Nat was so devestated by Ken's death, that David insisted on pulling off the pilot's active roster and assigned her to overseeing a group of mechanics that worked on the pods. He arranged for some of the other pilots to get her out of her quarters in the evenings, usually for dinner or some group activity. Nat began to feel queasy, after several weeks, and grew increasingly tempermental. David insisted that she see a doctor. "You've probably let yourself get rundown. Grief can cause sleeplessness and stress. That can lead to illness." Nat shot him a look, which clearly told him what she thought of that idea. David sighed and got an appointment for her before he let her leave the office. The next day, Nat dutifully, if somewhat resentfully, reported to Sick Bay. "So what'd they find?" David asked her the next day. Nat glared at him. "I'm pregnant." Her tone sounded as if she blamed him for her condition. David grinned at her, a bemused expression on his face. "Well, congratulations." "I never wanted children," Nat informed him. "I may terminate this one." "Maybe you ought to wait a bit before you consider that." Nat glowered at him. "Not your body, not your business." David nodded his agreement. Neither said anything for a bit. "Still, that baby is all of Ken that you've got left. You sure you want to rid yourself of that?" In truth, she wasn't sure. However, as the days, passed and her belly began growing, Nat found it comforting to hold her swollen stomach in her arms. Eventually, the desire to rid herself of the baby within ceased to be a consideration. She could feel it kicking and moving and it became real for her. The doctors told her it would be a little boy. At her request, David attended birthing classes with her. When little Kenny was born, David cut the umbilical cord. Exhausted and drifting off to sleep, Nat was dimly aware that David was standing beside her bed. She reached out and gripped his arm. "You are a good, friend," she murmured, slipping into oblivion. TO BE CONTINUED CREDITS: Female Figure: DAZ Aiko3 realistic; skin mat is Denise by danie (renderosity); hair is short hair by ali (renderosity); tunic is by sione, Alyssia pants by SilverElf (Renderosity). Plants: Shmonglers by dreampaint. Vine: "Modualz Vines - Creepers - Arches" modeled by Traveler and textured by Judith (RDNA).