Ziona made her demands very clear if she were to accept the terms of Vezaias's offer. She would be granted a place to live and raise her child safely. She was to be provided more than enough money, supplies, and support to raise her child. She also demanded that Khallie be included in this deal since she was still pregnant and would be giving birth soon. She also wanted Rocks back and an opportunity to convince him to cooperate for the sake of having her child's father alive again. She also demanded Khallie also have an opportunity to convince Skyler to cooperate. Demetri told Vezaias the list of demands to negotiate Ziona's cooperation. Vezaias agreed only after pressing the issue of what would happen if Rocks or Skyler would not cooperate. Vezaias appointed both Demetri and Remington to help Ziona move back into the base permanently. She had a lot of things to bring with her along with someone very special. Demetri carried lots of bags full of things Ziona needed while Remington carried a few pieces of necessary furniture. Khallie followed through to the base looking very emotional and very pregnant. She sat down to take a break while Demetri helped to organize all the bags full of stuff that she and Ziona needed.

  “Are you hungry Khallie?” Demetri asked. He was very concerned about her well-being. She was already exhausted after helping to pack up all the bags.

  “Oh yes I am starving!” She said as she rubbed her pregnant belly.

  “I will check on the next meal alright?” He left quickly then came back just as Remington was finished putting the larger furniture into the room. Demetri helped Khallie to the kitchen so she could eat. Ziona also joined while taking an infant's car seat with her. She sat broodingly at the table next to Khallie and waited for the food to be served. Zexich arrived not long after looking thrilled to see both Ziona and Khallie at the table.

  I am so glad you are both here now. I have thought about you both often. I do hope your birthing experience went well despite the situation.” Zexich was eager to know so much that he tried his best to curb his curiosity. Before Ziona could answer, their new leader arrived along with the rest of his group. Vezaias noticed them quickly and approached looking as mild and unthreatening as possible. Ziona was still on edge and she slid the car seat behind her as if to protect her child. Remington stood beside Vezaias while also feeling a bit on edge to the situation. Lux elected to stay a bit further away.

  “Is your new accommodation to your liking?” Vezaias asked mildly. Ziona had requested a large bedroom where there would be enough room to put a baby crib, changing table, and pack and play so she could take care of her infant comfortably. Khallie was also set up with a similar bedroom.

  “It's fine. I still have a lot of unpacking to do.” She said shortly, looking very cross.

  “If you would like help, Remington can continue to help you do whatever it is that you need.” Vezaias brushed off her attitude.

  “The father of my child would be much more appreciated.” Ziona said sourly.

  “Of course. I've already given the okay to Zex. I am sure he is very eager to start the process.” Vezaias said.

  “I certainly am. Do not worry Ziona, I will work on this non stop until it is completed.” Zexich said. Ziona tried to smile at Zexich and thank him but just as she began to speak there was a squeal from behind her then a loud high pitched wail. Ziona looked anxious as she reached for the child to unbuckle him from the seat then pick him up to cradle him in her arms. She held him protectively and began to shoosh him. He quieted as she patted his butt. Remington was near in awe at the tiny little version of Rocks. The baby, who was only two months old, had dark wheat colored hair, and the same tiny features as Rocks, and by default Remington too because they were nearly identical. Remington was suddenly emotional and silently crying. Ziona noticed this and softened.

  “You okay Rem?” Vezaias turned to him.

  “He's just so perfect.” Remington said softly. Ziona actually smiled now at how awestruck Remington was.

  “Thanks. He is, isn't he?” Zyona said mildly. “His name is Legacy Felixander. It means ‘A fortunate defender of the world’’.” Ziona said as she lifted him more for Remington to look.

  “What a fitting name.” Zexich commented.

  “Would you like to hold him?” Ziona asked Remington. He jolted at the request.

  “Me? Uh! Well I've never held a baby before! I don't know if I should…” He stammered.

  “You will be fine.” Ziona said standing up and holding him outward and carefully transferring him into Remington's arms. Remington was nervous but carefully cradled the baby.

  “Make sure to support his head and do not touch the soft spot right here. See, you are doing alright.” She said, smiling at him. The baby blinked at Remington and made a few gurgling squeals then twisted his lips into a smile. Remington was struck and afraid to move at all as he held this tiny person.

  “Aww see he likes his Uncle Remi.” Ziona cooed. He was now even more struck. Uncle? Remington was crying more.

  “Easy Rem, maybe you should sit down.” Vezaias said, looking concerned.

  “Uh right!” He said nervously. Vezaias quickly got a chair and swung it behind Remington to sit. Remington felt more secure now and looked down at the baby in his arms. He used his free hand to hold the tiny hand that reached for him. The little fingers wrapped around his finger giving him a squeeze. Remington smiled warmly.

  “He's so precious. Awww.” Remington said as the little eyes blinked up at him. “What do you call him for short?”

  “Well, I've settled on Felix, because it sounds so cute. But sometimes I call him Blueberry, because his eyes look like two little blueberrys.” Ziona said with a smile. “You can talk to him, he loves hearing people talk.”

  “Oh? Um….” Remington paused. He wasn't sure what to say to the baby. “Hi there Felix.” Remington said softly. Felix automatically smiled as if it were a reflex. “Aww. How sweet. Um, do you like music, Felix?” He asked. Felix continued to smile then blinked at him. “Oh, me too. Maybe I can write you a song and sing it to you. Would you like that?” Remington said. Felix made another face then pushed his lips together into a circle and smiled again.

  “Ah!” Felix cooed.

  “I'll get right on that okay? Maybe you should go back with your mama now.” Remington said. He carefully transferred Felix back into Ziona's arms, but he immediately began to cry. She shushed him and adjusted him to lay on her shoulder and began to pat his butt. He began to quiet.

  “He must really like you Rem.” Ziona said as he continued to pat Felix.

  “Really? Well I really like him too. He's adorable.” Remington said. He felt elated now after holding Felix and looked up at Vezaias very dreamily.

  “Zex you want to hold him?” Ziona continued. Zexich was thrilled to have a turn at holding baby Felix who was very content to snuggle into Zexich's arms but after a while he grew fussy. Ziona took him and began to feed him a prepared bottle of infant formula. Remington tried his best to move on with the moment and sat down to eat but he was feeling very overwhelmed with emotions now. He was jealous while Zexich held Felix, because holding this tiny part of his brother filled him with so much joy that he wished he could hold him again. Then he couldn't help but watch Ziona feed him a bottle then put him over her shoulder to pat his back and burp him. Vezaias noticed how distracted Remington was but only watched him in amusement. Everyone else went about their business eating then dispersing after the meal was finished. Remington watched as Felix was now asleep and Ziona was laying him back into the car seat to carry him as well as her full diaper bag back to her new bedroom. Remington quickly got up to help her.

  “Here, will you let me help you?” Remington asked.

  “Oh, you don't have to do that.” Ziona said a bit surprised by the offer.

  “I know, but you have a lot to carry, and I just want to help you.” He said.

  “Well thank you Rem. Do you want to carry his car seat?” She let him take Felix to the bedroom. After she put the diaper bag down she took Felix out of the car seat and laid him in the crib. Remington looked into the crib which was relatively empty.

  “Doesn't he need a blanket? Or a pillow or something?” Remington asked.

  “No Rem, babies shouldn't have that stuff. They could suffocate.” Ziona said amusingly.

  “Suffocate?” Remington looked a bit alarmed.

  “Babies can’t roll over or lift their heads. If it covers his face he wouldn't be able to push it away.” Ziona said.

  “Oh.” Now Remington looked worried.

  “It's okay Rem. That's why I haven't given him blankets yet. He can have them once he is older. I have to make sure he is safe.” She said,

  “Right. Well…” Remington paused, feeling very awkward. “I don't know very much about taking care of babies.” He tried to compile what he wanted to say. “….but I can learn. I don't know why, but I feel very protective of Felix. I want to spend more time with him.” Remington said. He hoped this wasn't a strange request.

  “Well he doesn't sleep through the night yet. He wakes every few hours to have a bottle. So I will be awake with him during the night and I will only be able to sleep when he does. It can be pretty exhausting. Maybe you can watch him while I take a nap during the day.” Ziona said.

  “Sure. You will have to show me how to do that but I will be there if you need me.” He said.

  “Thanks Rem. I should get to sleep now before he wakes up otherwise I will have to wait until after he has his next bottle.” She told him.

  “Oh, right. Well let me know if you need anything. Goodnight.” Remington left quickly feeling awkward. He arrived in the communal bedroom where the others were already laying in bed. Remington quickly undressed into his boxers and crawled up into the bed.

  “Rem, we thought we were going to lose you to baby fever or something.” Vezaias chuckled.

  “What?” Remington was puzzled.

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  “You know, that baby human that you were holding.” Lux said seriously.

  “His name is Felix. What's a baby fever?” Remington corrected. They were even more amused.

  “It means you want to have your own baby.” Ephraim said.

  “Want a baby? Wait, I'm not going to go be with a girl just so I can have a baby.” Remington looked confused as well as nearly disgusted.

  “See what I mean he is just not the clearest glass in the cupboard.” Lux said in amusement. The others all laughed at the observation.

  “Ugh, right I know I'm not, so can someone explain it?” Remington groaned.

  “There is more than one way to have your own baby Rem.” Vezaias laughed.

  “Huh?” He was even more confused.

  “There is adoption, and surrogacy.” Ephraim highlighted.

  “Oh. I didn't even think about it, but what is surrogacy?” Remington asked.

  “It's when a couple cannot have a baby on their own so they find a woman willing to carry the pregnancy for them. Usually you pay money to the woman as compensation plus pay the medical bills. Then a doctor will implant an embryo into her womb. When the baby is born the baby belongs to the couple, not the surrogate mother.” Ephraim explained. Remington was struck.

  “I didn't know that was an option.” Remington said.

  “You have completely avoided the observation.” Vezaias mused.

  “What observation?” Remington asked.

  “You want a baby.” Vezaias repeated.

  “Uh! No! I don't! I mean, I didn't realize I could have a baby of my own. I don't think I'm ready for that at all.” Remington said with a jolt.

  “Okay that's fair. Let's just say in the future we have settled down and the mission we're on is over. Our careers are steady. Maybe then you would want to have a baby?” Vezaias asked curiously. Remington thought about this for a long moment. He pictured it in his mind, a baby, one with beautiful gold eyes, and midnight hair. He would raise that child alongside Vezaias, Lux, and Ephraim. He would be a better father than his own father was. He saw the milestones, diapers, bottles, first steps and words, teaching them to ride a bike, first day of school, celebrating birthdays, holidays, being a family. Being the father he wished he had as a child. He hesitated.

  “Would any of you want to have a baby?” Remington asked anxiously.

  “Maybe. I haven't really thought about it.” Ephraim answered first.

  “I don't trust baby humans. I feel like they are silently judging me.” Lux said seriously. Remington tried not to laugh at this. He waited for the most important answer, shifting to look at Vezaias.

  “I'm not against it. I just feel like I'm not really ready for that sort of responsibility yet. I didn't exactly have a great example of how to be a good father. I'm afraid I'd be exactly like my father.” Vezaias said solemnly.

  “I don't think you would be like him at all. I can tell because of how good you are at loving me.” Remington said. “That shows me that you have a big heart, and I know you would be a great father.” Remington said. The others agreed.

  “Then maybe in the future, if it's something you want Rem.” Vezaias said mildly. The group settled now and after a while they fell asleep.

  “Oh he is starting to cry! What do I do??” Remington tried not to panic.

  “He is probably hungry. He will need his bottle.” Ziona said as she folded tiny baby cloths and put them into the dresser drawer. “Do you remember how to test the temperature?”

  “On my wrist?” He said as he dug around for the supplies to make the bottle. He quickly measured the correct amount, one level scoop into the distilled water then shook it up and put it into the bottle warmer. Meanwhile Felix was even more distressed and crying even louder. Remington was now frantically waiting for the bottle warmer to finish heating the bottle.

  “Remington, calm down. It will not hurt him to cry a bit until the bottle is ready. It helps him develop his lungs and vocal cords. Plus your mood will affect him. If you are panicking he will be even more uncomfortable.” Ziona said. She was certainly much calmer than Remington was. He took a deep breath and forced himself to stay calm. As soon as the bottle was at a safe temperature Ziona helped him hold Felix and the bottle correctly.

  “After he drinks a few ounces you have to stop and burp him or his tummy will hurt.” She instructed. He acknowledged this and watched in satisfaction as Felix drank the bottle. He managed to get Felix to burp then continued to feed him but he only ended up falling asleep before the bottle was finished.

  “Oh he is asleep! Is that supposed to happen?” Remington asked worriedly.

  “Babies sleep a lot.” Ziona said amusingly. “You can hold him or put him in his crib.” She continued. Remington pulled Felix up to his chest more then watched him snooze. Watching Felix sleep seemed to make him emotional. He was so small, helpless, delicate, and precious. It made Remington wonder how anyone could ever not love their child. He thought about his own father and how he was treated like scum for most of his life, or how Ava and Vezaias were raised in horrible situations. He was now in tears.

  “Are you alright Rem?” Ziona interrupted his overwhelming mood looking concerned for him.

  “Oh! Um, yeah I'm fine.” He said, trying to wipe away tears while still carefully holding Felix. Ziona watched him as he looked practically distraught over his emotions. Just then there was a knock at the door.

  “Come in.” Ziona said. Ephraim opened the door.

  “Zexich is ready to wake him.” Ephraim said softly. Ziona nodded and finished folding the tiny onesie and got up to go to the laboratory. She showed Remington how to put Felix into the car seat so that they could bring him with them. He helped her carry the diaper bag to go to finally see Rocks alive again. Ziona was anxious as she arrived while Remington was feeling very on edge. Zexich quickly explained how things would happen to make sure Ziona could handle the situation.

  “So when he wakes up his immediate reaction will be stuck in the moment that he perished. The others who were recreated from this situation were very scared and aggressive while believing they still needed to defend themselves from the attack. Our leader has made it quite clear that Rocks is not to be trusted and will remain restrained with his talent shut off and his weapon has also been revoked from him to keep him as unthreatening as possible. He will only be released from this situation if he agrees to the terms like the rest of us have. He will have 24 hours to accept the deal or he will be considered too much of a liability to keep alive. Solaris will be here 24 hours from now to take him as nutrition if he refuses to comply.” Zexich explained. Ziona nodded anxiously and readied her self mentally to prepare for this moment. Rocks was taken to a secure bedroom and restrained before he was taken off of sedation. Remington elected to stay outside of the room and watch Felix who was asleep. Ephraim and Zexich also waited outside of the room just in case. Ziona watched Rocks carefully as he woke. It was slow at first but then suddenly he jerked and let out a painful scream, then thrashed about in the restraints.

  “Rocks! You are safe!” She rushed over to him and tried to grab his hand but he jerked away pulling at the restraint that began to cut into his skin and bend the railing of the bed from the force he struggled with.

  “Look at me Rocks! It's me, Ziona!” She shouted. He quieted but panted heavily still in a panic. He looked at Ziona now very apprehensively.

  “How do I know you're really Ziona?!” He snapped angrily.

  “What? Rocks it's me! Why wouldn't I be me?!” Ziona snapped back. Rocks glanced quickly at her stomach then back up to her face.

  “You could be Ava! I won't fall for it! So you have to prove to me that you are really Ziona!” Rocks snapped back.

  “Why would I be Ava, Rocks?!” She yelled.

  “Because he was disguised as Skyler! How do I know he can't look like you too?! You're not even pregnant!!” Rocks yelled. Ziona looked hurt by this observation.

  “I had the baby. You have been dead for a long time!” Ziona gushed with tears.

  “If you really are Ziona you will understand why I need to be skeptical of what I see. I need proof right now! I am fucking strapped to a bed!”

  “You want proof? Fine.” She turned to the door and opened it then marched over to Remington and carefully took Felix into her arms then turned abruptly to go back into the bedroom.

  “Uh! Ziona! Maybe you shouldn't take him in there yet!” Remington jolted quickly following her.

  “He doesn't believe that I am me! I have to prove it to him!” Ziona said in irritation. She marched right over to the bed and held Felix out just enough to make sure Rocks could see him. Remington stopped abruptly beside her looking very worried.

  “Here is proof. This is your son. I highly doubt Ava could fake this for you!” She snapped. Rocks was wide eyed and quickly filled up with tears.

  “His name is Legacy Felixander and he was born two months, one week and four days ago. He can already recognize familiar people, smile, make cooing sounds, and he's getting better at holding his head up without support, he also really needs his daddy to be here with him!” She was nearly in tears now. Rocks was silent and crying too.

  “I'm sorry that I wasn't there for you when he arrived.” Rock said as he gushed with emotion.

  “Well there is nothing we can do about that now. I need you to move past that regret and listen to me!” She said firmly. Rocks was devastated but quiet.

  “We lost the base to Vezaias. He has won. He killed everyone except for Zex, myself, and Khallie.” Ziona said with strain in her voice as she desperately tried to hold it together. Ziona explained how Vezaias gained Zexich's cooperation and then one by one let him recreate everyone that had returned. She explained who Solaris was and how Rocks only had 24 hours to decide if he would cooperate. Rocks was silent and brooding over the explanation.

  “So if you don't decide to cooperate, Solaris will kill you.” Ziona pressed. Rocks took a few minutes to absorb this information.

  “I don't know if I can do that. How am I supposed to trust any of them?” Rock shot an angry look at Remington.

  “You will be safe as long as you cooperate.” Remington said seriously.

  “Excuse me if I don't fucking believe you anymore! I've given you more than one chance! All you did with those chances is use them to kill me!” Rocks snapped angrily. Remington looked hurt but irritated.

  “Vezaias will keep his promise.” Remington pressed.

  “Then tell him to come and promise me to my face then!” Rocks snapped.

  “Fine.” Remington said just before leaving through a portal. He was only gone for a few minutes before he returned but with Vezaias following him.

  “Hello Rocks. Rem says you wanted to speak to me?” Vezaias said coolly.

  “Yes, they said you want my cooperation but I don't know yet if I wanna do that! How can I trust you?!” Rocks snapped. Vezaias began to laugh in amusement.

  “What the fuck is so funny?!” Rocks snarled.

  “You want me to justify why you should trust me and cooperate?” Vezaias continued to laugh in amusement. Rocks was now frustrated.

  “What do you want me to say? That I value your life more now that you have a kid?” Vezaias said in amusement. “….because I don't. I have a very important agenda to uphold. It's way more important than you being here to raise your kid.” Vezaias continued sounding very callous. “Do you think I would even think twice about letting Solaris jump out right now and kill you if you were to become hostile? Because I wouldn't stop him!” Vezaias snapped. Rocks was in tears again.

  “And what about Ziona, and my child? You would kill them too? Don't you see that you are making it so hard to trust you!” Rocks said in desperation.

  “You think that I would kill your kid? I'm not a monster Rocks.” Vezaias chuckled. “Oh wait, maybe I am!” He laughed harder. Ziona was now crumbling into turmoil. “Nah I would kill you both and let Remington raise your kid. I mean he does look just like you. He can definitely pass for his father. So why should I give a shit what you choose to do?”

  “Because I want to be here for my child! I want to be a good father! Ziona and I want to be the best parents to him! But we can't do that if you kill us! We can't be great parents if we are constantly afraid for our lives because of you! I don't want you to tear my family apart! Doesn't that mean anything to you?! Keeping us together to be a real family, instead of a dysfunctional one like you had?!” Rocks shouted. Felix was now distressed and fussing. Ziona tried to comfort him but she was so crushed by the situation that she was barely holding it together. Vezaias was quiet and serious now. Remington took Vezaias's hand giving him a pleading look as if to silently beg him to fix this situation.

  “Look, of course I don't want any more death than necessary. I've put a lot of time and effort into minimizing the death toll that this situation has caused. I just need you to understand that this mission that Solaris is on is vital to keeping things under control. If he feels his mission is threatened then my agreement with him will be void and I won't be able to stop him from murdering whatever human looks delicious to him. I am sure your kid would be fair game to him too. I forgot to feed him his offering one time and he nearly devoured Remington because of it. Do you think I wanted that to happen?” He paused. Rocks only listened seriously. “So all I can do is tell you that if you cease all hostility and cooperate, then Solaris will not feel threatened. If you help me, I will make sure you Ziona and your kid are safe.” Vezaias said seriously. “You decide.” Then he left via a portal.