Author's note: I would greatly appreciate some feedback on this particular section. Thank you!

--Kristina

--

"She's crowing! Ok, just a few more pushes," the doctor encouraged her patient. "You are doing well. Ok here it comes and puuussssh. Ok, wait, wait next the shoulders. Dad, come here you can catch her as she comes." The proud father did not wait for a second invitation, but took the doctor's place and put his hand where he was told. With a last surge, the baby came, right into his hands. She was so tiny he could hardly believe it. With brisk efficiency they cut the cord and bundled her up in a soft towel, to allow the parents the first few minutes with their new daughter.

He walked to the side of the bed, "Pat, look. She's beautiful!" He leaned over to share their daughter but Pat turned her head to the side.

"I'm tired. This has not been a walk in the park you know!"

The nurse walked over, "We need to examine her and give her an apgar score. Dad, can we have the baby for just a minute. We will give her right back." The father reluctantly handed over his daughter, and turned back to his wife. "What shall we name her, honey."

The woman just glared at her husband. "You pick I do not care at the moment."

"How about Catherine? We can call her Cady for short, until she grows into her name." He looked over to see if the nurses were about done. They seemed to be doing mysterious things with her. "Are you going to nurse her? The books say babies want to nurse after birth."

Pat glared at her husband, "I told you, I am not nursing. As soon as I can I am taking the meds to keep my milk from coming in. You deal with it."

He opened his mouth to respond, but the nurse came back with his daughter. He took her awkwardly as the nurse guided him to a rocking chair. He started talking nonsense to her in a soft voice. After a few minutes a nurse brought him a bottle and helped him position Cady and start her on her first feeding. He looked up to his wife to share this moment with her. The doctor and nurse were finishing whatever mysterious things they do after a baby was born and she was determined to look anywhere but her husband and child. He just sighed and turned his attention back to Cady.

Later the nurse showed him how to change a diaper, how to make the bottle, how to give her a bath, and a list of other things new parents should know. Pat lay in bed flipping through the channels. Cady's dad sighed and then went to lay on the partner's bed with his new daughter whispering he would never leave her if it was in his power. Catherine fell asleep to her fathers baritone singing very mixed up lullabies.

The next day Pat asked him to take Cady for a walk so she could shower and ready herself for discharge. When the two came back, there was a packet on the bed, but no Pat. Inside were three things; the paper he had signed acknowledging Cady as his daughter, a notarized copy of a document whereby Pat relinquished all parental rights, and divorce papers with a court date in one week. "Oh Cady, what are we going to do?" Keith asked.

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Two days later, Keith sat with Cady in the office of Commander Kane, head of the Galaxy Garrison Academy. "And that is the whole sordid story, sir." He looked briefly down at the child sleeping in his arms, and then back at the Commander. "I need to be able to provide for Cady and I do not want to lose my scholarship, but I do not want to give her up either. What can I do, sir?"

Commander Kane looked at the earnest young man seated before him. This was a interesting dilemma. While he had incidents of cadets marrying and having unexpected children, this was the first case he could recollect where the mother up and left her husband and child less than a full day after the child was born. He had known Cadet Kogane had married, the paperwork for permission had crossed his desk just over ten months ago. Kane remember the situation well. He had heard through the grapevine the young lady in question had been in pursuit of Kogane for several months, but he was not interested in a casual fling. Somehow she had convinced him to propose, more for a lark than anything else. Kane also knew it had been something of a bet to see who could break through the defenses of the young man. Well, the young lady had succeeded, but had not taken into account that birth control occasionally failed. That was neither here nor there. While he was pondering the situation, the baby began fussing. The cadet reached down to pick up a bottle he had in a small bag next to the chair. Setting it on his lap, he reached to the other side of the bag and pulled out a small bottle of water. Awkwardly opening both bottles, he poured the water into the powdered formula. Returning the now empty water bottle, the young dad screwed on the top of the bottle. He gave it a few shakes and then turned the baby on his lap so he could feed her. The child promptly quieted. Commander Kane was impressed by the cadet's instincts. Garrison certainly did not want to lose this young man. "Cadet Kogane," he began, but was interrupted by a knock on the door. His assistant poked his head through the door, "Excuse the disturbance, commander, but there are four young men who wish to join the discussion."

"Were you expecting anyone, Cadet?"

Keith shook his head, confused. Commander Kane was curious. "Send them in, corporal."

The door opened wider and in walked an unexpected combination of people; Cadets Lance Charles McClain, Darrell "Pidge" Stoker, Tsuyoshi "Hunk" Garett, and Sven Holgerson. Cadet Kogane looked as though someone had taken a board to the back of his head. He obviously had no idea the four were coming. The four arranged themselves behind Kogane and then one of them cleared his throat and stepped forward. "Permission to speak, sir?"

"Permission granted, Cadet McClain." Commander Kane was even more curious. Lance McClain was no stranger to his office. He caused more commotion and mischief than any other three cadets combined. Often Cadets Holgersson and Kogane had also graced his offices, often trying to keep their friend out of more trouble. He could understand those two coming here, but what were Cadets Stoker and Garett doing here? As far as he knew, they did not associate with much with the other three. Stoker was significantly younger than the other four, not quite 15 years of age to their 19 or 20. Garett was a gifted mechanic and technical whiz, there was not a piece of equipment he could not take apart and reassemble improved, but again he did not seem to fit with the other four.

Lance took a deep breath. "Sir, we would like to offer a possible solution to the challenges faced by Cadet Kogane, sir."

"Go on, Cadet."

Lance looked back at the other three and then at his friend and gave him a small wink. "Yes sir. You see, sir, we know Keith, er, Cadet Kogane wants to keep Cady with him so we came up with a solution. We think we have worked out a schedule among the five of us so someone would always have Cady, sir, and we have a solution for the housing problem as well, sir." He looked back at Pidge who handed a data pad to the Commander. "As you can see, sir, there is an apartment slated to open next week when the current cadets are slated to ship out. Sir, I know it is against policy to allow second year cadets to have an apartment but not against regulations. If you see, we have referenced the proper regulations. Since it is a four bedroom apartment, we thought Keith and Cady could have one room, and the four of us would share the other three. It would take an override from you, sir, to move us to the top of the waiting list. We know Keith had already applied for a smaller one it would just take a little shuffling. Sir." He abruptly stopped talking, and the room was silent except for the small sounds Cady was making as she ate. Commander Kane scrolled through the data pad, not letting any expression show on his face but impressed by the proposal the four of them had put together in less than a day. He noticed they were proposing shuffling of some classes to accommodate the physical training they all had to do. He was more impressed by the amount of loyalty they had for Cadet Kogane.

Kane sat the data pad to the side, folded his hands together and looked at all five young men. He noticed Keith carefully set the now empty bottle back in its spot and pick up a small cloth which he put over his shoulder. He carefully patted Cady on the back and she let out a small sigh, snuggled in close. Almost absently, her dad gave her a kiss on her head. That decided Kane. He smiled inwardly, but he was not going to let these boys know what a softy he really was!

"I can understand why Cadets McCain and Holgersson would come to offer their help. Cadets Stoker and Garett, why have you come forward."

Pidge and Hunk looked at each other, a little nervous. They had not expected to need to speak to the Commander. Lance and Sven had convinced them this would work. Hunk swallowed hard, "Sir." He paused and looked at Keith who gave him a little nod. Hunk relaxed slightly and let the words come. "Sir," he said a little stronger, "as you know I do well with practical application but often the theory leaves me struggling. Cadet Kogane noticed I was often asked to stay behind after tests to discuss them with the professors. Last year I was put on academic probation if I did not improve my grades. I guess when I found out, I felt a little dazed. All I ever wanted to do was join Galaxy Garrison and build things. That day, Keith asked me to join his study group. Within a few weeks, they had me caught up in all the classes and I started passing tests with high marks." He paused and looked directly at Keith, "Yesterday I learned he had found out about the academic probation and created the study group for me so I would not have to leave." He finished in a hurry and quickly stepped back in place, surreptitiously wiping his brow.

Pidge stepped forward and gave his story speaking quickly out of nerves. "Sir, Commander Kane sir. Two years ago when I came to Garrison Prep to join the senior class I ran into some difficulties. Even though I passed on all the academic levels, being small and young I did not fit in any group. All I knew was books and felt out of place and very homesick. In addition, there were some. . . incidents with older and larger boys who were upset when I surpassed them in all their academic classes. One day three boys had me cornered in the bathroom and where threatening," the young man paused and blushed, "to give me a swirley. Cadet Kogane came in the bathroom saying he had been looking for me. He just ignored the other three and I followed him out into the hallway. He said he needed some help in his physics class and since I was the best in the physics class he was hoping to trade some lessons in Tai Chi or another martial arts discipline for some tutoring in physics. I agreed and we made arrangements of when and where to meet. For the rest of the semester I had no further problems from any other student. Last year he asked if we could continue the exchange because he could always use the help. Later on he asked if we could expand to include some other people who needed help. That is when Cadets McClain, Garett, and Holgersson joined us for a regular study table." He looked at Keith and licked his lips, "I learned yesterday he never needed help in physics, but wanted to give me a way to better defend myself without taking away my pride. I also learned the reason the others stopped bothering me is Cadet Kogane gave an open demonstration of his ability with Tai Chi and mentioned during the demonstration I had agreed to tutor him and he would take it amiss if anything happened to his tutor." Pidge stepped back to stand next to Hunk, emphasizing the disparity of size between the two of them.

Sven stepped forward, "Eef Keit had not stood by Lance and I, ve vould have long since been asked to leave. Ve know ve can cause a bit of trouble, but Cadet Kogane has taken blame even ven he vas not dere." His accent came out extra thick as it always did when he was nervous. He looked at Lance to take over so the Commander could understand.

"The three of us have been together since the first year of prep. Our families are far away and the three of us came together to build a new one." He shrugged, "Cady just gives us more reason to stay out of trouble and makes our family bigger. Sir."

He stepped back and joined the line behind Keith. Commander Kane looked long at each of the five Cadets. The wheels were turning in his head. What a formidable team the five of them would make. Kogane seemed to have the ability to not only draw people together, but bring out the best of them. Garrison could simply not afford to lose them and these four were offering him the perfect way to keep him. It seemed nearly too good to be true, but Commander Kane was not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. He looked at Kogane, who was still looking rather stunned. Kogane did not even realize how he drew people to him. The young man was too humble for his own good. Finally Kane spoke, "I will have to take this to committee, but if you are serious about this," he paused and each young man nodded emphatically, "then I will recommend adoption of your plan, pending review by the head of academics, Captain Janis. The five of you are ordered to report to my office at 0800 hours tomorrow morning for the final decision. Dismissed." Keith stood and the five of them saluted, although with Keith saluting with a baby over one shoulder, Kane was hard pressed not to smile. Keith squatted and grabbed the small bag at his side and the five of the filed out of his office.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

When they exited from the building they all stopped and looked at one another. Pidge, Sven, Hunk, and Lance all whooped and gave each other high fives. Lance grabbed Sven and spun him around in an impromptu dance. "I think we did it!" He let go of Sven to reach to take Cady from her daddy and smile at her. "Uncle Lance. Can you say Uncle Lance is the greatest uncle of them all." Pidge and Hunk went to stand near them as they woke Cady from her nap. She did not fuss, but just looked up at whoever what standing over her.

Sven walked over to Keith who had not said a word, just stood there holding the bag in a loose hand. "Keit? Are you alright?"

Keith looked at Sven, "I do not understand, why would you guys do this?" Confusion and hope filled his eyes,

"How could ve not? You are our bruder. Besides, ve lost the lottery. No von else vanted to chance vat vould happen. You scared dem all avay vit you vanting to show everyvon her sonogram picture. It vould just be vurse vonce she vas born."

Keith blushed and then wiped his eye. "Dust," he mumbled. Then walked over to the other three. "Hey, no corrupting the newborn!"

Unbeknownst to them, Commander Kane and Captain Janis had watched it all from the upstairs window. Janis had listened to the whole meeting, agreeing with Kane's sentiments. They did not want to lose these young men, and if accommodating Kogane with his daughter kept them, it was a small sacrifice to make.

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Two days later

"So how did this apartment suddenly become available? It is even better than the one we found?" Lance asked Pidge as they hauled boxes up the stairs. "How much more time do we have before Sven comes with Keith? Does Hunk have the crib put together yet?"

"Someone call my name?" Hunk emerged from the bedroom with a tool chest. "Easy breezy. Even had time to set up a mobile for the kid. Traded some time at the repair bay for an old holographic projector. I hooked in an old music player with a timer. Our little girl will be able to fall asleep to anything we wish while watching visions of sugar plums dancing on her walls!"

"Trust Hunk to make everything into a food reference," Lance joked as he set down the two boxes he had been carting up the stairs. "Whew, that is the last of it. Who would have know one little kid could need so much stuff."

Indeed the apartment's living room looked like a display from a department store. A high chair, which Cady would not need for a while, swing, changing table, stroller, and various nifty toys her uncles had found in the last two days littered the floor, table, couches and chairs. Keith did not know how many friends he had made in the last 4 ½ years at the school. Once his predicament became known, spread by Lance, people had approached on of Cady's four 'uncles' to see how they could help. People knew better than to approach Kogane, as he would gracefully thank them for the offer and turn it down without the giver realizing it until the end of the conversation.

While many of the items came second hand, everything was in excellent condition.

"Guys, hate to interrupt, but we should expect Sven with Keith and Cady in about 30 minutes." All three paused to look dismayed at the mess in the apartment. Without another word, Hunk began breaking down the boxes to take out to recycle, Lance started throwing toys in a smaller box, and Pidge started putting away the bigger pieces. Military training had the room mostly straightened within ten minutes. All that remained was to make beds and stash the still packed boxes in closets.

Lance shoved a last box in the cupboard, carefully closing it to keep the stack from falling. Leaning against the door, he thumbed at it, "Let Sven open this one!" The other two laughed. They heard Sven's loud voice coming down the hallway. "Just vanted to pop in quick on a couple friends, Keit. Come in a minute."

Scrambling, the other three picked some different piece of furniture to lounge on as though they had not spent a frantic morning readying the place. Surreptitiously, Lance shoved a box behind the couch.

In the hallway, Keith carried a sleeping Cady in a wrap following Sven's lead. Looking around the complex, he hoped the student housing Pidge had found for them would be as nice as this one. It had formerly housed visiting faculty and been used as a hotel. A new hotel and temporary housing facility had opened only three years previously. The school renovated this complex, simply called Complex A, for use as student housing and typically reserved for upper classmen and those interested in serious study. Each year the residents gathered for a meeting to determine quiet hours dedicated to study.

Muted colors lined the hallways in demure blues, greens, and swirls of pinks and yellows to break the monotony. The apartments had simple color schemes in beiges and off-whites. The school had allowed the students to retain possession of any useful furniture which had remained from the days as a hotel and temporary housing unit. Some of the furniture was in better shape than others, but no one complained. At least it cut down on costs of having to purchase furniture! The school also provided basic kitchen supplies; a few pots, plates, glasses, mugs, and silverware. Any thing else would have to be provided by the students.

The school did offer barrack housing to whomever wished to take advantage of it at no additional cost. The prep school children did not have a choice in housing and lived in dormitory style housing with floor monitors or house mothers. The school also assigned each child an older mentor their first year to help make the adjustment to school and living away from home. Typically children did not enter prep school until 15, but exceptions did occur.

The thoughts flashed through Keith's mind quickly, and he did not dwell upon them. Sven had arrived at a door. He grinned at Keith and quickly opened the door instead of knocking. Walking in the room he gestured Keith to follow. Shrugging he complied and then stopped dead in his tracks and he saw his four friends grinning like Cheshire cats at him.

Looking around the apartment he noticed a baby swing next to one of the chairs, a changing table against a wall, and his suspiciously smug friends. He swallowed against a lump in his throat and threw a telling look at Lance. "Go look in there, Keith." He simply stated pointed to one of the four bedrooms.

Without saying anything, Keith walked over and opened the bedroom. He felt his chest tighten momentarily as he looked in the room. Every surface in the room sparkled. A beautiful wooden crib and matching dresser stood along one side wall. Mounted above the crib an electronic gadget projected an underwater hologram into the crib with soft music playing. In the crib sat the largest stuffed lion Keith had ever seen and a pink sheet covered the matters. Over the side of the crib Keith recognized a hand made quilt with the unmistakable stamp of Sven's mother. The dresser had already been filled with clothes in various sizes for Cady, most of it very practical for an on-the-go parent. Turning to face the room, he found instead of the standard twin bed, a double bed with enough room for he and Cady. Opening the closet, he found his uniforms already hung up on one side with a dresser and the rest of his clothes on the other. The room did not have any more space for a desk, but he was sure they could set one up in the other room.

Looking at the threshold, he saw his friends all gathered there, with unrepentant grins on their faces. "I," Keith started to say, only to have it come out as a croak. He cleared his throat and turned instead toward the crib and lay his hand on the quilt. Carefully he lifted Cady out of her wrap and gently lay her on the side opposite the lion. She stirred slightly, then quieted. Blinded by unexpected tears, he fought for control while watching his daughter through blurred vision. A few moments later, Lance came to stand beside the crib and look at Cady. The two friends stood for several minutes in silence, looking at the little girl.

Finally, Lance put his hand on his best friend's shoulder. A few moments later Sven lay his hand on the other shoulder. "Ve know."

A single tear traced its way down the young man's face as he stood over his daughter, his friends standing in solidarity beside him.