Soval had been meditating for four weeks at an end. Well, all the hours he hadn't been on duty. It was showing now, and the command crew was getting concerned.

"Worf, any idea what's up?" Kira asked one day, after the half-Bajoran had been particularly sloppy with his coding.

"He will not tell me." Worf replied.

The Major crossed her arms and looked at the ground. "I'll ask if Captain Sisko can make it an order to go see Doctor Bashir and Doctor Sayal. This shit is interfering with his duties, we can't have that here while we're still at war."

"I understand."

*//*

The Lieutenant in particular had been running tests ever since he'd felt unwell in the mornings before his duties. He didn't know how and what he should do.

All tests had returned postitive.

"Don't you think you should tell your husband about this?" Sayal asked, raising an eyebrow at his brother. "He does have the right to know."

Soval sighed as he placed his head in his right arm, elbow on his desk. "I am afraid, Sayal. It is so soon, too soon for my liking."

The medical officer sighed. "So what that the child you're having is Omaruu? Worf's not going to love it less because the kid needs affection."

"You forget we are talking about Klingons here." the Command officer pointed out. "They would never accept a child that would be too weak in their eyes."

"Just tell Worf. We'll worry about Klingon society later down the line."

*//*

Worf found his husband surrounded by Vulcan meditation candles, but he was not meditating. "What is on your mind?"

"I... discovered something that quite unsettled and worried me." the half-Bajoran replied as he slowly stood up. "It would have been joyous, had you been no Klingon."

At that, the former security officer frowned. "What do you mean by that."

"I am pregnant. Do not say anything yet." the Lieutenant said as he saw his husband's mouth open again. "The thing is... our child is Omaruu."

"I am confused." the Klingon said.

Soval threw a book at him, which Worf barely catched before it hit his face. "Read it and you will understand."

That was all that was said before the smaller man stalked out of their shared quarters.

The tall male looked at the book. It was an old book, pages turning brown from age and bound together by light grey reptilian hide. The title was written in a violent purple shade that said: 'An Explanation of Hatorian Differences for Dummies – written by Lady Tailania Kir, translated by Lady Illnoira Kirk.'

*//*

"So, what was it?" the Major asked as she found her best friend's husband in the back of Quark's bar reading an old book.

"Apparently, Soval is pregnant." the Klingon said, his eyes still on the words.

Nerys looked away for a moment before smiling widely. "Isn't that something to be happy about? Why aren't you two making it known to the command crew?"

Worf placed the book on the table, turning it to the woman. "Read what stands beneath the word 'Omaruu'."

Kira took the book from him and read the passage.

****

'The Omaruu is a male Hatorian with the capability to carry children. A good 33% of the entire Hatorian population has this defining second gender. When they are young, Omaruu children need a lot of affection from their carriers, female and Omaruu family members to stabilize their emotions. Their growth is slow, caused by the fact that their brains grow much faster than their physique. Omaruu are smaller, usually not becoming taller then 5 feet and 5 inch. Traditionally, their warrior fathers are not involved in their childhoods due to the fact that they lack the emotion to care. Omaruu children are incapable of ever becoming fighters in the physical way unless they are defined as Ohariu, the combination between an Omaruu and an Aharii. Usually, they do not have enough muscle mass to stop the blows of weapons. Their most likely careers will be Engineer, scientist, tactican, writer, artist, Ambassador or politician.'

****

"Uh... I'm not quite sure what to think of this." the Bajoran said, still confused.

"I was also confused when I first read it, but then I remembered Soval's words that it would have been a joyous occasion hadn't I been Klingon."

The man's words sank in slowly. "Oh. Your people's traditions... you're a warrior society."

"I myself do not care about this, but I know Sirella will. No weakling should be born to a Great House."

It hurt the Major to see the usually so stoick Klingon eat himself up on the inside. "Are you thinking about aborting the child?"

Worf shook his head. "Never. Any child I will have I will cherish and protect. If I must, I will send this child to Soval's parents to keep it out of Sirella's grasp."

"You should tell Soval that, I'm sure he appreciates you caring about the kid like that."

*//*

The half-Bajoran was already in their bed when the Klingon came back, holding the book underneath his right arm.

"You are my spouse, the one I have sworn to protect. And with just as much fire, I shall protect this child from harm, even if it means to send it to your parents."

Soval smiled. "Thank you."

"You will always have my undying support."

*//*

Sisko raised an eyebrow. "Soval was pregnant? Well, that explains his moods. But why deprive yourself of a good night rest?"

He was walking with his girlfriend, Thalassa, through the corridors of the Habitat Ring.

"This child has turned out to be incapable of becoming a warrior, thus unworthy in Klingon society." the half-Klingon replied. "It would mean shame to the House of Martok were it ever discovered by the Council. Soval was thinking about what it could mean to Worf's new family, especially since Sirella initially disproved of him marrying into her House."

"So... if Worf had been human, nothing would've been the problem?" the Captain asked.

"Essentially, had Worf not been from a warrior culture with exception of the Hatorians, this problem wouldn't exist."

"What are you guys going to do?"

"We don't yet know, but there will be a plan soon."

*//*

"To be fair, I am glad I have not yet returned to Earth." the Fleet Admiral said.

Soval smiled, leaning into his father's arms. Although he was no longer a small child, the embrace of his father still gave him that content feeling he'd always felt when wrapped in the strong arms.

Alenis was sitting beside them, a single tear dropping from the corner of her eye. The Prophets had been kind to their family for the last years, and again they were shining a new light on her children. "I will visit a monestary on Bajor tomorrow. Will you be joining me?"

"Sure, maybe Nerys wants to join in too."

"Yougo ask her."    

*//*

"This monastery contains the Orb of Prophecy & Change, it is the one I consulted after I spoke to Kai Opaka in the days Soval's father was here on Bajor." the woman dressed in dark yellow told as they entered the surrounding gardens. "I have memories here, happy ones especially. I'm glad I don't have any memories of misery here, unlike other people of my family. The Prophets haven't always been kind to the Meressa family."

"Any idea why that was?" Kira asked, walking beside the older Bajoran.

"I believe it was due to far too strict following protocols and the d'jarra. The Light now shines on my children, I did what the Fates asked me to."

Suddenly, a male voice called out: "Nerys!"

The red haired woman turned towards the voice. "Antos? What are you doing here?"

"I have been placed in this monestary, to guard the Orb. How are you doing up there?" the black haired Vedek asked, a wide smile on his face.

"All is going just fine. I was escorting Mrs. Meressa and her son to the Orb."

The man in red looked at the blonde woman. "Have you come here with a purpose?"

Alenis nodded. "My son and his partner are expecting a child, they wish to know if this child will mean good fortune or not, since their wedding was only a few months ago. I also wish to consult the Prophets on something regarding my stepdaughter."

"I'm sure we can fit that in. Many people have the wish to consult the orbs these days." Bareil Antos said with a genuine smile.

"I can understand, we live in troubled times now. The Prophets give us solace in these times of need."

"Exactly. Please, come inside."

*//*

The rooms were filled with people waiting to consult the orb. These people were from all ranks and provinces from Bajor.

The three of them sat down on one of the benches that was unoccupied, right in front of a mother who struggled with her five children to get by.

The six of them were all underfed and dressed in rags.

"Are many people poor like that?" Meressa whispered.

"Sadly enough. The government raises many taxes to rebuilt important structures and fund the farmers. Though, I suspect that there are a few corrupt people in various positions, it shouldn't go that slow." the Major told.

Suddenly, there was a yelling from the corridor.

Soval and Nerys looked at each other before hurrying into the hallway, the older Bajoran woman slowly following afterwards.

"I demand you let me go before that couple of tramps! Don't you know who I am?" an officer of the Bajoran Militia yelled at a pair of young Ranjens.

"Colonel, please calm down." the female Ranjen tried. "We're giving everyone a chance to consult with the prophets."

"Have you forgotten the place? They are nothing compared to me!"

Before either of the young Bajorans could speak, Alenis was clearing her throat and standing before her son and the red haired Major. "Colonel Day, I suppose."

Everyone in the hallway was silent, waiting for the man's reaction.

"Who is it that dares to speak to me?" he asked, turning around with an wrathful face.

"I am Meressa Alenis, a woman of Fate." she spoke. "How about you, Colonel Day?"

"So you know my name. Then why speak against me?"

The blonde Bajoran lifted her head. "Because I don't agree with you and the Alliance for Global Unity. You shitty assholes are crazy to believe your ideals."

"You only believe such because you're that alien's whore."

The Starfleet Lieutenant's eyes flared amber after he said: "Do not insult my mother."

The man in grey uniform huffed. "Why should I be scared of you? You're only a child!"

Suddenly, a strong wind blew through the hallway.

It felt like a breeze to most people, but the full force was directed at only the Colonel.

The man was thrown sideways against the walls, his skull nearly cracking at the impact.

That was also the moment the command officer almost collapsed, eyes glowing amber a second time.

"Are you alright?" Kira asked, catching her fellow officer before he could fall.

"I believe I had an out of body experience for several seconds." Soval replied.

"What did you see?" the male Ranjen asked.

The Lieutenant thought for a moment. "At first, I saw a flashing white light. Then... I saw a human woman, Afro-American, laughing into a camera holding a child. She wore a necklace, ancient Bajoran script saying: Orb of the Emissary. Then I was back."

"Are you sure it was 'Orb of the Emissary'?" Nerys asked.

"A voice said it to me, a feminine voice."

The Vedek of the monistary, Bareil Antos, had also heard it and approached the three of them. "The Prophets sent you a message without the need of an Orb. You are being guided towards the Emissary."

"I work with Captain Sisko on a daily basis, why am I suddenly being guided towards him?" the command officer asked, raising a slanted eyebrow. "I do not understand."

"You will, one day. Shall I bring you to the Orb?"

"Please, let them go first." Soval gestured to the couple behind the Ranjens.

The two of them smiled brightly. "Thank you." the woman said.

"I believe you need the consultance more than I do. Our matters are not that pressing."

The dark haired Vedek nodded. "Of course. Please follow me, Mr. and Mrs. Imutta."

*//*

Alenis let her son go first once it was their turn, a Bajoran woman who witnessed the scene had insisted they'd go before her.

So, now Soval sat before the Orb of Prophecy and Change. He closed his eyes and let the light surround him as he entered the Realm of the Prophets.

Corporally, they appeared like the people he knew to communicate easily with him.

"Soval, son of Christian, you have finally come to us." one spoke, this one appearing as his friend Nerys. "We have been waiting for you for quite some time."

"I was unaware." the half-Bajoran commented.

A second Prophet, this one inhabiting the body of his older sister Thalassa, pointed to his belly. "Your child has been chosen by us all to become the Light after the Darkness."

Another one, having taken Bashir's form, continued. "Your family will experience hardship before Light shall once again shine on them."

The Lieutenant placed his right hand on his stomach. He wasn't showing yet, but he felt the life growing inside of him. "He was fated then?"

A fourth Prophet, appearing as Dax, nodded. "You and the man who is Worf are honorable men, we all felt you deserved the son you are having."

"Then I thank you, for your gift." Soval said. "I have two more things I wish to ask."

"About your sister, and the Sisko." the third Prophet stated, earning a nod from the man they were circled around. "They are fated, but the Sisko has a certain path to fulfil, causing the corporals he leaves behind pain."

"The other was your vision." the second Prophet stated. "Tell the Sisko what you saw, it is part of his destiny."

"Thank you, for your clearance." the half-Bajoran said before he pulled out of the Realm to return back to his corporal form. And he closed the casing before standing up, going back to his mother and Nerys.

"And?" his mother asked.

"The child was fated to be. As for my sister, she will be together with him."

Lady Meressa smiled, tension falling from her shoulders. "I somehow already knew. Let's tell the rest of the family about it!"

Seeing his mother this happy made the young man shut up about the bad shit that would be upon their family in the near future. He could only hope it wasn't that grave.

"Will you be going back with us, Nerys?" the woman in the yellow-gold gown asked.

The redhead shook her head. "I have something I wish to ask the Prophets as well. You go and share the news with everyone."

"Alright then, we'll see you later." and the two blondes left the monistary, catching a transport to the space station to tell the entire family the news.

*//*

Meanwhile, Kira Nerys sat down in front of the Orb before opening the casket, letting the light take her over.

She stood on Deep Space Nine, in the doorway of the Bajoran Shrine on the station. Before her was a path, the people she knew on each side of it. The fabric she wore was soft on her skin, covering most of her arms and felt wrapped around her chest and waist. Kai Winn stood in the front on a small stage, traditional candles on each side of her. Her expression wasn't a happy one, but she seemed to tolerate the situation.

Someone took her left arm, and she turned to look. Only to find Soval smiling at her. He was dressed in official Bajoran robes with small hits towards his Hatorian and Vulcan heritage, if she read the symbols right.

Suddenly, the vision hit the Major like a truck.

*//*

Any family not at the station received a message in their personal boxes, with exception of Ammarine and T'Luna since they were missing for two years now.

Captain James Nero Kirk, previously known as S'Talagus, was smiling as he saw the message. "So my little brother is having a child himself."

"What were you saying?" his wife, T'Dess, asked as she entered the room. Although she didn't have an official assignment on the USS Akyazi other than being his wife, she was the unofficial Chief Science Officer.

"My brother Soval, the one who recently married Commander Worf, is pregnant. The kid's growing up!" the half-Romulan was smiling at his computer screen.

The Vulcan woman placed her hand on his shoulder. "I shall inform Azeraik and his wife of the new addition to our family."

*//*

Corporal Helio Kirk wasn't having a good day. Most of the current training staff was incapable of handeling foreign weapons, mainly the weapons he'd grown up with to recognize and use. His father was a man who believed in enriching the mind about new techniques rather then sticking to one thing only.

This was until he received the message that his little half-brother Soval was pregnant.

"Well, at lease something good happened today!"

*//*

Anastasia Amanda Kirk was the first non-Vulcan raised to enter the Vulcan Science Academy and finish it with the highest possible scores in her chosen fields of science. She had always prided herself in the fact that she wasn't raised a hypocrite or a bashful person, she was no bully and neither did she approve of such actions.

Her chosen fields, various natural sciences and environmental biotechnology, were also taught at Starfleet Academy to the science cadets. Thus after the VSA, she took up a teaching position in physical sciences and mathematics at the Academy.

As she was scrolling through her messages of that day, she found one from one of her siblings who had been stationed on Deep Space Nine after that encounter with the Maquis.

"Huh... a wedding just months ago and now a baby? The family is getting bigger and weirder every generation."

*//*

"Good news!" Bashir called out as he banged into Ops. "The kid's as healthy as an entire field of crops uneaten by insects!"

Worf wasn't a fan of the colorful language used by the Doctor, but he was happy that his child was safe inside his husband.

Soval was smiling. "Any ideas when I'll be due?"

Julian checked his PADD. "Well, considering the baby's half-Klingon and the uncertainty of Hatorian pregnancies... I'd say in about twenty to twenty-five weeks, depending on how fast the kid's growing."

"Thank you for your notification Doctor." the Klingon said.

"Are you going to inform your family of the pregnancy?" Jadzia asked.

"My father-in-law is planning something at the moment. He will notify them once he has worked it out."

*//*

Martok was over the moon when he heard Worf was going to have a child with his husband. He let his entire family come over from Kronos to DS9 to pay the happy couple a visit, though he wondered why it was Fleet Admiral Kirk who'd send the notification.

"Supreme Commander Martok, I thank you and your family for coming." the Admiral said as the group of Klingons entered the room.

"Brother!" Kurn called out. "Congratulations! The House of Mogh continues its glory!"

The oldest Kirk male in the room made a motion with his hand to calm the enthousiastic Klingon male. "We are all glad to hear that, but we are quite sorry that we have to inform you of a certain complication that we found during the prenatal scans."

"What sort of complication?" the one-eyed man asked. He was worried alright, it just didn't show on his face.

"Sadly for your House, this child will never truly be able to become a warrior."

This hit the Head of House like a truck. "What is wrong?"

"I will explain it to you in another room. Please follow me." the Admiral's Klingon wife said, leading the Klingons to a side room.

"Is it the result of a disease?" Kurn asked once the door was closed behind them.

"No. It is caused by Hatorian myths." the graceful woman replied.

Sirella huffed. "I knew I shouldn't have allowed them to marry."

"Sirella, please." the Commander said, but the prideful woman turned away.

"I will not let this House go down with dishonor! Drex, Tesa, Kell, we go!"

The three others watched them leave.

Martok sighed. "I'm sorry. Sirella is far to prideful of Klingon values to accept things like this. You were saying?"

"There are certain legends that say that a male child of someone with Hatorian blood chooses its own defining secondary gender."

Worf's brother shook his head. "You lost me there. Hatorians have a secondary gender?"

Lady Wiv nodded. "It can be compared to the human concept of Alpha and Omega. The Alphas are strong, fighting with brutal power. On the opposite, Omega are smart, witty and primary caretakers of any children they might have."

"So... the child's going to be the latter?" Kurn asked.

The woman nodded. "I'm afraid so."

The firstborn son of Mogh thought for a moment. "Well, considering most Klingons are as stupid as a targ, no offense Martok, I believe the child to be welcome in my house."

"I'm sure your brother will be glad to hear that you said that."

*//*

At least Kurn accepted the child, that was one thing, but he knew from the look Lady Sirella had shot at them that the baby wouldn't be welcomed in the House of Martok.

"Call me when the kid's born, I'll bring a present with me. I promise it won't be a bat'leth!" his brother had shouted before leaving for Kronos, back to the chambers of the Council.

"At least your brother is acceptive of it." Soval said as he folded their freshly washed uniforms perfectly.

"He is acceptive of many things and sees things differently. According to Lady Wiv, he said the child would be an asset to the Klingon society." Worf told.

"It might be time for Klingons to take a new step in the chain of evolution, thinking with their brain rather than with their swords."

"Do not insult me."

The half-Bajoran smiled. "I insulted pigheads, not forward thinkers."

**////**

TBC