Benecia Sector
4th day of the 10h month (August: Earth calendar)
See'a and Lairo's Quarters
"Well someone is very excited today," Lairo said with an amused grin.
"I am!" Mareesa replied.
After traveling for another month, the Havora was now about thirty six light years from Nlia and about halfway
between the planets Benecia and Planet Q, both of which contained large Earth colonies. They were scheduled
to arrive at Zornek Station the following day and Mareesa was beside herself with excitement and anticipation.
See'a smiled and rubbed her stomach. Six months into her pregnancy, her belly was beginning to swell.
"I think your excitement's catching. My little one's moving around a lot."
Mareesa quickly moved over to her. "Can I feel?" At six months one could begin to feel a child physically.
At See'a's nod Mareesa placed her hand on the expectant mother's stomach and grinned as she felt the tiny movements.
She's really moving! Maybe she's dancing in there!"
See'a chuckled. "Maybe. She seems to be very energetic." Her eyebrow raised. "Almost as energetic as someone
else I know."
Her face grew more serious. "I'm glad you stopped by this evening, Mareesa. Because I have something for you."
She reached beside the sofa and picked up a small box. "Sylee helped me to make it." Sylee Vo was one of the Havora's
technicians and was known for her creative solutions. She had a strong artistic bent and loved designing baubles and jewelry.
Mareesa opened the box and her eyes widened as she saw a small hair ornament, made up of an embroidered leather
oval with two bright feathers attached. "Thank you! It's beautiful."
See'a smiled. "It's nothing fancy. Just a simple little gift. I thought I'd make a something special for a special friend. I
'm going to be very busy when the baby comes so I thought I should do now while I still had time."
"I helped a bit too." Zairo smiled and pointed to a rather clumsy bit of embroidering in a corner.
"I'm no artist, but Koel insisted I add a personal touch." He chuckled. "I guess when she and I are away on our
maternity leave it will make sure you don't forget either of us."
Mareesa slowly put the ornament in her hair. Then she reached out and clasped See'a in a firm hug.
"Thank you, Koel," she whispered. She then turned and embraced Lairo. "Thank you, Zan." She leaned back
and looked at both of them. "Thank you both, so much."
Tomorrow she's get caught up in the excitement of arriving at the Zornek Station. But for now she would take
the time to enjoy this small gift and quiet moment.