“'Navel-gazing?'” He peered down at my bellybutton, confused.
I laughed. “It's just a figure of speech. It means useless introspection.”
I could tell Dashel was considering my words carefully. Finally, he said, “I am looking forward to sharing the rest of my life with you, Natalie. You're a wonderful mate, not to mention a strong and clever ally. With you by my side, I am confident that we will be able to overcome any obstacle the universe can throw at us.” He paused, then added, “That said, I'm sure you're figured out for yourself by now that there will be many such obstacles. It was pointed out to me recently that when a human and a Hielsrane choose to mate and raise children together, from a cultural standpoint, there are inherent difficulties. Ones which cannot be taken lightly.”
“I suppose I can guess who pointed that out to you,” I replied wryly.
He nodded. “Our life together will be a happy one, I'm sure, but it will not necessarily be an easy one. Many will look down on us and criticize our union. And when our younglings are born, they too will be objects of pity and ridicule. They will not 'fit in', at least not until they've proven themselves, which I'm confident they will, in time,” he added quickly. “Still, we will need to stand united always, come what may. We will need to let go of all doubts and fears and be our best selves for each other. So if visiting Earth one last time is what you will require in order to do that, I will do everything I can to make that happen before our young are born.”
“And if the fleet won't allow it?” I wanted to let myself feel excitement and happiness, but I knew I couldn't afford to get my hopes up.
He grinned. “Let's hope it doesn't come to that. I don't relish the idea of trying to chart an independent course for the Sol system with a squadron of Hielsrane vessels trying to blow us to cinders for making an unauthorized trip into restricted space. But if that's what it comes down to...”
Stal poked his head back in, scowling. “When I offered to give you two some time alone in my sickbay, I didn't mean you should move in here together. I have other patients to attend to, and I can't do that while I'm standing out in the corridor, twiddling my claws and waiting for you to finish your little heart-to-heart. Now get out!”
A short while later, we were in Dashel's cabin, and he was attempting to reach Tarion on the vidscreen. The Gyygnar had recombined into a single ship again – its training maneuvers had concluded, and it hung outside the window, standing watch over Nort the way the dragons of Earth legend jealously guarded their vast chambers of gold and jewels.
At last, Tarion's fearsome visage appeared on the screen. “Dashel. My people said this communication was urgent. What's on your mind?”
“A trip to Earth,” Dashel answered quickly. “As soon as possible.”
Tarion raised an eyebrow. “We only just discussed this less than a day ago. I haven't even had a chance to forward your request to the fleet admirals, let alone plead your case to them. Why is this matter suddenly so time-sensitive?”
“It's...difficult to explain,” Dashel said.
Tarion leaned back in his seat, steepling his claws. “Try.”
“Natalie has expressed a strong desire to see Earth again before our offspring are born. Waiting until after it happens would only make such a journey more complicated and difficult. Leaving them behind while we travel would be immensely problematic and bringing them with us would raise too many questions, since they will not yet be old enough to fully control their forms.”
“Indeed. It might raise a few eyebrows among the humans if you two walk around holding a pair of large lizards wearing bibs and bonnets,” Tarion chortled. “But surely, such concerns are outweighed by the safety of the children themselves as birthing-time approaches. What if she goes into labor on Earth, far from our medical resources? That would endanger her life, and the infants' as well.”
“We can equip the Wyvern with the necessary equipment, so she can be rushed back to the ship in the event that labor commences,” Dashel countered. I appreciated how diligently he was pleading my case – I knew he was intimidated by Tarion. “And I can have the relevant information on human-Drakon birthing procedures downloaded to Stal's medical database, so he can study it and be prepared for that eventuality.”
Tarion barked out a laugh. “Stal will love that, I'm sure. Still, I must say, I'm perplexed by your need to make this pilgrimage now, instead of waiting a few years. What's your hurry, Dashel? What aren't you telling me?”
Dashel took a deep breath. “Just recently, you reminded me that Natalie and I will have a difficult time ahead of us, as we strive for acceptance among the Hielsrane. I took your advice quite seriously, Tarion – as I always have.”
“I enjoy having my tail kissed as much as the next dragon,” Tarion said, “but flattery won't make me more inclined to grant your request.”
Dashel looked over at me, then returned his gaze to the screen. “Natalie is the strongest individual I've ever known. But even so, it will take all of her reserves to summon the fortitude for what lies ahead. I believe that she will best be able to replenish those reserves by re-connecting with her home planet, if only briefly. I believe that will be important before facing the times to come.”
Tarion grunted grudgingly. “You may be right, Dashel. Very well. But first, you must make me a promise: From this point forward, whenever our crews interact, Natalie must be kept
