SPACE:  1999 – NEW LIFE

By:  tayryn & Monica

 

                                      

 

 

***tayryn’ note:   well, as you can see above, this story is by me, and my new partner in crime and “MBLC” (if you have to ask… you won’t understand!) Monica!!!  I had most of this thing written and sent it to her to read (after she begged me, okay, she didn’t beg that hard!! lol)… and well, her head started swimming with ideas and “suggestions”, which she happily shared with me, along with some bribes (which I happily took!)  and this is the result!!   And since she really did more than just suggest some things, she actually wrote a couple scenes, I felt it was only fair to include her name as co-author!!    (Yes, heart-sister!!  This is the surprise!! ;-)  )   Now, don’t be surprised if the future chapters of “The New Alpha Saga” are co-authored as well!  Monica and I are having a lot of fun doing this!! ***

 

Now, onto the story….

 

 

NEW LIFE

 

 

Helena stepped out of the bathroom and stopped when she saw her husband sitting shirtless on the edge of their bed, pulling off his socks.  She smiled softly.

 

“You’re home.”  She said, causing him to look up and smile at her as she walked further into their bedroom.

 

John nodded and got up to meet her half way.  He enfolded her in his arms and gave her a soft kiss.  “Sorry I’m late.”  He said against her hair as she laid her head on his shoulder.

 

“What took so long?”  She asked, turning her head to kiss his neck.  “I thought it was supposed to be a short meeting.”

 

“Alan.”  John said, pressing a kiss to her forehead as he rubbed her back.  “You know how he’s been anxious to go on a recon survey of the planet.”  She nodded against his chest.  “Well, he brought it up again tonight.”  He paused.  “And I know it’s late, but I really need to talk to you.”

 

“Well, go wash up and I’ll wait for you in bed.”  She said, stepping out of his arms.

 

“Okay.”  He said, catching her chin in his fingers and tilting her face up.  His smile faded.  “Hey, are you feeling okay?  You’re awfully pale.”

 

She smiled wearily at him.  “I’m fine honey.  Just tired.”

 

John framed her face in his hands and peered more intently at her.  “God honey, you’re really pale and you’ve got circles under your eyes.  And I have noticed how tired you’ve been the last few days.”  He paused and moved to step away from her.  “I’m calling Bob.”

 

She grabbed his arm and stopped him.  “John don’t.  I’m fine.  Yes I’m tired, but it’s been a hectic week.  Finally finishing the house and getting everything set up and moved in.”  She paused.  “That’s all it is.  I’m fine.”

 

“Helena…”  He began slowly, the concern still in his voice.  “I’m worried about you.”

 

“John.”  She said firmly, but with a small smile.  “I’m fine.  All I really need is a good night’s sleep in my loving husband’s arms.”

 

He opened his mouth to say something, but she placed her fingers against his lips.  “Sssh.  Go wash up and come to bed.”  She told him and walked over to her side of the bed, untying her robe as she went.

 

John watched her for a moment then went into the bathroom.

 

“So, what did you want to talk to me about?”  She called out to him, removing her robe and placing it on the chair beside her bed.  She turned back to the bed and stopped as a wave of dizziness overwhelmed her.

 

“The recon survey.”  He answered, raising his voice over the running water.

 

“What about it?”  She asked, slowly sitting on the bed and holding her head as the dizziness passed.  “Have you decided to finally let him take it?”

 

“Sort of.”  He answered partially closing the bathroom door.

 

“What do mean, sort of?”  She asked as she slipped under the sheet and leaned back against the pillows.  A thought entered her mind.  “Oh, don’t tell me you’re…”  She paused and looked up at him as he walked out of the bathroom.  She sighed.  “You’re going with him, aren’t you?”

 

John nodded as he shed his robe and climbed into the bed beside her.

 

“Well, you do deserve a break.”  She reasoned with a small smile.  “You’ve worked extremely hard these last six months.”

 

“We all have.”  He said, reaching out and pulling her into his arms.

 

“Yes, that’s true.”  She said, snuggling against him with a contented sigh.  “But you’ve been working both in the camp on the buildings and here building our house.”  She paused and ran her hand over his chest. “When are you leaving?”

 

“We were supposed to leave tomorrow.” 

 

“Supposed to?”  She asked, lifting her head off his chest.

 

“I’m going to tell Alan, that I’m postponing the survey for a couple of days.”

 

“What on earth for?”  She asked then gave him a look.  “Don’t you dare!  I’ve told you, I’m fine.”

 

“Helena…”  He began.

 

“John.”  She interrupted.  “I know you’re worried, but believe me when I tell you, I’m okay.”

 

John looked at her.  She was still quite pale and she had an extremely tired look in her eyes.  He could also sense that there was something else not quite right with her, but he couldn’t put his finger on it.

 

“All right.”  He sighed finally.  “I won’t postpone the recon on one condition.”

 

“And that is?’  She asked warily, already having a pretty good idea.

 

“You let Bob check you over tomorrow.”  He told her.

 

Helena sighed and nodded.  “Fine.  I’ll go see Bob after you leave tomorrow.  Okay?”

 

“Thank you.”  He said softly, making a mental note to talk to Bob tomorrow before he left.

 

“So, how long will you be gone?’  She asked, settling back down against him.

 

“A week.”

 

“A week!?”  She repeated, lifting her head again.  “A week?  We haven’t slept apart that long in years!”  She paused, smiling at the smile that came to his face.  “Sounds awfully selfish, doesn’t it?”

 

“Yes it does.”  He agreed, still smiling.  “But that’s okay, because I thought the same thing.”

 

“Oh, it’s going to be a long week.”  She sighed, giving him a pouty smile.  “Want some company?”

 

John chuckled and stroked her cheek.  “I’d love it.  But I think Alan would feel a little out of place.”

 

Helena laughed and leaned over to give him a quick kiss before laying her head back on his chest.  “You’re probably right.”

 

They lay together for a couple of minutes, not speaking and enjoying just holding each other.

 

“Oh, John.”  She said suddenly.

 

“Yes love?”

 

“A couple of the women approached me today…”

 

“They want to know if they can start having children.”  He finished.  She nodded against his chest.  “I was wondering how long it would take.”  He paused and stroked her hair.  “What do you think?”

 

“I don’t see why they shouldn’t.”  She said.  “All the homes are built and the crops seem to be taking very well.  In fact, we should be getting our first harvest in another month.  And expanding our population is a good idea.”

 

John considered her words, valuing her opinion above everyone else’s.  “Well then Doctor Koenig, I’ll leave you to be the bringer of good news.”  He said.  “Tell them they have my blessing to start having children.”

 

“They’ll be so happy.”  She said, pressing a kiss to his chest.

 

“Yeah, it’ll be nice to see some kids running around.”  He said.  “To hear them laughing and see them playing…”

 

“Honey…?” she began almost hesitantly.

 

John slipped his fingers under her chin and lifted her face and smiled lovingly at her.  “I would love to have a child with you.”

 

Helena’s eyes grew wide and her mouth opened, but nothing came out.

 

John chuckled at the surprised look on her face.  “Why so surprised sweetheart?”

 

“I guess I thought you’d say that we’re too old to be thinking about having children.”  She admitted.

 

“Well, I don’t feel old, quite the opposite in fact.  Being with you makes me feel young.”  He said with a smile.

 

“You do the same for me.”  She smiled back.

 

“I love you Helena.  And I would love for us to have a child or even children together.”  He said.  “But, I don’t want having a baby to become an all-consuming obsession.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“Let’s let nature take its course.  I don’t want to have to make love to you on a schedule.”  He paused and brushed his fingers over her lips.  “If we’re meant to have children, we’ll have children.  If not, well, that just means that I get to devote the rest of my life to spoiling and pampering the woman I love.  Sound fair?”

 

“Sounds fair.”  She sniffled, leaning down to kiss him.  “And I love you for it.”

 

As they kissed, Helena’s hand traveled down John’s chest to his groin, where she wrapped her fingers around his flaccid member and began to lightly stroke him.

 

“Helena.”  He groaned against her lips, his hand moving down to cover and stop hers.  “Baby don’t.”

 

Helena looked down at him.  “John, you’re going to be gone for a whole week.”

 

“I know.  But I thought you were tired?”  He said, gazing into her face.  She still looked pale and tired, but John could also see the passion rising in her eyes.

 

“I’m not that tired.”  She said softly, kissing him again as she resumed moving her hand on his now hardening organ.  She lifted her head and smiled sensuously.  “Besides, this is as much for me as it is for you.”

 

They kissed passionately as Helena slid her body on top of his.  With her hand still between them, she guided him inside her.  They moaned into each other’s mouths.

 

“John?  Who’s piloting the eagle?  You or Alan?”  She asked, sitting up on him, running her hands down his chest.

 

“Alan.”  He moaned the answer as she began to move on him.

 

“Good.”  She purred.  “Because you won’t be getting much sleep tonight.”

 

“Is that a promise?”  He grinned up at her, his hands sliding up along her thighs to clasp her hips.

 

She grinned back at him.  “That’s a promise.”

 

And then true to her word, Helena began to move her hips slowly but purposely on him, her inner muscles squeezing John’s throbbing member inside her. 

 

The twinkle in her eyes and her impish smile amused John immensely and he held her hips in his large hands, guiding the sliding motion of their bodies and deepening his penetration into her repeatedly.

 

Perched on top of her husband, Helena raked her nails along John’s wrists grabbing them so she could move just a little faster.  Her head dropped back and she moaned breathlessly, feeling her release nearing.

 

The sight of Helena nearing her climax drove John wild.  He half sat, grabbing her body to attack her exposed throat with savage kisses.  Love bites, which he knew she loved while his body was moving inside her. 

 

She felt herself losing control of her own movements and knew she had to take control again and fast.  Softly biting John’s shoulder she gave him a firm push so he was again lying flat on the mattress.  Now she could once again move her hips more freely, increasing the force of his thrusts inside her.  She arched her back and took hold of John’s thighs behind her, close to his knees, so in that way she could push herself more fiercely against him.

 

They cried out each other’s names in unison as an overpowering wave of pleasure washed savagely over the two lovers.  Its force simply vaporizing whatever body coordination Helena had left.  She was truly grateful when John reached out for her, taking her into his embrace before she could fall in a heap on his chest.

 

Helena dazedly felt John slip from inside her even as she could hear his heart throbbing in his chest where she rested her head.  He was murmuring something to her, rubbing her back and stoking her hair.  She simply dignified his incomprehensible remarks with a weak chuckle and a light kiss to his damp skin.  Then she was out cold.

 

“Gee Doc, I wonder what you’d do to me if you weren’t that tired.”  He paused and chuckled.  “My tigress! I love you honey.”

 

John’s words were lost, when his now sated wife allowed her mind to relinquish all awareness as she quickly fell asleep, a smile on her lips.

 

 

 

                             **                                      **                                      **

 

 

She sighed in her sleep as she felt his lips moving over her shoulder.  She rolled over on to her stomach away from him, knowing he was trying to wake her.

 

“Time to wake up love.”  He said softly against her ear.

 

“Mmmnno.”  She mumbled.  “Five more minutes.”

 

“Sorry sweetheart.”  He said, pulling on her shoulder to turn her to face him.  “You’ve already slept an extra forty-five minutes.”

 

Her eyes opened and she looked at him.  “What?  I couldn’t have.”

 

“The alarm went off forty-five minutes ago.”

 

She sat up.  “Then why didn’t you wake me?”

 

He shrugged.  “I tried, but you’d have none of it.”  He said.  “But don’t worry, I called Bob and told him that you were going to be late because I was coming in late.”

 

“I can’t believe I slept so long.”  She said leaning over to give him a kiss.  “I must have been tired.”

 

“I’d say you were.”  He gave her a smile.  “You fell asleep on me last night.”

 

She gave him a questioning look and then realized.  “Oh honey I’m sorry.  I promised you…”

 

John just shook his head.  “Don’t worry about it.  Your health is more important to me than sex.”

 

She smiled and brought her hand up to his cheek.  “I’ll make it up to you.”

 

He grinned as he leaned over to her.  “I’m counting on it.”  She laughed as he kissed her and stood up.  “I’ll go make you some breakfast, while you shower.”

 

Helena paled and shook her head.  “No, that’s okay.  I’ll… I’ll grab something in town.”

 

John stopped and looked at her.  “You sure?”

 

She nodded and moved to get out of bed.  She grabbed her robe and pulled it on as she headed for the bathroom.

 

John was just to their bedroom door when he heard her moan his name softly.  He turned to see her swaying and rushed over just in time to catch her in his arms as she fainted dead away.

 

He scooped her into his arms and carried her over to the bed.

 

“Helena?”  He called her, his voice panicked.  “Honey?  Come on baby, wake up.”

 

He stroked her cheeks, shaking her a little as well.

 

“Helena!”  He called, raising his voice.  “Helena!  Wake up!”

 

He saw her eyes flutter and then slowly open.

 

“Wha… what happened?”  She murmured.

 

“You fainted.”  He said, worry written all over his face.

 

“No… I don’t… I did?”  She asked.

 

John nodded and reached for his commlock. 

 

“What are you doing?”

 

“I’m calling Alan, to tell him the recon’s been postponed and then I’m calling Bob and telling him to have an examination room waiting for you.”  He told her.

 

She grabbed his hand.  “John don’t.  It’s not necessary.”

 

“Helena, you fainted.  And that’s not like you.”  He said sternly.

 

“It was nothing.  My blood sugar is probably just low. That’s all.” 

 

He raised the commlock.  She pushed on his hand.

 

“That’s all it is John.  Trust me.  I am a doctor too you know.”  She said with a smile.  “Besides, I promised you last night that I would go and see Bob today.”

 

John looked at her and sighed as he hooked his commlock back to his belt.  “All right.  You win.”  She smiled gratefully at him.  “This time.”

 

“Thank you honey.”

 

“Aagh.”  He grumbled and helped her sit up in the bed and then pulled her into his arms.  “I worry about you.  I can’t help it you see, cause I’m madly in love with you and don’t want anything to happen to you.”

 

“I know.”  She said, sliding her arms under his, around his waist.  “But there is such a thing as worrying too much.”

 

“Never where you’re concerned.”  He smiled softly at her and gave her a soft kiss.

 

Helena sighed deeply and moved to get up.  John gave his wife an inquiring look and tightened his arms around her.  “Where do you think you’re going?  You stay right there for a few more minutes.”

 

“John please, really honey, I’m feeling better.  It was just a dizzy spell, nothing to worry about.”

 

“Dizzy spell my ass.  I know I’m not a doctor, but that was not ‘just a dizzy spell’.  You lady, were out cold.”  He said.  “So you are at least taking a few more minutes to recover properly.”

 

As if to prove her point, Helena stood up, pulling her husband with her.  He kept his arms protectively around her waist.  She smiled and shook her head.  “C’mon Commander, let the diagnosis be made by the doctor.  I’m fine.  Now I have a shower to take and you have a flight to catch.”

 

With that said, she leaned in to give him a light kiss and moved out of his arms, making her way to the bathroom.

 

John watched his stubborn lady go and decided to finish packing what few things he would need on this mission while she showered.

 

Fifteen minutes later, she emerged from the bathroom, looking somewhat refreshed, but John could see that she still looked somewhat pale and tired.

 

“Hey.”  He said, walking over to her and slipping his arms around her waist.  “Feel better?”

 

“Mmhmm.”  She smiled, her arms sliding around him as well as she stepped up on her toes and gave him a kiss.

 

“I’m glad.”  He kissed her back and then let her go.  “Now get dressed.  And since I still have a few more things to pack, I want you to rest a little.  You still look tired.”

 

“John.”  She began.

 

“Hey, don’t argue with the Commander.”  He smiled.

 

Helena shook her head, smiling and walked over to the closet to grab her uniform.

 

“Where are they?”  She heard him mutter as she pulled on her pants.  “Damn.  Must be out in the glade.”

 

“What?”

 

“My boots.”  He answered, looking over at her.  “I’ll be back in a minute.”

 

She nodded, slipping on her top and then sat down on the bed to pull on her boots.  She yawned suddenly and looked at her pillow.

 

“Oh, what the hell?  I won’t be getting much sleep when he’s gone.”

 

She lay back on the bed and in seconds was out like a light.

 

“Helena.”

 

She heard him calling her, but his voice sounded far away.

 

“Honey.  Come on, time to wake up.”  John said, kneeling on the bed beside her, holding her hand and stroking her cheek.

 

She moaned softly and turned away from him.

 

John looked down at her, concern etched across his face.  “This is more than just low blood sugar.”  He thought, sliding off the bed and moving into the hall.  He grabbed his commlock and activated it.  Seconds later, Tony’s face appeared on the small viewer.

 

“Morning John.”

 

“Morning Tony.”  John said.  “Tony, I want you, Maya and Sandra meet me in my office in half an hour.”

 

“I thought you were going on that recon survey?”

 

“I am.”  John said.  “That reminds me.  Give Alan a call and tell him I’ll be a little late.”

 

“Sure thing John.”

 

John closed that channel and opened another one.

 

“Mathais.”

 

“Bob.”  John said to the doctor’s image.  “I’d like you to meet me in my office in forty minutes.”

 

“Is there a problem Commander?”

 

“Yes.”  He said.  “But I’ll discuss it with you when I see you.”

 

“Very good Commander.”

 

John closed the channel and went back into his bedroom.  He ducked quickly into the bathroom and then walked over to Helena’s side of the bed and leaned down over her. 

 

“Helena honey, it’s time to wake up.”

 

“Mmm.”  She moaned and tried to open her eyes.

 

“Come on baby, we gotta go.”  He said, slipping his arms under her shoulders and helping her to sit.

 

She finally managed to open her eyes and looked up at him.

 

“It’s time to go love.”  He said gently, hiding his concern, knowing she’d try to talk him out of it.  “Here, have some water.”  He said bringing the glass he’d grabbed from the bathroom to her lips.  She covered the hand with which he was holding the glass with her own, took a couple of sips and then smiled her thanks as she rested her head briefly on his shoulder.

 

“Okay, I’m ready to go.”  She said breathing deeply as she prepared to get up.  She swung her legs over the edge of the bed, swaying a little as she went to stand; John’s arms steadied her.

 

“Helena?”

 

“Just got up too fast.”  She said.

 

“Okay.”  He replied, slipping his arm around her waist and leading her from their bedroom. 

 

He sent up a silent prayer as they walked with their arms around each other to the moon-buggy.  “Please let there be nothing seriously wrong with her.  I can’t live without her.”   After they were in the buggy, John looked over at her and repeated the prayer.

 

 

                            **                                      **                                      **

 

 

“You want us to what?”  Tony asked not sure he heard correctly.

 

“Keep an eye on Helena.”  John said to his friends and senior staff.  “But don’t let her know that you’re keeping an eye on her.”

 

“John, she’s a big girl you know.”  Tony said. 

 

“Yeah, I know.  But she’s a big girl who passed out on me this morning.” He said and shrugged his shoulders.  “She says it’s just low blood sugar, but I think it’s something more.”

 

“You think there’s something wrong with her and you’re going on the recon anyway?”  Maya asked confused.  “Why would you do that?”

 

“Because I promised her I’d go and she promised me she’d go see Dr. Mathais.”  John said.  “So, if there is anything really wrong with her…”  He stopped, not wanting to finish the sentence.

 

“We’ll keep an eye on her for you Commander.”  Sandra said with a smile.  “Don’t worry.”

 

John placed his hand on the shorter woman’s shoulder.  “Thanks Sahn.”

 

“Yeah John.  We’ll look after her.  Don’t worry.”  Tony said glancing at Maya who nodded.

 

“Thanks guys.”  John said and smiled.  “That makes me feel a little better.”  He paused as the door to his office opened and Bob Mathias walked in. 

 

“You wanted to see me Commander?” 

 

“Yes Bob.”  He turned back to the others.  “Thank you everyone.  I need to talk to Bob now.”

 

Everyone nodded and left.  John turned to Bob.

 

“Bob, I’ve got a job for you and it’s not going to be a pleasant one.”

 

 

                             **                                      **                                      **

 

 

“Promise me you’ll be careful.”

 

“I’ll be careful.”  John promised.

 

“And you won’t take any unnecessary risks or do anything foolish.”  Helena continued.

 

“Helena…”

 

“And you know not to eat anything or drink…”

 

She was cut off by John’s mouth covering hers.  Her hands slid up around his neck and she clung to him as their kiss deepened.

 

“I’m going to miss you.”  She whispered as their kiss ended and John’s lips moved to her forehead.

 

“I’ll miss you too Doc.”  He said quietly.  “And don’t worry, I’ll be careful.  I won’t eat or drink anything I shouldn’t.  And I’ll be back before you know it.”

 

“I’m counting on it.”  She smiled then chuckled.  “You’d think you were going away for longer than just a week, the way we’re acting.”

 

John chuckled with her and pulled her tighter against him and simply held her until they heard someone clearing their throat behind them.  Not letting her go, John lifted his head and glanced behind him.

 

“Daylight’s a wasting John.”  Alan said with a smile.

 

“It’s only noon Alan.”  Helena said with a laugh.

 

“Yeah, well, what can I say?  I’m anxious to get started.”  Alan grinned.

 

“I can see that.”  Helena said then fixed the pilot with a serious look.  “I’m going to tell you the same thing I told John…”

 

“Be careful; no unnecessary risks; don’t eat or drink anything.”  Alan grinned.  “Did I cover everything?”

 

“Almost.”  Helena said.  “Don’t let anything happen to my husband.”

 

“Wouldn’t dream of it Helena.”  Alan said.  “I’ve seen you when you’re angry.”

 

Helena just smiled as Alan and John grinned.

 

“I’ll be right there Alan.”  John said and turned to Tony and Maya who’d walked over from the Eagle.  “Well Tony, I leave everything in your capable hands.”

 

“Have a good time John.”  Tony said, glancing quickly at Helena before looking back at John and nodding.  “And don’t worry, we’ll look after everything.”

 

“Thanks Tony.”  John said and clapped him on the shoulder.  He turned back to his wife and pulled her into his arms.  He spoke softly.  “Now remember Doc, you promised me you’d go see Bob and get checked out.”

 

“I know.”  She scowled at him. 

 

“I mean it Helena.  Especially after last night.”  He said.  “And again this morning.”

 

Helena sighed.  “Honey, I told you, last night was because I was tired and this morning, low blood sugar, that’s all.”

 

“No, last night it was more like you passed out.”  He argued.  “And you don’t pass out, not even when you’re that tired.”

 

“Well, we still really didn’t get all that much sleep last night…”  Her voice trailed off as she cut her eyes at him.  John shook his head, a smile forming on his lips despite himself.  “I’ll go and see Bob, John.  Okay?”

 

John nodded and brushed a lock of hair out of her face.  “Good.”

 

“You better get going.”  She said, not letting him go.

 

“Yeah, I guess I should.”  He said as he framed her face in his hands and kissed her lovingly.  “I’ll call you every night.”  He kissed her again.  “Every night.”

 

Helena reluctantly pulled herself from his arms and smiled.  “Be careful honey.”

 

John smiled and nodded.  Then with a final caress to her cheek, John turned and walked to the Eagle.

 

Helena, Tony and Maya walked a ways away from the Eagle and then turned to watch it lift off and fly away.

 

Helena sighed as she turned to smile at Tony and Maya.  “Well, I suppose I should get to work.” 

 

She turned away from them and started to walk back into town.

 

“Uh, Helena.”  Tony began, glancing at Maya and then hurrying to catch up with Helena.  “Wait up and we’ll walk with you.”

 

“That’s not necessary Tony.  Really.”  Helena said, looking over at him.  “Besides I want to stop in and see how the hydroponics are coming along.”

 

Tony looked at Maya who shrugged.  “Well, then why don’t we walk you there.”

 

Helena stopped.  She turned to look at them.  “Okay, what’s going on?”

 

“Nothing.”  Maya said. 

 

Helena gave them a look.

 

“Okay, so you caught us.”  Tony began.  “We’re just concerned that’s all.  I mean you and John are still technically newlyweds and well…”

 

Helena laughed.  “Tony.  John and I have spent time apart before and we’ve survived.”  She paused.  “I thank you, but there’s no need to be concerned.”

 

With that, she turned and walked away.

 

“I’m more concerned about Alan and the rest of us.”  Tony said quietly with a laugh to Maya as Helena headed off.

 

Helena caught the remark and just smiled and shook her head as she changed her mind and headed for medical instead of the hydroponics lab. 

 

After about a five-minute walk, she soon approached the medical building.  Suddenly she was overcome by a wave of nausea.  She covered her mouth with her hand and broke into a run.

 

Bob Mathias looked up startled as the doors to Medical burst open and he saw his boss fly through them, heading for her office, with her hand still over her mouth.  He quickly, but calmly followed her.

 

He found her in her private washroom, on her knees with her head hanging over the toilet.  He knelt down beside her and placed a comforting hand on her back, while his other hand moved to her forehead.

 

She looked up long enough to give him a small grateful smile, before she felt the urge to vomit again.  “Oh god…”  She moaned.

 

A few minutes later, finally feeling that the nausea had passed, she sat back on her feet.  She smiled up at Bob as he handed her a glass of water.

 

“Here, rinse your mouth.”  He said.

 

“Thanks.”  She said, taking a sip and then spitting it out after swirling it around her mouth.

 

“Does this mean I won’t get any argument from you about keeping the promise you made to the Commander about letting me check you over?”

 

“He didn’t?”  She asked, and then shook her head as she looked up at him.  She nodded ruefully.  “He did.”

 

“He’s concerned about you.”  He replied simply.

 

Helena smiled.  “I know.”  She paused.  “Well, okay.  Help me up and let’s go get this over with.”

 

Bob smiled, gave her a hand up and just managed to catch her in his arms as she passed out.  “This is definitely more than just low blood sugar.”  He said to his boss’ prone form as he scooped her up into his arms and carried her into one of the examination rooms.

 

 

                             **                                      **                                      **

 

 

“So, did you let Bob check you over?”

 

Helena smiled at her husband’s image on the commlock.  “Yes John.  I let Bob examine me.”

 

“What did he say?”  Even over the commlock, she could see and hear his concern for her.

 

“The exam showed that I am perfectly healthy.”  She said with a smile. 

 

“Nothing about why you’re so tired, why you’ve been so pale lately or why you’ve been passing out?”

 

“I told you last night, it’s just been a hectic week.”  Helena said.  “That’s all it is.”

 

“Well, you can’t blame me for worrying.  I’d be lost if something happened to you.” He said, smiling at her from the tiny viewer.

 

“I know, so would I.”  She said and then sighed.

 

“What is it honey?”  He asked, hearing her sigh.

 

“I… it’s just…” she sighed again.  “This bed is too big for one person.”

 

“I miss you too.”  He chuckled softly.  “More than you know.”

 

“And this is only the first night John.”  She complained exaggeratingly.  “I don’t think I can make it through another four days.”  She gave him a small smile as she chuckled.

 

“I know what you mean love.”  He said.  “Alan’s already warned me that if I feel the need to be miserable, that I better go take a walk.”

 

Helena laughed.  “Tony made a similar remark just after you left.  Something about being concerned for Alan and the rest of the Alphans.”  She paused and gave him a loving smile.  “I guess we don’t function well when we have to sleep apart.”

 

“No guessing about it.”  He laughed.  “I know I don’t when I haven’t slept with you in my arms all night.”

 

“Me either.”  She admitted and then chuckled.  “Well, at least that means I won’t be disturbed tomorrow.  Everyone will be trying to avoid me.”

 

John laughed, and then looked at her longingly.  “Well, it’s getting late sweetheart.  I should let you go so we can try and get some sleep.”

 

Helena nodded sadly.  “You’re right.”

 

“I’ll call you again tomorrow, same time.”  Helena nodded.  “I love you Mrs. Koenig.”

 

“I love you too Mr. Koenig.”

 

“Goodnight love.”

 

“Goodnight John.”

 

He smiled at her one more time and closed the line.  Helena sighed and placed her commlock on her nightstand.  She turned out the light and settled under the sheet.  She reached out and grabbed John’s pillow, holding it tightly as sleep slowly came.

 

 

                             *                                       **                                      **

 

 

“Sandra, can I ask a favor?”  Helena asked catching the young woman before she entered the new building that was serving as the command center for New Alpha.

 

“Sure Helena, what can I do for you?”  Sahn asked.

 

“Would you give me a ride home this afternoon?”  Helena asked.  “I want to leave the moon-buggy here for John.”

 

Sahn smiled.  “That’s right, he and Alan are coming home today.”

 

Helena’s eyes sparkled as she nodded.

 

“You don’t want to be here when the Commander arrives?”  Sahn asked confused.

 

“Well, I have a special evening planned.”  Helena began.  “And I need to be waiting back at Sous Les Arbres when he gets there.”

 

“Sous Les Arbres?”  Sahn asked.

 

“That’s the name John and I gave our new home.”  Helena explained with a smile.  “In French, it means, ‘all the trees’.”

 

“And since, your home is surrounded by trees…”  Sahn began and paused.  “Nice name.”

 

“Thank you.”  Helena said.  “So, can you do it?”

 

“What time would you like to leave?”  Sahn smiled.

 

“Thanks Sandra.”  She said.  “John said last night that he and Alan should be back by six o’clock.  And I’ll need at least an hour to set everything up, maybe a little more… uhm… how about three o’clock?”

 

“Three o’clock it is.”  Sahn nodded.  “I’ll meet you right here then?”

 

“Sounds good.”  Helena agreed.  “And I’ll leave our moon-buggy here for John so he can get home.”  She paused and clasped her hands together.  “Oh this is going to be so much fun.”

 

Sahn looked at her.  “You’re glowing Helena.  What exactly have you got planned for the Commander?”

 

Helena just smiled at her and turned to leave.  “Three o’clock, right here.”

 

“Helena!?”  Sahn called after her as she walked away.  She smiled and shook her head, thinking that she’d never in her life seen a more loving couple than the Commander and the Doctor.

 

 

                             **                                      **                                      **

 

 

“So, you anxious to get home?” 

 

John turned to Alan and gave him a look.

 

“Okay, dumb question.”  Alan laughed.  “Of course you’re anxious.”

 

John laughed at that.  “Yes, I’m quite anxious to get home.  I’ve missed Helena.”  He paused and looked out the window.

 

“What is it John?  You seem worried about something.”

 

“Helena says it’s nothing…”  John began and Alan could hear the concern in his voice.  “But she’s been really tired lately and very pale.  And the day we left, she passed out.”  He paused.  “She said it was low blood sugar, but I know better.  And just after we left, she passed out again.”

 

“How do you know that?”  Alan asked.

 

“Tony told me when we checked in.”  John said, grinning and shaking his head.  “He had Maya follow her.  It seems she fainted in medical right in front of Bob.”

 

“And Helena didn’t mention it to you when you called her?”

 

“No.  And I didn’t let on that I knew.”  John said and then shook his head.  “But it doesn’t surprise me that she didn’t mention it.  She knows how much I worry about her and wouldn’t have told me for that reason alone.”  He paused and gave Alan a small smile.  “If it was really serious, she would have told me to come home.  And when I talked to Bob, he didn’t mention it either.  He said it was exactly what Helena said it was.”

 

“But you still think something’s wrong.”  Alan asked.  “Maybe it is just what she says, she’s just tired and has low blood sugar.”

 

“Maybe.”  John conceded.  “But I have a feeling there’s something else.  I can’t put my finger on it, but there is something.”

 

“Well you’ll find out soon enough.”  Alan said.  “We’re almost there.”

 

John nodded and turned back to his controls.

 

 

                             **                                      **                                      **

 

 

“Welcome home John.”  Tony said as John entered the command building.  “How was the survey?”

 

“Great Tony.”  John said, looking around.  “We’ve brought back a whole bunch of mineral and vegetation samples which ought to keep Maya happy for a few days.”

 

“She’s not here John.”  Tony said with a smile as he watched John search for his wife.

 

John looked at Tony and smiled.  “Am I that obvious?”

 

Tony nodded.  “But it’s expected, you two are still newlyweds after all.”

 

“Yeah, newlyweds who’ve been together for seven years.”  John said with a grin, but knew that Tony was right.  His and Helena’s relationship had always been and would always be one that would never grow old.  It would always be like they were on a perpetual honeymoon.  “So, where is my beautiful wife?”

 

“She’s… uh… come to think of it, I don’t know.”  Tony said.  “I saw her earlier this afternoon talking with Sahn.”

 

John turned and headed over to Sahn’s desk.

 

“Welcome home Commander.”  She greeted him with a smile.

 

“Thanks Sahn.”  He said.  “Tony says he saw you talking with Helena earlier.  Has she gone back to medical?”

 

“Actually no, she hasn’t.”  Sahn answered with a smile and then handed him a note.  “She asked me to give you this.  Said you were to read it before you leave here.”

 

John looked down at the folded letter in his hand and nodded absently.  “Thanks Sahn.”

 

He walked away from her as he unfolded the paper and smiled when he saw Helena’s flowing handwriting.  He began to read.

 

            <John,

                        Before you get upset or start to worry… I’m fine.>

 

John smiled.  She knew him too well.  He read on.

 

                        <The reason I’m not there to greet you is because

                        I have a very special surprise planned for you.  So

                        say goodbye to everyone and hurry home… ALONE!

                        I left you the moon-buggy; it’s outside.  Don’t be long!

                                                                        Helena>

 

John refolded the letter and put it in his jacket pocket.  He walked over to Tony and Alan who were discussing the survey mission. 

 

“I’m calling it a day, gentlemen.”  He said.   

 

“Helena?”  Tony asked.

 

John smiled.  “Waiting for me at home.”

 

“Then don’t let us keep you.”  Alan said with a grin.

 

John nodded and left.

 

Fifteen minutes later, John pulled the moon-buggy up to the house.  He turned it off and headed for the front porch.  As he reached the door he noticed a piece of paper pinned to it.  He smiled and pulled it off, wondering just what his wife was up to.  He looked at the note in his hand.

 

                        <Welcome home my darling!  I know you’re as anxious

                        to see me, as I am to see you, but first thing’s first.  I have

                        a very special evening planned for us and it entails you

                        doing exactly what I tell you.  So with that said, come

                        into the house and head straight for our bathroom.>

 

John smiled.  “This is going to be interesting.  I wonder what she’s got planned.”  He thought as he entered the house and did as her note instructed and walked through the living room and headed down the hall to their bedroom.  He looked around and then moved to the bathroom.

 

When he entered the bathroom, where he was sure that she would be waiting for him, he was surprised to find another note taped to the shower door.  He peeled it off and read it.

 

                        <Sorry my love, but you still have to wait a little

                        longer to see me.>

 

John could envision her impish smile as she wrote this.

 

                        <I know how much you love to take long relaxing showers

                        to unwind from your day, but don’t take too long.  I’m

                        very eager to see you and I don’t want you too relaxed.>

 

John chuckled as he began to get undressed.  He hopped into the shower, sighing deeply as he simply stood under the hard spray of water.  After a couple minutes, he remembered Helena’s words from the note and quickly washed himself up.

 

He turned off the water and opened the shower door to grab a towel.  As he did, he noticed that his clothes were gone and the bathroom door was shut.  He’d left it open.  He grinned, knowing that she’d somehow managed to sneak in and take them without him seeing her.  He toweled off his hair and then quickly dried off the rest of his body.

 

He reached out and grabbed his robe from where it hung on the bathroom door and wasn’t surprised to find another note taped to the door.  He left it there for a moment as he pulled on his robe and ran a comb through his hair.  After placing the comb back on the counter, he reached out and grabbed the piece of paper.

 

                        <Now that you’re feeling clean and refreshed, it’s

                        time to ‘follow the garden path’.  And whatever you

                        do; don’t deviate from the path laid out for you.  Just

                        remember that I’m waiting impatiently for you!>

 

John added the note to the small pile on the counter, folding all three of them up and slipping them into the pocket on his robe as he opened the bathroom door.  He stopped and smiled as he saw a path of flower petals, strewn out on the floor, leading from the bathroom door, around by his dresser and then out the bedroom door.  He followed the trail to his dresser and stopped, grabbing the note that lay under his cologne.  It was a short one.

 

                        <Have I ever told you how erotic I find your cologne?>

 

John laughed and immediately grabbed the bottle and put some on.  He grabbed the note and added it to his collection as he continued to follow the trail of flower petals out of the bedroom, down the hall to the kitchen, to the back door and yet another note.

 

“She’s in the meadow.”  He thought to himself, seeing through the window, more petals leading away from the house.  “Hopefully in the spring.”  The thought of her waiting naked in the crystal clear water sent a rush through him and he quickly pulled the note off the door.

 

                        <I know exactly what you’re thinking and you’re half

                        right.>

 

John laughed.  Yes, she knew him too well.

 

                        <You’re so close now my love.  So close to having this

                        week apart become nothing but a distant memory.  Please

                        hurry!  I’m waiting to show you just how much I missed

                        you.  And I missed you a lot!>

 

He opened the door, stuffing the last note into his pocket as he quickly made his way along the tree-lined path that led back to their meadow.  A minute later, he passed through the trees and stopped dead in his tracks, his breath catching in his throat.

 

Wearing a very short, very sheer, green lace teddy; Helena sat perched on the edge of the bed he’d made out here especially for them, her legs crossed out in front of her.  She smiled when she saw him and uncrossed her legs slowly as she moved to stand up and walk slowly towards him. 

 

“Welcome home my love.”  She said in a low sultry voice.

 

Finding his co-ordination returning, John quickly made his way over to her and pulled her into his arms, his mouth crashing down on hers.  Helena moaned happily into his mouth, her arms winding around his neck as she returned his hungry kiss.  They parted breathlessly a few minutes later and smiled at each other.

 

“God I missed you!”  He breathed against her forehead, his hands moving over her back, pulling her closer against him.  “I thought this week would never end soon enough.”

 

“I know what you mean.”  She said, placing a kiss on his jaw and giving him a quick squeeze before she pulled herself from his arms.  “And now, we’re going to make up for this lost week and I’m going to show you just how very much I’ve missed you.”

 

John looked into her face and smiled at the look of desire in her flaming green eyes.  “What have you got in mind?”

 

Helena just gave him a sensuous smile as she grabbed his hand and led him over to the bed.  At the foot of the bed, she let go of his hand and turned to face him.  John opened his mouth to say something, but she pressed her finger to his lips and shook her head.  John understood and didn’t say a word.

 

Helena reached out and untied his robe, pushing it off his shoulders, letting it fall to the ground in a puddle at their feet.  She took a step back and raked her eyes over his body.  Since coming to New Alpha, and with all the work he’d done in building theirs and the other houses, John had lost what little weight he’d put on while up on the moon and had become more muscular.  She reached out and ran her hands over his chest, her fingers playing in his chest hair and over his nipples.

 

John moaned and reached his hands out to pull her to him, but she caught them and shook her head as she smiled at him.  John nodded and let them drop to his sides, a thousand thoughts going through his head, wondering what she had planned for him.

 

She ran her hands up along his arms and grasped them just below his shoulders, turning him around so that his back was to the bed.  She gave him a gentle shove and he fell back onto the edge of the bed.  She slowly kneeled down before him, using his robe to cushion her knees, as she ran her hands up along his thighs. 

 

He groaned softly as she traced imaginary lines up and down his very rigid member with her finger.  Helena looked up at him and gave him a wink.  John’s eyes widened as he saw her tongue snake out to lick her lips before leaning over and taking him inside her mouth.

 

“Hel…en…a!”  He groaned loudly as the heat from her mouth surrounded him and her tongue swirled around the sensitive head.  “Oh… god… baby!”

 

Helena smiled to herself as she moved one hand to gently caress his balls, the other hand wrapping around and stroking his length in tandem to the movements of her mouth. 

 

John fell back on his elbows, not willing or able to take his eyes off his wife as she took him deeper and deeper inside her mouth.  He couldn’t believe she was doing this, as it wasn’t one of her favorite things to do, but god, he was enjoying it.  Even just the sight of her doing it was sending shockwaves of sensations shooting through his body.

 

Not wanting to end things before they began, Helena raised her head and let him slip from her lips.  She smiled slyly at him and slowly rose to her feet.  She raised her hands to the thin straps of her teddy and slipped them off her shoulders, letting the garment slide teasingly down her body to join his robe on the grass.

 

John felt his groin tighten even more at the sight of her naked body.  He always had this reaction to her, but this time there was something different about her.  Something he couldn’t quite place.  She seemed to be glowing, an almost visible aura surrounding her body and it aroused him even more.

 

Helena stood still for a moment and allowed his eyes to move over her body.  Then very slowly, she moved to straddle his legs.  She leaned over him, her hands on his chest and her hair spilling down around her face, and kissed him ardently, her tongue sweeping through his mouth and dancing with his.

 

She broke off the kiss and straightened up, her one hand moving between them to clasp his aching member.  She placed her knees on either side of his legs on the bed and lifted her hips, slowly impaling herself on his rigid staff.

 

They moaned each other’s names as their bodies molded together, joining as completely as their hearts and souls.

 

Helena looked down at him, her green eyes flaming with passion as a slow, luxurious smile came to her face.  John gazed up at her and moaned softly when she placed her hands on his chest and gently raised herself off him, pausing for just a moment before taking his length back inside her. 

 

She continued at this agonizingly pleasurable pace, her eyes staying locked with his, for some time; watching his need for her grow more intense and his self-control slowly slip away.

 

John lay back on the mattress as his hands caressed their way up along her thighs.  He moved them over her hips, pausing to caress the smooth skin of her belly before continuing on towards his goal.  She moaned as his hands encircled her breasts, kneading them gently before moving his thumbs over her already taut nipples, causing them to harden even more.  He suddenly sat up under her, dipping his head to take one of the tempting peaks between his lips.

 

“John!”  She gasped, her hands flying to his head and entangling in his hair to hold him against her.

 

John wrapped his arms around her and crushed her to him, stilling her movements as he raised his head and seized her lips in a ravenous kiss.  They kissed long and hard, clinging to each other tightly.  Helena slid her legs around him, locking them behind his back as she slowly broke off the kiss.  She pulled her body back slightly, running her hands over his cheeks to his shoulders as she started undulating her pelvis against him.  His hands skimmed down her back to grasp her hips as he matched her rhythm, lifting his hips to thrust into her.

 

Always in sync, they moaned each other’s names as they felt the well of sensations begin to swell and wash over them.  As if communicating silently, they slowed their movements together, each of them wanting to prolong their pleasure. 

 

John moved his hands to her hair and pulled her head back to expose her throat to his eager lips.  “Mmm… oh John… Oh GOD I’ve missed you!”  She moaned loudly as he nipped at her before kissing a trail down between her breasts where he once again began worshipping her breasts with his mouth.

 

Their breathing soon began to come in ragged gasps as they felt the vibrations begin to once again grow and start to overwhelm them.  She unwrapped her legs from behind his back, moving them to his sides as she pushed him down onto his back.  She caught his hands with hers, lacing their fingers together as she stretched out over him, bringing their hands to rest high above his head.

 

She began to ride him with more vigor, grinding her hips against his.  His hands clenched hers as he thrust his hips up, driving himself into her hard, his self-control completely gone, having been taken away by the overpowering sensation of making love to his wife.

 

“Helena!”  He groaned, his body beginning to shudder with his on-coming release.  “Baby… I can’t hold…  I can’t hold out much longer!”

 

“Then don’t!”  She panted, feeling him shudder beneath her, knowing she was just as close.  She tightened her inner muscles around his throbbing member.  “Let it go John!”

 

They thrust against each other one last time.

 

“HELENAA!”

 

“JOOHN!”

 

They cried out each other’s names simultaneously, their bodies thrashing wildly together as they were consumed by their shared orgasm, the waves of ecstasy surging and crashing around them, carrying them farther and farther out on the sea of sexual nirvana.  Helena dropped to his chest in a quivering heap, her hands still entwined with his above their heads.

 

When she knew she could speak without gasping, Helena raised her head from his chest and smiled down at him.

 

That, is how much I missed you.”  She said, her voice low and husky.  She released his hands and slid her body partially off his, snuggling into his side.

 

John wrapped his arms around her, tilting his head to the side to place a kiss against her forehead.  “It’s nice to missed.”

 

Helena chuckled and kissed his chest.  “So, tell me about the recon survey.  Did you and Alan find anything?”

 

“Well, despite being an agonizingly long week away from my gorgeous wife,”  He began.  “We found some interesting minerals and some new vegetation.”

 

“Did you see any new animals?”  She asked.

 

Since being on the planet they had encountered a few animals, nothing dangerous so far, just a few small rodent-like creatures and some birds but no really large animals.

 

“A few.  A couple of deer-like animals, that’s about all.”  He said and then filled her in on the rest of the mission.  “So, what’s been happening here in town?”

 

“Not much.”  She answered, tracing lines on his chest.  “Same ol’ thing that usually happens.  No major medical emergencies.  No crises.”

 

“Oh,”  He said suddenly.  “Did you give everyone the good news?”  She raised her head to look at him.  “About allowing them to start having children?”

 

She smiled and nodded.

 

“How’d they respond?”

 

“They were delighted.”  She said.

 

“That’s good.”  He said, fingering a lock of her hair.  After a few moments he continued.  “And if I were a betting man, I’d bet that Bill and Annie are first to have a child.”

 

“I wouldn’t if I were you.”  She said giving him a sly smile.  “It’s a bet you’d lose.”

 

“Really?  You know something I don’t?”

 

“Mmhmm.”

 

“Care to let me in on it?”

 

She rolled away from him slightly and grabbed his hand, placing it on her abdomen. 

 

“I’d place all your money on us my love.”  She said softly and chuckled as she saw his eyes grow wide.

 

“You mean… we… you…”  He stammered, looking down at where his hand rested.  He looked back up at her, his eyes filling with tears.  “You’re pregnant?”

 

She nodded, her tears slipping down her cheeks.

 

“When?  How?”

 

“Well, the how, I think you know.”  She teased.  “As for the when.  I seem to recall my very amorous husband, pulling me into the supply tent for a little afternoon delight about three months ago.”

 

John grinned at the memory.

 

“That was a good day.”  He chuckled, remembering the look on her face as he pulled her into the tent and her protests that someone could walk in on them, even as her hands were working on loosening his pants while he pushed up her skirt and lifted her onto one of the crates.  He looked at her.  “That’s when this happened?”

 

“Mmhmm.”  She nodded.

 

“But how?  I thought you were on the pill?”  He asked.  “And I know how careful you are about taking it.”

 

“I am, or rather I was on the pill.”  She said.  “It’s most likely the change in environment.  The fresh air, constantly being on the move, and, the pill isn’t one hundred percent protective, you know that.”

 

John nodded and then couldn’t stop the silly grin that came to his face.  He sat up suddenly, gently pushing her back onto the bed.  He inched down a little on the bed and pressed a kiss to her belly.

 

“Hello, little one.  I’m your daddy.”  He said softly against her.  “And I can’t wait to meet you.”

 

Helena reached out and ran her fingers through his hair, tears of happiness slipping from her eyes as she watched the man she loved more than life itself communing with the life they’d created inside her.  John looked up at her and smiled.

 

“I’ll talk with you again soon little one.”  He said against her belly.  “Cause right now, daddy has to go show mommy how very much he loves her.”  He pressed another kiss against her skin and then inched back up to her.

 

He leaned over and smiled down at her, his hand moving along her jaw, finally understanding why she was simply glowing.  “You have never looked more beautiful to me than you do at this very moment.”  He said softly, his voice choked with emotion.  “I love you Helena.  I… there are no words to describe just how much I do love you.”

 

She brought her hand to his cheek and smiled through her tears.  “I think you just found them.”  She paused and chuckled then.

 

“What?”

 

“You said I look beautiful.  Just wait another couple months and tell me how beautiful I am then.”

 

John smiled and shook his head.  “It won’t make a difference.  You’ll still be beautiful.  You could be nothing else in my eyes.”

 

Helena just smiled and moved her hand down his chest.  “John my love?”

 

“Yes darling?”

 

“Did you or did you not just tell your child that you were going to show me how much you loved me?”  She cut her eyes at him.

 

John laughed and moved his body over hers.  He looked down at her.  “I believe I did.”

 

He lowered his lips to hers.

 

 

                             **                                      **                                      **

 

**two months later**

 

The CMO and her head doctor were deeply engrossed checking an inventory of medical supplies when Helena inhaled sharply as the contraction hit her unexpectedly.  She stumbled, pale from the pain, dropping the notepad and pen she held.  She closed her eyes and winced.

 

Doctor Mathias rushed over to her side and lifted her into his arms, carrying her over to one of the nearby beds.

 

“Nurse!”  Bob called out for assistance while placing a hand on his patient’s damp forehead.  He spoke softly to the CMO.  “Helena?”

 

Helena groaned and opened her eyes.  “It’s okay Bob.  I’ll be fine… it’s already passing… Braxton-Hicks… not the first time…”  She panted and informed her physician.

 

Not the first time?!  And just when were you planning on letting me know about that?”  His normally calm voice, already starting to show his exasperation as he mumbled.  “Just my luck to be responsible for Alpha’s worst patient.”

 

“Bob, please, spare me the lecture.  I’m not planning on giving you any trouble today.”  Came her contrite reply as she concentrated on getting her breathing even again, the pain finally receding.

 

“Well, that’d be a first Boss.”

 

Helena acknowledged the remark with a good-natured smile and tried to sit up, but was not very successful.

 

“Oh no you don’t.  Just lie down and relax.  I’m going to check you over right now.”  He said, holding her down effortlessly.  “Then I’m going to call the Commander.  He should be informed about this.”

 

“Don’t.”  She said.

 

“Helena.”  Bob began.  “He should be told about this.  If it were any other patient he would be.  And you’re not just any other patient.”

 

“Bob please.  You know what John’s like.  He’ll just get overly worried and about nothing.”  She begged, urgency edging her voice.

 

Bob regarded his friend and boss, deciding what to do.  “Okay.”  He said finally.  “I won’t tell him but I have a few conditions.  And they are non-negotiable.”

 

Helena breathed a small sigh of relief.  “Thanks Bob.”

 

“You haven’t heard what they are yet.”

 

Helena smiled.  “What are the conditions?”

 

“I want you to start taking things a little easier.”  He said.  “You’re five months pregnant for heaven’s sake.  And at your age, in your condition, you need to be slowing down.  As a doctor yourself, I don’t need to remind you of the risks involved with having a late pregnancy.”

 

“I know Bob.  You’re right.”  She sighed, running her hands over her swollen belly.  Smiling when she felt the baby kick at her hand.  “There’s just so much to do around here, what with the new harvest and all.”

 

“And there are people who can handle it.”  He said and held up his hand as she went to say something.  “If you want to have a healthy pregnancy, not mention a healthy baby, you’ll start taking better care of yourself.”

 

“I’m taking care of myself.”  She stated indignantly.

 

“Sure you are.”  He said sarcastically as he held up a chart.  “Let’s see.  Your blood pressure’s up, you’ve lost weight, when you should be gaining some.”  He paused and looked up at her.  “That tells me that you’re not eating properly.”

 

Helena looked down at her stomach not wanting to look at him.

 

“Helena, you need to start ingesting more nutrients.”  He told her. 

 

“Anything else?”  She asked, knowing that he was right on every point.

 

“Yes.  A question.”  He said.  “Any more fainting spells since two months ago?”

 

“None.”

 

“You’re sure.”

 

“Yes.”  She said and then seemed to hesitate.

 

Bob saw this.  “Okay, what aren’t you telling me?”

 

Helena sighed.  “I have experienced a little cramping.  Nothing major, just uncomfortable, like when I’m on my period.”

 

Bob nodded.  “Any bleeding?”

 

“No.”  She said quickly.  “You know I would have said something then.”

 

He nodded and picked up her file off the table, opening it to place her chart inside and paused, taking a closer look.

 

“What is it?”  She asked.

 

“We haven’t done an ultrasound yet.”  He told her as he looked up at her.

 

“Yes we ha…”  She paused as she realized.  “You’re right, we haven’t.”

 

Bob closed her file and placed it back on the table before reaching out to grab one of the medical smocks.

 

“Here.”  He said, handing it to her.  “Let’s give you that examination, make sure everything’s okay and then we’ll call the Commander over and do that ultrasound.”

 

Helena nodded as she slid off the examination chair.  He turned to leave to let her change.

 

“Bob.”  She called to him and he turned to look at her.  “Just remember our deal.”

 

“Oh I’ll remember.  The question is, will you?”  He said as he stepped out of the room, closing the door behind him.

 

 

                             **                                      **                                      **

 

 

His console beeped.  He reached out and hit the button without looking up from his report.

 

“Yes?”

 

“Commander.”

 

John looked up at the sound of Mathias’ voice.

 

“Is something wrong with Helena?  The baby?”  He asked, his body tensing at even the thought of something happening to them.

 

Bob couldn’t help the small smile that came to his lips as he shook his head.  “They’re fine Commander.”

 

John sighed with relief.

 

“I’ve just given Dr. Koenig a check up and we’re about to do an ultrasound on the baby.”  Bob said.  “I assume you want to be here?”

 

John smiled and nodded.  “You assume right.  I’ll be right there.”

 

He quickly closed the channel and hurried out of his office.  “You’re in charge Tony.”  He called out over his shoulder as he practically ran through the door that led to the walkway that connected the medical and command buildings.

 

Less than ten minutes later, John sat on a stool beside Helena, one arm draped across the back of the exam-chair, while holding her hand with the other.

 

He stared at the image on the monitor.  “Is that…?”  He asked softly.  “That’s our baby?”

 

Helena heard the wonder in his voice and tilted her head to look at him.  She smiled at the awed expression on his face.

 

“That’s our baby.”  She confirmed.

 

John looked down at her, his eyes welling with tears.  He leaned in close and gave her a soft kiss.  “I love you.”  He whispered against her lips.

 

“I love you too.”  She whispered back.

 

They turned back to the monitor as Bob moved the instrument around her stomach.  All of a sudden, Helena’s hand shot out and grabbed Bob’s.

 

“Bob… go back.”  She guided his hand over her stomach.  “There.”

 

John looked down at her, suddenly concerned.  “Helena?”

 

She looked from the monitor to Bob, her eyes asking him to confirm what she was seeing.  He nodded.

 

“Sweetheart, what is it?”  John asked.

 

She turned, once again, to look at him, tears now in her eyes and a huge smile on her face.

 

“Honey,”  She began softly.  “You better make another cradle.”

 

John’s eyes widened.  He looked from her to Bob, then at the monitor that was now showing two babies, then down at her belly and finally back at her.

 

“Twins?!”  He asked, his stunned expression giving way to a very big, very happy grin.  “We’re having twins?!”

 

Helena nodded happily.

 

Not caring that Bob was in the room, John leaned over and kissed his wife passionately.  When the kiss ended, he pressed his forehead against hers, for a moment, whispering again, his love for her.

 

“Are they…?”  John began, still too stunned to speak, looking over at Bob.

 

“The ultrasound’s showing that both babies are perfectly fine.”  Bob said.

 

“And Helena?”

 

“Well,”  Bob began; catching the look she was giving him.  “I’m still waiting on the results of the blood work, but from my earlier examination, I’d say that she’s fine too.”

 

John nodded, the relief on his face as he squeezed her hand.

 

“Any chance we can find out what sex the babies are?”  Helena asked hopefully.

 

“Sure.”  Bob said, moving his hand over her stomach.  “If they’re in a co-operating mood.”

 

John lowered the stool a little and moved closer to his wife, resting his chin on her shoulder and squeezed her hand again as they waited.

 

After five minutes of trying, Bob shook his head.  “It appears that your children are being stubborn.”  He said and then commented dryly.  “I wonder who they get that from.”

 

“Their mother.”

 

“Their father.”

 

They both answered at the same time and grinned foolishly at each other.

 

Bob just shook his head and handed Helena a small towel, with which she cleaned off her stomach.

 

“I’ve printed up a picture of the ultrasound.”  He told them.  “I’ll make sure you get a copy.”

 

“Thanks Bob.”  John said.

 

“Now, might I suggest that the two of you take the rest of the afternoon off and go relax at home.”  He said.  “Maybe even take a short soak in that spring of yours.”

 

“Good idea.”  John said and looked at Helena who nodded.

 

“Well then, I’ll see you both tomorrow.”  Bob said, moving to the door.  “And, congratulations.”

 

“Thank you Bob.”  Helena said and watched him leave.  She slowly sat up and looked at John.  “Want to hand me my clothes and then we can get out of here.”

 

John nodded and walked over and grabbed her clothes off the back of the door.

 

Twenty minutes later, they walked out of the medical building both of them staring at the ultrasound picture in her hands.

 

Suddenly, John swept her up into his arms and kissed her happily. 

 

“Twins!”  He laughed, kissing her again.  “We’re having twins!  I don’t believe it!”

 

Helena couldn’t help but laugh as well, wrapping her arms around his neck and returning his kiss.  “Believe it my love.  We’re having twins.”  She settled in his arms, knowing that he wasn’t going to put her down but carry her all the way to the moon-buggy, and turned her face to look at him, lifting her eyebrows.  “What do you say we hurry home and celebrate properly?”

 

John nodded.  “Oh yeah.” 

 

He began to stride towards the moon-buggy, still wearing a huge, dumbfounded grin on his face that just wouldn’t go away, thinking to himself that things could only get better.

 

 

-fin

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