Benton was standing by one of the large forward windows in the Day's End Lounge gazing out at the sparkling stars. His hands were clasped behind his back and he seemed lost in thought. Who knew what deep musings were passing through that unfathomable Kelvan brain of his? Spot was stuck on the ceiling above Benton's head musing his own unfathomable thoughts.
Suddenly, Benton was startled out his reverie by a voice from behind him.
"Hi, Benton. How've you been? Whatcha been up to?"
"Oh. Hello Francesca. Very well, thank you," said Benton, turning to face her. "Well, I recently replicated a new lamp for my cabin."
"Really? A lamp?"
"Yes. It's very good for reading."
"Is that what you do at night?" asked Francesca. "So, what are you reading with this new lamp?"
"Well, I've been reading fiction from late twentieth century Earth."
"Alone?"
Benton opened his mouth to reply, but realized he wasn't quite sure he knew what Francesca was driving at. He was spared getting in any deeper by the timely arrival of Doctor Maruu and a baby. The baby was pointing in his general direction.
As Dana walked up, she said, "Benton, I'd like you to meet the newest member of our crew, T'Lan Lataro."
"Hello T'Lan. Welcome aboard," said Benton to T'Lan, smiling.
"Goo," said T'Lan, wiggling his fingers and reaching out to Benton.
"I think he likes you," said Dana. "Here, you hold him."
"Oh no. I couldn't... I mean, I don't..." stammered a suddenly flustered Benton to the amusement of the Doctor and Ensign Milano, who was still lingering nearby.
Just then, Sitto Lan walked up with a report for Benton, and Benton seized the opportunity. He grabbed Sitto and dragged him between himself and the proffered baby. "Perhaps Sitto would like to hold T'Lan."
Dana had a devilish look in her eye. She said, "That's a great idea! Here you go Sitto. Be careful!" She handed the gurgling T'Lan over to a completely startled Sitto, who took T'Lan purely out of reflex, as he was completely unprepared for this bizarre and unexpected turn of events. Sitto held T'Lan awkwardly over his shoulder, gently but uncomfortably patting him on his little back a few times.
"No, no," said Dana. "Hold him like this." She tried to maneuver T'Lan into a better position.
T'Lan gurgled, hiccuped, then burped nice and loud.
"Oh yuck! Gross!" exclaimed Sitto. T'Lan had thrown up on Sitto's uniform. He looked like he was about to drop T'Lan on the floor. T'Lan started crying. Benton knew Sitto would never actually do such a thing, but he quickly retrieved the baby (just in case). T'Lan stopped crying as soon as Benton picked him up.
"That was interesting," commented Francesca.
"No it's not interesting, it's VOMIT! Get it off me!" exclaimed Sitto. Francesca went off to find a towel for Sitto.
Just then, Spot unstuck himself from the ceiling and plopped down right on top of Sitto's head and stuck there. T'Lan squealed with delight and tried to clap his hands. He made reaching motions toward Spot.
"Benny?" said Sitto.
"Yes?"
"Why is your tribble squatting on my head?"
"Well, I'm not sure Sitto. It could be he's just making sure you don't mistreat baby T'Lan."
"What? The tribble has a thing about family values?"
"Well, most tribbles do," said Benton. He cradled T'Lan in the crook of one arm and plucked Spot from Sitto's head and placed him in T'Lan's eager, outstretched grasp with his free hand. T'Lan giggled and cooed at his new toy. Spot trilled softly. Benton continued his story, "Surely you've heard of stories of tribbles raising children that were abandoned in the wilderness."
"Those are not historical accounts, Benton. Those are holo-movies."
"Myth springs from truth, Sitto. Most half-tribbles form very strong loyalties and will kill to defend them. I know. I've experienced it."
"Oh," said Sitto. Francesca returned with a towel and Sitto began wiping off his shirt.
"Well, I think we've had enough fun," said Dana. She retrieved little T'Lan from Benton's arms. "Let's go, little guy. There's plenty more people to meet."
"Goo."
"Thanks Benton," called Dana as she headed for another clump of people. Francesca went with her. As they withdrew, Benton noticed that Spot was still nestled in T'Lan's embrace. He turned his attention back to the view outside the big window.