Chapter Twenty- One:
Six months later Aikera entered command with Star, Orion's avatar, next to her and Luna slowly trudging behind them. Star was discussing the upcoming supply run with her captain.
"Star, I don't know much about the upcoming run, Beka does because she is the one doing the run. The main reason Orion is being used is because Rommie, Dylan and Rev are on a mini mission with Beka's cargo ship the Maru." Aikera said stopping at a console. Trance looked up from her console smiling at Luna. She could tell the young girl was bored.
"Hey Luna, how would you like to come help me?" Trance said peaking the child's interest.
"Really? Could I mother?" Luna said. Aikera nodded and Trance walked out of command with Luna. Not long after the two left Beka entered command.
"Aikera, Harper and I are heading out in a few, so you have command until Dylan or I return." Beka said.
"I know Beka, but thanks for letting me know." Aikera said. Beka left. Aikera looked like she was trying to hold a beach ball under her shirt. She was ready to give birth at any point. Andromeda appeared on the screen.
"Aikera we're being hailed by Archduke Charlemagne." She said.
"Bring it up." Aikera said. A second later Charlemagne's face was on screen.
"Aikera, where do you plan on giving birth?" He asked, "Before you ask it, Dylan told me you were pregnant."
"I'll give birth where ever this child decides to be born." Aikera said. She was so tired and sore that she didn't care if her dead mother was on the screen. Since Charlemagne had just gone through dealing with a pregnant wife, he let Aikera's attitude slide.
"Hopefully it isn't during a battle." Charlemagne said smiling.
Aikera smiled remembering the last delivery she performed. The woman was in the middle of a drift firefight and her water broke. Aikera was in the 'right place at the right time'.
"Anyways, Elsebett wanted me to say hello and let you know Angel is doing good. I'll let you get back to your thing." Charlemagne said cutting the channel.
"Pig." Aikera muttered. "Star, go find Trance and learn about her plants."
"Aye captain." Star said leaving command in search of Trance and Luna. Aikera sat on the step sighing. Tyr entered looking for Aikera. He had a serious question for her. He sat down next to her. Aikera looked at him questioningly.
"Tyr what is bothering you?" She asked.
"I asked Beka six months ago if she would consider being my mate and she never answered me." Tyr said.
"Was it an official proposal?"
"No, but that's not the point. I would like to officially ask her but I don't know how with out getting rejected."
"Tyr, my brother, when she returns from her supply run, that I sent her on, get her alone in her room and ask. It'll be her territory." Aikera said shifting positions. She wanted up but couldn't get up. "Help me stand please."
"You're impossible to talk to now. You can't sit still long enough anymore." Tyr said.
"Sorry, I'm just wanting to see the gender of mine and Harper's child but he says I can't until he returns. Its not fair." Aikera said as they slowly made their way to the mess. Aikera stopped as she put her hand on her swollen stomach. Tyr looked at her concern in his eyes. "The bay's kicking, wanna feel?" Tyr put his hand on her stomach as she guided it to the kicks. He smiled when he felt the kick.
"I wish I could have experienced this when Tamalane's mother was carrying him." Tyr said looking at Aikera's stomach.
"Where is he Tyr? I know he is alive. Why not bring him here, to live with you?" Aikera said.
"I don't know. He's only a couple of years old." Tyr said. Aikera got a thought.
"Lets go get him, bet the Monarchy is getting to old to care for him alone." Tyr agreed and they went to go get his son. Tamalane was excited to be reunited with his father. Aikera was happy to see Tyr finally smile again.
Three days later Dylan and Beka both arrived back at the Andromeda at the same time. Dylan was sporting a cut on his forehead and cheek. Rommie was telling him he should get it checked out before infection set in.
Aikera came over the ship wide communications saying, "Captain I'm expecting you in medical ASAP to get your wounds looked at. The same goes for you Harper and Beka both." All three sighed heading to medical.
When the three entered medical, they stopped in their tracks. There sitting on one medical bed was Luna and Tamalane, while Aikera was laying on a bed next to them waiting for her ultra sound.
"Since you are Captain of this ship Dylan, I have to inform you of the newest addition to the crew, my son Tamalane." Tyr said.
"And as medical officer it is my duty to clear all crew members for duty, and to tell Harper it is time for the ultrasound." Aikera said.
"I'm only here to do the ultrasound." Trance said moving the machines closer to Aikera. Harper joined them as well as Beka. She was curious of Tyr's son. Dylan left going to find Rommie. Rommie was talking to Star in the observation deck. Twenty minutes later Trance finally got a clear picture of the fetus.
"He is more active then she is." Trance said, "twins Aikera, you're having twins." Trance said to the blank looks from everyone.
"Is that why I'm looking like I have a killer beach ball under my shirt?" Aikera asked. Trance nodded.
"Twins." Harper said still stunned. Aikera looked at the father of her children with a smile.
"Aikera, you'll probably deliver really soon." Trance said breaking the silence.