Ravenswood, Douglas Illinois – 12106.13

"… And then the horse stopped short, and he was flung onto the top bar of the jump. He was stuck there for 15 minutes until someone decided to help the jerk." Sam demonstrated with his hands.

"Serves him right for what he did!" Christine laughed and sipped her wine.

"Sometimes karma can sneak up and bite you when you least expect it." Robin laughed and saluted the table.

"I don't think McTavish will ever live down that dressing down." Alan chuckled.

"What happened? Some of us have been stuck in 12-hour rehearsals for the past two weeks." Katie asked, curious.

Richard shook his head and stirred his mashed potatoes, "You know the storm he stirred up because of both Jack and Grace getting posted to the Galerstien station?"

"He was calling nepotism and conflict of interest on Robin's part as she is on the overseeing committee." Lynn filled in.

"His accusations made me miss most of the build weekend, but I was able to show proof that staff selections were made using blind ability stats and that proper procedures were followed." Robin smiled. "Though that didn't get me completely out of hot water."

"Oh?" asked Sam.

"While I was cleared of conflict of interest, others weren't." Robin sat her drink down. "It caused a review of the past five years of duty assignments for anyone associated with the project."

"That doesn't sound good," Christine murmured.

Robin sighed. "They found some minor instances where there was a possible conflict of interest, but they were simple to resolve. But, unfortunately, there were a few that were egregious."

"Please tell it wasn't us," Christine asked, concerned.

"Oh no, this clan kept our nose clean, McTavish's family…. not so much," Robin smirked.

"How bad?" Sam asked.

"So far, they have found three instances of McTavish using his connection to get one of his cronies into specific positions." Richard chuckled, "The finding of facts is ongoing, but McTavish has been removed from the committee and is under conduct review."

"His shady actions wouldn't have been discovered if he had not brought up the accusations against me." Robin chuckled. Robin looked over to Lynn and noticed she wasn't listening. "Lynn, since we are done with dinner, do you want me to get the tea and coffee tray? We can finish talking in the living room.

"Hmm... Oh yes, that will be wonderful." Lynn smiled and herded everyone toward the living room.

Robin caught Richard's eye and motioned with her head toward Lynn. Richard nodded back. When Robin returned with the tray, handed out the beverages, and sat next to Alan, across from the young couple. Richard took his place in front of the fireplace, "As this is the last night, all of us will be under the same roof. So I thought we would do something special." Richard looked over to where Jack and Grace had sat together. They had not said much all night, and he could not blame them. "I know the two of you have been a bit overwhelmed the past few weeks." That got a light chuckle out of the couple. "What with the gift of a house and 800-man hours of work on it done for you." That got Grace to roll her eyes. "But Lynn and I thought we would give you something to take with you." Lynn came down the stairs behind them carrying a large bundle wrapped in tissue paper and sat it on the couple's laps.

Shrugging, Jack and Grace tore open the tissue paper. Inside was a quilt made of the tartans of both families. Embroidered on one corner were the wedding date and their names. "We remembered how much it meant to have something of your own when you shipped out and thought this would be nice for you."

"The back is Shetland wool and should keep you warm on the station." Richard pointed out.

"Richard, you know that the temperature is controlled on the station." Jack joked.

"Yes, but your quarter's thermostat is controlled by your wife." Lynn bent down, kissed, and hugged Jack and Grace.

Jack started to say something, but Richard cut him off, "Until that kiddo is born, that thermostat belongs to her, trust me. I have the battle scars." Richard chuckled as Lynn play-swatted him and then cuddled into his arms.

"Me next," Katie said as she jumped up next with a small item also in tissue paper.

Jack wrapped his arm around Grace and let her open it. Inside was a little onesie with "Daddy's Big Star" written. "This is so cute, Katie. Thank you." Grace beamed.

"Boy or girl, stargazer or stage star, I thought this would be perfect." Katie chuckled.

"Gee, thanks for stealing my thunder," Christine walked over and handed a similar size package to Grace. "Gracie, I'm sure I will be spoiling my little niece or nephew much more in the future, but I thought I would start with this." Inside was another onesie with "Mommy's future programmer on it. "I know it is a bit clique, but all the moms I've talked to say you can never have enough. "

"Ever!" Lynn and Robin said in unison, laughing.

"Sam and Katie hold the record for the most outfit changes in one day." Robin laughed. "I think Sam has liked to play in dirt and muck since he was born." Sam started to blush.

"Katie's favorite food was pasta in sauce, and she always wore it everywhere." Lynn chuckled.

Katie rolled her eyes, "Well, that explains why I can never get enough Italian food." She chuckled.

Trying to make his blush go away, Sam came over with a datapad and tossed an image onto a sizeable nearby screen. "I'm not someone for mushy stuff. But using some of dad's imaging software, I did a 3d rendering of Raven's Nest. As new things are designed and installed, I'll send you updates so that you can see what your family has been up to while you were gone."

"That is perfect, Sam." Jack beamed. Blushing, Sam went over and kissed his sister on the cheek and accepted a hug from Jack.

"That leaves us." Alan stood and brought a large box over. "Your mom tried to finish this in time, but Star Fleet had other ideas. "

"When I was stuck in bed, and when I had low days, I always wanted a piece of home," Robin said, trying not to tear up. "I tried to get this done in time for Jack to take to your new home, but I ran out of time. So I had the computer finish the rest of it. I hope you like it."

Grace opened the box to find a thick knitted Celtic braid wool blanket as she ran her hands over the top; Grace couldn't help a slight chuckle. Her mom didn't like to do cabling, much fewer ones this intricate. Robin had always said that if she wanted stubborn, temperamental, and could go wrong at a moment's notice, she would stay at work. So to see her mother take on the very thing she hates for her meant a lot. "It's wonderful. I know how much work you put into it." Grace teared up.

"I just wanted to have it done for your new home on the station," Robin said, sorrowful.

Seeing the two of them near tears, Jack spoke up, "Make you a deal, Robin. Make a matching baby set for the kiddo, and we will call it even." He smiled at his mother-in-law. "I know you would love that."

"Who says she hasn't already?" Alan smirked. He got a playful swat from Robin.

"I think that answers the question." Jack laughed as Grace buried her nose in the blanket. Then, sadly, Jack looked over to Grace. "We appreciate this, we do, but I still need to finish the pack and…."

"We get it, Jack," Richard assured him. "More than you realize."

Jack helped Grace stand up from the sofa and let her hand go to get hugs from her parents and Sam.

Jack then walked over to his nieces. "Chrissy, promise me you will look after her."

"I will just make sure you take care of yourself." Crissy hugged Jack hard and kissed his cheek. Katie walked up and took Crissy's place to give him a lingering hug.

"Jackie, please don't get lost in the stars out there." She held him tight.

"Only if you do the same," He kissed Katie's cheek then let her go. Katie grabbed Chrissy's hand and pulled her out of the room toward the transporter, trying not to look back.

"They will be alright," Richard laid his hand on his brother's shoulder.

"I know, but I'm not sure when I will see them again." Jack sighed, "They may be pains, but they are my pains." Jack gave a slight smile.

"Jack, it will be alright. Grace will be on the station in 2 weeks. Concentrate on making the station your home." Lynn put her hand to his cheek.

"Concentrate on your work. Focus on it but know each night that it is just one more day until you have her in your arms again." Richard squeezed Jack's shoulder.

"Speaking from experience?" Jack looked up to his brother. Richard ruffled his hair in response.

"Jackie, if you need us, we are here, even if it is to vent." Lynn wrapped him in a hug. "Richard and I both have been there and hoped you wouldn't have to face something like this, but soon as you chose Star Fleet, I knew it would happen." Lynn let go of him so that Richard could hug him.

"Our lives on the Comanche, then the Huron, Starbase 71, and everywhere since has been a build-up to this. Sure, you've had short-term and relief assignments, but those have only been a few weeks or months at a time. And now, your first long-term deep space assignment. And you get to do something that you have always gravitated towards, AND you're starting a family at the same time. Mom would have been so proud to see this moment. A most wonderful adventure indeed."

Jack was speechless until he felt Grace wrap her arm through his and pull him close.

While Jack was saying his goodbyes to his family, Grace got hugs from her parents and brother.

"Gracie, I hoped you liked it," Sam said sadly while he ran his hand over her back.

Grace turned to her brother and hugged him. "I love it, Sammie."

Sam held her tight, "I promise soon as I am done with finals next week, I'll be back and continue working on the nest. I want it perfect for you."

"Sammie, concentrate on your finals, and then worry about the nest, please." She kissed his cheek, "So sayeth your big sister."

"And big brother, I bet." Sam smiled. Playfully Grace punched him in the chin. After hugging his mom, Sam headed for the transporter himself.

Silently Robin wrapped her arm around Grace's shoulders. "He will be back next week, and you know he will throw his heart into the work to hide how much he is going to miss you and Jack."

"I know." Grace sighed and looked over to Jack's 'parents.' Her heart broke a little more.

Robin squeezed Grace, "You will be back with him in 2 weeks. You have been apart for longer than that."

"I wasn't a pregnant emotional wreck, then." Grace quibbled.

"Actually…" Alan started to tease.

"I wasn't 20 weeks pregnant and an emotional wreck. How about that?" Grace retorted.

"She has you there, Alan." Robin smiled but turned Grace toward her. "Let tonight be for yourselves. Tomorrow will come soon enough." Robin brushed some hair from Grace's face. "You can grieve when he is gone, but you can't let it stop you. Tuesday, I want you to put on your officer pants and start preparing your group for shipping out. If the cottage is too empty, you always have a place at home. Richard, Lynn, your dad, and I have all been through this, and we understand. We all love you and will be there for you when you need us."

Grace nodded and went over and wrapped her arm through Jack's.

"Take care of my boy, Gracie." Lynn smiled at Grace as she walked up to them.

"I will, as much as he takes care of me." She leaned up and kissed Jack sweetly. In the background, Alan waved goodbye to Richard and Lynn. Robin mouthed, "I'll call you tomorrow." Then both made their exit.

Jack finally found his voice, "Thank you; I don't know what else to say." Jack held Grace tighter.

"You are welcome." Richard wrapped his arm around Lynn.

Jack and Grace picked up the gifts and left for their home without a word.

Soon as they were out the front door, Lynn left Richard's side and was out the back door. Sighing, Richard knew where she was heading.

Lynn watched the couple walk down the road to their home from the top of Winchester hill.

Quietly Richard walked up the path to where Lynn was standing. He slipped a light shawl over Lynn's shoulders. "It can get a bit of a chill up here due to the wind, even in the summer."

"Thank you," Lynn replied tearfully. Richard was not surprised that Lynn was crying. She had kept it together through dinner and the gifts, but he knew her heart was breaking. He wrapped her in his arms, and she let the flood gates go. He just held her. His wife was a strong woman; there was no question about that, but he knew that beneath that professional exterior and parental strength for the kids was still the young girl he had married all those years ago. They were there watching the young couple make their way into their home.

Once they were out of sight, Richard guided Lynn back down the path to Ravenswood and up into their bedroom. Lynn changed clothing into a pair of old ratty flannel PJs. He knew it wasn't a coincidence that they were the pair Jack had given her for Christmas several years ago. He soon joined her on the bed and coaxed her into laying back in his arms. Her tears had dried, but the sorrow she gave off was still intense.

"When did I lose my baby boy?" Lynn asked simply.

Knowing now was not the time for humor, Richard squeezed her tighter, "I think the baby disappeared when he was seven. He took the lead when Christine broke her arm."

Lynn smiled slightly, "He took charge and made sure his sister would be alright."

"He carried her back to the house while Grace ran ahead and got you," Richard spoke into her hair.

"Even then, he had a good head on his shoulders." Lynn sighed. "He has shipped out for the small assignments before. But, heck, this time, he will even have Grace with him."

"When those two get together, they can do anything, always have." Richard chuckled.

"Good or bad." Lynn chuckled. "And that was in just the past two weeks."

"That they do." Richard smiled. "Are you going to be ok with this?"

Lynn sighed, "I will be ok in time. I can understand my mother better than I have ever wanted to."

"How do you mean?" He turned, so Lynn faced him.

"Wanting to wrap him in cotton wool and protect him." Lynn gave Richard a sad smile. "But I also learned from her mistakes." Richard put a hand to her cheek. "Lilly didn't trust my partner to be there for me when she wasn't."

"Oh, I initially screwed that up royally; let us be honest." He used his thumb to wipe a tear from the corner of her eye.

"But you learned and haven't made that mistake again. And you have taught Jack not to make that mistake." Lynn gently kissed him. "I trust Grace to be there for him out there. And I can assume Robin trusts Jack to take care of Grace." Lynn snuggled back into Richard's chest. "They can handle two weeks apart. They just did three months. Robin and I separated from them for two years is the hard part."

"It's not exactly easy on me, either." Replied Richard. "But, when I took my first Command assignment and left Huron for Starbase 71, we ended up separated from friends and family for almost five years. But somehow, despite the wheels ALMOST falling off a few times, we made it work."

"But there were lots of times that I felt alone and didn't like it there, and I got homesick a lot." Lynn sighed.

"But you had the kids and me, and you did what you had to do to keep the family together. And when it was coming up on the end of my term and you were offered your opportunities, we switched gears and came home."

"At the time, I felt guilty that I was stopping you from your career, but then I realized it was just another opportunity for the family. You still did great things. I was able to further my career, and we were able to get priorities straight." She looked up from his chest.

"The main difference in their situation is that they are both excited about the opportunity of both getting their dream assignment and the opportunity of doing it together. Finally, they have someone to come home to at the end of their day. Like I did with you all those years ago and still do. Now it's their chance to go out into the stars and prove their worth. Not just to Starfleet, but themselves and each other. Plus, couples get married and move away all the time. This situation is a little bit more extreme, but it's also a natural part of life." He sighed.

"Well, in case you don't remember, he did manage to steal my heart before you did…" she teased.

"And he has been my 'wing man' ever since." He smiled.

"But still, I worry…" she frowned.

"You wouldn't be doing your job if you didn't." He said as he stroked her hair. She cuddled into him, and they both fell asleep.