The Z-1 Ranch

The Z-1 Ranch P-109 CGW©

Mason almost jumped out of his skin when the communicator went off, it was Mr. Zach calling. Hello Sir; how is everything going is everybody okay at the hospital?

Well, you can put me on speaker if you would like and I can tell everyone.

We have arrived here at the hospital; the babies have been assessed along with Madison. The babies will be closely monitored for the next it will be touch and go. Madison has to get plenty of rest and rebuild everything he can in his body to produce as much nectar as possible Jonathan's gonna need it to help his lungs develop. Little Shamus is doing better even though he's of good weight he still needs to finish developing. Over the next week both babies will be monitored 24 seven by direct staff. We will be here a couple days and then we will return to the ranch and let everyone know how everything's going.

Everyone thanked Mr. Zach and everyone there at the hospital and wish them prayers for the best for the babies and Madison and Benjamin to the phone call was terminated.

Franklin was at the main house instructing some of the newer staff how to properly clean when he heard a tray crash. He walked down the hall and went around the corner only to find his grandfather Jarvis lying upon the floor with shattered cups all around.

Franklin rushed to his grandfather's side and gently lifted his head, son what happened Jarvis weakly said; one minute I was walking with the tray then something kicked me in the chest and I'm confused.

Don't worry grandfather just lay right where you are and I'm going to get somebody. He looked at the rest the staff who were just standing around gawking. This is not a show in detail call medical and get a doctor over here immediately tell them that Jarvis has fallen out and needs medical help.

Within minutes the back door to the private hall opened and out rushed medical. Dr's Caleb Allen and Clark Wooten were the first to them. Franklin backed up and that the medical professionals do their work.

Clark was all about business, he was steadily hooking up wires all over Jarvis.

Franklin looked around, staff go back to your business go back to your jobs say nothing to no one if you like your jobs, my grandfather needs respect and we don't need a circus I will notify any and every one that needs to be notified, do I make myself perfectly clear, now move.

The staff scattered and when amongst their way.

Caleb and Clark worked as a well-oiled team, Clark looked at Franklin; Jarvis needs more help than we can do here contact the Hawthorns and asked them to please send a medical transport. Your grandfather needs to have a cardiac unit when we get there and a cardiothoracic surgeon waiting.

Franklin's fingers were shaking when he tried to dial the number to Carter Hawthorne's phone.

Hello you have Carter Hawthorne I'm sorry I'm a little busy at the moment if it's an Emergency please leave a message and I will return your call within seconds just enter the code 101.

Franklin must've pushed 101, 10 times before he hit send button.

Franklin's phone rang immediately.

I'm sorry I don't know this number who is this and how can I help you, you have reached Carter Hawthorne.

Mr. Carter this is Franklin at the main house, we have an emergency. Jarvis is down and the doctors say that we need a bird in the air with a medical team specializing in cardiac events.

Clark motioned for Franklin to hand him the phone; Carter this is Clark Wooten I need a bird in the air full blast. I need a cardiac unit ready and waiting surgical suite with a cardiothoracic surgeon on board that jumper. We're trying to stabilize him at this time but time is of the essence in Jarvis does not have a lot. It was massive and I'll leave it at that. I need to get back to the patient and I'll talk to you later goodbye.

Clark handed the phone back to Franklin who was shaking very hard. I need to hang up now Mr. Carter, I need to be here with my grandfather.

Understood Franklin don't worry it will be done. Carter looked at Ed nodded his head and headed out the door.

We have an emergency at the Z1 time is of the essence. Call pilot tell him to be ready within seconds for a whole crew I don't care if he trashes the engines tell him to give it all it's got and then some. A life hangs in the balance.

Who is it, Carter?

Jarvis collapsed; Dr. Clark called for a cardiac team to be on board a jumper. He wants a cardiac surgical suite with a cardiothoracic surgeon's to be sent out to the Z1 on the fastest bird we have. All he would say was that it was bad.

Carter I'll set up the transport, go back in like everything is ok. I will return and we will sit the family down and tell them what you know. I love you my dear.

Carter hugged Ed them Ed walked down the hall. Carter returned to the NNICU waiting area.

Franklin wasn't thinking straight; he needed help. He placed a phone call to Tim.

Tim's phone and he answered it; hello you have Tim how can I help you.

Master Tim this is Franklin from the main house.

Hello Franklin how's everything going?

Master Tim we have a situation here at the main house and I need to ask for your assistance, I have a medical team here at this time and they're working on him.

Franklin who are they working on, what happened?

Franklin started to break down but then regained his composure, my grandfather collapsed and it's a bad. Sir would you mind going to my parents' home and bringing them here to the main house. Grandfather is not in his right mind; he keeps on drifting in and out. The doctor called for a medical transport and hopefully it will be on the way soon.

Franklin does my father know about this?

I thought it prudent to contact Mr. Carter since everyone was at the hospital with Madison. He assured me that he will take care of notification. Please master Tim my family needs your help.

Tim closed up his phone and looked at Mason. There's a problem at the main house it's Jarvis and according to Franklin it does not look good. Everyone please excuse me I have personal family business to attend to at the main house.

Tim went to the front door and it would not open so he pushed it open not realizing he was going out of the door the wrong way.

Well boys that your dad, don't ever get in his way he would run over a building if it was in his way and he needed to be on the other side. Well Ted are you sure you want this; this is a devoted family man and that just shows you how well and what he thinks of his extended family.

Eddie looked at Mason; is Jarvis going to be, okay?

No one knows at this time, I'm not sure what happened I will get details in a little while we just need to stay out of the way and let the medical team treat him and do what they have to do.

Tim come sliding to stop at the front door of the mansion, he rushed to the front door which he almost knocked off the hinges. As it flew open the door not to staff members flat.

Where's Jarvis where's Mr. Jarvis at?

One of the staff members who was still sitting on the floor pointed to his right. Down that hall to the left please you'll find them all their Master Tim.

Tim went running down the hallway but was stopped when Franklin stepped out in front of him and held up his hand.

There is nothing that you can do that get in the way, did you forget my parents?

Oh crap, I just wanted to get here as fast as I could I'm so sorry Franklin, I'll go get Max and Jericho all I heard was emergency, Jarvis down. Are you okay, is there anything else I can do or you need just let me know? I'm going to go back get your parents.

Tim was out of the mansion as fast as he was in it. He knew better than leave any markings on the front drive because they would have to be dealt with, and no one needed anything else in your plate at this time.

Tim pulled up to the bungalow type house belonging to Maximilian and Jericho they were sitting on the swing in the front yard.

Maximilian was surprised to see master Tim walking through the gate, he had an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach.

Tim bowed his head; Max I need for you and Jericho to come with me please.

Is everything all right master Tim?

You're both needed at the main house Sir; please no more questions.

Jericho stood up as did Max, he knew something bad happened. Tim, please take us to where we need to go.

Tim pulled up to the main house and got out of his runner he walked around and helped Jericho out of the back. Max was standing up after getting out of the buggy, he was starting to shake as he saw several of the house staff waiting.

As they approached the front door it opened and there stood their son Franklin severely disheveled.

Franklin was barely hold himself together as his parents approached. Father and dad, we need to speak please come in.

Max looked at his son, okay what is he at and how bad is it?

He's in the back hallway Sir there still working on him. Grandfather collapsed while carrying a tray at high teatime. They said it was a massive heart attack or stroke they're not sure and won't be sure until they can get him to the Medical Center. A medical bird is on the way to pick him up, arrangements have been made for him to be transported from the Z1 to Hawthorne Memorial cardiac care center.

We can look but we cannot touch him because we cannot get close enough there's that many medical staff are with him. They have a specialty doctor coming on the medical transport to assess grandfather.

Son I don't care I just have to see him; we can talk about arrangements and transportation for us to get to the city I know it's going take three and half hours but so be it.

Master Tim; May I speak to you on the side, there something you need to know about.

Max and Jericho walked to the end of the hall where they were working on Jarvis.

I'm not supposed tell anybody most of all Mr. Ben but your father and Madison have been working on a new project together. It's called the XR-1, it's a high-speed land-based transport system. Where a normal vehicle ground-based can run about 65 to 70 clicks the XR-1 will do 180 to 195 clicks. After that they have a little stability problem, but the two of them are working that out. It is a prototype but it's fully functional if you need to get my parents to the hospital, please take it I know your father will not scold you because it's Jarvis.

We can walk to the project shed as he calls it, I need to take a breather before I collapse.

Lead the way Franklin, I need to see what my father is working on this time. I thought dad told him no more high-speed land-based vehicles the last time he and Madison built that speeder they blew the doors off of everybody around.

Technically he told Mr. Zach to never drive that high-speed speeder around do not let him catch him ever going at those breakneck speeds in the previous version. This is a total new speeder from the ground up, they specially designed the compound to R&D for the tires, the frame is a new sub alloy never used for this kind of production before. It has a molded body around the front and with air dampeners, and airfoils to suck the vehicle to the ground at high speeds with a fin in the back as he calls it to help stabilize it.

I have to tell you young Madison is a genius, and your father eats up every word and every syllable that he says. The two of them are as close as father and son no wonder he's at the hospital now with him. That's another thing I thought you should know; is how close they have grown. That doesn't mean he loves you any less but this young man stimulates his brain and his need for excitement.

Thank you very much Franklin now let's see this new state-of-the-art transport vehicle that my father has been secretly working on.

Franklin entered a code to the project shed in the door slowly opened. He turned on the lighting in there in the center of the room was an object that was covered up with a tarp. Franklin reached over and picked up a book that was on the counter, it was an instruction manual for the vehicle. He handed off to Tim, here make a quick read of this you will need to know.

Franklin reached over and slowly uncovered the vehicle, it was a beautiful deep sapphire blue his father's favorite color. Tim had never seen anything like this, it was not clunky it was not chunky or anything else, it was long, it was sleek in other words it was a work of art.

Your father keeps it fully charged plus the body itself acts as a charging element. It's made up of transparent alloy infused the charging system that's the reason he wanted to join with Mr. Wallace's company, because this is his technology. Ted Wallace coming here to the Z-1 was not by chance your father has his finger and a lot of pots stirring them.

Tim was in total awe of the vehicle it could seat five. As he read the manual, he realized that it had a crash avoidance technology that was only used in some of the most expensive transit systems for space. The seats were fully adjustable no longer fixed and they could accommodate different height drivers.

Okay Franklin if we need to use this, we will use this your parents need to get the hospital quick will get there.

No master Tim I will stay behind here at the ranch and make sure everything with the family goes well when I tell them. You are given the task to take my parents to be with my grandfather that is one thing I ask of you and I have never asked anything of your family before Sir.

Franklin we're all one big family, I will gladly take them to the hospital to be with Jarvis. I will need a copilot and your parents can sit in the rear. This is the time that they need to lean upon each other. I think Theodore Howard Wallace the third needs to see how his ingenious creation can be utilized.

Whatever you say Sir I need to return to the main house to check out the situation.

Carter's phone rang, it was the pilot notifying him that Freedom Air 1 was getting ready to take off from her maiden flight. Round trip to the Z1, ETA to Z-1 would be 18.25 minutes. They would notify him when they were on the return trip.

That's a 35-minute trip pilot? What you mean 18.25 minutes?

Sir this is the brand-new transport for the hospital the old birds are getting ready to be retired and will go back in the civilian use, this one here is the first of four that will be put into service here at Hawthorne Memorial. She's been thoroughly tested and approved but this is her maiden flight.

Seems like I need to talk to my husband, seems that he's been doing something behind my back again.

That's between the two you sir I just fly, I just do my job please don't blame me.

Never pilot never, get them here get them here safe. Jarvis is family so be respectful.

Always Sir, lifting off now and signing off Sir.

Edward Hawthorne; we will talk later but now we need to break the news to the family.

Ed waved his hand to Zach and Zach asked everyone to please to quiet down, Ed had something to say.

I'm sorry that I had to walk out while ago but there was some urgent business that had to be attended to. Carter received a call from the ranch and a medical air transport has been dispatched.

Ed what the hell's up why did they call me; Inquired Zach?

Because the person that called knew that you were handling something already and you didn't need any more stress so he called Carter.

I tell you what when I back to the ranch, I'm going to have a talk with Timothy Zachariah Spinelli and I'm going to get down to the bottom of this.

Hold your horses Zach, first of all Tim had nothing to do with this he just found out. The call was from the main house and it originated from Dr. Wooten and Franklin.

Well, if it was from the main house why in the Hell didn't Jarvis call himself?

Because Zach; Jarvis was the reason they were calling. He collapsed carrying the Tea tray with either a massive stroke or heart attack. Caleb and Clark are working on him now. There's a cardiac team headed to him from Hawthorne Memorial Hospital as we speak. They will land assess the situation then fly him straight to the cardiac care unit here. I had a cardiothoracic surgeon on board the air medical transit.

Mason and Earl Grabbed the big man sat him in a chair before he collapsed. Ben rushed to his side.

I should've been there for him; he's always been there for me. Ed; tell them to do whatever they need we can't lose him.

Tim and Franklin returned to the mansion, Tim walked up to Max and Jericho. Folks I know this is a little bit different but you need to get ready to travel to the city, the flight will be direct to the hospital and we will be taking ground transportation. I will bring the vehicle around front of the mansion in a few minutes I just need to pick up one other person in case we have a problem.

Tim, do what you need to we don't need anything we will just wait on you here. Max and Jericho were in agreement with that, their main concern was Jarvis.

Tim rushed to his place and made contact with Mason. Jarvis is hanging on; I need to pick up Ted and have him right along with us. I'm taking father's special project you and the boys go to the mansion and Ted and I will be there to pick up Max and Jericho.

Exactly what his father's special project and why am I not too easy about what I'm hearing?

You will see it when I bring it around to the front, seems that my father and Madison have a little bit of explaining to do and I'm sure he's gonna have to kiss a lot of Butt, when it comes to my dad.

Tim and Ted left out the door and the two of them went to the special project shed. Now Tim when you see this item that my father has been working on a secret you will know why he invested in your company heavily. Seems that he's been a little more secretive than normal. I don't doubt that young Madison wasn't part of the equation also.

Ted stood out as the automatic door opened up with the slight hum the XR-1 pulled out of the shed in all of her glory. Ted stood there gawking, what in the hell is this?

Tim pushed a button and the entire translucent top lifted forward. This is my father's little project you can read the manual as were driving but he called it the XR-1. We are taking this to the city for its debut into the world first we need to go to the main house and pick up two passengers that we will be taking to the Hawthorne Memorial Medical Center to be with Jarvis.

Sure, I can you tell me what the thing is built out of?

Well, I could tell you it was built out of a transparent alloy that has properties that can create an electrical charge to recharge the batteries as we go.

So, the crazy old fart did it, there was an older person you could tell by the way that he spoke on the forum that Trying to Get Me to Commit That It Could Be Molded, Shaped and Contoured. I kept trying to discourage it because it fights with the integrity of the solar systems but it looks like he and his young cohort took it one step farther.

Tim pulled up to the front of the mansion, Max's eyes almost bulged out of his skull when he saw the beautiful piece of art that rolled up. Tim pushed a button and the rear portion of the top raised up and the doors to the rear section opened up.

Please Max you and Jericho get in and we will be off to the hospital.

Excuse me where did this come from master Tim, and are you going to be in any kind of trouble for driving it.

I'm sure that my father will have plenty of words for me but I imagine my dad will have a bunch for him also. But as they say in desperate times people do desperate things. Now please wear your safety harnesses, you'll find a pair of neck braces place else around your neck also.

Tim turned on the control center. Good morning and welcome to computer spoke in a pleasant voice. Please say your destination then hit self-drive. You will be taken effortlessly to your destination at the safest speed possible.

Take us directly to Hawthorne Memorial Medical Center in Central City. Directed Tim.

Thank you, Timothy; calculating your course now. Your ETA one hour six minutes please be advised the crash avoidance system will be on during the trip we will slow through the Township but afterwards we will be at full speed.

Max leaned forward; did that thing just say we would be at the hospital in one hour and six minutes.

Yes, Max it did, I think I'm going to talk to my father after I get back. I don't know what Madison and he were up to creating something like this but either his genius or it's lunacy and he needs to have his brain checked while he's at the hospital.

Jericho snickered; I don't doubt that Mr. Ben will disagree with you in fact he just might demand that your father be put through a competency test. There's got to be something wrong with the figures there's no way we can make it from the Z1 to the hospital in Central city in only an hour in six minutes. We would have to be going on hundred and 180 - 195 clicks. Even the best high-speed ground transit runs 70 and that's with a driver only.

As the XR-1 pulled onto the roadway the self-drive system took over in the vehicle began to accelerate, as they entered the edge of Township the vehicle slowed down to the posted speed. People were pointing at it as it rolled through Township. As soon as they exited the Township the vehicle suddenly accelerated.

Tim, Ted, Max and Jericho were firmly planted into the seats as the lateral thrust of the XR-1 took off. Tim and Ted looked at the speed displayed 187 clicks. The unit was very quiet on the inside.

Jericho was the first to speak, I stand corrected I might not be able to move but I stand corrected is that the proper speed displayed?

Yes sir Mr. Jericho, it says that we are cruising at 187 clicks. So, I don't doubt that the top speed is even faster with less weight.

The ER-1 navigated down the road passing vehicles along the way. The navigation voice came on; warning impact unavoidable slight objects may hit the cabin as we pass through a migrating flock of Starbird. Suddenly there were slight thuds hitting the vehicles. Vehicle registers zero damage no further disturbances expected we will resume our estimated time of arrival. The rest of the trip was very pleasant, when they entered into the city vehicle slipped through the traffic without any hesitation.

As Tim pulled up to the hospital departure area the XR-1 navigation system once again announced. We have arrived please depart the vehicle, this vehicle will go to his designated parking space and wait there until you need it again. Please take this vehicle tracking system and pushed the red button you wish the vehicle to return. Thank you have a pleasant day. The vehicle opened up the top and then all four doors. Tim, Ted, Max and Jericho departed the vehicle. The XR-1 closed itself back up and entered the parking area garage.

Tim looked at every body and smiled, I'm going to have a long talk with my father.

Ted looked at Tim, not without me you're not. That is awesome, it's so high-tech it puts everything else to shame. We need to start producing them, as soon as my factory is up and running, we have to start building these.

Max and Jericho thanked Tim and Ted, they entered the hospital and went directly to the cardiac surgical waiting area.

Zach was a mess; Ben couldn't do anything with him. Max walked up to Zach, okay enough of this father would not like you like this he helped raise you better. All we can do is pray and put his health in the capable hands of the surgeons that are working. And I need to talk to you about a few things when we know more.

Zach hugged Max; whatever he needs to get better he has don't worry about anything.

Oh, I'm not worried about him I'm worried about you and Madison. I just don't know if you two are going to survive.

What you talking about Max why would Madison and I be in danger?

Let me give you a hint. It's called the XR-1 and I will leave it at that.

Zach looked at Tim; you took the special project?

No Sir I was loaned the special project by Franklin so that his parents could get here in record time. We will talk later father, right now what is going on.

Zach had everyone sit down; Jarvis is in surgery he has been there within five minutes of arrival. They found four blockages; it was not a stroke but it was a massive heart attack. Genman bodies repair themselves up to a certain level. That's what this is, it's beyond what the body could naturally take care of. This is the first of its kind for a pureblood.

The doctors here are good but they already in uncharted territory, Dr. Cellabus is the best there is and he is doing his very best for Jarvis and his family.

We already know that there will be a recovery time here at the hospital and rehab here at the cardiac rehab center.

Max chuckled, good luck with that one Jarvis Spinelli in a rehab center taking orders from staff.

Jericho cleared his throat; you better believe he will if he wants to get better. I am not going to have a noose around my neck called Jarvis Spinelli can you imagine waiting on him hand and foot Mr. perfectionist himself that is not going to happen he is going to be in rehab is going be 100% when he gets back home.

Zach laughed as did Ben. Ben chuckled, okay and you just hear it now a little dangling Bell going off every time Jarvis needs something done in his room. There's some dust, there's a spot on the floor, that window is not clean, I'm sorry but the faucet in the bathroom area is dripping again.

Ben now don't carry that far; you know it's not that bad.

Max chuckled; Mr. Ben it's not that bad it's worse. He comes to the house to visit and the entire time he is there he is Dusting he is cleaning he is arranging everything in the house. Poor Jericho just puts up with it because that's what my father does, he is a perfectionist when it comes to aesthetics in the home everything must be perfect everything must be in its place and I wouldn't have him any other way.

Yeah; I've been known to be little lax at times just to wait for his visit, he does not scold me he just takes care of everything tells me he loves me and I'm doing the very best that I can with children underfoot. I hugged him tell him how much I love him and appreciate everything that he does for me.

He's gotta be here remarked Tim. He needs to meet the newest generation of this family when he is born.

Ben dropped his drink, you're not already, are you? I thought we agreed we would meet the young man that you're going to carry for son.

Ted started to laugh.

Excuse me what you even doing here, I know your business partner but you're not family Ted scolded Ben.

No dad he's not family but after next weekend he will be. I wanted to wait for the proper time and place this seems to be the perfect place. I have agreed to carry for Ted, we have a contract agreement, the child will know his grandparents and he will know every aspect about the Z1 how it came to be here and everything about Genmen and how they exist in this world. When we are both working Mason will attend to the child Mason will serve as wetnurse for the feeding times. If anything happens to Ted the child will inherit everything he owns and it will be overseen by myself and Billy Cross as trustees. So, if you have a problem with it, then it's all your problem.

I want this child when it's born to be able to meet someone that guided me along the way as I, when I lived with my father at the Z-1.

Ben looked down; I'm sorry son is just all the stress with everything going on between Madison and the babies now Jarvis it is just a lot.

Ted spoke up; I don't blame you for wanting to protect your son. No matter what age a child is you don't see the grown-up that they become, you still see the dirty little boy that showed up at the mansion. I meant no disrespect at all; I was looking for someone because I was considering coming to talk to you about a donor when Tim volunteered.

So, you two are going to next weekend have a little time together inquired Zack?

Yes, sir if Tim doesn't chicken out or if he changes his mind contract or not, I will look at different avenues.

Ben smiled; that's one thing he won't do, a Spinelli honors a contract no matter what. If you have a problem of him let me know I will change his attitude.

Now Ted you understand where Eddie gets his attitude, right there is his granddad, and his grandfather, he charges his creativity and his quest for knowledge in different areas.

I can see it, and the baby that you will carry for me shall be no different, he shall be exposed to every bit of this, you cannot substitute for family. We are a product of our environment due to exposure but yet we also inherit certain inalienable traits.

Ben shook his head, now I realize why my son has decided to carry once again. It's not because it's good for the ranch or the business, it's because of you and the way you carry yourself. You must've had a strong influence from someone when you were a child to turn out the way that you have young man.

Mr. Ben that would be my grandparents, Nana and Poppy. My parents didn't have time for me, mom said I spoiled all their plans when I came along. She was one who was glad that my grandparents were around to basically raise me along with the house staff. Father he was a piece of work himself how he came out of my grandparent's bloodlines I'll never know, but he is a lot like his brother they are power-hungry and money hungry.

You know my other situation Mr. Ben; I had the best friend that any young human could have. It's very own Genmen even though he did not know it at the time.

Yes, speaking of that individual what's the status on the situation.

The Tuesday after the conception my grandparents will arrive here if everything is calmed down. First, they will meet Joey and he will have time to explain things to them, I'll leave the three of them together until I return with the boys. Howard is excited to meet his grandparents, the other boys will be too they just don't know it yet.

I think Tim needs to talk to you and his father about an idea that we were bouncing around between our heads about a couple young genman were about to transition.

Okay son what is it what have you got in that thick skull of yours now. Let's hope it's not a hairbrained idea like your father would come up with.

Excuse me I resemble that remark be careful old man, Zach chuckled after he made the statement.

Dad is not hairbrained idea, it's actually well thought out. Eddie is moving in with Mason and myself, Timothy wishes to stay with his father and Carter, he will get the education here at the Z1 University.

When Timothy is ready to settle down and meets someone, he said he's going to carry, Eddie on the other hand listen up Carter and Ed, has informed me that he will not be staying on the Z1 when he transitions. As soon as he is completed everything and fall schedule is out, he will be moving to the city to attend city University.

Ed bristled up, like hell he's going to city University over my dead body.

Carter patted Ed on the shoulder, be careful dear you are dealing with an unpredictable second-generation hybrid he may fulfill your wish in order to get what he demands out of life.

Ed; Carter is correct Eddie will do what he wants to do just like he has taken his new shortened name much to your dismay. He is also notified me and Mason that he will date while he is at the city University. He has no intention of carrying nor sleeping with a Genman or a hybrid. He is going to find a human female to take as his mate.

Nope, that shit isn't going to happen my son will stay true to his roots. Tim that's not going to happen, I won't allow it. If I had to set on his head thrown in a dungeon and will lock the door forever that's not gonna happen.

Ed no disrespect I know you're his father but I am his dad. If it makes our son happy to live his life with a human female as his mate what's so terrible about that. He's not a dumbass, he knows that the female humans can be vindictive and greedy. He has been talking to a young lady who by the way is approximate his same age of 18 for the last year. They have just recently been video chatting.

I can tell you she was raised by a single parent after her father died in an accident. He wants to meet her in person but he still apprehensive. She does not know his true identity he wishes to keep it that way until he is ready to tell her.

Don't like it Tim, I do not like it, start something on a lie and that lie will consume you.

Precisely that's why I'm setting up a little meet and greet. Eddie does not know this yet, but Mason and I are working on a plan to bring the young lady and her mother to the Z1 under a cloak.

Ben looked at his son, Tim what do you mean bring them out to the Z1 under cloak?

Everybody just listen to this they're going to get an anonymous call from a total bogus source notifying them that they have one I three day all-expenses-paid trip to the Genman Museum located on the wonderful Z1 ranch. All accommodations, meals and transportation has been included. They will stay in the new luxury hotel located on the Z1. While there they will be carried through a tour of the Z1 ranch. They will see the museum the library and the University that is second to none.

There is a trip into the Township for a meal that will be provided by Constantine's additionally they will have a food voucher for the Promenade area and food court then a spectacular meal at the very private and highly sought-after Donnie's Place. Providing everything works out they will be guest at an impromptu concert at the Z1 by the one and only Zion.

That's just great son but what about the kids? I've got that handled to, someone else will be visiting the ranch because he has the weekend off and a free ticket courtesy of his grandparents to see Zion. This will give Eddie a chance to meet her and her mom and get a feel of the way she feels about him.

Ed sighed; it seems that you have thought of about just about everything. But what it blows up in his face, what if he gets caught up in his lie? Have you thought about that?

Well, there's mud in your eye. Things can happen we cannot control everything but the lying will stop. Or I will do the inevitable and unforgettable by outing my son myself. And I will tell him when I let him know what's gonna happen.

Zach cleared his throat; and just exactly when do you expect this to occur.

Well, father we had more plans but since Jarvis collapsed and is in the hospital it all hinges on when he is able to come back to the ranch. Zion will no doubt drop everything once he hears about his great-grandfather.

Jericho sighed; I guess that's my signal to make the call?

No dear we will make the call together; we will tell Zion ourselves. I just need to call Franklin and tell him that we will notify Zion he needs to start notifying the rest of the family members. They need to stay on the ranch and we will give them video updates on father.

Maximilian, I understand and I support you. Let's call Franklin. Max put the code in to his communicator for Zion's number and place it on speaker, it started to ring.

Hello grandfather how you doing today answered Zion. Hey what's up I've been trying to call grandfather Jarvis but he's not picking up and that's not like him.

Zion were far you at this moment?

I'm backstage getting ready to put on a show, why would you ask me that kind of question?

Son it's about Jarvis, he's sick and he had to be carried to the main hospital in the city for treatment. Your dad is at the ranch taking care the main house your granddad and I along with several others are here waiting at the hospital for any word on your great grandfather.

He must really be sick to be in the hospital, exactly what are you not telling me because something doesn't sound right.

Zion; earlier today Jarvis collapsed while carrying a tray at High Tea. He's in surgery and is expected to be in surgery for the next several hours. He suffered a massive heart attack and had to be flown to Hawthorne Memorial Medical Center. He has a heart surgeon who is working on him now and are waiting for any information. The line went dead.

Max attempted to call his grandson back but the line was busy. Jericho, I have a feeling that someone isn't answering right now because he has to, he will run all the way here.

Yes, my dear I have a feeling that you are correct, all we can do is wait for him to arrive.

Zion walked out of the stage held his hands up for all his adoring fans. He spoke; my dear people I am very sorry to inform you I must cancel the remainder of my tour dates. I will leave here and headed directly to the hospital where I have a family member who is gravely ill. My great grandfather Jarvis at this very moment is fighting for his life and I am leaving the tour to be by my family side. Either you can seek a full refund or I will reschedule the remainder of the tour and finish it at a later date when my family is whole once again. I love each and every one of you I pray for your good health and your happiness, I must leave now goodbye.

Zion turned and left the stage the crowd was silent.

Tim's phone was the first one to alert to a newsbreak. He picked up the phone and read the headline, Zion walks off of the stage cancels rest of tour to be with great-grandfather Jarvis who is gravely ill and, in the hospital, more details as details become available.

Tim looked up, Max here's your answer he's on his way shortly.

Max and Jericho read the news alert together. Suddenly every communicator in the place started to beep. This made national headlines.

Ed looked at his communicator. Well, this means I need to alert security, we are going to have news media crawling all over this hospital.

Zach looked at his communicator and grumbled.

Ben cleared his throat; well, there's one thing about it your cardiac center is going to be very busy when the news gets out that Zion's great-grandfather was treated here.

Carter just shook his head; this is going to be a public relations nightmare. But it's nothing that I cannot handle myself along with everyone else here. Let me go get the press team up to speed so that we can hit the ground running.

Two hours later on the dot Zion deal dressed in his concert outfit came walking into the waiting room of the cardiac care center. He walked directly up to his grandfather Max and hugged his neck. I'm so sorry I have no idea where my damn phone is, no sooner than you told me I throw that son of a bitch and I went to the stage made an announcement and I hauled ass here. What can you tell me, what happened?

We're just waiting for the doctors to give us an update. He has been in surgery for seven hours now.

Okay I can buy that, knowing Genmen physiology it's very tricky anything to do with a heart was he doing anything out of the ordinary when this happened?

Ben spoke up; he was just doing his normal routine you know Jarvis nobody is going to hold him back and tell him that he cannot do his job no matter how many people are at the main house along with your father Jarvis is going to do his job no matter what.

I understand that Mr. Ben, he's been at it a long time and he will not retire. He might give father a little bit more responsibility but I wouldn't hold my breath there. It's like he in that house or one in the same.

Zach commented; he's been in that position since old man Spinelli was there at the house, even before I arrived. Trying to separate him from that house with kill him for sure. All we can do is bring more house staff members in to assist but he'll be in charge until his last breath.

Jericho looked toward the door is a doctor walked in, everybody there's a doctor here hold on maybe this is news?

The doctor walked over to the family that was assembled in the waiting area. I need to give an update on the patient Mr. Jarvis Spinelli. Everything is going along smoothly, there has been some tricky maneuvers because of his genetic makeup. We have had to use donor material to rebuild some arteries that were in bad shape. The heart itself is still very strong and that's because he is a pure blood. The surgeon is the best there is but even with that being said he is learning about Genmen physiology as we speak. Do you have any questions?

Zion was the first one to speak, what do you mean donor material.

Yes, sir just like in humans we use veins and arteries that have been donated by other humans so that we can patch the living. So, with your grandfather's physiology being a pureblood is different he has some arteries that are having to be replaced, that's where the donor material is being used, grafting into him. But that's what is amazing as the surgeon is grafting the new arteries in, they are being assimilated into your grandfather's body like they're his very own. His genetics are one of the things that will save his life. I'll be back in a little while with another update as the surgery progresses, I hope that I have answered all the questions at this time.

I just have to say this before I leave. Zion; I wish your family member a speedy recovery. Right now, your music is being played in the surgical suite, you are fantastic. The young doctor turned and left.

Jericho hugged his grandson; I have always said your music could heal a broken heart. Now it seems like it's coming true.

The family set there waiting for the surgery to end. Madison's monitor started to beep; that's my reminder to feed the babies. I'll be back as soon as I can, call me if you hear anything. Madison and Benjamin left the waiting area.

As they sat there Zion spotted a person looking around out in the hallway. THE PRESS. I'll be right back Grandfather Max; I need to take of something before it gets out of hand. Zion left the waiting room area.

Zion walked up behind the very nice-looking young man standing in the hall looking around, Simon Mumsforth how may I assist you, you do realize that this area is strictly off-limits all members of the press must register at the public relations department downstairs. This is reserved for family members only, now give it your best shot.

Simon turned around and looked directly at Zion; I beg your forgiveness Mr. Zion, just like everybody else I have a job and my boss expects me to get the story first. I cannot afford to lose my job by losing the story. If I could beg of you an interview to tell you your side of things for your family I would be forever in your debt.

And if I kick your ass out of this area right now and call security what will happen to you?

I will be barred from the hospital forever and I'll lose my job for failing to do my job to my boss's expectations. I will never do a hatchet job on anyone when something like this happens, because family is the most important thing in the world.

Tim walked out of the waiting area and took his place beside Zion; little brother was there anything that I need to take care of here.

No Tim I believe I have that handled but you're welcome to stay. How could you lose your job by not getting an interview sign is your balls that narrowminded that in a situation where a family member is fighting for his life that they need the information that bad?

Downstairs right now Mr. Zion it looks like a group of rabid rackknars everyone biting at each other trying to clamber over top of each other to get the story first on their outlet. Some of these I would not let cover the death of rackknar entries been hit by transit bus in the middle of the desert and they do not deserve to be here much less reporting on your family in your most precious time.

Zion looked at Tim. Well, what you think should he be granted an exclusive interview with the family as a whole or shall we feed him to the rabid rackknars downstairs?

He has picked least professional career there is to enter, they will eat each other up in a heartbeat to get the storyline. I'm gonna leave this one up to you if you deem him worthy then it is up to you, I'll go back inside and tell everyone to prepare for the possibility a private interview.

Tim walked back into the waiting area and went to his father and dad, he motioned for Max and Jericho to follow suit. We have a little situation Zion is handling it with great finesse at this time, it seems as well as Hawthorn's security forces are someone from the press slipped up and is requesting a private interview with the family. I know it's because of Zion's status but we can use this to our advantage because we have control of the press.

Ed immediately turned red in the face and grabbed his communicator as he was fixed to push a button Carter laid his hand on top of the Communicator. No Ed this is not your call this is Zion's call, let the very capable young man handle this family situation.

Ed was still bristled when he looked at Carter and huffed.

That's right take it down a notch because you don't want to press to see Carter and Ed Hawthorne going at it in the waiting area for the cardiac surgical center, we are more professional than this.

Zion looked Simon up and down gauging the young man, tall slim athletic almost a runners build at that on his body. He couldn't help but notice a single silver band on the left finger. That wasn't a human tradition at all wedding bands are always worn on the right finger. A silver band on the left meant something else totally different. Maybe this young man wasn't what he seemed to be or even portrayed to be.

Simon, I will grant you a personal interview with a single remote camera for I live feed if you will do me one favor not think long and hard?

Explain the ring on your left-hand ring finger the solitary silver band?

Simon blushed, he looked at the ring upon his finger that he had forgotten to remove. I knew one day this would get me caught, I just didn't think you would be today.

I'm not what I seem to be, I live in the city I work in the media but I live a lie. I will not let myself get close to anyone anymore. I will no longer mention his name but we came to the city as a young couple to live. One night he went out for groceries and he never returned. I identified his body the next day in an alleyway for the police. Nothing ever came of it because hybrids nor Genmen count according to a lot of humans. I am the product of a mixed marriage; I have a father and a mother my father is a pureblood my mother was human.

I went against my father's wishes and he disowned me all contact was lost between myself and my parents. If they see me own the news media reports I'm sure he turns off the tella-screen. That's another reason I volunteered to follow you home tours and report about you.

Zion you are my hero, you stand out proud and unafraid to face the naysayers. I do beg of you though that you keep my secrets.

Simon your secret is safe with all Genmen and hybrids knowing that you were out in society reporting the truth. After the interview I expect for you to sit down without a camera without any recorders without any-one else in the room but my family in you and we need to discuss what is going on.

So, I need to call my cameraman Felix and get him up here?

I'll call the public relations department myself or better yet I'll let Carter Hawthorne call and they will escort your cameraman with a single by feed camera up here to take care of the interview, come in and meet my family.

Simon followed Zion back into the waiting area of the cardiac unit. There were glaring eyes everywhere.

Zion looked at the crowd and chuckled, if I didn't know better, I would have to compare the lot of you to the pack of rabid rackknars downstairs call Reporters ready to devour anyone in their path. This is Simon Mumsforth and he will be doing a family interview and everyone that's here will participate without any prejudice. Make me tell Jarvis that you were assholes to another when it came to him, I would not want to be in your shoes.

Everyone's hackles slowly started to disappear. Mr. Carter, I do need you to call public relations office and there's a cameraman standing down there by himself his name is Felix have him escorted here please.

Carter picked up his communicator and contacted everyone that needed to be involved and they were to escort the cameraman to the cardiac surgical area waiting room.

Zion walked over to Simon, when we get finished here, we will be going up one floor up to the NNICU were a cousin of mine has just birthed a pair of premature twins. He and his mate or up there now is the children fight for their lives. Hawthorne Memorial Medical Center discriminates on no one no matter who they are maybe a human-interest story such as that will help put you in the good graces with your balls if not, he doesn't deserve you.

Felix arrived under escort by two of the biggest security guard you had ever seen, he was literally petrified. Simon had to chuckle, Felix come on in the interviews here you set the camera up and I'll tell you when the role not break the interview do not cut for anybody or anything this is a live feed directly to the station not for a delayed broadcast but immediate broadcast, we will put a lock on all of the programming and it'll be direct live.

But what if the boss wants to edit anything isn't that going to upset him?

Zion held his hand to Simon; I'll take this one. Felix, you know who I am and I pull no punches if your boss doesn't like it an exclusive interview he can bend over and get screwed in the alley. This is Simon's interview this is Simon's time to shine as a reporter in yours as a cameraman we need to make all that we can out of it.

Felix chuckled, that's one image I will never be able to get out of my memory, old stuffed shirt pants around his ankles grabbing onto a trashcan taken one for the team. That's when I will carry in my heart forever Mr. Zion, your one hell of a singer and you have a great sense of humor.

I am far more than that but I humble myself at the greater man lying in that surgical suite for without him none of us would have been here. Simon read to go we can start.

The camera was trained on Simon as he began the interview. Good afternoon viewers of WPXY I come to you from within the Hawthorne Memorial Medical Center's waiting area for the cardiac surgical trauma Unit, today I am humbled and honored to bring to you a live exclusive interview with Zion Spinelli. He took to stage and said he had an emergency that he had to leave and left his world tour and has called off the rest of the tour it will be rescheduled at a later date I understand.

Simon turned toward Zion and the rest of the family behind him. Felix panned the camera toward the group. Good afternoon Mr. Zion I would like to give you my condolences for this illness within your family to a very member.

Thank you very much Simon, but just call me Zion I'm not Mr. anything I'm just someone who is been blessed with a talent and a wonderful family. The patriarch of this family my great-grandfather Jarvis Spinelli earlier today collapsed while he was tending to his job at the Spinelli mansion of the Z1 ranch. And before anyone thinks anything different no, I did not grow up in the mansion my father did not grow up in the mansion but my grandfather visited there is a child because his father my great-grandfather ran the mansion for the Spinelli's. We were gifted the name Spinelli from the original founder of the Z1 ranch Zachariah Spinelli otherwise known as uncle Zach to everyone. He and my uncle Ben share the home.

My great-grandfather Jarvis lived in the home when uncle Zach came to live there is a child, he has helped raise help scold and discipline every generation of Spinelli children and no one gives him any sass.

Tim chuckled; that's if they know what's good for their ass because he will lighted up and you never disrespect Mr. Jarvis.

That's my cousin Timothy Zachariah Benjamin Spinelli, he was raised by uncle Zach when he was left at the front door during a bad storm. Timothy was afforded all the luxuries that the Z1 could ever produce but he never knew that he was adopted he always referred to uncle Zach as uncle Zach until it was time to tell him that it was actually father. And I agree with them my great-grandfather Jarvis will light your pants up, and then he will tell you why you had an attitude adjustment and if you don't watch it, you'll get another attitude adjustment until you learn.

Can you tell me what happened if it's not too invasive into your privacy of your family?

While working in the main house during high tea grandfather Jarvis is he likes to be called by all of us children of his making collapsed with a massive heart attack. My father who also runs the household as an assistant to my grandfather Jarvis heard the tray crash, he went to investigate and found my grandfather collapsed floor broken teapots and teacups all around him. He called for medical and he called the Hawthorns for a transport. Ed and Carter Hawthorne from the Hawthorne ranch live next door to the Z1 ranch.

He was transported here sent directly into surgery and for the last nine hours that's where he's been with some of the finest doctors and nurses and support staff of any Medical Center. Living out away from the main city we have medical but we don't have a top-notch hospital in the region so we depend upon air transports and the great people of Hawthorne Memorial Medical Center. Right now, Simon all we are doing is playing the waiting game.

The Z1 ranch I have read a lot even though I have not been there but I've also heard a lot about it can you tell me what kind of ranch this is?

For that uncle Zack and uncle Ben will have to discuss that with you in this interview.

Excuse me Mr. Spinelli how should I refer back to the two of you?

Simon is easy my name is Zach this is Ben, the Z1 ranch is a ranch unlike anything before we live on the ranch as a family the Z1 family. We help take care of underappreciated and discarded among Genmen and hybrids. We have human families living there we have humans living there we have human Genman families living there I encourage a family unit there. We have ranch land, farmland, construction and technology. We have a wonderful school for Genmen and human children alike of the area and it's all free. We have a museum a world-class library and a university that is second to none that I can brag about. You have my personal invite to come out to the Z1 and check it out there's been interviews done before there's been stories done before but you're going to get one like no one else if you just show up.

I would have to talk to my station manager and make sure that's what he would like, but personally I would love to see the Z1 ranch and check it out see what it's all about.

Simon I would like to deviate a little bit it still pertains to the situation but I want to do something I am going to put an endowment of 20 million credits so that we can break ground soon on a Medical Center between the ranch and the Township that it serves. We have an excellent clinical facility where we are located but we need more.

Before this was another incident today where two premature babies had to be transported here to the NNICU, the parents are upstairs right now as the babies fight for their lives. Had it not been for the excellent regional clinic that we have there now they would've never made it. Most Genmen children are born there at the birthing center at the clinic but occasionally some of them make their appearance early that's the reason we need a Medical Center in the area the city is fine city is covered with Hawthorne Memorial Medical Center but we need our own Medical Center that will serve human hybrids and Genmen alike no matter their station in life no matter their ability to pay for care just like we do now we just need to step it up a notch. That's the reason I'm putting 20 million credits as a down payment and I challenge anyone to help.

Carter cleared his throat; the Hawthorne ranch Enterprises will match your 20 million and increase it to the total of 150 million credits.

Ben elbowed Zack. Excuse me since it's going to be built near the Z1 I do believe that we need to put 250 million credits toward the development of the hospital. Zach's phone began to chirp.

He excused himself and picked the phone up, are you sure Constantine you want to put that big of a pledge for you and Jake? Yes, I understand I'll make the announcement. I'm sorry about that Simon that was one of the other benefactors Jake and Constantine Traylor from Traylor Construction Industries Limited just committed 500 credits to the construction and development of the Medical Center provided it be named Med Center 1 and the cardiac area should be named after Jarvis.

Simon was blown away and had to gather his words. Ed's phone started to ring as did Carter's there were other donors available trying to make sure that they were known.

Carter spoke up; excuse me Simon I've got people trying to make commitments for money for supplies and for help, for anything that is needed to build the Medical Center. I want the Z1 to take the heads up on this one, Zach I'm going to be patching them through to the ranch you need to let Luther and Ty set up a donations department that way we can get this thing started.

Zach looked at Carter, I could not agree more, with the newcomers on their way we need to make sure that this hospital is up and running as soon as possible we will commit everything we can every resource we have two getting it started before they get here and hopefully built. He looked directly at Simon; Simon I would like to make a plea to the community to the city or to anybody if you can build if you are a construction if you are any kind of tradesmen whatsoever you need to work the Z1 initiative is hiring they will need to go to the Township and apply at Jake Traylor construction Limited. It looks like we're building the hospital Zion.

Folks I wish I could hold this line as long as I could but as you can see the interview this interview is nowhere near over it is just getting started. If you had anything any kind of funding any kind expertise or even if you need to help, contact the construction office of Jake Traylor construction Limited, I'm sure that they would welcome you. At this point in time, we're going to close this interview, our prayers go with the Spinelli family our prayers go out to Jarvis one of the patriarchs for a speedy recovery I will be doing a special interest interview in a different location here in the hospital and you can watch it tonight on the evening news this is Simon Mumsforth signing off with prayers for all now you will be returned to your regular scheduled programming thank you very much.

Felix closed the camera and turned off feed.

Ben looked Zach, 250 million credits really?

Zachariah Spinelli; you lucky it was only 250 million and not 750 million credits. Jarvis is family and he's gonna be fighting for his life, there are two babies upstairs right now also fighting for their future. It's a good start but we can do so much better at the Z1.

Zach smiled and tapped Tim on the shoulder, you've seen the books lately after the investment into the new venture how solvent is the Z1?

Father there's nothing to worry about that just a drop in the bucket. Really, it's chump change for you and dad.

Ted spoke up, don't worry about the roofing situation, the power and everything electrical needed for the hospital it will come directly from THW Corp, it's our contribution Mr. Zach.

Thank you very much son, Ben my love would you like to make an announcement?

Ben looked around and announced; I would like to clear up a small discrepancy that Zach made. He should have made it clear that the Z1 and her sister ranches and farms will be stepping forward with 750 million credits not 250 million. This prompted a cough from Ed Hawthorne after Carter elbowed him.

I'm sorry old friend I cannot be outdone I'll match your 750 million credits. What's not available in the form of labor we will find one way or the other to get this facility built in record-breaking time. We have all the contacts for all of the medical equipment and it will be outfitted with the very best and latest equipment.

Ben smiled; thank you very much and I knew that you could scrape those cobwebs out of your wallet once in a while.

Now Simon I would like for you to do an update on your little report when you go upstairs and correct the figures that way everyone knows that we are serious about our loved ones.

Yes, sir I fully intend to do an in-depth when I interview the young men upstairs.

Tim and Mason along with Zion left the waiting area to show Simon and Felix to where Madison and Benjamin were at waiting to see the children once again.

Simon followed Tim and Mason into the waiting area and there were parents everywhere, some had just visited with their infants' others were waiting to go back and hold their children.

Simon began to hyperventilate and Mason rushed to him and promptly removed him out of the waiting area. Simon began to regain his composure, I'm sorry that was just too much for me to see all of those families, those parents waiting to visit their children in such a cold sterile place.

Simon you are professional you cannot let it get to you no matter what the reason, these parents in fact all of the parents in that waiting room are counting on you to do the best interview that you can possibly do.

Simon took a deep breath and gathered himself and returned to the NNICU family waiting area.

Coming soon the Z1 Ranch P-110.

CGW©

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