WITHOUT

Much To Do.

"Did that really have to be done?     Was that the best move?.."    Clark removed her coat, hand her rifle to a waiting hand of a servant. She gave a quick glance to the cook (Who was holding up a black bread loaf)   She nodded. Cook set about cutting slices.

"Clark.    We, have young children.    I wasn't planning on it.    But, I feel we need to take back some control.  Ethan's different, yes. Clearly things have changed.   But, I don't know what his reaction will be. And, I don't wish to see any thing disturbing.    Ethan wouldn't harm, but if he felt a "challenge" - Leader is just that, even at this wee age!.."        Benton gave Clark an honest expression. Clark nodded, he was just like Ethan.

She glanced around the room.

"....You feel protective of Reef. And Fern is on guard with the little girl.    Leader is just like him...Mmm! I am protective of Ethan too.   I'd be broken if he did something as well. He acts on an impulse.....Not thinking first!       Not his fault, the Others are like that. I did that once, I thought I knew. But, no!     Power, or lack.....Cause a misunderstanding!    Ethan is a black hole of the unknown.    He's already trying to "stand over" Trinity..."     Clark rubbed her temples...."She knows a way to handle my boy..." Clark rubbed her temples a second more, stopped..."I have so much to sort!.."

Clark looked up at Benton.

"I will agree to your decision of chains. We are a partnership.  We must show our united front!.."     Clark nodded sternly to Benton, he gave her a wink and nodded.     She then turned to us all.."Light meals! Drinks!    Rules, decisions!.."       Clark turned to the table.    Cook and the servants had laid out the table for dinner.

Abby sat with Hector (Abby's left hand held Hector's right)      Fern sat Pixie on her knee, and spoon fed her a small bowl of soup.     EB didn't want to leave Ethan, but Stella took her aside (They took turns feeding Leader. Leader was so pleased to see her, kept cupping her face with his small hands. He'd turn to Stella, he felt safe. That was a feeling he couldn't quite gasp - But it was within him)    Reef sat between Clark and Benton (Clark gave him a spoon to hold, but would assist him to eat)

I sat with Ethan.     The challenge had started.

Ethan was embarrassed by the chains, needed my help. But, every so often - He'd grab my hand, hold it. He look right into my face. I had an upper-hand, but he would find a way where he was the "centre". I would look to him, he would allow me things. I took the plate of breads, gave him slices (I wanted to put butter and spreads on them) Clark kept moving those things away.

Leader was watching Ethan. Ethan hadn't spared a glance to him. One gesture I did allow Ethan, if he wanted to place my hands on the table (I'd let him. I didn't get why? But, he knew the reason) Reef and Leader understood (They would steal peeps)

Clark and Benton, who I thought were too busy talking....Were watching too. Soon EB and Hector watched. Stella gave me a "What?!" look. It was Abby who whispered across the table to me...."Let him. Show him, you are willing. He won't over power....He just needs hope! Give him that..." Both Abby and Fern nodded.

Ethan place a finger tip to the backs of my hands. It burned, but in a non-painful way. Ethan gave me a small grin...."Charge.."

"I'm not a phone, or a battery. Those things need a charge up! But, I do feel better!.." I smiled at Ethan, was that what he meant? (No) He frowned at me, tried to smile...But, pouted at me instead. He stared for a minute, then removed his fingers, and he slumped in his chair. I had missed something, killed off a train of thinking.