Beginnings

Disclaimer: This original story is not authorized or endorsed by Warner Bros, ABC, Lors

Thornwald Inc, Edelson Productions, William Schmidt, or anyone else having rights to "Prey". It is not intended infringe on any rights or copyright and is not written for profit. Any characters not recognizable from the series "Prey" belong to the author.

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BEGINNINGS

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Tom wiped his brow for what seemed like the hundredth time and adjusted his backpack before continuing up the steep slope. Even though he had a high tolerance for heat, he was beginning to feel its effects after hiking uphill since early that morning.

He hadn't expected the Andes to be so hot in December. It had started out cool enough but as the morning progressed, the temperature rose steadily along with the sun. This was supposed to be the rainy season, Tom thought as he scanned the sky for any sign of change in the weather pattern. So where was it? Right now rain would be a welcomed change to the oppressive heat but, as Tom noted the clear skies, he knew there would be no relief today. Had he realized just how torrential the rains could be in December, he would've been grateful that they were late this year. They would have probably washed out the road he was on and who knows how long it would have taken him to reach headquarters.

Reluctantly, Tom once again launched himself up the incline but quickly slowed his stride. He was just too winded to keep going. He needed a rest, he concluded and began looking for a place to stop. A few yards away, by the side of the road, he spied a stone marker covered with carvings of large-toothed beasts. Deciding that it was as good a seat as any, he headed for it. He took off his pack and let it drop to the ground before collapsing onto the small, square stone.

Tom took off his sunglasses and the baseball cap Sloan had given him to wear and reached for the water bottle that was hanging on his belt. After taking a few gulps, he poured the rest of the bottle over his head and rubbed it through his hair. Sitting there feeling much like a wet rag, he laughed at himself as he remembered how eager he had been to walk on the Old Inca Trail. Once he found out that Machu Picchu lay at the end of the trail, he had even entertained the thought of stopping there to see the ancient city he had heard so much about. When he was told he would not be traveling that far, he was actually disappointed and even toyed with the idea of going there anyway. The fact that this was not a pleasure trip coupled with his even greater desire to get home to Sloan, allowed him to dismiss the idea completely although he was still disappointed. But now, completely worn out and several hours away from headquarters, he lost total interest in seeing the sights.

Tom looked down at the stone marker he was sitting on and remembered back to early that morning when he first started out, how impressed he was by the thousands of stone steps and ancient statuary that lined the road. The longer he walked, the more it amazed him that the trail had endured through so many centuries of use and couldn't help but admire the skill of the engineers who constructed it high in the Andes without the use of modern equipment. They built bridges over broad rivers or deep gorges to make it one long, continuous road and even provided rest stops complete with water and provisions for weary travelers and their animals.

As difficult as it seemed to construct a road like this through the mountains, it was actually only one of many such roads that traversed the Inca Empire, linking all the far-reaching provinces through trade and fast communication. In fact, it was said that relay runners carrying vital messages, were able to cover distances of almost 1300 miles in only five days - quite an accomplishment in a land as rugged and varied as this was. After today's hike, Tom could truly appreciate what those ancient runners who covered this route had to endure.

But it wasn't the building skills and stamina of the Incas that had impressed Tom. Rather, it was their determination and spirit to preserve their heritage in the face of an overwhelming enemy bent and determined to annihilate them that grabbed his attention. He also knew that this spirit could be found in all humans and, when pushed to the wall, it might just save them from extinction at the hands of his own species.

Apparently the underground group he met with this past week felt the same way. They believed that both species had something to offer the world, so why annihilate one for the sake of the other? The fact that the native peoples had succeeded in saving their culture anyway, despite pressure and extermination orders from a foreign power, was proof enough for them that two divergent cultural groups could exist in the same space without killing each other off. In fact, they actually enhanced each other. So why couldn't two different species exist together and enjoy the differences in the same way? Well, that was what drew this underground group to the coexistence movement in the first place. They were the reason Tom was in Peru in the first place. Now, with the meetings over with, all Tom had to do was turn over the necessary information to Ricardo Martinez, the leader of the local coexistence branch and then he would be on his way home. Even though he'd only be gone a week, it felt much longer and he was anxious to see Sloan again.

Well, he wasn't getting home any quicker just sitting there. Just a few more minutes, he told himself, and he would be on his way. He couldn't remember the last time he was so totally worn out but this last section of the climb had been especially hard. It was open and rocky with no trees to offer relief from the burning sun. Tom looked down at his shirt, and saw that it was completely soaked. He was tempted to take it off but, after another glance at the sun, changed his mind. He was uncomfortable enough as it was without having to contend with an irritating sunburn. The back of his neck already had one, despite all the sun block he'd put on. All he wanted now was just to get to the headquarters outside Cuzco. Tom took a deep breath and gathered his strength before standing up. Once on his feet, he put his cap back on, strapped on his backpack and started up the hill again.

Tom must've been walking for over an hour when he began to tire again. He stopped and took a drink from his water bottle as he scanned the ridge above him. After a quick look at his map, he smiled as he realized the turnoff to headquarters was just ahead on the other side of the ridge. He could probably get there in an hour or so if he could force himself not to take any more breaks. He snapped the cap on the bottle and clipped it back on his belt. With another wipe of his forehead, he started on the final leg of his hike.

"!Hola, Tomas!" called a voice from somewhere above Tom. "It's good to see you at last." Then, the voice called to someone else. "He's coming. Go help him with his pack. !Rapido!"

Tom squinted up the hillside, shading his eyes to see who was coming toward him. Tom sensed that it was two of his own species from the Alliance and returned the greeting.

When the first of the two men reached Tom, he introduced himself as Jose and took Tom's backpack from him. The second man turned out to be Ricardo Martinez who shook Tom's hand and then, to Tom's great surprise, gave him a tremendous bear hug. Ricardo had no sooner released him when Jose grabbed Tom and did the same.

"You're well?" asked Ricardo, inspecting Tom up and down. "Were the negotiations successful?"

A stunned Tom just nodded "yes" to both questions.

"!Muy bien! Then let's not waste any more time. The others are waiting to see you." With that, Ricardo put his powerful arm around Tom's shoulders and started to lead him up the rest of the hill. Tom stiffened at the touch but found that he suddenly did not have the strength to pull away. With an inaudible sigh, he gave in to the older man rather than argue the point.

Ricardo smiled to himself. He knew Tom didn't like being half-dragged up the hill, but experience had told him that Tom would be exhausted when they met up with him. The rugged country and high altitude had that effect on most people new to the sierras, regardless of species, although Ricardo felt that Tom probably could've made it to headquarters on his own. But the fact that Tom had not pulled away, confirmed to Ricardo that Tom could use a rest anyway.

Once they had reached the top of the ridge, Ricardo started to look around. "Ah, there it is." He pointed to an overhanging ledge with a small shade tree nearby. "Let us sit for a minute, amigo. I am not as young as I used to be and it will be another hour before we arrive home." Then turning to Jose who had just put the pack down, he said, "Jose, go ahead and tell the others that we will be there soon."

"Si, papa." With that, the tanned young man threw Tom's pack over his shoulder again, and continued up the mountain.

"Your son?" asked Tom, who promptly sprawled under the shaded ledge and accepted a cold drink of water from Ricardo. He looked at the older man and noticed that he wasn't even breathing heavy despite walking up the steep incline with Tom in tow and came to the conclusion that the rest stop was more for his benefit than for Ricardo's.

"Si, my oldest. He is almost eighteen. My other one, Miguel, stayed behind to help prepare the meal, although he wanted to come. My sons, they are good boys. They joined the Alliance on their own and the both of them are completely dedicated to it. Jose has been on several missions already. Soon, I think, training will begin for Miguel as well. I think he is getting tired of staying home and helping his mama. But mi esposa ... my wife, Benita, is not eager to release him yet. My sons are like us, Tomas, but Benita, she is like your wife. Human. And very protective."

Tom raised his eyebrow at that remark. "Your wife is human also?

"Si. I think I was in love with her from the first day I saw her, although I did not fully understand what it was I was feeling. I was drawn to her like, how do you say, ... like a moth to a flame. Such fire, such passion and yet so sensitive" Ricardo smiled as his thoughts wandered to his beloved Benita. "Well, you must know what I mean."

"Yes." Tom answered absently, his mind already traveling back to the day he saw Sloan at the lab with Dr. Coulter. He knew then that she was special but he could never have imagined just how special she would become to him.

  "We are not the only ones with human mates, Tomas. There are a few others as well, although not all the children are of our species. Some are human but it does not seem to matter to the children. They seem accept each other for what they are. Of course, that is only possible with proper guidance and understanding from their parents."

Tom smiled. His biggest fear for his yet-unborn son was that he would be growing up alone in the world. But here was a whole community of children just like his son, all growing up together and doing fine. His son would not be alone after all. And, when raised with understanding, the dominant children did not have to grow up to be like Kevin Taylor. Jose was proof enough of that. Suddenly Tom felt a calmness that he never thought possible pread through him at the thought of his son's future.

"I'm glad to hear that." said Tom as he swallowed the last of the water and handed the empty canister back to Ricardo.

Ricardo sensed what Tom was feeling and nodded in agreement. After all, he had the same apprehensions when he realized his children would be growing up almost as aliens in a world that did not accept differences easily. Their only hope at a somewhat normal life lay in coexistence, which is why he dedicated the past eighteen years to the movement.

Ricardo returned the canister to his belt and handed Tom a small packet. "So tell me, Tomas, what did you learn about this underground group you met with?"

Tom reached for the packet and when he unwrapped it, was delighted to find that it was a chocolate bar. He took a bite out of it and smiled. Sloan had introduced him to chocolate and it had become one of his favorite things. "Thank you." he said to Ricardo. After he had swallowed his first bite and then a second one, he began. "Initially, this small clan banded together for defense against the local humans who they felt would one day turn on them once it was discovered who and what they were."

"Hmm-m, almost like Oaxaca."

Tom stared at Ricardo for a moment, processing what he just heard him say. Tom knew very little about Oaxaca, but apparently Ricardo did. He was tempted to ask Ricardo to explain what he meant when Ricardo interrupted his thoughts.

"Tomas, you were saying, ..."

"Uh, yes, ... they thought they needed to a defend themselves against the humans one day." Tom cleared his mind of all thoughts of Oaxaca for the moment and continued his story. "To the local humans, they appeared to be nothing more than reclusive potato farmers and herders of alpacas and llamas. By day, that is. But at night, they lived like guerrillas, converting their farms into armed training camps, preparing for the war that they thought was inevitable. But a strange thing happened ... "

"The war never came." interjected Ricardo.

"Right. They found they actually enjoyed the association of the local human population and vice versa. In time, both species accepted their differences, and life became sort of a melding of the two cultures. So, instead of war, coexistence seemed the more likely and natural route to go."

Ricardo smiled and added, "So, when news of a unified coexistence alliance found its way into their camp, they were interested."

"Exactly. News of the upcoming UN peace talks with the Alliance were of particular interest to them, although they had their doubts that either species as a whole would accept coexistence as easily as they and the Peruvians had. Still nervous about having their existence exposed by such publicity, they decided against contacting us at that time although they continued to monitor the activities of the Alliance with growing interest. Mark Ward had heard only rumors about them but had no idea where they were. So, until they made first contact, there was little he could do."

"We heard similar rumors here. The closest we could figure out, they were somewhere in the Andes, in southern Peru. We had nothing to really go on except for idle tourist talk, so we decided to open a temporary headquarters outside Cuzco, which attracts many touristas, to see what we could find out. We hoped that the sooner they could be found, the sooner they might be persuaded to openly come over to our side. That might encourage other similar groups to join with us as well. Then the UN would have to take us seriously, no?"

"Well, that was the plan. But, still nothing could be done until they were willing to talk with us."

"So, what made them change their minds and contact the Alliance?"

Tom looked down as though he was uncomfortable with his next statement. "I did"

Ricardo gave him a questioning look.

"Well, not directly. One day, news reached them that a chameleon had broken his programming and joined the Alliance."

"That was you, Tomas?"

"Yes. For some reason it gave them hope that the Alliance might work after all and they finally contacted Mark. They thought that if I was able to break my programming, maybe other chameleons would do the same. After all, they knew that they and any other coexistence sympathizers would be targeted by Lewis if they were ever discovered. They felt that without at least some chameleons on our side, we would lose the war to our own species."

Ricardo nodded his head. "So the Alliance chose to send you. It was a good choice, I think."

"Hopefully." Tom rubbed his neck absently, still uncomfortable with this new role as negotiator.

"I'm sure you did fine. Did they take much convincing?"

"Actually, no. Much less than I expected. First, I had to assure them that there was enough of us worldwide to make joining our movement worth the risk. Fortunately I had some reports Mark had given me showing the number of underground cells already in existence. Then, when I told them that I had already spoken with several chameleons who were also interested in joining us, it seemed to be all they needed to commit to the Alliance."

Ricardo nodded his approval. "They were smart to be cautious. Lewis is too dangerous to ignore. Our movement is fortunate to have you and any other chameleons on our side."

"Let's hope so," said Tom as he stood up and wiped the dust from his jeans. "At any rate, my part in these negotiations is over with for now. I told Sloan that I was sure I would be home in a week if this group was only half as eager to meet with me as Mark indicated. And I promised her that I would be there for the birth of our son." Tom smiled. "I've been here a week, my work is done and I'm ready to go home. This is definitely one promise I intend to keep."

"It must have been difficult for you and your wife to have you leave home so close to the birth of your first child, no?" asked Ricardo, getting to his feet with far less effort than Tom had.

Tom nodded. "It was. I actually declined the mission at first, despite the fact that Mark said we needed to act right away. The doctor said Sloan had only another three weeks to go and I didn't want to be so far away. I haven't always been able to keep my promises to Sloan, so it was important to me to keep this one. But Sloan insisted that we couldn't delay the negotiations any longer. Our son's future depended on it. The more support we had when we met with the UN, the better, she said. So I agreed to come, although I wasn't too happy about it."

"And how do you feel now?"

"I'm glad I did. Sloan was right, you know. It was important. Seeing your son and hearing about the other children confirmed that."

"Si, the future of our children is important and worth whatever it costs to ensure that they have a safe one, eh Tomas? Your wife, she knew this even better than you."

Tom looked down and absently flicked at small bug that landed on his shirt. "Yes, I suppose she did. He leaned back against the small tree and looked at Ricardo, "I don't have much experience with kids. I wasn't even sure I wanted any ..."

"But you do now?"

"Yes. I know I definitely want my son. I'm just not sure what kind of father I'll be."

"You'll be a fine one, Tomas, trust me. I know." Then Ricardo looked at Tom for a moment as though he wanted to say something else but changed his mind. Checking his watch, he added, "Maybe we should go now. We want to reach headquarters in time for you to have something to eat before your helicopter comes. You are hungry, no?"

Tom nodded his head.

"!Bueno!" With that, the two men left the coolness of the shaded ledge and once more walked into the brightness, following the same path Jose had taken twenty minutes earlier.

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Jose pushed a branch out of his way and stepped into a small clearing. He glanced around until he spied the crumbling exterior of an old forgotten Incan fortress, half hidden by an overgrowth of vines and shrubs, and knew he was home. The decaying facade of the structure belied a completely renovated interior. Despite the speed in which it was established, the headquarters had the air of having been there far longer. It was decorated with a mix of old Spanish and Quechuan Indian styles and outfitted with the most modern equipment and facilities. The headquarters housed not just the offices belonging to the Alliance, but also the several families that manned the station.

"They're coming, " Jose called out as he came through the door, letting the pack he carried for Tom drop to the floor. Soon, word spread throughout the facility that Ricardo was returning any minute with Tom Daniels and men and women began to converge in the main hall to greet them. It wasn't everyday they got to meet someone as famous as Tom Daniels.

"Did you tell him yet?" asked a young man, running up to Jose.

"Miguel, you smell like fish!"

Miguel stopped short and smelled his hands. "Ay, I forgot to wash. Mama had me catch fish from the stream and then I helped her cut it up for the seviche."

"Well, you'd better wash quickly. They will be here soon. And no, we didn't tell him. Papa thought it would be better to wait until we were all here to share the good news."

Miguel nodded his approval. After all, this was a big event. As part of the Coexistence Alliance, very few things in life were normal for them and the news they generally received was not always encouraging. But, when there was good news, it became a time of rejoicing for everyone. At least, that's how the South American branch viewed things. Of course, they did have the reputation of being a little more emotional than the rest of their species. They claimed that they needed to cultivate such emotionalism in order to blend in better with the native populace but some of their more reserved brothers thought the South American branch actually enjoyed it. And they were right, although the South Americans weren't admitting anything.

Miguel hurried off to wash but yelled back, "Do not let papa tell him until mama and I are here!"

"Si, but hurry," Jose yelled to his younger brother.

"Tell him what?" Tom asked as he entered the great hall. Tom surveyed the group of thirty or so individuals that had assembled there and noted that their dress appeared to be more 'colorful' than he expected. He had always been trained to wear neutral or dark colors but here , it was almost impossible to tell his species from the local natives he'd seen. Well, maybe 'blending in' meant you had to be just as colorful as your human neighbors.

Jose said nothing but looked expectantly over Tom's shoulder for a glimpse of his father. Once he saw Ricardo silhouetted in the doorway, he smiled. Then, looking back the way Miguel had gone, he waited anxiously for his brother to reappear with their mother.

Ricardo stepped into the entryway but before he could enter the main hall, someone handed him a sheet of paper. After glancing at it for a moment, he folded it in half and then walked over to where Tom was standing. He waited until he saw Benita, Miguel, and the last of the stragglers enter the hall before he spoke.

Ricardo then cleared his throat, took another look at the folded paper, and then said to Tom, "It is a great honor for us to have this opportunity to meet you and to have you visit us at our new Peruvian headquarters."

Tom raised his eyebrow at the formal tone Ricardo had taken on and could only wonder what was coming next.

Ricardo then went on to relate what a challenge it had been for them to establish a coexistence movement in South America, a land of great ethnic and geographical diversity and how important it was for someone like Tom, a chameleon, to offer his support to their efforts. He finished his little speech by saying, "For your contribution to us here in Peru and with the Alliance as a whole, we would like to thank you." Ricardo then shook Tom's hand as the others smiled and nodded their heads in appreciation.

"I'm not sure what to say ..." mumbled a confused Tom. He had never been thanked for doing what he considered to be his job, let alone, having it done publicly.

"That's OK, there is no need for words." Ricardo wrapped his arm around Tom once again, despite Tom's attempt to flinch away. "And now, we are happy to give you something in return." Tom looked at Ricardo's smiling face and then out at the rest of the assemblage. God only knew what was coming next, he thought.

"We have good news for you, Tomas." began Ricardo. "You became a papa while you were in the mountains. Your wife and son are doing well and are patiently awaiting your speedy return to them."

"Sloan had the baby? But you didn't say anything on the trail. She, ... she wasn't due for two more weeks. I was supposed to be there ..." Tom's head began to reel and he suddenly felt weak. The high altitude must still be affecting him, he thought. But, whatever it was, for once he was glad Ricardo's arm was there to hold him up. Tom looked out at the others and saw they were all nodding their approval. Despite all the well wishes that washed over him, Tom was numb. Tom managed a smile which only increased the joy that the others felt but, just the same, he was disappointed. This wasn't fair. He had promised Sloan he would be at her side for the birth of their son and he had missed it. And nothing would change that fact.

"Tomas, these things happen." comforted Ricardo. "When a nino decides it's time to see the world, nothing can stop him, no matter what the doctor says ... or what we promise, eh amigo?" After all, he had missed Miguel's birth for similar reasons and understood what Tom was going through. Tom looked at Ricardo and nodded his head. Well, things could be worse. At least Sloan and his son were well.

"So, go shower and change into fresh clothes. Soon a helicopter will be here to take you to the airport. And hurry. My wife Benita has been cooking since we first spotted you on the trail and she will be very disappointed if you leave without sharing a meal with us. Her sancochado and seviche are the best in the area."

Tom saw Benita blush as her husband praised her cooking and nodded his head. "I'd be happy to." He recognized the sancochado as a meat and vegetable soup that he'd eaten during his stay with the guerrillas but the other dish was unfamiliar to him. So, he asked, "What is 'seviche'?"

"Ah, ... mi plato favorito ... my favorite. It is raw fish, onions, extra-hot red and green chilies, all marinated in lemon and lime juice. !Delicioso!" Ricardo licked his lips at the thought of the spicy treat.

Tom felt his stomach tighten despite his attempt not to react to the thought of raw fish and hot peppers on an empty stomach. Ricardo roared with laughter. "Just try a little - it's really quite good. But go now, you don't have much time. Miguel, show Tomas to the shower."

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It didn't take Tom long to get showered and dressed and before he knew it, he was back with his Peruvian friends. He could smell the delicious aroma of food as soon as he walked into the main hall and saw a large dining table set up in the middle of the room. True to his word, Tom sampled the soup, the empanadas and several other dishes and found them all to be delicious, though spicier than he was used to.

"Tomas, mama made cuyo frito. Please take one before they are all gone." encouraged Miguel. Ricardo watched Tom's reaction as Miguel offered the platter to him.

Tom was about to take the dish when he saw it was piled high with something he couldn't quite identify. He narrowed his eyes a bit to get a sharper look. Were those legs he saw sticking up? He looked back at Miguel's smiling face and decided to ask what it was.

"Umm-m, what is the American word for it," Miguel thought for a moment then his face gleamed as he thought of the word. "Ah, I think you call them 'guinea pigs'. Whole, guinea pigs - deep-fried until the skin is crisp and crunches in your mouth. Take one, por favor."

Tom looked again at the plate and said, "Maybe later." As a chameleon, Tom was trained to eat whatever was necessary to survive but he was in no danger of starvation today with all the food surrounding him. And, to be honest, right now, he was not ready for anything new - at least anything as new as whole fried guinea pigs. So, he decided to pass on the dish.

Miguel shrugged. "Si, maybe later. But do not wait too long. They are better when eaten hot," he said, putting the platter down.

Ricardo laughed, as did most of the older ones. Miguel had not realized that Americans were not used to eating the same variety of foods as they were. "Si, maybe later, Tomas." Ricardo mimicked.

Tom looked sideways at Ricardo and frowned at the humor in his eyes, which only made Ricardo start to snicker out loud. But Tom felt bad that Miguel seemed hurt at his refusal of a dish that he was positive Tom would love. So he was determined to try the seviche when Miguel offered it to him, just to please the boy. Soon, though, he wished he had passed on that too. It tasted pretty good at first, but the afterburn that followed was almost more than he could bear. In fact, everything he ate was hot and he found himself taking a swallow of the chicha de jora, a fermented corn beer, after each mouthful, hoping it would help ease the burning in the pit of his stomach. It didn't. This was going to be some flight home if his stomach didn't settle down, he thought - as though his stomach wasn't nervous enough as it was.

Soon Tom saw a young man whisper something in Ricardo's ear and Ricardo immediately clanked his fork on his glass to get everyone's attention. "Everyone, I have sad news for us. The helicopter to take Tomas away from us will be arriving within the hour. But for Tomas, the news is not so bad, si?" Ricardo smiled at Tom. "But before you leave us, we have a small gift for you to take for your son." With that, Benita got up and handed her husband a package wrapped in native fabric and tied with a colorful cord.

"Tomas," said Ricardo getting up and placing the gift in Tom's hands, "this is a gift from your brothers and sisters in Peru who stand with you in our struggle for a safe future - for us and for our children. May it always remind you of the time you spent with us and remember that we will always count you as our friend."

"Thank you," replied Tom, as he admired the bright package and fingered the soft fabric.

"Well, open it. That is what one does with a gift, no?" urged Ricardo, sitting down again.

"Of course." Tom smiled and placed the package on the table. He untied the yellow cord and the colorful fabric fell away to expose a plain box. As he lifted the lid, he was aware that all eyes were focused on him in anticipation of his reaction to the gift. He looked down at the box and could not stop the gasp that escaped his lips. There, lying in the box, was a blanket knitted in the most brilliant shades of blue. He lifted it out of the box and squeezed the soft fabric as he heard "que lindo" murmured softly around the table. Yes, it was beautiful, he thought.

"Do you like it, Tomas?" asked Ricardo.

"Yes-s ... ," Tom stopped and thought a bit. "!Si, me gusta mucho!" Tom wasn't particularly fluid in Spanish but he knew the others would be pleased at his attempt. They were. Tom saw smiles break out on all the faces and felt their pleasure ripple over him at his reply.

"The blanket for your new son is a product of everyone sitting at this table and is made from the fiber of baby alpacas that were raised at our farm just north of here." Ricardo explained how raising alpacas and llamas was one of the ways they paid for the needs of the headquarters. What had started out as simply a cover for their underground activities, had actually become quite a lucrative enterprise for them. He then went on in detail how the yarn was processed, from the shearing of the alpaca, to the cleaning and carding of the fiber, to having it spun into yarn for dying. When it was done, it was his wife, Benita, who knitted the finished product into the blanket that Tom was now holding. "The bright colors were chosen as a reminder that there can be much more to life than just survival for our species, si Tomas?"

Tom thought about that for a second and remembered when he was 'human' for a day. Yes, life was vibrant and should always be appreciated. He looked up at the group and said "Thank you." Tom wanted to say more but the words escaped him. But he knew they all understood how he felt. Then he carefully folded the blanket and put it back in the box.

"And now, it's time for a farewell drink. Jose, go get the pisco."

Jose jumped up to get the brandy and the other ingredients, and enlisted Carlos and Juanita to help with the glasses. Jose wondered if this would be the time his father would allow him to have a glass of pisco sour with the rest of the adults. If he did, he promised Miguel he would sneak him a sip.

With that, Benita got up and whispered to her husband, "Now you want to give Tomas pisco on top of everything else he's had? I don't think he's used to such spicy food. Didn't you see all the chicha he drank with dinner to wash it down? Now this? You will make him sick for his trip home."

"What are you talking about, woman? Sick? !Imposible! Have you forgotten he is a chameleon? He can handle anything."

"Really? Like the cuyo frito?"

"That is nothing. Even a chameleon is allowed his likes and dislikes. Besides, he cannot leave Peru without tasting pisco sour just once. Wasn't it you who told me that once one drinks pisco, they cannot help but return to Peru for more?"

"I lied. I only said that so you would be sure to come back to me after your trip to America."

"You lied ...?" Ricardo saw Benita's eyes twinkle and he laughed. "But it worked, anyway, querida. I came back and married you, didn't I? But whether it is true or not, it is a good tradition. Tomas will have his glass of pisco sour before he goes."

Soon Ricardo had the pisco mixed with the egg whites and fresh lime juice and glasses were passed around to everyone, even Jose and Miguel, much to Jose's delight and Miguel's surprise.

After Ricardo saw Tomas finish his glass of the potent drink, he said, "Now you must come back to us for a visit. The pisco demands it! And you must bring your wife and nino with you."

Tom nodded his head although he wasn't quite sure which one of the group had demanded his return. Pete somebody? Maybe he would remember when his head was clearer. Right now it was a little fuzzy.

Soon the sound of the approaching helicopter was heard overhead and a collective sigh was heard throughout the hall. It was rare for a branch to receive visitors, more or less a chameleon, and now it was time for him to go. He would surely be missed. As they all got up to walk Tom outside, Benita handed Tom a small package.

"A few cookies and some cake for the trip home - in case you get hungry on the plane." Then she turned to her two sons. "Jose!, ... Miguel! ... Go get Tomas' things and carry them to the helicopter for him." As the boys jumped to obey their mother, Benita put her arm in Tom's and walked him outside, wishing him a safe trip home. Tom gave her the hug she was expecting, and then Ricardo did the same to Tom.

Before he could get into the helicopter, though, everyone present decided to give him their personal congratulations at the birth of his first child. Many hugged him as well. By the time he actually climbed on board, his ribs were aching. But it was an ache he would remember with fondness. When Tom finally strapped himself into the seat and looked out at the mass of smiling faces, he realized that he had made some very close friends in a short span of time. He marveled at how expressive these members of his species were and wondered if Dr. Copeland had been referring to them when he said more of their species had emotions than their leaders cared to admit.

As he felt the helicopter lift off, taking him to a private jet at Lima's Chavez airport, he waved to Ricardo, Benita, and the others. He found himself staring at them long after the distance had reduced them all to mere specks of color against the terraced landscape. With a sigh, he turned away and began to focus his mind on the journey home to his new son.

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Ricardo and Benita stood outside and watched the helicopter until it had all but disappeared over a distant mountain. As soon as it was gone, Benita turned to her husband and said, "He seemed, umm-m, ... nervous, when he learned of the birth."

"Si, he was upset. He promised his wife he would be there with her when the nino was born, and he wasn't. He broke his promise although it was not his fault."

"But, I think there's more to it than just missing the birth, no?"

Ricardo looked at Benita and shook his head. Even though she was human, he could never hide anything from her. And apparently, neither could anyone else. "Si, he was nervous. He is unsure of himself. He lost much when Lewis erased his memories. !Ese diablo!" growled Ricardo at the thought of what Lewis had done to Tom. "Tomas does not know how to be a papa - yet. He has no memory of his own papa or his childhood. But he will learn. His wife will teach him, maybe. And his son."

"Like I taught you, querido?" Benita touched her husband's cheek. "As I remember, you weren't just nervous, you were timido."

"I was not scared," protested Ricardo. "I knew how to be a papa. It was just that there was much to do in the underground in those days and I could not always be there to help with ... ."

"You were scared. You did not want to be alone with Jose and ... "

"!Ay, tu eres imposible! You are an impossible woman!" Ricardo defended himself with feigned anger, but soon gave in. "Si, I was scared the first time. But you soon changed that, Benita querida." They both laughed as Ricardo grabbed his wife around the waist and kissed her mouth. Then the two of them walked arm-in-arm back to the fortress, reliving the happy memories of the births of their own sons, Jose and Miguel. Soon, they knew, Tomas would begin to make memories of his own to treasure as they did.

Reaching their private rooms, Ricardo closed the door behind them and spoke softly to his wife.

"?Querida?"

"?Si, Ricardo?"

"Would you like to start on a third memory?" Ricardo nuzzled his wife's neck.

"Start what? You must be loco. Who has time for babies now? This is what comes from drinking too much chicha at dinner!" Benita pushed him away, but could not hide her smile from him in time. But it didn't matter. He already knew how she felt. Sweeping her up in his arms, he carried her away, protesting and laughing, to their bedroom. Who knows, maybe they would have good news of their own to tell Tomas when next they saw him.

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Tom barely remembered the flight home. He had so much to do to prepare for the upcoming peace talks with the UN that were scheduled to take place in a few months. There was the briefcase he had on his lap full of documents he had to read, tapes of the meetings with the guerrillas that needed to be transcribed, and a paper he was expected to write for the Alliance concerning the role of the South American branch in contacting and enlisting the cooperation of the various resistance groups scattered throughout that continent. He knew he should do some work on these things now because once he was home, he doubted if he would have the time. But try as he may, he could not concentrate on anything but Sloan and the birth that he had missed. However, in the end, it was the alcohol in the chicha de jora and pisco sour that won out and Tom soon nodded off into a much needed sleep.

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The cab ride was uneventful except that Tom was quite sure the driver had taken the extra-long way home from the airport. However, a glance at this watch showed that it was the usual forty-five minute drive. It just felt like two hours. As soon as the cab slowed, Tom grabbed his briefcase and bags, threw the money into the front seat and bolted out of the cab. As he raced through the front door, he collided with Ed who was about to turn the knob to let him in. Ed fell back on the floor and was pelted one after the other with Tom's bags. He managed to deflect the last small package with his leg and it flew behind the couch, barely missing the lamp on the end table.

"Hey, I thought you had that sense or something that warned you that somebody was in your way," laughed Ed as he stood up and pretended to brush himself off.

"Sorry. I wasn't concentrating on that ..." panted Tom, as he bent down to pick up the briefcase and bags that lay scattered on the floor.

"No, I guess you weren't. Well, Sloan's in the bedroom." Then grabbing Tom's arm, he confided, "however, let me warn you - her whole family's in there with her. All the women, that is."

Tom winced as he felt his heart sink. For some reason, he had expected to be alone with Sloan when he met his son for the first time but it was obvious he wasn't thinking clearly. Of course her family and their friends would be here on the day he returned. It was only wishful thinking on his part coupled with fatigue and chicha that made it seem like a reunion alone with Sloan was a possibility.

At the thought of Sloan's family, a flood of memories filled his head and he remembered when he met his in-laws for the first time. The men had welcomed him but the women were a different matter. Oh, they were polite enough and smiled at him, but the looks that passed between them were not lost on Tom. Sloan had chosen not to tell them right away that he was a member of the new species when she announced their engagement to them. One surprise at a time was enough. But, as time went on, it became harder and harder for her to tell them. But Tom knew the females could tell he was different; they just could not put their finger on what it was. Since Tom's acute hearing picked up almost everything they whispered about him, they never realized that he knew they ended all their sentences about him with the word "strange". He's nice ... but strange. He's good-looking ... but strange, and so on. Tom just shook his head as he imagined what lay in store for him now.

"Tom, are you with us?" Ed could see that Tom's thoughts had drifted off to another plane, probably one without his in-laws.

Tom focused his glazed eyes into sharp clarity at the sound of Ed's voice and said, "What do you mean?"

"What do you mean 'what do I mean'?" Ed stood there shaking his head at Tom. "You are conscious, right? And, for god's sake, will you try to look happy." Ed took the bags out of Tom's hands and put them in next to the couch. "You look scared to death and that bunch can smell fear a mile away."

"I am not scared!" Tom growled indignantly. "I'm just ... tired."

"Sorry, my mistake." Ed raised an eyebrow. Tom just scowled at Ed and headed toward the hall.

Ed stood there for a second laughing to himself as he watched Tom stalk off and turn the corner

of the hallway that led to the bedroom. Then he shrugged and went off to join the rest of the men in the den.

Walter looked up as Ed entered the room. "How's Tom doing?"

"He's scared," replied Ed, settling down on the sofa and grabbing the bowl of popcorn. "For someone as tough as Tom, it's amazing what mention of Sloan's in-laws can do to him." Ed almost choked on that last sentence. He had forgotten Sloan's father and brother-in-law were with them. "I'm sorry ..."

"No apology necessary, Ed. They are a formidable bunch when they band together like that." said Mr. Parker. Mike and I generally seek out the rest of the men at family get-togethers. It's a lot safer." Mike, Sloan's brother-in-law, nodded his head readily in agreement.

"Formidable is putting it mildly." replied Ray. "When they started to argue whether relish should go in the potato salad or not, and then asked my opinion, I told them I didn't like potato salad and got out of the kitchen fast."

"Coward. You do so like potato salad." taunted Ed.

"Not anymore! Pass the chips and let me have a beer while you're at it." said Ray. Twisting off the bottle cap, he added, "Besides, Tom has reason to be, ... uh, apprehensive. Life as he knows it, has just ended."

"What do you mean?" asked Ed. "I thought that happened when he got married."

"That was only a foretaste of what's in store for him now," said Ray solemnly.

The rest of the men nodded their heads in agreement. Tom had their sympathy and they all took a swallow of their beer as a silent toast to the passing away of another blissful life. Ed just shook his head and reached for his beer. For an instant, he wondered what it would be like to be in Tom's shoes right at this moment, all alone with Sloan's family, and he shuddered involuntarily.

Suddenly, the Kansas City scored a touchdown and thoughts of Tom disappeared in an instant. Male bonding has been known to go only as far as the goal posts and then it's over. Tom was on his own.

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Tom paused for a moment in the hall before going into the bedroom. Ed was right. They were all in there and someone had just notified them that he had arrived. He listened briefly to the conversation currently in progress. It was about him, as he expected.

"Strange that he would just go off on business so close to the birth." It was Tom's mother-in-law. "I would think that most fathers would cancel their business plans if it was going to take them out of the country."

"Mom, Tom would've canceled but the doctor told him we still had several weeks to go. Besides, once he heard he flew right back."

"Yeah, a week later." Sloan gave a look that forced her mother to concede the point. "I know, I know, they had no way to contact him. Strange, though." All the others in the room nodded their agreement. Strange.

Two "stranges" in a minute. Well, that was less than the last time they'd all been together. Tom took a deep breath and composed himself for the onslaught. He put on the most charming smile he could muster and entered the room.

"There he is - the new daddy!!!" It was as if the last minute of conversation about him had never happened. Every woman in the room ran up to him and started kissing and hugging him until he couldn't breathe. Then they all parted so he could get a view of Sloan with their son. He didn't need super-hearing to hear all the "isn't this cute" and "make way for the daddy" comments that followed.

There she was - Sloan, his beloved - sitting in the new rocking chair he had bought her, looking absolutely radiant. She was leaning against lace-edged pillows and holding a soft little bundle of baby blue plaid in her arms. He sighed when he saw her and his first impulse was to run to her and gather her in his arms. Yes, he wanted to run to her. Yes, he would run to her. Well, go ahead, run to her, he yelled at himself. What are you waiting for?

For some reason, his feet wouldn't move. Maybe it was the mad dash home from the Andes, coupled with the strange food and drink that was in his system, or the shock of realizing he was a father for the first time, or having a house filled with people at a time when he wanted to be alone with Sloan. He didn't know but he could sense the others in the room getting nervous at his hesitancy and he knew he had to get his feet moving. With a great deal of mental energy, he willed his feet to move toward Sloan. Reaching her, he leaned on the back of the chair and bent down to kiss her. It wasn't exactly how he had envisioned his greeting, but at least he had moved.

Sloan looked at Tom and immediately saw the stress he was feeling reflected in his eyes. Well, her family always seemed to have that effect on him, so why should this time be any different."Do you want me to tell them to leave?" she whispered.

Tom's eyes said yes but his mouth said no. He knew none of them would understand why he was so uncomfortable with them there. Asking them to leave, after they had stayed by Sloan during his absence, would have been construed as rudeness on his part but Sloan would be the one to hear about it. How could he explain to them that all their emotions poured over him to the point of drowning him and he could hardly think straight. He'd rather face an army of Lewises than her family at such an emotional time as this.

"Sloan, let Tom hold the baby! The camera's ready to go." Sloan's mother called out from somewhere behind Tom and he cringed at the sound.

"Would you like to hold him Tom?" asked Sloan.

"Umm-m, could I just see him first?"

"Of course. I forgot you don't even know what he looks like." Sloan lowered the blanket exposing a perfectly rounded little head filled with soft honey-colored curls. She gently moved Adam's head so Tom could see his face. "See, there's no doubt he's your son, Tom. He looks exactly like you."

Tom leaned forward and pulled down the blanket a bit as he looked at his son's sleeping face. He smiled at Sloan and nodded his head. Tom saw several flashes go off simultaneously and heard the whir of film advancing. Tom couldn't have felt more uncomfortable than if he was standing in a giant spotlight.

"Do you want to hold him now?" Sloan started to offer the baby to Tom. Flashes went off again.

Tom shook his head. "Maybe later." Out of the corner of his eye, Tom saw a few cameras lower, as the photographers looked at one another.

Sloan's brow furrowed. "You don't want to hold your son?" whispering so her family couldn't hear.

Tom made an appeal with his eyes that Sloan knew was her cue to drop the subject. There must be a good reason he didn't want to hold Adam right now. Maybe with all her family overwhelming him, he felt it better to wait. So she just smiled and changed the subject. "Tom, I think all the guys are waiting outside to congratulate you. Maybe you'd better pay your respects now while Adam is still asleep. Oh, and there's plenty of food. I bet you haven't eaten since you got on that plane." Then turning her attention to her mother, she said, "there'll be plenty time for pictures later, now that Tom's home."

Sloan's mother pursed her lips. She smiled at Sloan and Tom, as though to make it seem like she understood. But, a second later, she gave a 'meaningful' look to the other women, who all seemed to know exactly what she meant. Sloan would definitely hear about this one once Tom left the room.

"Yes, I could do with something to eat." Tom said, taking his cue from Sloan. Besides, he really hadn't eaten that much at his last dinner in Peru and his stomach was feeling odd, although he wasn't sure if it was due to hunger. "And I know I owe Ed an apology for knocking him down as I ran in." Then, he kissed her once more and touched the baby's head at the same time. "Thank you," he whispered. "I'll talk to you later when it's less crowded in here."

Sloan nodded her head. "I love you."

Tom smiled at her, then straightened up and excused himself. Once outside in the hall, he closed the door then leaned against it and took a deep breath. He knew he had disappointed Sloan just now. Why didn't he just take the baby? Well, he knew why. He had never held one in his life. At least not that he remembered. And with all of Sloan's relatives staring at him, he was positive he would do something that they would construe as "wrong". No, it was better for little Adam to stay safe and sound in Sloan's arms for a while longer.

The reality of having a baby had not sunk in until now. Their lives had been so busy and hectic this past year, that it was a miracle they ever found the time to get married, let alone for Sloan to get pregnant. Ed thought that maybe they should live together first - really live together - and save the marriage for later. But Tom wanted Sloan to know that he would never leave her and being married had made that commitment more binding. He had given his name to her, and now to his son. He would be there for them always and he had long ago taken steps for the welfare and protection of his little family. But, the actual physical day-to-day reality of having and raising a child was something he realized he was not prepared for.

"Tom, what are you doing down there." Tom looked up and saw Walter walking toward him."Come join the party. After all, it is for you as well as Sloan." Tom inhaled, put on a mile, and allowed Walter to guide him into the den with an arm around his shoulder. Tom glanced at Walter's arm and sighed. Why fight it. He might as well get used to this.

After the customary handshakes and back slapping that accompanied the men's congratulations, Tom joined them in the kitchen for a plate of food. He was careful to avoid the potato salad after Ray tipped him off not to go near it, but he had no idea why. He liked potato salad, but he would trust Ray's opinion this time. He couldn't afford to get sick now that he was home. As it was, his stomach barely made it out of Peru intact. No sense tempting fate.

After he had eaten, Tom found himself surrounded by the rest of the men in house, all ready and willing to give him helpful hints as to how to avoid doing the some of the nastier chores with the baby. The consensus of opinion placed changing diapers at the top of the "nastiest job list" and each of the fathers shared his tactics for avoiding it. But after all was said and done, Ray confessed that none of the excuses worked on his wife. Then, one by one, each of the fathers admitted the same thing. "Get used to diapers, Tom. It's now a part of your life," seemed to be collective statement.

It was a good thing Tom had a few beers in him during the telling of these stories because it made him just tired enough not to be able to run and just high enough not to care what they were saying about diapers, 4 AM feedings and colic. Colic? Now what was that? And he thought his biggest challenge was holding his son. No, he thought, he was definitely not ready for this.

Several hours later, although Tom couldn't really be sure just how long he'd been listening to all the fatherly advice, the women returned to the living room and announced that Sloan had finished nursing the baby and was putting him to bed. One by one, everyone started to get their coats on and bid their farewells to Tom. At long last the house was quiet and Tom's thoughts instantly went to Sloan. He walked slowly down the hall, mainly because slow was all he could manage after how many beers? But he really wasn't drunk - more like fatigued. He had wanted to talk to Sloan all night, but now that he had the chance, he was too tired. All he felt like doing was sliding into bed and falling asleep with Sloan in his arms. Maybe, morning would be a better time anyway.

Tom entered the room but before he even saw her, he knew Sloan was asleep. Well, she probably needed it even more than he did. He leaned over her and gave her a kiss on the forehead. He was about to undress and climb into bed next to her when he remembered the baby. He turned and felt his son asleep in his crib in the little alcove in the bedroom.

He walked quietly over to the crib and stared down at his son. He seemed so little and helpless and Tom felt instantly sorry for him. He deserved to have a better father. He remembered the stories the men were telling tonight about their own kids, how they couldn't wait to play catch with them or teach them to ride a bike, just like their fathers did with them. Tom was only able to smile at the stories but could add none of his own. He didn't know his father, or at least, couldn't remember him. He wondered if his father had even done anything with him at all.Yet, now, Tom was expected to teach and guide his own son. But teach him what? How to be a chameleon? How to blend in with a crowd? How to track prey? Tom laughed to himself. Some father I'm going to make, he thought, I can't even remember any games to play. Ray said he loved playing a game called peek-a-boo with Matt when he was a baby and he assumed that Tom would enjoy playing it with Adam. Tom remembered just nodding his head in agreement but all he wanted to do was to ask Ray what the heck was peek-a-boo.

Well, Tom had chosen to live in human society and Sloan and everybody else expected him to behave like a human father. Just how he was going to master this without a role model would remain to be seen. Well, at least Ricardo was confident that he could do it.

Maybe all Tom needed was a good night's rest. Things might be clearer in the morning when all the influences of family, friends, and alcohol were gone. Yes, that's what he needed - just a little sleep in his own bed, snuggled up next to Sloan. Just as he turned to go, he felt a chill in the house and realized it must've gotten colder outside. Well, it was December. Turning back to Adam, he sensed that his son was cold as well and probably needed another blanket. He looked around in the crib but saw no extra ones. It was then that he remembered the gift he was given in Peru for the baby and went into the living room to look for it. He found the package right where it landed when he collided into Ed earlier - behind the couch in the living room. He unwrapped the gift and pulled out the soft blue blanket and brought it into the baby.

Tom looked down at his son again and realized that he was pretty cute after all. Round, pink cheeks. Honey-colored curls. Small, button nose. "Sloan thinks he looks like me?" Tom whispered to himself as he leaned in closer to Adam. While he couldn't actually see the resemblance, the thought seemed to stir a sense of pride in Tom that he didn't quite fully understand.

Tom unfolded the blanket and draped it gently over the sleeping infant but the tip of the blanket flicked a small lock of hair onto Adam's forehead. Tom instinctively brushed it off the baby's face with the tip of his finger and marveled at the softness of his son's skin. He ran his finger again over Adam's forehead and then down one of the plump cheeks. Suddenly, the baby started to move and Tom panicked. "Don't cry. Please." he silently begged. He had no idea what to do and he didn't want to wake Sloan up after she had just gotten to sleep.

Tom anxiously watched as Adam kicked off the blanket that he had so carefully placed on him and then saw his son's head turn in his direction. Tom's heart sank when he saw the little pink lips start to quiver as Adam prepared to cry his dismay at being awakened so suddenly. Tears started to brim up in the large blue eyes, but as soon as they met Tom's, the almost-cry turned into soft cooing and Adam gave a huge smile as he recognized his daddy. In the same instant, Tom felt the same recognition. He gently wiped the tears from Adam's cheeks with his finger and leaned over to kiss his son's forehead. He then put his hand on his son's tummy to quiet him and felt Adam's little hand grasp his pinky. Tom tried to pull his finger away but Adam only held it tighter. "That's quite a grip you have there," said Tom, suddenly proud of his son's strength at such a young age. He doubted whether anyone else's child could have such a strong grip at only a week old.

  It soon became apparent that Adam wasn't going to relinquish Tom's finger now that he'd found it. The only thing Tom could do now, besides stand all night bent over the crib, was to pick Adam up, still grasping his pinky. Now, what did Ray say? Always support the head when you pick up a baby. Tom slid his free hand under Adam until the baby's head was resting in the rook of his arm, and then he lifted him out of the crib. Somehow he had managed to also grab the baby blanket and, with arms full, walked into the living room. He sat down in the big chair that he and Sloan had spent many hours relaxing in and smiled at his son.

After extricating his finger from Adam's grasp, Tom covered him with the soft blanket. Then Father and son spent the next few minutes staring into one another's eyes, reliving the shared feelings of the past nine months that all came flooding back to both of them. Before he even realized it, Tom had bonded to his son with an unbreakable strength. Heaven help the person who dared to come between Tom and his son.

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Sometime later, Sloan awoke with a start. Where was Tom, she thought as she looked at the his vacant side of the bed. She jumped up and ran to the crib and saw that Adam was missing too. She headed down the hall to the living room and stopped short. There were Tom and Adam, sound asleep in the big chair. All she could do was smile. She had been worried about Tom ever since he came home. She knew her family had unnerved him but there was nothing she could do about it at the time. She wanted to talk to him but was sorry that she had fallen asleep before that could happen. Well, she wasn't sorry anymore as she looked at the priceless picture before her eyes.

Sloan felt that Tom was uncertain about his ability to be a father, although he never actually voiced his concerns to her. But she knew. Just the way she knew things would eventually work out. Tom was just ... well, just inexperienced. But, she knew he would learn, just like every other unsuspecting and inexperienced father would have to learn.

With most of his childhood memories erased, Tom had very little from his past to share with his son and she knew it made him insecure as a parent. Then Sloan recalled the first time she had met Tom's mother and thought maybe it was just as well that some of those memories were gone. Jane Daniels wasn't exactly a model for Parents magazine.

But Tom wasn't the only one here who was inexperienced. Sloan had never been a mother before, and even though she knew she wanted a family one day, she had not actually planned for it the same way she had planned for her career as an anthropologist. Of course, she was not alone; she could rely on her own mother and family for help and advice. Who did Tom have? Well, even if he had none of his own family to help him, she knew Ray,Walter, and even her dad would be there for him. Tom would do just fine. He just needed to learn that for himself. But now, looking at Tom and Adam together, Sloan realized that that he already had.

Sloan wanted to curl up next to Tom but realized it was a little chilly. Better a blanket first, she thought, as she went to the linen closet to get one. As she tiptoed back to the chair, Tom's eyes slowly opened and he smiled at her. "I have a son, Sloan" he whispered, as though the full realization of that fact finally hit him.

  "Yes, I know." she said as she slid next to him in the chair and covered them all with the blanket. As Sloan snuggled next to Tom, he put his free arm around her shoulder and drew her close to him. Then the three of them spent their first night together as a family sleeping peacefully in each other's arms, in the big chair, in the living room. Sleeping peacefully, that is, until 4 AM ...

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