"Have you heard from Jim lately?" asked Doppler.
Sarah Hawkins, working behind the counter of her small food shop in Benbow town, was barely visible in a cloud of steam from the archaic coffee machine. The shop was tiny, barely large enough for the counter and a couple of chairs and tables pushed to the sides to let customers in and out. There was quite a steady stream of them, mostly boiler-suited miners, collecting coffees or packed lunches from the counter. Sarah smiled at one of them and handed over a brown paper package.
"Sorry, Delbert?" she said, stowing a few coins in her apron pocket. "I didn't quite catch that."
"I said, have you heard from Jim? It's been three months at least since he left."
"Oh, yes. A letter came just yesterday." Sarah picked up a kettle and poured out two cups of tea. "He sounds like he's enjoying himself. Favourite classes and so on."
"Ah, good." Doppler sat up. "I do hope he discovers an aptitude for astrophysics. In fact, if he does develop a cosmological bent, I would happily loan him some of the texts from my collection."
"The semester will only be ten weeks old, Delbert," said Amelia, smiling. "They'll barely have learned how to march straight and polish their buckles. The advanced physics might have to wait."
"Ah." Doppler coughed. "Yes. You're probably right."
"He says he doesn't like drill exercises," said Sarah, laughing. "I know that I could never get him to clean his room, never mind iron his shirts. I hope his instructors have more luck."
"They have ways of ensuring cooperation," grinned Amelia. "He'll get used to the spit and polish routine."
"I'm sure he will. Four pieces of toast, wasn't it?" said Sarah.
"Yes, please." Doppler turned back to Amelia and took her hand across the small table. "I'm awfully glad you're able to join me for breakfast today."
"Why is that?" Sarah brought their plates. "Is today a special day?"
"No, no." Amelia shook her head. "I was just a bit poorly this morning."
"I can't imagine what it was," said Doppler. "We ate the same thing the night before and I was fine."
"It wasn't last night." Amelia sipped her tea. "I've been a bit off-colour in the mornings for the last few days."
"Oh?" Sarah raised an eyebrow. "How many days?"
"About eight," said Amelia. "But it's nothing, really. I feel as right as rain now."
Sarah and Doppler exchanged glances, hers knowingly, his blank.
"You've been working hard," said Doppler. "Could it be that?"
"It's never stopped me before," said Amelia. "Besides, the staff canteen isn't that bad."
"I suppose deep-frying is a kind of sterilisation," Doppler sighed. "But you're feeling all right now?"
"Perfectly, Delbert, I assure you." Amelia looked at her breakfast and pulled the bowl of muesli towards herself. "I don't suppose that you have any mayonnaise, Mrs Hawkins?"
Sarah hesitated. "Well...yes, of course...that white bottle on the table there behind the salt...can I ask why?"
Amelia shrugged. "I just thought it would make a nice topping for the muesli. Not to worry if you can't spare any, though."
"Um, Amelia?" Doppler said.
"Hmm?"
"You've...never done that before..."
"There's a first time for everything, darling." Amelia drew a careful spiral of mayonnaise on the top of her muesli and picked up her spoon. Doppler watched with concern as she took a mouthful and swallowed it with every sign of enjoyment.
"Um..."
"What is it?" Amelia looked up. "You'd think I'd done something insane, the way you're looking at me."
"Well...perhaps a little bit...it's...um..." Doppler scratched his head. "You normally have your muesli plain, is what I mean."
"Delbert?" Sarah was back behind the counter. "Could I have a moment with you? I'd...like to show you Jim's letter."
"Of course, Sarah." Doppler plucked his napkin out of his collar and went to join her. To his surprise, Sarah twisted a switch on the coffee machine, which began hissing ferociously. A cloud of steam enveloped them and Doppler coughed as it got into his throat.
"Do you know what's happening with Amelia?" asked Sarah.
She was keeping her voice down, and even Doppler had to strain to hear her over the sound of the machine.
"Er...not in so many words..."
"Do you remember the conversation we had on the spaceport the day Jim left?"
Doppler wiped mist off his spectacles. "Er...yes?"
"Did you...I mean..." Sarah looked over at Amelia, who had picked up the tomato sauce and was eyeing it thoughtfully. "Did you two make a decision?"
"Yes." Doppler nodded. "Rather quickly, as it happens. Your advice was most helpful."
"Well, in that case, I think I should give you some more advice." Sarah leaned closer, glancing at a gauge on the machine that was swiftly dropping towards zero. "Delbert...have you considered that she might be..."
"Be what?"
Sarah sighed. "You know! I mean...she's sick in the mornings, she has a strong appetite, strange new tastes...did you never take biology in school?"
"Of course I did," said Doppler defensively. "Although I naturally preferred mathematics. What are you saying?"
"I never studied your species," Sarah admitted. "But if she was human, Delbert, I'd be telling you...I'd be telling you that she should go and see a doctor. I mean, an actual doctor."
"I'll try not to take offence at that," Doppler smiled, but quickly became serious. "You think she might be sick?"
Sarah rolled her eyes. "No, Delbert. Listen to me. I'm saying she might be pregnant!"
There was a pause – a silent pause. Sarah looked sideways and realised that the machine had boiled dry and the hiss that had been covering their conversation had just died away to nothing. She and Doppler looked around hurriedly at Amelia, who had put down her spoon and was watching them with interest.
"Excuse me?" she said.
"Er...excuse you?" Doppler blinked.
"I don't mean to intrude," Amelia smiled. "Who were you talking about? I trust that Mr Hawkins isn't in trouble, is he?"
"Oh, no, certainly not!" Sarah grinned nervously. "I was just telling Delbert about...my friend. Who might be pregnant. Yes. My...pregnant friend."
"Do pass on my congratulations," said Amelia. "Your toast is getting cold, dear. Aren't you going to have any?"
"Oh, yes, of course." Doppler headed back to the table. "Er...and thank you for the...news, Sarah. That's most interesting."
"I only ask because I could always finish your toast for you," said Amelia. "I don't know why but I feel rather peckish of late."
Doppler looked back to Sarah, who gave him a small nod. "Er...yes...I'm sure you are..."
"I'm eating just fine at work, before you ask," said Amelia.
"I'm sure you are." Doppler rested his chin on his hands. "Just...take care of yourself."
Amelia looked at him kindly but with some confusion. "When don't I?"
Doppler smiled and took her hand. "Well, never."
"And I don't intend changing that." Amelia pushed her bowl aside. "I'm sorry to dash off like this, darling, but I'm afraid that I need to be on my merry way."
"Of course. Don't let me detail you." Doppler stood up and went to help her with her coat. Amelia gave him an amused grin.
"You're being unusually chivalrous even by your old-fashioned standards, doctor."
Doppler blushed. "Yes, well...I think I have a good reason to be."
Amelia kissed his cheek. "It's not going unnoticed. See you tonight, my love."
Doppler kissed her back. "Indeed. I hope you have a good day."
He watched her go, sighed and turned back to Sarah, who was wrapping a stack of bacon sandwiches in greaseproof paper.
"What you said earlier..." he said. "Did you really mean it?"
Sarah nodded. "Yes...I could be wrong, of course. But I think you should talk to her. Get her to see someone."
Doppler nodded as well, placed a handful of coins on the counter and left, deep in thought.

Aurora was waiting patiently by Amelia's desk when she arrived in her office.
"Good morning, ma'am." She clicked her heels smartly and smiled.
"Good morning, flag-lieutenant." Amelia smiled back. "How is that you're always here ahead of me?"
"I could claim precognition." Aurora shrugged. "Or I could tell you that I have the guard at the front door call me as soon as you arrive."
"Very enterprising." Amelia grinned as she sat down. "Now. First order of business?"
"Overnight communications traffic from the Admiralty, ma'am." Aurora handed over a bundle of papers. "All housekeeping matters, fortunately."
"Very good." Amelia began leafing through them. "And my 11am meeting with the Triskanian delegation regarding the establishment of patrol bases in their asteroid belt?"
"That's had to be moved to 1300, ma'am. The ambassador sends his apologies."
"Ah? Oh, well. It can't be helped. Do you have the quartermaster's report there?"
"It's in your in-tray, ma'am." Aurora pointed.
Amelia picked it up and read it with an arched eyebrow. "Is this all?"
"Yes, ma'am. I'm afraid so. The requisition order we sent in was declined. The Admiralty shipyards just aren't releasing their stocks because of all the new construction."
"Then ask Commander Guire to stop in for a moment to discuss acquiring what we need from civilian suppliers." Amelia shook her head. "We can't possibly maintain the fleet with such anaemic materials. Only two thousands yards of grade one timber? One and a half thousand yards of grade two?"
Aurora shrugged. "The stores hadn't been opened for nearly a decade, ma'am. Much of what was there wasn't usable."
"Even so." Amelia picked up a pen and made some notes on the report. "Eight thousand yards of grade one, at least six thousand of grade two, and if we can't round up less than six and a half of grade three then we might as well start dismantling the doorframes around here."
Aurora grinned. "Yes, ma'am."
"Thank you, lieutenant. You may go." Amelia paused. "But..."
"Ma'am?" Aurora, who had turned to leave, looked back, clipboard poised.
Amelia stared into the middle distance for a while, drumming her fingers on her desk before apparently reaching a decision. "Is Surgeon-Commander Gray on duty today?"
"I believe so, ma'am."
"I would be grateful if you could arrange an appointment with her for me. Make it this morning, if you please, since the Triskanians have opened up a gap in my schedule." Amelia picked up her pen again.
"Er, if the matter is anything related to the fleet medical office, ma'am, I should really be talking to the Surgeon-General..."
"I don't wish to concern him in this matter," said Amelia. "If Dr Gray is available, I wish to see her."
"Certainly, ma'am. I'll ask her to report to you at 1100."
Amelia stopped her with a raised hand. "I'm afraid that's not what I mean, lieutenant. I wish to have an appointment to see her. Not one for her to see me."
Aurora hesitated. "Ma'am?"
Amelia sighed. "It is...a private health matter. Nothing to be concerned about. But your discretion would be gratefully received"
"If that's the case, ma'am..." Aurora bit her lip. "Any medical condition that could impair the conduct of your duties should be reported to the senior medical officer...that's the Surgeon-General..."
"It will not impair me, I assure you." Amelia gazed at Aurora levelly. "Is there a problem, lieutenant?"
Aurora decided not to press any further. "Of course not, ma'am. I will enquire after the Surgeon-Commander's availability this morning."
"Thank you." Amelia went back to her report and waited until she heard her door click closed until she allowed herself to sigh.
"Well, Mrs Hawkins," she murmured to herself. "Now we find out whether you were right..."

Aurora pushed open the door to the headquarters medical centre and acknowledged the salute from the orderly behind the reception desk.
"Good morning, ma'am," he said, standing to attention.
"As you were, spacer," Aurora stepped inside. "Are you busy this morning?"
"Not at all, ma'am."
"Excellent. Who is the surgeon on duty?"
"Commander Gray, ma'am. Shall I get her for you?"
"No, no. I'll go through myself." Aurora shook her head. "Is she in her office?"
"Yes, ma'am. Third on the left." The orderly waved to a corridor. Aurora nodded her thanks and went towards it. The medical centre did not yet smell as every Navy sick bay she had ever seen always did, heavy with the chemical tang of detergents. A certain mustiness from years of abandonment still hung in the air and Aurora noticed traces of dust still on the ledges. The third door down was shut, but a piece of paper bearing the occupant's name was attached to it with brass tacks. Aurora knocked on it and waited patiently until it opened a crack. A suspicious eye looked out at her.
"Surgeon-Commander Gray?"
The door opened to admit her. Aurora entered the small office beyond. The white-coated Macropodian closed the door behind her and loped around back behind her desk. She pulled a box of cards towards her, flicked through them for a moment, and held one up.
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
"Admiral Amelia's regards, ma'am," Aurora said, reading the card and remembering what she had heard about the enigmatic surgeon. "She wishes to see you this morning."
WHEN?
"She would be grateful if you could see her at 1100 hours, ma'am."
Gray glanced at her notebook, nodded and took out another card.
VERY WELL.
"Thank you. She will be here."
The surgeon raised an eyebrow and reached for the cards again.
HERE?
The look on her face turned it into a question. Aurora nodded.
"Yes. She wishes to consult with you on a medical matter."
Gray picked up her pen and scribbled on the back of the card. PERSONAL?
Aurora glanced around to make sure that nobody was in a position to overhear – or read – their conversation. Satisfied, she nodded.
"Yes. And as it is a personal matter, she would be grateful for your confidentiality."
Gray took it casually and picked up a card.
VERY WELL. 1100 HOURS.
Aurora took a note and turned to go before she hesitated. "And...the Admiral can count on your confidentiality, can't she?"
Gray put down her pen firmly and gave her an angry look. Aurora backed up a step at the ferocity in her eyes and smiled brightly.
"Excellent. Well, then. It's all arranged."
Gray subsided somewhat.
THANK YOU.
"Thank you, ma'am." Aurora nodded and, with some relief, left.

Sarah Hawkins was wiping a mug when Doppler came into her small tearoom, looking flustered and carrying a book under his arm.
"Delbert? Are you all right?"
Doppler hurried inside, knocking his knee against the corner of a table.
"Yes, I'm – no, no, no, ow – I'm fine. I was just on my way up to Crescentia."
Sarah watched him hopping on one leg for a moment. "Is Amelia all right, then?"
Doppler rubbed his knee ruefully. "Well, to be honest, Sarah, that's what I wanted to see her about."
"You're going to have a word with her?" Sarah put the mug aside.
"Yes. I've been thinking about it all day." Doppler nodded. "I went home and I found this book in my library and you were absolutely right. Our species must be more alike than I thought."
"So she could be..." Sarah raised an eyebrow.
Doppler nodded again. "...in the early stages, yes. But I just don't know for sure. And she must be wondering what's happening to her."
"I remember how it was for me with Jim," said Sarah. "It...can be a frightening time, especially if it's for the first time. Do you know if it is?"
Doppler hesitated. "Her first what?"
"Well, it doesn't work first time for everyone," Sarah shrugged. "And if it's her first time trying, it could be even more concerning for her."
"Oh, I see. Of course. Well, it's new for us both." Doppler looked down. "Although it must be even harder on her."
"So you think it's possible?"
Doppler nodded. "According to the book, she's showing all the signs. And the timeline...well, it fits with when we decided to...er, try."
Sarah looked at the book he was carrying. It was already sporting a tatty halo of bookmarks.
"And you certainly seem to have done your research," she remarked.
Doppler glanced at it. "Yes, well, one has to be sure of oneself before starting a conversation like the one I think I'm going to have to have with Amelia. I thought it would be easier if I could demonstrate to her."
"I'm sure she's had her suspicions already," said Sarah. "It's a female thing, Delbert. We can tell these things."
"I hope so." Doppler sighed. "Anyway, I'll be on the next ferry in ten minutes. I just wanted to come by to tell you what was going on, and to say that it looks like you were right."
Sarah shrugged. "Just happy to help."
"And...I'd be grateful for any more advice you could give me. Or advice to give to me to give to Amelia." Doppler sighed. "It's my first time trying, too."
"Of course. I remember how it was for me with Jim." Sarah patted his arm fondly. "Whatever happens, just try not to worry too much. Remember that this is what's supposed to happen and none of us would be here if it was as risky as it's made out to be."
Doppler smiled with relief. "Oh, I know. I was reading the index of this book and the number of ways it says that things can go wrong..."
Sarah smiled. "I know. It's the same way for humans. But most of the time, everything works out. That's why we're all here, after all."
"Good point. Now I'd best be off." Doppler smiled back. "Thank you, Sarah."
"It's not a problem. Oh, and watch the-" Sarah winced as Doppler found the table on his way out. "..table..."
Doppler smiled, lifted the book under his arm again, and limped off towards the ferry terminal.

Aurora walked across the entrance hall, tucking a lock of blonde hair behind her ear as she headed for a recess built into the wall, discreetly out of sight of the main doors. Major Bracic, senior officer of the Royal Marine guard, was waiting for her, his arms folded behind his back at about the level of his long grey queue of hair.
"You summoned me, Major?" said Aurora crisply.
Bracic turned and saluted. "Thank you for coming so soon, ma'am. We have an arrival here who claims to need to see the Admiral on a matter of urgent business, but he has no appointment pass."
"Let's see them, then." Aurora stepped past him, and had to try very hard not to laugh at the side of Delbert Doppler sitting on a stone bench with a marine standing watch over him. The soldier was holding his rifle in such a way as to both keep the bayonet at a respectful distance while making it apparent that, at any time, it might not be. Doppler looked up at Aurora and smiled gratefully.
"Lieutenant Aurora! It's so good to see you, I was wondering if – whoa there!"
Aurora waved to the marine, who had stepped forward and was raising his laslock. "Stand down, private. It's all right."
"Thank you." Doppler adjusted his ascot. "Um, I'm here to see the Admiral."
"So I gathered." Aurora nodded to Bracic. "Thank you, Major, I'll take it from here."
"If you insist, ma'am." Bracic eyed Doppler suspiciously. "He was...most insistent on being allowed in."
"I think I can handle one rogue canid, Major, don't you?" Aurora smiled sweetly and winked conspiratorially at Doppler. "Now, then, doctor. State your business."
Doppler watched Bracic and the guard retreat, waiting until they were safely out of earshot. "Well, I'm actually here to see Amelia."
"Yes, I gathered that." Aurora nodded. "Can I ask what for? Is this business or...ahem, pleasure?"
Doppler coughed. "Sadly, no. It's...a personal matter. Do you know if she's available?"
"Not right now, I'm afraid," Aurora looked up at the grand clock in the hall. "She's...um..."
Doppler saw her hesitate for a moment before she pulled him aside out of sight.
"Let us be frank, doctor," she whispered. "Have you noticed...anything odd about her health? Anything that could be on her mind?"
"Um..." Doppler tried not to squirm under the penetrating lilac gaze. "Let's say that I have...why do you ask?"
Aurora bit her lip. "I'm not sure I should be telling you this..."
"I'm her husband, Aurora. You can tell me." Doppler watched her face.
"I know...but that makes the consequences of being wrong even worse." Aurora sighed. "Very well. But you didn't hear it from me."
"Of course not."
Aurora smiled her thanks. "She asked me to make her an appointment with one of our medical officers. One whom she trusts. She mentioned that it was for personal reasons and I didn't ask any more questions."
"Well, one doesn't." Doppler shrugged. "Well...so that's where she is now?"
Aurora nodded. "Yes...they should be just about done by now. Do you know what it is, Delbert? I'm not just asking as her flag-lieutenant here."
"I know you're not." Doppler touched her hand. "I know she means a lot to you. Unfortunately I'm not sure how much I can tell you, either..."
"I understand. Discretion is important." Aurora smiled sadly. Doppler took her hand again.
"But I promise it isn't terminal," he said. "She's in no danger. Probably, anyway."
Aurora sighed with relief. "Oh, thank goodness. That's all I needed to know. Thank you."
"I'm just glad I can help." Doppler smiled.
Aurora smiled back. "So...you're not nervous either? You must have been rather forceful in trying to gain entry for the guard to detain you."
"Oh, I didn't say I wasn't nervous." Doppler shook his head. "In fact...in some ways I've seldom been more nervous. I came to see her because I need to tell her something important."
"I'm sure she'll be able to see you for a moment once she's gone with the doctor," said Aurora. "Or I could pass on a message. What was it you needed to tell her?"
Doppler smiled. "Well...to tell her to go and see a doctor, in fact."
Aurora laughed. "She's way ahead of you, doctor."
"As always." Doppler agreed. "Is there anywhere I could wait for her?"
Aurora cocked her head thoughtfully. "I was just wondering about that...and since you already know about whatever it was that was on her mind...perhaps I could get you in to see her right away."
Doppler looked up at her hopefully. "Do you really think so? Oh, Aurora, that would be...oh, that would be a great weight off my mind."
She smiled and nodded. "In that case...follow me, doctor."

Amelia buttoned her uniform coat, smoothed it down and shook her hair back behind her ears. She propped herself on the edge of the narrow bed while she pulled on her boots, and looked around Gray's small consulting room. Unaccustomed to being alone with nothing to do, she drummed her fingers on the edge for a moment, flicked some imaginary dust from her epaulette and sighed. Her eyes strayed to the door which Gray had disappeared through, on which was attached a handwritten note.
BACK IN A MINUTE.
Amelia stood up and walked slowly around the room, trying to keep herself calm.
"Now, then," she murmured to herself. "Remember not to overreact. Whatever the outcome. It isn't as if these results could single-handedly determine the course of the rest of your life."
She reached the far wall and turned back.
"...except for the fact that they obviously can. Oh, blast it all."
Catching sight of herself in the full-length mirror on the wall, she took a moment to compose herself. Her carefully-set expression gazed back at itself for a long moment until a knock at the door brought her back to the moment with a jump.
"Come...come in!"
She shook her hair back again and folded her arms behind her back as she turned to face the door, which opened. Aurora's head looked around it.
"Ma'am?"
Amelia sighed, not sure whether it was out of relief or not. "Ah, lieutenant. What is it?"
"A visitor to see you, ma'am."
"I don't have time for visitors right now." Amelia waved a hand. "Tell them to wait, whoever they are, and send my apologies for being detained."
"Sorry, ma'am. But you should see them now." Aurora grinned and pushed the door the rest of the way open. Amelia's irritation dissolved in an instant when she saw Doppler standing behind Aurora, looking every bit as nervous as she felt.
"Delbert! What in all the heavens are you doing here?"
"Um, coming to see you, as a matter of fact." Doppler stepped forward. "You see, I've been thinking..."
"So have I." Amelia glanced at Aurora. "I'm sorry, lieutenant...but do you think we could have the room to ourselves?"
"Of course, ma'am," said Aurora, snapping to attention. "I'll wait outside."
She saluted and left the room, closing the door behind her. Doppler looked back to Amelia and smiled.
"It's good to see you."
"It's good to see you, too." Amelia smiled back and took his hand. "I never expected you to turn up here."
"Well, if I'm honest, neither did I." Doppler held her hand in return. "But you've been on my mind today. I mean, more than usual. Ever since this morning."
"I'm sorry if I worried you, my dearest." Amelia looked apologetic. "I know I was a little out of sorts this morning, but I assure you that I'm feeling quite all right now."
"Are you sure?" Doppler watched her. "Because I can't help noticing that we're in a doctor's office."
"Yes. Well. I have a lot to oversee here."
"I know. But still." Doppler looked down at his feet for a moment. "I've been thinking...that perhaps we should see a doctor ourselves. You see, I was speaking with Sarah Hawkins..."
"I thought you were," said Amelia. "Especially after breakfast...I have to admit that I heard some of what you were saying. I wasn't eavesdropping, but..."
"I know. It's all right. It's a small shop." Doppler smiled understandingly. "In a way, I'm rather glad you overheard us, because it was on that subject that I wanted to talk to you. I went home and did some reading on it, and it seems that...well, that Sarah was right, and that we should talk to a doctor."
"That's what I'm doing here," Amelia admitted. "I've been wondering the same thing."
"You have?" Doppler raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Really? I had no idea that you'd considered it. I mean, you always shrugged it off when I said something..."
Amelia chuckled. "Yes, yes I did. But do you think we felines don't know our own bodies? Something's changed. And I want to know what."
Doppler took her hands. "Are...are you nervous, Amelia?"
Amelia bit her lip and looked away for a moment before answering. She had stared death in the face more times than she cared to remember and she had never grown accustomed to it. And yet here she was, safe and sound and somehow she was as on-edge as she had ever been. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, she nodded her head.
"Y...yes..."
Doppler hugged her. She hugged him back.
"But whatever happens...I'm glad that you're here."

Aurora was waiting in the outer office when Gray entered with a sheaf of papers under her arm. The doctor looked up at the sight of her and frowned.
"I'm just waiting for the Admiral," said Aurora. "Those are her results?"
Gray hefted the papers and nodded.
"Good. I'm sure she'll be glad to have them." Aurora hesitated. "Is it...I mean, are they...good results?"
Gray raised a warning finger.
"Ah. Of course. Confidentiality." Aurora held her clipboard a bit tighter. "Well. I won't keep you. The Admiral is waiting for you. And I should warn you that there's someone with her."
Gray looked up in surprise. She fished a pen and notepad out of her pocket and scribbled on it quickly.
WHO?
"It's all right, ma'am. He's a relative. Her husband, in fact. Delbert Doppler."
Gray's pen hurried across the paper again.
THE FATHER?
"Father?" Aurora cocked her head in puzzlement. "No, ma'am, he's her husband..."
Gray snorted in irritation and marched past Aurora, who turned to follow her.
"Father? Doctor? What did you mean by that?"
Gray shook her head, raised her finger again and Aurora took a step back.
"Ah...of course...carry on, then."
Aurora watched her disappear through the door, and pondered for a moment. Then she smiled, as all the pieces suddenly fitted together.

Doppler and Amelia jerked apart as the door opened and Gray entered the room.
"Ah. Surgeon-Commander." Amelia coughed. "I was wondering where you'd gone. Those are the results?"
Gray reached for her pack of cards and held one up.
YES.
"Very good. Very good. And...er...what are they?"
Gray looked over at Doppler and raised an eyebrow. Doppler took the cue and stepped forwards.
"Forgive me. I'm Dr Delbert Doppler. I'm the Admiral's husband. I'm pleased to meet you."
Gray glanced at his hand a moment before shaking it cautiously. She reached for her notepad again.
LIKEWISE. THANK YOU FOR COMING.
"Well, I could hardly not." Doppler glanced at Amelia and smiled. Gray held up a page.
You know why the Admiral came to see me?
"I believe so, yes." Doppler nodded.
GOOD. Gray stepped back and picked up her papers. NOW, ADMIRAL. YOU WILL BE PLEASED TO KNOW THAT YOUR HEART IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION.
Amelia couldn't help but smile. "Thank you, doctor. That's a great weight off my mind."
Gray smiled. AND YOUR RESPIRATORY SYSTEM IS FUNCTIONING WELL ABOVE THE AVERAGE.
"I hadn't been worried about that, but that's good to know as well." Amelia took Doppler's hand. She gave him a knowing smile.
Gray looked from one to the other, and took a piece of paper from the bottom of the results. She passed it over with a small smile. Doppler took it and looked at it, reading with eyes widening.
"Standard pathological examination process...spectral analysis of the haemoglobin...presence of elevated levels of hormones normally associated with..." He stopped, his mouth suddenly dry. Amelia looked over at him and tried to read the expression that had frozen onto his face. Uncertain, she looked back to Gray, who held up a card with a single word written on it, in large clear letters rather than her customary doctor's scrawl.
CONGRATULATIONS.
Amelia felt her heart skip a beat. She looked back to Doppler, who was holding the paper with a shaking hand and a big grin.
"Oh, Amelia...you're...you're..."
"Pregnant. I know." Amelia took his hand. "Oh, Delbert. Thank goodness you came. I'm so glad you're here."
"And so am I." Doppler handed her the paper. "Amelia...oh, my goodness, I can't even find the words..."
"So nothing's changed there, then," Amelia grinned. "Oh, my dear heart..."
Doppler turned to Gray. "So, um, how long until we know...well...how many?"
She waggled a hand.
IT'S STILL TOO EARLY. WE WILL KNOW IN A FORTNIGHT OR SO. SHALL I SCHEDULE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT?
"Capital idea," said Amelia. She looked up at Doppler, her eyes shining. "And perhaps you could be here for that one, too, dear?"
"I would be honoured, Amelia." Doppler went to kiss her, somewhat self-consciously as Gray was still in the room. She smiled.
I'D BETTER LEAVE YOU TWO ALONE, THEN.
"Thank you, doctor." Amelia smiled back. "Thank you."
MY PLEASURE, ADMIRAL. GOODBYE, DOCTOR.
Gray closed the door quietly behind her. Doppler took a seat on the examining bed next to Amelia and read the results one more time.
"It's almost hard to believe that it's happening," he murmured.
"It is." Amelia took his hand. "Are you happy, Delbert?"
Doppler clasped both his hands around hers and smiled.
"I am," he said simply. "I truly am. If you are, that is."
Amelia smiled with relief. "I am, too."
He kissed her lightly. "Well. I'd stay longer, but this is hardly the place to celebrate..."
Amelia laughed. "Not quite, no. But I'll be home tonight. I promise."
"I'll look forward to it." Doppler kissed her again. "And I'll be sure to have something special prepared for us."
"I didn't think that the day could get much more special." Amelia sighed happily. "I won't forget this. Ever."
"Nor will I." Doppler nuzzled her. "I love you, Amelia."
"And I love you, Delbert." She lifted his nose to kiss it. "So very much."
"I don't forget it even for a moment." Doppler said. "And now we really do have another adventure before us."
"And once again, dear doctor," Amelia smiled, "I wouldn't want anyone else by my side..."