2 New Beginnings

Eight years later, the McKagans had been settled just outside of Russellville, Arkansas with Robert taking up the reins of the family company now known as ThunderStar Enterprises. The family home was a nineteenth century mansion on a huge family ranch acreage outside the city. Jamison and Randall had gotten up early to watch their father and his crew set up and be hard at work putting up a new photo shoot for the new agency. This was supposed to be a very exciting day, for this particular photo shoot was to promote ThunderStar Enterprises newest addition, ThunderStar Foundation. The Twins really did not know what their father had in mind but it was obvious that the new addition was going to be big. They found their mother in her bedroom.

"Momma, why does dad have all of these photo people and news here?" Jamie asked, "What is this all about? Is somebody moving up in his work? What is going on?"

"Slow down honey, you are going to wear yourself out with all of this excitement." Veronica replied. "Your father is promoting a new addition to the company, but he will tell us all about it tonight when it is done and over with. You have to be patient."

"Come on Mom can you not give us a little bit of a hint?" Randall insisted, "You and Dad have not said very much so please tell us the news."

"Alright, you two are not going to stop pestering me until I tell you." Veronica said, "I am meeting with my promotions officer about my book series tour, but that is still a very long time time away. Your father and I are going out this evening after dinner."

"On top of all that, this new addition will improve ThunderStar Enterprises over the years." Robert added, "Anyway, we have a new family who has moved in next door and we have invited them for dinner."

"They have three children twin sons, Tristan and Jordan and a daughter Kaitlan." Veronica said, "They will be going to school here, so maybe you could help them get situated."

"We will do our best Mom." Randall promised, "Where are they moving here from anyway?"

"The father Daryien is the ambassador for ThunderStar Enterprises stationed in Venice, Italy. All of the ThunderStar heads are headquartering here and keeping tabs on their branches from here." Robert replied.

"You two need to go shower and change clothes." Veronica said, "The Llewellyns will be here in less than an hour. Then while your father and I are out for the eveing with Mr. and Mrs. Llewellyn, you two will be playing host to Kaitlan and the twins. Now scoot."

The twins took off to their separate rooms. Jamison was quick with her clean up but picking something right to wear was difficult. She finally decided on a flower sundress and matching sandals. Randall settled on a pair of jeans, boots, and a white button down shirt. Robert was describing his work to Daryien and Tristan Llewellyn and noticed that Jamison was watching from the window. The spying did not go unnoticed by Andrew.

"It seems that young Tristan has a keen mind, he is a natural technitian." Andrew said, "I noticed that Jamie is particularly interested in him. Can you believe it? She is only eight years old and interested in boys already."

"Was it not you who said that she would meet her true love and soulmate at the age of eight?" Veronica asked, "Maybe Tristan or Jordan is her eternal soulmate. Do not worry so much Brother."

"Ronnie, the new additions have arrived with Roger." Robert said, "Two boys and two girls. Ken Majors, LaDonna Riley, Marco Sawyer, and Amanda Kendrick, they are eight the same as Jamie and Randall."

"Come on, it is time to go and greet them." Veronica replied, "Welcome to your new home kids. Robert and Andrew will show you all to your rooms and get you settled in."

"What is going on Mom?" Randall asked, "Why are they going to be living here? Is this what you were really going to tell us? We think it is cool. You could have just told us."

"Because they were not sure of how we would react." Jamie replied, "Come on Mom, this is a good thing you are doing helping to give them all stable homes. I am glad that you are doing it for them especially Regan and Ryanne."

Robert watched the exchange between the twins and the new arrivals, but Jamie\'s attention was focused on Tristan. Robert knew what his wife\'s plans were, but he said nothing to the twins about it. Late one night he put a new entry in his journal: Ronnie has finally decided to resume her music career, so we decided to launch our own addition to ThunderStar Enterprises, ThunderStar Music and Publishing. I have also set up ThunderStar Foundation and will use the profits from her music and book sales to support more of Ronnie\'s foster kids. September sixteenth, today is the twins twelth birthday and we have taken in our forth set of foster kids Garrett Bradigan and Leslie Garner. Jamie is still trying to get Tristan\'s attention but she is not the tomboy that Amanda is. I wish she would forget her own problems and help Leslie and Garrett feel more welcome.

"Mom, how can I get Tristan to notice and like me?" Jamie asked, "How come he will not pay any attention to me like he does for Amanda?"

"Oh I think that he likes you." Veronica replied, "The first thing that you have to do is stop chasing him. But since you have got so much attention to give, how about giving some to Leslie and Garrett?"

"They never say anything." Jamie protested, "I guess I just never stopped to listen. You are right Mom, i will take them some lunch and try to get them to open up."

June tenth: Ronnie had a sold out concert and book signing performance tonight, the audience loved her. It gave me the oportunity to test all of my new equipment. Tristan and Jordan are already showing a great interest in programming. The Manuscripts are of the highest quality. August thirteenth: Ryanne is in heaven. We have finally taken in two kids younger than her and Regan, Lita and Brian. Ronnie said that she has officiated an official pact in the kids club.

"You must solemnly promise to share everything you have and be true friends forever." Veronica said, "You must never let anything interfere with your friendships even future relationships. Alright now it is time to seal this pact with a toast of lemonade. To Friendship."

Tristan watched the exchange between Veronica, her kids and her adopted ones, but he could not take his eyes off of Jamie. She was beautiful with her long dark hair tumbled carelessly down her back and fiery seafoam green eyes that shined with iron determination. Jamie found herself unable to tear her gaze away from Tristan who she, too, thought was beautiful. His stance, while he spoke to her father, emphasized the force of his thighs and the slimness of his hips, he looked tough and sinewy. The wide expanse of the young man\'s muscles under his white shirt had her pulse racing. She wondered if his broad shoulders ever tired of the burden they carried. He stood tall and straight like a towering spruce. His powerful, well muscled body moved with an easy grace. he carried himself with a commanding aire of confidence. She knew that there was something more to this young man than just his outward appearence. Something in his actions radiated a ruggedness and vital power that attracted her, but she kept her thoughts to herself. Robert noticed Jordan\'s sketches were of the Universal Knights of Galaxia. Three in particular caught his attention.

"You have quite a talent for artwork Jordan." Robert said, "have you ever thought of furthering your artwork? You are very good at what you do. What do you think?"

"It sounds like a plan." Tristan replied, "But I am Tristan. Jordan is over there talking to Amanda. Sketching is one of my hobbies, but my main goal is engineering."

"These are very good." Robert said, "Did you know that they are Knight Thunder and the Universal Knights of Galaxia? She is Knight Thunder. Legend of the Norse say that she, her twin brother shadow, and the eldest Knights were the strongest and the most powerful of the team. Knight Thunder was as known as much of a legend as her father."

"She is known as the daughter of Thor?" Tristan asked, "I thought everyone had lost interest in our world\'s legends and mythology. I did not know that she was that kind of crimefighter."

"You are fascinated with the legends of the past." Robert said, "I did not know that anyone was fascinated with the mythology besides Veronica."

"Do not worry Robert." Veronica said, "Andrew has never been wrong in his thoughts about people before. The twins will be alright. Truth be told, I do believe that this young man is a God send. We both know how special the kids are especially the twins. If the wrong people were to find out about their special abilities, there is no place that they would be able to hide."

"Yes, I do not know what I would do if my brother\'s premonitions were ever wrong." Robert sighed. "If Andrew sensed something evil in the young man, he would have told us. It is time for us to go and we will settle this tomorrow."

Meanwhile on the other side of the estate, Tristan mused over his luck as he settled into his new environment. He realized that he had come across a very special little girl, one who was most definately connected to him in some form or another. As much as he hated using covers, in his line of work it was so important. In just a few short years alone, Remington Lanzari had become well known in the romance novel covers department. He wondered if there was anywhere in the world he could truly go to get away from all of the craziness that now surrounded him. It was enjoyable for a while but now it was harder to get away from it. He had to wonder just where this path would lead. During the night, six dark clothed figures slipped onto the grounds of the McKagan Ranch passing the guards along the gates. They had broke into the computers and Robert\'s journals at ThunderStar Enterprises but found no trace of the files and programs they had been looking for. One of the intruders opened the control box and deactivated the alarm systems. The leader stepped up to his fellow intruders. A second one cut the glass in the window and opened it allowing easy access in to the manor by way of Robert\'s study. the second man turned on the computer.

"I know Robert McKagan has certain projects that could put ThunderStar Enterprises over the top." The leader said, "They are not in the computers at the company so they have to be here."