'You see, the 'Fun fish' was the first one I designed,' Alya said matter-of-factly as she continued her presentation. 'I was only beginning to dabble in the world of genomics and didn't really know what I was doing.'

Fitz scoffed quietly. Only dabbling indeed. She sounded just like her mother.

'The Fun fish is inspired by some of the most important people in my life. And it taught me all about genetics and genomics. But what I really want to show you is the 'Hero fish'. This work is also inspired by some very important people.'

Alya was sounding very serious, and much wiser than her mere twelve years' of life experience would imply. Fitz turned to Jemma, a question in his eyes, and was shocked to see that Jemma was holding back tears. His eyes widened in alarm, but she flashed him a watery smile and laid a hand on his knee. You'll see, her eyes seemed to say.

'Now, I just want to say that the 'Hero fish' isn't a complete design. It's more of an idea that needs more research and work to flesh out.'

Fitz felt his heart beating rapidly. Alya did not sound like a 12-year-old at a science fair. She sounded like a professional researcher with decades of experience under her belt. She sounded like Jemma.

'See, there are some very special fish in the oceans. Zebrafish, for example, are commonly used by researchers around the world to study all sorts of phenomenon. Including neural regeneration.

Neurons are the nerve cells of the body. They carry messages around the brain, and between the brain and the rest of the body. They are extremely complex and intricate. But when they are damaged, it is often very difficult for them to heal.

Zebrafish are great but they are very general model organism. I want to take this one step further with the Hero fish. The Hero fish has unique DNA constructs which make it the ultimate research tool, allowing scientists to test interventions with easy readout reporters genes. The Hero fish will allow us to conduct important research and make breakthroughs in treatments for diseases such as neurodegenerative disease, spinal cord injury and...hypoxic brain injury.'

Alya looked right at her father and smiled. Fitz almost burst into tears right then are there. Her smile was so sweet and innocent, yet so deep in compassion and empathy and love. She really was her mother' daughter, Fitz thought.

Beside him, Jemma wasn't even bothering to wipe away her tears. They were tumbling down her cheeks unrestrained. Fitz turned to her and dabbed at her cheeks with his thumb.

'The Hero fish,' Alya concluded. 'Will be a hero to thousands of people. Thank you.'

The round of applause lasted almost a full minute, and when it faded away, Alya added. 'Oh, and I just want to add that the Hero fish is inspired by my mum and dad, who are real heroes in every sense of the word.'

And with that, she hurried off-stage as the room burst into a renewed round of applause.

Later that night, they celebrated with Alya's favourite lasagne for dinner with chocolate pudding for dessert.

'It was brilliant, Monkey. I'm so proud of you,' Fitz declared for the sixteenth time.

'Thanks, Dad,' Alya grinned. She stabbed at her pudding with her spoon and scooped up another mouthful. Then her expression grew solemn for a moment. 'I just wish I could've made the Hero fish about thirty years ago.' She ate her pudding, and added. 'But then I guess you might not have become you. Both of you. Also I know the bottom-of-the-Atlantic story isn't all that happened.' Her last statement carried only the slightest hint of accusation.

'When you're older, darling,' Jemma promised.

Alya finished her dessert and skipped off to get ready for bed. Jemma began to clear the plates, but Fitz went around to her side of the table and grabbed her arms. Jemma put the plates down.

'Our daughter. Is. Brilliant.' Fitz said emphatically, kissing Jemma softly on the forehead. 'And so are you. Oh, Jemma, I don't deserve you, either of you. I am the luckiest man. On any planet.'

Jemma's smile grew wider, and Fitz felt a familiar sense of warmth in his chest. All these years, and he still never failed to feel utterly at ease whenever she smiled like that.

'You do deserve us, Fitz. You deserve the world, and more. You know why she called it a 'Hero fish'? It's named after you. You're the hero.'

Suddenly, Fitz was a shy young agent again, sitting next to the love of his life on a bunk in a fancy plane called the Bus and feeling all warm and fuzzy as she kissed his cheek after he'd tried to jump out of a plane after her.

But those were simpler times, and he wasn't that innocent kid anymore. He was a survivor and a husband and a father, and he wouldn't have it any other way.