De'rax's hands rested gently on my belly, his touch light but full of reverence. His eyes—usually fierce and guarded—softened, shimmering with something tender and raw.
"You carrying our pup," he murmured, voice thick with emotion. "It's… real. You're really with child."
I smiled, warmth flooding my chest. "I feel it too. Tiny kicks, little reminders that life keeps moving forward—even when the stars feel so heavy."
He traced slow circles over my skin, grounding me. "We've survived so much. This… this is our promise. Our future."
I leaned into him, wrapping my arms around his neck. "I want time with you. Just us. No missions, no danger."
De'rax's lips brushed mine, slow and sure. "Then we make time."
He guided me gently to the soft cushions near the viewport, where the stars stretched endless and calm. The hum of Silver Lining was a lullaby, steady and soothing.
Our hands found each other, exploring, comforting, celebrating. His touch was both fierce protector and gentle lover, a perfect balance that made me feel safe and cherished.
As the night deepened, we moved together—slow, tender, a dance of passion and promise. The world outside faded until there was only us, wrapped in warmth and the quiet hope of new life.
Later, as we lay tangled beneath the soft glow of the ship's lights, De'rax whispered against my hair, "No matter what comes, we face it together. You, me, and our pup."
I smiled, heart full. "Together."
The quiet hum of Silver Lining wrapped around us as I settled beside De'rax in the small medbay—one of the few places aboard that still felt sterile despite the ship's warm touches. The soft glow from the consoles bathed his face in gentle light.
He reached out, fingers brushing my cheek, eyes shadowed with worry. "The doctors aren't sure about the gestation… your body is different, and with the changes I've gone through… they don't know how the baby will develop."
I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of uncertainty press down. "I know. It scares me."
De'rax pulled me close, his alien and shifter forms mingling in his touch—both fierce protector and gentle comforter. "We'll see the doctors often. Make sure you're both safe. I'll be there every time."
His voice was steady, like the anchor I needed.
"I trust you," I whispered. "And I trust us."
He smiled, soft but fierce. "That's what matters. We've been through hell and back. We'll get through this too."
I curled into his side, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my hand.
"Promise me we'll take time for ourselves. Not just for the mission, not just for the crew."
De'rax kissed my forehead. "I promise. You and the pup come first. Always."
We stayed there a while longer, holding onto the quiet strength between us—two halves of a whole, facing the unknown together.
The medbay was softly illuminated, sterile but gentle—Silver Lining's way of blending care with comfort. I reclined on the diagnostic table, the ship's systems humming quietly as they scanned me.
A soothing voice echoed in the room—Silver Lining's AI, calm and reassuring.
"Initiating full gestation analysis. Vital signs stable. Monitoring fetal development and maternal health. Alerting medical specialists for further review."
The diagnostic probes glided lightly over my belly, capturing data at a level far beyond standard scans. The AI's voice continued, smooth and precise.
"Baby's vital signs within expected parameters for a mixed-species gestation. However, continued monitoring is recommended due to unique genetic markers."
I exhaled slowly, heart beating a little faster than usual. De'rax stood nearby, his presence a steady comfort.
The AI added, almost softly, "Please report any discomfort or unusual symptoms immediately. Adjustments to environment and nutrition can be made at your request."
I glanced up at De'rax. "It's good to know she's watching out."
He smiled, brushing a thumb across my hand. "And so am I."
Before I could respond, the intercom crackled to life with Argo's voice, sharp and businesslike.
"We've arrived at the supply hub. Prepare to dock. Ennis is coordinating with station personnel for the resupply. Expect a full inventory check and security briefing before we unload."
De'rax's eyes met mine, a mixture of focus and something softer. "Ready when you are."
I nodded, pushing myself up. "Let's get what we need. Then get ready for what's waiting."