IT'S THE BEARD

(Disclaimer: All hail the Great Maker! JMS!

I have a confession to make, the title was inspired by Gimli in Lord of the Rings: "NOT THE BEARD!"

Thank you to Sabrina my beta and the kind reviewers: Cherub, Moon Bunny (double hugs), Ranger Baldwin, Petra, Cath (double hugs), lunis, Lady Galahad & Jadie.

Rating: PG 13

Pairing: I/M… duh!



(A few minutes later, on the White Star, Marcus lays Susan down on a bed at the horizontal angle)

Susan: The bed… how did you do this?

Marcus: Trade secret. But I figured you'd probably appreciate it, so I fixed this one in place, I swear it will hold.

Susan: Thank you. For the bed. For your help. For not giving up on us. For everything.

Marcus: It's all part of the service.

Susan: I couldn't have done it without you.

Marcus: Sure you could have. Now, you've wanted to rest for ages, so sleep.

Susan: I wish I could hold her again.

Marcus: I know. But she'll be okay, for a while. I promise.

Susan: I missed you Marcus.

Marcus: (Marcus grins) I missed you too. (Susan smiles softly, lies back and falls asleep quickly. The doctor enters) Will they be okay?

Doctor: I believe so. The baby is small, and 2 weeks premature, but she appears to be all right. And as for Susan… she is very weak. Undernourished. She has obviously been pushing herself too hard. Fiona, her friend would like to come in. Do you mind?

Marcus: Not at all. (The doctor exits, and a few moments later Fiona enters. )

Fiona: How is she?

Marcus: Exhausted, but ok

Fiona: Good.

Marcus: Can I ask a question? (Fiona nods) what happened to the baby's father? (Fiona looks uncomfortable) I'm sorry, I was just... curious. You don't have to answer.

Fiona: There is a plant on that planet, that causes an overload of testosterone... the 3 human males ate it… Both I and Susan were… forced. (Marcus' eyes flash in sympathetic anger on heir behalf. They killed each other afterwards. Susan conceived.)

Marcus: I'm sorry.

Fiona: They had no real control I suppose. It left us without a physician ever since. Which is why she couldn't have a termination.

Marcus: She wanted one?

Fiona: Rape is not a pleasant memory Mr. Cole. And there were few enough resources on that planet. We've all sacrificed so she could get the best food. It hasn't been easy, on any of us.



(When Susan wakes up, 2 hours later, the Doctor brings in her baby, who is crying. Marcus is still there. The baby stops crying but fusses in her Mum's arms.)

Doctor: She's hungry. (Susan blushes slightly)

Marcus: I'll go.

Susan: No, it's ok (Susan, unbuttons her blouse & yelps as the baby latches on. Marcus keeps his eye firmly on her face.)

Doctor: A little pain at first is normal.

Susan: Now you tell me. (She growl softly. Marcus chuckles) Keep it up Ranger.

Marcus: But I thought you owed me one?

Susan: I do. But I've had one hell of a day, so don't push you're luck.

Marcus: No Ma'am. (The doctor exits) Feeling better now?

Susan: I'm exhausted, but strangely happy too. (Pause) You're probably wondering who her father is?

Marcus: Fiona told me… I'm sorry.

Susan: oh. (Baby has finished; Susan closes her blouse.)

Marcus: What are you going to call her?

Susan: I've always liked the name Kim. What do you think?

Marcus: I love it.

Susan: Hello Kim. I'm you're Mother. (Kim smiles) She's smiling at me.

Marcus: She likes you and who can blame her?

Susan: Would you like to hold her?

Marcus: May I? (Susan nods. Marcus carefully takes her. Kim watches him for a moment as if studying him & then, apparently satisfied, she smiles again. Susan laughs at Marcus' look of wonder) Hello Young Kim.

Susan: She likes you too. (She tilts her head and studies them) It must be the beard! (He chuckles)

Marcus: She has your smile. A few years, and heaven help all men who look upon her. (Susan blushes)

Susan: At least she'll have Uncle Marcus to defend her honour.

Marcus: Always.

End of part 4