[uncledaddy]

"I'm sure he'll be OK," Randy VI said softly. "Come on, sit down." He sat on the end of the bed and pulled Seven along with him. Though Six was older, Seven was already a few inches taller. This didn't stop Six from cuddling him close and nuzzling his head with the general message that he was there for his little brother.

[Red Lion]

Seven wrapped his arms around him, sending his big brother a mental flash to show him that he was appreciative.

[uncledaddy]

More time passed, without much change. Then came Randy VIII's eleventh birthday. Within another year, he was scheduled to start at-home training with his father in replacement of the gym classes--though he would still be expected to spend time at the gym on a regular basis of his own accord. For now, though, it was time to test for his true class distinction.

[Red Lion]

Seven was fourteen by then and he was doing everything in his power to keep an eye on his little brother...

[uncledaddy]

Randy came to them and announced that it was time for Randy VIII to be tested. "The test will be performed in a government facility," he explained. "It should not take very long."

[Red Lion]

"H...He gonna be ok, right daddy?" asked Seven anxiously.

[uncledaddy]

Randy nodded solemnly, knowing that there were no guarantees. But at least for now, Randy VIII was safe.
Eight gave Seven a hug and a kiss, then went to say goodbye to Nine and his mother before he and Randy were out the door. Randy was silent and contemplative for the entire trip, as he knew exactly what result to expect and what it might mean for his son--and perhaps his entire family--in the future.

They arrived at the facility and Randy VIII was led away by a large Schickelgruber in uniform and seated in front of a computer which would monitor his responses.
"Randy VIII. Do you know why you are here today?"
"Yes."
"I will ask you a series of questions. Do not attempt to falsify your responses. After you are through answering the questions, the computer will show you a set of images and feelings. We will study your reactions to these along with your answers, and the results will be formulated accordingly. The testing process should take no more than five minutes..."

Nearly two hours later, they arrived back home and Randy opened the door, looking just as grim as when he'd left.

[Red Lion]

Seven was waiting, having not left sight of the door since they'd left, "He is? Isn't he..."

[uncledaddy]

Randy stepped into the house and in walked Randy VIII with a bandage on his head. "Early training has been recommended," stated Randy.

[Red Lion]

Seven ran to his brother, "You okay Baby Boy?" he asked scooping him up and nuzzling his head.

[uncledaddy]

"Yeah... I'm OK," said Randy VIII. He nestled against Seven for a moment as though seeking comfort before drawing away. "They... they put a thing in my head."

[Red Lion]

"Does it hurt?" asked Seven, his eyes growing round with distress as he examined his brother.

[uncledaddy]

"No, not really." Eight gave the bandage a tap to demonstrate. "They said it'd tell me whether people were registered into the system... like a portable database scanner."

[Red Lion]

"That's kinda neat," said Seven, giving Eight's hair a ruffle.

[uncledaddy]

Eight smiled a bit. "Yeah. I don't hafta train today... You wanna hang out outside?"

[Red Lion]

"You know it! C'mon!" said Seven taking his brother's hand and leading him out.