The Gathering of the Clans Book 2

TGC Book 2 Chapter 18

Book 2 Chapter 18

<<< Black Wolf >>>

HQ

Lieutenant Colonel Ashburn Bourne stood as Roger entered his office and saluted. Roger returned the salute and sat behind his desk. "How was the trip here Bourne?" Ashburn laughed. Twelve seasoned airforce men, 24 kids 17 of which are under 10, and turbulence give you a hint?" Roger laughed. "Glad I'm not one of you air boys." Ashburn shook his head. "Eight of us brought what's left of our families with us. Command said that it was acceptable to do so." Roger nodded. "Command is relocating families here where it's safer. They're also allowing the men to adopt orphans and form families so we're setting up the things needed to support families here.."

Ashburn nodded. "It just came down that we are allowed to do the same. But that's really hard with no spouse to watch the kids while we're on duty. They're having some trouble setting up daycare. It's a lot more challenging for the Airforce." Roger smiled. "Well, you won't have that kind of problem here. We have round-the-clock daycare our men have been providing daycare. So far the kids love the play and sleep areas we've set up. For the tweens and teens, we've snatched every game system and game we could lay our hands on and set up a nice area for them to use. My son Paris keeps trying to run off with one of the bean bag chairs from in there."

Ashburn laughed. "How old is your son?" Roger smiled "He's seven. He's the oldest of my five boys, with the sixth due in just under 6 months from now" Ashburn smiled. "I've got three boys, 17, 14, and 11. They keep me busy." Roger stood and walked to the sideboard where the coffee pot had just finished perking. "Coffee?" "Yes, black please." "You have a wife here?" Roger shook his head no and handed the cup of coffee to Ashburn. "No, my mate is male. We just found out he is pregnant with our son."

Ashburn paused in thought and sipped his coffee. "So it really is true then. Males are actually coming up pregnant." Roger sat down and nodded. "Did you hear the broadcast by Ian Brookstone?" "Well yes, but most of us thought it was just a farce or a joke." Roger sat back and looked straight at Ashburn. "It's no joke. It's happening." Ashburn was lost in thought for a few moments then seemed to shake himself. Roger smiled. "Takes a bit to get used to the news. I know, and I'm going to be a father because of it."

"Is it also true that Pepepski is taking in any orphans that need a home?" Roger nodded. "Good. We brought 12 orphans with us. They all had military families but none survived to care for them. Command thought Pepepski might find them homes. I just want to make sure they aren't going to be shoved into and lost in some mass orphanage."

Roger choked on his coffee. "Where did you leave the children?" "When we walked in with them a bunch of your men ran up and practically snatched them from us." Roger started laughing so hard he was gasping for air. Ashburn sat there looking confused. Roger gasped. "Bet they didn't make it far before daddy fever took over and all the guilty parties are waiting in the chow hall." Ashburn looked even more confused. "What's daddy fever?" Roger wheezed. "Follow me to the chow hall and you will see it in action for yourself."

Roger walked into the chow hall followed by Ashburn and sat at his table. He no sooner sat down and nine couples stood up and approached his table with children. Roger snickered. "I don't think any of your orphans are going to reach Pepepski Ashburn." Ashburn laughed. "I see what you mean. So this is daddy fever huh?" Roger nodded and looked up at the first set of men to reach him. "What can I do for you men today?" Werewolf laughed. "You can make my partner and I daddy and daddy to this precious little boy here sir," Roger asked his usual questions to be sure of the men's commitment to raising the boy and pronounced them daddies to 4-year-old Fynn who just peeked between his fingers and smiled at him.