by The Crew of the USS Serendipity
091004.16
-=USS Serendipity=-
091004.16
-=USS Serendipity=-
Dabin cradled little Sophie in his arms, peeling back the blanket she was wrapped in as he walked so he could tickle her under her chin. She responded by smacking her lips in a fashion so adorable that Dabin thought his heart might break on the spot for the sheer cuteness of his newborn daughter.
“Where are we going again? You never did tell me and you didn’t even think it.” February said with a confused frown. Usually, Dabin was so easy for her to read. Today though it was as if his mind had a distinctly obstructive fence around it with a sign hanging on the gate that read; “No trespassing.”
At last, Dabin stopped walking outside an unfamiliar set of doors. “It’s finally time, Sophie, let’s show Mommy her big surprise.”
“Surprise?” February tilted her head, now truly curious.
“Come on Bru, take the baby. You’re going to want to be the one to show her this for the first time, just as I get to show it to you.”
Dabin opened the doors and watched, holding his breath, as Bru stepped inside.
He had worked during all his off hours to prepare their quarters for this day, and taken all the help the crew was willing to offer. He had tailored every detail of their home towards taking care of February’s needs.
As she responded with two simple words to the sight before her, every moment of that work was justified.
“No way!” She gasped and he laughed, thinking two words of his own.
Mission accomplished.
February’s mouth opened in surprise as she began to take in her surroundings.
Her glider rocker was set up with a playpen for Sophie on one side, and all her crocheting supplies on the other. A wicker basket held her yarn, and a rolling set of wooden drawers all her supplies including hooks, stitch counters and safety scissors. Everything, of course, was pink.
The rocker even contained a pre-wired music playback system so February would have all her favorite music right at her fingertips every time she sat down to crochet, without needing to fiddle with any earphones.
Dabin also set up a screen in the living room for her and Sophie to watch their favorite programs. He picked out a few of his favorites he hoped Sophie would enjoy as well. The first was an old Earth movie called Mulan. The story of a young woman who learns she has the heart and courage to take on any challenge, if she believes in herself above anything else.
“Perfect.” Dabin thought, as he was selecting titles for Sophie to watch. He intended to raise her to believe she was perfect the way she was, and it was she alone that gave herself value, not what anyone else thought. He wished for his daughter to understand from the very beginning exactly what he had tried to teach February since he had first fallen in love with her.
Everything else had been planned around comfort for mother and child. The couch in the living area was piled high with fluffy pillows, holoemitters were installed for a holographic nanny program when mother and father needed a break. February swore she would never use the thing, but Dabin knew better. Even if it bought her thirty minutes of peace and quiet, she would use it eventually.
Sparrow’s climbing towers were safely secured behind a baby gate that could only be opened by a scan of the cat’s DNA, provided by the sensors Dabin installed in the gate. This gave the cat free reign over his territory while insuring little Sophie could not get hurt on any unforeseen climbing expeditions on Sparrow’s trees. He positioned the tallest tower such that the curious cat could see down into the playpen to keep and eye on his new little sister.
The outer walls of the room had several “play stations” set up, with various infant toys for Sophie to amuse herself with. Everything from blocks to toy trains to the infamous rolling popper thing, which Dabin played with himself whenever he had the chance. In the closet locked away he already had all the six-months of age and above toys ready to be brought out as soon as Sophie was ready for them.
The baby’s room was, of course, painted pink for mother and child. Dabin handcrafted the crib and added every safety device imaginable. Sophie would not be able to hurt herself even if she tried. Hidden in the mobile above the bed were biosensors of all kinds, along with visual and audio monitors linked directly to the monitoring station in the bedroom. Dabin had even tied the readouts directly into the holomatrix of Dalton McKay to automatically activate the Doctor if ever there were an emergency Dabin and February somehow missed.
The room itself was rung on all sides with small models of buildings from Disney World, to remind Dabin and February of the trip they took there together and where they would take Sophie on their first vacation. Dabin set up a second glider and small replicator beside the crib, for those late night feeding and rocking sessions. The bookshelf next to the crib contained a selection of children’s stories from around the galaxy.
Below the Disney buildings Dabin hung several charcoal drawings he had made in anticipation of this days. Sketches of father holding daughter, mother with child, and his personal favorite of the three of them sitting on the ground, beneath the stars. In the picture Sophie is pointing up at the sky, oblivious to the fact Dabin and February are stealing a kiss behind her.
The final touch above the crib was a saying, written in paint in Dabin’s own handwriting. It read, “Here there is nothing but family, and love.”
Dabin had built the bedroom to preserve one child-free haven for them in the home, save one panel to monitor Sophie’s room. Floral blankets were piled high along with pillows atop the bed, and the walls were adored with drawings of the two of them. Included in the artwork were the painting from Sachal Grace and the drawing of February with her previous hosts that she treasured so. In the corner was a vanity for her with mirror, hairbrush, notepad and paper for her handwritten notes, again pre-wired with all her favorite music.
In the closet he lined up each of their wardrobes side by side, and added a new series of large pink ultra soft sweatshirts and pants for her to wear while taking care of the baby, lest her nicer outfits fall victim to the unpredictable nature of baby’s stomachs.
The computer terminal was set up to display all the information she needed for her helm duties including the latest technical manuals. Dabin hadn’t told her, but he also preloaded several games for her to amuse herself with when she needed some time alone. In short he had tailored their home to every need for mother and child both.
His last addition to the room was another handwritten note in the paint above their bed.
“All I need is here beside me.”
As he walked her back to the nursery, February saw a large pile of gifts in the middle of the room near her glider.
“They didn’t.” She said.
“Didn’t what?”
“Look!” She said, inclining her head towards the gifts.
“Oh, you’re killing me,” Dabin said as he fought back a tear. The crew had gone out of their way to sneak in gifts for the new family.
Dabin picked up the first box, and Bru nodded for him to open it. Inside they found a holo-camera, and Dabin read aloud the letter that accompanied it.
When I was growing up there were some pretty tough times. I found myself wondering if my parents ever regretted their decision to have me. My father wasn’t around and let’s face facts; I’m no soldier and would never be able to follow in his footsteps. I came to feel guilty for everything wrong in my mother's life. It was a lot for a child to take on. Then one day I stopped wondering.
I was looking through some old files to track down what is the Angosian equivalent of a birth certificate and I came upon an old photograph, one of those things that you never quite know how it ends up where it does. It was a picture of this man and woman, their faces full of such incredible joy. They were both absolutely captivated by this tiny life that the woman held in her arms and looked like nothing could tear them away. I simply had to know who they were but there was no writing on the back to offer an explanation.
So I took the photograph to my mother. I asked her who were these happy people and what was their photograph doing in our house. She laughed a little and explained they were us; that couple were my parents and the baby was me. I knew then that they’d loved me since the beginning.
I have no doubt that the two of you will always be there to support your daughter and show her just how much she’s loved. However there may still be some tough times. One day she’ll be sixteen and might bring home some young troublemaker boyfriend of whom you don’t approve, possibly a Science Officer in the works, and if you say you don’t like him then an argument may just ensue. It’s times like these when it helps to have a lot of pictures.
That’s why I ask that you take plenty of them now. Let her always be able to see how your faces lit up when you held her, when she laughed and when she took all those little steps to growing up.
You’ll notice that there’s already some data on the memory chip. No, it’s not my old vacation slides. They’re pictures of the two of you taken throughout the pregnancy. I always kept a camera handy somewhere for those times when your smiles just couldn’t be missed. Some of them you may swear that I wasn’t even around for, to which I can only say it’s handy to know someone in the local café.
Best of luck you two.
Sincerely,
Rada Dengar
They each exchanged a glance, knowing how difficult the next days, if not weeks or years, were going to be for Rada. Dabin flipped through the pictures on the camera, allowing himself to smile despite his worry for Dengar before picking up the next gift, which was written made out especially to February.
February Grace,
As you know, my father and brother are dead, and my beloved moogie is in a coma. These drawings are something special to me that I did when I was little. You'll find pictures of my family, our home, my brother's first strip of latinum, and many other things I drew from my time of childhood.
There's nothing more special, than the way a child sees the universe around him. He looks at things through eyes of wonder, of innocence, of expectation. He sees the good in everything, the many possibilities, the adventure spread out before him. He sees things as they should be.
When your child is little, encourage her to draw. Encourage her to express herself and her imagination. For as long as possible, let her see the universe through those eyes of wonder. The universe is a harsh place, and those special days of innocence, are precious. Enjoy them. Enjoy her. Enjoy the miracle your family has created.
Hok
“He must have left it with the crew before he left, to make sure you got it.” Dabin brushed a hand against February’s cheek, wiping away a tear. He knew how special drawing was to her, and him as well. She was already sizing up wall space to display Hok’s drawings, as Dabin reached for the next gift.
It was a PADD, currently displaying a picture of a house's front door.
The outside of the building had been painted an eggshell white, and the frames of the many windows were dark gray. The house was two stories high, and seemed to have a dock, judging my some of the pictures if one were to continue to browse through them on the PADD. That’s just what Dabin did, showing each to February until he finally reached the text that explained the images and again read aloud.
Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves. -James Matthew Barrie
When I was growing up, this house was my family's secluded locale we could escape to. The world fell away when we visited this place, and nothing else mattered but our immediate family and the love we shared. The house is smaller than my parent's permanent residence, but the size makes it more cozy I feel. It is also the only house on the island upon which it stands, and the surrounding lake is vast and filled with treasures. I do not know if either of you like fishing, but the occupants of the lake have been left unthreatened for some time, I feel you'd have no trouble catching dinner.
Yes, that’s right. I have spoken to my parents, and made arrangement for you to stay at this house. It will be stocked with food, cleaned, and baby-proofed all before you arrive. I will be arriving shortly onto the Sera, to confirm to you that this is all indeed true, but it will be bittersweet, as I will not be seeing you for long. You both bring such life to the Sera, that I feel the ship may not be the same whilst you are away. But, as Barrie reminds us, it is important to share that light with those you love, sometimes exclusively.
You may stay for as long as you like, it is ready and waiting. (As are the fish)
Vol
Dabin could not have imagined a more wondrous gift. He had adored Betazed during their visit, and how helpful the people had been in helping him study his telepathic link with February. The planet was so beautiful and welcoming, he could easily have seen himself setting up a life with her there. Vol’s gift would afford them the chance not just for rest and relaxation, but also to spend time with the people. People Dabin could not help but feel at home around.
“He’s so sweet. Next time I see him I’m going to have to hug him till I squish him.” February decided. “What else is there?” She asked, eyeing the next envelope.
“It’s from Liis and Keiran,” Dabin said. He broke the wax seal, and unfolded the note inside. February unwrapped the gift, a small book.
February and Dabin,
This is a copy of a book Keiran read to his son when he was just an infant. It follows the tale of a small boy and the donkey he could not part with, even when others around him encouraged him to ride a more beautiful horse. The boy did not care for looks, the donkey was loyal and true to him, and that was all that matter. That was what made it the most beautiful steed in all the land to the child.
It teaches us that love is measured in true companionship, and springs not from physical attraction but rather from friendship.
We give this gift to you, not because it is such and important life lesson for Sophie, but because it is such an important lesson for the both of you. Always remember the way you felt when you realized how much you enjoyed each other’s companionship, and how much you needed each other’s love. Nurture you child in the same affection that surrounds you both, and she will flourish.
You are both such energetic and loving people, especially you Reece. Every time you read this book, remember that there is someone for everyone in this life, and we can think of no one else that could ever be more perfect for Dabin than February, and February for Dabin. Hold on to that and don’t ever let it go, no matter how much anyone tries to convince you the fancy steed is the better choice.
~The O’Sullivans
February held the gently worn book carefully, clearing her eyes to avoid having her tears stain the pages. The book already looked slightly used, no doubt Zanh Liis had thought to replicate it just that way for the effect. It would have made little sense, given the nature of their note, to have given them a crisp and polished brand new book. The book came much like February and Dabin lived; well loved.
They flipped through the pages, looking at the pictures for a few moments, before moving on to the next gift, and the note that went along with it.
Dear new mommy and daddy,
As you welcome home your bundle of joy, here are just two little tokens of affection for you and her.
For you, this framed embroidery, hand stitched with an important message: "To have a daughter is to know a special kind of joy."
And for the little one, this bear, tan in color with dark tan spots and decked out in a little pink sailor suit. I was given one just like it (well, minus the pink, of course) as a child. It was my favorite toy, and we had many cherished memories together. May the same be true for Sophie.
All the best,
Lara
“She didn’t have to do that.” Bru said. “This artwork will look lovely in the nursery, and you’re going to love your new buddy aren’t you Sophie?” February smiled at the bear, imagining all the adventures that he and Sophie would have together as she got older.
There was yet another gift waiting for them, which Dabin moved to open.
For The Grace-Reece family,
You have embarked on life’s most important mission, parenthood. We have been through this together for many years, and what we’ve learned is that you never stop learning. To help ease the learning process, we’ve sent you Arie’s favorite holodeck programs and computer activities for when you just desperately need a few minutes of peace and quiet.
That will come sooner than you think.
Your real gift is our wisdom, for your use. No doubt everyone has put a great deal of thought into gifts for Sophie, so we would like to make an offer exclusively for Dabin and February. There will come times when you simply need an ear to get through a tough stretch or to lend you advice on parenting. It can be embarrassing to ask at times, but you can safely come to us. Salvek and Kellyn will always be there for you.
We had to go on our own instincts over the years. Neither of us have had the benefit of a relationship with our own parents that we could use to help guide us along the way. We do the best we can, and when we fail, we try to improve. We know that you both as well will not have your own parents to lean on during the coming years. To that end, always know this; you are not alone.
We don’t claim to be perfect parents, but if you can learn from our mistakes and duplicate our successes, it can only make your lives easier. There will be difficulties, there always are. The first time she disobeys you, or lies to you. The first time she takes interest in the opposite sex. I’m happy to say we aren’t in quite that deep yet, but by the time Sophie is that old, Arie will likely be close to marriage.
Chances is are if you ask us both for advice, you may get two different answers, but just know we will always do anything we can to help. We care so much for the both of you. You each have been such wonderful friends, for as long as we’ve known you. There is nothing we want more than to see your child bloom under your loving guidance. You are each brilliant and wise beyond your years.
If in the coming years we can only offer you even just one piece of advice, at least we will know we helped shape your child into the fine woman she is going to become. That is our gift to you, and the most wonderful gift you could ever give us, sharing your family with ours..
In case that isn’t enough, Kellyn has enclosed her recipe for stuffed turkey.
Salvek and Lair Kellyn
“The Vulcan is a softie, and so is the Bajoran. I always knew it.” Dabin laughed, before picking up the final note on the gift table. It was addressed in script with a small logo of the Eiffel Tower in the corner, leaving little doubt as to its origin.
Dabin and Our ‘Little Angel’,
Tress and Sophie are bound to become friends, and grow up together. To that end, we have a gift that we believe will help foster a friendship between them. As soon as she is old enough, Fleur and I would like to teach Sophie to sign.
Signing is such a personal and graceful way to communicate between two people. No doubt there will be days you are both busy with your duties, and if we volunteer our time for babysitting, we can certainly begin to teach Sophie sign at a very young age.
It is important to us that Tress not believe she’s alone amongst all her speaking peers, but also we want very much for you to feel the way we feel when Tress signs to us. It is a very romantic language and the effort it requires to sign as opposed to using normal speech, seems to, at least in our minds, give the words more meaning.
It is our hope as well that from a very young age that Sophie will understand that different means just that, different, but not worse. She will understand that even though Tress cannot hear, she is still a little girl with the same interests as any other young child.
We know there will be tough times ahead. Questions that will be asked of you that it will be difficult for you to answer, about your homeworld. Someday Sophie may look in a mirror and feel like she does not have value because she cannot return to Trill. If that day ever comes, we hope she can remember Tress, and when she learned to sign, and know that everyone has a value and is important, no matter what limitations the outside world has imposed on them.
Tress will never see herself as anything but loved and adored if we have our way, and she will always know that in our hearts that no physical ailment could ever limit the bonds between parent and child or man and wife. We want to help you instill those same values in Sophie, using Tress and ourselves as her window into the soul.
Best of luck to you both,
Fleur and Camen
February set the final note down, and took a moment to look at the collection of gifts their friends had given them. Not just gifts, but heartfelt presents that captured a little bit of each giver’s soul. Dabin wrapped his arms softly around her and kissed her forehead.
“You know what Bru?”
“What Dabin?”
“We couldn’t possibly ask for a better family to surround our child with.”
Bru smiled and hugged her husband but pulled away when she noticed one more item.
“What’s that?” She nodded to a scroll that was rolled up and sealed with a dark red wax blot. A bright blue ribbon was tied neatly around it.
Dabin retrieved the ancient looking scroll and admired it. The paper was aged, a yellowish tan color, and cut uneven. He was no expert in antiques but it was easy to see that it was old. The wax however was fresh and the ribbon new. He took note of the impression on the wax and smiled as he showed it to Bru.
“TC.” Bru said as she smiled. The impression was of TC Blane’s family crest from the ring that he wore on his left hand. The rearing eagle holding a shield emblazoned with a rose and a sword was unmistakable.
Carefully Dabin broke open the seal and unrolled the scroll.
A hand written message in dark ink adorned the page in incredibly neat scrolling handwriting.
Little Sis and Adopted Brother in Law.
No gift can convey the happiness that I feel for both of you. Your own personal joy will be a boost to all that see you when you hold your new child, a child of new life into the universe that beckons to be loved by all those who see her.
I find myself without any words of advice, as I am not a parent. I find that I have no way to mentor either of you on this journey that you are embarking upon, as you have both been parents before, in other lives. I feel lax in my role as a big brother and as a friend.
So as I so often do in life, I will utter words that were given to my Mother and Father at my birth. Advise from the 20th century, from a long forgotten song.
As parents, as adults we are the keepers of the universe until we hand it over to the next generation. It is our duty to not only make sure that we try to give it to them in at least the same condition as it was left to us, but to also prepare them to take charge of it.
You hold in your hands not just the future of you own bloodline but of all of ours. Everything that you are she will also be. She will carry the good of you both but will also be tasked with bearing your sins, all of our sins. Such is the curse for the next generation to bear.
But I can think of no one better to prepare, and love, little Sophie than you both.
Love and Devotion,
TC
************************
Dabin Reece
On behalf of the crew of the Serendipity
NRPG: The original version of this post was given to me as a Christmas present last year, and has been waiting all this time to finally be posted at the appropriate time.
I didn’t write any of this; the description of their new quarters (that was Reece's doing) or any of the ‘gifts’ myself. Rather all were written by members of the crew and were more gifts to me than they were contributions to a storyline.
That’s why I cherish this (including the contributions by writers no longer writing with us- they are still special to me and I thank them for the heart they put into this post).
Yes, you made me cry.
Thank you, everyone. ~FG
Dabin Reece
On behalf of the crew of the Serendipity
NRPG: The original version of this post was given to me as a Christmas present last year, and has been waiting all this time to finally be posted at the appropriate time.
I didn’t write any of this; the description of their new quarters (that was Reece's doing) or any of the ‘gifts’ myself. Rather all were written by members of the crew and were more gifts to me than they were contributions to a storyline.
That’s why I cherish this (including the contributions by writers no longer writing with us- they are still special to me and I thank them for the heart they put into this post).
Yes, you made me cry.
Thank you, everyone. ~FG