Ethan, Gwen, James and Radar pull up to the Nielsson house in a taxi after a sneaky flight to southern California. Gwen seems to be full of some kind of nervous energy, which she explains away by saying how excited she is for James and Radar to finally be seeing her family home. She also seems to be staying close to Ethan's side in an almost clingy way.
The house is a large 2-story plaster/stucco and wood design that's typical of a suburban southern California home. The car is a 3-car garage that USED to be a 2-car garage until Gwen's brothers got old enough to drive and their dad had it enlarged! The backyard is hidden from view by a tall wooden fence, and there are trees and bushes decorating the front yard.
Gwen leads the three up to the front door, gives a little knock, and then opens the door and leads them in. "Hey everyone...we're here!" she calls, looking around.

"Hey!" Lars says walking out of the living room with a newspaper in his hand. "Come on in," he says. "Martha is in the kitchen getting dinner ready," he says. "Ethan hello, ah you must be James," he says.

James smiles and shakes his hand. "Nice home you have here," he says. "Nice to meet you Lars. This is Radar, don't worry he's completely house-trained."

Radar bounces in sniffing the air.

Ethan holds Gwen close. He's happy to have the two families finally meet. And he can't wait till they hear the news.

Gwen laughs. "He's more house-trained than most of the men here-- I'll bet you money! Radar actually puts the lid down after he uses the toilet!" she grins proudly. "Hey-- where are Pete and Umbra?" she asks.

"Come on in, have a seat everyone," Lars says leading them into the living room. "Pete called, he said their plane was delayed. He'll be here in a bit," he says siting down as everyone else sits. "So Gwen how's everything?"

Gwen motions for Radar to come sit on the other side of her on the couch and she scratches behind his ears. "Pretty good...pretty good...Caestus gave all of us a year off for the Kashmir-mess, so Ethan and I are going to be spending most of our time with James and Radar...helping them out and just relaxing. Aside from training, of course. We can't stop training. Especially with the Teragen always trying to find better, faster ways of getting ahead of us."

"A whole year off? Paid right?" Lars asks concerned.

"Yes paid," Ethan says with a smile. "It's quite the vacation and I'm glad to take advantage of it. We needed some time to ourselves," he says.

James snickers and then coughs. "Sorry. So Gwen this is the house you grew up in?"

Gwen raises an eyebrow at James with a grin. "OK, so ALMOST to ourselves!" she winks. "Yep-- this is the house they brought me home from the hospital to...the house I grew up in...all that fun stuff!" she smiles. "We've got a nice pool out back, if you're so inclined later on! Oh-- and two old German Shepards guarding it! Don't worry, Radar! They just PRETEND to be guard-dogs! You'll all get along just fine!" she grins, scratching his back.

Radar looks up at Gwen and an image of two other dogs flashes into her mind.

Gwen grins and gives a tiny nod to Radar. She takes the image of the two dogs and changes them so they look like the old family dogs Bruno and Thor. Then she adds an image of herself as a child standing between them, and then changes the German Shepherds so they look younger and stronger-- standing erect and protecting her.

Radar woofs in understanding settles back down to her head-scritches.

"It's a very nice place. And nice neighborhood." James says.

Lars smiles proudly. "Why don't I show you around the place?" He says. He and James get up and the two start touring around the house leaving Gwen and Ethan in the living room.
Martha emerges from the kitchen with some coffee.

"Hello you two!" she says. "So nice to see you again Ethan." Martha looks positively happy and fit, to Gwen's eyes. Her frame seems to have filled out a bit since last year's scare.

Gwen's eyes open wide, and she just sits there speechless for a minute. She doesn't even try to disguise her reaction.
"Mom...you...look great..." she stammers. "Did...the doctor prescribe something...for how tired you were last winter, and stuff?" The hand that was scratching Radar's back has even stopped moving, Gwen is so stunned.

"Not at all, dear. It was just the menopause," Martha says with a smile. "I've even got my appetite back!" she says. "And I hope you have one, too-- I made lots for dinner." she says. "The doctor just gave me something to control the hot flashes." she says.

"You look great Mrs. N," Ethan says taking a cup.

"Thanks!" Martha says happily.

Gwen sort of slumps half against Ethan and half against the couch, just sitting there for a minute. When she finally looks up, her face is a mixture of pain and relief.
"Mom! How could you give me a scare like that!! I thought you had CANCER!! And no one would talk to me about it! All of the brothers kept giving me sad-looks like I was right! Remember when I told you that most of the novas I know's moms got cancer?? AAAAAAAAAAAH!" Gwen cries to try to release all the stress she'd been holding inside for the last few years.

"Oh Gwen. The boys didn't believe me or your father, either." Martha says. "You kids were all just being paranoid," she says. She sits down and looks at Gwen. "But it's ok now. I don't have cancer."

Ethan looks at Gwen and smiles, putting his arm around her. "It's alright Gwen."

Gwen folds her arms and pouts. "Well...fine..." she says reluctantly. "But you would tell us if you had cancer, wouldn't you?? You wouldn't keep it a secret just to keep us from being sad, right Mom??" she asks, a serious look in her eyes.

"I promise." Martha says. "Now have some coffee." she says with a smile. "I see you fathers have trundled off somewhere." she says. "That Lars-- always wanting to give tours of the house to anyone who'll listen."

Gwen finally relaxes and decides to drop the cancer-topic now that she knows for sure her mother's OK. She gets up and follows Martha into the kitchen.
"Hmmm...I bet James will get a kick out of MY room!" she grins. "Hey Mom? What do people think about Stormwatch helping in the Kashmir war? And what do they think about us deciding to let the nuke fall?" she asks.
Gwen had decided not to watch any TV or listen to any radio after they got back from Kashmir. She and Ethan were trying to get pregnant and she didn't want anything to get her riled up. But now that she got the good news that her mom's OK, she thinks she can handle public opinion.

"Oh everyone's been talking about that awful war. I'm so sorry you had to be there, Gwen. Everyone is against any more involvement in it. Both sides, it seems, are very unpopular, but Stormwatch came out OK." Martha says. "I just saw Inside Nova last night and the polls are very much in your favor."

"'Inside Nova??"' Gwen asks with a smirk. "Oh god...looks like I've been slacking on my N Channel-watching! I've never even HEARD of THAT show! Well, I'm relieved that no one's calling us mass murderers or anything. Sometimes when I look at Ethan I can't believe how many lives the two of us held in our hands! He saved HOW many people when he prevented that earthquake? Not to mention this house and this neighborhood! And then together we decided to let the bomb fall. Odd feeling, isn't it?" she asks her mom. "Oh-- do you have de-caf, Mom?" she asks, suddenly remembering that she can't have caffeine anymore. Or at least for 9 more months!

"I do. That's all Lars drinks. Caffeine keeps him up at night," Martha says. "Why are you asking about de caf? Does Ethan have you on a healthy diet?" she asks with a smile a she prepares the coffee. "You know how your father feels about eating right and taking care of yourself. You have been taking care of yourself haven't you dear?"

Gwen rolls her eyes. "Oh good GRIEF, Mom!" she laughs, and then does some flexes. "Does this look like I'm not taking care of myself??" She laughs again. "Yes...even after all these years I'm still eating the diet Dad pounded into my head when I was a teenager! No caffeine, lots of protein and carbs and veggies...fruit juice, milk, and...Gatorade! Hey Mom! Gatorade...is it in you?" she grins, posing like she did in her Gatorade commercial.

"OH I love that commercial!" Martha says. "It makes your father laugh very hard." she says. "So how are you an Ethan? Any troubles in the bedroom-department?"

"Woah-woah-woah! First of all, my commercial makes Dad LAUGH?? AAAH! NO BUENO!! And second of all...NO, thank you very much!" Gwen folds her arms and gives her mom a sly look. "In fact...that's probably the one room we DON'T have any troubles in!" she grins. Suddenly Gwen realizes she's talking to her mom-- the biggest relationship-gossip in the family!
"Hey Mom? Has Pete talked to you about his relationship with Umba? Are they doing OK? Because I thought he was going to propose to her for sure after she had that brush with death. You should have seen him crying in the bathroom! And now it's been all this time and nothing!"

Ethan and Radar walk into the kitchen, Ethan smiling at Gwen. "Sorry-- Radar wanted to check out the backyard through the window." he says.

"Oh yes they are doing very well. Pete told me that he plans on asking her to marry him very soon. I think he's waiting till Christmas." Martha says excitedly. "Isn't that exciting?" she says. "Oh if you want to let him loose in the backyard you can, it's fenced."

"Oh Radar won't run away. He's used to wide open spaces," Ethan says.

Gwen nods in excitement and relief at her mother's prediction about Pete and Umbra, and then grins at Ethan and puts her arm around him. She doesn't know what's gotten into her-- no pun intended-- but ever since they came home from Kashmir and officially decided to try for the baby she's felt a lot closer to her husband...a lot more affectionate...a lot...cuddlier??
"Yeah...he won't run away...not Radar..." she grins at Radar.
'And no flying away, either!' she thinks to him with a mischievous grin.
"I'm sure Bruno and Thor will like him!" She squats down next to Radar. "Do you want to go out back?" she asks him, rubbing his head.

Radar wags his tail and wufs. He shakes in excitement.

"I think that's a yes," Ethan says. "I'll take him. Come on boy let's go out to the backyard!" Ethan says and the two of them head out of the kitchen.

"He's such a good man, Gwen. When are you two going to have children? You know your father and I aren't getting any younger." Martha says smiling.

Gwen laughs loudly. "Yeah I KNOW!" she grins, and then dodges out of her mother's reach. She grabs her coffee and goes to the other side of the kitchen and leans against the counter with a smart-aleck grin. "Why don't you two concentrate on getting the rest of your older...MUCH older sons married off before you start in on the kids-thing!" she teases. "Me and Ethan only got married 6 months ago, for crying out loud!"

"Well..." Martha says. "I'm trying to get Pete married off but those other two," Martha says with a frustrated look. "All they can do is date models and cheerleaders! Why can't they find nice girls like Umbra?"

"Or ME!" she grins, shaking her head in mock-frustration.
"Well...truthfully...I'd pity the girl who married Richie OR Nick...unless they've changed a lot in the last few years! Or unless the girl could take 'em. Then they'd get what they have coming to them!" she smiles. Then she looks thoughtful for a minute.
"Hey Mom? Do you think you changed a lot after you met Dad? Or after you got married?"

"Good luck to those girls," Martha says shaking her head. "Your friend Jennifer was very nice. And I know one of my boys was crushing on her." she says. Martha looks thoughtful for a moment. "You know it wasn't until I had kids that I noticed any change, but it wasn't anything drastic. Why?"

"Wait, wait-- there you go again, dropping a bombshell and then changing the subject!" Gwen cries. "Which one was it? Richie?" she grins, rubbing her hands together.

Martha smiles. "I won't say." she says. "I've been sworn to secrecy." she says. "Now answer my question. Why did you ask if I had changed after I married your father?"

"AAAH!!" Gwen cries in frustration. "Well if you let me know maybe I could set them up on a date or something!" she exclaims. She folds her arms and shakes her head at her mother.
"All right, all right...well...Ethan and I have had some...challenges since we got married. Oh they're all ironed out NOW-- don't worry! But during those...challenges...he reminded me a lot of Dad, and he wanted to me stop doing some things...start doing other things...basically, he wanted me to act like a proper Lady Supreme. But now everything's great, and I'm wondering...is it because I've been changing slowly and didn't realize it? Or is it because HE'S been easing up on me...or maybe HE'S been changing...I don't know. How did you change after you had kids?" she asks curiously.

"I wouldn't know dear, I don't know how you two are privately. Only Ethan could know if you've changed." Martha says. "I don't know...well when you have kids, dear, I'm sure you'll change as well. Trust me. I could try to explain it till I'm blue in the face but you'll never understand until you have kids."

"Blah, blah, blah!" Gwen teases, waving her hand at her mother. "You just want me to have kids-- that's why you won't tell me!" she grins. "But what I mean is...do you think you acted a certain way before you met Dad, and then maybe he wanted you to stop doing this or that and start doing this or that, or have you always just gotten along?" she asks.

"Well yes you change a little after you get married. You stop those habits you had when you were single. But no I didn't change much until after I had you guys." Martha says. "Are you and Ethan alright? You're asking a lot of questions dear."

"See? I was AFRAID I was going to get you worrying! Yes we're all right. In fact, I think this is the best our relationship's ever been! It just...took some bumps to get to this point, and I wanted to know if other married people had similar bumps. Because the only other married people I know are Caestus and Margaret, and Damage and Songbird, and from the outside both marriages look picture-perfect! And I don't dare ask Caestus or Margaret if they've had any problems! And Pumpkin wouldn't tell me if THEY were having any problems because he's just not that type of guy! Hmmm...maybe I'll ask Songbird!" she grins.

"Maybe you should. All marriages have bumps in the road, dear. It's how you handle them that determines if the marriage stays strong or goes to divorce," Martha says.

The kitchen door opens and in walks Umbra. "Hey!" she says hugging the two women. "I thought I heard voices in here. Pete's bringing the luggage to our room. How are you Gwen? Long time no see."

"Yeay!" Gwen cries, hugging Umbra. "OK, that sounded dorky!" she grins. "You got here just in time! We were just discussing relationships and handling bumps in the road and stuff like that! But surely you and Pete don't have any bumps in YOUR road, right?" she grins, elbowing her good-naturedly.

"Not many. I just wish he'd ask me already," Umbra says. "Why? Is something going on with you and Ethan?"

"That's what I asked her and she said she's fine but..." Martha says looking at Gwen pointedly.

"AAAAAAAAAAH!!!" Gwen cries, holding her head. "See what I get when I try to initiate girl-talk?? I just wanted to know if Mom felt like Dad changed her after they got together, and suddenly she's all worried about me and Ethan! We're fine! FINE FINE FINE!" Gwen cries in exasperation, shaking her head at her mom. "I know! Why don't we ask Ethan since you don't believe me!" Gwen turns and walks over to the kitchen window above the sink and slides it open. "Hey honey? Are we doing fine?" she calls to Ethan with a roll of her eyes.

"Yes!" Ethan calls over his shoulder.

"Well that settles it for me." Umbra says. "So how are you doing Gwen? I saw you were in Kashmir...what was that like?"

Gwen slides the window shut with a satisfied grin on her face, and then turns back around. She grimaces at the mention of Kashmir.
"It was a mess. The Indian general was a complete idiot and basically lost the war for his country. You should have seen the technology they were using! It looked straight out of World War II! And Pakistan owed its advantage completely to the novas they were using. And towards the end of the battle I realized that no one had bothered to ask the refugees what THEY wanted, and that's when I found out that they wanted Kashmir to be its own country-- not belong to either India OR Pakistan! And we looked around at each other and realized that we shouldn't be there...that it was a complete waste of good novas who were dying-- or ALMOST dying-- for no cause at all. If India hadn't launched that nuke, we would have walked. Or FLOWN, rather. It was just a waste..." she says shaking her head.
She glances at Umbra. "Do you miss being on a Utopia team?" she asks curiously.

"No. I enjoy being a consultant. I didn't exactly ask for these powers." Umbra says. "I'm just as happy trying to be as normal as possible," she says. "Which is kinda hard when you think about it. Especially when you have blue skin."

Gwen grins. "Yeah...sometimes I wish I hadn't gone on the air as Gwen when Caestus first introduced Stormwatch on the news, because now everyone knows that Gwen is Aura! Kinda limits your person freedom. But then again, my eruption was about as public as you can get...wasn't much I could do about it, either. But now I'm glad I erupted. There are so many things that piss me off in the world, and I would have been powerless to change them if I wasn't a nova." she says, sipping at her coffee.

"I don't mind being one, but...I just want my privacy, you know," Umbra says. "Well anyway. I heard your contracts will be up soon. What are your plans? Gonna sign back up?"

Gwen smiles a little smile. "This is confidential, of course, but no. None of us are going to. At this point, anyway. We're going to stay a team, but work as Independents! That way we don't have a big corporation to answer to, and our actions only reflect on ourselves and not on anyone else! I'm going to miss Bob yelling at me, though. I might have to call him once a week and tell him to just yell at me for 30 seconds or something so everything will be right in the world, hehehe!" she laughs.

"Wow...that sounds...kinda dangerous. I mean what if you get hurt? Where will you go for medical care? Or what happens if you stop the bad guys but the citizens sue you? Or the government doesn't want you to help?" Umbra says. "Have you guys thought this through?"

"Well, the medical-thing is a good point. I'll bring that up to Pumpkin. Right now we're trying to recruit as many Independents as we can, so hopefully some of them will have healing-abilities, or maybe be doctors...something like that. If we don't find any like that, I have a feeling Cero will invent something that can perform surgeries!" she grins. "As far as governments helping us, no thanks! I wouldn't want their help. If the thing we're fighting is something big enough to affect a country, then hopefully they'll be the ones asking US for help! And as far as people suing us, they'd have to find us first, and that ain't happening!" she grins, folding her arms and wiggling her eyebrows.

"I don't mean the governments helping you, Gwen. I mean what if you're trying to help and they say leave? Or start painting you guys as terrorists?" Umbra says. "Utopia opens a lot of doors that are closed to Independents." she says. "You don't want to have to fight the police or military do you?"

"Well I can't imagine we'd be doing anything that would warrant a government telling us to leave! We'd just be fighting individual novas who were causing trouble...stuff like that. Ethan is an Independent and he's welcomed everywhere. I hope we'll be seen like that, too. We'll see. I mean, we're not going to break ties with Caestus. In fact, we want to keep working with him and Utopia as closely as we can without having to answer to them. Besides, I don't see anyone calling the Devries-guys terrorists...or the Directive. And both groups just do whatever they want whenever they want. I mean, Totentanz was always on the top 10 most popular novas-list! Well...he WAS..." Gwen grins, blowing on her fingernails and shining them on her shirt.

"That's because they were hired to help. And Supreme has a different image than you guys." Umbra says. "I don't mean to rain on the parade, Gwen. I just don't want to see you guys make a mistake."

Gwen tries to hide a sigh. "Well, the main point here is that we just can't take orders anymore. We're tired of it. And we don't like being sent to do dumb political things like bodyguarding and fighting in wars. We've done enough and seen enough that we think we can handle things on our own now, and we're tired of all the limits and restrictions put on us. We have a good enough relationship with Caestus that if our idea didn't work out I'm sure he'd want to work with us again on something." she says.
'Damnit, Pumpkin should be here to answer these questions, not me!' she thinks to herself in frustration, imaging herself suddenly flying away!

Umbra nods. "Alright, I can tell you're getting frustrated. Let's change the topic." Umbra says patting Gwen's shoulder.

"Yes let's," Martha says. "So Umbra how are you and Pete?" she asks with a smile.

"Great! I think he's ready to propose! I've given him a lot of hints that I'm willing to say yes! Speaking of proposing, if he does, Gwen I'd like you to be my maid of honor."

Gwen's mouth falls open. She never thought ANYONE would want her to be their maid of honor! Well, anyone but Jennifer, anyway!
"Wow! Sure, Umbra!" she says. Gwen from a couple of years ago would have cringed at the thought of being a maid of honor in a wedding! But current-Gwen is actually excited and honored! Again Gwen wonders how much being "Lady Supreme" has started eating away at her Gwen-ness! At least it doesn't seem to be painful!
"I was hoping I'd get to be something cool in Pete's wedding! They wouldn't let him be my 'man of honor' or anything like that because I'm a girl so I had to pick a girl-- silly rules! Luckily Jennifer was an acceptable substitute!" she grins. "Oh wait...you're not going to have pink poof-dresses are you??" she asks worriedly.

Umbra smiles. "Why do you ask?" she says slyly.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!" Gwen shrieks, back to old-Gwen.

"Oh that would be wonderful." Martha says. "Gwen looks absolutely wonderful in a dress, although you can never find her in one." she says. "We should call your father back. I bet he's gotten a hold of Pete and Ethan and are showing them around."

Gwen makes at face at her mom. "I wear dresses more than you think! Although I don't seem to stay in them very long!" she grins toothily, wiggling her eyebrows. "Yeah-- let's go get the guys! And Umbra? If Pete doesn't propose soon I will personally beat the shi-- the crap out of him!" she quickly corrects in her mother's presence.

"Pete was so excited Ethan was going to be here," Umbra says. "Let's let them have a few more minutes before we get them." she says. "So Gwen. Have you two decided where you're going to live if not in Stormwatch Tower?"

"Aw man...but if those two are together I'd love to spy on what they're saying!" she whines a little. She sighs quietly and tries to concentrate on the conversation again.
"Well, that's the big surprise! Me and Ethan's home-base will be his dad's place, but our Independent headquarters are secret and hidden! I don't know HOW secret Pumpkin wants it to be right now, so let's just say it's not in the United States. Once I know who we can tell, then maybe I can say more. The reason for the secrecy is that there are people in the Teragen who can read memories and thoughts, and if they wanted to find our secret base you guys would probably be the first people they'd come harass."

Umbra nods considering it. "Well I'm done with secret bases, missions, and Teragen members. I just want to settle down and be a nobody...with blue skin," Umbra says.

"But it's such a nice blue, Umbra," Martha says.

"Yes it is," Pete says walking into the kitchen. "Gwen how are you!" he says running up to lift her in the air.

Gwen lets out a half-shriek half-laugh and assumes defensive-stance-- legs apart with knees bent, arms out front. When Pete is about to reach her she ducks under his arms and throws her arms around his waist and picks him up like a rag-doll. Then she runs from the kitchen with him, laughing loudly.
"Where should I put Pete...where should I put Pete..." she sings. "Ooh! How about in the pool! It's still warm out!" she calls, and then laughs again as she turns towards the back door.

"NOOOOO!!" Pete shouts trying to get away from her grip.

Ethan's standing out by the pool with the dogs when Gwen flies by. He laughs as he sees Pete struggling to get away. "Gwen don't do that to the poor boy," he shouts. "Not on the first day at least. Save it for the bbq tomorrow." he says.

Gwen pauses, pretending to consider this. "Hmmm...I think Ethan may have a point. Ooh! Not to mention we could make it a game! See how many people can be thrown into the pool! Last man standing is the winner! Now I wish Richie and Nick were here so they could finally get their ass-whoopin'!" she grins evilly. Reluctantly she puts Pete down, and even brushes him off the way a butler would dust a statue.
"There you go! Good as new!" she grins, watching him warily in case tries to grab her! "Don't forget you have Ethan to thank for today's salvation!" she shakes her finger at him. "If it were up to me-- splash! Right in the pool!" she grins, clapping her hands together.

Pete looks at Gwen pursing his lips. "You know that wasn't very nice." he says. "If it were up to me you'd go right in the pool with me."

There's a sudden splash and both Gwen and Pete get hit with water. Radar pops his head out of the water and starts paddling across the pool.

Ethan laughs. "Looks like he got you both!" he says.

It takes Gwen a second to realize what just happened, and then she laughs and stands there dripping with her fists on her hips.
"If it were anyone else but Radar they would be SO dead!" she calls out with a grin. Then she slowly turns around and faces Ethan. "Did I just hear you laughing at me, Mr. Smarty-Pants...?" she asks, walking slowly up to Ethan with her hands still on her hips and an evil smile on her face.

"Umm...yeah," Ethan says with a big grin. He puts his hands on his hips. "What are you going to do about it?" he asks with a toothy grin. He winks at her.

Pete slowly creeps up on Gwen from behind.

"Oh...I was thinking how sweet it would be if you joined your dog in the pool! He looks so lonely swimming in there by himself..." she grins, running her hands up his arms and then getting a hold on them.

Ethan gets a hold of her arms and lifts her up. "Just what were you thinking about doing, Gwen?" Ethan says with a smile.

Pete runs up grabs her. "I got her!" he says.

Ethan chuckles and lifts off the ground a few feet lifting them both up effortlessly. "Who's got who now?"

Gwen laughs in delight. "Ooh-- this is hot...I think I'm going to need a moment alone with Ethan!" she grins. She looks behind her at Pete hanging on to her arms. "Giving up yet?" she teases him.

"Shit!" Pete says and lets go. "Damn you didn't need my help at all." he says.

Ethan laughs. "I've had to deal with this kind of attitude before." he says. He looks down at Gwen. "Ready to give up or shall you be taking a dip this afternoon?"

"'Had to deal with this kind of attitude before??' Now what's THAT supposed to mean!" she exclaims. She raises her eyebrow at him, and then slowly wraps her arms and legs around him. "I'll give you an attitude to deal with!" she grins and turns her electric-hug on...low-level at first, and then higher and higher. She's never done this before, but she's always been curious at how it would-- or wouldn't-- affect Ethan! Good to know, anyhow! There are a few novas out there with the same ability.

"Is that supposed to hurt me? Or just give me frizzy hair," Ethan says. He lifts up a little high and peels her off him carefully. "I guess it's pool time!" he says. He lifts her above his head and gets ready to throw her.

Pete backs away from the pool.

"Throw me all you want, big boy! I float!" she cries triumphantly.
Gwen is eating this up! Not only are they rough-housing and teasing each other, but in front of her FAMILY! Gwen's in heaven! Whether or NOT she ends up in the pool!

Ethan laughs and throws her straight at the pool using a bit of strength-- he'd hate to destroy the pool.
Gwen gets her balance back easily and flies out of the way of the water. Radar barks as he gets out of the pool.

Pete laughs. "That was great!!!" he shouts. "You have that much control Gwen?"

Gwen grins as she flies over to the men and floats back down to the ground. She does a few bows as she descends.
"Thank you, thank you..." she hams it up. But truthfully she was a little nervous that he was really going to try to throw her hard!
"Most people would say I have NO control!" she laughs. She puts one arm around Ethan and one arm around Pete. "After all that exercise I think it's time to eat! Don't you Ethan?" she winks meaningfully at him.

"I'm a little bit hungry myself." Ethan says. "Let's head to the kitchen," he says. "I'm sure Martha will agree it's time for lunch...or dinner."

"Yeah I could go for something to eat too." Pete says. "The food on the plane was horrible."

"That's right...it's 3 hours earlier here! Well, lunch would be good, too!" Gwen says.
The three walk back into the kitchen.
"Hey Mom! Is it time for an eating-type event yet?" she grins sweetly.

Martha looks over her shoulder. "I was just about to prepare some cheese sandwiches if you like. I have some soup too!" she says. "Oh do you think Radar will like our dog food? What does he normally eat?"

"You dog food will be fine. Radar isn't picky about his food," Ethan says. "Gwen was about to enjoy the pool but decided against it." he says with a snicker.

Gwen rolls her eyes and smacks Ethan's chest with the back of her hand. "I said gentlemen first, but nooOOOooo! You and Pete were too GOOD for the pool!" she smirks, slapping Ethan's rear. "And the sandwiches sound just fine, Mom! Hey-- did anyone find Dad and James yet?"

"We're here," Lars says walking into the kitchen with James and Radar.

"This is a very nice house you have," James says sitting down at the table across from Lars. Umbra sits down at the table as well.

Martha starts making the cheese sandwiches and gets the tomato soup going. "Have a seat you three. Lunch will be ready for you guys soon," she says.

Gwen takes Ethan's hand and leads him over to the table. "Thanks Mom." she says, sitting down next to Ethan. She looks at Ethan for a moment with sparkling eyes, and then leans in and whispers, "You were great outside! I loved it!"

Ethan smiles at her and leans into her. "I'm glad. You, however, really have to work on your technique, that was far far too easy," he says trying to get her goat.

Gwen leans back, mouth wide open. Then she smacks his arm and leans back into him. "Oh you want a CHALLENGE do you? Oh I'll give you a challenge!" she whispers. She thinks for a second. "Actually, it WOULD be a good idea...if I got used to trying to beat you up, imagine how much easier any OTHER nova would be to fight! Plus it would help me come up with some strategies against Mr. Mad Russian if I ever needed them!" she says excitedly.

Ethan nods considering it. "Alright. We'll talk about that after," he smiles. "Well after..."

Gwen grins a toothy grin at him.

James and Lars continue to talk about the deck outside and how Lars will improve it this summer. Martha continues to cook up the sandwiches.

"So you two, when are you going to tell Stormwatch you want out?" Umbra asks.

Pete blinks, "Gwen...you're leaving Stormwatch?"

Gwen closes her eyes and exhales. She loves Umbra...she really does...but times like these...
She opens her eyes again. "Not until our contract is almost up and Caestus or Bob asks us what we're going to do." she says, trying to keep calm. "When we come back next summer he'll have revamped our contracts a little, so we'll see if things get better."
'GOD am I glad I didn't tell her where our secret base was!!' she thinks to herself.

"Oh..." Pete says unconvinced. "You know how important what you guys do is, right?" he asks. "I mean, what would the world be without you guys." he says.

Gwen sighs and sits back in her chair. "You wouldn't know it lately. The United States disowning us and starting up their own little nova-patriot-club...the media going off about how all we do is attract the Teragen, and without us there would BE no Teragen attacks...the fu-- the stupid Directive still being allowed to function. I'm actually excited to see what the world does without us! And it won't just be Stormwatch going on strike because we feel unappreciated, it would be all of us LEAVING Stormwatch, so it's not like we're going to suddenly be back again after whining and going inactive for a while! I'm excited to see if the President starts panicking. I'm excited to see what happens in the world without us around. I'm excited to find out if we really made a difference." she says, not caring if she sounds like a pouty 12-year old.

Umbra frowns and holds Pete's hand.
Pete nods. "Well here's one person who says we need you guys." he says.

"Hear hear," says Martha from the stove. Ethan looks over at Gwen.
"I think there's more to it than that, Gwen." Ethan says. "The members are also frustrated with all the times their hands are tied when they shouldn't be."

Gwen nods. "So I'm not as good of a speaker as some of the others...you guys just have to trust that we have good reasons, and that I'm just not eloquent enough to communicate them to you right. But yeah, being associated with the U.N. and being a part of a corporation means that there's always red tape we have to clear before we can move in. That's why we keep close ties with Ethan and Gothic Knight and other Independents-- because while we were being held up by something, they could go in with no problem. I mean, it's not like we're all retiring. We're just making Stormwatch into an Independent entity." she tries to explain.

"That sounds better." Pete says with relief. "The way you made it sound I thought you guys were quitting all together and just going off to live somewhere on a desert island or something." he says. "As long as you guys are still around helping then...I don't mind that."

"Mmm...desert island..." Gwen says, a dreamy look on her face. She hasn't told very many people about her fantasy of living on a desert island!
"Don't worry...it won't be an island!" she smiles. She glances at Ethan. "And we're not going to be COMPLETELY lazing around for a year with nothing to do!" She reaches into her pocket and brings out an envelope. "We've just accepted an important job that we're going to start sometime next year before our hiatus is up. Something separate from Stormwatch so we won't be bound by any red tape!" she says waving the envelope in the air. Something rattles in the envelope.
"It's probably going to be difficult, but hopefully not dangerous!" she says. "Wanna know what it is? Remember, this is confidential and it can't leave the room. Right Umbra?" she grins at Umbra. "Dad-- you want to do the honors?" she asks, holding the envelope out to him.

"Right I won't tell a soul." Umbra says crossing her heart.
Pete nods, "I'll keep it a secret, too."

Lars looks over at Martha and she back at him. He shrugs and takes the envelope and opens it slowly. "All this cloak and dagger stuff." Lars says. "It must be really important."

Ethan smiles at holds Gwen's hand.

Gwen grins and squeezes Ethan's hand. "Oh it is!" she assures him.

Inside the envelope is something hard wrapped in paper. When Lars opens the paper he sees a home pregnancy test with a pink line in both windows. The directions printed on the test show that two pink lines= pregnant. On the piece of paper that was wrapped around the test Gwen has written, "Congratulations! You're a grandpa!"

Lars grins a big grin and throws his hands up in the air. "Gwen's pregnant!" he shouts.
The whole room erupts with cheers as everyone stands up to hug Gwen and shakes hands with Ethan.
"Incredible! This entire time we've been talking about this and you didn't say a word!" Umbra says punching Gwen's shoulder.

Martha leaves the stove and hugs Gwen with tears in her eyes. "I'm sooo happy!"

Gwen is laughing happily-- partly to keep the tears from her eyes and partly because everyone else is so happy.
Gwen hugs her mom back. "Did I really fool you?? You're IMPOSSIBLE to fool, you know!" she grins. She glances around while hugging her mother, hoping to see Radar. Out everyone here, she's been the most excited to tell James and Radar because they've been the most insufferable while waiting for her to get pregnant!

James hugs Gwen and hugs his son. "Oh you two I knew something was up!"

Radar beams and Gwen's mind is filled with the images of babies and puppies. He wags his tail happily and pants. He knew this a while ago, 'but woman is happy thinking surprise.' he thinks.

"When did this happen? How far along are you? When is the due date," the questions come from everyone in the room.

Gwen links her arm through Ethan's and grins. "Last week...on Sunday, to be exact! So I'm about a week and a half along, and my due-date is the end of May or beginning of June! That's the good thing about being a nova! All the guy has to do is WANT to have a baby and poof! The woman gets pregnant! Unless the woman is higher-power than him and doesn't want to get pregnant. So Ethan's been a gentleman and has waited until we were both ready!" she grins up at him.

Ethan smiles proudly. "Well we wanted to wait till she could take some serious vacation time and this was the perfect opportunity."

Everyone starts talking over each other with more and more questions. "What do you hope it is? Where are you having it? When can we babysit? Any names picked out yet?" they ask.

Gwen laughs. All week she'd been imagining what their reactions to the news would be, but this is better than she thought!
"Well...before I got pregnant I used to dream about the baby all the time and it was always a girl, but ever since I got pregnant the dream-baby has been a boy, so I don't know! We want to be surprised, though! As far as where we'd like to have the baby...we're thinking we'd like to have it at James' house, and we'd like their old family doctor to deliver it because we're pretty sure we can trust him...especially after we pay him really, really well to keep it a secret!"
"When can you babysit? The answer to that is when CAN you babysit, hehe! Anytime you can! We're just paranoid about letting the baby leave James' house...once the Teragen finds out we had a baby they're going to try to kidnap it. We found this out while interrogating Narcosis." Gwen informs them. "So we'll be playing that one by ear. As far as any names go, I haven't tried to think about it yet because I'm still trying to absorb the fact that I'm pregnant!" she grins.
She turns to Ethan. "What about you, honey?" she grins, poking at him.

"Thomas has always been a favorite of mine," Ethan says. He smiles at everyone. They're so supportive. He was hoping they'd be happy but this! This is overwhelming!

More questions come, "Is it OK to visit James' house," "Can we be there at the birth," "Who will be the god-parents?"

Gwen laughs. "Is it OK to visit James' house? I think you should ask James! AND Radar!" she grins. "I'd give it a big thumbs-up if it were up to ME, though!" she adds.
"Yes, you can be there at the birth! Wait-- do you mean you want to WATCH me give birth??" she quickly asks. "Because if you want to watch...let me think about that! If you just want to be in the house, sure! And who will the god-parents be? Well, I want Jennifer to be the god-mother, because she would be the most protective, dedicated god-mother I could ever think of! See, I'd already thought of this! As far as a god-father, the first one who came to mind was Caestus. Bob's just too busy and stressed-out! I'd personally rather have Caestus as an adoptive father than Bob! No offense or anything, Bob!" she grins. "Had you thought of anyone, Ethan?"

"Those are perfect, Gwen," Ethan says nodding appreciatively. "I can't think of anyone better than Jennifer either." he says. He gives her a huge hug. "That's perfect baby. She'll love it."

Gwen smiles and hugs him back. Today has been a good day.

The months pass with Ethan and Gwen living at the Crane farm, but going back and forth between the Nielsson residence and Stormwatch Tower to train and work-out...until just before Gwen starts to show. At that point they take up training more privately lest any eyes see Gwen's new condition and spread the word.
One evening when Gwen is in her 8th month of pregnancy she finds herself alone with Radar in the living room watching TV while James and Ethan are out picking up more baby-things for the nursery. She puts her feet up on the coffee table and settles back a little-- trying to get comfortable with her beachball-sized belly-- and then rests one hand on her abdomen and her other hand on Radar's back.
"Phew...how do you dogs do it-- having whole litters?? I DEFINITELY couldn't fit more than one of these in here!" she grins, rubbing her tummy.

Radar looks up from the couch cushion. The image of a question mark appears in her head. And then the image of a man, then a woman then a man again. Radar wuffs and sits up staring at Gwen. He looks at her belly. The image of several puppies comes into her mind.

Gwen quickly shakes her head, making a veto-sign with her hands. "No, just one puppy, Radar." she says. She takes his mental-image and alters it so there's just one little puppy sitting there...but she makes it a little bigger so Radar will understand that human babies are so big that usually only one can grow at a time.

Radar wuffs and nods his head. He looks at her tummy. He thinks a moment and then sends her an image of a dog having puppies. He then sends her an image if the sun rising and setting and then the moon.

Gwen smiles and goes back to rubbing Radar's back. "How many days until I have my puppy? Well, the doctor says it could be any day now, but probably more like a couple of weeks. So...14 suns and moons!" she grins.

Radar wuffs again in understanding. He considers a moment and then sends her an image of him and...baby girl? Then and image of him and baby boy?

Gwen laughs, delighted that Radar is so curious about these details! She can't wait to see how he responds to the actual baby!
"Well, we don't know yet, but I think me and Ethan are both sure that it's a boy." she says, showing him an image of Radar and a baby boy that looks like Ethan. "I keep having dreams that it's a boy." she tries to explain. "And Ethan has only been able to come up with a name for a boy, so I think these are hints!" She pauses. "You knew I was pregnant before I told you, didn't you! You didn't act surprised at all when I told you! How did you know?"

Radar considers this for a moment and then nods. He sends her an image of flowers and those spice jars above the stove, and a bottle of perfume, and James' feet. He wuffs and stares at her again.
'Protect'?

Gwen starts laughing hard, then winces when the baby kicks her in response to her waking it up, and then goes back to laughing again.
"I get it! Things that smell! AHAHAHAHA! I wish I could tell James you said that!" she grins. "OK, so you're saying you could smell that I was pregnant? Wow...that's crazy!" She scratches his head. "Yes, please protect our baby." Gwen pauses and then turns and holds Radar's face in her hands, looking at him seriously with an anxiousness in her eyes.
"If Divis finds out I had a baby he will come looking for it. Or send someone else to come looking for it. And he'll probably try to take it. That's why we need you to protect." she says in a low voice.

Radar wuffs defiantly. 'Protect secret...safe...with...." the image of a radar comes to her mind. Then an image of Radar. 'Puppy...is...safe...with...me.'

Gwen's eyes almost pop out of her head! Radar just spoke! It was the oddest and most unexpected thing she's ever heard!
"Radar!! You spoke! In English! In human words! Wow!!" she exclaims, and then suddenly hugs him tightly. "Thank you for protecting puppy, Radar." she says sincerely. "Do you remember Slider? Jennifer?" she asks, and then sends Radar an image of Slider at her wedding. "She says she can help you protect puppy when James isn't there. It's called 'babysitting,' but you don't sit ON the baby, you sit WITH the baby!" she tries to explain. "Is that OK with you?"

Radar sends her an image of Jennifer scratching his head and playing with him at Gwen's wedding. He nods and wuffs. 'Ok...with...me.' he thinks to her. He also sends her an image of the English Channel and Radar on the couch watching.

Gwen nods and starts laughing again. "I knew it! See? I was right! You WERE learning English on TV all these years! You're smart, Radar!" she grins, resuming scratching his back. "I wish they had a channel to teach dog-language or something! Boy would I have a lot of questions for MY dogs back in California!" she grins. Then she pauses. "How is James? Is he healthy? Strong? Does he have any health-problems he's keeping from us?" she asks worriedly. Now that she knows her mom's OK, she's moving on to the next person she's been worrying about.

Radar thinks a moment and then sends an image of James walking around and then getting slower and slower. Radar whines a little bit and wuffs. He sends her an image of a man growing old.

Gwen nods in understanding. "OK, so he's just being normal for his age. That's good. After his wife died, Ethan said James started going downhill, so I'm glad that's stopped! It's probably because he has YOU around, Radar!" she grins.

Radar wuffs happily and wags his tail. He stares at Gwen and images of him taking care of the baby, and picking it up by the diapers and carrying it around flashes through her head. He sends another image of Radar laying on the ground with the baby nestled against his side.

When the images first start coming, Gwen is laughing and laughing over the thought of Radar carrying the baby around by its diaper and trying to take care of it like a real human babysitter. But then Gwen's pregnant-hormones kick in and she just starts crying for no reason.
"That's so...cute Radar..." she says between sobs. "I don't even...know why I'm crying! It's just...really sweet!" she weeps, and then covers her face in embarrassment and cries even louder. Poor Radar!! She's worried that her crying might confuse or upset him. It confuses and upsets HER!

Radar sits up and cocks his head at her. He's not sure why's she's crying or sad but he leans in and licks her face letting her know he still loves her. He sends and image of flowers and blue skies. He then sends and image of Gwen taking care of the baby and carrying it around by its diaper.

Gwen uncovers her face and laughs, shaking her head. "Radar, I don't know what shows you've been watching with babies in them, but I'm starting to get worried!" she teases. She concentrates on the image Radar sent her and changes it so Gwen is carrying the baby around in her arms.
"You can carry the baby by the diaper if you have to, but this is the way humans carry their puppies!" she explains.

Radar wuffs and sends her an image back of his two paws and then his mouth. Then another image of him carrying the baby by the diaper. He lays the baby gently on the couch and sit on the cushion next to him. Radar stops the images and lays back down on her lap.

Gwen smiles and lays her head against the back of the couch and crosses her ankles on the coffee table, rubbing Radar's neck.
"You'll be the best nanna, Radar..." she says, getting comfortable on the couch. "You ever watched 'Peter Pan' on TV? Nanna was the dog who took care of the children because the parents were always out. Only I don't think THAT nanna could kick ass like YOU can!" she grins, patting his head.
"I don't know why you've taken to me like you have...you must like something about me...but I'm really glad you did. You...wouldn't ever hate me, would you? Even if I did something you didn't like?" she asks with a touch of worry in her voice. She's always paranoid about Ethan or James or Radar suddenly hating her.

Radar sends her an image of them running through the fields out back, and then of her giving him head scritches, and her laying a bowl of food down, and of the three of them sleeping in Ethan's bed. Radar looks up at her confused.

Gwen sighs. She closes her eyes and shows Radar a picture of her in her regular casual clothes at the house, and then getting a call on her headset and changing into her Aura-costume and flying away. Then she shows Radar an image of her in Kashmir killing Gravity, and then smashing the trucks together with the drivers still inside.
"That's what I do for my job." she tells him. "They were our enemies...and it made me...happy to kill them." she says slowly, watching his face in trepidation.

Radar looks her up and down and wuffs. He sits up and licks her face. He sends her an image of him chasing off other dogs from the property, and other animals. He stops the image and looks at her expectantly to see if she likes what she sees.

Gwen is SO relieved when he licks her face that she gets all pregnant-hormoney-teary-eyed and smiles and hugs him.
"Thanks Radar. For still liking me, and for being such a good guard-dog." she says with a quivery-sounding voice. Boy is she glad her family hasn't seen her have one of these new emotional-spells!

He wuffs and sits back down. He looks up at her thinking she's hurt. He whines for a moment.

Gwen sniffles and raises her eyebrows at him, and then hurries and wipes her eyes and gives him a big smile when she realizes he's worried that she's crying. "Oh I'm not sad! It just...made me so happy that you still like me even though I like killing my opponents that I got a little...emotional about it. But see? I'm fine!" she smiles, and resumes stroking his back. "This happens to women who have puppies growing inside of them. They cry. A LOT." she tries to explain. "And they can't help it, and it's usually because they're so happy. Don't worry if you don't understand!" she grins. "We don't, either!"

Radar hops up and runs off the couch. He comes back with his ball in his mouth. He drops it on the ground and suddenly jumps and starts to bark at it. He look up at her hoping she'll play.

Gwen smirks and raises an eyebrow at him, and then carefully gets up off the couch. "Fine, fine Radar...I'm coming..." She stretches a little, and then grabs the ball and does the pregnant-walk after him.
The two go outside, and Gwen inhales the night air. It's May, so the weather is cool and comfortable for pregnant Gwen.
"All right...and don't think I'm going to take it easy on you just because I'm pregnant!" she grins. She looks around to make sure there's no one walking or driving by...she flexes her right arm and shakes out her hand...gets a look of concentration and stillness on her face that her Olympic coach had seen a lot of back in the day...and then she wings her arm out as hard as she can and the ball rockets into the evening sky like a comet. Gwen grins and shakes her arm out, feeling a little cocky.

Radar springs from the ground off into the sky. He scans quickly and sees the ball! She tricked him-- it's already descending!! He flies back and catches in his mouth. He touches down on the ground and runs over to her, dropping the ball. He wags his tail and barks.

Gwen grins and bends, taking the ball from him. Her abdomen had pulled a little when she'd thrown the ball, so regrettably she's going to have to throw a little softer this time. She doesn't want him to think she's getting wimpy or anything, but baby first.
"Good job, Radar! OK, over the house!" she grins, and turns and wings the ball almost straight up so he'll have to shoot straight up into the air to catch it! She loves giving him little training-challenges like that!

Radar leaps into the air flying up and over the house straight into the air. He loves it when she gives him these challenges. There it is! He barks excitedly and grabs the ball, and then flies down and lands and runs over to her, dropping the ball halfway. He runs back grabs the ball and rolls over excitedly.

Gwen laughs and shakes her head, taking the ball from him and rubbing her hand down his head and back. "Boy are you full of energy tonight! OK, one more! Let's see how fast you are!" Gwen rises straight up into the sky and motions for Radar to follow her. When she thinks she's high enough she gives a little nod. "OK, try to get the ball before it can hit the ground!" she grins. She counts to three, and then throws the ball straight down towards the ground.

Radar zooms past her heading straight for the ball. He catches and lands on the ground and looks up waiting for her. He sends her an image of Radar and James playing ball and Radar flying in front of James!!!

Gwen started floating back down to the ground when Radar caught the ball, but when Radar sent her THAT picture she stopped descending for a moment and stared down at him. Then she hurried and landed beside him.
"Radar!? Did you just show me a picture of you flying in front of James??" she asks incredulously. "What happened to 'secret, safe?"'

Radar looks at Gwen, concentrating. He shows her an image of James and Radar in the field. James is talking to Radar wondering how he can keep the baby safe. Radar stops and shows James his secret. James jumps up and down happily.

Gwen raises her eyebrows, and then can't help but burst out laughing! The image Radar showed her was like a cartoon-- James jumping up and down??
"Wow-- James is pretty spry for an older guy!" she grins, thoroughly amused. "Well you know what? I'm relieved that someone else knows! I'm glad you told James." She cocks her head at him quizzically. "But you still won't tell Ethan?" she asks.

Radar looks at Gwen. "Secret. safe...him not know. Secret...must be....." she hears in her mind. "Radar loves Gwen."

Gwen's eyebrows raise in surprise, and her first instinct is to make a joke to hide her emotional response.
"Ah so you want to keep your crush on me a secret so Ethan doesn't get jealous!" she grins. Then she quickly squats down the best she can and hugs Radar, burying her face in his fur. "I was just joking, Radar...I didn't mean that. I love you, too..." she sniffles, closing her eyes. "Don't worry...I'm not sad...I'm very happy..." she quickly tells him in a thick voice.

Radar thinks a moment. He sends an image to her of a huge Radar crushing Gwen. It seems almost a question. He blinks at her and then another image of her, Ethan, James and Radar in the field walking while Radar carries the baby by the diaper.

Gwen laughs and quickly wipes her tears. "No, no...a 'crush' is when you wish you could be someone's mate. I was joking that you wanted to be MY mate!" she grins. "I see you're still determined to hold the baby by its diaper, hmm?" she smiles. "Well...we'll see what Ethan thinks about that!" She stands and gives Radar's head a quick rub.
"Come on...let's go make something for Ethan and James to eat! They should be home soon!" she smiles, motioning with her head to the house as she starts walking towards it.

A few week later, a few hours after the birth....

Gwen lays in her bed holding little Alex in her arms. He sleeps softly there while Jennifer sits in the chair next to the bed smiling at him. Ethan went to talk with the doctor while the rest of the family went to go get something to eat. The house is unusually quiet.

"He's so cute," Jennifer says.

Gwen grins proudly. "He is, isn't he?" She looks down at him and rests her forehead against his for a second, rubbing his fuzzy head with her finger. After a second she looks back up at Jennifer.
"It's so weird, isn't it! I mean, I felt him kick so I knew there had to be a baby in there because that's what the baby books told me was in there, but I don't think it really dawned on that it really WAS a baby until just this moment! That was a really long sentence." she smiles. She continues rubbing Alex's head with her finger and exhales, finally relaxing a little.
"So what did it look like when he was born?? Was it different-looking than the birthing videos we watched, or about the same? Because the doctor looked amazed, and by the look on your face I'd say you were pretty amazed, too! Or am I just that amazing, hehe!" she teases, but looks at Jennifer intently.

"No, it just...boom and it was done. It was as if your body had done everything perfect. Like it was meant for this," Jennifer says. "The birthing video looked like it took loads of pushes to get to the point. You," she snaps her fingers, "Done."

Gwen raises her eyebrows and thinks about this for a second, and then slowly nods and sits back a little. "Do you think we should test my breastmilk when it comes in? You know...see if it's different than normal mothers milk? Man...I don't know how I'm going to be able to breastfeed him once we go back to New York in August! We're called away for DAYS sometimes...and at unpredictable times..." She looks a little worried.

"You can always pump it out and save it for later." Jennifer says. "Some parents do that. It's going to be hard to be away from this handsome little guy for long," she says. "How will you two handle it?"

Gwen sighs and gives a little shrug. "I don't know...right now I can't image leaving him at ALL! But maybe he'll turn into a little hellion like his mother and I'll be excited to be sent on missions, hehe!" she grins.
"Hey-- you haven't held him yet and you were the nurse-assistant-person! You want a turn?" she asks, offering Alex to her.

Jennifer looks at the newborn baby and then at Gwen, tears in her eyes. "Really?" she asks in a small voice. She takes Alex in her arms gently and smiles down at him. "Hey little guy...hey," she coos. She looks up at Gwen. "Thank you."

Gwen smiles as she watches Jennifer with Alex. "Of course!" She sits up a little higher and stretches her back. "By the way, Ethan and I were talking before Alex was born, and I know it's a big thing to ask and an important thing to ask, but we were wondering...would you be Alex's godmother? In case something happens to us and our families? We couldn't think of anyone more suited to the job." she asks hopefully.

Jennifer looks at Gwen and smiles happily. Tears run down her cheeks and she nods. "I would be honored, Gwen! I'm so touched by this!" she whispers loudly so as not to disturb the baby. "Oh god Gwen wow...yes yes and yes." She says. She looks down at Alex again. "Hello little handsome. I'm your godmother!"

Gwen grins and lowers her face a little so Jennifer won't see the tears in her own eyes. 'Stupid hormones!' she thinks to herself for the millionth time since getting pregnant. She clears her throat softly so it won't sound husky.
"Thanks Jennifer. Now I feel a little calmer! When most people choose godparents they really aren't planning on dying or being killed or anything...it's more of a formality. But when you're a nova, and a fighting-nova-type, dying is more of a reality." She explains. "By the way, Ethan's going to ask Caestus to be the godfather...just so you know!" she grins. "We'd ask Pumpkin, but he has the same chances of getting splatted as I do!" she laughs.

Jennifer nods still looks at little Alex. "Caestus? That's a good idea." Jennifer says absent-mindedly. She shakes her head and looks over at Gwen. "You're not going to get splatted. You're as strong as Pumpkin."

Gwen's eyebrows raise in surprise. "Wow! Thanks Jennifer! Can I quote you on that?" she grins, looking happy. Then she remembers something.
"SO...uh, Mom let it slip that one of my brothers has the hots for you! One guess which one it is!" she grins, wiggling her eyebrows.

Jennifer rolls her eyes, "Gwen! You know that I'm...single, for the most part. You know...you're right. I should be out having fun. So tell me who is it?"

Gwen laughs. "She wouldn't say! But I'm betting all my money on Richie! He couldn't keep his eyes off you! Hey...if you want me to make sure it's Richie, I will! And if you want me to...you know...set something up, I'd do that, too!" she grins.
Then she reaches out and pats Jennifer's back. "I think you're doing the right thing--keeping your options open for now. Who knows--maybe Pumpkin will get jealous if he sees you going out with someone else! But the bottom line really is...I don't think Pumpkin's the right match for you anymore. I suddenly realized...out of everyone I know, kids are your highest priority. And Pumpkin has stated-- I don't know HOW many times-- that he doesn't want kids. That was going to be the Big Fight-provoker if he and Songbird ever split up, remember? But then you'd be just as screwed as she is if you got with Pumpkin because he STILL wouldn't want to have kids! Right?"

Jennifer looks at Gwen and nods. "I have something to tell you Gwen. It doesn't matter that Brody doesn't want kids. I'm...I'm not able to have kids. I'm barren." Jennifer says. "No one knows but me and the doctor. You're the first person I've told."

Gwen's face reflects the shock she's feeling. She sits there a moment with her mouth hanging open. "What??" she finally gets out. "That's...not possible! I mean...you're Jennifer! Why would that happen to YOU?? And...you're a nova! I thought all our parts just do everything perfectly, like you said! Have you been checked since you erupted? How long ago did the doctor tell you this??" Gwen fires off sentence after sentence without much pausing.

"When I was young I got real sick, just around the time of my first period. The doctor checked me out and said I was barren, and then after my eruption I had the Utopia doctors check and they said the same thing," Jennifer says. "I don't know why it happened to me. I guess it's just...my curse or something."

Gwen sits there with her eyebrows lowered, a look of angry frustration on her face. She's thinking of all the people out there--like Pumpkin--who don't want kids but can have them, and then there's Jennifer who all she WANTS is kids, and she can't!
'Stupid god!! If there IS one of you out there, real nice job, ass!' she thinks, glancing up at the ceiling. She rubs her temples, and then runs a hand through her hair, thinking.
"Well...when you say 'barren,' do you mean that you don't have any eggs, or you just can't carry a child, or what does 'barren' mean?" she asks, an idea forming in her head.

"I means my eggs are deficient. They don't have enough...whatever they called it...to support life. I'll just have miscarriage after miscarriage." Jennifer says. She looks down at baby Alex. "This is enough tho, Gwen. There are many children out there who need someone to look after them and I guess that's me."

Gwen turns her head toward the window and covers her mouth with her hand, blinking back tears. Now she's thinking about how she wasn't sure if she ever wanted to have kids before she met Ethan, so she mostly got pregnant to make Ethan happy. And now even SHE has a baby...
'Even in non-legal-matters there's no justice in this world...' she thinks bitterly. Not that she would ever trade Alex for anything now that she's seen him and held him, but the irony of she and Jennifer's situations makes her feel guilty.
"That doesn't make this right OR fair." She says a little more huffily than she meant to. She frowns sadly. "I wish--" She pauses and shakes her head. "Ethan's adopted, but you'd never know it when you see him and James together. Maybe there's...some woman out there who isn't meant to be a mom but can get pregnant, and one day she's going to get pregnant with your baby, and you'll get to adopt it and be the most incredible mom ever. That's what I think." She says, daring god to contradict her.

Jennifer nods silently and looks down at little Alex. "That's alright Gwen. I'm ok with it, I guess. I mean I've made my peace with it and there's nothing I can do about it. So let's just move on ok?" she asks.

Gwen shakes her head slightly and goes silent for a while. "I'm sorry..." she finally says in a quiet voice. She sits there a little longer, not saying anything and just playing with her hands. She usually has a funny joke or something goofy to say to lighten a dark mood, but even THIS situation has stumped her for the moment.
"Well then, even MORE reason why you and Pumpkin are perfect for each other!" she finally says, a grin lighting up her face. "He'll never have to worry about you pressuring him to get you pregnant! Perfecto! So then, time to get him jealous! It looks like I'm going to be doing some detective-work with Richie to see if he's the one who likes you! Hey--out of all the brothers he's the most like me, so if I'm your BFF, you'll just LOVE Richie!" she winks.

Jennifer nods. "I know I'll never be with him so. I should just move on. I shouldn't just sit here and hold out for him you know. I mean he's married now...it's over." She says. Gwen raises her eyebrow at Jennifer with a smirk in a classic Gwen-look. "Well, we'll just wait and see, won't we! But yeah...might as well give Richie a try. If you can't have Pumpkin, you can do the next best thing: become my sister-in-law!" she grins triumphantly. "No pressure or anything." She adds. "So you and Mestre been hanging out a lot lately, or something? Last I heard you guys were busy with some project in Asia? Something about busting child prostitution-rings? You think he might be interested in you? Talk about a love-triangle if he is!"

"Oh I doubt it. Elias is just a friend," Jennifer says. "Although he is kinda cute," she says looking down. "No! Not another team mate! Besides I think he still holds a torch for Thundergirl. Oh Gwen how could you do this to me? You keep putting ideas into my head, damnit!"

Gwen throws her head back and laughs loudly, accidentally startling the baby. She eeps and covers her mouth with her hands, hoping Alex goes back to sleep and doesn't start crying. When he seems to settle back down, Gwen grins at Jennifer again.
"Hey...I'm your BFF! That's what I'm SUPPOSED to do, right?" she says, putting her hands on her hips the best she can while sitting in bed and sticking her chest out in a proud pose. "Besides, there's nothing like getting out there and sampling different men to see if Pumpkin really IS the best man! You might be surprised! At the very least you'll know for certain what you want, right?" she smiles, giving Jennifer a gentle chuck on the arm.
"So now you just have to let me know if you want me to set you up with Richie...or Mestre...or both!" she grins in delight.

"Oh god you're evil, Gwen!" Jennifer says in a loud whisper.

The door opens and Ethan walks in. He sees Jennifer and smiles, seeing that she has the baby. He looks over at Gwen and smiles proudly. "Hey...how are you feeling hun?" he asks sitting down next to her and taking her hand.

"Pretty good...pretty good..." she smiles, leaning over and kissing him. "Just thought the Fairy Godmother should have a turn holding her new charge!" she smiles. "Jennifer said yes, by the way!"

"I would be honored!" Jennifer says. "I'm so touched the two of you picked me." she says.

Ethan smiles. "It was all Gwen, Jennifer. She said she couldn't think of a better godmother."

"Awww really?" Jennifer says looking teary-eyed again.

Gwen grins, and then starts blinking tears out of her OWN eyes again. "All right all right, let's not start the water-works going again!" she grins. "And that goes for us BOTH!"
She turns back to Ethan. "Is the doctor still here, or did he go? You can tell if he's lying or not-- do you really think he'll keep the secret?" she asks worriedly. "He seemed really excited by how easily I gave birth..." "Oh he'll keep it. He's been our doctor since I was a kid, Gwen. He knows my secret and he's kept it for this long." Ethan says. He leans over to take a look at the baby. "So how is our little guy?"

"He's sleeping right now," Jennifer says. "Do you want him back," she asks looking at Gwen. "Or would daddy like to hold him?"

"Absolutely," Ethan says. He takes the baby gingerly from Jennifer. He looks down at his son. He counts the fingers and toes and kisses Alex's forehead. "Hey there, little Alex." He says.

Gwen smiles and lays back, sighing peacefully. This is what she'd been waiting to see ever since she and Ethan decided to have children a couple of years ago--- Ethan holding their baby. She couldn't imagine giving Ethan a better present than a big, strong, healthy baby boy. With light blond hair and blue eyes, to boot!
"No denying who HIS daddy is!" Gwen says softly, and smiles proudly. "I'm glad nova-births aren't painful! 10 pounds!" she exclaims, reaching over and giving Ethan's rear a little swat.

Jennifer snickers. "Well I think I'll let the parents have some time to themselves," she says standing up. "I'll be downstairs fixing some coffee if you need me," she says closing the door behind her quietly.

"He's such a handsome baby, Gwen. Look at him. You could hear his cry throughout the house. Healthy lungs." Ethan says with a smirk. "He gets that from you."

Gwen laughs loudly again before she can stop herself, eliciting a loud, indignant squawk from Alex!
"Ah shi-- shoot!" she quickly corrects herself around the baby. "I keep waking him up when I laugh!" she smiles. "Yeah well, he got a double-dose of the 'healthy lungs' if you ask me!" she grins, nudging Ethan.
She sits up a little and then leans against Ethan and peeks down at Alex. She smiles and studies his facial features. It's probably too early to tell who he looks like, but to her he's all daddy.
She looks up at Ethan and touches his face. "You look very happy...you look like a father. I know that sounds weird, but you've already got that fatherly-aura about you. It's funny...I spent all this time feeling nervous and worried about Alex, and now...just looking at you holding him...I feel like he's very safe. You don't know what a relief it is to finally feel like he's safe." She exhales.

Ethan nods to her. "You have nothing to worry about, Gwen. Alex will always be safe. In fact Radar is outside the door right now posting guard duty," he says laughing. "Thank you hun. What you said means a lot to me," Ethan says leaning over and kissing her.

Gwen kisses him back and then smiles and rests against him. A part of her-- she's shamed to admit-- feels like she's just done her womanly/wifely duty and is now complete. She wonders if Ethan feels more complete now, too. She's really been enjoying these last 9 months. Not a single fight between then...no confrontations...no threats...it's been...ideal. Deep down she's nervous, hoping things always stay this way between them, even after she starts back up at work. Another part of her assumes that now that they have a child that Ethan will never ever threaten to leave her again-- no matter HOW mad he ever got at her. She really hopes this part of her is right.

Ethan holds his wife close and lets out a breath of relief. His wife is fine, his baby is healthy, and hopefully the baby will soften Gwen and take the edge off her anger, he thinks. Maybe her maternal instinct will take over and she'll calm herself when she's in the field.

Gwen finally lifts her head up and gives Ethan one of her crooked grins. "So...am I to assume that after all the hype and excitement for this baby to be born that you, James, and Radar are finally going to calm down and enjoy life? And throw me a hero's party for having to endure the three of you?" she wiggles her eyebrows. "Well...maybe not a party...but definitely lots of pampering! For a little while!" she grins.

"Anything," Ethan says happily. "Putting up with us eh? Well now there's a lot more of us to put up with than when you started," he says with a smile. "Looks like you'll have a lot of time with Jennifer." Ethan smiles at her. "How do you feel Gwen? Any soreness?"

Gwen shifts around with a look of concentration on her face, and then finally shakes her head. "No soreness...but it's weird! I can feel my muscles and skin tightening back up again! And look!" She pulls down the sheet to show her flat stomach. The muscle-definition is slowly coming back. "Right after he was born I touched my tummy and it was already flat! The skin was a little loose, but NOW look at it! Almost good as new!" she says excitedly.
She inspects him for a moment. "All right, so out with it! When we, uh...created this little guy, did you have control over the gender? And what did you do different that got me pregnant? Were you just thinking about wanting a baby, or were you actually 'steering' the little guys to the right place, or what?" she asks curiously.

Ethan looks her stomach over and shakes his head in wonder. "You're right. It's nearly the same size as before." He says. "No no I was just thinking how wonderful it would be to have a baby. I wasn't thinking of any gender at all. And no, I wasn't steering anything..." he says shaking his head at her.

Gwen grins up at him. "Oh you were steering SOMETHING, all right!" she laughs evilly. She leans against him again and exhales in contentment. "Well, however it happened it was pretty incredible that all you had to do was think that you wanted a baby and everything worked like it was supposed to!"
She reaches out and runs her fingers over Alex's soft skin, and stops to inspect his hands...arms...fingers. She can't believe her body put this little guy together so perfectly!
"Oh by the way! Radar thinks he's supposed to carry the baby around by his diaper, so I'd watch him at first if I were you!" she grins. "I was bored one day, so I got out that big teddy bear that Jennifer got for Alex and I was practicing putting diapers on it, and when I was done Radar picked it up by the diaper and carried it around the house! I kept trying to teach him that that's not the way to carry a baby, but you can only teach him so much!" she laughs.

Ethan chuckles, "Alright we'll make sure we're careful around him with the baby," he says. "He also likes plush toys so it might have been that too," he says.

The door opens and Dr. Kelly walks in. "Excuse me, but I just came to see how the patients are doing."

"No that's fine doctor. I'll leave you to it," Ethan says handing over little Alex to Gwen. "I'm going to get something to eat I'll be back in a bit," he says leaning down to give her a kiss on the cheek. "You, too, little guy I'll see you later," he says to baby Alex.

Gwen gives Ethan a nervous look before she can stop herself, but then quickly resumes her casual cheerfulness when the doctor turns to her.
"Bye-bye Daddy..." Gwen grins, taking Alex's hand and gently waving bye-bye to Ethan with it. Then she turns her attention back to the doctor.
"We're both doing spectacular!" she assures him. "Wait until you see my stomach! It's almost back to the way it was before I got pregnant!" she smiles proudly.

Dr. Kelly smiles, "Well you are...exceptional people." He says. "All sorts of healing powers and whatnots." He takes a look over at Gwen and marvels that her stomach is now nearly the stomach of a woman who had never had a child, much less one who just had it an hour ago!
He then checks over the baby and proclaims both to be in excellent health!

"Well then. I'll be leaving now. You and your baby are in excellent health. If you need to call me I'll be at home the rest of the day," he says picking up his medicine bag and closing the door behind him.

Gwen grins as the door shuts, and then exhales in relief. She knows she's being really silly, but in all her nightmares where something happened to her newborn baby Ethan was nowhere to be seen and it was the doctor who delivered the baby who kidnapped it. She closes her eyes for a second, getting her composure back. Then she looks down at Alex and gives him a sad but gentle smile.
"Hey baby...hey there Alex!" she coos. "Listen...you are such a sweet and brave boy to agree to have me as your mother! I will try to be the best mother I can be. Please be patient with me! I hope you'll grow up to love me...or at least like me! Sometimes I feel like all I do is screw up and make everyone mad at me...other times I feel like an indestructible superwoman! Well...make that ALL the time!" she laughs. "But...I just want you to know that I'll do everything in my power to protect you and make you happy, and I hope you WILL be happy and never grow up to hate me or anything. Sometimes no matter what I do I feel like I can never do anything right...that I'm a screw-up, you know? But I'm not. I'm just doing what I think is right and trying to do my best. I guess I'm just misunderstood. Maybe you'll end up being like me and we'll be screw-ups together!" she grins. "In any case, let's be patient with each other and learn how to be a mommy and a son together, OK baby? I love you, Alex." She says, bringing his forehead up to her lips and kissing it.

The door opens again and Radar comes in slowly. He turns towards the door and it closes. He puts his two front paws on the bed and stands up looking at Gwen for permission to get up.

Gwen grins and nods her head. "Hey Radar, get on up here!" she smiles, scooting a little to the side to give him more room.

Radar puts one leg up first then the other gently. He sits across from Gwen looking at her and then the baby. He looks at Gwen and images of the baby and Radar at the foot of the bed begin to come to her mind.

Gwen smiles and closes her eyes. "Can you believe it, Radar? The baby's finally here! Are you excited? You're being such a great nanna. Thank you, Radar. I get nervous really easily about the baby. Having you here helps me relax a lot."

Radar sits up a little bit straighter and thumps his tail on the bed. He creeps up a little towards the baby ever so gently and looks down at him huddled in the blanket. He takes a couple of sniffs and then looks back at Gwen. The image is of the baby and then a small child and then a teenager.

Gwen can't help but laugh! 'Oh no! First you couldn't stop asking when he'd be here, and now you want to know when he's going to be a teenager? Oi! It never ends!' she thinks, rather than saying it out loud, to him in case anyone's nearby. She doesn't want them to hear her having a one-sided conversation with Radar!
'OK, let's see...he'll be that big of a child in about 5 years--that means 5 cycles of snow, then cool and rainy, then hot, then cool again. And he'll be a teenager in about 15 years. God, I don't want to think about that!' she groans inwardly. 'But...when he's bigger he'll be able to protect himself better, too...' she thinks.

Radar looks at the baby again. He licks his little forehead and then settles down facing the door. The image of Radar sitting there until Alex is a teenager, and of Gwen laying there with Alex in her arms till then, hits her mind. Radar turns back to her one more time.

Gwen covers her mouth and starts cracking up, trying not to disturb the baby. 'Well, that's ONE way to make sure he stays safe!' she thinks back to him, and then tries to stifle another bout of laughter.
'While that would be nice, it wouldn't work very well for a human baby--especially this one, I'm sure! We have to teach him to sit up and crawl and walk and talk...and fight...he won't let us just sit here with him...as nice as that sounds right now...' she thinks back to him.

Radar wuffs softly and settles back once more. He stares at the door intently, waiting for any threat to his charge. Gwen gets one last image in her mind before Radar falls asleep. It's of Radar, Gwen, Ethan and James walking in a field with baby Alex. Alex is as tall as Gwen but is still in baby form!!

Gwen quickly slaps a hand across her mouth again as she starts laughing hard, but even with her mouth covered her laughter is loud enough to wake up the baby! 'Oh Radar...' she thinks to him fondly.
The baby is crying in a cute little wail, so Gwen takes a deep breath, and then fumbles at the covers to expose one of her breasts.
"All right, little guy...here we go..." she says under her breath, and then awkwardly brings her son up to her chest so they can BOTH learn how feeding works!

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