Well, here we are, at the end of another story. I hope you've enjoyed reading this sequel as much as I've enjoyed writing it. I certainly had a great time, carrying out all my *ahem* research to make sure the math stuff was accurate, and that I was making reference to the right Numb3rs episodes that it was used in.

Speaking of which, there's just a quick reference to the season four episode Robin Hood. For some strange reason, the scene that I mention in this chapter gets played an awful lot. Can't think why *whistles*

Seriously, thank you again for all your reviews and kind comments, and I hope to see you back here soon.

Allies And Enemies – Chapter Twelve

Ohana

Back in Hawaii, Steve McGarrett had played gracious host to three visiting out of towners. With the case now closed, the threat removed, and Wo Fat in secure custody, it felt nicely appropriate that Alan Eppes could now return the favour.

Another chorus of laughter caused him to smile now as he glanced around his crowded living room. His immediate family first, of course. Don and Robin. Charlie, reunited with his equally happy Amita. Then on to Colby and David. The friends, partners, and surrogate sons who were every much part of that family now. Next to them, the new dream team of Nikki and Liz promised another partnership that would be every bit as special.

Settled so comfortably among them came the latest additions to the ever expanding 'family Eppes.' Steve, Danny, and Rachel, with their adorable daughter snuggled tight in her laughing father's arms.

If these boys of his ever got their acts together, and gave him the granddaughter he still craved for – yes, Alan hoped she'd be every bit as beautiful, and just as openly loved, as this little girl beside him.

Every seat was occupied, and with David back too, if just temporarily… yes, it was just like old times. When Larry arrived from his latest lecture, it took several minutes for him to find a spare seat.

Even if it meant half-sitting on Charlie's lap, though, the physicist didn't want to miss this moment. When they went their separate ways tomorrow, this unique and special reunion would be over. With such vast distances between them, everyone knew it wouldn't happen again for a sadly long time. For now, though, safely home and reunited, they had every reason to enjoy this final night together – relaxing after the Waltonesque dinner that had taken Alan most of that afternoon to cook.

And as it had been so often, just how he'd always loved it, the house was full of lively discussions.

Wisely or otherwise, Don and Charlie had teamed up against their equally determined wives – pitting Hawaii's natural beauty against the man made luxuries that Robin and Amita had enjoyed at their spa. As that contest ended, in an all round welcome draw, so another broke out on the couch alongside. And for Danny especially, David Sinclair's memories of life with his ex partner sounded strangely familiar.

Okay, so when you weren't jumping off buildings to catch your suspect, you hung them off the roof instead?

Yeah, he mused, trading fond glances between the two maniacs in question, it had to a military thing. And as David dryly revealed, the same insanity clause applied to their freaky love for getting wet.

"So the next thing I know, Superboy here comes blasting past me, and dives straight into the bay."

Needless to say, the 'superboy' in question wasn't about to let that little crack at him go unpunished.

"Hey, one of us had to save that money! And if you didn't grouse so much about gettin' wet."

"Yeah, like you gave me the chance! You hit that water like you were auditioning for Baywatch!"

No sooner had round one of brotherly insults stopped than… yes, the Five 0 boys kicked off round two.

"Sound familiar, SuperSEAL?"

"It sure does, Danno. Especially the grousing part."

Through another round of giggles and chuckles, including his own, Alan fondly shook his head – not fooled at all by this battle of jibes that made dealing with his bickering boys feel like a picnic. Beyond this brotherly teasing, the deep affection and trust between them were there, for all to see.

But Alan knew there was more to this final get together than swapping insults and old case stories. His son had worked with many other law agencies – some more easily, and successfully, than others. But the rapport he'd established with Steve McGarrett, and the rest of his team, was something special.

Friendships had been forged here, that would continue long after their flight home to Hawaii the following morning. And even the greatest distance between lives and cities could be covered by a few hours on a plane.

It was a rather more intimate relationship, though, that now drew Alan's proudly approving attention. While clearly enjoying the banter around them, Danny and Rachel had found their own world too – leaning comfortably against each other, enjoying their own private teasing, while Grace, snuggled between them, beamed with happiness.

Even at her still sweetly innocent age, she'd still recognized the different, easier atmosphere around them.

Steve had felt it too, and now smiled, in quiet satisfaction, for the part he'd played in creating it. With her new favourite uncle Colby in tow, he'd taken Grace to the Aquarium of the Pacific. Despite several soakings, it had been an inspired choice for all of them - giving Grace a whole day with her beloved dolphins, while he and Colby had enjoyed the simple pleasure of tension-soothing downtime.

More meaningfully, it had given her parents all the time they needed to talk out their fears, and work out how to resolve them.

Dangers and difficult times still lay ahead, of course. Rachel knew she still faced the stress of another divorce. But with Wo Fat and his syndicate out of commission, at least they stood a fighting chance this time. With the benefit of wisdom and tolerance behind them, they stood a real chance to make their fated lives together work.

And when Rachel caught Alan's eye, and remembered what he'd told her, she smiled warmly back at him. He'd given her all the support and encouragement she'd needed, to make the impossible possible. Once her divorce from Stan was finalized, she'd be free to live her life again, with the real holder of her heart.

So yes, this evening was one that was filled with laughter, and real hopes for the future. Wherever they were, however great the distance between them, family was family - reminding Alan Eppes of one of his late wife's favourite sayings as he glanced once more around a roomful of laughing faces.

Friends are relatives that you make for yourself. Where these friends were concerned, that saying had never been more appropriate.