Katja Pt. 15

Tony smiled, "All you have to do is hold them, and an overwhelming feeling of love and goodness just comes over you. I'll never forget the first-time little Geoff hugged me and told me he loved me." He smiled, "I'm his second favorite uncle after the commander. He loves the little Harley shirt I got him."

Tears came to his eyes as he remembered the day, "I broke down into tears when he hugged me. They both do that to whoever they interact with."

Ariel stroked his arm as he wiped away the tears, to the astonishment of his mother.

His father looked at him, his was an engineer by trade, everything he did was straightforward and logical. What his son just told him was slightly unbelievable, sure he had heard all the old stories and myths from his grandfather and great-grandfather, but he always thought of these as just that, stories and myths. "So, if I understand this right, all the old stories and myths are true?"

Tony grinned and once again, rocked his hand back and forth, "Just about, granted, some were embellished in the telling of them by how people understood it, but yes, just about all of them were real."

Tony felt a warmth go through him, then he heard, "My son, tell thy father, his grandfather Olaf knew the truth, he was mine as you are."

Tony smiled to himself, "Yes All-Father, I will. I imagine that is where I get it from?"

He heard a hearty laugh, "Of course my son, that is another reason I accepted you as mine."

Tony laughed out loud, "Yes, that is apparent, but I was curious and just checking."

The All-Father laughed again in his mind, "That comes from the part of you that is Bast's."

Bryan looked at his son not understand why he all of a sudden went glassy-eyed and then laughed out loud.

Ariel smiled, "I think he's getting some instruction's dad, he'll explain in a moment."

Tony's eyes cleared, then he smiled, "Sorry about that dad, I have a message for you, "Your grandfather knew the truth, he was Odin's also."

Bryan looked shocked at that statement. Then stammered out, "He... was... Odin's? What do you mean also??"

Tony smiled, "Just like it sounds, I'm like great-grandfather Olaf was, Asatru. I belong to Odin like he did."

His father stood up and paced back and forth struggling with information he had just received. Tony heard him mumbling to himself, "All the old stories were true? I don't understand this."

Tony felt warmth again, "My son, your father seems a bit confused. Take his hand and I will explain it to him."

Tony replied, "Yes All-father I will, he does seem a little confused. But that's understandable I suppose."

Sofia really didn't understand a lot of this, she was as confused as her husband was. It went against everything she had learned. But it had to be true, she had heard what her son and daughter in-law said and seen some of it. She did find it hard to believe Gods and Goddesses were taking a hand in things. Ariel sat next to her and twined her arm in here's. "Don't worry mom, I know this hard for you to understand, but you will."

Tony stood and came to were his dad was pacing, "Dad, please take my hand. It will explain it all, I hope.

Bryan looked at his son and raised his hand to take his, but hesitated at the last moment. Tony smiled, "Trust me dad."

Bryan nodded, then took his son's hand. As he did, he felt a warmth run up his arm from his son's, then he heard, "Fear not father of our son, I am Odin All-father. Our son is mine as your grandfather was also. All he has told you is true, you should also be proud of him, you and his mother have raised a fine man, that was why I accepted him. He and his are under my protection as he and his mate will help heal this world and bring it back to how it was intended."

Bryan shook with emotion and a bit of shock as the God Odin spoke to him, without thinking about it, he responded in his mind, "Thank you, we tried." He blushed, "Sorry, that sounded a bit inane."

Odin laughed inside his mind, "Don't not worry grandson of Olaf, we know this is a bit much for you to understand all at once. You will understand it in time, and if you wish, you may also follow us if that is your choice. A man is naught but a copy of those that sired him, I have said our son is a fine man as are you and all that have preceded you in your line."

The warmth left him and he was once again standing holding his sons' hand. Then with tears rolling down his face, caught his son up in a hug. Tears streamed from Tony's eyes as well, as he hugged his father.

Sofia was a bit shocked at this, neither of them were ever overly sentimental. Ariel hugged her, "You'll have to get used to it, dad understands now." Ariel smiled and leaned over to kiss her cheek, "And so will you in time mom."

Sofia looked in amazement at her daughter, the word in-law didn't seem to mean anything anymore, she hugged her back and with tears in both their eyes she said, "I hope so, I've always wanted a daughter, and now I have one."

They all sat back down, and Bryan kissed his wife who smiled back at him as she took his hand. Bryan looked at Tony and Ariel, "That was... amazing. That was the only word I can think to describe it."

Tony nodded, "I know, but get used to it. Don't be surprised if you hear from more of them, now that the doors been opened." He laughed, "Once you've been touched, you'll find yourself believing things a bit more easily and not being as astonished. I can't explain this too good, once we move in, you should really visit and talk to Erik. He can explain it a bit more exactly." Then he laughed, "Though he's told me he's been told he's not to supposed to know so much yet. So, he won't talk about some things."

Tony looked up at the clock, "Look, we need to go back down in about an hour." He smiled, "I need to make myself a little more presentable, so why don't you go back to your quarters and relax, then I'll come get you when its time."

His father looked at him, "Okay, are you sure we should be there also?"

Tony nodded, "Sure, I'd like you to meet Joseph and Mr. Sharp, he's our Ambassador to the Lyonness. He's a really nice guy, Joseph may be an acquaintance, but Mr. Sharp is a friend."

"Oh, and you don't have to be too dressed up." He grimaced, "I do because I'm Erik's assistant and greeting them on his behalf since he can't be here."

Bryan smiled, "Still can't stand getting dressed up huh?"

Ariel laughed, "He's getting better, but I sort of like how he dresses normally."

Tony hugged her smiling, "That's my girl."

Tony's parents went back to their quarters and Tony and Ariel cleaned up and changed. Ariel wore her uniform and Tony put on a sports coat. He was a bit uncomfortable, to say the least. But Ariel consoled him and made him laugh so he was fine after that.

They knocked on his parent's door, and they came out. Sofia remarked on how nice he looked. "I can't remember the last time I saw you in a jacket. You look good."

Ariel smiled, "I told him the same thing, but he's still slightly upset."

Tony grimaced, "I'm not upset, I'm just uncomfortable kitten."

Ariel smiled, "Well, maybe I should take you over to the place we shop at. You always say how nice the clothes are from there. Maybe you just need one that fits you and your style better."

She smiled, "You'll probably need to wear one again when you and Erik take over you know."

Tony looked at her, then sighed and nodded. "I guess your right love. You normally are."

Ariel wink covertly at his mom and it was all she could do not to laugh.

They headed down to the dining hall, they were all meeting there before they went out to greet the visitors.

Mostly everyone was there and they were separated into different groups talking. Tony's friend Neville and his Captain were talking to commander Geoff. Tony and Ariel grinned as they saw Evie was with them. They walked up and greeted them all.

Commander Geoff smiled as he saw Ariel in her uniform and Tony in a dress jacket. "Well, you two look very presentable. I didn't know you even had one of those Anthony."

Tony nodded, "Thank you sir, and it is the only one I have. But it really feels unnatural."

Geoff smiled again, "Well, I suppose you'll need to get used to it. You'll more than likely need to wear it again."

Ariel smiled, "See? I told you so."

Tony nodded, then saw Neville smile. He pointed at him, "And don't you start jarhead."

Neville smiled, "Moi? Would I do that to a friend?" The he grinned and clapped his hands together, "But, I have to say Anthony, you do look simply marvelous."

Tony looked skyward thinking, "Why me?"

The commander and Tony's parents had started talking together and Ariel asked Neville how Evie and he were making out.

He turned and looked to where Evie was talking to one of the other Lyonness. She must have sensed it, because she looked at him and smiled. Neville turned back to Ariel, "She is utterly wonderful. I've never been with anyone like her, it just feels so right when we're with one another."

Ariel smiled and patted his arm, "That's because it is, that's how you're supposed to feel with your mate." She grinned, "And it always will feel like that, when we mate, it's forever."

He looked at her, what she said didn't really displease him. Evie was all that he could think about, and the idea of being with her pleased and excited him to no end. "But, what do I do about it? I'm only going to be here for another two or three months I guess."

Ariel smiled once again, "I wouldn't worry to much about it Jim, I have a feeling everything will work out for you two."

She looked over to were uncle Geoff was talking to Tony's parents and she remembered the smile on his face. "Yes, I do believe it will. So, just enjoy yourselves learning about each other."

Tony had smiled when he saw were she was looking.

After about a half hour, one of the Lyonness came over to the Commander. He nodded, "Why don't we head outside, our other guests are here."

Everyone walked outside just in time to see a couple of black SUVs' and a limo pull up and park. A few secret service agents got out of the first SUV and looked around, they signal to the others. Another couple of agents got out of the second SUV, then one of them opened the limo's rear door. The first one out was Mr. Sharpe and then the president's aide Joseph got out smiling. They were followed by a few others, then they walked over to were everyone was waiting for them.

Mr. Sharpe smiled as he shook hands with the commander and greeted him. Commander Geoff smiled, "William, is so good to see you again."

Mr. Sharpe smiled, "And you too Geoff, I hope you've been well."

Geoff nodded smiling. "Yes, everything is going quite well William. Joseph it is good to see you again." He offered his hand to the president's aide.

Joseph smiled and took shook his hand, "Geoff, it's good to see you also. The president sends his greeting, he wished he could be here for this occasion also, but he had some other things going on that couldn't be deferred to later date."

He smiled, "Just one the little things that always seem to get in the way of doing what he really wants to do."

Geoff laughed, "Yes, I know the feeling well. Come and meet some of the others."

He introduced them to Nigel, the Lyonness in charge of the base at the moment, then Mr. Hayes, Nigel's human counterpart. Then he introduced Captain Henderson and Gunnery Sergeant Neville.

Joseph and Mr. Sharpe greeted them with pleasure, then Joseph smiled as he saw Anthony, Erik's friend, and his mate Ariel. "Anthony, Lieutenant Ariel, how good to see you two again. I understand that congratulations are in order. I hear you two finally got Mated."

Tony looked stunned, "Yes sir, we did. Thank you, how did you know?"

Joseph laughed, "I work for the president, don't you know we know everything that's goes on."

Tony smiled, "Oh, so that's what the black helicopter I saw as all about."

Joseph laughed, "Yes and you weren't wearing a tin-foil hat."

Tony laughed again, "Yes sir, but just in case you didn't know about the rest, allow me to introduce my parents. Mom, dad, this is Joseph, the president's aide. Joseph, my mother and father, Bryan and Sofia."

Joseph smiled, "It's a pleasure to meet you both. I need to congratulate you on the fine job you did with this one."

Tony reddened as first his father, then his mother returned the greeting. Bryan smiled, "Yes, we are proud of him."

Joseph smiled again, "Anthony, I'd like you to tell Erik about new offer to come work for us."

Tony grinned, "Trying to get it out of the way, are you?"

Joseph smiled, then shrugged. "Well, I kind of know what the answer will be, but maybe I can wear him down so he accepts."

Tony nodded grinning, "Well, I'll tell him. But he already said he wouldn't be interested. I think he's changed his mind about the north pole or Australia now that the kids are here. But I did see him looking at islands for sale."

They all had a good laugh, then then move on to greet some of the others there.

Tony's dad smiled, "You were right about him son, he does seem like a cut above your normal politician."

Tony nodded, "Yeah, that's the vibe I get off him. Then again, some people might say it could be the politician in him, but I rather doubt it."

Once the meet and greet was done, the major players went to Nigel's office to talk about a few things. They would all meet for dinner that night and then gather late the next morning for the ship to land.

Later, the next morning, they all gathered to wait for the ship to land. They had already been in contact and they were making the final preparations for it, both on the ship and here at the base. They had the biggest hanger set up to greet them and also for lunch for everyone with both Earth and Lyonness foods.

Remembering from when they landed, Commander Geoff had some handouts printed up with some information for them all. Erik had told him when he was making up the new presentations he'd be giving, that this might not be a bad idea and he agreed.

Between the ships crew and the rest of the people, there was about eight hundred or so people, so it would take time to run them all threw Erik's classes. Luckily, there was a big auditorium on the base that seated about a hundred people, so Erik had planned to hold most of the basic classes there. That way they could run them through it faster, at least to get the basic info out. Once that was done, other people here would take over to give the other classes he had taught.

They all had gathered in the hanger so they could watch the ship land. It was close enough so they could see, but far enough away so no one would get hurt. The marine unit and the security force were setup around the tarmac and also there were roving patrols to keep local sightseers away for now. They were also there in case of any trouble, which they all hoped wouldn't happen. The local police and state troopers had also blocked off the roads leading up to and into the base.

With the Lyonness helping, the marines and the security force, had set up a some of the big force field units just in case and they were all armed with the hand-held units.

This pleased Captain Henderson and Gunnery Sergeant Neville, they had no desire to have to fire on civilians with their normally weaponry if something happened. No one was expecting it, put they knew it would be extremely stupid not to be ready.

There were also some local and national news media trucks set up to record it all so they could air on TV live, then replay it later in the day. That had been Victoria's doing, and she chose a well-rounded number of different networks to cover it from all the different types of news media.

While they were all waiting and talking, Nigel got a call on his com-unit from the old control tower they had fixed up. He smiled and answered the caller back, then walked over to Commander Geoff. "Sir, they've started their descent and are in landing mode. They should land in about fifteen minutes. We've also contacted the local air traffic controllers and they're keeping all air traffic out of this sector for the next hour.

Geoff smiled, "Thank you Nigel." He walked over to the podium they had set up, and he relayed this information to everyone.

They watched through the hanger doorway and about ten minutes later, there was a loud humming and they watched as the ship lowered down through the clouds. There was a faint blue halo of color around the bottom of it and the ship stopped, hovering about twenty feet off the tarmac.

As they watched, doors opened around the lower circumference of it and landing skids extended down and out at slight angle. Once they were all deployed, the ship lowered gently to the tarmac the skids compressing from the weight. The humming lessened as did the aura around the bottom, and after five minutes or so, the aura went off as did the humming.

They waited another ten minutes, then a section of the back of the ship moved in slightly and raised up into the ship. Then a wide ramp extended out and down, then rails raised up from the deck on the outsides of the ramp. Tony thought they must be some type of safety-rails like they had on the ships he had been on so no one accidentally fell off the sides.

Ariel, Tony and his parents, Azlan and Helen, Victoria, Captain Henderson and Gunnery Sergeant Neville along with Evie stood not far from the podium as they were part of Commander Geoff's entourage.

As they watched, a small group of the Lyonness started to walk down the ramp and everyone walked over to the ship from the hanger with Commander Geoff and the whole group of VIPs' with him.

Tony had his arm around Ariel and he saw when the commander smiled and shook the hands of two of them, one male and one female. Tony grinned to himself, probably the captain and first officer.

They watched as he introduced them to a smiling Mr. Sharpe and Joseph, the Arizona governor, then Nigel and Mr. Hayes. They both smiled back and shook hands, then they all walked to the hanger and up to where the podium was.

Tony leaned in and asked Ariel, "Do you know them hon?"

Ariel smiled, "Sort of, they're not friends really, but I do know them. We don't have all that many starship captains and commanders, so I've met them when we were in training."

Tony nodded, "When do you think the rest will disembark?"

Ariel shrugged, "I'm not sure, but hopefully as soon as they finish the welcoming."

Azlan nodded, "It shouldn't be to long Tony, maybe a half hour, they'll leave by sections so as not to have everyone trying to get off at once." He grinned, "I'm sure they want to get off and breath fresh air as soon as possible, I know I sure did."

Ariel smiled and nodded herself, "Your right, I know that was the first thing on my mind. And of course to see everything after being cooped up on the ship."

Tony smiled, "It wasn't all that much different for us when we pulled into port either."

They listened as commander Geoff introduced Captain Julius and Commander Kendra, then Joseph, Mr. Sharpe, then the governor. They all welcomed them to the planet and America saying how much the were looking forward to having them settle here along with the ones that already have.

Then Captain Julius and Commander Kendra both made some speeches thanking them for the welcome and how much they were looking to settling in as the ones that came before them did.

Overall, it was fairly short and sweet. Tony remembered Change of Command ceremonies that took twice as long when he and Erik were in.

All during this, the news people were videoing everything, making notes, and taking pictures. And as they all walked away from the podium, commander Geoff spoke into his com-unit to the tower and had them pass to the ship that the people could start to disembark.