Standing and stretching his muscles he decided to visit Knollig and Mairi first and then swing by and see the new sacath.
“Are you up for visitors?” He quietly whispered to his brother, knowing he wouldn’t wake him if he were asleep.
“I wondered when you would stop by. Yes we are awake. The others are all here and we will announce the names we have chosen for our daughters when you arrive...so hurry.” There was such happiness in Knollig’s voice that he felt his chest tighten.
“I will be right there.” Kneus assured his brother as he freshened himself up quickly then left his dome.
Walking as fast as he could to the medical dome in New Have Kneus arrived in no time. Opening the door he wasn’t surprised to see both council’s present. Amber, Kniam, Thian, Jen, Knaleg, Catherine, Asteen, Ailech and Gwen. Callum McPherson was sitting in a chair next to the bed. Mairi was on one of the medical beds with a cover draped over one shoulder. Knollig was standing by her side holding the dark haired twin. He couldn’t see the other twin and was instantly alarmed.
“Where is the other baby?” His voice cracked with concern. “Has something happened?”
“Nothing is wrong, she is eating.” Gwen hurried to answer him. Her reassuring smile had his heart rate easing. He looked for someone holding her with a bottle and couldn’t find her again. He stopped himself from asking where she was and decided to observe. Looking around the room again, he noticed the drape on Mairi’s shoulder move slightly.
“She is able to feed the baby at her breast?” He asked his brother telepathically.
”Yes.” Knollig answered giving him a smile, “She just finished feeding Celeste...damn it, you didn’t hear that. Act surprised when it is announced.”
Kneus fought back the laugh at his brother’s slip of the tongue, and smiled around the room.
Mairi got everyone’s attention when with a few movements under the blanket, she drew back the drape to gently place the red haired baby over her shoulder. “I think it’s time to announce the names Knollig.” She beamed at her mate. “I will let you do the honors.”
Knollig cleared his throat and with his gaze fixed on Callum McPherson he said, “We have decided to name our daughters Celeste and Chloe after their grandmother and great-grandmother. Both women showed great love for Mairi in their own way, we want their names to live on.”
All eyes in the room had swung to Callum McPherson to see how he was taking the news. He had jerked forward in his seat at the mention of the names, then his eyes misted and he fell back against his chair.
“I...” his voice broke with emotion, “I don’t know what to say.” He stood up to embrace his granddaughter tears were falling down his cheeks. Trying to hug her around the baby in her arms he started laughing. “Your mother and grandmother would be so proud to have their names honored like this.” He had moved to embrace Knollig as well. “Which is Celeste and which is Chloe?” He wiped at his tears.
“I am holding Celeste.” Knollig said.
“Knollig is holding Chloe.” Mairi started to say then frowned.
Both of them looked at each other.
“No, you are holding Chloe.” Knollig insisted.
“No, I am holding Celeste.” Mairi’s frown deepened.
“I’m surprised all right.” Kneus couldn’t stop himself from teasing his brother. “Surprised you can’t remember what you named your own daughters.”
“That is not funny Kneus. Stop distracting me!” Knollig smiled weakly at his mate. “We decided that our first born would be Celeste and the second would be Chloe.”
“Yes. That makes you holding Chloe and I am holding Celeste.” Mairi insisted.
“I am sorry my love, but I think I am holding Celeste and you are holding Chloe.” Knollig was just as sure.
Kneus decided to try to intervene before it got any more confusing. “The first born was the dark haired baby. The second born was the fair red head.”
In his mind he sent to the males in the room, “There that might help clear things up.”
“We really need to start marking them at birth as they are born. Especially with all the multiples, it can be confusing.” Kniam spoke in mind to all the males.
“Agreed.” Thian answered. “It would help with moments like this.”
“Now you think of that!” Knollig snapped in mind, “You could have thought of this yesterday.”
“Well it’s not like we knew you were going to name them by birth order.” Kniam shot back. “And then forget that order.”
“I had a lot going on Kniam!” Knollig defended himself, “Give me a break.”
“You really need to pull yourself together Knollig.” Knaleg got into the teasing. “Imagine how forgetful you will be years from now if the birthing has done this to you.”
”Says the man the color of grass through the whole thing.” Knollig shot back causing all the males to laugh.
“You are talking in mind aren’t you?” Mairi was looking at the males...back and forth.
“We were not.” They all stated as one.
Her eyes narrowed and she said, “So...I was right. I am holding Chloe and you are holding Celeste.” She looked smugly at Knollig.
“Uh...” Knollig started only to stop when the males yelled at him, “Don’t do it! Don’t argue.” Kneus saw him swallow hard, “Yes love. You were right.”
“There now that is solved I need to get to the fabricators. I have a surprise for the twins and I need to get it finished before you are released.” Callum slapped Knollig on the back one last time and headed for the door. “When does she get to go home doc?”
Kneus looked over to Gwen who looked to Mairi and Knollig. “I think this afternoon. They are all in great health and should be able to go home by then.”
“Don’t you need to fix their heads before they are released?” Thian asked.
“What?” Jen looked sideways at her mate. “What are you talking about?”
Thian gestured at the babies, “Their heads are broken. The triplets had round, normal heads...” Gwen tried not to laugh as his comment trailed off.
“Thian.” She held up her hand to get his attention, “Babies that are pushed through the birth canal have different shaped heads than babies born via c-section.” Smiling at him she continued, “Celeste and Chloe’s heads will not stay the shape they are now.”
“Oh.” Thian muttered disgruntledly, “Well how was I supposed to know that?”
“Well then.” Callum saved Thian from any more embarrassment, “I will see you at your dome this afternoon Mairi girl. I’ll have my surprise ready for you.” Callum called his good-byes to the others and left.
Kneus moved closer to Knollig, “May I hold her?” He asked his brother.
“Yes, of course.” Knollig carefully handed the baby over to him.
Kneus looked down at the small bundle and couldn’t believe how life had changed for the males of Terraneu. Such a short time had passed since Amber had dropped onto that port pad. Now he had two nephews and three nieces! Never in his wildest imaginings could he have foreseen this. Grasping the little hand in his fingers he felt his eyes get misty. It was worth thousands of years to be able to experience this moment. Glancing up his gaze met and held Gwen’s for a second before he forced himself to break the contact.
After holding Celeste he got to hold Chloe. They were both beautiful babies and were going to give Knollig fits when they grew up. And he had to admit that it was going to be fun to watch! Since the males of the council were all in one place the conversation shifted, as always to matters of the community. They talked again about safety, shielding, weapons and different matters of state. He noticed the females were also talking, he supposed about the same things.
Chapter Fourteen
“So spill the beans.” Amber whispered to Gwen. “We can see the sparks flying between you and Kneus.”
Gwen was holding Chloe while Mairi fed Celeste so she was able to have an excuse to keep her eyes averted
from the questioning looks of the others. “I don’t know what you mean.” She swore.
“Yes you do. Stop playing coy and hiding behind a baby.” Catherine laughed, “We are supposed to be telling each other all of the odd things we notice about Kneus. I am noticing he is making goo-goo eyes at you!”
Gwen’s head shot up at that, “He is not!” She choked back a laugh, “Goo-goo eyes Cat? My God are we in high school again?”
“Well if this was high school Gwen would be under the bleachers with Kneus!” Jen insisted.
“Under the bleachers Jen? What do you know about what goes on under the bleachers?” At Jens faux innocent look Amber yelled, “I knew it...”
“Shhh!” Gwen hissed then whispered, “Keep it down.” Looking pointedly over her shoulders at the conferencing males.
“We are going to get you to talk Gwen.” Catherine raised her voice to get their attention. “What is going on with Kneus?”
“Nothing.” At their looks of disbelief she hurried to add, “Okay. He kissed me that is all.” She was torn about telling them about his nightmares, but he had made her promise not to tell. She would only break that promise if it became absolutely necessary to do so.
“That is all? If he was able to break himself away from a computer console long enough to kiss you, then that says everything!” Amber smiled widely.
Gwen felt her heart jump at the thought that it might mean that much for Kneus to have kissed her. Then she mentally slapped herself back to reality. It was just kissing for crying out loud. She was an adult and had played the game enough to know that kissing didn’t mean that much.
“Kneus hasn’t shown an interest in anyone else that I have ever seen.” Jen pointed out. “Though to be fair he did stay behind on Earth all those months, maybe he is just behind the others in dating around.”
“There is also his workaholic nature.” Catherine agreed. “I didn’t think it was possible, but he is even more driven then Knaleg. If he has noticed you Gwen it means something.”
She sighed. She didn’t know the extent of her feelings for Kneus and would like their relationship to progress without being under constant scrutiny, even though she knew that wasn’t going to happen. On Earth people dated all the time, had sex and went about their business. Here on Terraneu relationships and their resulting status was everyone’s business. There was too much at stake for couples to commit to staying together and having offspring that any pair who chose mate status was under the microscope as it were. A relationship with Kneus would be even more so because they were both council members.
“There isn’t anything more to tell besides one kiss. I will keep everyone updated on things I find out from Kneus about his nightmares.” She hoped they forgave her this tiny lie if it came to light she wasn’t telling them everything. When she saw that they were all looking skeptical she smiled innocently, “Honestly. Would I lie to you?”
“Yes.” They all answered together.
“Well that hurts, it really does.” Gwen laughed, “That you think so little of me...”
“Okay we get it.” Catherine’s lips were twitching, “Keep your secrets if you must, and just know that we are here if you need anything.”
“Thank you Cat.” Gwen knew her friends were just looking out for her, “All joking aside I will tell you as much as I can.”
“There it is.” Amber jumped on her statement, “You said, ‘as much as I can’ not as much as you know.”
“Leave it Amber.” Jen said when she saw Gwen’s face. “Like Cat said. Let her have her secrets.” Knowing her friend as well as she did, Jen used the only thing she knew of that would distract Amber. “Besides after this visit with Mairi you were going to let us sneak a peek at Tabec and her babies weren’t you?”
Amber grudgingly let the matter drop, “I did say that didn’t I?” She resumed her cheery expression, “The babies are so cute! The little male is a replica of Cebat. The little female is the cutest brindle I have ever seen. They are so much smaller than Cebat and Tabec but still considerably larger than any “puppy” or “kitten” from Earth. It is hard to believe that they are only a day old. I have had full grown pets that were smaller than they are!” Gwen had to smile at the description of the sacath babies. She could imagine the newborns size was in proportion to the parents, she just couldn’t wait to see them for herself.
“Are we all heading over then?” Gwen asked. “Mairi you and the girls can be released since you are in perfect health.” At her words Mairi perked up and Gwen knew she would choose to leave the medical dome.
“We can see the sacaths really fast and then go to our dome.” Mairi swung her legs off the medical bed, which instantly got the attention of Knollig.
“Mairi?” He questioned from his place among the men.
“We have been released to go home Knollig.” Mairi beamed at him. “I want to stop by and see the sacath, then we can get the girls settled in our dome.”
Gwen moved out of the way as Knollig brushed past her, “I will just get the stroller ready for the girls then.” Knollig bundled some blankets, and then bundled some more until there was only one small spot in the middle for the baby. Then he did it again in the other side of the dual stroller, until with a satisfied smile he stepped back. “There that should do it.”
Knaleg snorted with laughter, “Are you expecting to be in a bumper stroller contest or a collision?” He teased his brother, “That is enough padding to withstand re-entry from space.”
Knollig just shrugged it off, “I want them to be comfortable.” He took Celeste and settled her into the blankets, then did the same with Chloe. Mairi in the meantime had gone behind the curtained area to dress and returned when finished to stand by her mate.
Gwen did one last check on the area to make sure Mairi and Knollig hadn’t forgotten anything, then followed the group out the doors. It was a pretty short distance from the medical dome in New Haven to the residential domes.
“I will go see where Cebat and Tabec are hold on a second.” Amber snuck into the house and after a few seconds Fortem and his mate came out. They had been babysitting until Amber and Kniam got back. Kniam thanked the couple and everyone exchanged pleasantries until Amber came back out.
“Okay. The triplets are asleep in their bedroom, Cebat and Tabec are with the cubs. Pups?” Amber paused, “Really Kniam what should we call the baby sacath?”
Kniam just smiled, “What would you like to call them?”
“I don’t know that is the problem. A cub is like a lion...a puppy is like a dog. A sacath reminds me of both of them.”
“How about calling them cuppies?” Jen laughed.
“I thought maybe sacittens, or pupcath.” Gwen called out.
The females Gwen noted were having a great time calling out suggestions, the males just looked at each other like the women had lost their minds.
“I think sacathies...what do you guys think?” Amber looked over the group.
It was agreed upon, the newborn sacath would be known as sacathies.
“So now that I know what to call them. It is safe to go in and sneak a peek at the sacathies.” Amber led the way into their dome. All the damage Cebat and Tabec had created in the living quarters had been repaired, so it was a shock to see the courtyard.
Kniam’s hammock area was completely destroyed. The sacath had created a large cave like hidey-hole for Tabec to nest. Gwen noted the proud father was resting outside the entrance, his large glowing eyes watching them from his position on the floor. Inside the sacath made cave you could just make out Tabec’s luminous emerald eyes. She twitched her tail as if to say, “I can see you standing over there...and over there is where you should stay!” and Gwen agreed with her wholeheartedly. She had no intention of getting any closer. As if they sensed an audience, the two sacathies started mewling and trying to move around. She could just make out a golden body nursing against the black of its mother. The brindle was so well camouflaged she couldn’t see her. Then Tabec shifted
and there was the little female. Nursing alongside the slightly larger male. They were about the size of a large Earth puppy, but much smaller than their parents.
“They are really adorable Amber.” Gwen whispered to her friend as she slowly backed away. “Thank you for letting me take a look.”
Mairi who had left the twins with Knollig to come look at the sacathies agreed. “They are so cute Amber. Cat and I have agreed to wait until they are bigger to choose ours. You are still letting us have one?” She ended questioningly.
“Yes. As much as I’m sure I will grow to love them, we just do not have the space for that many sacath. Not to mention I’m worried that Cebat and Tabec would get territorial over their space here in our dome after awhile.” Amber sighed then backed away with the rest of them. “We are going to be giving them their space, but live our lives as normally as possible so the sacathies can adjust to how things usually are around the dome.” Amber laughed, “Well except for the courtyard obviously. That is going to take a long time to get back to normal.”
When they reached the door Gwen said her good-byes to the others. She was a bit surprised when Kneus asked if he could escort her home.
“Of course. I would enjoy your company on the walk back.” Gwen turned and started down the path with Kneus at her side.
Chapter Fifteen
Kneus had talked with his brothers on their way from the medical dome to Kniam’s living dome. They had just coughed or muttered nonsense into their hands when he had said he had kissed Gwen, and didn’t know what to do next.
Thian was the first to recover and asked, “Exactly what advice are you asking for here?”
He looked around at the males, and when he saw them all laughing into their hands or looking away he thought about his last statement. When it dawned on him what the others were quietly amused about he snapped, “Not what you are thinking! I know what kissing normally leads to Thian.” He looked around again, “I need to know how you four went about courting your mates. I want to ask Gwen out on an official date, and I’m not sure how to go about it.”
Kneus: A Terraneu Novel (Book Four) Page 6