couple seconds there was silence before Brian asked, "did I do something wrong?"

Sighing the three looked at him. "No you didn't Brian," Logan said, kneeling down to look at him. "But you are teetering on the edge. So you have to clear up this misunderstanding and fast," he clarified as Mike brought the wagon around.

After arriving at the Saloon Logan knelt down next to Zack his hands on his shoulder. "now remember if you ever need help you either find Myra when she's free, Dr. Mike, Kim, Tommy, or me. OK?" he said, looking the young boy in the eye.

After a seconds hesitation he nodded. "that a boy," Logan said, smiling patting his shoulder before watching Zack disappear inside being led by Hank as he instructed him on what to do.

When he was done Hank returned to behind the bar. Pausing when he saw all the customers staring at Zack. At once he slammed his hand against the bar top and everyone jumped looked at him.

"What ya looking at?" he demanded in a warning tone.

"Do you really think we should let this happen?" Kimberly murmured as Logan straightened.

"No I'm not," Logan admitted as they turned to follow Mike as she carried the baby over to where Emily waited by her old house.

"But if he's anything like Peter…," Tommy began quietly.

"What can we do?" Kimberly interrupted in the same low voice. "If Zack has what we think he has do you really think that the people of this time would give him a chance if they knew? Or would they just lock him up like a caged animal and throw away the key?"

For a second Tommy was silent before he lowered his gaze disgruntled. "I guess you two are right," he admitted. "But then again you've been here longer than me so you should know."

Stopping next to Michaela as she held the baby bobbing him to keep him calm. "He's having a little trouble sleeping through the night," she was saying to Emily as she watched. "And so are we," she finished facing her.

"Oh he's so cute," Emily said, gently running her hand along the baby's cheek. "Here let me hold him," and Mike gently transferred the baby to her arms.

"Have you asked, your brother yet?" Medicine Woman asked, as Emily made happy noises at the baby as she bobbed him adjusting her hold.

"No I thought I'd wait until he could see him," she said, eagerly then turned to her brother as who was adjusting the harness on a horse.

The four watched anxiously as Emily converged on him. Biting his lip in hope Logan watched as the man turned and smiled down at the baby with a tender touch. Then closed in disappointment as the man suddenly said, some sharp words to Emily with a jerk of his hand.

Holding back tears Emily returned to them. "I was wrong," she said, emotionally slipping the babe back into Michaela's arms. "Al don't want no more children. If you excuse me," and she turned to leave.

"Emily," Tommy said, taking her arm to stop her. "It wasn't your fault," he said, trying to comfort her. "You can't control how your brother feels," with Kimberly and Logan in agreement nodding after she gave him a grateful smiled she continued on and the three turned to follow Mike as she walked back towards Robert E.'s.

"You got to many cloths on that baby," a voice said, and they turned to see Jake watching from the porch of the barber shop.

"Beg your pardon?" Mike said, not looking at him or stopping.

"They need lots of air…the colder the better. Makes there lungs strong," he said, keeping pace from the porch.

"You know a lot about raising babies Mr. Slicker," Mike said, still not knowing.

"Especially giving them pneumonia," Kimberly murmured and Logan and Tommy surprised a grin.

"I know what I know," Jake said, smugly. "You're wasting your time looking for a family for the half breed," he continued as they kept walking and Logan's hand fisted so tight his knuckles turned white. "I's send him off to that Denver orphanage if I were you."

"Lucky for him we're not you," Logan said, sharply.

Trying to shed the mood Jake put them in the four walked the rest of the way to Robert E.'s. "Morning Dr. Mike, White Falcon, Dancing Heron, Soaring Falcon," he said, in greeting when they drew near.

"Morning Robert E," they returned.

"What can I do for yea all?" he asked, not looking up from his work.

"I want to buy a wagon," Mike answered.

"Something wrong with the one you got?"

"Mathew needs it and it's too big for me to handle," Mike answered.

Finally Robert E. looked at them. After glancing over in the other direction he said, "there's a nice one over here," he said, walking out to the wagon his apron swaying with his movements. "It's used so you can have it for…," he said, pausing to gage the price as Logan, Tommy, and Kimberly looked it over. "Twenty four dollars," he finally said. "And I'll put on a new set of iron rims," he added bringing his hand down on one of the wheels with a light slap. "Go on take a look at it," he encouraged patting he wheel and the four moved forward.

"Would you hold him for a moment," Mike said, passing him the bay before climbing up onto the seat. From his kneeled position to eye the undercarriage Logan watched Robert E. as he held the baby in practiced hands. "Do you have children Robert E.?" Michaela asked, when she caught the tender look on his face.

At once Logan saw him stiffen. "No ma'am," he said, quickly not looking at Logan who turned his gaze away shaking his head.

"The baby's father carried him all the way from Texas in a basket," Medicine Woman said, trying to lighten the mood.

Catching the frown on his face Kimberly paused as Robert E. say, "there was a fellow here last week who said, he meet this cowboy carrying a baby." At those words everyone paused to look at him. "Met him Durango. Wonder if he was the same man," he said, frowning in thought. "Was he kind of tall and lanky?" he asked, looking up at them.

"That sounds like Mr. McCall," Mike said, as Kimberly dropped down from the wagon while Logan and Tommy straightened.

"Well I hope it ain't cause this fellow tried to rob a store in Santa Fe," Robert E. said, transferring the baby back into Mike's arms.

All three stunned by the news stood rooted to the spot for a moment. "Oh no so he was the one who robbed Loren's store," Mike gasped out before holding the baby close giving him a kiss to his forehead.

A short while later the three teens were with Sully helping him bring some of his pelts to sell. After they finished at Loren's they met back up with Medicine Woman as she came out of the telegraph.

"Any news about Zack having family?" Logan asked, when they got close.

A little disappointed she shook her head. "No, but Horace said, he'd let me know if he has any response from St Luis, Jefferson City, or Spring Field…" she said.

"I didn't know you sent telegrams to those places?" Kimberly interrupted frowning.

"I didn't Horace did," Mike said, as they heard the bell for end of school. "He said, the wider you throw your net the better chance of catching a fish," she explained and Logan nodded is approval at the man's logic. "I also had him send out a parcel to a…" she started but was interrupted as Brian ran up from school.

"To where Ma?" he called out coming close.

Smiling she walked down the street smiling as she led Brian a hand on his shoulder. "It's a school for artistic children," she explained. "I sent that picture you drew to see if you would be accepted to take classes there."

"But I don't wanna go away to school ma," Brian objected while the group behind the pair shared a glance.

"Maybe not this year," Medicine Woman said, dropping down to look Brian in the eye her back to the others. "But I certainly want them to be aware of your talent," she said, while Brian shifted uncomfortably. "I'm very proud of you Brian I always wished that I possessed some artistic flare," she said, encouragingly.

"I bet you could draw to," Brian said, trying to divert the conversation away from him.

"Not like you," Mike objected. "You have a special gift," she said, with enthusiasm before heading into the clinic.

Rooted to the spot Brian watched her go before looking up at the three teens and Sully. They held his gaze for a second before looking away disappointed. Logan shaking his head.

For a second Brian remained there before looking over at Zack as he mopped the covered porch of the Saloon and darted over. "Well there was a missed opportunity," Tommy muttered as they strolled away.

"Yeah… and that art school sounded like it could be perfect for Zack," Kimberly muttered, disappointed.

Logan nodded as he watched Brian talk with Zack. Bringing his hand up he shifted his hair to listen in.

"You like it here?" Brian asked, Zack who slowly nodded. "Miss Myra is real pretty don't ya think?" Brian asked, and again Zack nodded after glancing back at her. "Want a gum drop?" Brian asked, offering the candy taking it from his pocket then turned back toward the clinic.

Logan watched Zack for a couple seconds more as he ate the candy before going back to work. As he was raining in his senses a group of cowhands came out and one walked right into the mop head.

"Hey watch my boot you dumb idiot!" the scruffy man barked looking at Zack.

"Guys!" Logan snapped gesturing the other three back.

"You going to let him talk to you that way boy?" another asked, in a thick Mexican accent. "Eh, eh boy?"

"You know I think he is a dumb idiot," another said, then roughly grabbed Zack by the scruff of his neck and lifted him off his feet. "Are you a idiot boy?"

"Idiots can't talk," said, another. "Idiots can't do nothin!"

"Well they must be able to do somethin!"

"Let's see if he can ride a horse!" and they started to drag Zack over to a horse.

"Let's not!" and Logan blinked in surprise as Hank stepped out eyeing the men.

"Just going to take the idiot for a ride," the Mexican one said, nodding to the animal. "That's all."

"The only idiot going for a ride…is you!" Hank barked nailing the still grinning man with a back fist. Then grabbing Zack he lifted him up and out of harm's way where Myra shielded him. Before pushing another man off the porch.

Heads turned in surprise as Hank delivered punch after punch to the man. As the man fell for the last time Sully's tomahawk whistled through he air. Breaking the glass of the first man Hank struck and was coming up behind him.

"BEHIND YOU!" Sully barked in warning and Hank turned to face the men as they came out of their surprised stupor.

On either side of Hank, Logan, Tommy, and Kim sailed through the air nailing a man with a flying side kick sending them back. Back on their feet they broke up each taking one of the men.

To the right Logan arms cross shoved them into a man's chest shoving the man's arms aside. Then grabbed the man by the shirt before driving his forehead into the man's face. As he fell he deflected a punch from another before catching it by the wrist. Bringing his leg up and over the man's arm like a fish tale he kicked the man back and forth across the face before pressing him into the side of the building the edge of his foot against the man's throat.

To the left Kim after blocking a blow was grabbed by the man who spun her around and shoved her away. Using the momentum of the shove Kim grabbed one of the posts and spinning around it delivered a hard double kick to the man's chest. Back on her feet she watched him slam against the wall of the saloon then slide to the floor.

In the middle Tommy dodged wild swing from a man armed with a bottle before entrapping the arm. Bending it back he brought it down across the man's head. "Sorry buddy," he said, quickly reaching over the swinging doors for another bottle in a man's hand. Grabbing it by the neck he brought it back and broke it across the back of the man's head. As he fell he spun around kicking another man in the back sending him into the street while Sully threw another over his shoulder onto another.

As they threw the others onto the street with their friends the five faced the cowhands shoulder to shoulder. "Now get outta town!" Hank snapped after them as they picked themselves up and retreated.

Breathing deeply Logan looked at Hank as he nodded in thanks to Sully. "Looks like you got yourself a good sized broken nose there," Kimberly said, walking over to look at it. "Let's get you to the clinic and Dr. Mike can fix you up."

Soon enough they were all in the examination room after Medicine Woman set Hank's nose with a sharp crack. "That was very kind of you defending Zack that way," she said, taking out the bloody cloth from his nostril. "Why did you?" she asked, after a second of silence from him while Logan eyed the man with a hard look as he leaned between the doors arms crossed.

"Mind your own business and stick to doctoring why don't ya," he answered.

As Mike moved away after gathering up her instruments Kimberly and Tommy eyed Logan with worried looks from their spots by the window and far wall. "You're his father aren't you?" Mike asked, by her desk her back to the man before facing him.

"What the hell you talking about?" he answered and Logan's face grew harder.

"I'm talking about the way you took up for him in the barber shop," Mike said, coming close to the table.

"The way you gave him work," Kimberly pointed out moving closer to Logan.

"The way you rode off when he disappeared," Tommy put in straightening.

"And don't tell us it was one business because we know it wasn't," Sully said, from by one of the windows. "You went out looking for him didn't you?"

Silence rang in the room as they eyed the man. All noticing that he didn't deny it. "That otta cover it," Hank said, avoiding their gazes as he dropped a coin on the examination table.

They watched as he climbed to his feet and started toward the door. "Why did you leave him alone out there for so long?" Mike demanded, taking a step after him.

"He wasn't alone!" Hank snapped facing her. "It was me that found a place for him. It was me that paid for every week for twelve years to make sure he had food and clothes," he defended taking steps toward her.

"He didn't need money!" Logan growled out and Hank looked at him. "He needed his father! He needed to be with you!"

"You all saw how they treat him!" Hank snapped out. "Teasing him, pushing him around, you think I wanted him to go through that? Everybody laughing at him just because he's different! Thinking he's not normal!" he demanded.

"Not to mention what they think about you!" Mike shot back.

"I WAS PROTECTING HIM!"

"Are you sure you weren't just protecting yourself!" Mike answered back almost as loudly.

"What do you all think you are judging me?" he demanded, of all of them. "You weren't here! You don't know!"

"Perhaps but we do know that he didn't' have to go through it alone!" Logan snapped back straightening turning to face his retreating back as the man froze by the door hand on the knob. "And don't kid yourself you didn't do it for him you did it for yourself!" Logan accused stepping forward. "So be honest with yourself…you abandoned your son when he needed you!"

"And I know!" Medicine Woman snapped. "That I would never do that to a boy of my own!"

For a couple seconds he looked from one hard face to another. "Why don't you all tell me what it's like to walk on water?" he said, then started to turn.

Before anyone could stop him Logan grabbed the man by his shoulder. The next thing he knew Hank was bent over backward over the examination table. His face a hairs breathe from as he breathed like a rapid bear.

"This isn't about being perfect Hank!" he snarled at the man in a low growl. "This is about Zack! He never needed that money which we all now know never fully reached him! All he needed was to know that you cared about him! And to know that no matter what you've got his back!" he said, through bared teeth as the color drained out of Hank's face.

"That is what a father does! He fights for his child and stands by them no matter what! Not tuck them out of sight so they can save face!"

"What do you know about it?" Hank demanded, as redness started to return to his face.

At once Logan jerked him upright keeping their faces less than an inch apart. "More than you know," he snarled back.

For a couple seconds the pair look at each other before Logan shoved him towards the door. "Now why don't you show us what you've always done for him. Walk away. Because all he's seen is your backside sense the day he was born!" he snapped pointing at the door. "I doubt you even loved his mother!"

At those words Hank glared at him before throwing the door open and slamming it behind him.

For a few seconds silence rang through the room with the exception of Logan's deep breaths. Then with a jerk he moved to the other door and slammed it closed behind him.

After sharing a glance Tommy and Kimberly followed.

They found him in one of the upstairs looking out through a crack in the curtain at the Saloon. Humming a tune.

"A father should be a good man
A father should be wise
A father should be tall and strong
With laughter in his eyes
A father should be behind you
A father should be there
A father should be someone
Who always treats you fair
I know the kind of man, a father ought to be," he sang softly and quietly and he closed his eyes thinking of Tommy when he was at the Thunder Ninja Academy.

"A shining knight, who fights the good fight
And wins it just for me!
A father should be a hero
A father should come through
A father should be someone,
Someone just like you," he finished seeing Tommy's face in the pain of glass he was looking at.

With timed steps Kimberly slowly approached him and gently placed a hand on his shoulder. When he didn't moved she grew more confident and drew him in close as Tommy came over putting a hand on his other shoulder.

When the three were able to come back down they found Mike and Sully waiting for them. "You three know what's wrong with him don't you?" Mike asked, walking over to look at them. Changing the subject back to Zack.

Turning his eyes to lock eyes with hers Logan murmured, "If its Hank you're talking about we can give a list," then gently shaking Kimberly he walked over to the window to peer out at the Saloon. "If its Zack…we have an idea."

"Would you tell us?" Sully asked.

At once Logan closed his eyes. "Logan, Kim doors and windows," Tommy said, and the two went to make sure the windows doors were closed, covered, and locked.

"We think Zack has a neurological disorder in our time that is called autism," Tommy said, when they were done. "It basically means that his brain is wired differently from other people. It effects each person differently. Some are better off while others are worse off than Zack."

"But they all have a couple things in common," Kimberly said, picking up. "Difficulty interacting with others, displaying their feelings, and processing information."

"But we think Zack is not your usual Autistic," Logan said, before taking a breathe like a diver about to take the plunge. "We think he's a Savant."

"A what?" Mike said, sitting down while Sully stepped forward taking everything in.

"A Savant is an autistic with very exceptional gifts," Logan explained. "I mean one out ten autistics are Savants. Most of them are gifted with splinter skills or hobbies like…baseball stats…or trivia. And then there are those very few individuals. Savants blessed with Prodigious Skills or know how to do things innately. These are people who can play an entire Mozart concerto on the piano after only hearing it once," he continued miming playing the piano in the air before holding up a finger to emphasize it. "Or someone who can fight like us just by watching us," he finished waving his hand between himself Tommy and Kimberly.

The three was silent to let a stunned Medicine Woman and Sully take in this information. "In our time it's believed there are less than twenty five Autistic Savants in the world who hold prodigious skill…," Logan continued after a moment.

"And you think Zack is one of them," Mike asked, in a stunned voice. "Does this mean that other than this one thing he's…," she started then paused trying to find the right word.

"An idiot?" Kimberly said, for her. "Like the whole town thinks?" after a second Mike nodded.

"No quite the opposite," Tommy said, coming close to her to rest the palms of his hands on her desk. "He's probably the smartest kid or person in this whole town, you included," he said, pointing out the window. "He just doesn't know how to show it, nor are people here willing to give him a chance."

"And there are a lot of Autistic's and Savants around history," Logan said, waving one hand. "Mozart, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Beethoven, Thomas Edison, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln were all suspected to have a form of Autism."

"How do you three know about this?" Sully said, coming forward.

"Because Logan worked with a Savant," Kimberly said, nodding at him.

"His name is Peter," Logan clarified. "His prodigious skill was in the way we can fight. He could watch it and copy it like he was a mirror image. At first he was believed to just be Autistic but I encouraged his parents to retest him and they found him to be a Savant. It helped I read a couple books before I started working with him to get a better understanding on how to work with him," he said, with a shrug. "And they certainly helped me sleep at night."

"Well how can we help him? Maybe we could find out what this skill is," Mike asked, eagerly.

Sighing the three teens looked at each other. "In this time…there's not much you can do," Kim said, sadly.

"What? Why not?" Mike demanded, slowly climbing up.

"It's not so much him," Tommy said, as trying to sooth her. "It's the town."

"What do you mean?" Sully asked.

"What Zack needs the most is something he'll never get here in this town," and they all looked at Logan. "Encouragement, understanding, and to be believed in."

The next day after church Logan, Tommy and the others were helping Mike set up for the picnic while Colleen held the baby. When the Reverend approached them. "Dr. Mike," he said, and they all turned. "I got a couple who responded to my announcement," he said, happily indicating a pair by the church. "Now they're standing right over there talking with Jake Slicker."

Turning his gaze on them. Both in their Sunday best from the man in a three piece suit in a bowler hat. To the woman obviously in her best dress and cloak that dropped to her elbows.

However Logan couldn't shake the feeling he got from the man's hard face.

"They have a farm in the next county, and they say they want to see the boy before they say yes but I'm sure they will," The Reverend said, hopefully as both Mike and Kim eyed him.

"They understand he's part Indian?" Mike asked, skeptical.

"Well look at their own children," the Reverend answered and the teen's eyes drifted to the children huddled together off to the side. "Part Mexican, part Negro, they don't care as long as he's healthy," he said, sound more encouraged. "Here I'll go get them," he said, and moved off toward them.

As Logan was eyeing the couple his gaze shifted to the children and his frown deepened and his vision zoomed in on them. As he took them in he immediately took how the smaller boys huddled against the biggest who was clearly half African who wrapped comforting arms around them. His eyes scanning over them he took in their cloths and how they seemed common children clothes.

But on closer inspection he noticed that they were very worn and ill-fitting like there was next to nothing under them. But what resonated with him was the look of pure terror in their eyes that they were trying with all their might to hide with their heads were demurely bowed.

He was so engrossed in watching them that he barely heard someone approach from behind. "They beat their children," Emily's voice cut in like a knife.

Like a sledge hammer Logan's vision shot back and he whipped around as Medicine Woman asked, in a shocked voice, "the Scranton?" and Emily nodded.

"How do you know?" Kim demanded, as Tommy drew close.

"My Aunt lives in the farm next to them. Says they work their children like plow horses," Emily explained and Kimberly's eyes widened in horror. "There oldest son ran away last year. Least that's what she tells me," Emily finished then quickly moved off as the Reverend came over with the couple and Tommy eyed the ice cold look in Logan's eyes despite his neutral face.

"Dr. Quinn, this is Mr. and Mrs. Scranton, this is Dr. Quinn," he said, waving his bible holding hand between them.

"I'm sorry I met a couple who already asked, for him," she quickly said, and Logan took a protective step forward. "I forgot I'm sorry."

For a second the Reverend looked like he might object. Then paused catching the look in Logan's cold eyes and Mike's pleading glace. "Would you excuse me," he said, gently to the couple. At once Mr. Scranton turned away turning his wife by the arm. "what is the matter with you?" the Reverend demanded, quietly as they moved away while Logan remained rooted to the spot watching as the children shrank back in fear as the couple approached. "They were ready to take that baby and give it a home."

"Sorry I just couldn't" Mike defended.

"There's not that many families willing to adopt a child with mixed blood," the Reverend continued trying to reason with her.

"Well that's their problem," Kimberly snapped and he looked at her.

"and they're not interested in adopting that baby all they want is salve labor," Tommy hissed out and the Reverend looked at him before looking back at the couple in time to see Mr. Scranton give the half Mexican boy a violent shake of the arm.

"So we keep looking," Mike said, discreetly.

The Reverend nodded in agreement. "Yes we'll keep looking," he said, and they started to walk away. "Oh Dr. Mike," and she turned back to look at him. "Could you do me a favor?" he asked, and she faced him. "Luke Silver didn't show up to the services today. Now he's never missed one since I've been preaching. Could you just stop in on him and see if he's alright?"

"I'd be glade to," she said, nodding.

"Would you like some company?" Kimberly asked, stepping up to her and Mike nodded in agreement.

A couple hours later the three teens were with Mike and Brian as she gathered things for her to bring out to Silver's place. "Something's gotta be done," they turned to look at Loren as he stood by Olive and the Reverend. Following his gaze they saw he was watching Zack.

"Loren's right he's just going to cause more trouble," Jake said, as he walked close and leaned against a post.

"The boy just don't belong," Loren continued shaking his head.

"Is that all concerns you?" Mike said, as they drew close the teens behind her trying to hide there contempt.

"It's just a matter of time before somebody really gets hurt," Loren pointed out.

"Before he gets himself hurt," Olive corrected.

"You talking about him or your pride?" Tommy asked.

Both Olive and Loren shot Tommy a look as Jake glanced over. "Aren't there places for such types? Asylums?"

"Have you ever visited an Asylum Jake?" Mike asked, stepping in front of Logan as he glared at the man. "I have. They're filthy, cramped, people human beings chained to the walls crying and wailing. They're not helping those people they're just keeping them out of sight."

"And out of mind," Kim said, putting a calming hand on Logan's shoulder. "They're not even give the dignity of being treated like people."

"But he does need some kind of help," The Reverend said. "And they're right it should come from us."

"Awe but he don't know how to do anything," Loren complained.

"That's not true! He can do something!" Brian barked and everyone looked at him. "He can draw," he declared and everyone faced him fully. Smiles starting to grow on the teens faces.

"What are you talking about?" Loren demanded.

"He draws real pretty, he drew that picture Miss Olive liked," Brian explained and the teens behind Mike shared a hopeful glance.

"But you drew that picture Brian," Mike said, in surprise.

"No that wasn't me," Brian said, shaking his head. "I just found the picture. Everybody thought it was me but it was him."

For a couple seconds there was silence the Olive bent down to look Brian in the face. "It's awful nice of you to stick up for him Brian. I know he's your friend but… you shouldn't lie," she said.

For a couple seconds Brian looked at all of them then darted to where Zack was sweeping the porch of the Saloon. "He wasn't lying," Logan said, looking at Olive before he followed Tommy and Kimberly close behind.

When they caught up to Brian he was saying, "…you gotta draw something like you did the other day," Zack slowly looked at them before he shook head and started sweeping again. "You gotta show e'm or they'll send you away! Please Zack! Draw just one thing your favorite thing! Do it for me! Please!" he begged snatching the broom from Zack's hands.

"Brian," Logan said, kneeling down to look at the boy. "Pressuring him like that is not going to help. It needs to come out on its own."

"What's going on here?" and they looked up to see Hank watching from behind the swinging double doors. "Hey can't you see the boy's working," he said, looking down at Brian.

After Brian handed back the broom to Zack and before another word could be spoken Loren, Jake, Olive, the Reverend, and Medicine Woman walked up. "What can I do for you folks?" Hank asked, as Logan and the other two drew Brian back.

"It's about the boy," Loren said, nodding at Zack who looked at Hank before looking back at them.

"What about him?" Hank asked, stepping off the porch as Myra came out and protectively enveloped Zack in her arms.

"We discussed it for a while now and… we've come to a decision," Loren said, crossing his arms. "Zack would be better off somewhere off."

"Well thing is he's working for me," Hank objected.

"The boy's going to cause nothing but trouble here," Jake said. "You know that Hank."

Slowly Hank looked at his son as Logan stepped in front of him eyes shifting from Jake to Hank. "I don't see him causing no trouble," Hank said. "Maybe this trouble's you," he finished voice growing hard.

"Well now Hank," Olive said, moving forward ringing her hands. "It just ain't right keeping the boy at the Saloon. Around liqueur and…," she started pausing when she caught Logan's, Tommy's and Kimberly's hard eyes. "Those women of yours. It just ain't fitting," she finished. "Even Dr. Mike agrees," she said, indicating her.

"It's clear that…," Michaela said, uncomfortably as all eyes turned on her. "It's hardly a proper home for a young boy."

"That right?" Hank asked, slowly and she lowered her gaze. "The boy's staying right where he is," Hank declared stepping back onto the porch.

"Wha…wha…What?" Loren said, laughing. "Who are you to decide?"

At once the teen's eyes look at Hank as he stepped behind Zack. Knowing this was the moment of truth. And that Zack's future hanged in the balance of what Hank did in the next few seconds.

Slowly Hank took the broom from Zack before he placed his hands on his shoulders. "I'm his pa," he declared for all to hear. "That's who."

The group stared dumb founded at those words while Zack looked up at Hank in surprised wonder. While smiles tipped at the corners of Medicine Woman's and the teens mouth. After he looked down at his boy Hank started to turn to go back inside pausing when he met Logan's eye.

Half a grin on his face Logan gave him a small nod.

With a return gesture or a word Hank walked back inside a strange look in his eye.

As the small group dispersed Kim and Mike frowned at the defiant look on Myra's face. After tapping Logan and Tommy on the chests she nodded at the woman.

"He admitted it," Mike said, as Myra dropped down with the teens to walk next to Mike.

"You knew?" Myra asked, in surprise.

"So did you," Kimberly said, looking at the woman.

"Sure all the girls knew," Myra said. "Theresa was before my time but…"

"Theresa?" Dr. Mike asked.

"Zack's Ma," Myra clarified. "She was one of us."

"He loved her?" Logan asked, catching the look on her face. "Didn't he…?"

Slowly she nodded looking away. "He loved her."

"Then why did he let her do that?" Tommy asked.

"He didn't," Myra said, and they blinked. "When they learned she was pregnant with Zack she stopped working. Then Hank started going under…"

"And she started working again to stop that from happening," Kim filled in and Myra nodded.

"In a lot of ways he blames himself for her dying," Myra said, looking back at the Saloon.

"It's difficult to imagine Hank loving anyone," Medicine Woman commented and smiling Myra turned and started back for the Saloon.

As they moved on Tommy turned to say something to Logan when noticed that he wasn't with them. Turning he saw Logan was still standing in the same spot. Frowning he walked back. "Hey man?" he said, putting his hand on Logan's shoulder who turned to look at him the ice gleam gone. "I was thinking about having dinner at the homestead tonight and wait for Kim and Mike to get back. What do you think?"

After a second Logan nodded. "Yeah that sounds like a good idea," he said, and Tommy nodded. "But I might be a little late," and he looked back at the Scranton's that he had spotted going out of Loren's store. "I have things to do tonight."

That night dressed for the first time in months in his Shadow Tiger uniform eyed the farm a distance. Eyes narrowing on the barn as Mr. Scranton exited it. Before he started for the farm house the line of smoke issuing from the chimney and the lights of candles shining in it's the windows.

Just as Mrs. Scranton was putting dinner on the table Mr. Scranton came in. "they all settled?" she asked, as he hung up his jacket and hat by the door.

"Yeah like to see any of them runaway now," he said roughly before sitting at the table.

As they bowed their head to pray plates of food before them. The flames in the candles went out. Quickly followed by the fire in the hearth with a whoosh.

"What's going on?" Mrs. Scranton demanded, wide eyed as fear crept into her voice.

Suddenly a deep laugh reverberated through the house and both their heads went left and right trying to pierce the gloom. "Whose there!" Mr. Scranton demanded.

In answer his face was driven into his plate by an invisible force. "You two betrayed a sacred trust," a deep voice answered back as his head shot up wide eyed in fear with some of the plate's contents sticking to it. "The weed you toil bears bitter fruit."

"Who said, that?" Mr. Scranton screamed as he leapt from the table spinning back and forth trying to find the source of the voice as his wife drew back in fright.

"Did you think you could get away with hurting those children? Did you think I wouldn't find out?"

Slowly inching toward where his coat hung Mr. Scranton demanded, "So this is about those half breed brats?!" and reaching behind him pulled his pistol from his holster and began firing wildly his wife ducking for cover as he moved through the house as bullets whizzed by and the glass windows shattered under the barrage.

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!

Glancing at the gun in his hand by the fire place he tossed it and whipping around sized the repeating rifle over the mantle. Turning he opened fire again until that gun was empty and silence rang through the cabin.

Feeling it was safe his wife peeked around the stove. "Reed I think you got him," she muttered.

Nodding he hefted the rifle over his shoulder. "Dame Right," he muttered.

"Actually," the voice said, behind him and as he spun around the rifle went flying across the room before he was launched off his feet like a fist was plowed into his face. "You missed!"

"Now look, I don't know who you are friend! We feed them! We put a roof over their heads!" Scranton barked crawling back towards the door in fear.

"And you've made them pay you back by working them like a dog to the bone!" the voice countered and just as Scranton reached the door he was lifted off the floor and hurled against a wall. "you can never escape me!" the voice growled as the man pushed himself up and watched terrified as like a wisp of smoke Logan appeared fully masked walking toward him eyes aglow.

At a sound he turned and spun around Mrs. Scranton as she came at him with a fire poker. Before giving her a solid shove to the small of her back sending her sprawling to the floor.

As that was happening Scranton retrieved the pistol and loaded a fresh bullet. Raising it he took aim at Logan's head.

Too fast for the eye to see Logan pinned him to the wall locking out his wrist so the gun clattered to the floor. "Nothing can hurt me!" Logan growled out before slowly drawing the man close. "But I know pain," he said, slowly and in the gloom Logan saw the blood drain from the man's face. "I know pain," he repeated in the growl as it lowered to a whisper eyes narrowing. "And sometimes I like to share it, with people like you."

Out in the barn the children currently chained by the ankles to the wall in each of their stalls jerked at the sudden violent scream. "Alan what's going on?" the youngest asked, looking in the direction of the oldest boy.

"I don't know," he answered thinking about the gun shots that had awoken them.

Before another word could be spoken the doors of the barn was thrown open and they saw a figure standing silhouetted in the moonlight. In its hands it grasped two slumped figures. "Get in there!" it bark and tossed the people inside and by the moonlight the boys saw it was the Stanton's.

Looking up he watched the figure move toward them after pulling the keys from their peg by the door. Without a word it knelt and unlocked Alan's restraints. "Unlock your brothers and take them into the house. I'll be right there," it said, handing him the keys before standing.

For a couple seconds Alan looked at him before moving to do as he was told.

After watching the boy go Logan grabbed the man and woman and tossed them into the now empty stalls. "Welcome to your new abous," he growled stalking forward to lock them in.

"Like hell we're staying out here!" Mr. Scranton yelled as Logan secured his ankle and made no movement to stop him.

"Oh you are and you are going to do as you're told for a year. Then you both are going to leave the territory. taking nothing with you," Logan growled and Scranton shrank back under his gaze. "Because if you don't I'll be back. I could be around any corner, in every empty room you walk into. As inevitable as the guilty conscious you work so hard to ignore," Logan warned and drew close to the man. "And next time I won't be so nice!" and with that he moved to leave.

"Who are you to say what we will or will not do!" the man barked at his back.

Logan paused. Before slowly facing the man.

For a couple seconds he was still. Then breathing deeply he silently morphed in burst of fire.

Drawing his hand across the air his sword appeared. The blade encased in flame. Taking it by the handle he pointed it at them. "Say nothing of this! But remember!" he warned in a deadly serious tone as they shrank back in terror. "I will be watching…," and with that the flames went out and once more he vanished as he appeared.

A short while later after seeing that the boys were comfortable in the house and well fed with the Scranton's dinner. Logan left them after giving them instructions to work the pair as they had been worked for a year. After getting rid of his amour, uniform and streaked back to the spot where he had left Wildfire, Logan road for the homestead.

That was a little too theatrical in my opinion, Red Dragon commented.

Hey it worked for Batman, Logan pointed out.

When he got back to the homestead he found Tommy leaning against the railing of the porch. Waiting for him.

For a couple the pair looked at each other as Wildfire shifted beneath Logan. "You went Shadow Tiger on them didn't you?" Tommy finally asked, unable to deny it Logan remained silent. Sighing Tommy straightened before asking, "You didn't do anything permanent did you?"

"Does that include making them wet their pants?" Logan asked, a grin on his face as he slipped from Wildfire and sent him off.

"I guess not," Tommy said, as Logan climbed the stairs. "But I understand why you did it," he said, patting Logan on the back before they turned to go inside.

"Well something smells good," Logan said, as they opened the door and stepped inside. Frowning he looked around. "Kim and Medicine Woman aren't back yet?" he asked, looking at Colleen as she tucked the baby in a cradle.

Slowly she shook her head. "No if they were coming back they'd be back by now," Mathew said, taking a bite of his food.

"Ma and Dancing Heron are alright aren't they?" Brian asked, next to him.

"They're fine," Mathew said, trying to reassure him and the boy looked at him. "They probably just decided it's too far to ride back in the dark."

As Mathew had been talking Logan looked out the window. "Yeah maybe you're right," he said, trying to shake the chill up his spine. "Either way…" he continued pausing when he turned and got a good look at the cradle. "Where'd you get that cradle? And those baby clothes? And that raddle?" he demanded, quietly so not to wake the sleeping babe eyeing each item in turn.

At once both Colleen and Brian shrank back under his quite tone. "From the old trunk in the barn…" Colleen started.

"Sully's old trunk?" Logan interrupted in the same hard quite voice.

Slowly they nodded. "We didn't think he'd mind," Brian said.

"Trust me he'll mind!" he said, exasperated.

"Logan what's the big deal?" Tommy asked, trying to calm him.

"The big deal is that it was for his baby," Logan explained facing him. "Who died at birth along with his wife," and Tommy's face went slack in realization.

"What do we do?" Colleen asked, looking from one to the other.

Sighing Logan looked at her. "Tomorrow wash it good, the put it back. And leave it there."

The next morning Tommy woke up rolling on to his side pausing when he saw Logan awake looking out the window. "Did you get any sleep last night?" he asked, climbing to his feet.

At the question Logan turned as Tommy walked over. "Yeah, I just got up early."

"When? At sunrise?" Tommy said, half joking. Then paused when he saw the look on Logan's face. "What did you expect them to be back by then…or now?" he asked, blinking.

Lowering his gaze Logan shook his head. "No I just can't shake this feeling that something is wrong," he admitted.

Lowering his gaze Tommy turned rubbing the back his head in thought. "Go find Sully," he said, taking out a strip of leather to tie back his hair. "Get him back here. Then we go out and find them."

An hour later both Mathew and Logan rode back to the homestead with Sully. "Colleen! Brian!" he called out when the two came into view by the cloths line. "White Falcon, Soaring Falcon, and Sully are going to go look for them!"

"Need some clothing so Wolf can get a sent!" Sully called out indicating the wolf as he trotted between the horses.

"I'll get something," Colleen said, and Logan caught the nervousness in her tone.

As Tommy came into view he shot him as silent question. Tommy shook his head.

Riding closer and before Logan could do anything Sully saw the baby clothes on the line. "Where'd you get those?" he demanded, voice going hard.

"Colleen found them," Brian said, looking up at him. "In the barn."

Unable to think of anything to say Logan moved close to Tommy as he mounted up. "We didn't think you'd mind," Mathew said, slipping to the ground.

"Well I do you had no right!" Sully half snapped as he shot Mathew a fiery look.

"The baby needed clothes," Colleen said, trying to sooth him as she came back out with a piece of Mike's clothes. Looking down at her with the fire in his eyes Sully snatched it from her hands. "We're sorry…," she started.

"You should have asked, first!" he snapped at them as the three rode out Wolf following closely.

With Logan and Tommy shooting Sully concerned looks the three followed wolf after they gave him the scent.

It was nearing midafternoon when they drew their mounts to a stop when Wolf paused ears pricking up. At Sully's signal they dismounted and moved forward quietly on foot.

A moment later Logan paused sniffing the air. Looking at them he signaled them by tapping his nose. He watched as they sniffed the air (Tommy at first looking skeptical) and caught the scent of burning wood that he had been smelling for a while now. Along with another scent that made his blood boil.

Pausing by a tall tree the three on bended knee peered through the foliage at a small camp. And tied right on the edge of it was Kim's and Medicine Woman's horses.

After whispering in Wolf's ear Sully signaled to Logan and Tommy. Nodding in understanding the two moved silently around each going a different direction.

After waiting for their discreet signal Sully moved into the camp. Eyeing the pot of coffee and the man turned on his side he drew level with the man's feet. Unsurprised the man whipped around leveling his pistol on him. Revealing McCall.

"What do you want?" McCall demanded, in a shaky voice.

"For starters I'd like you to put that gun away," Sully answered back holding the man's frightful gaze. "So would he," and Sully nodded to the growling Wolf who stood poised by the man.

"So would we!" said, a hard voice and looking over on either side of him McCall saw Logan with a leveled bow and Tommy with his knife drawn.

Slowly the man safeties his weapon and slipped it away. "Where's Dr. Quinn and Dancing Heron?" Sully asked, as the other two moved forward lowering their weapons but Logan keeping the bow taught.

"I don't know," McCall said, shifting more up right.

"That's their horses over there," Sully said, nodding toward the animals.

"Yeah they wandered into my camp early this morning," he explained as he looked from one hard face to the next. "You three looking for them?" he asked, as he eyed the look of disgust on Logan's.

"That's right," Sully answered simply.

"Well I ain't seen 'em."

"Well people in town are looking for you," Tommy said, voice hard.

"Is that so?" McCall said, shifting under their gazes. "You three want some coffee?" and he turned to pick up the pot.

"You don't look like much of a thief Mr. McCall," Logan said, and the man paused. "But then again a man who abandons his child is prone to do anything."

The man closed his eyes in shame. "I'm not…," he admitted before he faced them. "I'm a cowhand," he said, facing them after pouring cup. "Course nobody would hire me when they saw my boy," he said, before taking a sip. "Can out of money in Texar Canis, where I robbed my first store. You three going to turn me in?" he asked, looking at them.

For a moment they were silent. "Where's the money?" Logan asked.

"Right here," he said, turning toward the saddle he had been using a pillow to open his saddle bag. "I was going to send some of it to Dr. Quinn for taking care of my boy," he said, turning to hand him a small pile of bills.

Reaching out Sully took it squatting down to look him in the eye. "Why don't you give it all back," he said, and McCall paused. "That way Mr. Bray won't be looking to hang you."

For a second the man was still. Then he turned and took out the rest of the money. "Tell him I'm real sorry," he said, handing it over and Logan loosened the tension in his bow and gave a whistle as they moved toward the horses. "Now I know you three don't care much about me but…" McCall said, climbing to his feet as they put the money in Mike's saddlebags and their horses trotted up. "I'm just doing what's best for my boy…," he started trying to explain.

"Like hell you are!" Logan growled out give the man a glance. "You're going what's best for yourself."

"And if you really cared about that boy you'd find some way to keep him," Sully said, putting a hand on Logan's shoulder.

"I tried that you don't understand what it's like…" the man started.

"I know what it's like to be stolen abandoned by your parent!" Logan snapped out whipping around to silence him.

"And I know what it's like to lose a parent!" Tommy barked turning to look at him as well.

"And I know what it's like to lose a child," Sully said. "And if I'm ever lucky to bring another one into this world I would die before I give him up," and turning their backs on the man again they slipped onto their mounts as McCall dropped his gaze in shameful realization. "Did you love her?" Sully asked, suddenly and McCall looked at him taken aback.

"Who?" he asked.

"The boy's mother," Sully clarified.

"Very much," McCall answered without hesitation. "Very much."

"Then why would you abandon the living proof of that love?" Logan demanded, and McCall turned his eyes on him.

"There's a Posse still looking for ya," Sully said, drawing McCall's attention. "You best keep moving," and the three rode out leading the women's horses.

For a couple more hours the three followed Wolf after he picked up Michaela's and Kimberly's scents again. As they come out onto open space nestled against the mountains with small rocks and small clumps of grass a foliage dotted here and there. The horses gave a violent snort and jerk beneath and behind them.

"What's going on?" Tommy demanded, as he tried to get his mount under control.

"Looks like they got wind of something they don't like!" Logan answered as he tried to rein in Wildfire and eyed Wolf as he stood ridged hair standing up with his ears flattened.

With another jerk the three were thrown from their mounts. Landing hard on the ground with loud thuds. Looking up they were in time to see the trails of dust and flying dirt as the horses took off in the direction they came. The animal's hoof beats already faint in the distance.

"Wildfire!" Logan called after him.

"White Blaze!" Tommy called after his mount.

Climbing to their feet the three eyed the area for whatever spooked the horses as they moved forward. Slowly a shack similar to Rubbi's came into view.

"Isn't that Silver's place?" Tommy asked, nodding to it. Eyeing the torn up earth that had been covered in stones. As well as the ripped apart pen.

Before he could take another step all three froze. Eyes on the dried blood on the door frame of the shack.

"Dr. MIKE! KIMBERLY!" Sully called out as Logan drew and loaded his bow.

With a squeak the door opened and both women appeared in the frame. "LOOK OUT! THERE'S A BEAR!" Kimberly warned them.

"Did she say…?" Tommy started.

"BEAR!" Logan shouted looking behind them and they whipped around at the charging grizzly. "Don't run!" he shouted at them as it drew still ten feet from them pawing the ground. Trying to make himself big Logan let loose a loud cry at it.

At once it stood up on its hind legs towering over them and bellowed a roar in return that sent birds flying for miles and the ground quake.

For a second Logan was still jaw slack. "To hell with that, RUN!" he bellowed and the three turned and ran for the shack.

After barreling inside Logan and sully slammed the door closed behind Tommy and secured ii in the bears face. The next second they dug their feet in backs against the door as the shack began to shake as the animal tried to force its way in like it would knock down a tree.

Suddenly a loud crack split resounded split the air as a board next to the door gave way. Sticking its nose into the newly made hole the bear roared at them as Tommy shielded the women huddled against the far wall. Rearing back into its hind legs again it slipped a foreleg inside swiping its paw back and forth forcing Logan and Sully into the corner.

When the leg was drawn back they joined the others as the shaking resumed. "It must be rabid that's why he's acting this way," Sully said, eyeing the building which barely staid together under the bear's blows.

Finally the shaking stopped and they heard it move away. "What's it doing now?" Mike asked, fearful.

"He's resting up," Sully said, directly and they shared a glance.

"Well if he's rapid it could be he could die before that happens," Kimberly said, hopefully. "He been keeping us here all day and attacked Silver the day before."

After shooting her a glance Logan edged back toward the hole made by the broken board. "Did you bury him out there?" he asked, draw back after see the bear was nowhere in sight.

"Yeah," Kimberly said.

"What is he not there anymore?" Tommy asked, jabbing his thumb in the direction of the mound. Logan shook his head and Sully closed his eyes.

"What does that mean?" Mike asked, looking from one to the other.

"It means he's not rapid," Kimberly said, in fear.

"It means he's got the taste of human blood," Logan said, walking over to sit at the table facing the hole. "He's not going anywhere…not until he gets inside…and eats us," he said, looking at them.

For a couple hours after barricading the hole best they could the group sat about the shack with Mike resting on the bed the others tried to figure out what to do. "…well either way were going to have to put him down," Kimberly said, while Sully paced.

"And to do that we're going to need a high powered rifle," Logan said. "Primitive bows are not going to have the power to pierce that fur and hide."

"But without our horses we can't out run him," Tommy said.

"What about either mine or Tommy's ranger weapons?" Kimberly asked.

"And how is it going to look when someone finds what's left?" Logan asked, in frustration running his fingers through his hair.

"Dr. Mike," Sully suddenly said, as he stopped pacing. Turning the three watched as he moved over to her. "You asleep?" he asked, moving toward her.

"No," she admitted and sat up in the bed.

"I've been thinking about that little boy," Sully said, sitting down intron of her and the three blinked in surprise. "If you can't find someplace for him I'll…I'll raise him," he said, said and everyone stared at him taken aback.

"How could you? Alone?" Mike asked, stunned.

"Well somebody's got to," Sully defended. "I don't want to see him go off to some orphanage."

"Well find a home for him Sully," she said, trying to reassure him. "A good home. Perhaps Cloud Dancing could…" she started before whipping back to the door as the bear made its presence known with a nearby roar.

Leaping to their feet they faced it. "I want you all wait their by the door," Sully said, indicating the corner away from the hole. "When I tell yea open it."

"Are you crazy?" Mike demanded, as they all stared at him.

"Just do it!" Sully snapped and they moved to obey.

After watching him move a chair back the shack began to shake again. "NOW!" he barked at them.

At once they opened the door and the bear rushed inside at him. Ushering the others out Logan watched as Sully leapt up to grab a ceiling beam and swung himself up. When the bear was behind him Sully dropped down and both rushed out closing the door behind them. Reaching through the hole Logan relocked it and they started to sprint after the others.

"Did you have that planned out all along?" he demanded, when they caught up with them.

"I didn't want to give you the chance to talk me out of it," he answered.

Before another word could be spoken they turned at the sound of splintering wood and was in time to see the shack collapse upon itself. Breathing hard for a second the group eyed the pile of beams and boards. Then with a roar like jack in the box the bear burst out of it splinters flying.

"SPREAD OUT! HE CAN'T CHASE ALL OF US!" Logan shouted and took off with Kimberly and Tommy while Mike ran in the other direction with Sully and Wolf going in another.

The three had barely got a dozen feet when they skidded to a stop by a cry of surprise and a roar from the bear. Spinning around they stared horrified to see Mike on the ground after tripping over her skirt. The bear towering over her while Wolf darted in and out nipping at it trying to defend her while Sully followed drawing his knife and tomahawk.

"MIKE!" Kimberly screamed charging toward the bear.

"KIMBERLY NO!" Logan screamed after her as he saw her draw out her morpher.

"PTERODACTYL!" Kimberly called out running and in a flash of pink morphed. "HEY SMOKEY!" she called out to the bear summing the power bow in a flash of light. It slowly faced her. "STAY AWAY FROM… MY…FAMILY!" she screamed raising the bow pink energy encasing the arrow before she loosed it.

They watched as the pink blazing arrow whistled through the air and impacted in the center of the bear's chest. At once a small explosion rocked the air causing them all to duck shield themselves for cover. When they looked again all that remained of the bear was a smoking remains of the lower torso and two hind legs rooted to the spot. Before it tumbled like a fallen tree forward with a sickening squishy thud.

Walking over to Kimberly who stood like a statue breathing like a winded bull Logan and Tommy eyed the remains of the bear. While in front of them Mike stared open mouth at Kimberly in her ranger armor.

"Dancing Heron?" Medicine Woman asked, breaking the stunned silence and jerking in surprise Kimberly looked at her through her visor. "What did you mean by 'your family'?" she asked.

Even though they were covered Logan could see it dawn on her. Slowly she turned to him and Tommy. "Oh no," Logan snapped jabbing finger at her. "Your mess you clean it up!" he said, in the same tone jabbing the finger to emphasize it. She held his gaze for a second before her shoulders slumped in defeat before she demorphed facing Michaela. "Come one lets barbeque what's left of smoky," he said, patting Tommy on the chest with the back of his hand.

"Why do we have to take care of it?" Tommy complained as they moved back toward the shack. "She blew him up."

"Because they need a moment," Logan hissed back.

Glancing back over his shoulder he was in time to see Kimberly say, "I think you'd better sit down," indicating the log a little ways from the two of them. "I'm not sure where to begin…" she continued not looking at Medicine Woman. "So I think I'll be straight out," and taking a breath she faced the woman. "I'm your great, great, great, great granddaughter…."

A couple hours later after the pair had their discussion. And Tommy and Logan piled the splintered wood over the remaining half and set it to lite. They headed back to town since it was closer than the homestead.

As they walked every now and then they caught Michaela shooting Kimberly a look. "What?" she finally said, exasperated as they came to the edge of the meadow.

With a jerk Medicine Woman shrugged her shoulders. "Nothing," she said. "It's just odd now knowing that you're my Granddaughter that's all."

Smiling Kim nodded in understanding. "Now you know how I felt when I first got here," she said. "But you understand that you can't tell anyone," she continued growing serious.

Smiling Mike nodded. "Yes I understand," she said, before glancing at the town. "I just wish I could tell Colleen about you being her granddaughter."

"She's more like my aunt," Kimberly said, and Logan shooting her a look lightly jabbed his elbow into her gut.

"Then Mathew?" Mike asked, looking at her. Kim shook her head. "Brian?"

"I can't say, because it may influence things in a way that…" Kim said.

"Could prevent you from being born," Sully said, looking at her.

At once she nodded. "In fact I may have said, to much already. Now come on we gotta get cleaned up and back to homestead," and she walked on towards town everyone following close behind her.

Just as they were reaching Jake's both Colleen and Brian came flying out of it and into Michaela's arms. After they held tightly for a few seconds Mike saw Jake and Emily come down the steps. The baby in Jake's arms.

"Here Mr. Slicker," she said, and the pair gently transferred the baby into her arms.

"The baby had a tummy ach and Mr. Slicker fixed it," Colleen explained gently rubbing the top of the baby's head.

"Well that was rather unselfish of him," Logan commented eyeing Jake. "And rather diverse."

At the sound of feet they turned and saw the Reverend and Loren walk toward them. "Mr. Silver was killed by a bear," Sully said, to them.

At his words the Reverend lowered his gaze in sorrow. "Did you see the bear?" Brian asked, eagerly.

"Oh yes we did," Tommy said, all of them knowing it was not something they were ever going to forget.

"When your horses came back without you all we got worried," Mathew explained as they turned to him.

"So that's where they went," Logan muttered, nodding.

"Was he big?" Brian asked, desperate for more information.

"Very," Mike said, exasperated looking down at him with a smile.

"What was my money doing in your saddlebag?" Loren asked, and as everyone looked at him an uncomfortable silence fell on the group.

"We ran across the man who robbed your store," Sully finally explained after taking a breath. "Said he made a mistake…want you to have it back."

For a few seconds Loren looked at them biting his lower lip before he nodded. "What he look like?" Jake asked, hands on his hips.

"Like no one we've ever seen around here," Logan said. "Now if you don't mind we'd like to wash up before we head back," and the group moved towards the clinic.

A couple hours later after they had washed up best they could Mike was going over inventory when Logan, Tommy, and Kim came into the examination room. Before a word could be spoken they turned at a knock on the open door. They all turned and was surprised to see Hank there a rolled up paper in hand.

"Hey heard you had some bear trouble," he said, with his usual grin.

Smiling Mike nodded from behind her desk. "Yes we did, something wrong with Zack?"

Stepping inside he shook his head. "Nothing's wrong with him," he said, as he walked toward the desk giving Logan a wide birth. "Your boy was right," and he held out the rolled up brown paper. "Zack can draw," he said, proudly as Mike took the roll.

Eyeing him she unrolled it with a crackle of the paper as the other three moved behind her to see. A beautiful woman looked out at them with full lips, a narrow chin, and slanted eyebrows over majestic eyes, with a dainty nose between them.

"Da Vinci eat your heart out," Logan said, in awe.

"How do you know he drew this?" Medicine Woman asked, looking up at Hank.

"That's his ma," Hank said, simply and the three look up at him catching the look of sorrow and longing in his eye.

"She was beautiful," Michaela said, looking back in wonder at the drawing.

"Yeah she was," Hank said, his voice starting to break.

"She really loved you didn't she?" and Hank look at Logan who was eyeing him.

Turning to look out the window Hank nodded. "I like my whiskey and my women, sometimes I ain't to polite, fact is I got a downright nasty temper. So I don't know what she saw in me but she did…" he said, before looking at them. "And I loved her…I never want her do what she did in the end but…"

"But you were going under," Logan said, straightening. "And she did it so you wouldn't," he continued and a surprised look appeared on Hank's face. "Myra told us," he explained and Hank nodded.

Still nodding he looked out the window. "I know I ain't going to be the best father, I'll tell you all that straight out," he said, with a jerk of his hand. "But I want to try and give him a home," he continued facing them. "And I know he deserves better than living in and sweeping the saloon."

For a few seconds silence fell over the group. "You weren't trying to protect yourself from him," Kim said, in realization. "You were trying to protect him from the world you live in."

For a few seconds he looked at her before he slowly nodded. "What do I do now?"

Sighing Logan lowered his gaze before looking at the man again. "We all also know that he'll never get a fair deal here," he said, and everyone looked at him. Slowly he came around the desk toward Hank. "There's a school in Denver. For artistically gifted children," he explained before he stopped before the man. "Send him there…where he can have a chance to grow and heal. And where people can accept him for his talent," at his words Hank lowered his gaze in thought. "And besides…," Hank looked at Logan again. "He now knows you love him, and you or he can always visit each other. It's just a stagecoach ride away," he finished with a grin.

After Hank left Logan turned to Mike as she examined the drawing. "Savant?" she asked looking up at them.

"Absolutely," Logan nodded.

The next day on the way back to town to see Zack off the group rode out to the reservation to see Black Kettle and Cloud Dancing about the baby. "He would like to help if he can," Sully translated as Black Kettle signed to him as they stood near Black Kettle's teepee with Cloud Dancing and Spring's Dawn. The people moving about them.

Taking a breath Medicine Woman faced them. "This baby needs a home and I've not been able to find anybody to take him," she explained. "So I came to you, I need your help."

"But he is not of the Cheyenne," Cloud Dancing said.

"But he looks half of our people," Springs Dawn said, moving close to the baby.

"Yes his mother was Indian but his father was white," Medicine Woman continued before looking back at Black Kettle. "Would you please take him?"

Slowly Black Kettle looked from her to the baby and gently took one of its hands as the baby looked at him with wide eyes. Then sorrowfully shook his head.

"Why?" Mike asked, disappointed. "Is it because we don't know if he was Cheyenne?"

Again Black Kettle shook his head and started to speak. "It's not that," Kimberly translated. "He asked, what kind of life can he give this baby. When he cannot even feed his own children. And that they might not survive the winter," and Mike lowered her gaze to the child.

As Black Kettle finished Sully looked at her. "He said, you can give this baby a better life," he said.

Slowly Mike looked from Sully to Black Kettle. The man held her gaze with an apologetic look before he turned and entered his teepee. "He has changed sense the massacre at Sand Creek," Cloud Dancing explained after turning to watch him go before facing them.

"So has everything," Sully said, in agreement.

"He sees no future for our people," Cloud Dancing said, sorrowfully.

"I don't blame him," Mike said, sorrowfully shifting her grip on the infant. While behind her the three teens shared a silent sorrowful look. Before Logan's eyes shifted to Springs Dawn and saw the tears there. For her father and people.

When they arrived back in town they did their best to keep the sorrow from their faces as they walked to the small crowd gathered around the stage coach. They reached the still passive faced Zack now dressed in a fine cut suit just as Myra finished hugging him goodbye. Turning to Mike she barely was able to pass the baby to Colleen before he held her close in his arms.

After holding him back Michaela looked up surprised to see Hank in a suit as well. "Hank…you look almost…" she started trying to find the right word.

"Would it kill ya to say it?" he asked, shifting some of his hair back.

Smiling she nodded. "Alright I will," she said, standing tall. "Handsome," she said, and the group around her shared a chuckle.

Returning the smile Hank nodded. "Thank you Michaela."

"Hank you're doing a wonderful thing," Olive said, next to him and he faced her. "Sending Zack off to that art school," she continued before bending down to look Zack in the eye. "They're very lucky to have you," he said, slowly to him taking his hand.

Logan rolled his eyes at that. "Miss Wellman agreed that he deserved the opportunity," Mike said, resting a hand on Zack's shoulder. "And she assured me that she'll find a very special place for him," she reassured Hank before looking at Zack. "This must be quite a trip for you young man," she said, before looking up at Hank. "But your father will be there to make sure you get there safely."

For a second the two were still as they looked at each other before he nodded. "Good luck Zack," Mathew said, offering his hand and Zack shook it.

"Don't forget us," Collen said, baby still in her arms nodded to him.

"With his talent he won't need it," Logan said, then dropped down to one knee look Zack in the eye. "But remember this, no matter what anybody says to you. You are not cursed, you're blessed," and smiling he patted Zack on the arm seeing and feeling the gratefulness from him and in his eyes.

"Maybe you can draw something for me while you're there," Brian said, and Zack looked at him. "Send it in the mail," he suggested before stepping forward Zack held him close. Trying to say goodbye to one of the first people who believed in him.

There was a moment of silence as the people around them watched the touching scene between the boys. When they broke apart they looked at each other for a second before Zack turned and Hank helped him onto the stage step.

Pausing before he climbed in he turned back to face the group. "Good-bye," he said, softly and grinning Logan nodded to him while around him some people murmured in surprise.

"Maybe he could bring it himself," Michaela said, and Zack paused to look at her. "When he comes home for Christmas," she finished smiling at Hank.

After a seconds thought he nodded in agreement and looked at Zack. "Yeah sure, Christmas," and a hopeful smile spread across Zack's face.

"Let's not forget Thanksgiving," and Hank looked at Logan. "Easter, and the Fourth of July," he counted off. After a moment Hank nodded in agreement.

With smiles and grins on the group faces they watched as Hank climbed in after Zack and door was closed. Turning to watch the stage ride out they waved calling out farewell's to Zack as he waved back at them from the stage's window.

"The boy's first word," Olive said, next to Logan as they watched the stage disappear.

"No it wasn't," Tommy said, lowering his hand. "He could talk all along," and he looked at her surprised face. "He just didn't have much to say."

Laughing at that Logan turned and spotted Michaela going to the telegraph with Horace as the crowd dispersed. After nodding toward the saloon the three walked over to wait for her.

They didn't have to wait long as she came out in rapid footsteps and a flurry of her skirts. Pausing when she saw them waiting for her. Shifting or climbing to their feet the three walked close.

"Couldn't send it could you?" Logan asked, drawing close. "The telegram to the orphanage?" he clarified.

Slowly she shook her head. "I couldn't stopping thinking about his smile, how he doesn't cry that much, and that he's very ticklish."

Smiling he nodded. "We'll see you tonight at the homestead," he said, and they moved off.

Later that night after dinner Logan, Kimberly, and Tommy were preparing to leave to sleep outside when the baby started crying. "I'll get him," Medicine Woman said, before Kim could move forward.

They watched as she gently took him in her arms and rocked him. "Dr. Mike?" and they turned to see Colleen and Brian come out from behind the sheet concealing their beds. "Are we going to keep him?" she asked, almost hopefully.

After shooting her a smile Mike faced the door. "Of course we are," she said, walking toward it while behind her Brian and Colleen shared a grin.

Outside the four walked down the steps of the porch where Michaela pointed up at the moon for the little babe. "See the man in it? You have to look real close to see it."

Smiling as he watched her Logan suddenly frowned at the sound of horses. Turning on the spot he peered in to the gloom. And his eyes went wide when he saw Sully and Mr. McCall ride toward them.

"Mr. McCall," Mike said, in surprise.

"We had a little talk," Sully explained as Logan's face hardened. "Mr. McCall's got something to tell yea," he finished as the man tied up his horse.

When he was done the group eyed the man as he slipped off his hat and shifted uncomfortably. "I've come for my boy ma'am," he finally said, looking at her. "I just couldn't live with myself leaving him behind."

With an identical skeptical look on her face Mike answered, "I'm sorry but how do I know you're not going to desert him again when things get to hard?"

"Because I know that he needs me and I ain't going to let him down. I promise you that," he said, trying to convince her.

"Are you sure."

"Yes ma'am," he said, without hesitation. "Now mind ya, this ain't exactly how I figured my life would turn out. Didn't want nobody depending on me nor me needing anybody else. But then I met the baby's Mama fell in love. He was born of that love and I think I should honor it and her memory. Like he said," and he nodded to Logan. "He's living proof of how much his Ma and me loved each other. Abandoning him is like abandoning her."

For a second they were still as they eyed the man. Then very slowly Medicine Woman walked forward offering the child. With a tear in his eye McCall slipped his hat back on and took his son into his arms. Lost for words he lovingly bobbed the baby in his arms as he cooed up at him.

"There's a trunk in the barn," Sully said, nodding toward the building. "It's got some clothes in it for a baby. You can help yourself," he said softly looking at the baby while Kim's and Mike's faces softened.

For a second the man looked at him before he smiled. "Sirs I'd like to thank you for remind me just how lucky I am," he said, offering his hand.

Nodding Sully took it and McCall offered it to Tommy who shook it as well. When he reached Logan he didn't move for a second.

Then Logan took it but didn't shake but held it in a firm grip. "If I so much as hear a whisper that you've abandoned that baby again. I'll come after you," he warned and McCall nervously licked his lips. "And believe me when I say…that I can and will find you."

Nodding in understanding McCall asked, "Anything else I should know?"

Logan's eyes darted to the baby and back. "Raise him to know and remember his mother's people," he answered. "Honor them as well."

Again McCall nodded. "Stay the night won't you?" Michaela asked, trying to lighten things.

"Yes ma'am," McCall answered smiling. "Little Mike and me need a place to rest up."

"Mike?" Medicine Woman asked, as she and everyone else frowned.

"You don't mind do ya," McCall asked, a little worried. "I'd like to call him Mike."

Smiling in realization she shook her head. "No, no I don't," Medicine Woman said, sounding honored.

Later that night Logan laid on his side his mind going over the events of the past week. And with those in his head he slipped into his past.

He and Kimberly had just gotten done with Dr. Gerrard and she had asked, for him to wait outside.

Sitting back in the chair he eyed the people around them as they shot him looks every now and then.

"Give it to me straight doc?" he heard Kim say to Dr. Gerrard.

"Okay Sargent Hart I'll give it to you straight. I haven't seen PTSD that bad sense I work with my last POW patient," Gerrard answered.

"You're not thinking about institutionalizing him are you?"

"With his hyper alertness reaction there may not be any other way considering how dangerous he could be to anyone around him," Gerrard pointed out and Logan prepared to bolt.

"That won't help him," her heard Kimberly snap out. "If you or anyone did that to him he can and would find some way to escape. Then what…," she said, letting the sentence hang.

He heard Gerrard sigh before he sat down on something. "What would you suggest then?"

"Tell me what I need to do to help him," Kimberly said, almost pleading. "And I'll do it."

Again he heard silence from the room. "You work SWAT Sargent and you have two girls of your own. I'm not sure you're best one suit to take care of what he needs. So why are you fighting so hard for this?" Gerrard asked.

There was a moment's silence before Kimberly answered, "Because somebody has to care about him. And he reminds me of somebody I consider family."

For a seconds silence before Gerrard said, "There's a new therapy I've been reading about…"

When they got back to her apartment after a trip to the mall where Kimberly got him clothes they stopped to see Sensei Watanabe. He was carrying a pair of large shopping bags while she carried a few more. "Rachel! Kira! We're home!" Kimberly called out as she closed the door behind them.

At the call Kira peeked into the hall. "What was the shopping spree for Mom?" she asked, eyeing the bags. "And a couple from game stop!" she said, excited coming toward them eyeing the bags Logan carried.

"Game stop?" Rachel said, peeking out of the kitchen. "Does that include that new Arkham game?" she asked, eagerly.

"Guitar Hero…Mommy is here…" Kira said, then paused when she saw over the edge of one bag. "Xbox and Nintendo!" she said, excited and Rachel cheered coming forward. "Mom have I told you how much I love…" she started reaching for one. Then froze when Logan pulled them out her reach a fierce look on his face.

Stepping between him and Kira, Kimberly eyed her daughters. "They're not for you they're for Logan…," she started.

"WHAT!" both girls barked in surprise.

Raising her hands Kimberly tried to keep them calm. "I'll explain girls I promise but for right now it's up to him if you can play games on either. Now is his room ready?" she said, looking at each of them.

Their dumbfounded looks still in place on their faces Rachel gestured with her thumb over her shoulder. "Yeah they delivered and set up the bed a couple hours ago," she said.

Nodding Kimberly bent down to look him in the eye. "Why don't you go in and wait for me okay," she said.

In answer he slowly moved down the hall eyeing Kira and Rachel as he protectively held the bags with thhe consoles and games. Then darted for the other sliding door and into the room.

Sliding the door closed behind him he eyed the room around when he saw the whiteness of the walls and on the sheets of the simple bed he was immediately reminded of the room he was locked in at times. Dropping the bags eyes darted left and right he reached behind him to open the door a crack and focused on the voices from the living room.

"Mom what's the deal? why did you buy him those things? Along with all those clothes?" he heard Kira say.

"Because he has a condition called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He needs to feel like he's safe and in control of his life and he needs those things to help him get better," she explained.

"So we're just supposed to just bend over backwards for him?" Rachel demanded.

"In some ways yes. Remember what happened last night girls?" Kim said, and there was silence and Logan assumed they nodded. "That is a symptom of what he has. He can't fully go to sleep because his body is always on alert for danger and he lashes out at people for the same reason. He doesn't know how to trust people."

Again silence fell. "And who knows in time he might let us use the Xbox and Nintendo to play your games. Right Logan," Kimberly said and Logan blanched taken aback.

Slowly sliding the door open he looked at the three of them. "Is something wrong?" Kimberly asked, concerned. Frowning he looked from the room to her. "It's alright you can tell me."

For a few second he was still eyeing at them. "It's to white," he finally said.

At that the two girls blinked. "To white? How can it be…," Kira started but stopped at a look from her mother.

"If it's to white it's to white," Kimberly said, looking back at him. "Tomorrow when I get back from work we can look at wallpaper or paint chips, but for right now maybe Kira could lend you some posters," she said, the paused when her phone beeped. Picking it up she looked at it. "Speaking of which I have to go," she said, standing. "Kira help Logan set up the consoles and remember what I said, in the car," she said, walking down the hall. "At least two hours each day," she said, and closed the door behind her.

That night after Kimberly got back and Logan was in his new bed he found it very hard to find some sleep. When he finally drifted off his eyes were locked on the poster Kira had lent him of the woman singing on the bow of the ship. Her kind eyes comforting him.

A week later his room was transformed from a simple white to a barrage of colors and images. Ranging from darks to brights and images of Savanah animals and plants across the wall. But a copy of the woman still hung in a place of honor across from his bed.

As directed he played one of the games for two hours each day. As time passed both Kira and Rachel noticed slight changes in him. That though he was still on edge and lashed out if someone he didn't know surprised him. But around them he was starting to be calmer and less edgy.

One day after training, classes, and his homework finished he was playing one game his fingers flying across the controller Kimberly sat down on the couch next to him. "Logan can I speak to you?" she asked.

At once he paused the game and looked at her. Waiting to be instructed.

After she eyed him or a moment she held up her badge for him. "Do you know what this means?" she asked.

Blinking he looked at it. "It means that you're a cop," he said returning his gaze to her.

Smiling she nodded. "Yes it does mean that," she said. "But it also means that I swore an oath to up hold the law," she clarified and he blinked. "It means that it's my sacred duty to protect people who need help," she said, and his jaw set. "Now I know how strong you are Logan but even the strongest person needs help every now and then."

At her words he lowered his gaze in thought though he was still as tense as a tiger ready to spring. "Now I promise that you are safe here," Kimberly said, and that feeling of being encased in warm soft arms swept over him again.

"And right now I want to make a bargain with you," she said he and frowned in confusion. "You can pick five things that you want to learn. Things that has nothing to do with training," she said, and he blinked at her mouth parting slightly not willing to believe it.

"and in return I want you to pick five songs so that we know wither you feel angry, sad, happy, afraid…" and she paused catching the flint in his eyes. "Or we can call it anxious if that's better," she said, smiling. "But most importantly…when you feel safe," she finished and offered her hand. "Is it a deal?"

He eyed her for a moment before he took her hand and they shook on it.

Rolling onto his back he laid his hand behind his head. You knew didn't you Kimberly? You knew who I was then?

Weather she did or not she saved your life and gave you back your humanity, Red Dragon said.

Or at least started to, he thought then glanced over at Tommy. But either way he finished the job.

SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG A MIXTURE OF LIFE AND OTHER THINGS PLEASE REVIEW