One week overdue becomes two weeks over due. Kamaki assures her everything seems to be progressing along just fine. She has what seems to be the largest pregnant belly of all time. She needs help doing nearly everything; getting into bed, getting out of bed, getting dress. She can't even put her own panties on, not that they ever seem to stay on long here. But at this point, she's too exhausted all the time to mate with anybody. She's sitting in an Elders' Council meeting, and she's having a hard time focusing on the topic.
"Zita-na," Palam ask concerned, "
"" admits Zeta. ""
"
Zeta answers him, "
Kamaki starts to rifle through his bag. He wants to scan Zeta and measure her contractions. They may be more regular than she realizes.
Elder Coo ask concerned, "
"" says Zeta pulling herself to her feet.
Jonina ask concerned, "
"" Zeta leaning on the table in front of her. Then she straightens up, putting her small hands on her massive belly as it tightens with a contraction. Then there's a sudden gush of water.
Palam hops up surprised and excited, "
"
"
Palam ask, "
"
On Anlo's world, the birth of a child is a special event attended by family and close friends. It takes place at home unless something goes wrong. C-sections are never scheduled. They are for emergencies only.
Elder Coo announces, "
They walk Zeta to the transport pad and transport to House Voltrand. They arrive on the outside transport pad because the inside transport pad is undergoing maintenance. Anlo sees them arrive and knows it's too early for the meeting to be over. He can see his mother and Kamaki helping Zeta off the transport pad. He drops the bale he was carrying and runs over to them.
"Zeta... Zeta..." Anlo's concern easily heard in his voice.
Palam informs Anlo, "
"
"
Zeta insist, "
"
Jonina pulls out her personal communication device. It's much more advanced than the mobile phones used by most people on Earth. She sends one message to her sons and mates, "
"" says Zeta as Anlo carries her down into the quarters his parents have occupied his entire life.
Zeta protest, "
"
"
"
As Anlo sets Zeta on her feet, Zeta ask, "
"
"
Kamaki request, "
"
Septimus offers, "
"
Jonina directs, "
"" answers Kamaki. "
Kamaki scans Zeta and nods pleased, "
"" Zeta nods yes to Kamaki.
Kamaki attaches the small monitoring device to her belly. "
Zeta nods again and Kamaki attaches the second small monitoring to the left side of her chest. Then he checks the readings on his flat monitor. "
Two hours later, Anlo is placing a cool damp cloth on Zeta's forehead. Zeta is focusing on keeping her breathing regular.
Kamaki announces happily, "
Everyone rushes to see. Zarek faints.
Zeta complains, ""
Sextus and Septimus grab a large mirror and hold it up. Septimus ask, "
Anlo kisses her cheek. "
"
"I need to push," Zeta tells Kamaki. "Can I push? I need to push."
"
"But I need to push," Zeta squeaks.
Kamaki orders Zeta, "
"Meany," Zeta pouts.
Kamaki announces, "
Kamaki holds the baby up and announces, "
There is a cheer as the new born lets out a healthy squall. Kamaki hands Zeta her newborn, "
"
Kamaki ask, "
"
No-no suggest, "
"
Jonina accepts the sharp sterile scissors from Kamaki, "
Zeta's body expels the after birth. Kamaki places it in a special container. It will be sent for testing. The stem cells from the cord blood will be preserved. It's standard procedure to store the stem cells from the cord blood. Serious illnesses have become very rare here, but they still occur occasionally. This child is the first of her kind and they don't know what if any problems she may have. They know from previous experiences with other worlds they are friends with that just because two different types of sentient beings can breed together doesn't mean their offspring will be a perfect blend of both species.
Kamaki scans the newborn baby girl again, "
"
Everyone in the room nods approvingly. Anlo runs a finger along his newborn daughter's cheek, ""
"
"
Kamaki informs Zeta, ""
"" says Zeta.
No-no tells Zeta, "
"Zeta," Elder Coo stepping up by the bed, "she is beautiful. I know you are exhausted. Kamaki will monitor you and Akanke' closely for a time. When you feel recovered enough, we will see you and Akanke' at the meetings. But we will be dropping by to visit. I know the others are anxious to see your new daughter. I will take my leave...
"
Zeta gives Palam's hand a squeeze as she tells her friend, "
As Akanke' gets passed around so they can all get a good look at her, Jonina sits on the edge of the bed by Zeta, "
"" replies Zeta. "
Jonina chuckles, "
"
Jonina shrugs, " Bring my granddaughter over to her mother...>" Anlo takes Akanke' from Septimus and brings her over to Zeta. Jonina informs Zeta, " " Six heads shake no. She knew Anlo was coming with her. He didn't need to shake his head, but she didn't know if any of the others may have prefer to stay where they were. Zeta request, " Bayden nudges Zarek with his foot as he says, " Zarek stirs and sits up. He ask, " " Anlo confirms, " Zarek looks over at Zeta holding the baby and smiles goofily. He ask, " " Zarek says, " "Zarek," Septimus catches him up, " " Zeta says, " " Zeta doesn't really want to decide for any of them so she truly appreciates Rayee and Rayou lifting some of the burden from her, " " "This is fine with me,>" agrees Septimus. Zeta smiles pleased, " " " "Kamaki," Zeta calls. Kamaki steps back over to the side of the bed, " "" " Zeta's mouth makes an O and she says, "Whoa, " Zeta gasps. She doesn't think her petite body could give birth naturally to a newborn that large. She's amazed she's given birth to Akanke' naturally. Here they expect the women to give birth vaginally without pain medication unless something is wrong. "" says Kamaki. " During Zeta's next call home, Gabe and Jasmine are so excited to see their new baby sister, they don't argue about anything. They spend nearly the entire call making faces and talking to their new baby sister, who spends most of the call sleeping and oblivious to what's going on around her. By six weeks old, Akanke' has doubled her birth weight. She has the large Koto irises like her father. And like her father, her eyes are two different colors. Except instead of indigo and gold, one is brown while the other is gold. Also during their six week checkup, Kamaki informs Zeta she has recovered very well. Well enough to begin mating again. Something all her mates are anxious for. But it seems her mates aren't the only one's anxious for her when at the end of the six week checkup for her and Akanke', Kamaki informs Zeta, "Zeta, I would very much like to mate with you. You do not seem to realize what a beautiful desirable woman you are. And I certainly do not expect you to do anything you are too uncomfortable with, but I still request to mate with you. You know I do not have a mate of my own, and that it is highly unlikely I will ever have my own mate, and my work keeps me too busy to keep a pet like a targe. So as you know, a male like me must rely on the generosity of friends and relatives willing to share their mates with me occasionally." Zeta is standing there holding Akanke' shocked for a long moment before she says, "I didn't realize you found me attractive... I am very flattered of course because you are an extremely beautiful man. Your hair is my favorite color..." Zeta looks at Anlo and Jonina who were both in the room for her and Akanke's checkup. She's very fond of Kamaki, thinks of him as a very good friend, she's totally thrown off by his request. Jonina tells Zeta, "I think it is a good way for you to show your appreciation to Kamaki for everything he's done for you even though I know he serves happily without expectation. Still, he did prevent you from miscarrying so Akanke' could be born. His care helped you give birth to a beautiful healthy baby girl. Without him, Akanke' may not be here. He definitely saved her life and possibly yours too, yes?" "Yes," answers Zeta, "I realize that and I am extremely grateful to Kamaki. Kamaki, you know that don't you?" "Yes, Zeta," answers Kamaki understandingly, "I know you are grateful to me. I know you appreciate me. I know you are my friend. And I know you care for me, not like with your mates. I do not expect that. I know this is shocking to you. But I would ask that occasionally, as a friend you care for, you would allow me to mate with you. Only occasionally, I know you are a busy woman with seven mates." "Anlo," Zeta questions, "how do you feel about this?" "I am fine with it," answers Anlo. "This will not bother me or my brothers. We are very grateful to him for taking such good care of you and Akanke'. He discussed it with us already. We agree with Ika. It is a good way to show our sincerest appreciation for his time, expertise and excellent medical care he has provided and will continue to provide." "I guess it's alright then," concedes Zeta. "It'll only be occasionally." "Good," says Jonina please, "I'll take Akanke' so she is not a distraction." Jonina taking Akanke from Zeta's arms. "You want to do this like now," ask Zeta. "Why not," ask Jonina, "Akanke' has just been fed and changed. She will not need to be nursed again for a couple of hours and there is nothing that requires your immediate attention." Zeta scratches her head, "Well, that's true." "Would you like me to stay with you," Anlo ask Zeta. "Are you afraid of Kamaki?" "Oh no, I'm not afraid of Kamaki," answers Zeta. "Do you want me to stay and watch," ask Anlo, "Would you be more comfortable with me here?" Zeta barely thinks a minute before she answers, "No. You here will only make me more uncomfortable." Anlo smiles. He's not surprised by her answer. "Alright then. Have a good time." He leans over and kisses her and follows his mother carrying Akanke' out. Kamaki can see she is nervous and a little scared as he caresses a thumb across her cheek. A tear spills down her lovely tan cheek and he wipes it away. He ask Zeta, "Are you sure you can do this? You have been here a year. And during that year, you have come to accept seven mates, learned an alien language, and had a child. You have made significant progress in so many ways. Is what I am asking for too much?" Zeta shakes her head, "No… I just never had a friend with benefits before. But it's the least I can do for such a good friend. At least until you have a mate of your own." Kamaki smiles at her. It's a strong beautiful smile that she has come to find comforting. And she gives him a small shy smile in return. Then he leans over and kisses her tentatively. He's surprised and pleased by the strong eye contact she's giving him even though she's trembling. Her small trembling hands help him disrobe. And he takes his time undressing her. He slowly lays her back onto the huge bed of the elders' chamber that she now sleeps in with Anlo every night and one of her other mates takes turns sleeping on the other side of her. Kamaki touches her reverently. He takes his time stimulating her with his hand to get her wet and ready. Then he takes his time working himself inside her. For a woman that just gave birth she is incredibly tight. But soon he's thrusting into her deeply as her small hands grip his shoulders. She continues to look him in his eyes as he thrust sounds of ecstasy out of her beautiful mouth. A mouth he kisses deeply repeatedly. "Thank you, Zeta," Kamaki tells Zeta. "You're welcome, Kamaki," she responds catching her breath. "A time may come when you may need to trade for something that you or your family really needs," Kamaki tells Zeta. "If that happens, it will be different from this. We are friends and we care for each other. That will be a business transaction. The male or males accepting mating will not want affection from you or be affectionate with you. I just thought it is something you should know. Something no one may have thought to tell you yet." "Thank you, Kamaki," says Zeta appreciatively, "No one has thought to tell me that yet." Kamaki kisses her lovingly. "Come beautiful little one, let me wash you and dress you."