Smugglers Cove (Love2write and Silence)

In some ways his shoulder still hurt from the surgery, but he had another month before he had to go in for another one. This time Killian had barely finished with one of the shots and he still felt a little tender. Star was beginning to worry him though. She was losing weight instead of gaining it like she was supposed to. Even when he wanted to be sleeping later he would get up and wander down the stairs to get something for Star to eat. After the shot his mother started sending him to bed more often because she was worried he was working his arm too hard since it had been constantly sore after the last surgery instead of having the regular lapse where it felt pretty good.

Still Killian did what he could and Belen would let him. With one week of resting his arm the soreness did leave and he knew not to push it that hard again. Almost hourly he would check on Star to find that she was still sick no matter what they had been trying. What they really needed was a doctor and finally they got one. He was one of the foremost physicians on the planet regarding births and the most accomplished with humans.

Killian watched the doctor like a hawk. He didn't know what all this stuff was and Star was sick enough he didn't think it would take much to put her body out of sorts. When the doctor revealed they were having twins Killian's face lit up. Two babies at one time, it was great! He failed to notice for the time that Star wasn't quite as excited looking. Momentarily Killian's attention was demanded for the button thing and he felt along Star's back like the doctor showed him and then he followed the instructions to push the button onto her. Within a few seconds Star seemed to be feeling much better and that only made Killian feel more at east and a lot more excited about the babies now. They finished up the appointment with a few papers and hand outs on some tips for preparing for twins and Killian didn't really see the difference between having one baby or two. It just meant that you needed to have two beds when they got older.

Once they were outside the doctor's office Killian grinned down at Star. "Twins...that's pretty great." They had a few minutes of walking down the hallways and he figured it was as good a time as any to talk with her about the development.

"I guess." She sounded less excited than she had a month ago.

"So, I won the bet. One of them is a boy. That means I don't have to do tea party right?" Killian winked at her. "And you'll have a girl to dress up."

"If she wants a tea party, Killian. You'll give a tea party." Star replied, her hands on her stomach. Though she wasn't nauseous anymore the thought of having twins was stressing her out. "Ugh...you know what this means right? It means we're going to have double of everything. Double feeding, double, diapers, double the crying..." She paled and moaned, "And two births at the same time. Shi*, i'm going to die..."

"It's not that hard." Shrugging his shoulders he went on, "Just means that what you do for one baby you do for the other."

Star glared at him. "One of these days I'm getting you hooked up to a birthing simulator. THEN you tell me how hard it is."

"Why you getting so hostile?" Killian looked at her a bit surprised. "What's the difference between pushing one or two out? First one gets you all stretched out right?"

"Ok, that's it." She grabbed his hand and marched him right back to Dr. Farren's office. "Sorry to bother you again doctor, but...by chance do you have one of those birthing simulators?" She asked. The doctor raised an eyebrow looking at Killian in amusement. "We do, actually. Are you wanting to try it, Killian?

"What are we doing?" Killian walked along with Star and he didn't see why she was headed back to the doctor's office. "Um...we're heading the wrong way. Star?" She obviously didn't want to listen and instead burst in to ask about a birth simulator. Killian's eyes got wide and he rubbed the side of his head. "I don't....." Glancing at Star when he felt her tighten her squeeze on his hand he looked at the doctor again. "I do?"

It was mean. Star knew. But he was so unsympathetic sometimes. Dr. Farren chuckled. "Alright then." He took them to a back room and had Killian pull up his shirt while he wrapped a tight strap about his hips and lower stomach. "Now even this isn't a very accurate child birth simulator, but it'll give you a pretty good idea of what she experiences for the duration of the labor process, which for Chippequoti can last up to 12 hours." Dr. Faren reached over and pressed a button on the machine, turning it on. "We'll start at the lowest threshold and work our way up the actual birth pain level. If you last that long, this simulation takes about 30 to 50 minutes."

Killian was a little bit skeptical at first. "Really?" The belt for the simulator felt a little odd and the doctor told him to lay down on the bed in the room so he laid on it and rolled his eyes at Star. When the first flicker of activity from the belt started he glanced down at it. "That's weird." It kind of felt like a bunch of little needle pricks and after a few minutes the technician running the machine set it to the next level and Killian looked over at Star. The doctor had already left so it was just him and Star with the technician. By the third notch he could feel his guts start to cramp. "Umm...uh...." In many ways it was worse than stomach cramps. "How many notches are on this thing?"

"There's 10." The technician just watched the timer to start into the next phase.

Star had her arms crossed as she looked at him without sympathy. Maybe it was hormones but she was feeling rather irritated with his causality about this. Now he was going to learn otherwise. "Yeah, just remember...no matter how bad it gets, I get to go through 10 hours of this."

All of it got worse by the 5th notch. Even his back started to cramp. Killian adjusted how he was laying on the bed and he sat up a little more. Then the sensation started to creep down toward his legs and he started to panic. "Oh shit no!" Laying back on the bed again he looked at the technician who informed him they had only made it to notch 6. Only a few minutes into the 7th notch he started to pull his knees closer to his chest and he took a sharp breath. It was almost like all the old injuries in his back were on fire with the cramping and then his side and hip had begun to ache from the cramps too. A deep frown came to his face and he tried to stay quiet.

Star's frown softened. She could tell he was in pain and trying not to say anything. She felt bad and almost gave him an out, but decided against it. Only four more notches. If he couldn't handle it anymore, he'd say something.

The little notch progressed through the five minutes of level 7 and the cramping grew increasingly worse paired with being more frequent. Killian pressed his head back into the pillow and he growled. Anytime that there was between the cramps he grasp his side and try to relieve the pain in his back. All of the constant cramping had either gotten suddenly much worse as it crossed over into 8 which wasn't logical cause it was a slow progression, or he was already sore. "Oh aha ha!" Sitting up a little his eyes began to water. Gradually he started to break out sweating and he writhed on the bed. "Ugh...what....." Taking a few breaths he moaned again. "Level?"

"Just barely into 8. Not even a minute." The technician replied.

"Do you need to stop?" Star was feeling increasingly uncomfortable. Part of her thought that somehow he'd be too tough to react and end up saying it wasn't so bad. Even if it was a simulation, she was feeling bad that she's made him do this.

There was part of him that really wanted to tough it out so he could say that he did, but that was practically torture. Laying back in the bed he groaned more. "Augh!" Shifting on the bed he took another deep breath before he started to curse. "Damn it yes...Just stop the thing!"

"Congratulations the baby made it far enough for epidural and you made it to a total of 1/5 of the way through level 8." Smiling the technician started to take the belt off of him. "We do have a recovery period required and I'll get you a little water and after about 15 minutes you can leave."

Star sat beside him, wringing her hands a bit. "You ok?"

After the technician left he set the bottle of water aside and frowned. "My balls hurt."

Star couldn't help but giggle a little. "So, yeah, now you know why I'm feeling a little nervous about doing that with twins"

Wincing he shifted on the bed a little and took a sip of the water while she spoke. "Hell if I had to do it I would only do it once and I'd make it twins or triplets so I only had to do the 10 hours once." Killian thought for a moment. "Actually I just wouldn't do it."

"Does this mean you don't think its not a big deal anymore?" She asked hopefully.

Nodding he agreed with her and winced again. "That thing hurts like hell. Feels like somebody just shot me and tried to crush the family jewels."

Star laughed. "I guess. And you didn't even make it to level ten." She winked. "Well, thank you for humoring me."

"Yeah I know. Didn't see the point in doing it if I didn't have to." Killian rolled to his side and curled his back to loosen the muscles. They were still hurting and he felt like somehow he was bleeding all over the place even though he knew he wasn't.
"I'll give you a nice massage tonight." She promised.

"No thanks." Groaning he sat up and stiffly moved toward the doorway when he heard the technician come back. "I'm ready to get out of this torture chamber. Thanks for the lesson." Killian grumbled the last sentence and walked very slowly out of the office. For the time his brain lacked creativity and he could only think of the easiest way out of the building and getting home. His stomach just felt like it did a lot of work and he was ok with that. What really hurt were all the old injury sites that were affected by the cramping. Even the bit of soreness wore out of the private range and that was good. He would have been mad if that lingered for much longer.

By the time they got home all he wanted to do was lay in a bed. There were still things to do though and he told Morgan he would help him move some stuff around the house. Every time he twisted or had to bend over the slow burn that started in his back reminded him of that miraculous process of child birth. Not that he gave birth, but it hurt.

Morgan noticed that Killian was moving a little slow and stiff. "You alright?" The extent of the injuries he didn't know about, but he did know they were pretty serious.

"Tried one of those pregnancy simulators." That seemed to be explanation enough in Killian's mind. There were not words to describe exactly how it felt besides painful.

Raising his eyebrows slightly, Morgan nodded. It was certainly an odd thing to subject yourself to, but if his son wanted to do that then obviously he could. "You want to relax for a few minutes then?"

Eyes widening Killian shook his head. "No. We'll just keep going." He was going to tough it out through the day. Couldn't wimp out now." By the end of the day he was more than ready for bed and he barely got himself changed and he decided not to put on the pajama shirt. Killian didn't want his back to be getting rubbed with a t-shirt all night. Small delicate fingers started to run along his back and he winced. "No thank you."

***************************

Anna stepped out of the house with her things and she grinned shyly at Kato. She couldn't really think of anything to say till they got to the spa and he laid around wondering about stuff. "That's kind of silly question if you ask me. I bet you anything that has to do with heat the Chippeqouti love. You could practically lay them in an oven and they'd just grin and be all the happier. Why do you think there's hot tables to lay on, hot blankets for your bed, hot tubs, hot salt springs to relax in, everything is hot." Chuckling a little she figured that maybe the light bulb would go off now. "I don't imagine that tourists come to a hot planet to experience more hot things."
 
Star tried to rub Killian's back that night but he said no. She pulled away, tucking her hands back under the blankets. "Are you mad at me?" She asked worriedly.
Turning his head on the pillow he looked at her. "No...My back hurts that's all."
"I know that, but...I got the sense that maybe you were upset with me for making you do that." She bit lip.
"No. I could have picked you up and walked out the door if I wanted to." Grunting he turned onto his side. It was easier to talk with her that way.
She gently took his hand in her own, rubbing his tattooed ring finger. She'd gotten one of her own after returning from the prision planet. They were different but still beautiful. "Sorry that I haven't been there at all for you or the kids for the last month. But, I really have enjoyed waking up to those notes. They make me smile."
Killian smirked. "Wouldn't be much of a man if I couldn't handle a few weeks." He had a lot of help from his mum and dad, but that was beside the point. Star was the only person he usually made attempts at bragging to.
She chuckled. "Belen has helped alot too. They've been amazing." She turned on her back, relieved to feel almost somewhat normal again. The last few weeks of such extreme nausea had been killer. "You know, I asked them to be my parents too a while back." She smiled. "They were all for it. I really love them."
"That's good. I like them being your parents better than them being mine." Killian started to laugh and he rolled onto his stomach again. "Ugh."
"It seems like you really respect Morgan though...and you've been calling Belen mum." Star notes, frowning slightly at Killian's obvious discomfort.
Letting out a long sigh he drummed his fingers on the bed. "Yeah I know. It's a little scary thinking about having a family. Even if they accept my past and just let me start over there's still expectations."
"Yes...but...that means you can have expectations of them too." Star replied. She lay a hand on his chest. "All they want from you...is to get to know you and be accepted as family. Is that really so bad?"
Killian frowned. "Yes. I don't want to tell them about me. Then when they're family the expectations will begin to grow. Suddenly they'll want a number of hours during the week or...I don't know Star. I'm used to being able to just go an be whatever."
She sighed, laying back down on the pillow. "Its a relationship, Killian, and you set the pace. You didn't like telling me about yourself either but we gave and took from eachother until there was trust and friendship built. Its no different with your parents. Its just going to be a different sort of relationship. One that you can enjoy, as much as the one that you enjoy with me...well, most of the time. Maybe not today." She added with a light laugh.
"Yeah what do you call that?" Killian pushed up on his elbows. "A lesson in empathy?"
"Basically." Star shrugged.
Groaning he flopped into the bed again. "I'd prefer you find some other way to help me empathize." He knew the groan was a little dramatic sounding, but he liked watching her facial expressions. Giving a whimper he continued. "It hurts an...." Before he could finish he started to laugh. Killian couldn't even keep his face straight to milk his way through the joke.
"Yeah it hurts. Like hell." She grumped as she realized he was mocking her, giving him a playful shove. "I suppose I was also hoping for a little more appreciation too for what I go through to bring these kids into this world."
Through the laughing he managed to get a few words out. "Oh I've got plenty of appreciation." Busting out laughing again he turned to his side. "It really did hurt."
"Good." She smirked, then rolled closer to him and gave him a kiss on the lips. "Thankfully...that's just 10 hours out of 5 months of having fun being pregnant, and then a lifetime of having children." She kissed him again. "Its worth it. Barely. But its worth it."
"Better be worth it." Killian smirked. "I work real hard to make sure you have kids."
"Oh, is that what you call it? Work?" She teased him.
"Mmhmmm." Killian inched a bit closer. "I don't mind a little hard work."
"Oh, I know you don't. I have four kids to prove that." She chuckled. She loved how he'd lean over her like that. Commanding and yet protective. Powerful yet tender. "I love you."
Giving Star a gentle kiss he winked at her. "And this work horse did enough today."

"Yes. Yes you did. I comment your prowess." She grinned up at him, pressing close then quickly fell asleep in his arms.
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"Oh, I hadn't really thought of that." Kato said in reply. "Uh, does that mean...most if this stuff you don't want to do cause its too hot?" He was beginning to think they'd just picked the worst place to go, and now she was going to be miserable and thus their vacation was about to be ruined before it started.
Anna smirked. "Who doesn't enjoy a hot tub and hot blankets."
"Are you sure? If you don't like it we can go elsewhere." Kato offers.
"I picked it on purpose, because the atmosphere is supposed to be quiet and relaxing. I didn't want to be someplace rowdy if we're supposed to use this time to do whatever it is we're supposed to and if we went to the most popular resort I would be surrounded by the same kind of pricks I try to avoid."
Kato nodded gently. "Alright. Well...I don't have any expectations except for us reconnecting again...becoming friends again. Whatever that takes, let's do it but, there's no pressure." He stood, smiled and handed her the pamphlet. "What would you like to do first, my dear?"
Digging into her suitcase Anna sighed. "Swim. I know you didn't have any swimming trunks so I bought you some. They match my yellow bikini."
Kato snorted out of a mix of horror and surprise. "Oh, oh...wow...those are...bright."
"Yep." Anna started to strip and began putting her bikini on. "You'll look nice in them. Quit admiring them and just go put them on."
Kato did and pulled at the elastic uncomfortably. The fabric was literally hurting his real eye but he refused to say anything. "You look very sexy, Anna."
"Ah, I wonder why." Kato smirked. He held out an arm to her. "Ready?"
Taking his arm Anna walked outside feeling completely sexy and not noticing or caring about anyone that happened to glance their direction.

***
That night Kato took Anna out to dinner. He had dressed in a nice suit with a lovely blue tie and had Anna on his arm. He escorted her into a nice restaurant, where there was a rich atmosphere, live music and an open floor dancing. He wanted to bring them back to the beginning again...in a way. Back when they were newly in love and so excited about being in a relationship. When had that died? When had that love turned to fear and trust into suspicion?
At their table he'd arranged for bright yellow flowers with an incredible aroma to be arranged as their center piece. He hoped she love them, and take them as a sign that he was learning, growing and changing...for her. And tonight, he had a little idea that he hoped she'd pick up on and roll with. Maybe it was stupid...but he hoped it would help break the tension between them.

Kato escorted Anna pulled out her chair and helped her sit. Then it began. He came around to her side and held out a hand to her, kissing her hand as she offered it to him. "M'Lady Anna, thankyou for joining me for dinner tonight. My name is Kato and I look forward to us getting to know one another." He adjusted his tie and sat down. Maybe it was stupid. Maybe she would hate it. Maybe she'd just humor him or maybe she'd actually have fun. "Can I order you anything to drink? I'd suggest the apple martini if you're feeling playful or the champagne if you feel like celebrating, maybe a bottle of wine if you're feeling flirty or perhaps something random to keep me on my toes." He smiled teasingly.
**********************************************************************************************************

Star came downstairs, without a hint of nausea for the first time in weeks. And, for the first time in weeks she had an appetite. "Oh, Belen. That breakfast looks amazing. I'm starving! Eating for three is either going to be super fun or super hard. Maybe both." She beamed up at the woman, wondering how long it would take her to catch on to what she'd just said.
 
Anna loved contrast and a white dress for the evening was the best way to go. When they arrived at the table she saw all the yellow tulips and she smiled. However, her husband's acting was dreadful. "Oh good lord sit down." Laughing she pulled at his sleeve.

"Aw." Kato sat. At least she'd told him straight out so he didn't keep making a fool of himself. "I just wish it could all be simple again, you know? Just you and me, clueless and happy. Me the stiff and you the adventurer." He laughed lightly.

Giving him a serious look she raised one eyebrow. "You didn't like that and especially not when you found out what my adventuring entailed."

"I didn't like not knowing about." He corrected. "And yes...I didn't like it was putting you in danger but...if that's your passion, if that is what makes you come alive...I can live with that and support you."

Anna sighed and rested her chin on the heel of her hand. "Yeah well...not quite considered proper work to do when you have children. Maybe I'll just run a ring of underground workers or something of the sorts."

"What is it about that sort of work that makes you happy?" Kato asked sincerely.

The little woman shrugged. "I don't know. Feel like I can do something and do some good for others." For the most part it was difficult to describe what or how she had determined that she liked this work.
"Don't take this the wrong way...but have you thought about putting your skills into a different line of work. I could see you being amazing as an officer of the law or something like that." Kato offered hesitantly, not wanting to make her think that he was trying to change her or anything.

"Really?" Anna started to laugh. "With my record and then I don't quite look the part of an officer."

"You're in a new system. You don't have a record here." Kato smiled. "And it wouldn't take you long to prove to everyone that looks have little to do with skill."

The smile persisted though she continued to think on it. "What do you suppose a man your size or Killian's would do if I told them to freeze?"

"Laugh." Kato said immediatly. "But then you could pepper spray them, or tazer them and they wouldn't expect it?" It sounded stupid even as he suggested it. He shrugged. "Oh well, its a thought."

"You caught the detail of laugh and forgot the rest. I didn't fight people in my work. Not like that. I'm small and I don't have the build for it. When we rescued Star I played a part and left, when I was shot I was playing a part, all I do is play a part in a high risk situation and then leave." Anna sipped at the beer. "I fight in a different way. Maybe what I'd like to do is become an ambassador.'

Kato's eyes lit up. "Now that's a good thought. An ambassador? Of humans to Chippequoti?

"Might be worth a try. I could still do all the things I love most." Anna smiled. "I love having information."

Kato nodded a took a sip of his drink. "You should definitely try it. Can't hurt. In the meantime, I wonder if any of the clinics or hospitals would hire a doctor who knows a little about Chip anatomy...or...perhaps I can become the stay at home parent so you can do the things you dream about."

"Oh please." Anna rolled her eyes. "Last thing I need is for you to start going crazy at home and you would. Then I'd have a psychopath husband running around with needles sedating people, mostly Chippeqouti I imagine."

Kato burst out laughing. "I would not! I'd find a way to keep myself busy."

"Lets try this on for size." Anna reached across the table and started to pet his hand and say his name over and over. "Do you think it sounds like a broke record yet? How about when they start thinking that your name is still Daddy and they must say it again and again in a crazy chant. I think we would do well to find someway to get our jobs so that we can get out when they're done with school. Not like they're home all day everyday."

"Hmm, when you put it that way...perhaps you're right." Kato says thoughtfully.

"I thought so. Wasn't it nice of me to tell you instead of suggesting that you watch the for one month and see if you could maintain sanity or the patience to be called daddy one more time?" Anna started to chuckle a little. He really had no idea.

Kato ran a hand through his hair awkwardly. "Yes, that was very nice of you. Thankyou."

"Imagine that for a whole year with one little voice and then listening to two little voices that called your name all day. Now you know why housewives that have any kind of intelligence beyond a cow go bonkers at some point."

"I'm sorry...I didn't realize." Kato's frowned softly.

Anna shrugged. "That was why I called all their talking, babbling." Sighing she peered into the beer glass and took another sip. "You know I still feel bad for calling you a pig. Over the week I noticed your snout wasn't quite that pronounced."

Kato instinctively touched his nose. "Oh, good. So, you're less mad at me now about that whole fiasco?"

In her usual fashion Anna had to make light of the situation. Grabbing the tip of her nose she turned it up and snorted. "Yeah....Less angry by a long ways."

Kato nearly spit out his drink as she did, then looked about with a flush to his cheek wondering if anyone had noticed. "Well, that's a relief for sure." He smiled gently at her. "So, where do we go from here?

"Someplace we can get lowdown and dirty." Anna grinned at him. "What'd you say to that?"

"Yes. Definetly yes." Kato grinned back.

*******************************************

Belen had just finished serving the children and she noticed Star come down and start talking about the food. "Oh of course. I thought you might be eating in the room upstairs with Killian." Mornings she was usually a little more scatterbrained and with the children around she barely had her gears underneath herself and then she realized what Star said. "Ooh you're having twins!"

Star chuckled and smiled at her brightly. "Yeah. Killian and I found out at the appointment yesterday. A boy and a girl."

"That's wonderful." Scooping some of the food onto Star's plate she continued until the other woman said to stop. "Are you sure you can eat that much after that entire month of being so sick?"

"I won't stuff myself. But he did make it clear I have alot of weight to gain back and then some...and I'm already starting my second trimester." Star took a bite of food. "Mm, yum."

Belen just smiled and shook her head. "Then eat all you will." She didn't mind though she imagined Star would be horrified to know how large she was likely to get with twins.

"I haven't gotten the chance to tell you how much I've appreciated taking on the burden of the kids while me and Killian have been dealing with our own things. Its been a life saver." She said, her tone grateful.

"It's our privilege. How many parents can say that a child that went missing nearly 40 years ago is suddenly returned to them and with a spouse and grandchildren." The woman smiled. "He's starting to open a little. Called me mum the other day and hasn't bothered correcting himself since."

Star nodded and swallowed before speaking again. "He's still nervous about it. About what you'll expect of him if he allows himself to be your son...but, I think in time he'll be willing to be just that."

Motioning for Star to sit at the table Belen turned the heat on the stove to low and sat across from her. "You never spoke about your past as a child. Morgan told me that you remember you father dying while you were young and your brother and yourself were alone after that."

Star nodded slowly. "My mother abandoned us shortly after I was born. Dad disappeared in his ship and never came back. I assumed he died because I knew he'd never have abandoned us to. From there me and brother found a gang that would be relatively good to us and I remained with them right up till a few weeks before I met Killian. My brother was killed in the gangs before he was 14 and, thats my childhood in a nutshell." She shrugged and continued to eat.

Silently she listened to the story. "I'm sorry to hear it. I may not have been familiar with the hardships that children such as yourself faced, but we all have our struggles." Belen lowered her head. "You already know of my shame. Left my first husband, but that was a trial itself. I was married to him at 15 had my first child at 20 and then that was it for a long time. I was 45 when I had Killian. Ogen would never have anything do with me after he found out what I'd done and then you know the rest as well."

"Why did you marry him in first place? And so young if chips live so long?" Star asked

Belen shrugged. "Arranged marriage and the women marry young."

"Oh, cause of the blood strength thing, right? I am well aware of that whole curse." Star shook her head. "In some ways I think humans have it better. We're not bound by that whole blood thing."

The woman started to laugh. "Only some tribes believe that. We're more advanced here and the reason they had to watch the blood so carefully is because of incest. Everyone was related somehow. Very superstitious sect."

Star paused her eating and looked up at her. "Wait...so the whole blood, bone strength isn't an issue on this planet?"

"Not so much." Belen started to laugh again. "You believed them? It all makes sense if your all heavily intermarried. Of course they would have to keep track and then it became tradition after time."

"Well, yes. I didn't really have a reason not to." Star replied. She smiled lightly..."So, that's probably the reason you didn't freak out when you found out Killian had a human mate. Or...did you?"

"It never made sense to you why they were all shocked that he hadn't developed a horrible deformity when I 'mated' too high for my class?" Belen chuckled again. "And I was a little worried when I learned he had married outside of Chippeqouti blood. I didn't know what it would do to any children."

"Yeah, it kinda freaked me out too." Star admits. "Claire was completely unexpected. I pretty much panicked the entire pregnancy wondering what the heck the result was going to be or even if she'd survive."

"And she did." Belen smiled. "You have beautiful children."

"Thankyou." Star nodded. "Killian is pretty handsome as well." She winked and chuckled.

"Ugh he was a huge baby." Belen started to laugh. "Came out two feet tall and just as thick as a brick."

Star gaped. "That sounds horrific. I would've died, or forced them to do a c-section."

"I debated that." Belen got up from the table and grabbed a tablet. "I'll show you what he looked like when he was born."

"Oh my gosh! You have baby pictures!?" Star was estactic to see what he looked like as a babe.

Flipping to the first one she smiled. "Always had the craziest hair from the day he was born." Morgan looked almost the same as he did now and he held the baby quite proudly and then there was a picture of him trying to put the baby Killian's hair into a mohawk. "Then we have a few pictures more as he started to grow and you'll see him playing with blocks, eating blocks on board the ship while we fled."

"Aw, Mikey had a bit of the same look when he was born. It must have been horrible having to leave him like that." Star says empathetically, passing the pad back.

"It was." Belen passed the pad back with one more picture. "And I've noticed that smile hasn't changed." It was the grin that seemed to indicate trouble was just around the bend. "In some ways the sweetest baby and then at other times he would try for every dangerous object possible."Closing the pad she smirked some. "I've heard and noticed little Claire as a few of those tendencies."

"She is her daddy's girl." Star nods. "I just hope beyond hope I can keep her from getting into much trouble as he seems to do."

"Morgan told me the job he has arranged with Killian has minimal risk. He really shouldn't be finding trouble." Though Belen knew from watching him as a baby that even in a room where it all seemed safe he could find a new source of trouble even if it was just himself.

"I appreciate it. Maybe things will become more normal after the twins are born." She said hopefully.

"They will. Enjoy having the babies here and being able to relax. Don't rush yourself. They'll be out and crying and exploring the world for themselves soon enough."
 
Star was only 6 months pregnant, but she felt ready to burst. Everything ached from her feet to her neck, especially her lower back. She knew she'd get bigger with twins, but this was freaking ridiculous. And them being chip twins on top of it was simply making it worse. She was certain if they grew anymore her stomach would litterly rip open and she still had at least 2 to 3 months to go. Double Everything...even double the width and uncomfortableness. The majority of her life right now was eat, pee, sit and sleep. She'd never been so grateful for Belen as she was now. That woman doted on her as if she were her own blood child. And Star loved it.

And today, Belen had that famous smile Killian got whenever he had an idea he was excited about. She refused to tell Star what it was but had given the children to the boys, had her pack an overnight bag and was now she riding with her in a shuttle to wherever they were going. Belen refused to answer Star's question, still smiling all the while. She figured she might as well sit back and relax. Wherever they were going was clearly going to be something Star would enjoy. The weather was cooler now with winter in its beginning stages. It was a perfect temperature to be pregnant in. Not to hot, not to cold. She could sit outside with nothing more than a sweater and enjoy the sunshine.

The shuttle finally came to a stop and Belen helped Star stand and exit the shuttle. Star found herself staring up a sign that said, Resort Regal. Her eyes widened. This was the same resort Anna had gone with Kato too. The one with all the spas, salt scrubs and other heavenly treatments. "Aw, Belen!" She teared up a little. No one outside of Killian had ever taken her to a place this nice. And even her's and Killian's trists were rare at best. "You're too good to me." Star smiled at her gratefully.

Belen led her inside and after dropping off their things in their room she began being led to different stations to be pampered. A saltscrub for her already glowing skin, a massage for constantly aching back and bottle of cream which Killian could rub on it to help with the aching when she got home. Her absolute favorite though was the one she was sitting in currently. A hot spring with gentle bubbles. The water and its properties made her rather boyant and took all the pressure off her back for the first time in months. It was such a relief. She could've stayed in here for the rest of her pregnancy. Belen was nearby enjoying the water as well. She finally peeked open her eyes to look at her chippequoti mother. "Thankyou so much for this. Outside of Killian, you're the only one to treat me like this."
**************************************************************************************************************

Kato trotted the mare around the corral, smiling down at Joseph who was trying to guide the horse with the slack that Kato held. This had become a favorite activity of both him and the boys. When he and Anna were settled, he couldn't help but wonder if it would be too impossible to get himself a horse. He'd found it extremely therapeutic. He'd even offered to help Morgan maintain the stable and care of the mare in exchange for being able to ride it at will. He never thought he'd enjoy cleaning up manure early in the morning, but it meant an early morning ride while most of the house were still sleeping. He'd even gotten to the point where he loved the very act of cleaning her hooves and brushing her back, oiling the saddle and tending to all the other little things that came with caring for a horse. All the worries and cares in the world were left at the gate. Here...he could just be himself and not worry about a thing. He could talk to the mare and receive no judgement of any sort in return.

When Jospeh's turn was over, Kato reached down and pulled Jacob up. Trotting the lad around the corral with a slow gait. He'd found a new thing to research to go along with his new love for horses. Animal physiology, especially that of a horse was very intriguing to him. Within hours he'd learned enough to nearly become a vet of horses himself. He grinned at Jacob as the boy laughed and kicked his little legs. He caught glimpse of Anna watching from the window and waved to her with smile, then gestured to her as if asking if she wanted to come ride as well.
 
It was more than satisfying to see her very pregnant daughter get into one of the hot tubs. Belen had ensured that it was reserved just for them. A little space of the spa that was not for anyone else. She had noticed that Star was slightly self conscious about her scars and so it was better if she wasn't in the same area as others. When the woman turned around in the tub to thank her Belen chuckled. "Oh it wasn't just me. Morgan was part of this too." Of course Morgan was going to be taking on all the children and helping Killian since he didn't seem to be the best at keeping track of the kids.

For the first day alone Morgan and Killian paired up to feed the kids dinner and they burnt it so instead they ate snack foods for dinner with the kids. So far it wasn't going to bad except that the kids were up almost all night screeching and playing their wild games. Killian joined in the games and chased them on his hands and knees growling like a mad bear. Claire took up one of the foam rods and began to try and beat him away. The girl screamed with the sheer excitement of it and ran toward Morgan and Kato who were acting as the safe spots. "Save me!" Claire giggled and held onto Kato then she edged away from him and started to run as fast as she could for the fort where she then started to throw blocks at Killian.

Jacob and Joseph looked at Kato longingly while the other 3 kids were busy having a grand time attacking the 'bear' and then running away from him.

Kato finally sighed. He didn't like how rough Claire was being...but after long hours of thought, he couldn't help but wonder if he'd been a little too strict with them. Maybe there was something too letting them have their fun and teaching them restraint in the midst of it. He finally looked down at the boys and nodded. "Go ahead. Just...be gentle?"

The boys were all about trying to get together and tackle Killian while Claire distracted him. A wall of four boys ran toward Killian and they spread out squealing when he turned toward them. Claire took her chance to charge again and she gave her little battle scream.
Kato simply shook his head and looked over at Morgan. "Was Killian like that at their age?"

Shrugging, Morgan looked over at Kato. "I don't know. He wasn't even crawling when we lost him. Seems perfectly normal to me. Children still like to be thrilled with the thought of danger, but they still want to know they're safe. My father used to play with me like that when I was little."

"Did he?" Kato asked in amazement. As far as he'd seen, Morgan was about the gentlest chip he'd ever met. "You don't seem like the aggressive sort." He noted.

Morgan chuckled. "I'm not particularly aggressive unless I need to be." Picking up a magazine he opened it and continued. "Doesn't hurt a thing for children to play like this. As they get older the games change. They won't always want to be chased by a mad bear, but it will always be a favorite memory."

"I don't understand it." Kato shook his head, watching them play, so exceedingly happy. "Always sort of thought if you raised a child in an aggressive manner they would be aggressive when they were older."

Setting the magazine down Morgan sighed. "Look at Zack...he's helping the little ones conduct plans. He is outgrowing this game already and then you must ask yourself. Is it really aggressive? This is an imaginative game. They aren't trying to hurt their father, they're warding off a bear and if he catches and eats them..." About that time Claire gave out a squeal as Killian caught her and began tickling her. Morgan continued..."They're safe. That is all they want. To pretend to be in danger and yet be safe. It is as safe an adventure as you can give them at a young age."

"But, doesn't it teach them to want to have real adventures with real danger when they are old enough?" Kato questioned.

Morgan sighed. "Life is an adventure anyway and natural fear and instincts drive most of us away from real danger."

"I suppose." Kato still wasn't fully convinced, but it had gotten him thinking.

Nodding he picked the magazine up again. "Killian isn't always a bear in their minds." It was a very simple though process to himself, but then again it seemed that Kato was quite unfamiliar with the thought of exciting games for children.
*****************************

Killian hadn't even been close to getting used to being up in the morning with the kids for a few months now. Because they had their little kid senses and knew he didn't care if they slept in the room all three charged into the bedroom around 5 am and decided to get into mom and dad's bed. Somehow if it wasn't their bed it had to be better. With one foot in his stomach, a kid draped over his head and another that insisted on bouncing on his legs he decided it was time to get up at 7am. "How about I take all my wild little people outside today? We should go for a hike and have snacks. How about if we ask grandpa to come with and bring the dogs."

Before he could even finish making the suggestion the kids were bouncing on the bed and landing on him. "Ow...Ugh you...All of you get out! 5 minutes to be dressed or you can sit her and mope all day."

In the rush to get off his bed Claire shoved Mikey off the bed and Zack sprung for the door. He was closer to the age of enjoying hikes and he wanted to go out with Killian. The other two toddled out the door as fast as their little legs would take them. By the time Killian reached the downstairs the kids were haphazardly dressed and their little sweaters were barely buttoned. "Alright crew. Lets get some food and go."

Already the kids were rushing around like a herd of cows. As they stepped out it looked like Kato and Anna were helping their boys ride. Each one of them were mounted on a horse with one boy held in front. At least they had some outings and Morgan grinned when he saw Killian coming out with a backpack full of food and water bottles. "Grandpa!!!" Racing toward the other Chip the kids grabbed his hands. "Come exploring with us."

Before they could even make it out of the yard Mikey had climbed a fence and fell over the other side. Killian climbed over the gate after him and plucked the boy off the ground. "Hmm...you might get a bruise there on your forehead." With so little reaction from his father the boy quickly dried his tears and began to run about. The dogs went ahead to patrol the ground. There wasn't much around the immediate area that was too dangerous. When it was time to eat Killian realized he forgot any wipes so he told the kids to wipe their fingers off on their pants, which turned into his pants.

For the walk home after the adventuring and finding a little den the kids went home with a promise that they wold go out again to find treasure hidden in it. Killian figured he would buy some of the cheap kid jewels at the store and hide them in the den that evening. Then in the morning before Star got home they could go treasure hunting.

************************

All the kids crowded around Star with their dirty little faces and smudged hands. "We found treasure!" Dancing around her in a maniac fashion they held out their little fists full of fake jewels and pearls. Claire wore all of them that she could and Mikey liked to stuff the excess jewels into his mouth and spew them out at whoever he was showing them to. Besides the fact that they were dirty, a little smelly from rolling around outside and the various bruises they were in high spirits and feeling like they had conquered the world.
 
"Treasure, huh? Wow, look at it all." Star nodded her approval, grinning down at them all the while. The bruises and their obvious lack of hygiene upset her a little, but she couldn't deny how happy they were. And for now, that's what mattered. Bruises would fade and dirt washed off, but memories like this could last a lifetime. She ruffled their hair, wishing she could bend over without falling so she could give them all kisses.
"When are they coming out to play!?" Mikey demanded hitting her belly with a small hand.
Star grabbed the hand. "Don't smack mommy's belly, Mike. You can touch it but no hitting." She set his hand hand down on her stomach as one of the babes decided to kick. Mikey's eyes widened.
"That's probably Danica saying that she can't wait to meet her big brother. But...she's still needs to grow a little bit more. Can you be patient for her?" Star asked kindly. Mikey nodded, eyes still wide, his hand still pressed against her incase she kicked again.
"Alright you three, time for baths." Star began ushering them to the bathroom.
A collective round of disappointed "awws" sounded as they shuffled away. Star began to follow but stopped suddenly as a braxton hicks clenched at her. "Ah, shi..." She groaned, pressing a hand to her lower abdomen. At least it happened while the children weren't crowded around her. She took a breath, trying to stretch it out. She was enjoying being pregnant this time far less than before and could not wait to finally have them out and in her arms. The cramp finally passed and she continued to follow the children to the bathroom to make sure they cleaned up well enough for her liking.

It seemed liked they had alot of fun with Killian, and for that she was glad. He loved being a dad so much, and over all he really was a good one. How he'd changed and grown over the years. As had she. She smiled as the toddlers raced to beat each other in changing out of the muddy clothes. She loved them so much, she couldn't imagine not having them. A twinge of sadness hit her heart at the thought of how much Anna was hating being a mother. It was so sad. Jacob and Joseph were so well behaved and calm for children. She could imagine that they'd either amazing gentlemen or horribly rebellious teenagers when they were older. Poor Anna...some women just weren't meant to be mothers.

****
As Anna was getting ready for bed Kato came to her side and showed her a datapad with a picture of an old fashioned farm-style house (yellow) with large windows, a fenced backyard, a corral and even a little stable off to the side. "How would you feel about, maybe, getting a horse once we've settled. You wouldn't have to bother with it at all. I would take care of it." He promised, looking at her hopefully. "And this is just one of many potential houses. But I thought it might inspire some ideas of where you'd like to move."
If nothing else Anna had noticed that having a horse around had kept Kato far more relaxed and he was actually doing something with the boys instead of staring at them and expecting them to be perfect little gentlemen. "I might consider something like that."
Kato nodded with a smile. "What about you? Any things in particular you would really like about the house or area we live?"
"You're wanting to go rural on me." Anna smiled. "How about I run for mayor and we get a house with a loft."
Kato laughed. "Not sure the chips would go for a human being their mayor."
"Well it was worth a thought. Maybe I'll work in the diversity department." She wanted very badly to have a job of sorts and if he wanted to go somewhere rural they would not be working around an embassy.
Kato nodded. "That's an idea. We should look into it before looking for a place to move then."
 
The last few weeks or days were the worst. Killian could feel every time Star had to get out of the bed to use the bathroom and she had gotten so big that if she needed to go really bad she would just wake him up so he could help her off the bed. She was tapping on his arm again and Killian grumbled in his sleep. "Again?"

"My water broke." She said a little anxiously.

"Hmmm." Still mostly sleeping he turned over. "You should have woke me up before you did that."

"Killian!" Star said a bit more sternly. "The babies are coming."

Almost levitating off the bed his eyes flew open and he sat up. "I'm awake. Holy shit you didn't have to say it so loud." Whispering at her he started to fumble around in the dark and he tripped over the baby bag that they had packed for Star's trip to the delivery room. Flicking the light on he squinted a little. "Where did you have the stuff you wanted to wear to the hospital again?"

"In the closet. Right corner." She'd just managed to sit up and groaned as a contraction hit her. She breathes heavily till it passed then looked up at Killian."Don't forget to get Belen and Morgan up to watch the kids."

"What? The kids are sleeping. I'll just send a message to their pad so they know we're at the hospital." Killian grabbed the pad and made a short voicemail while he collected the clothing. After he ended the message he dropped the pad into the hospital bag and walked over to Star to help her get changed. He would have left in his pajama pants except he caught a glance of himself in the mirror and grunted.

Quickly changing he then moved Star off the bed and stripped the sheets before trying to carefully walk her down the stairs and out to the transport.

Every step was difficult with the babes so heavy. As she sat down in transport she sighed. "Whoo, I'm going to be so glad to have them out of me. I hope this labor is short."

"So do I need to be in the room this time?" Killian gave her a slight grimace. He really didn't like this part about babies and she had pretty much insisted that he be present for all of them.

She looked up at him. "It's comforting having you there."

"Ok I'll be in there." Killian took a deep breath and then he noticed that he was flying to the hospital way to fast. "I speed every time and I know you're not popping babies that fast."

"Yeah. Unfortunately not. Let's please not get killed before we get...." Her sentence was cut off by another contraction. She groaned softly. "Ooh, that was one sooner than I expected. Maybe this will be a quick labor."

"Don't say that." Killian gulped. "We're only about another 10 minutes out and I don't want to deliver those babies."

"Not that soon." Star chuckled weakly. "More like sooner as in less hours of labor. I hope."

"We could agree about less hours." He still remembered how bad that hurt. As soon as they got to the hospital he got out and walked around to Star's side of the transport and got her checked in before going back to the car to get the bag of stuff for the hospital. Killian ran most of the way out of the room they put Star into and then almost all the way back in. By the time he got into the hospital he had lost track of the room number and he stopped at the nurse station. "Where was the room we just checked into?" It was kinda dumb, but he couldn't help panicking this time. For once there wasn't anything horrible that he knew of. They weren't at war, she was here with the doctors and then to top it all off thing seemed to be moving pretty fast. So it had to be a good birth and yet he was still nervous.

The nurse recognized him and smiled. "Got your lady right over in room 248."

"Thank you." Rushing past the station he noticed he was going down in numbers instead of up and turned sharply in the hall to get back to the right room. Hospitals didn't make any sense and then he spotted the placard on the wall describing which direction would take you to which rooms. Grumbling a little under his breath he stepped into the room and flopped the bag on the floor. "Ok we're set now. All we have to do is wait." Killian paused just long enough to correct himself. "I get to wait and you get to do all that pushing and whatever else."

*************************************************************

Waiting and waiting was beginning to drive Anna nuts. They barely talked about anything that would move them forward in life and she didn't want to sit her indefinitely. Finally one morning she moved over to Kato's side of the bed and leaned over him. "What do we need to do to move forward? I'm sick of sitting here and just talking about ideas. I need for us to do something. What do you need?"
 
The doctor had just finished checking her and babies when Killian came into the room. There was a line of sweat on his forehead and he sat beside her anxiously. She squeezed his hand and smiled. "I'm already at 4 centimeters. It shouldn't take too long this time."
***
Only 6 hours later the first babe presented itself. Dr. Farren stood at the foot of the bed and three other nurses lingered around, curious to see this human's half-chip birth. Star was wet with sweat and gripped Killian's hand tightly, her expression twisted in pain. "One more push, Star. The shoulders are almost out."
Her grip on killan's hand tightly and she cried as she pushed the first babe fully out. "There's the boy." The doctor smiled behind his mask and passed him to a nearby nurse. "Alright. Take a moment to regain your strength and we'll get your little girl out of there."
Star nodded her head as she breathed heavily. "Can I see him?"
"Of course." The nurse brought him over and let Star hold the green eyed babe.
Star smiled over at Killian. "He looks like you as a baby." She chuckled weakly.
A few minutes later the nurse took him to clean him and care for him as she refocused on the second twin. "Ready?" Farren asked.
Star nodded and the pushing began again.
***
Fifteen minutes later had Star in exhausted tears and still no babe. Farren had a scanner brought over too see what was causing the delay. "The girl is in breech. We could try to turn her, but with your bloodpressure dropping I'm going to recommend a C-section."
Star glanced at Killian and nodded wearily. "If that's what we need to do, then let's get it done."
Farren nodded and gestured to one of the nurses. "Take her to operation room 2 and get her ready. Killian, I'll need to ask you to remain here. She'll be back before you know it."
Star gave Killian a gentle smile and weak wave as they rolled her out.
***
An hour later Star was resting in a recovery room, both babies healthy and well and a new scar added to her collection. While Killian held Danica, Star nursed Dominic. She wanted to sleep but with two babies to feed that was going to be postponed for a while. She smiled wearily at Killian and Danica. "Little brat. Not even born and she was already causing me trouble." She huffed teasingly.
*************************************
Kato looked over at Anna in a bit of surprise. "Uh, well... I don't know." He was honestly still scared to say certain things to her for fear of how she would react. "I think I need..." He took a breath. "I need permission to process and talk with you about uncomfortable things without fear that you are going to leave if it gets tough or if I say or do something that makes you angry."
 
This time Killian cringed whenever Star made a sound. He had always been worried before and since having that dumb simulation he felt worse for her. As far as he knew she didn't have quite as much nerve damage in her back as he did, but it still had to hurt. First baby out was the boy and his little green eyes barely showed through the slits as he cried. Seemed that crying like that was a good thing and the doctors didn't mind if he cried away. For now the nurses could take care of the baby. Killian knew that Star had been nervous about two of them and she was having a lot more pain by the look on her face than she should be.

Leaning closer to the bed he had a hard time telling who was holding whose hand. Star had quite a bit of a grip when she was giving birth and he started to wonder if she was going to bruise his hand. Then the doctors had it all stop and they announced the need for a c-section. While they wheeled Star away for an emergency surgery he watched helplessly. "Uh....that a dangerous surgery?" Glancing at the nurse that had finished washing Dominic off he waited for an answer.

"No, it's pretty common. There's nothing to worry about." Picking the baby up she smiled at him. "A handsome boy for 3/4 Chip. Yes you are a handsome boy." Walking the baby over to the father she held him out. "Want to hold him?"

Killian nodded and carefully took the baby from her. Even though he was a bit larger than most human twins Dominic still fit easily into Killian's arms and he held onto the baby and paced the room while he waited for Star to come out of surgery. After what felt like forever they told him that she was in recovery and she would soon be returning to the room. Knowing at long last that she was going to be ok Killian sat down and continued to hold Dominic. By the time Star came in the baby was starting to Stir and the nurses wanted him to try feeding. Carefully he helped Star adjust the baby so that he could nurse and then Danica was put in the crib till he was done getting Dominic set.

While Star was busy feeding Dominic Killian held onto Danica. The girl had green eyes too. It seemed that all their children would have green eyes. That wasn't such a bad thing. "Well you're the one that wanted another girl. Can't blame me for that."

"Hey, yeah...I'm going to have to teach her some manner." She smirked lightly and looked back down at Dominic. "Still, they're beautiful." Dominic finally pulled away. "Ok, switch. Let's get her done so I can sleep."

Killian took Danica back to the crib and laid her down though she protested while he went over to collect Dominic and he set the boy in the other crib while Star got herself ready. By the time he turned around she was ready for Danica to be positioned at the other side. "I'm starting to think they might be more work than first impressions." Dominic gave his pathetic little mewls as he longed for some kind of comfort. Once Star had Danica feeding, Killian walked back over to Dominic's crib and he set a hand over the boy's back. It nearly covered his entire little body and within a few minutes he fell asleep.

"Heh, yeah, thats why I said double of everything." Star smirked, unable to hold back the massive yawn. "And I"m going to be stuck in bed for the next 3 weeks at least, so I'm really going to need your help."

"Yeah. I'll have to be right by my favorite lady all the time." A smirk came to his face. Barely lifting his hand he heard the baby start to fuss again. "I really hope he doesn't insist on me holding him whenever you're not."

Star chuckled. "Do remember that blanket folding technique I showed you with Mikey. The swaddling thing? Try that."

"Umm." Killian glanced at her. "Kind of." Taking a blanket from the travel back he laid the baby in it and began to wrap him up like a little burrito. "There, you should be happy now." The baby's little eyes were still squinted shut and Killian smirked as he walked over to where Star was. Danica was probably going to be done soon. Soon as she pulled away and her tiny little lips were parted in a pout while she slept. Killian took her to her own little crib and wrapped her up. Stopping last at Star's bed he kissed her gently. "I love you."

"I love you too." She smiled before pulling the extra pillows out from behind her and laying back with a soft wince. "See you next feeding." She smirked, closing her eyes and almost instantly falling asleep.

It couldn't quite be called sleeping. Killian barely got any rest between waking up when the nurses came in and whenever the babies needed to feed he was up almost every 2 hours or more sometimes. By the time they had spent a few days in the hospital and ensuring that Star would be safe to take home Killian was totally exhausted and he still had a few more weeks to go with this. By the end of the 4th night in a row he could barely make himself get up and he didn't hear the twins crying till Star tapped him on the back a few times. "Mmmm?" Rubbing his face he sat up. "Again...." Staggering over to the crib he pulled them each out to save himself a trip and helped Star adjust one of the twins so that she could hold it on one side of herself and he slipped in close enough he could hold the other while it nursed on the opposite side. Part way through the feeding he fell asleep and then she woke him up to take the babies back to the crib. Killian got them both on his chest and he held onto each one of them with one hand and he fell asleep again, this time with the kids on top of him. They were too small to move yet so they weren't likely to move unless he did it for them.

**********************************************

Giving Kato a slightly irritated expression Anna folded her arms across the front of herself. "So maybe I went overboard that one time and it wasn't normal, or good, but I already told you I'm willing to fight for us. Just spit it out."

Kato flushed slightly, she was already getting angry it looked like. "I was just meaning in general for future conversations. As we move forward. I...didn't have anything in particular I felt needing brought up right now. What about you? What do you need?"

Sometimes she didn't understand him. "I already told you what I need and I don't see why you would bring that up just now if you didn't have something to say."

Kato took a breath. Looked like he was going to have to talk anyway. "Ok, then. Um...I'm upset that you were going to leave me and the boys...twice. In my mind, you don't just abandon a marriage...a relationship with someone you love without at least trying to resolve whatever the problem is first." He looked to the side, still feeling the pain of those moments. "I can't help but wonder if you really do love me, or if your just with me out of necessity or out of sense of duty to the boys. And...if thats the case...then...there really isn't a point on working on us is there? If you'll never be happy or content with me anyway."

With a sigh she sat up in the bed and stared out the window while he talked. "Yeah well to tell you the truth I think love is a choice and I've chosen a lot of wrong men in the past. I spook easy and you were giving a bunch of bad signals and then the last one was it. I would have walked, not because I don't love you and the boys, but because I didn't want to be stuck with a bastard the rest of my life."

"What sort of signals have I been giving?" Kato asked, needing to know what had triggered this.

"You were always pushing me to be at home more, and you didn't seem to take anything I said seriously. First baby I told you I wasn't sure I wanted him or that I even wanted to be a mom and all you did was try to make me think it was a great thing. So I quit talking about that and when Joseph came along there wasn't anything to say cause I knew you'd just go on and tell me how great it was going to be." Anna shrugged. "I ignored that for a while and then whenever I wasn't paying enough attention the boys when you were gone all day then you got upset with me. I know it wasn't right, but I told you something that was partially true. To keep from turning into a monster mamma I had to leave for a while everyday. Then whenever we had serious discussions you would practically try to corner me mentally and talk and talk about stuff a long time after I was done discussing things. So I did what I had to and you know what I thought you were saying after that." Anna finally looked over at him again. "You're kinda pushy a lot."

"Oh...." Kato looked down. He had never even known she was experiencing him that way. "I...don't know what to say...except...that I am trying not to be pushy anymore. You may have to let me know if I'm doing that too you. I...I enjoy deep long conversations. They are my way of connecting with a person. So, when you would shut down the conversation after only a little while, I thought you were hiding something from me again, so I pushed to get the truth. I'm sorry."

The little woman laid back down in the bed. "Then I'll try to remember to talk a little longer, but there's not any guarantee that I'll have the mental endurance for your full speeches even with practice." Snorting slightly she turned toward him in the bed and laughed. "How'd you turn into such a chatter box anyway?"

Kato smirked gently. "I'm only like this with you. If you notice...I tend not to have longer conversations with anyone else. Not even Killian."

"Might be cause I don't think you like anyone else."

Kato laughed awkwardly. "There is that. Though...I think I'm liking Morgan a bit. He's...interesting. And Belen was quite helpful in helping me identify how i was treating you originally. Still can't say I want to get that close to them though."

"See." Anna nudged him. "I'm still sticking with Star and Killian as my best friends. She's always around for me and I know Killian would never pretend to be something he isn't and I know who and what exactly he is. Star listened to me rant that one day even though she was sick. Never met another lady that I could trust the same way I trust her."

Kato nodded. "I'm glad you have a friend like that. I suppose...I should find someone as well, to do long conversations with." He smiled gently. "Get all my thoughts figured out so things with you can be short and sweet. Then we can have fun." He winked.

"So I'm gonna get the sloppy seconds of your discussions?"

Kato flushed, "Uh, no, what...no. I mean...you would get the refined, clear unmuddled version of my thoughts rather than my long convesation in trying to figure them out." He wasn't sure if she were upset by that or not. "Isn't that better? For you?"

She started to laugh. "Sooo that might be awkward. I don't think there's a single guy out there that wants to edit your speeches. How about we just take it in chunks and you figure out how to hold it in and have short conversations with me throughout the days and weeks. I don't mind short stuff or medium stuff like today, but if its forever I will probably start to lose track."

Kato nodded. "I can try that."

"Good." Anna rolled toward him a little closer and narrowed her eyes. "I'm thinking of playing rock paper scissors to see who losses their clothes the fastest."
 
Star ached all over as she woke the fifth morning. She was trying to wean off the pain meds but she was still very sensitive from the surgery. She reached over and grabbed the bottle of cream from the drawer to help with her back and scar. While she rubbed it over the sorest places she noted Killian sleeping with the twins on his chest, his large hands covering them both of them tenderly. She smiled, her chest swelling with a deep love and pride for them. She pulled his blanket further over all of them and lay back down to sleep a little more herself. Her family was the most precious thing in the world to her. She couldn't be a luckier woman than this.

When she woke up again later that afternoon Killian was just coming through the door with breakfast and informed her the parents wanted to meet the twins. "Sure. Star carefully propped herself up in the bed, smiling as Mikey, Claire and Zach came flying in followed closely by Belen and Morgan who looked they wanted to burst with excitement. Especially Belen. "They're in the crib." Star guestured to Killian's side of the bed, grabbing Mikey before he could launch himself onto her lap. "Easy there Mikey. Mommy's tummy hurts. No climbing today."

Since Star said it was ok Killian poked his head out the door. "She said its fine!" Perhaps it was a little less of a ceremonial way to go about things, but he was too tired to worry about manners. Belen and Morgan stepped into the room and immediately their eyes shifted to the crib. Both of them slowly made their way around the other children who had thought it was a perfect time to come see the twins as well. "Oh look at them." The woman gently picked Dominic up and smiled. Holding him close to her chest she rubbed his back and began to sway while holding him. Morgan was a little more shy about the babies and he just grinned at them before he went over to where Killian was and gave him a nod and then made his way over to Star. With a brief congratulation he left the room. Mainly he had come along to see them and now he'd done that.

Star smirked as Morgan left after a brief hello. He was like Killian in so many ways. Short, practical and to the point while Belen seemed to be more like her the more she got to knew her. "Little brat made me have to get a c-section." Star said in a tease as Belen picked up Danica. Mikey was sitting beside Star on the bed, wide-eyed and obviously nervous about the two little creatures that were supposedly his siblings. Claire was being her usual rambunctious self climbing all over Killian and on the bed, trying to better see them. Star had Killian pass Dominic over to Mikey, she helped him hold the little babe, showing him how to cradle his head and back. "He's tiny. When will he wrestle with us?" Clearly that was the most important thing to the four-year old. Star chuckled. "Not for a few years yet, Mikey. You have to be very gentle with him. Like he's a glass cup. Ok?" Mikey nodded solemnly. "That goes for you, Claire. You need to be gentle with Dominic and Danica. They are too young to play yet."

"Oh such precious little eyes. I don't think you meant to be a brat. You were just wanting stay put." Belen looked deeply at her and grinned. "That green isn't staying long. She'll get violet eyes like grandpa."
"Really?" Star shifted to try and see whatever Belen was seeing. "How do you know that?"
Chuckling a little she turned with Danica in her arms. "Green is a recessive trait in human eye color. I did some reading to know what other part I will have to watch for with my grand babies. When you got the transplant from Killian you inherited a trait that could double the chances of violet eyes. With us there is no dominant color. Most are born with greenish eyes. If they're light green that means they will be a different color and the only other choice is violet."
Star grinned. "That's exciting. Morgan has beautiful eyes." She looked over at Killian, her smile softening as she saw how tired he looked. Poor man wasn't getting much sleep between her and the babies. She looked back to Belen. The woman was holding Danica with such longing Star hurt for her. No children in 40 years? And her only child left was Killian who was still uncertain about her. Maybe being able to help with her own babies would help Belen heal a little. "You're welcome to come up and hold them as much as you like." She offered, knowing Belen wouldn't push boundaries but also wanting her to know that she was welcome in their lives.
"If you pump a little I can take them downstairs for the afternoon. They can sleep in a portable in the kitchen while I make dinner." Belen knew it was a little bit of a stretch. "I used to do that with..." Breaking off there she knew better than to continue. She had gathered that Killian was very uncomfortable references about when he was her little boy. "Its good for them to be part of the home and daily life early on." Taking a seat on the edge of the bed Killian let his mum and dad see the kids and he worked at keeping the older children off the bed so that he could set up Star's breakfast tray. When the offer came to take the twins downstairs for a few hours Killian glanced back at Star. He wasn't really sure what to think of that kind of offer.
Star felt a little nervous about them being out of reach like that. But she trusted Belen, and she knew Killian could use the rest even more than her. "Yeah, Ok." She nodded. "Killian and I could use the break."
"I'll wait till after their next feeding then and in the meantime I'll get a rolling crib set up downstairs." Belen set Danica back into her crib and she kissed the baby gently on her head. "Just going to let you two have breakfast together." After she left Killian instinctively walked over to the crib just to make sure the kids were alright and then he shuffled his other 3 out the door. "Get out of here you little rats. Out out."

Star chuckled and began nibbling on her breakfast. "How are you doing, Killian. You look really tired."
Seemed that he barely got the kids out the door and Star was asking him how he doing while immediately telling him afterword. "Oh well you guessed it, I'm really tired." Killian sat down on the bed next to Star. "Ugh...I don't see how women survive kids. Horrible having to get up every 2 hours. I hardly get to sleep and they start bawling again and half hour after they eat they insist on crapping a diaper full."
Star chuckled. "Yeah. Well, I'll be up and about soon and be able to help you out more. And Belen can too. You can sleep all afternoon without having to worry about them."
"Think I will sleep all afternoon." Shoving a section of orange into his mouth he bit into it and let it sit on his teeth so when he grinned all she could see was the orange.
Star burst out into a laugh then groaned softly and held her scar. "Ooh, damn it Killian. You're such a child yourself sometimes." She said with a teasing smile and gentle giggle.

Closing his mouth again he ate the rest of the orange and settled into the bed next to her. "I know that's why you married me. I was too good looking to pass up and then my charm was overwhelming."
"Your charm? Is that what you called your attempts at wooing me." Star smirked. "Granted, you have fantastic looks but I've taught you the charm."
"Huh." Grunting he looked over at her. "You didn't teach me no charm. I got some manners from you, but the charm was all there before. After that night with the red dress you were so smitten you kissed me without my asking."

Star stammered. "Hmm, yeah...well...there was that. I did love that dress." She looked down at her deflated belly. "I don't think I'll ever get that shape back after these two. They really did a number on my hips." She sighed and laid back. "Oh well. It is what it is."
The fact that he got her made Killian laugh. It wasn't often that he got to leave her nearly speechless or that he won an argument. Then she started to get all concerned about her body and he sat up slightly to look at what she meant. "I don't see any difference."
She was about to protest and then paused. "You really don't, do you? You never really noticed or cared about my hair style changes, or my scars, or anything like that. I could probably gain 20 pounds and you wouldn't care. I've always been the same beautiful Star to you." She smiled. "You are a rare man, Killian."
A sheepish grin came to his face and he leaned back in the bed. "Umm...I would notice if you started to look like a Bippen."
Star laughed then groaned again as the harsh movement strained her sore stomach muscles. "I looked like a bippen the last few months. I'm never getting that large again. Least...not outside of pregnancy again."
"Eh...I wouldn't go so far as to say you looked like a Bippen. You didn't have fat rolls on your arms and legs." Chuckling a little he turned in the bed and gave her a gentle kiss. "You know I'd love you anyway you looked."
"Even if I dyed my hair pink again?" Star asked mischievously.
Killian rolled his eyes. "Never stopped me before."

"Good. Cause...i'm not really, I just wanted to see your reaction." She grinned and kissed him, then pushed his face away. "Now get some sleep while you can. I don't need my husband turning into a sleep-depraved zombie."

***********************************************************************************

Kato walked with Anna to visit with Star and see the twins a few days after they came back from the hospital. When they came into the room they could see both parents were tired, especially Killian. He looked like he was barely staying on his feet. "Killian, Star. Congratulations you two." Kato said with a nod and a smile.
"Thanks." Star nodded, smiling especially at Anna. There looked to be less tension between the two, which she as glad for. "Want to hold them?"


*****************************************
ONE WEEK LATER

While Star still wasn't allowed to move around that much, she liked being able to lay on the couch in the living room to be around everyone. It made it much easier for the twins to be tended too and the kids to get the mommy time they needed while still being able to play. Belen had made Star her own herbal blanket which had quickly become her most favorite belonging. She used it everywhere. She barely even needed the creams anymore as long as she slept with it. Even now it covered the lower half of her body while she rested on the couch. Claire and Mikey were wrestling, trying to push each other off the mat while Zach stood off to the side. She glanced up at him. "Zach." He looked over at her and joined her at the couch as she gestured for him to sit beside her.
"How are you feeling about your new siblings?" She asked kindly. He just shrugged. "You know this doesn't mean we love you any less. Right?" Zach shrugged again, staring at the carpet. Star reached over with a gentle hand and lifted his chin. "Hey, look at me. You are as much our child as they are. We love you just as much. We're not going to abandon you. Promise." Zach's eyes welled up in tears of relief. He clutched her in a tight hug and began sobbing. "Shh, you're ok, my son. You're safe here." She held him tightly, kissing his head. "We love you. We're not going to leave you." Finally she pushed his face up so she could see him better. "Hey, whenever you're feeling lonely or unloved, just come tell me or Killan. Alright?"
Zach nodded, sniffing and smiling.
"Good. Now, why don't you go see your new siblings. They'll be counting on you too look after them."
Zach nodded and jumped up to do as she said and she lay her head back down, smiling all the while. Five beautiful children. And each one she adored with her life.
 
Anna went up to see her friend. It seemed that she had plenty of little children on her hands and now 5 of them. That many kids was purely overwhelming. Personally she could not imagine ever having more than just the two that she had. A hint of sadness came to Anna's face. She knew that Kato would have probably liked to have more children. He loved them, but she couldn't really say that he was good with them either and neither was she. So they were going to be stuck as the happy little family that they were. At least semi-happy. Part of her wondered if the boys knew that she didn't really want them. Would it hurt them badly if they did?

Glancing over at Star she shook her head. "Oh no thank you. They're happy taking their little naps right now anyway."

******************************************************

They were on a countdown now and Killian could hardly wait till Star began to feel good enough to take care of the babies at night. More than likely he'd set a dangerous precedence and she would be asking him to get the babies at least once a night when she was tired or sore. At least she was feeling well enough these days that she had begun to walk herself down the stairs and she was laying on the couch.

Belen had made a blanket for her too and between the both of them the blankets covered the entire bed. It was good for her and he had seen the difference in her sleeping patterns. As much as he tried not to show it Killian was always worried when she got hurt or had a surgery like this. He was worried about the pain that it caused, worried about the recovery and then most of all worried that she would have complications or die. There was nothing right now that he feared more than losing Star. She was the one person that he chose to live every day for. Sometimes they had rough patches and he was likely the cause of most of them, but she stuck by him. Faithful as the seasons. There was no changing them and the seasons would defy men and alien alike to maintain their order.

While Star was resting on the couch and the kids played Killian stepped outside to see Kato was with the horses again. "You like them eh?"

"Yeah." Kato nodded. "Been thinking about getting one. Depending on where me and Anna end up moving."

Reaching out Killian pet the horse on the side of the neck. "They're peaceful. Animals make good company."

Kato nodded in agreement running the brush along the horse's back. "They don't talk back, don't judge, don't expect anything out of you except to be treated right. I find them quite therapeutic."

"Yep." Killian leaned comfortably against the horse and it seemed to have almost no protest. "So now I've got a question for you. Something about women cause I don't know."

Kato raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Not certain I'm the best to be giving advice on women at the moment."

"I already know about that. Its not what I'm asking about. This is something about their anatomy." Killian pushed away from the horse and walked a little closer to Kato. "Do women uh....Do they have a different brain set up when they sleep?"

"What do you mean? Are you talking about dreams?"

"No." Killian sighed. "I mean I don't know how they do it. Why can they get up every 2 hours and still be pretty the next morning and even sound half way chipper? Do they sleep better in increments then men do?"

"Oh." Kato chuckled. "In reality, women need more sleep typcially than men do...but how they sleep is no different from how a man sleeps really. However, there are studies that show Women are somewhat more capable than men when it comes to functioning on low sleep. Still, its not a significant difference, and each person is vastly different." He gave Killian a sympathetic look. "Having twins is really taking its toll, eh? Gaining a bit more appreciation for what women do for children?"

"Hmmm..." Killian frowned a little. "Yeah I got a little appreciation for Star. Just a tiny bit. My heart is way too small to have much more than a dust spec. Twins are stretching every damn capacity I have." Killian noticed the look from Kato and he blinked a few times. "You weren't actually thinking that I was serious were you?"

Kato blinked at Killian. "I dont know. Sometimes it's difficult to tell when you are joking or not." He looked back at the horse, "Still, theres something that has to be said for star so completely in love with you while Anna is miserable with me."

"Yeah. Well everyone is different. You got your problems and so does she. Same with Star and I." Killian kicked at clump of hay sitting in the corner. "Couldn't really say that I've got much book learning. Only what she taught me so I don't have uh....Well I don't talk real smart. She's a lot smarter than I am and its kinda hard sometimes."

"Still, somehow you make your differences work." Kato noted. "Clearly having significant book knowledge helps very little in relationships." He shrugged.

"Well it helps in other places." Killian shrugged. "What are you so mopey about anyway. She stayed with you didn't she?"

"Yes. Barely. But if I don't change well enough for her liking, I have no doubt she'll leave for certain. And even if I do change, she still hates having children, and there is nothing to be done about that, so... Will sbe still be miserable or...will she find a way to be happy. I dont know."

Pausing in the middle of his step he stared at Kato. "You really don't get it. Not about changing, its about learning to live with each other. Kinda like having a crew. First you gotta learn what they need not to mutiny and then you work on the other stuff."

Kato laughs. "You make it sound so simple. So are you saying you haven't changed since marrying star?"

"Not all that much." Killian started to chuckle. "You think I've changed dramatically?"

"Yes." He shrugged. "You seem to be less aggressive, and more...gentle even...dare I say."

Giving Kato a long look out the corner of his eye he growled. "Well I don't feel all that different. Not as a person anyway. Kids change some things...but uh....Overall I don't think I changed too much. Star and I always made deals and that was how we got along. Only making her more than a crew member meant I had to consider her as a fellow captain."

"I think you underestimate just how much you've changed. Your willingneed to do the moral thing and how you treat people now goes to show just how much you've adjusted your entire life for her."

Killian gave a mildly sharp response. "Well that was a lot of the same stuff I did from the ships. Worked with my crew instead of being an ass. You were the exception though. Only reason I didn't throw you off board was because I figured you had too much to lose by starting a mutiny."

"Only reason I stayed was to make sure you didn't get Star or Timo killed. You have definitely changed since then. Either that or you are a very talented con artist."

"Or you're blind." Killian started to laugh. "I don't see how you can't get this. Its not about changing you as a person. You just learn to adjust how you do things. I had to adjust how I did stuff because that's what made living with me manageable for Star and we could argue all day long. So why are you so worried about adjusting your life?"

"I'm not worried about adjusting myself. I'm worried it wont be enough for her."

"You're working on it aren't you?" Killian almost had to roll his eyes, but refrained. "If she's willing to stick it out with you, first of all she's a saint, I wouldn't want to share a bed with you and then chances are if she knows you're working on it she'll stick around. Have some confidence."

"Well, i wouldn't want to share a bed with you either Killian." Kato smirked. "So we have that in common."

At least Kato got the sense of humor that time though it was obvious. "So as long as you're working on things she'll stick with you. Star stuck with me through hell as long as I worked on stuff."

"Star likes your kids." Kato shrugged. "But I suppose we'll see."

"She wouldn't like them if I didn't take some time to get them off her hands. I don't remember what she said, but I think it was something along the lines that she wanted me to be taking part of the kids lives if we had more than Claire." Killian shrugged. "Something like that. No big deal."

"Yeah, but she actually likes kids, In general. Anna never wanted any." He shook his head. "All that to answer your question of why I am 'mopey'."

A fire lit in Killian's eyes and he turned abruptly and grabbed Kato by the shoulders. "Then give her a reason to enjoy kids."

"How!?"

"Find something that you both like to do and begin teaching them how to take part in it. You like horses and I've seen her ride with you to. Get horses then and teach the boys about them." Killian still peered into Kato's eyes. "That's just an example. I can guarantee that you'll lose her if you don't get over yourself. Kato you have to do something. All I've seen from you is a passive player in life and that sucks."

Kato frowned but finally sighed. "I'll try."

"Just do it." Killian let his hands drop from the doctor's shoulders. "No sense giving up."

"You're right." He raised a curious eyebrow at Killian. "Why are you bothering trying to help me anyway if you dislike me so much?"

"Because you're the damn closest thing I've had to a friend over the last several years. You were a crew member and I don't see the point in watching you do dumb ass things." Killian didn't like admitting that he had actually come to appreciate the doctor, but it was the closest he could come to it for now. "What sort of man would I be if I let you screw your life up eh?"

Kato had to chuckle. "A friend huh? I suppose, in a off sort of way, you're one of my only friends as well." He laughed again. "Aren't we sad people? Our only friends are those we dislike the least."

"Hmm.." Killian smirked. "A double negative meaning a positive." He realized after a moment that the doctor hadn't seemed to have caught his mathematical interpretation of the phrase. "Dislike least. Means you like me pretty well." Busting out laughing at his own bad joke he almost doubled over.

Kato laughed as well inspite of himself. Despite it all, he really was glad Killian and him had met.

Playfully Killian shoved Kato out of the barn. "Get out of here and go do something with your family." He watched the doctor leave and shook his head. It felt good to get outside, but he really wanted to nap so maybe it was best if he went back inside the house.
 
Couple months later:

Between having the twins, the older three, and Killian...Star was beginning to feel like a juggler who never got a break off from work. Even her nighttime's were demanded of her by the twins needing to feed. Killian and Belen had been instrumental help, but...she was mentally and physically exhausted. She kept wanting to buy and move into that house they were looking into, but she knew she'd just about die if she didn't have anyone besides Killian to rely on. Still she felt awful just how much she was having to rely on Belen to help with the children. While she knew Belen loved having them, she couldn't help but feel they were far overstaying their welcome. They'd agreed to house them temporarily. Not for a year! It was a horrible tension of wanting/needing to move out and knowing she would drown if they did.

While Belen watched the twins in the kitchen and kids around the house, Star found a few minutes to herself to just take a bath and relax for a little bit. Of course the moment she stepped in, Claire came racing into the bedroom screaming and crying about a cut. "See your father, Claire." She moaned.
"I can't find him!" The little girl sobbed.
"Oh, for the love of..." Star got back out of the tub, wrapping a towel around her and opening the door. Claire held up a finger with a sliver in it. A simple fix. She pulled the tweezers out of the drawer. "Stop crying, Claire. Its just a sliver. Nothing to be upset about. There, see. Good as new." Star kissed it and gave Claire her hand back. The little girl looked down at it then raced off again. Star shrugged and shook her head and was about to return to her bath when she heard Belen exclaim from downstairs...something about the milk spilling and now the twins were mewling loudly.

Star rested her head on the door with a sigh. It was never ending. She dropped the towel and quickly got dressed before trotting downstairs to help with the mess. One of the milk bottles it seemed had not been fastened properly and it had spilled all over Dominic and the floor. "Here, I'll clean him up." Star offered out her hands to take him from Belen.

*******
Kato stood in front of their new home. It was two stories with four bedrooms, two bathrooms. It had a large backyard with a corral and a barn already attached to it. It was 15 minutes by shuttle to the city, not to significant a journey if Anna wanted to work in the Capital and there were schools in area as well. He was already looking at horses that would be good for the family. Things had been getting better, slowly but surely over the last few months between him and Anna. He'd taken up Killian's advice to do horse back rides with them as a family every couple days as well as trying to find other things Anna enjoyed that the children could partake in as well.

Killian's comment about him being simply a passive player stung and he wasn't sure why. What was so wrong with being passive? Still he got the feeling Killian meant he needed to take more initiative in their relationship. So here he was, trying. When something needed to be discussed he tried to figure out a way to deal with it in 15 to 30 minutes which meant alot more pre-hand thinking and trying to figure out exactly what he wanted to address. It was good for him and for her he was finding. Both were ending up far less frustrated and more understood. In addition he'd made it a point to take the children off of Anna's hands as often as possible so she could get some time alone or do whatever it was she needed to do. When she left the house, he let her tell him where he was going, otherwise he let it be. He hoped that it was yet another way he was showing he was trusting her.

It wasn't easy to do, and he was beginning to learn just how much control he preferred. He wanted to know where she was going, what she was doing, why she was doing it and if it would benefit the family. And when he didn't know it felt like he was being tortured a bit inside. This is my problem. Not hers. Trust her for once in your life.
As he sat outside one day, looking for potential job opportunities the boys came bursting out of the house in a flash of energy and excitement. "DADDY! DADDY! DADDY! Can we do wrestling!? PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!!"
"What? Lower your voice and speak calmly." Kato turned towards them.
"We want to join a wrestling team!" Jacob exclaimed again. "Please, Daddy!?"
Kato blinked at them. "No." And that was that.

Or so he thought.

For the next several days the kids were pestering him and Anna about wanting to join a wrestling team. When he asked why, their answers were always something like it looked fun, or they wanted to get strong, or they saw it on t.v. and it was cool. Highly unsatisfactory. So his answer continued to be no.

 
"You're father has told us quite a bit about your talents with ships." The Chippeqouti manager at the station led him down a hall. "We'll be having you take an aptitude test before we determine your placement here." Stepping into a large room with various tasks he pointed. "We'll give you half hour at each of the ten stations to determine where your abilities are in the physical practice and then you'll have a 1 hour exam to determine other capacities possibly related to your skills."

Killian was a little nervous. He didn't really want to fail the ship section of the exam because that was where he wanted to be. It didn't matter if that part paid as well as others. They would make it somehow and he intended to buy a ship of his own and maybe take up private transportation of goods rather than smuggling. Something like that on the side could be fairly profitable especially if he was faster than many of the other services offered. In sophisticated societies he found that folks were often willing to pay for services since they rarely seemed to be excited with the idea of waiting for any good that they ordered. Taking a deep breath he stepped into the room. It was only fair that he take a test the same as anyone else. Morgan had been instrumental in ensuring that he had a chance to take the aptitude test. Now Killian just had to ensure that he passed so that he could get a job here.

The first five hours he spent working on machines and various parts of them. A few times he managed to cut himself, but he kept going. Anytime you worked with machinery like this that was bound to happen and he was a little rusty working on it. His final part of the physical exam was testing as a captain aboard a ship. That was something that Killian did know and he sat down in the simulation seat. It felt comfortable, like a home.

One of the men proctoring the exam shut the door. "Whenever you're ready Mr. Laulorin."

Giving the man a nod Killian started out the simulation with a message from one of his crew stating that they had a distress signal. It wasn't about fighting or getting boarded and suddenly he had a sinking feeling. What was he supposed to do with something like this? "Is it a friendly ship?" Giving his query he waited for the answer and since the ship appeared to be he gave the order to stop and check the crew on board the other ship. This sort of situation simply called for one to stop. That was something Star would have insisted. They barely got stopped and he was surrounded with enemy ships. He couldn't protect the ship and it was likely a decoy. Running was going to be tricky and he couldn't surrender his cargo. Another message came over his board asking what he wanted to do and Killian narrowed his eyes. "Put everything you got into it boys. We can live about half hour without oxygen and re-route the power. I'm making a run for it."

Without any hesitation he went straight for the magnetic field. He'd only done this about two times before and each time he wasn't so sure he would make it. If he could pull it off for the simulation he was pretty sure he could complete his run and log a report on the decoy ship. Losing himself in the moment of the test he started to curse and murmur under his breath and then yell with jubilee as he watched the ships on his radar crash before he pulled out of the field and out run the two remaining ships. All the lights went out just about time that Killian thought he would get to reach the end with note of congratulations. Turning in the chair toward the doorway of the simulation room he noted the man standing in it with a note pad. "I met the objective."

"Yes you did." The man made a few scribbles on the page and continued on to the room with the written part of the exam.

By the end of the hour Killian's head hurt with the effort he put into reading the questions. It took so long to read them and it was hard enough to read, but then they expected him to write too and it required the system to make several modifications. If they just wanted him to be a captain and they didn't mind waiting a very long time for his logs to update then they would be fine. Hopefully he passed the exam to be in this department, even if he had to be a crew member Killian wanted to be on board a ship.

***************************************************

On the way home he decided to look at some of the homes that weren't quite as expensive. There was one that caught his eye and he decided to stop and see it. At least from the outside. Since it appeared there was someone home, he knocked on the door and the owners were there to give him a tour. "Why is it cheaper here?" Killian couldn't see anything wrong with the house.

"It's in a cooler part of the planet here and we'd rather move to a warmer location. A good place to start though. As you can see this is a lovely home." The woman nodded to him and she grinned hopefully. Sometimes the younger Chippeqouti weren't quite as discriminating about the temperature.

Nodding a little Killian grinned in return. "Oh I think I'd like to buy it. Let me take the paperwork home." He already had a good job offer, took it and he could buy the house so Star would have one less thing to worry about. Besides it seemed to be the kind of place she would want. Star hadn't liked it so hot and if being cooler made it cheaper that was all the better. It meant that Killian might have some money left to buy a ship though he would likely have to keep it somewhere besides the house since it wasn't set in an optimal place to land. Perhaps a small walk down the lane to a ship yard that he would have to build. School would be starting soon and he knew that would get the older three out of the house for a few hours everyday. They would only get home a little before he did most nights. Along with the job offer he had to sign a waiver saying that he would accept up to 1 run a month that may take him on a specialized route approximately for a week at a time.

In advance for taking the job he was given a paycheck with a slip guaranteeing him a job. Taking it all down to the bank Killian got all the paperwork started and accounts opened along with another set of ID. When he got home it was several hours later than what he had originally told Star, but he had a really good excuse. Setting the mounds of paperwork on the bed he winked at her. "I'll go get some left overs and then I'll explain all of this to you."

Coming back up the stairs Killian sat on his end of the bed and set the plate of food on the night stand. "Got a job and I'll be home almost every night. Maybe gone for one week out of each month. Means at the most that I would be gone for about 3 months in an entire year. That sounds worse than just one week at a time and only once a month. So let's keep it that way. Then I got the paperwork started for this house."

Killian gave Star a hopeful look. "Don't you like it? It is a little cooler than here, but I thought you'd like that. We can always use the heater if we need. Kids should be ready to start school soon. Only a few weeks and by the time they start I'll already be working and then we can move in after we sign on it. I'll have to set aside a little extra for some basic furniture, but what do you think?"

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Having a little more freedom had put Anna in a good mood. She was finally able to breath. It was good to have Kato spending some time with the boys and as soon as she saw that look come up on their faces about the wrestling she couldn't help wondering why Kato had to keep saying no. He was so adamant about that fact and she'd been careful not to contradict him though she still didn't understand his reasoning.

That evening she put a hand on his chest. "Why won't you let them wrestle? Its not like they're learning to bust people's heads open or hurt them. Of all the sports they could choose here it is one of the less violent."
 
Star smiled brightly at Killian as he showed her the home and told her of his plans. "I think, I love it." She kissed him. "As long as I'm with you and the kids, I'm happy."

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20 Years Later
Star brushed her waist length hair over her shoulder and worked it into a long braid. Every now and again she'd look back up at the mirror and smile. Today, she turned 50, but she held none of the wrinkles, gray hair or signs of age that a normal human would at this age. The Chip blood had been good to her. She didn't look a day over 30 and felt young and vital as ever. "Mom! Mom!" A pair of voices yelled excitedly at her from downstairs.
Star rolled her eyes, turning towards the voices as she finished braiding her hair.
Danica and Dominic raced eachother up the steps, scrambling to be the first to tell her.
"Zach's here!" Danica cheered.
"He has a surprise!" Dominic added.
"Well, of course he does. That boy always has a surprise." Star laughed.
"C'mon! Hurry up!" Danica waved her her down the stairs then the twins took off again. Star shook her head. 20 years old and they still acted like little kids.

Star finished the braid and tucked it into a bun with a sparkling hair clip Killian had gotten her for their 24th wedding Anniversary. She adjusted her red dress, checking her figure in the mirror before trotting downstairs to meet the part guests. There were balloons, flowers and lights scattered across the main living room (compliments of the kids and Killian) and a banner that read "Happy 50th Birthday, Mom!" At the corner someone had written, "Still looking Hot!" Probably compliments of Claire who was sitting on the couch much too close to her new boyfriend.
Zach appeared from the kitchen with a bright smile. "Mom! Happy Birthday!" He gave her a powerful hug, spinning her in a circle.
"Thankyou, Zach." Star gave him a kiss on his cheek then turned to his wife, Nell. "Hello, Nell."
"Hello, Star." The shy young woman curtsied.
"Mom, dad. We have a surprise for you." Zach put his arm around Nell's shoulders. "We are going to be parents!"
"Ah!!! That's wonderful!" Star clapped and hugged them both tightly. "I'm so happy for you two. Truly."

"Knock, knock." Kato and Anna appeared at the door with Jacob and Joseph close behind.
"Kato, Anna! Come in!" Star raced to the door, giving them both hugs.
"Happy Birthday! From the family." Kato handed her a colorfully wrapped box.
"Happy Birthday, Aunt Star." Jacob said and Joseph repeated respectfully. Always the gentlemen.
"Thank you. Please, help yourself to refreshments." She gestured to the kitchen filled with goodies. "Claire, get up and say hi to Aunt Anna and Uncle Kato."
She looked around for Mikey. It hadn't looked liked he'd arrived yet. Perhaps he was still on his way from the University.
 
Before coming to the house Claire decided to give her boyfriend a quick pep speech. He was going to be meeting her parents for the first time and it was best that he was prepared and informed. First of all there was some kind of rumor that went around about them and quite a few horrible stories about her dad though she'd never really got the full scoop herself. Her parents seemed to have a lot of secrets. "So you probably heard a few things about my dad from the past and more than likely my mom too. Just don't....Don't ask, don't even hint at it. My mom gives disapproving looks and remains silent, but dad...He throws you out the door."

A snort sounded from her boyfriend. "What? Seriously he just grabs people and throws them outside?"

"Yeah." Claire nodded at him. "Seriously." Now that he had a rather concerned look on his face she continued. "Just remember to be respectful and don't be scared off by his creeper dad lines. My last 2 boyfriends left me cause they were scared to death of my dad. I really don't get it."

Obviously Claire hadn't heard the stories about her dad that everyone seemed to know except her. It might have been the fact that everyone knew she was his half breed daughter and they didn't dare say a word in her presence. The boyfriend cleared his throat. Rumor had it that her father changed. From what she was saying it sounded as though the distant stories weren't quite as distant as he'd hoped. "You know I'll just stick close to you. I'm sure it'll be fine. Like most guys I'm a little nervous about meeting your family. Reaching the point of approval is pretty important and...."

Claire raised a hand and shook her head. "Its not that bad. You're getting nervous already." Stepping out of the shuttle she headed into the house. Zach and his wife were already there and the twins were to. Only Mikey was missing. He had a chronic issue with keeping time. There was a little banging around in the kitchen and she figured it had to be her dad since he was the only one not currently in view. Grabbing the twins first she introduced them to her boyfriend and then Zach and his wife. Claire knew better than to try and introduce Robert to her dad until Star came downstairs. Sneaking over to the table she grabbed a marker and added a small little writing of her own in the corner. Snickering she snuck the marker back to its spot on the table. Now that she had added her little part Claire flopped onto the couch and nestled in under Robert's arm.

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Anna picked at her hair which had begun to fade. She was completely envious of the fact that Star hadn't aged a bit and then of course Kato was aging to. The treatment had done great things for him, but he really wasn't aging quite as fast as Witteck had thought he might. "You know I still can't believe that after all these years we're together." Smiling gently she leaned over and kissed him. "I don't care if you're driving." He could make as many excuses as he wanted to be stuck up.

When they arrived she couldn't help smiling a little. "Awe here's the lady of the hour." Giving Star a hug she pulled away after a moment. "Looks like everyone is here except for..." About that time the sound of a shuttle door slamming and Anna moved out of the way of the door so that it could swing open.

Arriving close behind them was Mikey. He about plowed through Kato and then he stopped himself. "Hi Mr. Jones." Skirting around the guests he leaned close enough to his mom to give her a quick peck on the cheek. "Happy Birthday." Racing past her he went straight to the twins and the three of them took off up the stairs like a thundering herd of cattle.

While the twins were racing up the stairs Killian quickly pulled the apron he had on off of himself and haphazardly shoved it into a drawer. His parents were on their way last message he saw. They had just gotten Morgan out of the hospital from an infection of sorts. So it wasn't likely that they would be here for long. Shoving the last tray of goodies that he had chopped onto the table he stepped around the corner. Star looked like a goddess. She always looked good. Then he spotted Claire's new boyfriend that she had been wanting to bring along. Why she insisted on bringing these boyfriends to all gatherings really bothered him. When she had finished saying hi to Anna and Kato and making her introduction Killian walked over behind Star and wrapped his arm around her waist.

Claire knew the silent cue well enough. Her parents were waiting to be introduced to Robert now. "Mom and dad I brought...." Before she could finish Mikey and the twins came charging back down the stairs. Each of them with a card and then mysteriously Danica was hiding a box behind her back. The younger three in their usual boisterous manner presented Star with everything at the same time. Danica put the box in Star's hand and then all three of them set their cards on top.

It took a few moments for it to all clear up enough for Claire to introduce her boyfriend and she could almost feel his tension rising. "Mom and dad this is my boyfriend, Robert."

When the young man put his hand out to shake Killian let Star go first and then he shook Robert's hand. He held on a moment longer and he narrowed he eyes slightly. "You treat her good, cause whatever you do to her I'm going to do to you." With a final firm shake of the young man's hand he then released Robert's hand and continued to study him for several more seconds.

"Dad!" Claire gave an exasperated tone. "Did you really have to give him the creeper line?"
 
Star smiled gently and patted Killian's arm. "Now, now, Killian. At least give the boy a chance to say 'hi' before you start terrorizing him." She chuckled. "Robert, its a pleasure to meet you. My daughter has refined taste so you must be pretty special for her to choose you. We look forward to getting to know you."
She glanced at Anna and Kato with a hint of sadness. If there was one thing she didn't like about birthdays, it was that her friends aged as well. And Anna and Kato were aging at a normal rate and would be dead just as her and Killian hit their prime. The thought made her heart ache. She knew how much Anna hated getting older, while Kato seemed to content with life as it was.

Star took a breath and clapped. “Ok! Who is ready for some cake!?” The kids were all over that and Star had to laugh as Mikey and the Twins raced to be first. She loved those three so much. She loved all her children, but those three had such a bond and playfulness about them that Claire and Zach didn’t. “I’ll help you mom.” Zach offered, shoving away his siblings so that he could cut the cake in even squares.

“How are the clinics doing?” Star asked Kato as she passed a plate with cake on it to him. After her last book had come out 15 years go, she’d gotten endless streams of letters asking for advice on Chip-human relationships. Most of the replies were automated now. One had to do with medical advice for those pursuing a chip-human relationship. Over 15 years ago she’d begun referring them to Kato and within 3 years he’d built a thriving clinic dedicated solely to human-chip medical and psychiatric needs. Now, 15 years later he had 25 clinics spread across the system and a one of a kind medical journal written by him with excerpts from Star and Killian.

“They are doing well. Another clinic is opening this month on Tirun. Chip/human relationships is all the new rage. Way to go Star, starting a fad.”
Star laughed. “What can I say? I’m just that cool.” She offered some cake to Anna.
 
While the others were crowding around the cake Killian grabbed Robert by the arm and walked with him outside. He played nicely as long as he had to. This was a different story though. Once they were out on the stone patio he released Robert. Killian stood a short distance away and he stared at the young man. "What do you want with my daughter?"

"Uh...I really like her. Claire is the best thing that's come into my life."

"You're damn right she is and its my job to keep your grubby hands off of her if you don't prove to be the kind of man that she deserves." Folding his arms in front of himself Killian held his gaze steady for a long moment. "So what do you want with her? You wanna have sex with her or marry her?"

Robert swallowed and he blinked a few times. She hadn't warned him he might have been scared off on the spot. "I-I haven't thought that far ahead."

Rolling his eyes Killian sighed. "Of course you haven't. All you've thought about is how to get her out of her clothes?"

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When her boyfriend disappeared Claire frowned a little. Momentarily she wondered if he went to use the bathroom or something. Taking a piece of cake she made her way into the living room and then peered out the window. "Oh my gosh." The words were muffled with the cake in her mouth and she saw her two younger brothers gathered at the window cackling like a bunch of crows. "He's doing it again."

"I wonder if he's gonna take off like the last one." Mikey started to snicker some more.

Dominic frowned. "Nah. Robert had a firm handshake. He'd be man enough to wait to break up with Claire until after the gathering."

"Stop it you two." Claire reached out and slapped the back of their heads with her hand. It was hard enough Mikey got his nose dipped in the frosting. Sometimes it was embarrassing to bring a man to the house because she knew her brother's turned it into a carnival or freak show while her dad said whatever it was that scared them off. Going back to the kitchen she sighed. "Mom I thought you said he wouldn't do it again. Robert just went out there with him and nobody said anything and now he's on his way back in and I'll never find a man at this rate. I'm gonna have to stop bringing men to meet the family."

Anna was standing in the kitchen with Star. She couldn't help smiling. "Well its not all bad. What if you finally get a guy that's willing to go through your dad? You know he'd love you if he could do that."

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Gagging on his words the young man got a strange sheepish grin. Rubbing the back of his neck he just stared at the ground. He didn't figure there was anything he could say to get out of this. After a few long moments he looked up. "Yes sir. I have to admit that I think about that from time to time. That's not the only reason I'm spending time with her. There's other things I like about Claire." Robert took a deep breath. "She's not an easy touch and that means a lot to me. Claire has a bit of personality too and she knows what she likes and doesn't. Certainly rattled my cage a few times and...I see where she gets it from."

Killian bristled and he started to push Robert back for the door of the house. "Fine you pass the first date here." Shoving the young man toward the stairs he glared at him. "Well? Get in the house." As soon as Claire's boyfriend was safely indoors Killian put his back to the house and let himself smirk. This was the first guy that was honest with him and he liked that. If the guy lasted he might be worth it. Chuckling he turned around and made his way back inside.
 
"I'm sorry, Claire. Your father is just trying to protect you." Star said in response to Claire bemoaning Killian's interrogation of her new boyfriend.
Anna was standing in the kitchen with Star. She couldn't help smiling. "Well its not all bad. What if you finally get a guy that's willing to go through your dad? You know he'd love you if he could do that."
Star chuckled. "Isn't that the truth. Trust me when I say this, Claire, you want a man who is going to stick with you through the worst of it. If he can handle Killian, then he's got a good chance. If he can't even brave out your dad, then how is he going to brave out anything in your relationship?"
Claire rolled her eyes. "Yeah nothing like that line. Anything you do to her I'm gonna do to you. Right....like sex? Seriously that has to be the creepiest line."
Star laughed. "Whatever gets the point across."
"What sort of stuff does he say to them out there? It sent Randy just racing off and I never heard from him again and all sorts of people know things that I don't. Its like they're all scared of dad."
Star's eyes softened. "You know our past wasn't easy, Claire. Your dad and I have been through some rough things and those things get turned into rumors which get turned into blown-out-of-proportion legends. Most of the stuff they're scared about isn't even real."


Joseph sat quietly with Zach talking with him about business and other such matters while Kato sat by and listened. Joseph had ended up being his quiet son, much more like him. In fact the boy was already training to be the next doctor to take over the clinics when Kato passed on. Jacob was much more active and a trouble maker...so much like his mother. Even now he sat with the twins and Mikey, smirking at laughing at Robert's ill fortune. Finally Killian let the boy inside and Kato just had to shake his head. As much as they'd grown in their friendship and trust of eachother, Kato still thought he was a little too rough around the edges sometimes.

Kato looked up at Killian as he came in. "He pass the first-date test?" He asked with a smirk, already knowing the answer.
 
It was easy enough to see by her mother's expression that she was treading fairly close to some difficult subjects. Then it all started to fall into place. Of course they were all afraid of her dad. Seemed that as popular as the books were that nobody really knew much about her parents. They didn't know what kind of parents they were. Her mom had brushed over so many things. "I wouldn't say the books were all that accurate." Claire glanced at her mother. In some ways she knew it had to hurt. "Mom, honestly you had like one sentence that said dad was in the games. You talked more about that stupid bear." Mostly she'd read the books cause so many people asked her questions about her parents that she didn't even have the faintest idea about. Because she lived with them Claire had never seen anything special and after she read the books she wasn't sure what to think.

The young woman took another bite of her cake. "I started reading stuff." A dark expression came to her face. "Used to think he was just being a weird dad, but it really bothers me now. More than just the stuff you wrote. There are other sources that have records of you and dad. Stuff that makes me wonder if some of the guys had good sense running off when he talks with them." Claire swallowed. "I'll just talk with you about this later." Setting her little plate of cake aside she gave her mother a quick hug and then smiled. "Gonna go see how Robert is doing since he's back now." What else did people know that she hadn't found or didn't know about? More and more her parents were sounding like strangers to her.

Coming home was harder in some ways. A few things were starting to make sense. Like why her parents were sometimes up at random points in the night. Why she didn't recall many visitors besides Doctor Kato and Anna. It especially made sense after she'd read the book. They were in some sort of pact. Then the other records she read. So little was found on the other couple except that Anna had essentially been a spy and hero of sorts. Why they covered for her parents didn't make sense. Her grandparents covered for them too. Might have had to do with the fact that Kato and Anna had been on board that smuggling ship too. It felt in a way like she'd been betrayed after reading the books and then all the other records that she could find. Even if the Gillicks were known to be cruel they had impeccable records and she had pulled a few of them. Star and Killian hid a big portion of their life. Now she knew after her own research why people would abruptly change conversation sometimes when she joined the group. Did they think she would defend or deny what her parents had done?

What was proving to be the most difficult was the conflicting images. She knew her parents to be loving, sincere people, and almost completely ordinary with the exception of attention that they drew in public circles. Somehow when she was younger it seemed everyone thought they were nice too. Now it almost made her sick. If the records were even half way accurate they were horrible people.

There was an ongoing struggle. Did she talk to her parents about it or did she just pretend that nothing ever happened. When Killian came inside she kept her eyes on Robert instead. How could she even hug her dad without cringing?

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Anna watched Claire leave and she blinked a few times. She may not have been the best or most perceptive mother, but she knew trouble when she saw it. Taking a little cup of juice she smirked. "Oh I'm going to ruin my diet today and put a whole five pounds on my ass." She'd had to sit more often and her back was beginning to give her troubles. Only a little more than 20 years later and the old bullet wounds were becoming problematic. Even though Kato was aging he didn't seem to have as many problems slowing down and aching as she did.

"This stone house always reminded me of a modest little castle." Chuckling she took a bite of her cake. "Took me a few years to accept that I could live an ordinary life with Kato and I'm still glad you talked with me that day. I would have gone wild and who knows where I'd be. The boys even turned out alright." Anna sighed. It had been a long route and time till she had grown to accept her children. Now she wouldn't trade them for the world. "So strange. Seems like yesterday they were all tiny and roaring like bears. Running around. Well as much as Kato would let them anyway." Shaking her head she laughed some more. "I still don't understand why he did things the way he did with them." Her differing opinions took a back burner cause he had eventually let her know that if she intended for him to be active in their lives than some of his thoughts had to prevail and they did.

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When Killian walked through the door Kato was there with a grin on his face. "Yeah he made it." Pulling Kato into a good bear hug he gave the doctor a firm slap on the back before releasing him. "How's life going? We're both in the slow lane and acting like old men these days. You write anymore of those crazy articles of yours?"
 
Star forced a smile at Claire but it faded when the girl ran off to talk with her new boyfriend. She had Killian had done their absolute best to protect all their children from the horrors they had been part of and witnessed. But Claire...she was too curious for her own good, that girl. She was going to have to talk with her...though what she would say, she wasn't certain. Maybe she should get Killian in on it as well. But later, not now.

Anna sat with a sigh next to Star, chuckling about the old days. Star smirked as she talked about Kato's strange quirks and ways of raising the boys with as much non-violence as possible. "He was probably trying to protect them. Like me and Killan with our children. Except...we weren't as strict and now look at those twins." She shook her head as they came up behind Joseph and scared him half to death. The living room erupted in laughter and Star chuckled. "Its like they never grew out of their toddler faze."

Star looked over at her friend tenderly. She knew from their conversations that Anna was beginning to ache on a daily basis now and was experiencing many of the symptoms of old age even though she was barely 50. "How are you feeling? Kato find anything to help with the aches and pains?"

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Kato chuckled at Killian's powerful hug nearly knocking the wind out of him. "Oh yes. Time to time. Not nearly as often as I used to but, I still enjoy it. Joseph has begun picking up more duties at the clinic here and learning everything he needs to know about taking over in the next 10 years. Then, I'm retiring. I'll probably still write and help out with the clinics from time to time but...I'm actually looking forward to having much less to do." Kato nodded with a soft smile. He'd always been a work-aholic. In truth, slowing down scared him a bit. Meant he was getting old...and a bit useless.

"How goes the fleet?"
 
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