Attention crew of the Saratoga, this is your Captain speaking. I am overjoyed to inform all of you
that Crewmen Alyen and L'Naym are now the proud parents of a beautiful baby boy.

As I'm sure they've explained to many of you; the new family will be in seclusion until the Naming Ceremony ,
seven days from now. I know that many of you would like to stop by and offer your congratulations,
but please respect their privacy."

CMO's Office
2:30 PM

"Hey Bones."

McCoy looked up from the reports he was filing at his desk.

Kirk grinned. "So what are you doing sulking out here at a desk instead of tending to your patients?"

McCoy snorted. "Your two favorite crewmen threw me out of my own sick bay. L'Naym actually growled at me
and if I'd stayed longer I'm pretty sure she would have bitten my arm off! I've warned you, Jim. I've warned
you time and again that her sweetness is just an act. But did you listen?"

"Well, I suppose I should give them both a personal write up."

"You do that. Those two have been running roughshod over this ship from the day they first came aboard!
I don't know who runs things on this rustbucket! You or them!"

Sickbay

Alyen jumped at the unexpected touch at his shoulder. He had been so focused on the sight of his newborn
son that he had been blind and deaf to all else.

"Congratulations, little bro," Kirk whispered.

"Thank you, Jim," Alyen whispered back.

Kirk looked over at L'Naym who was sleeping nearby. "How's Shylea?"

"She's fine. She went to sleep as soon as she had finished nursing. She should be waking up soon though
and she'll need to get back to her nest. D'Ray took a quick peek after the birth. She's in our quarters now
putting in some extra supplies."

Kirk nodded and studied the newborn as he slept peacefully in his father's arms, his tiny lips occasionally
making a sucking motion. He definitely had Alyen's hair. He was darker complexioned than his father,
although not as dark as his mother. "What color are his eyes?" he asked.

"Blue. He has my hair and eyes." Alyen paused. "But he has his mother's beauty." The love and pride he felt
were so great he felt that his heart would burst from it. "He's the most beautiful child that's ever been born."

Jim chuckled "I'm sure every dad feels the same way."

"But in my case it's true." Alyen looked up at his Soul Brother not bothering to hold back the tears of joy.
"Jim…" he whispered, "Jim, I'm a father."

"I know, Tuskaro" Kirk returned solemnly, "I know. And I'm so glad for you both."

He gently reached out and touched his Soul Brother's shoulder.

Two Souls touched.
A Joined Soul and a Soul he and his Other Half had touched.

The Joined Soul shared the depth of his love and gratitude for his new son.
The Touched Soul rejoiced for him.

Kirk gently reached out and touched the sleeping infant's right hand. "Welcome to the world, Little one."

We've spent the past three days charting the Archela Cloud. But as beautiful as it is, it doesn't compare to this.

The two Soul Siblings silently gazed down at the tiny miracle for a few minutes.

Then Alyen gave a slight chuckle and looked up at Kirk. "How's Doctor McCoy? He's not too upset over
getting thrown out is he?"

Kirk chuckled softly. "With Bones upset is a relative term."