Utilika leaned over to speak to the child.

     "You are a special infant, like me," he said. "I am special because I was born only moments ago, filled with both the knowledge of the universe and my life's purpose. I haven't even cleaned the afterbirth off myself yet. I must have you. We must grow together and be best friends and allies. I promise not to hurt you, at first, and will provide for your every need, so long as you cooperate."

     "What is his name?" he asked Abby.

     Abby made no reply.

     Utilika roared, "WHAT IS THE CHILD'S NAME?"

     Still no reply from Abby, although her eyes replied, fuck you. We're dead no matter what. Why should I answer anything you ask or do anything you say?

     Trevor and Niki tensed. 

     Here it comes, they thought as one. 

     "He doesn't have a name," Gramps replied.

     "The child is nearly two years old, and it doesn't even have a name?"

     "He's one," Abby said. "He only looks two." 

     "He only..." A chuckle overtook Utilika, a chuckle that, in turn, evolved into an outright laugh. "I see. And he doesn't have a name because..." 

     "Every time we try to name him, he gets upset." 

     "The youngest and weakest amongst you is the one who rules." Now Utilika roared with laughter. "You people require domination immediately." 

     He looked at the child again. 

     "You're about to be named, little one," Utilica put his hand to his chin as if in contemplation. Then, 

     "Your name is Timothy," he said. "Yes, it's obvious now that I see it." He mock bowed. "I am pleased to meet you, Timothy." 

     Kathy couldn't imagine the child looking any unhappier than he did at that moment. 

     Tindriss readied. She planned to snatch the child a micro-second before Utilika got his hands on him, then whisk them both off, along with Gramps, to some other universe/timeline.

     Adam Adama readied. She knew she didn't stand a chance against the other two near-gods who wanted her son, but that didn't matter. She'd never be able to live with herself if she just let them take him. 

     "You're coming with me," Utilika said.

     Go time, both Trevor and Niki thought as one. 

CONTINUE