mbered the night with
delight, and appreciation for something he'd never expected to
experience--the unity with another person, someone who treated him as a
person instead of a symbol.

"Such sharing is always good," she said serenely, running gentle claws
down his back. "And we share more, my Steve. I bear our ka'esten."

"Our daughter." Tarlac, beyond surprise, couldn't question her
knowledge of pregnancy or of the baby's sex. He took a moment to sort
out his reactions. He knew Daria was pleased--he couldn't deny that in
a way he was pleased himself!--but this made it certain. One way or
another, this was his last mission as a Ranger. He'd told Hovan what
might happen if he returned to the Empire with a clan and family, but
he hadn't really expected to have to leave the only group of friends
he'd known. That would be a wrench.

Still . . . he remembered the feeling of belonging he'd had at the
altar, and Daria's undeniable concern for him. Maybe it wouldn't be
too bad a deal, at that, if he somehow survived. He might be gaining
more than he lost . . . a badge for a daughter. Jim and Linda for
Hovan and Daria. Yeah, that seemed fair enough.

Tarlac smiled, already a bit nostalgic. Guess you'll have to find
yourself another Ranger, Jean, he thought. Looks like if I ever ride
the Lindner again, it'll be as a passenger. Then his attention turned
fully to Daria, and the idea of being a father.

It turned out to be a surprisingly pleasant idea. He felt brief
concern about how their daughter would be accepted, but decided that
shouldn't be a problem, since he'd been accepted. Something else was
more important. "Daria, ka'ruhar--what happens to her, and to you, if I
fail? Not if I die trying this; I know Ch'kara will take care of you
both. But if I can't end the war, and the Empire invades Homeworld?"

Her serenity was unimpaired. "I believe you will not fail, that you
will watch her grow. To ease your mind, though, as long as I am
carrying and nursing her, it would be dishonorable for me to fight--and
the need to care for her will keep me alive, even as a captive, until
she no longer needs me."

"That helps, some." It wasn't perfect; Tarlac didn't want anyone to
have to die, and he hoped the invasion never happened . . . but what
she said did help. Then another thought occurred to him. "What'll we
name her?"

"We have time to give that much thought," Daria said with amusement.
"But not now.