All Things Inherit – Nine – DizzyDrea

True to her word, they spent more than 24 hours wrapped up in each other. When they finally emerged, Chris’ siblings had arrived, and Charlie and Helena were giving them fond, knowing looks. It was freaking Len out to be read so easily by people who didn’t have advanced senses, but she reasoned that they knew Chris so well that his walking around on cloud nine was notable.

Neither of them seemed surprised when they’d announced at breakfast the following day that they’d bonded. His siblings were surprised to find their brother had become a Sentinel, but seemed accepting of the crazy turn his life had taken. They were all so grateful he’d come home that Len suspected they’d have been happy for him no matter what.

Very quickly, a family dinner had gone on the calendar, planned for that night. Len wasn’t sure what to do with a family dinner. It wasn’t that she didn’t have any experience with that; her mother’s family in Atlanta was huge, so big Sunday dinners were a feature in her childhood. She just wasn’t sure how this one would go, given the long estrangement between Chris and his father. She had no idea if his siblings even knew why they were estranged or how they felt about it.

“Quit borrowing trouble,” Chris whispered into her ear as she stood in front of the floor-length mirror adjusting her outfit.

She’d moved into his suite almost immediately after they’d emerged from their isolation. That had taken some explaining, but it was part of the reason for the celebration dinner. According to Federation law, a bond equaled a marriage, so they’d effectively gotten married with no witnesses or fancy reception. Len knew her mother was going to be beside herself, so they might have to plan something for Atlanta soon.

“I’m not borrowing trouble,” she said as she settled the off-the-shoulder sweater into its proper shape. “I’m just…”

“Worrying about things you can’t control,” he said. He turned her around and pulled her into his arms. “This bond isn’t just for my benefit; it’s for you as well. We support each other. Now, I can feel you fretting over something. Spill it.”

“I got to wondering if your siblings know why you and your father stopped speaking,” she said with a sigh as she looped her arms around his shoulders. “And then I realized that I have to tell my mother we essentially got married without her. She’s not going to be happy, so we’ll have to plan a visit to Atlanta soon.”

“She knows you’re a Guide, right?” he asked.

Len nodded. “She knows. I don’t think that’s translated to understanding that I wouldn’t require a lavish wedding. She loves those society to-dos, so she’ll be disappointed if we don’t do something.”

“Then we’ll go for a visit and let her plan a reception for us,” Chris said, shrugging. “No big deal. I hate functions like that, because it’s almost always about politics of some sort—be it social or political—but I’m good at schmoozing, so it’ll be fine.”

“Just like that?” she asked.

“Just like that,” he said with a firm nod. “Besides, I want to meet your mother at some point. From what you’ve said, she sounds like a character.”

“She’s certainly that,” Len said, shaking her head. “She’s Southern down to her red-painted toes. Her charity work is legendary. Part of the reason I had so many connections in the medical field as an intern was down to her fundraising work. After my dad got sick, she threw herself into funding as much medical research as she could so other families didn’t have to go through what we went through.”

“Then I definitely want to meet her,” Chris said. “After all, if it weren’t for those connections, I wouldn’t be here with you.”

She tilted her head. “Huh. Probably true.”

“Yes, it is,” he said with a chuckle. “As for my siblings, both Skip and Olivia know why my dad and I haven’t talked in years. Neither of them was especially impressed with my dad or me, but they declared themselves Switzerland, so we’ve stayed in touch over the years. Helena, too, though my dad was less than pleased that she didn’t take his side.”

“Well, she’s not obligated to buy into his nonsense,” Len said. “A good partner calls you on your bullshit.”

“Then I guess that makes me a good partner,” Chris said, “because I’ve learned over the years that keeping things inside isn’t good for a relationship.”

“Who taught you that lesson?” she asked.

Chris’ expression turned cloudy for a moment. She could feel the sadness roll through him, though it was there and gone in moments. “Her name was Marie Batel. We were together for a while. She helped me learn to let go and live in the moment.”

“Did she know about your fate?” Len asked.

“No, she didn’t,” Chris said. He took a deep breath. “I didn’t want to burden her with it, but I realize that was selfish. Spock and Una knew, but they were both involved to a degree in the situation. Spock because he was on that mission, and Una because she was my Number One and I felt like keeping it from her was a bad idea. Certain things became a trigger for me, so having her in the know made it easier for her to call me out when I was letting it get the better of me.”

“She sounds like a good first officer,” Len said. “I look forward to meeting her. Both because of who she is to you, but also because she’s Illyrian.”

“I’d have thought the Illyrian part would put you off,” he said. “It does for a lot of people.”

“Because Illyrians are genetically enhanced, and that’s against Federation law?” she asked. He nodded, and she shrugged. “It is, but I’m a doctor. If we can genetically engineer cures for certain untreatable diseases, but we’re not allowed to because of a short-sighted law, people will continue to die. I find that unacceptable.”

“You’re just full of surprises, Eleanor McCoy,” he said.

He caressed her cheek as he leaned down for a kiss. She could feel desire bloom between them. They’d been going at it like rabbits for the last couple of days, but it hadn’t gotten old yet.

A throat clearing from somewhere behind them forced them apart. Len turned, looking a little sheepish when she found Chris’ sister, Olivia, standing in the doorway of their suite.

“I guess we forgot to close the door all the way,” Len said.

“Momma sent me,” Olivia said with a smile. “She figured you two were still in your honeymoon phase and might need an extraction. Dinner’s ready, in case you were wondering.”

“Thanks, Livvie,” Chris said. “And I apologize for getting distracted. It happens a lot these days.”

“No apologies necessary,” Olivia said. “I may not understand what it means to be a Sentinel, but I’ve worked with a few over the years. Your senses and instincts are as much a tool as a burden.”

“That’s what I’m here for,” Len said. She took Chris’ hand and followed Olivia out of the suite and through the house to the dining room, where the rest of the family appeared to be waiting. “Plus, have you seen him? I might be just as distracted as he is.”

“Chris always has been a handsome devil,” Skip said as they sat down.

“Well, now that everyone’s here, let’s eat,” Charlie said.

Everyone chuckled at Charlie’s enthusiasm. Dishes were passed, and Len’s mouth watered at the smells coming from the table. Smoked brisket, roasted potatoes, a vibrant green salad, and the best green beans she’d ever had were on offer, and she was looking forward to it all. Helena had even come up with a non-alcoholic sangria for them to enjoy since they weren’t sure what wine would do to Chris’ senses.

Conversation flowed around the table, and it was easy to see how comfortable Chris was with his siblings and their spouses. Olivia’s husband, Ryan, was a lawyer in town, and Skip’s wife, Kelly, taught third grade. It felt like no time had passed for them, and Len was grateful for it. For a Sentinel, a break in family relations was devastating. Quite often they saw it as a failure, and to a Sentinel, there was no greater sin than a failure.

After dinner, Helena produced the most amazing cheesecake Len had ever tasted. Everyone had a slice, along with a cup of coffee. Thankfully, Chris had shown no signs of an issue with coffee, because Len firmly believed that Starfleet ran on their warp drives and coffee.

Charlie tapped his fork on his water glass to get everyone’s attention. “I’m so grateful to have the whole family around this table once again.” He turned to Len. “Thank you for saving my son’s life and bringing him home to me. You’ll never know how much I regretted the way we left things, so to have him back so I can make amends is a gift I’ll never be able to repay.”

Len blushed as everyone else gave a hearty here, here.

“Now, I have something for you both,” Charlie said.

He stood up and walked to the sideboard, pulling something out of a drawer before he returned to the table. He held out a small box to Chris. Len leaned over as Chris opened the box, her breath catching at the two gold bands nestled in velvet. Chris looked up at his father, tears in his eyes.

Charlie smiled and nodded. “Those belonged to my parents, John and Jocasta Pike. I want you two to have them. By Federation law, you’re married now; you should wear them, so everyone knows it.”

Chris stood up and gave his father a tight hug. Len could feel the emotions rolling off her Sentinel, but they were all good. “Thanks, Dad. I wasn’t expecting that.”

“I know,” Charlie said as he took his seat. “These have always been meant for you, but I didn’t think you were ever going to get married, what with the nomadic lifestyle of a starship captain. I’m just glad I can give them to you now.”

Len watched as Chris looked at his brother and sister, getting nothing but love and acceptance from them. He nodded at both of them, then turned to Len, a hopeful smile on his face.

“Well, what do you think?” he said, holding out the box. “Wanna… wear my ring?”

“I’d be honored to wear your ring, Chris,” Len said. She watched him pluck up the smaller ring, the stones glinting in the low light of the dining room. The band was on the thicker side, with diamonds scattered like stars over its surface. “It’s beautiful.”

“So are you,” he said as he slipped it onto her finger. It fit perfectly.

“My turn,” she said. She picked up the larger ring and slid it onto his finger; again, it was a perfect fit. “What are the odds?”

“Mr. Spock could probably tell us, but I don’t care,” Chris whispered. “It feels like this is where they’ve always been meant to be.”

“That’s because it is,” Charlie said quietly. “Jocasta put it into her will. It was the only thing she specifically requested.”

“Maybe she knew,” Olivia said. “She had that way about her, you know. Everyone talks about it. She always knew what you were feeling, even if you were putting on a brave face.” She paused. “Could she have been a Guide?”

Len nodded. “It’s possible. It takes two parents with the right genes to produce a Sentinel or Guide, so both of Charlie’s parents had to have those genes. She might have been just a sensitive, but I’d bet she was a latent Guide. They might have been a matched pair, but because they weren’t needed, they never came online.”

“They always did have a preternatural awareness of each other,” Helena said. “They knew where each other was, no matter if it was the next room or miles away. I’ve always envied them that.”

“It makes me wish I’d known her better,” Chris said as he rubbed the ring with his thumb. “She always had the best stories.”

“We all miss her,” Charlie said. “But I’m glad you’re carrying on her legacy, son. It makes me glad to know she’s living on in you.”

“Me, too, Dad,” Chris said. He turned to Len, who smiled at him. “Me, too.”

~0~

Chris sat bolt upright in bed, heart pounding and senses searching for… something, though he didn’t know what. The house was quiet and dark; he could hear his parents sleeping soundly on the second floor. Skip and Kelly were in their own cabin just a short walk away, but he could hear nothing but slow heartbeats and steady breathing.

Beside him, Len slept peacefully. He rubbed his hands over his face, contemplating getting up for a glass of water when Duke jumped up onto the bed, so large and solid he made the frame creak alarmingly, growling lowly as he turned to look out the windows on the back of the house.

“What’s the matter?” Chris asked, stroking his wolf as if to calm an agitated dog.

He wasn’t that, of course, and knowing just what Duke was made his alarm ratchet up a bit. Len stirred beside him, probably reacting to the arrival of his spirit animal. As if on cue, Selah appeared beside the bed, hackles up and baring her teeth.

“What’s going on?” Len asked so softly that no one but a Sentinel would hear.

“I don’t know,” he said. “I woke up, and Duke jumped up on the bed, more solid than I’ve ever seen him. I can’t hear anything out of the ordinary in the house or the surrounding area, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t something out there.”

“An intruder?” she asked. She sat up and pushed aside the blankets, reaching for her robe and shoes as she looked back at him. “How would anyone get inside the perimeter?”

“It doesn’t have to be a human,” he said. “Small animals have been known to find ways around the fence. There are some fruit trees in the yard that make for tasty snacks.”

“At three in the morning?” she asked, one eyebrow raised.

“I’ve seen evidence of possums wandering around the back veranda,” he said. He clenched his fingers in Duke’s fur. “Maybe I was just startled by sounds I’m not used to. We haven’t been bonded that long.”

“A small, harmless rodent isn’t going to get your hackles up,” she said as she stood up. “And it certainly wouldn’t bring both our spirit animals here at the same time.”

“Good point,” he said. He got out of bed and pulled on some sweatpants and a hoodie. He retrieved his phaser from the top drawer of his dresser, then paused before he picked up the knife he kept there. “I’ll do a sweep of the house, just to be sure. I’d very much appreciate it if you’d stay here.”

“Like hell I’m staying here,” she said. She swapped her robe for a similar set of sweatpants and a sweatshirt before grabbing her own phaser from the bedside drawer. “Besides, you might need me.”

“I can’t focus if I’m worried about you getting hurt,” he said.

Len raised her chin. “And I’m a better shot than ninety percent of your crew, present company included.”

“How do you know that?” Chris asked, flabbergasted. “And why are you such a good shot?”

“I joined Starfleet,” she said, rolling her eyes as she slipped into a pair of boots. “Even the doctors have to qualify with a phaser, just in case. Turns out, doctors make good marksmen because we have excellent hand-eye coordination. And I looked you up when I realized we were a good match. Your range scores are good. Mine are better.”

“Jesus,” Chris said, shaking his head. “No one can ever know that I was outshot by a civilian.”

Len grinned just as Chris’ communicator beeped. He scooped it up off the nightstand and flipped it open with the ease of familiarity. “Pike here.”

“Sir, we’ve received a perimeter alarm from the northeast quadrant,” Saulter said.

“Any idea who it is?” Chris asked.

“It’s a small group, just five individuals on my screen,” Saulter said. “‘Fleet Sec is beaming down a team as we speak.”

Chris could feel Len’s alarm building. “What are you thinking?”

“That it could be a team of Sentinels coming to get you,” she said. “If that’s the case, the fleeters won’t have a chance.”

“Did you get that, Saulter?” Chris asked.

“I heard, sir,” Saulter said. “We have enough assets incoming to set a perimeter around the house, with your permission. We can cut off their escape, but I know we’re outmatched in all respects.”

“Let them get close to the house,” Chris said. “I’ll intercept them. Whoever you have that’s skilled in martial arts would be an asset to me. Particularly if they’re a large motherfucker.”

“Understood, sir,” Saulter said. He paused, then went on. “I’ve just received word that Commanders Martin and Gallatin are inbound. With your permission, I’ll have them beamed to the foyer of the house.”

“Granted,” Chris said. “Pike out.”

He closed the communicator and tucked it into the pouch of his hoody. “That changes things a bit.”

“For the better, I think,” she said. She shoved her own communicator into her pants pocket and followed him out of their suite.

They made the foyer just as the two officers were materializing. Chris smiled at them. “Welcome to the party, gentlemen.”

“You throw an interesting party, Captain,” Martin said. “Any idea who they are?”

“If I had to guess, it’s more of that rogue element that’s been trying to take custody of Chris since his accident,” Len said. “They’re persistent, I’ll give them that.”

“Why Captain Pike, though?” Gallatin asked. He tilted his head. “You’ve bonded. Recently, I’d say. Congratulations, though now’s hardly the time for it.”

“Thank you,” Len said. “He has a fully developed sixth sense: empathy. On par with mine. If I had to guess, I’d say they’re hoping to use him to influence or outright force their agenda on the Federation.”

“I don’t suppose they’ve ever met a Sentinel with a sixth sense,” Gallatin said. “Their moral compass is rigid. He won’t be available for their use, whether or not they get their hands on him.”

“You’re damn right I won’t help them,” Chris said. “I’d rather die first than help those corrupt assholes.” Len whimpered a little; Chris threw an arm around her and pulled her close. “I will fight like hell to stay with you. You know that. But I can’t let them win, either. I’ll kill them all before I let them be the end of me.”

“Which is not a bad idea, really,” Martin said.

Gallatin snorted. “We should keep at least one alive. You know, for questioning.”

Chris’ communicator beeped. He pulled it out of his pocket and flipped it open. “Pike here.”

“Sir, they’re headed straight for the back deck,” Saulter said. “Whatever you’re going to do, I suggest you do it soon.”

“Thanks,” Pike said. He didn’t bother to sign off as he closed the communicator and pocketed it again. He turned to Martin. “Let’s head out the front door and circle around behind them.”

“I can hear them approaching,” Martin said. “They are not being particularly quiet. We should have no trouble finding them.”

Chris turned to Len. “Stay inside. Phaser set to stun. Hunker down behind the furniture. It’s sturdy enough to take a blast and still offer some protection.”

“Be careful out there,” she said, pressing a kiss to his lips. “And good hunting.”

Chris turned to Martin, and they both headed straight for the front door, disappearing quietly outside. He assumed the other Sentinels could hear their conversation, but he was beyond caring at this point. By unspoken agreement, he and Martin broke off and went in opposite directions around the house.

Through the darkness, he could see five figures moving across the yard. Moving carefully, he crept up behind the one farthest back and, with quiet violence, snapped his neck. He let the body drop and moved to the next closest intruder, repeating the process.

He caught movement out of the corner of his eye, where he saw Martin lowering a limp body to the ground. He held up two fingers, indicating that he’d dispatched two more intruders. So, only one left.

He wondered briefly why neither of the men he’d killed had even heard him coming. Unless they weren’t Sentinels. Perhaps they were hired thugs. That didn’t make sense to him. Who better to capture a Sentinel than another Sentinel?

He watched Martin steal through the darkness and take out the remaining intruder. He jogged over, using his booted toe to flip the man over. Bending down, he ripped away the mask the man was wearing.

“Here, let me,” Gallatin said as he jogged up to join them, Len just behind him, still holding her phaser at the ready. Chris was grateful for that, at least, even if his instincts were telling him this wasn’t over.

Gallatin used a tricorder he’d pulled out from inside his jacket to scan the dead man. He huffed. “Ex-Starfleet, now a mercenary. I can’t imagine how stupid these people have to be to use mundanes to attempt to capture a Sentinel with a sixth sense.”

“Unless they were just a distraction,” Martin said, scanning the immediate area.

Chris’s communicator chirped. He pulled it out and flipped it open for what felt like the hundredth time that night. “Pike here. What’ve you got, Saulter?”

“I have two heat signatures about five miles out,” Saulter said. “Still on Pike land, but theoretically out of range of anyone with super senses.”

“Not out of range of mine,” Chris said. “Do not engage them. Find their vehicle. They didn’t just walk out here, and I doubt they have access to beaming tech. Have ‘Fleet Sec drop your men in a line just beyond their position to prevent their escape. We’re coming to you.”

“What if that’s what they want?” Len asked. “Maybe they have more assets hiding farther out, just waiting for you to do something like this.”

“Pardon me, sir, but they’re moving your direction,” Saulter said.

“I guess we won’t have long to wait, then,” Gallatin said. “Let’s get your family inside and safe. Then we’ll just wait and see just how stupid they really are.”

Len snorted. “Pretty damn stupid if they’ve come at him in his own home.”

“Sir, I’ll send my men to secure your family,” Saulter said. “I have a force field I can use to create a safe room in the house.”

“Thanks. And have someone move the bodies to the barn while you’re at it,” Chris said. He closed the communicator and pocketed it, then turned and headed for the back porch. He turned just short of the stairs and crossed his arms. “Len, Gallatin, I know I can’t make you go inside, but please, stay on the veranda. Phasers out and set to stun.”

“Maximum stun,” Len said as she nodded at Gallatin. “A Sentinel isn’t going to go down easy.”

“Roger that,” Gallatin said as he joined her.

Skip, Kelly, and the kids were escorted past them, all dressed for bed. He nodded at his brother, who nodded back. “They’re here for me, but I’d feel better if you were out of the line of fire.”

“You got it, big brother,” Skip said. “Just be careful. I don’t really want a promotion.”

Chris huffed a laugh as his brother disappeared inside. It took a while, but finally, in the distance, two figures emerged from the dark. They just kept walking, as if they had no idea the danger they were walking into. Chris thought it was stupid, but he was willing to concede that these people weren’t the smartest criminals on the planet. Or off it, if he were being honest.

“Captain Pike,” the man in the lead said.

Len sucked in a breath behind him. She pushed an image at him, of this man and two Guides in his hospital room.

“You must really like failing at things,” Chris marveled. “This is the second time you’ve failed to take custody of me.”

“Oh, I don’t think I’ve failed,” he said. “After all, I’m still standing, and you’re unprotected out here in the wilds of Montana.”

“Did you miss the Starfleet Security out there?” Chris asked. “Because I know for a fact that they’re still out there. I can hear them. Can’t you?”

The Sentinel tilted his head, as if suddenly becoming aware of his current situation. “Well, I’m sure my men will take care of them quickly enough.”

“Your men are dead,” Chris said. “Their bodies are in the barn, in case you were wondering. I assumed you were waiting for them to get their hands on me before you came near the house. But maybe the plan was to have them surround the house, and then you’d swoop in and pick me up. Either way, it’s not going to happen. I’m not leaving with you.”

“I think you’ve failed to understand the powerful people I work for,” the Sentinel said. “You don’t have a choice. Leave with me now, and we might not even kill your Guide.”

Out of the darkness behind him, a single phaser blast flashed past him, hitting the Sentinel square in the chest. He crumpled to the ground, followed swiftly by his Guide. Len rushed past and slapped something on both their chests. Instantly, they were both covered in what looked like a force field.

“What did you do?” he asked as he joined her beside the two bodies.

“Well, first I shot him,” she said. “Then I put him in medical stasis. The other one, too. I mean, Hugo shot him. I just put him in stasis.”

“It’s the only way to be sure they won’t wake up in transit,” Gallatin said as he joined them. “He was certainly a chatty fellow. Cliché early cinema villain, really.”

“I wonder who his powerful friends are?” Martin asked. “He seemed convinced he had the upper hand in this situation.”

“Something for ‘Fleet Sec to sort out, I think,” Len said just as Saulter and his men arrived. “Commander, two prisoners, gift wrapped for you. They go to ‘Fleet Sec holding, no stops in between. I’d suggest a Faraday cage both, and keep them separated. They’re more powerful together. Not that these two are particularly powerful. I’d rate him mid-level at best.”

“Agreed,” Gallatin said. “Might I also suggest a force field in your suite as well? Until we can suss out who and why, you’ll want more robust protection than you currently have.”

“Before tonight, I’d have said it was impossible to get through the force field protecting the main compound,” Chris said. “But I agree that an extra layer of protection is to the good.”

“I can deploy a safe room grid on your brother’s cabin as well as the main house,” Saulter said. “We use the tech for safe houses regularly, so they’re designed to scale. Give me an hour, and I’ll have everything set up.”

“Thank you, Commander,” Chris said. “Good work tonight. You didn’t get in my way or tell me not to do anything crazy, and I appreciate that.”

Saulter cut a glance at Martin before looking back at Chris. “Sir, we’re used to working with Sentinels. Cardinal rule: when a Sentinel’s bonded Guide is in danger, either get in behind him or do whatever he asks you to. Just don’t get in his way or you’ll make yourself his enemy. Nobody wants that, sir.”

Chris chuckled. “No, I suppose not. We should head inside and let my family know everything is okay for the moment.” He turned to Martin. “I know I don’t have the right to ask you this, but would you be willing to stay here until our situation is more settled?”

“We are at your disposal, Captain,” Martin said.

“Good,” Chris said, unclenching for the first time since he’d woken up. He pulled Len to his side. “Let’s go inside and have a very difficult conversation.”

“And coffee,” she said. “If we’re going to be talking about this and we can’t have bourbon, I demand coffee.”

“Coffee it is,” Chris said, shaking his head as he led them back inside.

~0~

Cast (from top left):
Anson Mount, David Strathairn, Adrian Holmes, Jess Bush, Zachary Quinto, Sam Neill, Sela Ward, Jean Reno, Damian Lewis, Stana Katic