A/N: I'm combining two story ideas here, both encouraged by Madam'zelleGiry. This is the long-awaited seaQuel (see what I did there?) to Boomerang, so if you haven't read that, this might be a tad confusing. The rest should be self-explanatory. Like its predecessor, this will be a two-shot. Also, this is written for the July writing prompt at The Hostile Takeover of 'appearance'.
Disclaimer: SeaQuest DSV and its characters are not my creation. They are the creation of Rockne S. O'Bannon as a 1990's television series. This work of fanfiction is for entertainment purposes only and is not for financial gain. I am just borrowing the characters for a bit and promise to return them unharmed and in their original condition, maybe just a bit happier.
Chapter 1
The best laid plans of mice and men...or in this case, of people and dolphins...often go awry, because spring was well under way, and there still hadn't been a wedding. Kristin wasn't particularly upset about that, however, since there was so much to do in getting ready for the baby. Nathan had pulled strings and had some remodeling done while they'd been in New Cape Quest for repairs. In one weekend, the captain's quarters had been transformed into a miniature apartment for the two of them with a little bedroom off to the side for the baby. And with the birth of Baby Bridger fast-approaching and having to work around their schedules, the wedding had definitely been moved to the back burner. At this point, she'd already decided there wouldn't be any time for it until after the little bundle of joy arrived.
No, they'd decided against learning the sex of the baby; they'd wanted to be surprised, so they went with neutral colors for the baby's room and picked out two names. In one month, they'd meet him or her, so it was an exciting time. Health-wise, everything was going well. Wendy had been watching her like a hawk, but she couldn't say she was upset about that. Kristin had been lucky to find as good a friend and doctor as Dr. Smith, even if it was in such an unexpected way. She and Wendy had worked side by side in medbay...until just a few days ago. Wendy wanted her off work the last month to rest and get things ready, and she was grateful for that. She'd needed it.
As for Nathan, they'd been getting along wonderfully. They definitely worked on their anger issues and didn't snap at one another over tiny things. Then, after the baby's arrival, the plan was that she and Kristin would run medbay and the science labs together. That way, she and Nathan could both tend to the baby and not affect their work...or that of the others. Everything seemed to work out, so she wasn't going to raise a fuss about the wedding. Nathan, however, had other plans. After he'd gotten off-duty for the day, he'd arranged for a romantic dinner for two and pulled Kristin away from a nap to enjoy it.
"I told you I could just eat when I woke up," she mumbled, still half-asleep. "I'm so tired these days."
Nathan kissed her cheek. "I know, but can you blame me for wanting to spend time alone with you before he or she interrupts us?" he asked, nodding towards her belly. He then took her hand and helped her to her chair. "Besides, I want to talk to you about some things."
She frowned. "Oh, dear; this sounds serious."
He waved a hand. "Yes, but it's nothing to worry about exactly. It's just... We have one month before little Nathan or little Kristin arrives, and as much as I love having you here, I'm not sure this is the safest place."
"Excuse me? It was your idea to bring me here in the first place, and now you want me to go?" Okay, so maybe she wasn't doing her best not to fly off the handle on this one, but her hormones were going crazy, and she was nearly as big as the damn seaQuest itself. She had the right to be a little testy.
"Sweetheart, that's not exactly what I meant," Nathan said, moving around the table to place his hands on her shoulders. "I love you, and of course, I wanted you here...still want you here. But now that the baby is nearly here...and you in the delicate position you're in... Anything could happen. We face danger all the time. I couldn't bear it if anything happened to you or our little one." He bent down to kiss her cheek again. "What I'm trying to say is, I have a suggestion. I think you should stay upworld until the baby is born. I pulled some strings with Bill, and they need me here for another two weeks, but after that, I'll be with you."
She softened. "So...we'll only be apart for two weeks?"
"I know it's not ideal, but we'd talk via vid-phone, and I'd feel better knowing you and the baby are safe. You also wouldn't be alone. I thought you could stay at Bill and Janet's until I get there."
"I doubt they'd want me staying there and disrupting their lives. I'm a big girl, Nathan. I can handle being alone for two weeks, pregnant or not."
"I'd really feel better if you weren't..."
She sighed. "You've already arranged it, haven't you?"
"You're not upset with me, are you?" he asked sheepishly. "I just... I want to make sure we do everything right."
"I know, you've mentioned," she replied, turning to look up at him. "And no, I'm not upset. I know it's because you care."
He moved to sit back down. "So are you agreeing?"
"As much as I dislike the thought of being apart, I understand your worry. And considering the risks for someone my age..." She shuddered slightly, still hating the terminology. "...well, it's better in the long-run."
"Wonderful! And once I get to New Cape Quest, we can deal with the wedding."
Her mouth fell open. "W-wedding?"
"Well, yes; we did say we want to be married before the baby arrived, didn't we? Obviously, time's ticking away."
"Yes, we did say that. We also said we'd wanted to get married in early spring, which was nearly two months ago. It's apparent plans got away from us, and honestly, I haven't the slightest bit of energy to plan a wedding right now."
His brow furrowed in worry. "So you're saying you want to wait?"
"I don't want to exactly. It's just...we've run out of time, and I think it would be better to wait until after the baby comes. You'll have time off, and we can plan a little intimate get-together on the island? Something? I just think throwing a wedding into it all would be too much...for both of us, don't you agree? I know this is a second marriage for us, but I still want it to be a little special."
"All right, you win," he told her. "I was thinking we'd just run off to the the justice of the peace, and we could always throw a party after the fact..."
"Is it that important for you that I be your wife right now?"
"I've wanted it for longer than you know, but when you throw all the other details into it, I know you're right. I've waited this long. I can wait a little longer, as long as we do it before little junior can walk."
She laughed. "I promise I will have you at the altar before there are any more upsets. I suppose having Janet to help me plan will be nice."
"That sounds like a deal. Now, why don't we eat?"
She nodded. "Great, because I'm starving."
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The next day, Kristin found herself saying goodbyes, starting in the science labs. "At least when I get back, I'll be several pounds lighter," she commented to Wendy.
"And the crew cannot wait to meet the newest addition." She placed a gentle hand on Kristin's belly. "I am sorry I won't be there for his or her arrival." She quickly pulled her hand away and pulled a card from her jacket pocket. "But I agree with the captain; the best place for you and the baby is on land. I've made all the arrangements with Dr. Ruby Schumacher at Cape Quest hospital. I've already sent your file over to her. I hope you don't mind, but I thought I'd save you the trouble. Dr. Marquez isn't taking any more patients right now; I did check with her first."
A hand rose to Kristin's mouth. "I honestly hadn't even thought of that. I'd just assumed..." She pulled Wendy into a hug. "Thank you for that."
"It was no trouble. She's an old friend of mine, so I know you're in excellent hands." She held up a finger. "That doesn't mean I won't be checking up on you, though."
Kristin laughed softly. "I wouldn't expect anything less." She then became serious. "I am going to miss you, though."
Wendy put an arm around her shoulders. "You'll be back before you know it. That month is going to fly by...and then there'll be a wedding and a honeymoon to attend to," she said with a wink.
"Are you reading my mind, or did Nathan tell you that?"
"I wish I could say I read your mind, but no...Nathan mentioned it to me. He told me you decided to wait."
She nodded. "It would be silly to try and pack a wedding into our already overly-packed schedules. We'll have more time after the baby arrives."
"That's exactly what I told him."
"I should have had you break the news to him then," she teased.
"You think he was upset?"
"Not exactly, but he did look like a little boy who dropped his lollipop in the dirt." She shrugged. "If only he'd have mentioned it months ago..."
"But we were dealing with man-eating plants and giant prehistoric crocodiles," Wendy quipped. "Not to mention the meetings and the conferences and everything else."
"Exactly...and this is the twenty-first century. People who aren't married have children together all the time."
"As long as you two stay together, that's the important part," Wendy agreed.
A knock on Wendy's office door caused them both to turn, however.
"Talking about me, are you?" Nathan asked with mock anger, unable to hide his smile.
Kristin went to his side. "Just a bit of girl talk. We weren't saying anything you didn't know already."
"Well, I hate to break up the party, but the launch is due any minute."
"Already? But I haven't finished saying goodbye," Kristin muttered.
He gently kissed her forehead. "Launch bay is packed to the brim; the rest of the crew decided they'd make it easier for you...and I've already had Lieutenant
Brody take care of your bags."
"Oh, well, that's very sweet of them...and you." She ran a hand through her hair and glanced back at Wendy. "Um, I...I suppose this is it then."
Wendy pulled her into a tight embrace. "You just take care of yourself and that baby."
"You know I will," Kristin told her. "And you take care of yourself as well."
"Don't worry about us; we'll be fine. I'll talk to you soon."
Kristin broke the hug and gave one last wave before she and Nathan walked to launch bay.
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After saying quick goodbyes, Nathan helped Kristin to the launch. "We only have about five minutes before Brody comes in and kicks me out," he said quietly, pulling her into his arms.
"We both knew this wouldn't be easy," she replied, resting her head on his chest. "And it's...it's only two weeks, like you said."
"There are going to be days it feels like two years," he pointed out. "Even if I know this is for the best, it doesn't mean I like it."
She took a shaky breath, trying to keep her voice steady and blinking back tears. "We'll talk every night. We'll get through it, you'll see."
"I love you more than anything."
"Me, too," she said, losing her battle with her tears.
Nathan placed a hand under her chin, tilting her head to kiss the tears away. "Bill and Janet will be there to meet you when you dock. Call me as soon as you get to the house, okay?"
She nodded, and Nathan brought his lips to hers. "Be careful."
"You, too," she muttered, wiping her tears away as Lieutenant Brody approached cautiously.
"Captain...should I...?"
"No, I think we're finished here." He gave Kristin another kiss on the cheek. "See you soon, sweetheart."
She blew him one last kiss, and then Brody helped her inside.
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"My goodness, look at you," Janet gushed when she saw Kristin's belly.
"I know; I'm huge," Kristin replied.
Janet put an arm around her shoulders. "No, you're not; you're beautiful." She glanced over her shoulder. "Bill, she looks beautiful, doesn't she?"
"Of course you do," Bill said. "Just glowing."
"Well, that's very sweet of you to say, Mr. Secretary, but-"
"Kristin, I think you've known me long enough that you can call me Bill. This isn't exactly a formal situation," he told her. "Now, I'm sure you're exhausted, so let me grab your bags, and we'll get you home."
As Bill was gathering the bags, Kristin turned to Janet. "Now you're sure this isn't any trouble? I told Nathan I didn't want to impose."
"No trouble at all," Janet promised. "Besides, we haven't gotten a chance to talk lately. We can catch up...and Nathan says there's a wedding to plan? I'm your girl."
She nodded. "Well, I honestly wasn't worried about you; I'm just not sure that Bill wants to deal with hormones and all that for a little while. He's doing this for Nathan, not for me, I'm sure."
Janet waved a hand. "Oh, don't you even say that. Bill loves you. Now, let's get to the car so we can get you home and settled."
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Three days later
Whether it was for Nathan or for her, Kristin could never tell, but she had settled into their home very nicely. Janet doted on her, telling her she missed having someone to take care of, since Bill Jr. and Ginny were grown with their own families. Normally, she would never let anyone fawn over her, but Janet had given her strict orders not to argue. In return, Kristin occupied her time by helping Janet with some of the smaller chores around the house...well, what Janet would allow her to do anyway, that is.
"Put that broom down and come have something to eat," Janet said that afternoon. "I told you you didn't have to do that."
Kristin finished sweeping the small pile of dirt into a dustpan and then emptied it into the garbage can. "If I don't do something, I'll go mad. I am not content just lying about, you know."
"But the baby-"
"Is fine, I promise," Kristin replied. "I just had a checkup yesterday, remember? I'm not a china doll, and neither is he or she. I am well aware of the risks for a pregnant woman my age and am doing everything I can to have a healthy child. But if I sit on my behind any more than I already am, it's going to end up being the size of Jupiter. Fifteen minutes of light chores will not kill me...or the little one. Besides, the doctor said it was perfectly fine."
Janet frowned. "Well, be that as it may, I don't expect you to clean my house; you are my guest, not my maid."
Kristin sighed and set the broom down, moving to sit at the table where Janet had prepared sandwiches and a spinach salad for lunch. "As your guest, then I request to be able to help...at least a little. You know I love you and Bill, but..." She trailed off, trying to decide the right words.
"But what?" Janet pressed.
"I'm just a little bored," Kristin admitted, placing a hand on Janet's arm. "And it's not because you two are boring exactly. You're just...settled in your ways. Bill goes to work and you...you do what you need to do around here, and I... Well, I..."
"Sit around and watch?" Janet offered. "I know you're used to having action around every corner."
"Not necessarily action, but on the boat, there's always someone to talk to or something to do. I'm not saying I don't need to take it easy because I certainly do. I sleep as much as a cat these days. But I need a little something more than rest sometimes."
Janet nodded, giving her friend a gentle smile. "I'm glad we're talking about this now than when you're nearing the two-week mark," she teased. "Nathan had made it perfectly clear that you were to do nothing but rest. He expects us to take care of you."
She shrugged before taking a sandwich for herself. "Yes, well, he treats me like a china doll these days himself."
"He's just worried, considering..."
"Yes, I know, and I do understand it completely. I just wish people would also remember that lightning rarely strikes twice."
"Rarely, being the operative word," Janet said with a soft laugh. "But okay, I admit that maybe we've been going a little overboard with things. I'll try to remember you need something more in your life that lying about." She paused. "Well, we do have the wedding to plan."
Kristin groaned. "Don't remind me."
A brow rose. "I thought you were excited."
"I'm excited about the thought, but the work involved in it, not so much. We just want a small, intimate get-together on the island."
"And by small and intimate, you mean the entire seaQuest crew plus about twenty-five?" Janet quipped.
Kristin laughed. "Well, for the actual ceremony, I was thinking of inviting just the senior staff; we can always do something with the entire crew when we're on board. I'm not sure we could accommodate 250 guests on the island."
"Okay, so just the senior staff and then close family and friends. What about the wedding party?"
"I haven't even thought of that yet," she replied. "We wouldn't want to leave anyone out. I'd have to discuss that with Nathan... Though he did mention that he'd love to have Bill himself marry us."
Janet smiled. "You know he'd love that. I guess we can leave the rest alone for now then. There is one very important thing we can do right now, though."
Kristin's brow furrowed. "What's that?"
"Decide on your dress. You said you wanted something to do, and I thought what better way than to get out of the house."
"But I'm really not in the mood to shop all day... Not only that, look at me. How in the world could I fit into anything right now?"
"In about four weeks, you won't look like that, and you know you're going to look gorgeous. That's all baby weight anyway. I know just the place to go, and we'll only be gone a couple of hours. What do you say?"
Kristin sighed, knowing Janet was right. She did say she wanted to plan it while she was in New Cape Quest, and she knew there wouldn't be any time after the baby arrived. She nodded. "All right. We'll go as soon as we finish eating."
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Two hours later, they walked back through Janet's front door.
"See, that wasn't so bad, and we did find something perfect for you."
Indeed, Kristin fell in love with a cream-colored dress with a halter-type top and an empire waist to hide any extra baby weight. The waist and shoulders were decorated with tiny blue jewels that made it look very elegant. When she'd seen it, she knew it was the one. She got it one size larger than she normally wore before the baby, to be safe, though the shop told her if she needed alterations, they would handle them without a problem. "You were right; I am happy I let you talk me into it, but now, I need a rest."
"After you talk to Nathan and decide on bridesmaids and groomsmen, we can shop for bridesmaid dresses."
She laughed, moving to sit down on the sofa. "When I said I wanted more to do, I didn't realize you were going to try and kill me."
Janet bit her lip. "Am I being too pushy?"
"No, I know you're only trying to help me with this wedding business. I'm just a bit tired."
"Well, put your feet up, take a nap if you need. Do you mind if I watch a little television?"
"Not at all; I'll probably be asleep in about five minutes anyway."
"That's quite all right; I promise I'll keep the volume down."
As Kristin rested her eyes, she listened to whatever Janet had turned on, and it sounded strangely familiar. Finally, she had to open her eyes and look.
"Is it too loud?"
Kristin turned to see Janet staring at her from the armchair. "No, sorry, not at all. I realized it had sounded like something I'd watched before. I haven't seen I Love Lucy since I was a girl."
Janet blushed. "There's a marathon this week, and it used to be one of my favorite shows. I just love how Lucy and Ethel get into all sorts of antics."
"So do I. Maybe I won't go to sleep right away after all."
"Oh, I didn't mean... If you're tired, don't force yourself to stay awake."
Kristin shook her head. "I won't, I promise." She motioned to the screen, her interest piqued now, since it happened to be in the season where Lucy herself was pregnant. "I think the one where the baby is born is coming up soon, considering Ricky is having sympathy pains in this one."
Janet checked the television guide. "It's the episode after the next one."
So the two women chatted quietly as they watched the show up until Lucy went to the hospital to give birth. Kristin found her eyelids getting heavy just as Ricky started his voodoo dance at the Tropicana club. A short time later, she was fast asleep.
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"Kristin, you have some explaining to do!" Nathan called as he walked through the front door.
She put on a pout. "Oh, Nathan, I just want to visit the sub. It isn't fair that women aren't allowed there. Besides, I miss you so when you're away."
He pulled her into his arms. "I can understand that, but you need to stop pulling these crazy schemes. You know how Navy boys are. They're superstitious and set in their ways, and women on the submarine are a big no, even if they are the captain's wife."
"But, Nathan-"
He held up a finger. "No buts. When we ship out in a few days, you can't go. You need to promise me you won't try."
She sighed. "All right, I promise."
"That's my girl," he said, kissing her gently on the forehead. "Now what smells so good? I'm starved."
"It's just my meatloaf. The Noyces are coming over for dinner. Didn't Bill tell you?"
"I didn't get a chance to talk to him at the base, but that's all right. We can do that over dinner then."
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While the men were talking about technical problems on the sub, Kristin pulled Janet into the kitchen to help her with the dishes.
"You know the boys ship out in a few days," she commented.
Janet held up her hands. "If that's you trying to say that you want to try pull some silly shenanigans and try to sneak onto the sub, I'm not interested."
"Liar! Don't you wonder what it is they do there without us?"
"Naval things?" Janet guessed with a slight laugh. "I'd imagine it must be pretty boring."
"Or it could be very exciting, and we're missing out? Ever think of that?"
"Well, we're never going to find out because we're not allowed," Janet pointed out.
Kristin crossed her arms over her chest. "Which is just another way we women are treated unfairly in this country. No women allowed? Who do they think they are?"
Janet wrung her hands. "Oh, dear. I hate it when you get fired up."
Kristin gave her a smile. "And why is that?"
"Because when you get fired up, you get that look in your eye, and that means you're about to plan something." She held up her hands and walked towards the door. "I want no part of this. I think I hear Bill calling me."
"Suit yourself," Kristin called. "But when the boys ship out, I plan to be there with them."
Janet paused in the doorway. "And how do you plan to do that?"
"I thought you wanted no part of it?"
"I...I don't." She then shook her head. "No, I do...I think..."
"Well, which is it?"
Janet crossed the room back to her. "Oh...I guess I do want to know what it is they do there." She paused and turned to Kristin. "You know we're going to get in big trouble if we get caught."
"Of course I do, but this time, I'm sure we can pull this off." She moved closer to Janet's ear and began whispering her plan. It was foolproof, she was sure of it.
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By the time the day arrived for the boys to ship out, Kristin and Janet were ready to execute their plan. But they had to bide their time and wait for them to actually leave.
Kristin helped him pack his bags. "I'm sure you'll want this," she said, handing him a photo of her.
He smiled. "I already have several of these, you know."
"Well, one more couldn't hurt."
"Someday, we won't have to deal with this, you know. Someday, I'll be stuck behind a desk at the base, and I'll come home to you every night."
She sighed. "I wish that day was here. I don't like being apart."
"I know, sweetheart, but we've talked about this."
She nodded, feeling tears sting her eyes. Even if she was planning on being a stowaway this time, she hated saying goodbye to him.
He took the photo from her and placed it in his suitcase before closing it. He then wrapped his arms around her and gave her a long, passionate kiss. When breathing became paramount, he was forced to break it. "I really have to go. I'll call you soon."
She watched him walk through the door, wiping the stray tears from her cheeks. Then it was time for her to spring into action.
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"Kristin, I'm having second thoughts about this," Janet said nervously beneath her fake mustache.
"Well, it's a little late to turn back now," Kristin shot back. "And it's not Kristin now. It's Karl...and you're Joe, remember? Also, don't forget to lower your voice." She straightened out the sailor uniform she'd 'borrowed' from Nathan's closet and then helped Janet with hers. "Now you need to get a hold of yourself. You're a confident Naval sailor, not some meek Naval housewife."
"I...I'm a confident Naval sailor," Janet repeated.
"Good, now just repeat that in your head about fifty times," Kristin told her, nodding towards the dock. "I went through all the hard work of getting these assignments for us..."
Janet pointed to the papers in her hand. "How...how did you do that?"
"I borrowed them from Nathan's desk when I stopped to bring him lunch on the base the other day."
"Borrowed? As in stole? I didn't know you were going to do that."
"Well, how did you think this was going to work, dear? That we were just going to barge in, say we were sailors, and they'd let us on without question? We need to have order assignments." She sighed. "You're not going to let your morals get in the way now, are you? Remember, you wanted to know what it is they do there. Besides, just think of the look on Bill's face when he sees you."
"You mean after he blows his top?" Janet asked, nervously chewing her bottom lip.
"But once we're on the water, they'll have little choice but to laugh about it. They can't throw us overboard."
"Have you met Bill?"
Kristin grabbed her hand. "Oh, come on, we've come this far now. It'll all work out. You'll see."
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When they got to the docks, they saw a line of sailors. All they had to do was present their order assignments and then board the vessel. It seemed easy enough.
When it was their turn, however, they hadn't realized who would be checking: Secretary General Noyce himself.
"Orders, please?" he asked when it was their turn.
"Here you are," Kristin said in her best manly voice.
"What?" he asked, a brow raising.
"I said here you are," she replied, a bit louder this time.
"And I said what? I'm your superior officer, sailor. Show a little respect."
"Oh, gosh, I am so sorry. I'd forgotten where I was. Uh, sir. Here you are, sir."
To her surprise, he laughed. "First tour, sailor?"
"Yes, sir. And it's my friend, Joe, here's first time, too."
Bill read the papers carefully. Karl Schmidt and Joe O'Malley, huh?" He then eyed them both carefully. "Have we ever met before?"
"I don't think so, sir. We just transferred."
"Transferred? From where exactly? And this time, why don't you let Joe respond?"
Kristin's breath caught in her throat. Janet had been standing with her eyes to the ground, and the moment Bill moved to her side, she could see Janet shut her eyes tight, two seconds away from crying out. Janet, please, just keep your cool. Don't ruin this for us, please, Kristin thought.
"So, Joe," Bill said, slapping a hand on Janet's shoulder, "what base did you transfer from again?"
"Uh..."
"You'll have to speak up, sailor. I can't hear you."
"Um... Pearl Harbor, sir?"
Bill studied her carefully. "You don't seem too sure, sailor."
"Pearl Harbor, sir," she repeated, trying to keep her voice steady. "Sorry, I...I'm just a little nervous, being my first time and all."
He was quiet for several minutes while he read their papers once again before nodding. "I understand, but I'm sure you'll fit in with us just fine." He nodded towards the submarine entrance. "Go on, and watch your step."
Kristin nearly jumped for joy, being careful not to run so as not to look suspicious as she and Janet started on their way to the entrance.
"See you later, Janet!"
"Okay, Bill, I-" Janet stopped short when she realized what had happened, exchanging a surprised glance with Kristin. "Um, I mean...Uh... Oh, dear."
Bill shook his head as he walked over to them, leading them both away from the entrance once again. "Did you really think you could fool me with those fake mustaches and those ridiculous costumes, which might I add, are way too big on you?"
"I...well, it was Kristin's idea," Janet offered weakly.
"I didn't twist your arm," Kristin shot back. "Well, not exactly anyway." She sighed and pulled off her mustache. "Please don't tell Nathan, Bill. He made me promise I wouldn't do anything like this, but...I just don't see why we can't go."
"Tell me what?"
Kristin cringed upon hearing Nathan's voice behind her.
"Well," Bill said, "we seem to have a couple of stowaways."
Nathan moved to look at the women and burst out laughing. "Did you really think you were going to fool us looking like that?"
"What's wrong with how we look?" Kristin protested. "I thought we looked authentic."
"Except that those uniforms are twice your size and when you factor in the detail that you're pregnant..."
"Pregnant? I..."
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"Kristin? Kristin, honey, wake up."
She slowly opened her eyes, somewhat disappointed she was pulled from her dream, to see Janet's face.
"I'm sorry I had to wake you, dear, but Nathan's on the vid-phone for you. I know you'd be awfully upset if you missed him."
She nodded, forcing herself up. "Tell him I'll be right there."
"Of course," she said, helping Kristin off the sofa. "That must have been some dream you were having. You've been talking in your sleep."
"Indeed. We'd been transported back into the times of I Love Lucy. I was Lucy, you were Ethel...and we cooked up this crazy scheme to get on the sub." She walked towards the stair case when she felt pains in her abdomen. She winced and held her tummy.
Janet laughed, not noticing Kristin's discomfort. "That does sound strange. You'll have to tell me about it later. That-" She gasped, rushing to her side. "Kristin, what's wrong?"
The pain suddenly passed, and she held up a hand. "It was just a Braxton-Hicks contraction. It just came on so suddenly, but it's all right now."
"You're sure?"
"Yes, I promise. I'm right as rain now. Just give me a few minutes to freshen up, and I'll be back down."
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The truth was, however, Kristin felt something wasn't right. Oh, the pain had came and went; that hadn't been a lie. But she felt completely drained of energy...more than she normally was. Could she really be just that tired? As she looked in the mirror and brushed through her mussed hair, however, she noticed she looked a bit pale. She then set the brush down and rubbed her belly. "Are you all right in there, little one? If you weren't, you'd let me know, wouldn't you?"
She received a kick in response, putting her mind at ease. "I guess I am just tired," she decided. "We're just going to talk to Daddy for a little while and then we'll go back to sleep, I promise."
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"Hello, gorgeous," Nathan greeted when she hit the view button the vid-link.
She laughed softly. "You've been at sea way too long," she quipped.
"You'll always be gorgeous to me, no matter how you look," he said. "How are you feeling? I know Janet said you were asleep. I'm sorry I woke you."
She waved a hand. "It's fine. I'm fine."
"You look a little pale," he noted.
"I just had a Braxton-Hicks contraction after I woke up. It's nothing. And I promise I'm going back to sleep as soon as we're finished talking."
"Sorry, I just worry," he replied.
She nodded. "Well, how are things on your end? Any exciting missions I'm missing?"
"Not since yesterday. You did, however, miss out on Tony spraining his shoulder."
"Oh, dear. And just how did he manage that?"
"Being Tony, how else?" Nathan teased. "Actually, he was helping Dr. Smith move some supplies and he overdid it. Other than that, things have been a bit quiet. How about you?"
"Well, Janet and I have been doing wedding planning."
"Oh? And how much did you plan?"
She shrugged. "I got my wedding dress, but you can't see it until the big day."
He laughed. "You'd look beautiful in a paper bag, you know. I'm a very patient man."
"Oh, yes, I know that. We will have to think about groomsmen and bridesmaids, but we can discuss that in more detail when you're here. I don't... I don't want to talk about that now," she replied, stifling a yawn.
His brow furrowed in worry. "You're sure you're feeling all right?" he asked. "You don't sound all right."
"Well, your son or daughter is using my bladder as a trampoline at the moment," she said with a light chuckle. "And I really think I'm just tired."
"You think? Kris?"
She sighed. "I'm sure it's nothing, but if I still feel drained in the morning, I'll go see the doctor. I promise."
"All right, but if anything changes..."
"I'll call you right away. But I'm sure it's fine. Try not to worry."
He smiled. "I always worry; you know that. But I promise I'll try. I suppose I should let you get back to bed."
"We'll talk tomorrow," she promised. "I love you."
"I love you, too," he told her. "Sleep well, my darling."
"You, too."
A/N: Many thanks to Che for her help with writing this.