Something Special for Shon

Posted on Sun Nov 12th, 2023 @ 7:06pm by Lieutenant Seth Travis & Lieutenant Commander Shoniara T’ghann-Travis Dr

Mission: Damn Dirty Apes
Location: Shon and Seth's Quarters
Timeline: Current

Seth was concerned about Shon. She was working so hard in Sickbay while Sam had been down on the planet. A planet controlled by apes. He decided she needed something special to show her just how important she was to him and Shasta. He had gone to the holodeck and set the program for his cabin. (Shon and Shasta had both seemed to like it) Then he set about to prepare a meal for a Queen for Shon was his queen and Shasta his princess.

He had soft classical music playing in the background as he prepared the meal. He first worked on the appetizers. He prepared chicken wings both spicy and plain. He also prepared a bloomin onion. After that, he fixed some cheese and crackers with the appropriate dips. Once that was completed, he started on the main meal. He prepared corn on the cob. Cooked on the grill. Then there was the main meal. BBQ spare ribs. He had placed the ribs on the grill and slathered them in his own special sauce.

He had thought of inviting others to the meal but decided he wanted this to be a family event. Just the three of them. To be a family. Shasta was getting older and soon she wouldn't want to hang out with Shon and himself and that thought made him sad. He shook his head pushed the thought aside and called Shasta. "Shasta sweetie, go get your mom. Bring her to holodeck 2 in an hour. I have a surprise for you and her.

A squeal could be heard as Shasta replied. "You got it Dad." Seth smiled though Shasta couldn't see it. "Thanks Shasta." as he ended the call and got back to work.

Shon was lying on the couch in their quarters. She had been trying to sleep but however it eluded her. She had been away from sickbay for a while now due to her condition. She had not slept properly for a couple of weeks now apart from catnaps and she was unable to meditate despite puss’s help. Her pregnancy was beginning to give her some discomfort although she had been assured everything was alright. She looked pale and drawn and had lost weight, she knew Seth and Shasta were worried about her so she pretended there was nothing wrong.

Therefor she jumped up when Shasta appeared. “Shasta, how was school today?” Shon asked.

Shasta looked askance. “Mom I told you two days ago we are having a holiday, are you okay?”

Shon smiled, “Of course I am I’d just forgotten that’s all. Have you seen your dad?”

Shasta reached for her and kissed her. “That’s why I’m here, he asked me to bring you to the holodeck.”

Shon nodded and walked slowly through the corridors with her daughter saying hello to various crew members. Eventually they reached it and Shasta punched in the code to enter. Immediately delicious smells wafted out into the corridor as the doors opened and they entered. The was a soft breeze in the trees and the sun was warm although the clouds scudded across the sky heralding a storm that could be see in the distance over the mountains. This holo program was Shon’s favourite and she always felt rested when here. They wandered passed the stables where Shon’s jet black horse stood looking out of his box. She stopped for a moment to play with his nose as he gently snickered into her sleeve. “Sorry Centaur I can’t ride you for a while the doctor tells me.” She suddenly felt like crying and wondered why she felt like this. It was though a part of her was lost and she felt saddened by that. Something had changed dramatically in her life and she had no idea what. She felt guilty not to be at her post but knew she could not possibly cope. Shasta had already run off to tell Seth she was here and she followed the sound of her voice.

“Dad, mom’s not well, there is something wrong I know it, she’s lost weight and before she asked me how school wa….Hi Mom!” She said brightly as Shon approached.

Seth nodded, "I know Shasta. I'm hoping we can get to the bottom of this and find out exactly what the problem..." he stopped as Shon approached them. "Hiya Shon, I hope you are hungry. I've got a feast prepared for us."

Shon smiled and kissed him, “have you been sampling the goods?” She asked. “Your lips are sticky.” She ran her finger across his lips and licked the finger sitting down on the cedar rocking bench and rocked gently. “It’s so peaceful here Seth, I wish we could live here full time. Work would be so much easier.” Shasta sat next to her.

“I know what you mean Mom. It seems so real, but then I’ve never lived in a place like this before.”

“Apart from the ship where is the last place you lived that you can remember?” Shon asked her.

Shasta looked as though she was deep in thought. “I suppose it was with you and my other dad but……somehow it’s misty and I can’t really recall.”

Shon didn’t know what to say so she stood looking towards the far mountains. “The sky is clearing, tonight would be a good time to get the telescope out?”

"A good cook always samples the food. That way he can tell if he has to make any changes. What do you think? Does it meet with your approval Shon?"

He nodded as she spoke about living her full time. "You and Shasta both will when we go back to Earth. Is an exact replica of my home, our home on Earth." He corrected.

He watched as Shon and Shasta sat on the rocking bench and just talked. "That's a good idea with the telescope. You should do that."

“Blankets on the ground, hot tea watching the stars around earth, sounds good. What do you think Shasta?” She turned to look at her daughter and gasped, shrinking back as she saw her dissolve into dust screaming.” She stood and backed away.

“Mom…what’s’ wrong?” She asked worriedly looking at Seth.

Shon made light of it. “I thought there was an insect that’s all, so Seth when is this feast ready?”

Seth looked up as Shon screamed and then tried to blow it off. "No, Shon. Stop pretending. What is wrong? Shasta and I deserve to know, we're a family and what affects one of us affects all of us. Now what is going on?"

“Nothing.” Shon said “I’ll discuss it with you later Seth.” She said and went an hugged Shasta. “Sweetie Mom’s just a little …..upset, now why don’t we eat some of this delicious food your dad prepared.” Shon moved over to Seth and whispered in his ear, “I need to discuss this with you away from Shasta, she cannot know.”She turned to Shasta, “Go wash up sweetie and we’ll eat.”

Shasta looked at her and shrugged, “why can’t I be involved in these adult conversations?”

Probably because you are not an adult my sweet girl” Shon joked and gently swatted her daughter on the butt. “Now get!”

Shasta shrugged, “I’ll be right back Dad I hope you made a lot because I’m starving.” With that she disappeared into the cabin.

Seth stood silently as Shon and Shasta had their conversation which ended with Shon sending Shasta to wash up.

"I made plenty Shasta, don't worry there is plenty." When she was out of sight he turned to Shon. "She has a point Shon darling She has a right to be included in discussions especially if they affect her. Now what's going on? Out with it."

Shon sat with her head in her hands. “How can I tell our daughter that every time I see her she dies in front of my eyes. First it used to be only the occasional dream, finding her again, having her miraculously returned to me after all those years. Then the dreams changed to nightmares then to daydreams and now,…..” Shon began to sob…..”And now whenever I look at her all I see is her death. Seth she is going to be taken away again! Otherwise why am I seeing this. I can’t work, cannot eat and I only pretend to sleep.”

"Come over here and sit down." He said as he led Shon over the rocking bench. As they sat down, he took her hands in his. "Now you listen to me Shon. I don't think Shasta is going to be taken from us. Not at all. I think these nightmares and daymares you are having are as a result of your own fear of losing Shasta, that your mind is creating these visions in response to your fears. You have to stop obsessing over this. You are ruining your health both physical and mental. Get back to enjoying life and having Shasta here. Love your daughter, enjoy the time you have with her." Seth replied firmly but softly.

“Hold me?” Shon whispered. “I do love her and you, more than anything I know but it is not that easy. I am going to have to talk to someone about this but I am afraid it will make me seem weak. I am already unable to take part in this latest mission and I feel my professionalism and my expertise is leaving me.” She turned her face to look at him Seth I am considering taking J’Heek to make me feel better.” As she let the words go she knew she was asking for help. Her addiction to the Klingon drug had nearly killed her. Only her meeting with her now Vulcan brother had saved her both physically and mentally. She was appalled that she had even spoken to Seth about it. She smiled brightly if not somewhat tremulous. “Let’s eat, it smells so good and I am hungry for the first time in a few days.”

Seth wrapped an arm around Shon and held her close. "I love you and Shasta with every breath I take Shon, but this isn't about love it is about you and your well-being and it is suffering. You aren't weak Shon, you are incredibly strong. Talking to someone shows how strong you are. You talk of your professionalism and your expertise leaving you. That is a clear sign for you to reengage and get help. Talk to Callie. She is a good listener and totally nonjudgmental." He turned her face to look at her, "No Shon, no taking of J'Heek absolutely not. It almost killed you and I'm not going to lose you. Shon, you have the strength inside you. You talking to me proves that. I am here with you every step of the way. We're in this together all the way." He finished by kissing her softly on the lips. "I love you, Shon. Oh, I love you so very much. As for eating, thank goodness!" He joked, "I thought you never say so." He stood up and extended his hand to her. "Shall we?"

Took his hand and allowed him to pull her up. She smoothed her stomach. “Do you think I’m showing yet?” She asked.

He looked at her a moment maybe two before replying. "Maybe just a slight bump Shon. However, you are as radiant and beautiful as ever."

Shasta was loading her plate with the delicious food Seth had provided licking her fingers as Shon joined her. Taking a small amount of food she smiled at the sight of her daughter’s plate as she sat down and applied herself to the ribs. “Are you having anything Seth?” She asked. “Mmm this is very good I may just have some more.”

Seth stood smiling at Shon and Shasta. He loved them both more than anything in this universe and would do anything to keep them safe. He nodded at Shon's question, moving to pick up a plate and place some food on it. "I am sure am. I have to move fast before Shasta eats it all!" He said jokingly and feeling utterly at peace with his wife and daughter.

He took a bite of the ribs, "Ohhhhhh yum! This quite good if I do say so myself. A piece of the bloomin onion was tried next and found to be utterly delicious. The corn on the cob would be next but he was in no rush. He wanted to enjoy these moments for as long as he could.

Shon looked over at Shasta helping herself to more ribs with extra sauce. She touched Seth’s hand and whispered, “you wouldn’t know our daughter ate so much, look how thin she is?” She smiled. Before Seth could answer Shasta looked towards them rib sauce mirroring her smile.

“Mom, you know I can hear everything you say?” she said smiling at them both and placing another rib in her mouth. “Anyhouhg Mom u cloud due pu tut sone weight non”

Shon shrugged her shoulders, stood and place a couple of pieces of corn on her plate, pouring herself a coffee she returned to sit next to Seth. “And you young lady should not speak with your mouth full!” Shasta raised her eyes and continued to eat. “Looks like a storm is coming in?” Shon said looking out towards the mountains.

"Oh, let her enjoy herself Shon. Though I agree Shasta shouldn't talk with her mouth full." Seth answered as he cast an eye towards the mountains. "Yes, but we have time to eat before it gets here. So, no worries. Enjoy the food and eat Shon. Shasta is right, you need to be putting on some weight."

Shon put her plate down after taking a couple more bites of her corn and sipped her coffee thoughtfully. “Shasta do you have homework?” She asked.

Shasta nodded through a mouthful of onion. “Do you want to go back to our quarters or do it here?” Shon asked.

Shasta looked abashed, “errm, well I though I could invite Issa here, we wanted to go through some of the science problems together? you know Issa’s dad mom he’s the Bolian engineer.” Shasta had begun to redden.

Shon looked distracted, “you’ll have to ask your father. I was hoping to lie down for a while.”

“Well Dad?” She asked licking her fingers. “He’s such a nice boy and so science oriented.”

Seth listened to Shon and Shasta's conversation. He saw Shasta redden as the conversation continued. *Hmmm, something there beyond homework.* He thought silently. "Sure, Shasta sweetie.Ask Issa here. Its fine." He looked at Shon. "Shon honey, go lay down and get some rest. I'll clean up though Issa may want some food. So, I'll let Shasta fix him something if he wants it."

Shasta blushed, thanks Dad but you won’t hover will you?” She asked.

Shone nodded and rose to kiss both of them. “I love you both so very much you know.” With that she walked slowly into the house and straight to the front door. Opening it she stepped onto the large wrap around porch. Sitting in the deep rocking chair she covered her knees with the thick blanket Seth had provided. She rocked back and forward taking in deep gulps of the fresh slightly moist air coming from the mountains. It was so easy to thing it was all real and not just a collection of photons and shadows. Shon wondered why she felt the way she did. She acknowledge she had a wonderful husband and Shasta, who had been returned from the dead by Hela had settled back down into life on the Washington. Shon knew she was depressed and her thoughts were black as she rocked. A fine drizzle commenced as she stood and decided to swim in the lake. She loved swimming and was very good at it, smiling at last she set off through the rain towards the lake a kilometer away. Soon she was soaked but the experience of nature all around her was exhilarating. She began to run her feet pounding into the wet ground.

The lake, usually blue and tranquil had taken on a steely grey appearance as the mounting wind whipped up the surface causing peaks of foam to leap into the air. It looked foreboding as she stripped off her wet clothes and entered the water. It was cold, very cold and she gasped as she dove underwater. Underneath the surface it was deep and tranquil as she continued down her hair trailing out behind her like some mer creature. She surfaced back into the maelstrom now further out than she wanted to go, but she continued on trying to reach the small island in the middle. Seth had build a small cottage with a large open stone fireplace, a comfortable sofa and a small kitchen.

She dove underwater having found her bearings and kicked out towards the island. Suddenly something brushed passed her, something big as the water around her became turbulent.

On the shore, Seth was packing the food up and clearing the table off plates and glasses when he saw Shon swimming in the lake and apparently enjoying herself. He watched as she dove under the water and remained submerged for several seconds. "Shasta! Here now!" He yelled for their daughter as he was already moving toward the lake.

Shasta heard her father just as she was welcoming Issa into the holodeck simulation. She grabbed his hand and ran towards the lake pulling him with her.

Underwater Shon kicked so she was able to see behind her. A dark shape loomed towards her through the turbulence and a large round black eye appeared in front of hers. The shape pushed itself towards her placing its body beneath hers and lifting her to the surface. Shon took a deep breath in the midst of the storm, grabbed a large protruding fin and held on. The moment before they dived she saw Seth waving on the shore. “I’m okay” she screamed into the wind. Then they were gone the creature taking her deep into the void.

On the shore Shasta reached Seth, breathless the Bolian boy kneeling on the ground almost so short of breath he was close to passing out. “Dad?” Shasta exclaimed.

"Shasta," Seth replied before addressing the boy with her, who was breathing hard. "Issa." Then he got down to business. He was already taking his shirt off and removing his shoes. "Your mom is out in the lake with something., From what I could glimpse of the fish, it's a sturgeon, a white sturgeon
I believe. I'm going out to get her. I want you to watch for your mom, while I swim out to get her. Okay?" He asked as he turned and headed for the lake.

Shasta swallowed and nodded. She knew this was serious yet she could not get over the fact that Issa was there with her. The Bolzano boy had moved to collect her fathers shoes and shirt and had placed them neatly together despite the now pouring rain and increasing wind. “Be careful Dad!” She exclaimed her voice caught by the wind. Issa took his coat and placed it over Shasta’s shoulders and pulled her close.

Moments later he was in the lake. Seth was a powerful strong swimmer, and it took him only moments to reach the approximate place where he had last seen Shon. He turned back to shore to look at Shasta to see if she had any additional information.

“THERE” Shasta shouted pointing to a white flash breaking the water hoping that her father had seen it too.

Breaking the surface for a moment Shon took another deep gulp of air before the huge fish began to take her down again. By now she was very frightened both for herself and for the twins. The fish was diving deep again and Shon was becoming disorientated at the rapid ups and downs of the fish. Suddenly the fish appeared to have caught in some weeds, the thick green fronds encircling them both wrapping them up as they turned over and over. The fish finally broke away leaving Shon trapped as it darted out of sight into the depths below. Shons ears began pounding as she knew she was taking her last breaths. As she began to pass out her last thoughts were about how sad Seth and Shasta would be without her and she wished she had been able to say goodbye. A feeling of great peace seemed to fill her being and she smiled in the raging waters.

Seth turned to where Shasta was pointing. He saw a flash of a fin and a glimpse of Shon before the fish dove under the water again. Swimming quickly to the spot he looked back to the shore and Shasta who stood helplessly looking back at him. Taking a deep breath of air into his lungs and dove under the surface. Swimming deeper and deeper he turned his head looking for Shon. Nothing, he swam deeper. A flash of white caught his eyes and he saw her! She was trapped in some weeds. She looked dead. His heart beat faster as he reached her. Taking her head in his hands he breathed air into her lungs. A second passed maybe two then Shon's eyes flickered and opened. He gave her a quick smile and worked frantically to free Shon from the weeds. Thankfully it wasn't a hard job and she was freed quickly. Wrapping an arm around her he swam for the surface. Once they broke the surface, he turned and breathed air into her lungs again. "Shon? Shon?! Speak to me!"

Shon felt her lungs expand and take in oxygen as she began to take gulps of air. She noted the rain on her face and felt Seth’s arms around her. She opened her eyes and looked into his concerned and scared ones, putting her arms round him she clung on. It felt perfectly safe in his arms as though the air around them was perfectly still. She began to cry, “Seth…..I don’t want to die I want to be with you and Shasta for as long as I can. I want to have your babies, continue life here on board the Washington. Nothing else matters.

Seth gently caressed her cheek. "Sshhhh. Shon. Everything is alright. You aren't going to die, and you'll have your babies. Your wrong though Shon. You matter. You matter a great deal to Shasta and me." He took a towel from Shasta and wrapped her in it. "Shasta, everything is alright. You and Issa go do what you were planning. Issa, if you're hungry there is some food left over from the lunch we had." Seth told the pair of teenagers as he carried Shon into their bedroom.

Shon woke in the comfort of their bed with Seth’s arms around her. He was smoothing her wet hair from her face caressing it softly. She opened her eyes, “I thought I would never see you again.

Shasta pressed her ear to the door of her parents bedroom and shushed Issa when he began to protest. “Shasta I don’t think you should be doing that, give your parents some privacy!”

She turned and placed her finger to her lip to shush him. Pulling him away she sat him down. “Issa I need to tell you something about me…” she paused. “I died.”

Issa looked at her, “oh you mean the doctors brought you back after an accident?” he said thoughtfully thinking how golden her hair was in the light streaming through the windows as the last of the sun went down.

She looked serious and put her hand over his. “No Issa I mean I died….for years. I died in a fire with my dad after Mom couldn’t save us, then, suddenly I was back again, alive, with a new dad. I don’t remember anything about it but some..person, witch, Goddess someone brought me back.” Tears began to well up inside her as it felt so good to tell someone. “You see Issa I don’t ever want to die again and I am afraid if something happens to either of them I will die forever this time.”

Issa looked at her not knowing if she was joking with him but, looking at her he knew she was not. She began to cry as he pulled her towards him. “Shush, it’s okay, everything is going to be okay Shas, I’m here now.”

Seth could hear the teenagers talking in hushed whispers. He looked at Shon she was covered, her head on a pillow. "Shasta Travis, I know you are out there. Come in her right now...please" He said firmly. "Oh." He added, '"Tell Issa, to go find something to do. You won't be long."

Shasta looked asconce at Issa, “they must have heard me” she whispered.

Issa stood, “good I’m glad Shas, tell them not me. I am here for you but they are the ones you need.”

Shasta nodded sighed heavily and entered her parents bedroom. Shon raised herself upon her elbows surprised at seeing her daughter as she had nearly been asleep. “Seth what’s wrong?” She queried holding his arm.

"Not a thing sweetheart, you go back to sleep. I just need to talk to Shasta in my office." Seth replied to Shon in a perfectly normal tone. it was part of the reason he was just a good diplomat. He never showed if he was angry or upset.

He turned back to Shasta. "Let's talk in my study." He said as he led the way into the room and closed the door behind him. Have a seat Shasta." he took a seat at his desk and for several seconds he just looked at Shasta. She wasn't his daughter, not biologically but in all the important areas she was. he loved her fiercely, would protect her till his last breath. She was a good kid and he was always proud of her. However, she was growing up, seeking more and more independence. Already she was having a brush with puppy love. Soon it would be real. She would have a boyfriend. She would go off to school, maybe graduate school, get married and start her own adventures. and Shon and he would no longer be the focal points of her life. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but it was the way of the world. One thing would always be true. Shasta would always be his girl.

"Shasta." He said calmly. Why were you listening at our door?" Sitting back awaiting her answer.

Shasta looked behind him out to the garden where Issa was sitting on the swing. “I, I don’t want to bother you, I knew Mom was not well and, well I know I was brought back from the dead by …….someone. Dad it has bothered me ever since, I keep thinking it will all disappear. My life here, Mom and you, my friends and it always seems nearer when she is ill or injured. If either of you dies…..” she stopped and then, as if a dam broke she could not stop. “My other dad, the dad that made me, I feel so guilty that he is not alive why me only me, do you ever think of him and feel that you are not my dad I love you and Mom so much and I don’t want either of you to die I hear so many stories at school from my friends about death whilst on duty it could happen to both or one of you any time.” She stopped and took a deep breath. I don’t want to die Dad! Please help me?”

Seth looked at the girl he loved as his own. "Shasta, my precious Shasta. You should have said something sooner. You are never a bother to me or your Mom. It will never disappear. Oh, it may change some but the love we have for each other will never disappear." He got up out of his chair and knelt in front of her. "Don't feel guilty about your real dad. You had no part in it and yes, I think of him quite a lot and how sorry I am that he can't see what an amazing daughter you are." He took a breath. "Shasta, death is one of the occupational hazards we pay for being out among the stars. I can assure you, your mom and i don't want to die either. You aren't going to die Shasta. Not for a long, long time. Now, we have to work on you living and enjoying life for I believe there is a young man quite taken.
with you."

Shasta stood and walked to the window watching Issa, “he really cares for me dad, he says he loves me and that we should….we should..” she walked back to Seth and knelt down by him. Taking his hand in her smooth one she looked at him long and hard. “Dad he says we should be together like you an Mom, you know, in bed and I don’t want to not now, not ever.” Her cheeks blazed red.

"Then don't Shasta. Don't let him or any boy pressure you into doing something you don't want. You are a beautiful young lady Shasta, when you have sex, it should be special and not just because someone wants to do the act or get between your legs. You are so much more than that Shasta." Seth smiled at his daughter and squeezed her hand gently.

Shasta blushed furiously. “I was hoping you would say that dad, to be honest I’m not sure I really like boys in that way dad.” Shanta shrugged. “It’s strange I feel so much more like talking to you about these things than to Mom. Sometimes I feel she is looking forward to the two new babies growing inside her more than me……..I am so..confused about many things.”

Seth smiled at Shasta, "You can always talk to me Shasta. Always. I didn't mean to embarrass you, Shasta. I apologize for doing so. But you are so much more than someone's one night stand. " As for your mother, she loves you dearly. But the babies are special, and you are growing up, I think she is afraid of losing you. What are you confused about darling?

“Mom wants me to be a doctor like her.” She blurted out. “She has it all worked out. School, top grades, medical school, surgical specialty then apply to Starfleet. I told her yes that was what I wanted to do and it was, it truly was but what I really want to be is an exoarcheologist. The longer it has gone on the more she talks about it and the less I can tell her what ‘I really want.” Shanta looked at Seth. “Will you tell her Dad? Please.”

He could deny her nothing. "Shasta. This isn't about what your Mom wants. it's about what you want. Follow your dreams, Shasta. Not your mom's or anyone else's for if you do you will be truly miserable. I'll mention this to your mom. However if she comes to you, you need to tell her sweetie."

Shasta nodded, “thanks Dad.” She kissed him on the cheek. “I think I will go and talk to Issa and then send him home, then I’m going to go riding…if that’s okay with you?” She smiled. “Thank you Dad, for talking to me and listening.

Seth nodded and smiled. "it is perfectly fine with me Shasta. If he gets mad, he was never your friend. Find someone worthy of you. I'm always here for you Shasta. Always."

There was a soft knock on the door and a sleepy looking Shon walked in wearing Star fleet pyjamas and fluffy slippers her hair loosely gathered into a tail. “There are my two favourite people in all the galaxy” she said softly her heart leaping at seeing the two of them together. “Shasta Issa is wondering if you have deserted him?”

Shasta looked at Seth, “I’m going to tell him now Dad,” she said jumping to her feet off the couch. “Love you Mom” she said as she rushed off.

Shon looked askance as she closed the door and approached Seth. “What was all that about?” She asked as she sat next to him and swung her legs onto the couch her head in his lap.

"Just a father and daughter talk Shon." Seth answered as he caressed her cheek.

“Hmm, you know I am so happy that you and Shasta have become so close.” She reached up for his face pulling it down to hers. “I don’t know why I got so lucky becoming your wife and spending my life with you. I am so looking forward to having our babies.” She pulled his hand down to her abdomen splaying his hand so he could feel the increasing bump. She then moved his hand downwards.” Her breathing increased as she kissed him deeply. “Seth make love to me here and now, I want you.”

He returned the kiss. "I want you as well Shon but is it safe for you and the babies? I don't want to endanger you or them."

She smiled at him her eyes hazy. “As I remember telling Callie, gently and slowly and I will be gentle and slow with you.” She laughed as Her legs wrapped around the man she loved.

He laughed in good humor at her teasing. He kissed her softly, gently. " Your consideration know no bounds, Shon. I am truly fortunate to have you as my wife and lover."

She smiled a lazy knowing smile and stretched. “For the first time I feel really at peace. When that, that fish took me down, in some way I just wanted to vanish into the deep taking my depression with me an no longer feel……anything. I was sure you and Shasta would mourn and then get on with your lives. I know you will, would look after her but then I thought who would look after you?” She turned his face to hers. “Seth I want to spend the rest of my life with you wherever that will be, bring up our babies and help Shasta to become the beautiful talented woman she will become. Before I return to my duties there is just one thing I want to do…..I want to return to Earth to say goodbye to Grandfather. Do think the Captain would let us go?”

"We will always be together Shon and of course I will look after Shasta." He kissed her gently. "Of course, the Captain will us go, just explain it to him Shon."

Son settled down in Seth’s arms as the watched the flames in the fireplace make shadows on the wall.

Seth held Shon gently in his arms. He was a very rich man with a wife and daughter who he both loved dearly. There was no better feeling.