Helen Andres:
It's not that Nurse Andres doesn't like Counselor Fairchild. She thinks the woman is nice. A professional. It's just that, since she's no longer on medication, she doesn't understand why she's required to continue counseling. True, she still has nightmares about the accident in engineering, but the panic attacks have stopped. Her appointments are a month out from each other, so isn't it time to give things a rest? Her intention is to discuss as much with the counselor at today's appointment. That is, if she and Dr. McCoy ever stop talking.
Technically, she's early, so it's not unprofessional. Still, don't they do enough of that on their own time? She stops a few feet away from the counselor's office to give them some privacy, but she can't help overhearing what's being said.
"…told her, she was ecstatic."
"That's a relief. I thought she might be upset."
"Why would she be?"
"It's big news. Her family is changing." Whose family, Andres wonders?
"How does it feel to know you'll have a daughter soon?" Wait, Counselor Fairchild having a daughter… and Dr. McCoy… that means-
"It's absolutely perfect."
"I'm glad you think so. What about your dad? Do you want me there when you tell him?"
"You can be if you want to be."
"I do. It ought to be funny to see him try to strangle me through the screen."
"Don't be silly. He likes you. He'll be delighted that his family is getting another member." Andres grins to herself. She's right. Counselor Fairchild is pregnant. And it's a girl. He's gruff, but she can imagine her boss with a daughter. It would be sweet.
"I should probably let you get back to work." The most they usually do in public is take each other's hand, but this time, he pushes back a strand of hair behind her ear. "Just make sure you take your break today. I know you want to get ahead of things before everything happens, but your health is important." It is. Especially now that it's not just her.
"Don't worry so much."
"Amelia-"
"I'm fine. But I'll take that break." Giving her a parting glance (the poor man is obviously besotted; it's a look she's seen on many an expectant father's face) he starts back towards sickbay and… oops… her.
"Andres, what are you doing just standing there?"
"Nothing."
"Well, don't you have an appointment to keep?"
"I do. I'll go easy on her." That provokes a confused look. Of course. He doesn't know that she overheard.
"Thanks. I'd appreciate it." She should do something nice for them. Maybe visit the galley and bake something. With that in mind, she approaches the counselor's office. Counselor Fairchild informs her,
"You can have a seat whenever you're ready." She does as instructed, settling in the chair closest to the desk. "How are you feeling today, Nurse?"
"Oh, I'm fine. How are you feeling?"
"I'm a little anxious actually, but I'm focusing on setting a specific time to worry, like we've talked about."
"You shouldn't be anxious. Everything will work out. Chapel is very good at her job, and this isn't anything she hasn't done before." It's brief, but she thinks she catches a startled look. Maybe she should mention that she knows. But you're not supposed to say anything before a certain point. Which makes her wonder… how far along is Counselor Fairchild?
"Yes, well…"
"You're glowing, by the way. You must be very happy."
"I suppose that I am. But what about you? How are you sleeping?"
"I still have the dreams, but not as often. Did you know vibrant dreams are common during this time in your life?"
"I was unaware." So, probably still early on. The medical scanner picks up on how many and what kinds of chromosomes are present as soon as you're examined, so she wouldn't have to be far along for them to know the sex. And Counselor Fairchild doesn't look pregnant. Maybe a little more tired than normal, but that's to be expected. "How many hours of sleep would you say that you're getting now?"
"I'd say around six and a half." Fairchild makes a note on her PADD.
"I'd like to see you get a full eight hours."
"You need to get eight hours too. Your rest is important."
"I'm aware."
"Diet is critical as well."
"Yes-"
"And exercise. But I'm sure Dr. McCoy has already told you that." The woman is difficult to read. She could be hitting the proverbial nail on the head, or she could be way off from all Counselor Fairchild is giving away.
"I know what it takes to maintain my health, Nurse."
"Just making sure. You can't be too careful, although like I said, Chapel is good." Fairchild clears her throat.
"On a scale of one to ten, ten being the most intense and one being not very intense at all, how would you rate your general anxiety?"
"Around a two."
"And when you have to go near or into engineering?"
"A five. What about you? You were there that day too."
"This isn't about me, Nurse. This is your time."
"Yes, but-"
"Let's go over the nightmares. Can you tell me what goes on in them?" She recounts what she dreams about (going down to engineering, seeing the charred remains of crewmen, having one grasp her hand as she gives him a black tag, begging her to mark him as red), but as she does, she finds herself staring at Counselor Fairchild's midsection. No, she definitely doesn't look pregnant. She's a small woman, so she would show sooner rather than later unless she has a tilted uterus. Her estimation is no further along than eight weeks, if that. Which makes her wonder: was this a planned pregnancy? Probably. They're both older, so an accident seems unlikely.
"Nurse?"
"Sorry. Can you say that again?"
"I asked you if you believe you could have done anything differently that day."
"No. He was a black tag. You were there. You counseled him before he died." She really shouldn't be mentioning something so unpleasant. It's limited, but emotional upheaval can still be harmful to a pregnancy.
"Have you spoken to anyone else about what happened in engineering? A friend perhaps? Family?"
"I've talked to a few others from the support group."
"And would you say the support groups were helpful?"
"I would." In fact, she was sorry to see them end. But it's probably for the best that Counselor Fairchild has less on her plate.
"That's all of our time for today, but I have some homework for you."
"What's that?"
"Find a pleasant event taking place on board the ship and participate in it. Enjoyment goes a long way towards healing."
"I'll do that. Thank you, Counselor." She stands and starts for the door, only to once again run into- "Dr. McCoy."
"Andres. Good meeting?"
"Yes, sir." She steps out the doors and they close behind her, but she doesn't walk away. She forgot to bring up dropping the meetings. From her position, she can hear the conversation from within.
"Amelia, it's lunch time."
"You're very observant."
"Well, then-"
"I just need to go over the notes from my last session-"
"No. You're going now."
"Leonard-"
"Darling, you can't skip meals."
"I wasn't planning on it."
"You never do."
"Fine. Just give me a minute to save what I was working on." They'll probably want to leave together. Her thoughts on meeting less often can wait. She'll swing by after lunch. Andres starts across sickbay and climbs aboard the turbolift.
"Hold the door." She presses the appropriate button, allowing Lieutenant Chen to step inside. "Thanks." They're almost up to mess when Chen turns to her. "You've got that look on your face, Andres."
"What look?"
"The one you get whenever you've overheard a juicy piece of information."
"There's no look."
"Yes, there is. So, spill."
"I really can't say."
"Come on. We're friends, aren't we?" It's true. She and Chen have grown close since being in the support group together. If ever there was a safe person to tell, it would be him.
"You can't say anything, because they're not telling people yet."
"Who?"
"Dr. McCoy and Counselor Fairchild. Promise to keep it to yourself?"
"I promise. Don't keep me in suspense."
"They're going to have a baby."
"Are you sure?"
"I heard them talking about it."
"Well, damn. Alright. Good for them." The doors slide open, and they step out.
"You're sure you won't say anything?"
"Absolutely. You can trust me."
Jin Chen:
Lieutenant Chen is sitting in the briefing room half-listening to Mr. Spock drone on about the upcoming away mission. Halfway listening because his attention is on Dr. McCoy and Counselor Fairchild. At first, he didn't believe what Andres told him about the two of them and the impending arrival of a baby on board the Enterprise, but now he's starting to think she got it right. McCoy keeps looking over at Fairchild, and despite the fact that the woman hardly smiles, he's seen her crack one a few times. It's good. He's happy for them. Sure, Dr. McCoy's a little older than most first-time fathers, but he's not ancient. They've been together or a while now, so it makes sense that things would head in that direction. Especially since their mission will be up in a few months.
"Chen, are you still with us?" He glances away from the obviously overjoyed couple towards the Captain.
"Yes, sir."
"Good. Then all of you report to the transporter room. We beam down immediately." Wait-
"All of us?"
"Do you have any objections to that, Lieutenant?" He glances over at where Fairchild and McCoy are leaving the room. They wait until they're outside the doors before McCoy takes her hand. Mr. Spock is still here, but everyone knows he's the captain's best friend, so Chen can probably speak in front of him.
"Sir, do you really think it's wise for Counselor Fairchild to be part of away missions right now?"
"Yes, I do. Why shouldn't she be?"
"Well, in her condition…" The captain's looking at him like he's one sandwich short of a picnic. "…doesn't Dr. McCoy object?"
"So, you know about that, do you?" Good. He's not going to have to spell it out.
"I heard it from someone who was in the know."
"Well, Dr. McCoy might be responsible for the counselor's… condition, but he has no objections to her working. And frankly, Lieutenant, isn't your attitude towards Counselor Fairchild sexist?"
"I don't think so, sir."
"Well, I do. It's an outdated idea that a woman can't work once she's in Counselor Fairchild's condition and it belongs in the twentieth century."
"Agreed, Captain." Mr. Spock adds. "There is nothing to prevent the counselor from carrying out her duties even if Dr. McCoy objected."
"Does that satisfy you, Lieutenant?"
"Yes, sir."
"Then report to the transporter room." Well, if the captain won't be reasoned with, he'll simply have to keep an eye on Counselor Fairchild himself.
Chen is one of five in the security detail beamed down to the planet surface. In the section they're visiting, there are two warring villages. Their weapons are primitive, which is the only reason he can determine that the captain thinks that it's safe enough for Counselor Fairchild. There are negotiations with the villagers (he's not really paying attention to what it is they're negotiating for), and then, as is their habit, Dr. McCoy and Counselor Fairchild wander off together. Chen trails them, staying a few feet behind, but close enough that he can hear them talking.
"Did you find anything interesting?"
"No. Her physiology was mostly the same as yours. Although the uterus is located at the back of the body instead of the front."
"I'd say that's a pretty distinct difference." They're silent for a few moments and then-
"Do you still feel the same way you did this morning?"
"No, it's gotten better as the day's gone on." Morning sickness. Although shouldn't he be able to give her something for that? A twang diverts Chen's attention. That sounded like a bowstring. Sure enough, an arrow snags in a tree just a few feet from the couple. Chen takes off at a run.
"Get down!" There's no cover out here, so he launches himself at the counselor, knocking her to the ground just in time for an arrow to pierce his shoulder. He lets out a string of expletives but can still hear the villagers returning fire.
"Chen, we need to get you out of here. Counselor-" Fairchild crawls out from under him.
"Are you okay, Counselor?"
"I'm fine. I should be the one asking you that."
"Can you walk, Lieutenant?
"Yes." Leaning heavily on McCoy, he staggers to his feet, and they run towards the shelter of the trees. Fairchild digs out her communicator, and he sees that the back of her head is bloody. Oh no. He hurt her.
"Fairchild to Enterprise. Three to beam up."
It's one of the more agonizing experiences of his life, having Dr. McCoy snap off the shaft of the arrow and apply pressure as Andres gives him a hypospray for the pain. Still, out of the corner of his eye, he can see Chapel attending to Counselor Fairchild. She doesn't seem overly concerned, but he still hates himself. That is until the counselor hops down from the biobed and approaches him.
"Dr. McCoy, permission to speak to Lieutenant Chen?"
"Granted, but make it fast."
"Lieutenant, you have my thanks. If it weren't for you, I'd probably be dead."
"I was just doing my job, ma'am." He's rewarded with one of her rare smiles. "But how are you? Are you going to be alright?" Is it just him, or does McCoy look a little preoccupied at that question?
"I'll be fine. Worry about yourself, Lieutenant."
"I didn't knock anything loose?"
"No. It's a minor concussion."
"Your time is up, Counselor."
"Yes, Doctor." She heads in the direction of her office.
"This shouldn't hurt, Lieutenant, but you might feel me tugging on you." It's a strange sensation, and he tries not to look as the arrowhead comes out. "We're going to have to repair that muscle damage with surgery. Chapel will be along to prep you." Dr. McCoy starts towards the door.
"Doctor-"
"What is it?"
"Do you really think Counselor Fairchild is alright? She got jarred pretty hard on the way down." McCoy frowns.
"She's not fragile, Lieutenant, despite her size. She'll be fine. Although, I owe you a thank-you also."
"Well, I know what's going on with the two of you, and I couldn't let her get hurt."
"How do you know-"
"I just heard it mentioned. Congratulations, by the way."
"Thank you."
"But she should really be more careful in the future, don't you think?"
"I'll pass the message along. Now, lie back and let Chapel take care of you." As Chapel presses another hypospray to his neck, his eyes drift shut. However, his thoughts are active. He needs to warn the other security officers about Fairchild since Dr. McCoy and Captain Kirk clearly don't put a priority on the safety of pregnant people. Otherwise, things could end a lot worse than they have. It's the smart thing to do, really. Andres will forgive him.
Evie Straus
"She's what?!" Straus nearly shouts at her husband's declaration.
"Shh, Evie." John looks around the mess hall before turning back to her. "Counselor Fairchild is pregnant. I heard it from Chen. He told all of us when he got out of surgery."
"Do you think it was planned?"
"No idea. But they don't seem like the types to have an accident." That brings back flashes of her own brush with unplanned pregnancy. They've put it behind them and she's even coming around to the idea of doing it again on purpose in a few years, but it still leaves a bad taste in her mouth. John takes her hand under the table. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. I just-" The doors to the mess hall open and she falls silent. There's Dr. McCoy, and unsurprisingly, Counselor Fairchild is with him. He says something to her, and, with a nod, she settles at the table next to theirs while he approaches the replicator. Her bet's on the doctor not letting his partner do anything for herself for the next however many months until the baby arrives. He seems like the worrying kind. Sure enough, he returns with a tray and sets it down in front of her.
"Evie-"
"Shh! I'm trying to listen." John shoots her a frown but leans towards the other table.
"… since you have something against breakfast."
"I just don't feel much like eating in the mornings." She remembers that particular symptom well.
"I know, which is why you have to make up for it now."
"What about you?"
"I'll get something too. But before I do, we need to finish that discussion we stuck a pin in on the way over here."
"We stuck a pin in it because we weren't getting anywhere."
"Amelia, I still think we should tell people."
"And I don't. Like I said, we're not getting anywhere." Shouldn't it be the woman's choice?
"I've already had a patient who told me he knows what's going on."
"So have I, but as long as we don't confirm anything, it's just guesswork."
"It's going to be obvious at some point. This isn't something you can hide indefinitely."
"Yes, but for right now, I want to keep it between ourselves and those closest to us. Just until everything is more secure."
"How much more secure can you get? It's happening. The decision is made. I'm not backing out if you're not."
"Of course, I'm not. I want this with you. But things could still happen." Reaching under the table, he takes her hand.
"Darling, nothing's going to happen. You can't think like that. I love you. We're in this together."
"I know that. I do."
"So, stop worrying. In just a little while, we'll be a family. You, me, and Joanna." Oh. So, they've picked out a name already. "I think people would be happy for us, but if you really do want to wait-"
"Just for a month. That's all I'm asking. A month to let the dust settle."
"A month. I guess I can contain myself until then." He stands and starts towards the replicator. Leaning closer to her husband, Straus asks,
"Do you think I should say something?"
"I don't know. The counselor seems like she really wants this to be private."
"But Dr. McCoy doesn't."
"Well, if you're going to say something, do it now while he's not with her. You never know when the next time they'll be separated is, they're so much of a unit."
"I think I will." Giving John's hand a squeeze in passing, she starts towards the replicator.
Dr. McCoy seems engrossed in his task and barely looks up when she approaches. Straus clears her throat, which finally gets his attention. "Something I can do for you, Straus?"
"Not really. I just overheard you and the counselor talking-" He sighs.
"She's not going to be happy about that."
"Don't worry. John and I'll be discreet. I just wanted to tell you that people will be happy for you once you announce. We are."
"Thank you, Straus." Should she say anything? It can't hurt.
"I know this is coming later in life than usual, but don't worry about that. You've got a lot of good years left."
"I'm old, Ensign. Not ancient."
"And Counselor Fairchild is still fairly young. My mother was around her age when it happened to her."
"I'll keep that in mind. Now, if there's nothing else, I'd like to get back to my table."
"Sure. I won't keep you." As he retreats, she smiles to herself. A little too obviously, apparently, because that's when Yeoman Wyatt stops by and asks her,
"What was that?"
"What was what?"
"You're smiling after talking to Dr. McCoy. The only person who does that is Counselor Fairchild."
"I'm just happy for them, is all."
"Happy about what?" She glances around to make sure they're not being overheard.
"You didn't hear it from me, but there's going to be a little McCoy running around soon."
"I heard that rumor. You're saying it's true?"
"I just talked to him about it." Wyatt grins.
"Do you think they'll have red hair like her?"
"I hope so, but it doesn't seem likely. Red hair is recessive."
"Huh. Do you think the captain knows?"
"I'm sure he does. He and Dr. McCoy are friends. But just in case, don't bring it up to him."
"My lips are sealed."
Anna Wyatt:
Yeoman Wyatt can hear a lot of chatter from within the briefing room, but she can't understand any of it, so many people are taking over each other. It's been fifteen minutes since she saw Lieutenant Uhura, Nurse Chapel, Dr. McCoy, Counselor Fairchild, and Mr. Spock join the captain. At first, just Kirk spoke. Then she heard McCoy and Fairchild say something. Then there was the sound of clapping and a few cheers. Now they all seem to be just having a conversation. She idly wonders if this has something to do with Counselor Fairchild's pregnancy. It would make sense that they'd gather their closest friends to tell them about it. But wouldn't the captain and at least Nurse Chapel already know?
The doors slide open, cutting off her thoughts. The first to leave is Lieutenant Uhura, Nurse Chapel close behind.
"It was beautiful-"
"So simple, but just right for them."
"You know Amelia wouldn't go for anything over the top."
"No, neither would he." The chatter dies as they walk down the hall towards the turbolift. Next out is Mr. Spock. He doesn't say a word, but if she didn't know better, she'd say he looks pleased. Then, hand in hand, out steps a smiling Dr. McCoy and Counselor Fairchild.
"So that's done."
"Was it as daunting as you thought?"
"No. I had you next to me the entire time."
"And you always will." Counselor Fairchild chuckles.
"You did promise as much in front of all those people." Should she say something? It'll make her late for her meeting with the captain, but she's sure he wouldn't mind. Taking off at a run, she catches them just before they reach the turbolift.
"Easy, Yeoman. Where's the fire?" Panting slightly, she tells them,
"I just wanted to say congratulations. We're all so happy for you." McCoy looks at Fairchild, a smirk in place.
"I told you, Amelia. Everyone already knows."
"Fine. You got one right."
"You can't have a secret on board a starship."
"It was worth a shot." The Counselor offers her a smile. "Thank you, Yeoman."
"You're welcome." The turbolift doors slide shut and she starts back towards the briefing room.
Captain Kirk is sitting all alone when she returns, a contented look on his face. It's one she's seen him wear before when he's gotten good news about members of his crew. And this is really the best possible news she can think of. Upon seeing her, he tells her,
"Yeoman, I want you to access the duty roster. Mark Dr. McCoy and Counselor Fairchild as unavailable for the next seventy-two hours." She frowns. That's unexpected, but she supposes since Dr. McCoy is friends with the captain, he has some pull. Still, she has to ask.
"Did something happen, Captain?" They all looked happy, so it couldn't have been anything bad.
"As a matter of fact, yes." She taps her PADD, pulling up the appropriate page and offers it to him.
"It'll be nice, won't it? Having another family on board the Enterprise? Or will they be leaving, since Counselor Fairchild is… you know." The contented look is replaced with a frown.
"You're the second person to say something like that. Why do people keep assuming that a married woman can't work?" Wait-
"Married?" He nods.
"They signed papers not five minutes ago." Oh. So, Counselor Fairchild's not… she's going to kill Straus. "Yeoman, what did you think was going on?"
"Nothing, Captain. There was just a rumor-"
"Surely you know better than to listen to rumors."
"Yes, sir." Slipping the stylus back into place, he offers her the PADD.
"Oh, and Yeoman?"
"Yes, sir?"
"Keep this between us. I don't think Counselor Fairchild was too keen on the news getting out just yet."
"I will, sir."
"Good. Dismissed." To her credit, Wyatt keeps her word. That is, until she manages to spill hot tea on herself, getting a good burn, and has to go to sickbay. Dr. McCoy is nowhere to be found, thanks to the captain's orders, and M'Benga is with another patient. That leaves-
"Andres." The nurse grimaces as she looks at her burn.
"Let me guess: they still haven't fixed the temperature on the replicators."
"Afraid not."
"Well, Dr. McCoy isn't here-"
"I know. He has the next three days off."
"I saw that on the duty roster. Do you think it has something to do with Counselor Fairchild?"
"I'd say so."
"She hasn't been down here, so nothing could have gone wrong."
"No, nothing's wrong." Glancing around to make sure no one's listening, she tells Andres, "You'll have to keep this quiet. The captain told me not to tell-"
"Of course. You can trust me."
"Dr. McCoy and Counselor Fairchild got married this afternoon."
"Oh. I guess that makes sense, with the baby-"
"There's not a baby. There never was. The captain told me as much. It was just a rumor."
"Huh. How do you think it got started?"
"You know how it is on the Enterprise. Believe nothing you hear and only half of what you see."
"Well, don't worry. I won't say anything."