Breaking Bones

Chapter 26: Shock and Awe

2 1/2 years later

"Jim, you look like crap." 

"Thanks, Bones." 

"You've got that little vein popping out of your temple again. Are you okay?" 

"Never better." 

"Alright, well, go get yourself cleaned up and I'll meet you at the commander's bar. I'm going to call Tali quick." 

"Sounds good. Tell her hello for me." 

Leonard hurried his way back to his living quarters and stepped in with a heavy sigh. He knew he should have been used to it by now, but coming home to an empty apartment every night always left the night ending on a low note. That is, until he was able to call his wife who was hundreds of thousands of miles away back on Earth in Georgia. 

The McCoy's plans for the five-year expedition had quickly been botched when Anatalia found herself pregnant just one year into the mission. Despite her insistence that she could still work on the ship during that time and even have the baby there, Leonard had forced her onto the first pod home when they arrived at their first docking station with available transport. To say Anatalia was upset was an understatement, but there was little she could do with Leonard pulling every medical excuse in the book and Jim backing him on every point he made. As someone who was born in the midst of an attack in space and barely made it out with his life, Jim could understand Leonard's strict belief that Anatalia and his baby needed to be as far away from outer space as possible. It wasn't until Leonard had sent Anatalia safely away that he began to fear what the consequences of his actions might mean for their marriage. But Anatalia was only full of good surprises, and upon arriving safely back on Earth, she was more than understanding of Leonard's actions; she was grateful even. With far less strenuous responsibilities at the Starfleet outpost in Georgia, she was able to put far more preparation and focus on becoming a mother, something she was head over heels excited for. Her only regret was that Leonard was unable to be there for the birth of their child, but being able to have Martha and Jo made all the difference. 

Leonard's holo rang a few times before finally connecting from the other side and he was met with the bright, smiling face of his perfect wife along with the adorable sight of his son's bright eyes and giggly grin as well. Anatalia readjusted her holo on her end to ensure that Leonard would be able to see the two of them well enough before setting it at a distance in front of her and placing her son between her legs on the ground. 

"Leonard! Leonard, look! Look, look, look, look, look."

Leonard chuckled at his wife's immediate excitement but watched his holo very carefully regardless. Anatalia slowly released her light grip on her son's waist and Leonard watched in astonishment as his nine-month-old son crawled straight towards his holographic projection before being pulled back by Talia before he could disrupt the signal. Both Talia and Leonard laughed excitedly at the accomplishment and Leonard could feel tears welling up in his eyes, both of pride and sadness at not being there for the moment himself. 

"That's incredible. He's growing so fast. I swear he's bigger every time I see him." 

"I know I can't believe it! Somehow, he'll be one in just 3 months! Our big, little man."

Leonard watched in adoration as Tali placed a hoard of kisses all over their son's face, the baby boy smiling wide at the affection and happily reaching for his mother. But Leonard felt his own smile fading at the realization of Tali's last words. Anatalia quickly noticed the change in her husband's demeanor, and placed her son back between her legs, handing him a few of her bracelets to keep him occupied.