Family Reunion - Pt2

Posted on 03 Feb 2014 @ 4:43pm by Lieutenant Min Zhao & Lieutenant Theron Rhodes & Lieutenant Commander Dea Mialin

1,306 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Episode 05 - Solstice
Location: Yu Zhen's Condo - Japan
Timeline: MD -18 0720hrs

ON:

Min yawned and stretched out in the comfort of her brother's guest bed. The combination of down duvet and soft linens was a far cry from her accommodations of the past few months. She could stay here forever except that she could hear others moving around outside the room. Looking over at the clock she saw it was 7:20 am.

Yawning as she crawled out of bed, Min slipped into an equally comfortable housecoat and stepped out into the hallway. A short walk later she found herself in the kitchen looking sleepily at her sister in law Shen, who was prepping a coffee pot.

"Morning," Shen replied looking up from what she was doing. "Can I get you a cup of herbal tea or anything?"

"Green tea would be lovely," Min remarked as she sat down at one of the stools beside the counter. She had a million questions for Shen as she'd never met the girl until yesterday for the first time. She knew Yu Zhen was pretty good weeding out the bad one's from the gems, so if Yu Zhen married Shen, then she was a good egg.

"So how did you and Yu Zhen meet?" Min asked as Shen started boiling water for tea.

Shen smiled, "I had a feeling that question was coming. It's an interesting story actually."

"Do tell." Min was curious to know how he'd met Shen. Growing up Yu Zhen had been one of those shy guys who didn't go on many dates. She'd seen a lot of girls interested in him as he was pretty good looking, so her friends said, but he never seemed to get dates anyways.

In the distance they heard, "Zzzzzzggggrrrrzzzzz." (((Zhen snoring)))

"You probably wouldn't believe it if I told you. I used to be quieter than your brother. So, I was honestly surprised when he first asked me out after we randomly met while visiting one of the local Japanese flower gardens."

Min smiled. "You must have really caught his eye then. The brother I knew growing up was a shy kid who could never screw up the courage to ask girls out. His prom date I had to set him up with a girl, because he wouldn't ask her out."

"So you two met in the tranquility of a flower garden? Do tell. Sounds romantic."

"I honestly didn't expect to meet anyone that day. When he approached me with an innocent question I didn't answer initially. Then he asked if I wanted to show him my favorite part of the garden."

"Zzzzzzggggrrrrzzzzz," echoed down the hall again.

Min nodded as she took a sip of her tea.

"So what else would you like to know," Shen asked Min while they continued their conversation.

"I really don't know to be honest. I'm trying to catch up on almost three years in just a few months before I ship out again."

Min glanced over as she saw her brother wandering into the kitchen looking a little groggy.

Zhen stopped just past the doorway still somewhat sleepy. Wearing only his long pajama bottoms he stretched and yawned, then began to wipe face and bare chest. "Oh, sorry. I guess I should put something on."

"Not on my behalf," Shen replied with a smile.

Min chuckled. "You'd better."

She grinned at Shen. "One time when we were younger, we girls had some friends over for a sleepover. I don't remember exactly what happened, but Yu Zhen must have ditched his pj's in his sleep or something, and didn't notice when he woke up. Walked right past the open door buck naked eliciting a few squeals from the girls."

Looking back at Yu Zhen. "Mom flipped if I recall. And that story got retold so many times at school. You had graduated by then so never heard the stories."

From the other room, "I heard that." When Zhen stepped to the door way again, this time with a shirt on, "And I think that story was told just a couple too many times. Hah." and walked toward the kitchen.

Shen met him halfway then wrapped her arms quickly around him, "But then you already know how I'd respond. Good morning," laughing at Min's comment.

Zhen wrapped his arms about his wife's shoulders and gave her a good squeeze. Releasing pressure, he came face to face with Shen, "Yes I do." Zhen replied, letting his hands drop to her firm round bottom and puckering up his lips, desiring a morning kiss.

Shen complied moving in for a kiss. At the same time she directed his hands to her expanding stomach.

Zhen caressed his unborn child. He bent down and laid his cheek on Shen's upper stomach or shelf as he had been affectionately teasing her. "Good morning sunshine," he gently said and gently patted the forward portion of the protrusion.

Min watched the two of them from her vantage point in the kitchen. She could see the two loved each other from how they behaved around each other. Shen, from the little they'd talked, was the perfect girl for Yu Zhen and it showed.

"He likes to tease me every chance he gets," Shen replied.

Zhen stood, smiled, and gave Shen another quick kiss then walked toward the cabinet to get a cup.

Min grinned. "I'll bet he does." Min took another sip from her cup. "How far along are you Shen?"

Lifting the hot pot of tea, Zhen began to pour the steaming dark liquid into his cup.

"Far enough that I know it and I'm obviously showing, so most everyone knows by now. This is one of my good mornings, so far. Zhen thinks I'm a bit too superstitious as times," Shen replied, "How about you?"

"I'm between four and five months, closer to five. The doctor's aren't sure though about my due date thanks to the mixed parentage." Min paused. "The father is Bajoran and they don't know if I'll track like a Bajoran, which means I'm almost due, or a human, which means in four months. They think it'll be more like four, maybe even five if she needs the time."

"At the end of my fifth month," Shen had been rubbing her back absently. Purposely keeping her answer short to allow Zhen chance to say something.

Zhen then sat in a chair, set the cup down, and picked up a handheld VID screen to check the morning news, "So, I guess you are going to be playing it close." He leaned forward, "That is . . being cautious and doing what the doctor says, right?" like an insistent, protective brother.

"Yes brother. Starfleet has me assigned to operations and my flight status is revoked for the duration. They've also assigned me regular checkups with the shipboard medical staff and routine visits with the ship's counselor in case I start to feel a bit too emotional." Min responded with mock seriousness in her voice.

"Well then." Zhen said with exaggeration, "We've got nothing to worry about then." He transitioned to taking a sip of the hot tea, being careful not to spill.

Min turned back to Shen, "So, what's the plan for today?"

Unable to hide the smile that formed Shen shrugged, "Someone has been rather secretive lately. I'm hoping I'll finally get to find out. Last I inquired, Zhen told me he wanted to take care of it."

Zhen looked to his wife with shock of the unknown. "Well, . . I . . ah. " He stammered, but then more confidently in a chauvinistic way, "Yes, yes I do. We will find out later when we get there."

Min glanced over at Yu Zhen then back to Shen. "I guess we'll find out later then."

OFF:


Yu Zhen Zhao
(NPC by Rhodes)

&

Shen Zhao
(NPC by Mialin)

&

Lt j.g. Min Zhao
Asst Chief of Operations
USS Galileo

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