<USS Avalon> "Checking In"

"Checking In"
Melanie Redgrave

She stood sideways in front of her full length mirror with nothing on but her 
panties and bra. Her hand moved slowly over the very small bump that was just 
starting to form a slight roundness to her stomach. The baby was growing, 
making it's presence more known, making it all so much more real. She still 
hadn't felt any movement yet, but it was still a little too soon. Melanie 
smiled happily as she watched her left hand rub circles over her stomach. 

The quiet of her quarters was suddenly pieced by the sound of her computer 
chirping at her. Grabbing one of Elijah's old Tennessee State tee shirts from 
the top drawer of their dresser, Melanie slipped it on as she padded out into 
the living room. As she lowered herself into the desk chair, she was more then 
a little surprised to see that she had a subspace call coming in. "Who the 
bloody hell?" She asked out loud. They were in the badlands, and had been sure 
that subspace calls would have been limited at best. Reaching out, Melanie 
pressed the button to connect the call was once again surprised by who's face 
appeared. 

"Mum?" 

Juliana Redgrave smiled brightly. "Glad to see you remember who I am, Ducky." 
The elder woman paused, but not long enough for her daughter to reply. "I've 
pulled a few strings so I could call and see how my grandchild is doing. Having 
an out dated and ancient title of the royal court still has it's privileges."

Relaxing into her chair, Melanie's smile had brightened. She'd been so worried 
about her mother's reaction to her last letter. It was after all, at least in 
their circle, still scandalous to do what she was doing. To be pregnant, 
unmarried, and engaged to what 'they' would call a mere common yank was just 
not done. It's a good thing that her mother never paid much creed to the 
'theys' of the world. Juliana had been absolutely thrilled at the news of 
Melanie's child and engagement. 

"I just had my fifteen week check up, Mum. The baby's fine. Perfect size, 
position, and weight. I'm fine to by the way. A touch of high blood pressure 
but nothing to worry over, and wicked heartburn, but I'm not throwing up every 
half an hour anymore." 

Concern filled the elder Redgrave's eyes. "You need to watch your blood 
pressure, Ducky. That could be dangerous for both of you."

Melanie nodded. "I know, Mum. Anna told me." 

Juliana nodded. "I had your young doctor checked out. She's rather new isn't 
she." 

"Mum!" 

"Well, this woman is responsible for the well being and health of my child and 
my grandchild." 

Melanie sighed. "She's just received her M.D., Mother, but she's hardly new to 
the medical field. She happens to be the one who saved Elijah and the others 
from that bloody Romulan virus."

"I know that, Melanie. I didn't say I objected, only they she was rather new to 
her position." Juliana replied. 


"And if you had objected would you have sent out your own hand picked doctor?" 
Her mother didn't reply which answered her question louder then spoken words. 
"Mother!" 

"Blood pressure Melanie Soliel."

Melanie blinked. She'd never heard her mother use her birth name before. After 
the shock wore off she smiled a lop sided, crooked little smile. She liked the 
way it sounded. 

"I know it's too soon for the full 3D imaging, but have you had your first 
ultrascan? Do you know for sure wither I'm having a granddaughter or a 
grandson?" Juliana asked. She noticed the surprise and pleasure in her 
daughter's eyes at the name she'd used, and made a mental note to use it from 
now on. 

"Not yet. I have an appointment for it next week. I want Elijah there with me 
and lately he's just been to busy to make my appointments." There was a touch 
of sadness lacing Melanie's voice, but then she cheered up quite a bit. "We 
don't want to know what the sex is, but I think I already know." 

Juliana beamed. "I bet your right, Ducky. Never under estimate a mother's 
connection to her child. What of names, love?"

Melanie smiled brightly at her mother before replying. "I have on in mind, a 
little girl's name, but Eli and I haven't thought discussed names yet." 

"So you suspect that it's a girl?" The light in Juliana's eyes could have lit 
up the whole of London. 

"It's just a feeling, Mum. That's all." Seeing that her mother's mind was 
already half way to the infant girl's section at Harrods, Melanie decided to 
change the subject. "Have you talked to the Bishop and to Uncle Spencer about 
the wedding and christening?" 

Juliana still beamed. "They've both agreed. George will preside over both. He 
of course wishes you'd done things a little differently, but that silly, tacky 
little ring he wears demands he think that way. At least officially. And 
Spencer would have you do it no where else but the chapel at the estate." 
Pausing a moment she studied her daughter a moment. "Have you talked over these 
plans with Elijah yet?"

Melanie smiled a sheepish smile. "I'm just covering my bases, Mum. Once we've 
finished this assignment and he has more down time we'll talk everything out." 

Juliana laughed. "That poor man. Does he even realize that he's wrapped so 
tightly around your little finger? Perhaps I should have a talk with my soon to 
be son-in-law. Explain to him the best ways to keep you in your place." 

"Mum!" 

The elder Redgrave just chuckle. "I've got to go now, Ducky. I was only allowed 
a short block of time. I'll call again as soon as I can. Mostly likely after 
your ultrascan. Take good care of yourself and my grandchild, Ducky, I love 
you." 

Melanie shook her head, rolled her eyes, and sighed all at once before smiling. 
"I love you too, Mum."

"Give my best to Elijah, Skyler, and Georgia." 

And with that the screen went dark.

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