More Than a Lifetime #7: Deliberation

Chapter 2: Third Time's a Charm

"Ohhh, I think - I think something's happening. I'm having a contraction. Ay, ow, ow, OW!"

"Here, take my hand," Rowat offered. "Just breathe through it. Easy, now ... there you go ... breathe ... that's right. Good."

Melba reappeared. "The transport is ready, sir," she informed Rowat.

Rowat nodded. "Okay, Lieutenant, nice and slowly, we're going to get up, walk outside, and get into the transport, okay?"

Dani nodded. "Where's Marac?" she asked. "Somebody call him."

"Don't worry; we will. Right now, we have to see about getting you to the hospital. Okay, nice and easy. Put your weight on me to stand."

Xxx

"Where's Marac?" Dani asked again. She was in a delivery room at Capital Medical Facility, but the father of her child was no where to be seen. In his place was Rowat, who now stood beside her bed holding her hand. "Did something happen to him?" Dani continued, panic rising in her voice. "Why isn't he here, yet? Hasn't he commed?" Tears sprang to her eyes. Where was he? He wouldn't miss this. Something must be wrong. Something must have happened.

"Don't get upset," Rowat said, trying to calm Dani while silently cursing Dukat. He'd always had great respect for the man, but his not being here to witness something this important was making Rowat question his beliefs about the man he so admired.

The grip on his hand tightened significantly, indicating to Rowat that Dani was experiencing another contraction. "You have got quite a grip there," Rowat told Dani, offering an encouraging smile. "With strength like that, why do you need me around?" Dani seemed to smile, but it turned into a grimace as the contraction came full-on.

"Doctor, isn't there something more you can give her for the pain?" Rowat asked.

Xxx

Dukat's body was at the meeting, but his mind was miles away. He'd gotten the call over an hour ago that Dani had gone into labor. He didn't want to be anywhere else but in that delivery room with her, but this damned meeting was something at which his presence was required. He couldn't get out of it even if he were having the baby himself.

This waiting was unbearable. The doctor had informed them of the fact that Dani was probably going to have a difficult labor. He hated that she had to go through this without him.

The beeping from his comm unit brought Dukat back from his thoughts. Everyone at the conference table looked his way. "Dukat here. What is it?"

"Sir, there's a message for you."

"Tell them I'll get back to them," Dukat said.

"Sir, it's urgent. It's from the hospital."

Dukat's heart rate skyrocketed. "I'll take it in my office." He stood and looked at his colleagues. "Escuse me while I take this."

When Dukat reached his office, he sat down behind his desk nervously. He'd had eight children. One would think he'd be used to this by now, but he wasn't. He had felt the exact same way when each of his children had been born. He activated the monitor and Dr. Lurok's face filled the screen.

"Legate Dukat," he began, "it's my pleasure and honor to inform you that you are the father of a brand new, healthy son."

"A son ... "

"Should I tell the staff to make arrangements for your immediate arrival, sir?" Lurok asked.

"Tell them I'll be there later tonight."

The doctor hadn't expected that response, but if that was what he wanted ... "Yes, sir."

"Doctor, how is Danielle?" Dukat asked.