Earl took Christian to the lounge and took a seat as he gently nursed. He looked up and saw Mr. Zach walk through the door—the big man had been crying.
"Lex just told what happened. If there’s anything that you need for Christian, just say it and I’ll make it happen. We’re going to start on a ho for you and the boys—this young man needs a proper place to be raised, and I’ll make that happen," Zach offered with genuine concern.
"Mr. Zack, it doesn’t have to be fancy and it doesn’t have to be big. As long as it’s filled with love, that’s what matters, and that’s one thing Christian will never lack—love." Earl adjusted the baby gently. "Besides my normal routine of coming here and checking on Shannon, I want to start visiting the boys that are left in the program until they give birth. They all need nas, Mr. Zack—no more numbers. One little thing such as a na can break the hold of the corporate machine that put them there."
"Earl, you won’t get any argunt from . We need to go over there with a list of nas and let them pick out their own na. There are still 17 young n waiting to give birth—the longest one has two months left and he’s not doing great ntally. I’ve talked to him, but a dad will be better for him than anything. You know what the children need in their life—soone that they can count on," Zach agreed.
"Well, I have six boys and a new grandson here. I think I’ve got the bases covered. They will all start visiting the young n so that they can get used to things. I know you try to integrate them into the Z1, but there are a few that are still struggling. Poppa Earl will make it right," Earl said with determination.
"Congratulations, Earl—you’ve got yourself a brand-new job with a brand-new title: Personal Relations Integration Specialist Earl O’Malley." Zack smiled warmly. "So if you care to leave, I’ll carry you ho along with Christian. Billy’s services will be tomorrow at 2 PM—it will be a traditional Genman going ho ceremony. He deserves that much from us."
Zack helped Earl out to the runner, made sure he was safe along with Christian, and headed ho to Charlie and Deeke’s place.
As they pulled up, the boys were out front playing as usual. One by one they all ran up to the runner to see their dad and were shocked when they saw the baby that he was carrying in his arms.
Earl called his sons around and told them earnestly, "I would like for you to et your nephew—his na is Christian Earl O’Malley. He is joining the family as of now, and everyone is expected to help care for him and protect him, because without us, he would be all alone."
Mason took Christian from his dad’s arms and gently caressed the baby’s face.
"I’m your uncle Mason. If anyone gives you a hard ti, send them my way. If I can’t handle it, Madison will. You’re at ho—you’re family—and we will protect you," Mason whispered softly.
"Okay, O’Malley Clan, listen up. We all have a new job—every one of us—and everyone will participate if you know what’s good for you and your backside." Earl’s voice carried the weight of authority. "At the recovery center there are 17 young Genman purebloods. They are all pre-transition and all 17 of them are with child. Don’t ask how it happened because the story’s too long. They have no one else—they have no family—but they have us. They have the O’Malleys, because O’Malleys stick together. We take care of our own. Tomorrow at 2 o’clock there will be a service and burial for Christian’s dad, and we will all attend his funeral as his family. This is not up for discussion—this is an order from your dad to take care of another and see him off."
Earl turned and thanked Mr. Zack for bringing them ho. "We are going to have a little family ti now so the boys can get to know Christian."
Zack embraced Earl and told him warmly, "Welco to the Z1. You’re going to make it just fine, and this family of yours will be getting a new ho very soon."
Charlie and Deeke were on the front porch listening to the whole entire outpouring of emotion, and Charlie was crying his eyes out. As Earl approached the porch, Charlie held his arms out and embraced him.
"Co on in, Poppa Earl. One extra little mouth is not a problem—it’s only a blessing," Charlie said through his tears.
---
Zack went ho, and when he found Harry, he embraced him and told him how much he loved and adored him and the boys—no matter what, they were his number one concern in life. Harry kissed his mate tenderly.
"Lex called and said it was a rough day, but Earl saved it for everyone. For off-landers, they had never been a problem—they were a great addition to the family at the Z1," Harry responded.
---
The services were plain and simple and very heartfelt. Earl stood up at the last and asked everyone to consider opening up their hearts and their hos to the 17 final occupants of the boys’ dorms who were soon to give birth and still needed sponsors.
"This was not of their design, their choice, or their making, but you can help. Co by the center, talk to Lex or , and we’ll set up an interview between prospective sponsors and the boys," he urged the gathered community.
The next few days were very busy. Lex had not seen this much activity in a while and so much interest. By Thursday, 12 were to leave Friday for a weekend pass with two different sponsors, 3 more were scheduled for a week pass for possible placents. That only left 2 who needed placent.
One was Clayton—he was very defensive and mad at the world and didn’t want nothing to do with the baby. The other was Gideon—he just didn’t want to co out and et anyone. He felt as if he wasn’t good enough for anyone, that he had been spoiled and wasn’t worthy.
Earl had been working with a recent recovery from a stasis pod—they knew one another from the orbiter. Oskar Reyes was from the maintenance departnt. When he awoke, he wasn’t in a good mood—he didn’t like the strangers that were around him as they wouldn’t tell him anything. Earl showed up and settled him down, telling him everything about where he was, why they were here, and that this would be their final destination.
Oskar had ventured out a couple of tis with Earl just to get the lay of the land. He even accompanied him to the center and had spoken to Gideon on several occasions, trying to get his self-confidence up. That was no small task because the young man had none.
Oskar was being moved to one of the last bachelor cabins—it was a two-bedroom. Earl had an idea, but it would take ti to bring them both along. His only concern was what to do with Clayton—he was mad at the world and everyone in it.
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