Complicated news

Posted on Sat May 15th, 2021 @ 5:54am by Staff Sergeant Leilani Charles {Kelea-Salik} & Captain George Charles [Reece]

Mission: Season 5: Episode 2: Operation Save Humanity
Location: Charles quarters
Timeline: MD3 1200 hrs
1208 words - 2.4 OF Standard Post Measure

{ON}

It was lunch, Leilani needed to tell George her news and now seemed as good a time as any to tell him. Having arranged for him to meet her at home for lunch she had some food ready for the two of them as she sat on the sofa waiting for him to come home.

A few minutes later, Geirge entered their home, smiling happily to his wife. "Hey, honey! How's your day going do far?" He moved in and kissed her deeply, then sat on the couch next to her.

Returning George’s kiss Lani offered the best smile she could muster as she looked at her husband. “George I... have some news.” She paused. “It seems that I’m... pregnant!”

At first, George was silent. Then the biggest smile he had yet smiled grew and filled his face. Imzadi!!! That's wonderful! How far along are you? How is the baby doing? What can I do to help you be more comfortable?! In his excitement, he peppered her with questions. Waves of happiness poured from deep inside of him.

Leilani couldn’t help but feel excited all over again before the Doctor’s words filled her mind again. “I’m extremely early stages, practically last night!” She offered a smile. “But there’s a problem ...” she paused. “George the doctor said there’s too much damage from what happened to me, I won’t be able to carry our baby past the first month of gestation.”

This news made George’s heart drop. "But...but...will you and our baby be okay?!" He was starting to get more and more agitated. The well of fear that resuded in his mind began to overflow.

Lani took her husband’s hand. “We’ll be fine, If we can find a surrogate then that will work for us. If not then the baby will be placed in an artificial womb until I’m ready...”

"An artificial womb?! Is that safe enough for our baby? What is it?"

“It’ll act like a real womb or so Doctor Sthilg tells me.” She paused. “There is another option though the doctor says he can grow me an artificial womb, that he can transplant into me. If it takes then I’ll be able to carry our baby for the final trimester.” She stopped talking. “I know this is a lot to take in, it was for me! But I want for us to be able to have more than one child in our lifetime together, this might be the only way.”

George was trying to comprehend everything that Leilani was telling him. "Wait...let me see if I am understanding...." He took a moment to compose his thoughts.

"Okay, so, you're telling me that you are pregnant with our first child, but, due to the injuries you sustained, you can only carry our baby to the end of the first trimester. After that, our child would only survive if the CMO approves the counselor to transplant our baby to her womb. Then, the CMO says that he can build you a new, working womb, and swap it out with the one you currently have, which would allow you to successfully carry and bear any future children we want? Is that the what you're saying?

“Not quite” Lani offered a brief smile. “I’ll only be able to carry our baby until 4 weeks in after that it’s either an artificial womb or someone to act as a surrogate. Doctor Sthilg says he might be able to grow me a new womb but it would require surgery. Everything else is as you got it.” She sighed. “I’m sorry! This isn’t exactly the way I dreamed giving you a family!”

After a few quiet moments, George looked at Leilani and gave her a warm smile. "Whatever it takes, Imzadi. So long as they are ours."

Leilani smiled as she cuddled up to George. “I promise no matter what I’m never going to leave you! I’ll always be here with you. Right now I feel the need to celebrate! We’re having a baby!!”

Wrapping his arms around her, he laughed happily. "We are!! Our family is getting bigger!!" George started picturing them with the new baby. He was happy beyond definition.

Leilani returned George's kisses she loved him so much. As their lips parted she smiled. “No more sparring sessions for me for the next month. I’ll have to avoid any heavy training.”

Suddenly, his eyes flew wide open. "Did what happen earlier hurt you of our baby?!"

Leilani hadn’t given it thought. “No, I don’t think so. The doctor didn’t say anything else was wrong, he just confirmed I was in the way early stages of pregnancy so everything must have been alright.”

This news caused relief to wash over George. He trusted Sthilg. So, if the doctor said there was no worry, then there was none.

"Well," he said happily, relaxing into the couch. "With news as excellent as this, I think I'll stay home for the rest of the day. I only have reports to file anyway." He sat up and picked up a plate that had Leilani's favorite fruit on it. Sitting back, he held a piece out for her, in a 'I'll feed you' fashion.

Lani grinned as she leant forward and gently took the piece of fruit from George’s hand with her teeth. “Mmmm I could get used to this.” She frowned for a moment feeling a little sore now the painkiller Sthilg had given her for the genetic material sample was wearing off.

"I feel that too," George said, putting the food down and giving his full attention to Leilani. "What can I do, Imzadi?"

“Just keep me company? You know how much I enjoy your cuddles” She offered a smile. “It’s nothing serious, just left over discomfort from where Doctor Sthilg took the genetic material he needed from me.”

Nodding, "Of course, Imzadi. Whatever you need." George would be the picture of the doting and loving husband.

Lani smiled as she stretched out on the sofa laying her head on George’s lap, “Don't be surprised if I fall asleep, that sparing session really took it out of me this morning.”

George began gently running his fingers through Leilani's long thick hair. "Computer," he said in a low tone. "Lower illumination by seventy percent. And play George Charles calming music, Volume one, sound level at fifty percent."

Slowly, the lights fell to a dim setting and over the hidden speakers, soft celtic music began to play. Reaching up behind him, he the grabbed the soft blanket that he had there and carefully drapped it over Leilani's body. He then went back to gently running his fingers through her hair.

George’s gentle touch was all it took for Leilani to relax and drift off into a peaceful sleep. Her eyes slowly drooping closed as he stroked her hair.

A little while later, George laid his head back on the back of the couch and fell asleep himself.

***OFF***

Sergeant Leilani Charles
Combat Medic

&

1st Lieutenant George Charles
Senior Valkyrie Starfighter Pilots
USS Elysium