A heartbreaking alternate version of 'The Siege of AR-558.'

"Your appointment with Lieutenant Dax is in 10 minutes," the computer chirped as Julian sat on the couch in his quarters with Ricky and a few letter blocks in his lap. "This is your 10-minute warning."

Julian sighed softly before setting the letter blocks aside. He had gone back on duty a long while ago after being cleared by Dr. Girani, but Sisko had ordered him to talk to Ezri about the mental and emotional trauma. Unfortunately, despite setting reminders for himself, he had forgotten about it and didn't get a sitter arranged. Ricky would just have to come with him to the appointment, Julian reasoned, and he would be perfectly content with his toys as long as he himself stayed within view.

With the war going on and people needing counseling more often, it had taken Julian a while to actually get an appointment, but it was now here. Sighing, Julian quickly got Ricky into his stroller, gathered his bag and the hand toys, and then made his way to Ezri's office on the Promenade.

The walk itself was slow because Julian had been cramping a bit lately and he had simply attributed it to muscles needing rest. He had prescribed himself some simple analgesics that wouldn't harm fetuses just in case he was pregnant and he had also been carefully monitoring his health on a daily basis.

Ezri was inside the counseling office already and Julian sighed as they entered, "I'm sorry that I'm not alone today, but I forgot about the appointment until now and didn't arrange a sitter," Julian explained anxiously as he sat and then arranged the stroller nearby. "Let me just get him situated…"

"Don't apologize for being a parent," Ezri replied patiently, watching Julian hand Ricky a few letter blocks and a couple of simple shape puzzles before facing her. "You seem to be a very good one."

Julian sighed, leaning back against the couch before crossing his legs, "I was implanted with Carrier organs at Internment Camp 371 and made pregnant through some procedure I have no memory of undergoing," he explained softly. "I…I suppose you've read my file and already know that, though."

Ezri nodded, but offered a reassuring smile, "This is a safe space, Doctor Bashir," she replied gently.

Ricky suddenly began making happy noises and offered one of the pieces from the shape puzzle to Julian with an eager expression on his face, "Oh, thank you," Julian replied, smiling at his son whilst taking the shape. "Ricky…I think he might have the same developmental delays I had when I was a child, but I never got to explore what I could do with them. My parents had me illegally enhanced when I was six and my father got sent to prison for two years over it. He's set to get out this year."

Ezri looked sympathetic to that, "I…I don't want my parents to know about Ricky's delays because they'll try to push me into doing to him what they did to me," Julian spoke shakily, gazing at her. "I was irreparably violated when I was six and so what happened to me in the internment camp and what happened to me recently…it's causing so much grief. People only want me if they can experiment on me and turn me into something good enough for them. Am I actually good enough for anyone as I am?"

"Ricky seems to think so," Ezri observed softly. "He seems to love you a lot."

Julian smiled slightly before returning the shape to the little boy, "My parents tried to petition Starfleet for the right to see Ricky and tried to get me declared an unfit parent, but Starfleet set the request aside for the moment because of the war," he replied worriedly, frowning. "Even if I ever needed to put Ricky in foster care to straighten myself out, I wouldn't trust him to my parents. They'd hurt him and hate him because he would remind them of Jules. Ricky's different, yes, but I love him the way he is."

A chime suddenly filled the room, "All senior officers to the wardroom," Sisko's voice called out.

"Looks like we'll have to continue this another time," Julian spoke with a sigh as he stood up and Ezri made some notes on a PADD. "Do…do you think I could schedule another appointment?"

Ezri nodded and pocketed her PADD before standing up, "Of course you can," she spoke calmly.

"Do you mind walking to the wardroom together?" Julian asked. "I'll have to bring Ricky with us."

Shaking her head, Ezri offered Julian a reassuring smile and walked with them as they left the room.

By the time Julian and Ezri arrived, Captain Sisko and Garak, who was wearing a translator headset and holding a PADD, were already talking to Kira, Miles, Worf, Nog, and the others who were assigned to the station's senior staff. Captain Sisko gave Julian a disapproving look as he noticed Ricky.

"I'm sorry, Captain, I was at my appointment when you called for the meeting," Julian spoke in a subdued voice, sighing. "I forgot to arrange a sitter and I had to bring him with me to both places."

Captain Sisko's eyebrow raised at the mention of the counseling appointment and he merely nodded before looking back at the screen, "The Defiant has been asked to deliver relief supplies to a planet called AR-558 where Starfleet officers are in active combat with a platoon of Jem'Hadar troops," he explained in a solemn voice. "The message was sent in code and Mister Garak decoded it for us."

"Um, I just need to arrange a sitter since Keiko's on Bajor with the kids doing some sort of botanical conference for children," Julian spoke nervously, his expression worried. "Just give me a bit…"

Garak chuckled, "Why, Doctor Bashir, I can watch Ricky while you're away," he offered kindly. "I have watched him before and he's familiar with me. I've also watched how you care for him…"

"That will be very helpful, Mister Garak," Captain Sisko spoke calmly. "You can begin immediately."

Julian gently kissed Ricky as Garak walked over to the stroller, "We'll be fine, I assure you," Garak said, collecting the stroller and diaper bag. "You just focused on getting those supplies delivered."

"Thank you," Julian replied, offering a nervous smile. "I really appreciate you, Garak."

Smirking, Garak removed himself and Ricky from the room, allowing Julian to focus on the briefing.

Even though space and the ship were both cold, Julian felt unusually warm as he worked assembling medical kits in the Defiant's Sickbay. He was also feeling a little achy and nauseous, but he wasn't sure if it was from a possible pregnancy or just nerves. Even so, he was assembling kits while sitting at the small desk simply to be safe and due to the fact that he cramped a bit every time he was on his feet.

"Doctor, are those kits ready?" a voice suddenly spoke over the comms. "We've arrived."

Sighing, Julian tapped his combadge as he gathered the kits into a container and stood. Before he could reply, a jolt of pain shot through his body, but he managed to ease it with some light breathing exercises that he had used during his pregnancy with Ricky, "On my way," he finally managed to speak.

The trip down to the surface ultimately took a turn when Sisko decided that they would stay while the Defiant left with Worf, Miles, and the rest of the crew in tow. Julian quickly became distracted from his troubling symptoms and instead focused on treating the medical needs of the 43 officers who were at the heavily damaged base. It took enough time and energy that by the time he was done, his cramping was worse and he was also battling extreme nausea and an ever-growing headache.

Even though he knew he was needed as a soldier, Julian hid himself in the tent hospital for a brief respite to try and relieve his increasingly concerning symptoms naturally. As he sat on a supply crate engaged in breathing exercises, Quark came storming in and paused at seeing what he was doing.

"Doctor Bashir?" Quark asked cautiously, eyeing the man worriedly. "Are you all right? You look…"

Julian sighed, but shouting could suddenly be heard outside and Quark quickly ran out. A few moments later, an officer Julian recognized as Reese came hurrying in with Nog over his shoulder and Quark at his heels. His own health would have to wait, Julian reasoned, as he got up and hurried over to Nog.

"He was shot just below the knee," Reese explained in a shaky voice. "He's a brave kid."

Julian quickly checked Nog's leg with his medical tricorder and sighed, "I'm going to have to amputate to keep the injury from getting worse," he explained, a somber expression on his face. "I'm sorry…"

Quark nodded and left, prompting Reese to also leave. Julian sighed and quickly went about sedating and prepping Nog for surgery as best he could with the tools and environment that were available to him. As Julian began to operate, his cramping intensified and he also began to feel pain in his shoulders. He wanted to stop and check himself, but Nog needed him. Somehow, Julian managed to complete the operation, but it was an effort because everywhere hurt and his nausea level was high.

After making sure the still-sedated Nog was comfortable, Julian activated the recording of I'll Be Seeing You in an attempt to provide comfort for his younger patient. He then moved back over to the crates and sat with hands over his aching abdomen to try and massage the pain away. As he closed his eyes to rest, he heard footsteps enter the tent and he opened his eyes to see Quark come in. Quark didn't see him right away and silently moved to Nog's side, being gentle as he tended to his nephew.

"How is he?" Quark finally asked, not looking up from Nog. "I noticed you, don't worry."

Julian sighed weakly, "He needs a hospital," he replied softly, wincing. "I've…I've done all I can."

Quark frowned, hearing the distress in Julian's voice, "What's with you?" he asked in an annoyed, slightly confused voice as he turned just in time to see Julian wince and nearly keel over. "Doctor?"

Sounds of weapons fire suddenly filled the air and in the midst of the noise, a Jem'Hadar soldier entered the tent with its weapon at the ready. With a hand on his abdomen, Julian managed to get his phaser out and as he prepped it, Quark quickly produced a phaser and shot the soldier dead.

"I…I have to go help the others," Julian spoke shakily as he stood and nearly doubled over because of the pain shooting through his entire body. "Oh…oh my God…it hurts."

Swallowing hard, Julian staggered over to the opening of the tent with hand clutching his aching abdomen while his shoulders filled with pain. Bodies belonging to both Starfleet officers and Jem'Hadar were everywhere and he could hear whimpering, crying, and weak moaning.

They're all dead. Julian realized anxiously. I'm all alone with Quark and Nog. Oh…oh no.

A Jem'Hadar soldier suddenly advanced from the shadows and raised its rifle at Julian, but it was suddenly felled from behind by weapons fire, "Doctor?" Captain Sisko's voice suddenly called out.

Julian's vision blurred briefly before he saw Sisko come into view with Reese, "The fight's over," Captain Sisko spoke in a concerned voice as he approached. "A lot of people died, but we're…"

"You're bleeding," Reese observed, his eyes wide as he stared at Julian. "It's all over you…"

Captain Sisko frowned at Julian, "You're pregnant again?" he asked anxiously. "Why didn't…?"

"I'm not…" Julian managed to speak shakily. "I…I need to sit down…dizzy."

Reese's eyes widened and Julian suddenly found himself being walked back to the medical tent by him and Captain Sisko, "Sit down," Captain Sisko spoke in a calming voice. "Easy does it…"

Julian sighed as he felt himself being sat back on the supply crate, "…Captain, come in…" Worf's voice suddenly echoed out of Sisko's combadge. "The Defiant is back in orbit…"

Sisko was saying something, Julian could tell, but he suddenly couldn't hear what was being said. As his world faded to black, Julian was also vaguely aware that someone was trying to talk to him.

"…What's a Cardassian fighter doing on a Federation starbase anyway? Aren't the Cardies…?"

A hiss filled the air, "We're in a war, you fool," a deeper voice snipped. "Your racist attitude…"

"If you two are going to argue, you can go outside!" Sisko's voice suddenly spoke up.

Warmth filled Julian's body as he slowly regained consciousness and saw Sisko, Miles, and an unfamiliar looking Cardassian in a military uniform standing in a group by an unfamiliar door. The Cardassian, who was facing him, suddenly paused, "Your friend is awake," he said simply.

Captain Sisko moved over to the bed and Julian suddenly looked scared, "Where am I?" Julian asked in a confused, quiet voice. "I'm feeling warm and I don't recognize this place and I…a dripfeed?"

Suddenly noticing the dripfeed in his hand, Julian took a good look at himself and saw that he was dressed in what looked like hospital pajamas, "We…we were at AR-558," he spoke shakily, his eyes wide as he tried to process where he was and why. "What am I doing…is this a hospital room?"

"Please settle down or I'll be forced to get your doctor," the unfamiliar Cardassian replied in a firm voice as he approached the bed. "You apparently passed out and almost bled to death…"

Julian's eyes widened in shock and the Cardassian sighed, "My apologies, I did not mean to frighten you," he stated calmly. "My name is Jhanathan Dramok and I am a translator for Starbase 371. I hate that the Cardassians are working with the Dominion, but if I were to try and interfere…"

"So you do what Garak does?" Miles spoke up in a surprised voice. "How'd you even get to…?"

Jhanathan scoffed, "Captain Grayson put in a good word for me after I rescued her sister from Terok Nor," he replied, keeping his eyes on Julian. "Would you like me to go tell your doctor you are up?"

"What happened?" Julian asked shakily, his expression confused. "I started feeling off on the Defiant and I thought it was nerves, but it just kept getting worse. I don't even remember coming here…"

Jhanathan sighed and looked at Captain Sisko, "Doctor, you had a miscarriage," Captain Sisko explained in a quiet, concerned voice. "You passed out and Reese and I got you on the Veracruz…"

Julian paled, "I…I was pregnant?" he asked in a weak voice, his expression one of intense shock.

"It wasn't a viable pregnancy," Captain Sisko replied gently. "That's what the doctor here said…"

Tears filled Julian's eyes and he suddenly closed his eyes, plunging into grief simply because he could do that. He didn't care who watched him cry; this was a living nightmare and he needed to cry.

"I just want to go back to Ricky," Julian finally wept softly, keeping his eyes firmly closed.

Jhanathan sighed, "I will talk to your doctor about the idea," he promised. "Just rest for now."

As much as he didn't want to rest anymore, Julian found himself quickly slipping back into sleep.

To Julian's shock, his doctor turned out to be none other than Dr. Grayson and she was one of many doctors who floated between ships and stations to assist in the war effort. It wasn't until much later in the day that she actually showed up at his room and by then, Miles had gone to eat and call Keiko.

Captain Sisko offered the doctor a smile as she came into the room, but Julian didn't even look up from his blanket, "Jhanathan mentioned that you wanted to return to Deep Space Nine, but I wouldn't recommend it at this time," Dr. Grayson spoke in a concerned voice. "You lost a lot of blood and almost died because the ectopic pregnancy caused a fallopian tube to completely rupture…."

"I just want my son," Julian mused softly, sighing tiredly. "My living, breathing, beautiful little son."

Dr. Grayson suddenly went very quiet, "Doctor, shh," Captain Sisko spoke calmly as he got up and approached the bed. "We're trying to get you back to him as soon as we can, but you're not well…"

Julian teared up and began to sob quietly, prompting Sisko to gently embrace him, "I didn't know…I really didn't know," he wept in an anxiety-filled voice. "If I had known, I could have…"

"Doctor Bashir, an ectopic pregnancy is not sustainable even if you're very careful," Dr. Grayson explained in a gentle voice, her expression concerned. "There's nothing you could have done…"

Julian exhaled weakly and Sisko continued holding him as a father would a heartbroken, hurting child, "It's all right," Captain Sisko spoke calmly. "Doctor, I promise we'll go back as soon as you're able."

Numb with grief, all Julian could do was nod and continue to silently weep in Captain Sisko's arms.

A week passed before Julian was allowed to leave Starbase 371 and Miles hadn't been able to stay because the station needed his technical expertise, but Captain Sisko had stayed behind because despite being ordered to return to duty. Sisko knew that Julian needed help and that his time would be better spent making amends with Julian while he had the chance. After all, time was very precious and neither Dr. Grayson nor Jhanathan had much time to spend with Julian because they had their own duties.

The two officers had managed to get a ride back to DS9 on a ship that was headed for the Front, but they had to share quarters. Neither truly minded, however, as it gave them a chance to talk, get the rest that they both needed, and not have to mingle with anyone they weren't comfortable with. Sisko had his uniform, but Julian's uniform was too damaged and he had been given simple civilian clothes at the hospital because he wasn't to be on duty after his release and even once he got back to the station.

"Doctor, are you hungry?" Julian heard a voice ask calmly. "I got some stew from the Mess."

Sighing, Julian lifted his head from the bunk where he had been resting and winced when he felt pain rocket up his body. Captain Sisko was standing beside him holding a small bowl of stew in his hands.

"I'll try and eat, but it's still not easy to sit up," Julian spoke softly, wincing as he slowly sat up.

Captain Sisko nodded and he sat beside his CMO, "I wanted to apologize for what I said after Jadzia's death, Julian," he spoke in a quiet voice as he helped Julian eat the stew. "It was cruel and I shouldn't have said it, but I was very angry about Jadzia's death. Ricky has been a blessing and I should have…"

"I forgive you," Julian spoke in a quiet voice, his expression sincere. "I know you didn't mean it."

Captain Sisko sighed, "You're probably wondering why I insisted on staying with you at this starbase when there's so much to be done and I'll tell you that I stayed because I've dealt with your type of situation before," he explained, sighing when Julian pushed the empty bowl away. "Feel better?"

"A little," Julian spoke in a quiet voice, his expression now somber. "What do you mean?"

Captain Sisko suddenly looked very somber, "I told you Jennifer had miscarriages, but I didn't tell you that the last one was an ectopic that happened not long before Wolf 359," he explained in a quiet voice, noting Julian's surprised look. "She was still recovering on the day of the attack and that's why she passed so quickly. Her body wasn't strong enough to take the trauma of being pinned…"

Julian nodded and sighed weakly, "I admit, I'm worried that I won't recover from any of this," he confessed in a quiet voice. "My father gets out of prison this year and I'm sure he and my mother will be pushing for Starfleet to let Ricky come visit them. I know they're worried about my mental state and my ability to raise a child, as is Starfleet. I haven't forgotten that I'm on the watchlist…"

"Julian, I don't know what's going to happen after the war and I know Starfleet still has their doubts about your ability to be a parent, but you do actually have a say in what happens to Ricky if Starfleet does declare you unfit even temporarily," Captain Sisko replied quietly. "You can admit that you're aware of the situation and if Starfleet decides you need more parental fitness training without Ricky around, you can have an open foster situation established with someone you trust. Back when Starfleet told me about the petition your parents filed, I did some research into child welfare laws and learned about the open foster situation. Basically, Ricky would live with a foster family of your choice within a reasonable distance of Command and that family of your choice would see to meeting his needs, but you would still retain decision making power. It's a very open situation and it's what I'd advise."

Dread filled Julian's heart, "The question of my parental fitness isn't ever going to go away, is it?" he realized in a sad voice, his expression trouble. "Things are just on hold because of the war. If it was no longer an issue, you wouldn't be telling me any of this. What exactly has Starfleet been telling you?"

"That they still very much intend to take your parents concerns seriously, but not until after the war is over," Captain Sisko explained gently. "Given the issues with your parents, I doubt you want them..."

Julian shook his head, "Especially since Doctor Girani and I determined that Ricky is developmentally delayed," he admitted softly. "And I trust Garak and Miles, but who knows what's going to happen…"

"If you had a spouse, it would make it easier for Starfleet to drop this entire matter, but you don't and I'm not recommending you get one just to get this issue dismissed," Captain Sisko replied calmly.

A smirk filled Julian's lips, "I'm not into shotgun weddings like Odo and Lwaxana Troi, either," he admitted in a tired voice before the smirk faded. "I appreciate you telling me all of this."

Suddenly, a chime filled the room, "Captain Sisko, Doctor Bashir, we're approaching the docking ring at Deep Space Nine," a professional voice suddenly spoke. "The station has already signaled that they're waiting at the airlock for your arrival. Please pack what you have and prepare to depart."

"I don't really have anything," Julian admitted softly. "The Defiant took everything."

Captain Sisko responded by offering him a hand to help him up, "You have yourself," he replied.

The door on to the Promenade opened and Julian was surprised and pleased to see Miles, Ezri, Worf, and Nurse Jabara with a hoverchair. He hadn't expected to be welcomed back by anyone and couldn't help but wonder if they knew the trauma he had personally endured during and after AR-558.

Each greeted him with a hug and words of welcome, but Julian quickly made a beeline for the hoverchair because his entire body hurt and needed a break. Captain Sisko offered a reassuring smile before walking off into the station to see Jake and Kasidy and also get back to work.

"How are you feeling?" Miles asked in a concerned voice, eyeing Julian worriedly. "You look tired."

Julian sighed and then realized Miles might be able to help him with the foster situation idea Sisko had told him about, "A little tired," he admitted softly. "Do you know how Ricky and Garak…?"

"Garak turned Ricky over to us a few days ago and said Starfleet needed him to do more work for the war," Miles explained in a confused voice, frowning. "He…he said he sent you a message about it."

Wondering why Garak had suddenly handed Ricky off and why he seemed to be scarce, Julian frowned, "He didn't," he replied in a concerned voice. "I'll have to talk to him later, but I could use a good long rest in my quarters right now. I know I should check in at the infirmary…"

"Actually, Julian, we were hoping you'd stay with us during your recovery," Miles spoke up calmly. "I was told you'll still need a bit of time before you can go on duty and Ricky's staying with us anyway, so you can be close to him. He's been quite unhappy without you around, to tell you the truth."

Julian nodded and sighed before gazing at Ezri, "Could I talk to you before I rest?" he asked quietly, suddenly feeling unready to face more people while he left his current burdens unspoken about.

Ezri nodded and quickly took control of the hoverchair, "We can talk in my office," she replied softly.

Miles immediately looked worried, but he didn't say anything as Ezri took Julian off down the Promenade to the counseling office. Worf and Nurse Jabara left soon thereafter, but Miles lingered briefly before silently making his way down the Promenade and into a side corridor. True to form, Garak was in his shop and working silently at a console wearing one a translator headset.

"Garak, Julian's back," Miles spoke in a quiet voice. "You told me to let you know when he was."

Garak sighed, but continued his work, "And I'll be shipping out at any time to return to Cardassia, so I don't know why I did," he replied in a quiet voice. "When I find Damar, my time here will be…"

"But you love him and you love Ricky," Miles spoke quietly, frowning. "You can't just give up…"

Garak scoffed, scowling as he turned to face Miles sporting an upset expression on his face, "I can and I will because it will be easier for Julian if I do," he replied in a dark voice. "I love him and I love his son dearly. I wanted them to be my family so badly, but I love them enough to let them both go."

"Does this have anything to do with the nasty letters you've been getting from Julian's father?" Miles asked in a confused voice, sighing at Garak's glare. "Odo's been monitoring your communications and he asked me to ask you if you want me to make it so you don't get any more messages from Richard."

Garak sighed, "Julian may want a relationship with his parents someday for Ricky's sake and I'm an alien who used to do some very shady things," he replied in a resigned voice. "Richard Bashir said that Julian falling in love with me was worse than him having the disabilities he had because my past will always hold Julian and Ricky back. God, the man is worse than Tain, but…in a way…he's right."

Miles's eyes widened and Garak turned back to the screen, "Unless you have a request for some tailoring work, please see yourself out," Garak spoke in a lifeless voice, his expression sad. "I have a lot of work to do and I don't need sentiment clouding my mind. This is the way things must be."

Stunned at Garak's words, Miles left and it was only then that Garak let himself silently weep. The Cardassian knew his actions would hurt Julian, but they could never be together and be happy.

Had Garak heard of the miscarriage and of Sarina's desire and decided that I wasn't one to be associated with anymore? Julian thought sadly to himself as he sat in his hoverchair, silently wondering why Garak had handed the responsibility of Ricky off and why he hadn't come to the airlock that day.

"Doctor Bashir, are you all right?" Ezri asked in a concerned voice, bringing Julian out of his thoughts.

Julian sighed, suddenly remembering that he was still in Ezri's office and was supposed to be talking about himself to her, "I'm sorry," he lied softly. "It was a long trip and I think I'm getting tired."

Almost immediately, Ezri could tell that Julian was lying, but she also knew he had been through several traumatic experiences in a short time and wouldn't respond well if she pressed him, "I can walk you to the O'Brien's quarters," she offered, getting up. "You should get as much rest as possible."

The kindness in Ezri's expression and eyes prompted Julian to let himself smile, "Um, Lieutenant Dax, I was wondering if you wanted to continue our conversation over a meal or some sort of light activity in one of the holosuites once I'm feeling a little stronger?" he asked in a quiet, uncertain voice.

"Once you're feeling stronger, sure," Ezri replied, offering Julian a reassuring smile as she took control of the hoverchair. "In the meantime, though, get some rest and remember to be kind to yourself."

Julian nodded and kept quiet as Ezri took him to the O'Brien's quarters. He was received warmly by Keiko, as Miles was still on duty, and Keiko helped him settle on the couch. Ricky was playing in a playpen within his view and Julian's attention went right to how wonderful his little son was.

Eventually, Miles came back from duty and Julian remained on the couch while Keiko got supper for herself, Molly, Yoshi, and Ricky. Miles, however, joined him on the couch with two full plates.

"I need to talk you about something," Julian spoke softly as he picked at his small meal.

Miles nodded, stuffing his face heartily while gazing at his friend intently, "On the way back from Starbase 371, Captain Sisko implied that there's a chance Starfleet will revisit my parents' request about having Ricky on Earth while my parental fitness is judged," Julian spoke softly, his expression somber. "The Captain told me about how I could request that Ricky stay with foster parents of my choice instead if it ever came to it. I was wondering if you and Keiko would ever be willing to…?"

"I have no idea what's going to happen after the war, but of course we'd be willing to help you," Miles replied in a concerned voice, knowing full well how uncomfortable Julian was around his parents and how uneasy he was about letting the learning-disabled Ricky around them. "What does that involve?"

Julian sighed, "I honestly don't know much about it, but it would keep Ricky away from my parents and their prejudices," he explained in a tired voice, his expression sad. "You're right in that nobody knows what will happen after the war, but I'd feel better about being prepared ahead of time."

"Well, Keiko and I will help you however we can, all right?" Miles promised softly. "Don't worry."

For the first time in a long time, Julian allowed himself to feel a sense of relief and reassurance that he was cared about. Even if things got harder, he could at least make sure his son would be safe and loved.