GALAXY AT WAR - Book 2 - Probing Anthera

CHAPTER ONE - August 2172 - Earth/Moon - 48 days to go

...Earth...

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she screwed up her face. "It hurts."

Neil squeezed her hand a little more, trying to offer some comfort. "I know babe. Deep breaths." He tried to emphasise what he said by taking deep breaths himself. Chloe squeezed his hand tighter.

"Long deep breaths," emphasised the midwife looking at Neil before re-focusing her attention on Chloe. "Push now. That's it. Push, push, push."

Chloe pushed, roaring out her pain at the same time. As she relaxed, the midwife said, "Okay now, rest and wait for the next contraction. Keep your breathing long and deep. You're doing fine."

"How much longer is this going to take?" asked Chloe through gritted teeth. "It's been six hours already."

"Now you're in established labour – no more than an hour. But there is no telling with these things," replied the midwife.

"I'll go for the next few minutes then," said Chloe.

The midwife smiled and was about to say something else when Chloe's body stiffened once again.

"Here comes another one," said Chloe.

Neil had moved to kiss Chloe's forehead while they were talking but he now resumed his position. Chloe's hand tightened as she anticipated the next contraction.

"Long deep breaths, Chloe," said the midwife as the contractions started again. "Push."

Chloe did as she was told, and the head appeared.

"Stop pushing – stop pushing," said the midwife. She turned the baby.

"Now, when you feel the next contraction push gently, Chloe. Ready?"

Chloe nodded. She just wanted this over and done with and, as she started another contraction, she pushed again. The baby slid out and started crying. An overwhelming relief washed over her, and the pain was gone.

"It's a girl," said the midwife as she held her up for them to see. Then she placed the baby on Chloe's chest.

"Look at her, Neil. She's beautiful," Chloe's tears were now of joy rather than pain.

"Does it still hurt?" asked Neil.

"No. Not anymore," she smiled.

"Do you want to cut the cord, sir?" asked the midwife.

Neil looked around and saw the scissors offered him. "Err... no... no thank you."

The midwife placed a clamp on the cord then snipped it. "What are you going to name her?"

"Tanya," said Chloe quickly. "Tanya Samantha Bolgon."

Neil smiled once again, and he reached out a finger to stroke his daughter's cheek. "She's perfect, babe. Absolutely perfect." He bent over and kissed Tanya's head.

"Shall we weigh her now?" asked the midwife from the other side of the bed.

"Oh yes... yes," said Chloe. She smiled as she released her precious baby.

Neil leaned over her again and gave her a hug. "How are you feeling?"

"Drained," she sighed. "And tired. You go and let everyone know and I'll meet you all back on the ward."

"Okay, Chloe. See you later," he kissed her on the forehead. "You did well, babe. Really well," Neil left the room and went in search of his family and friends who were waiting for news.

Tanya was brought back to her, wrapped in a blanket.

"She's a healthy 7Ib 4oz's," said the midwife as she handed Tanya back to her. Chloe held her daughter for a few minutes, gazing down at her and Neil's creation. Tanya opened her eyes and stared at her mother for the first time. Chloe held one of her tiny hands and smiled fondly. Tears of joy rolled down her cheeks, brought on as the emotion of the last six hours got the better of her.