In the med bay, the crewmen and women detailed to baby care were still fussing over their young charges. Baby Svetlana and Lieutenant McDougal had apparently gotten used to each other by now, since Svetlana was suckling happily on a bottle held in McDougal’s giant hand.
“Captain…” Since McDougal had both hands full, he nodded at Mayhew rather than salute. “…little Svetlana and me have become good friends by now.”
Mayhew smiled. “I see.”
As soon as Misha spotted Svetlana, he let go off Mayhew’s hand and padded over to Lieutenant McDougal to see hello to her. He whispered something in his own language and touched the baby’s hand in what was apparently supposed to be a sort of handshake. In response, Svetlana curled her little hand around Misha’s finger, very much to his delight.
“And of
