Tombstone Estate

[Midori]

The recent ion storms throughout Sirius had grounded ships everywhere and for the past several days on Gran Canaria, the rains arrived. On this day, Midori found herself, well, almost alone in her home as most of the staff was off for the day. One guard remained in a nearby office. Midori wasn't allowed to be alone at this point of her pregnancy so someone was always on staff. Her husband was at Canaria Hospital for this day.
No longer could she wear the kimono gowns that she so loved and had become famous for. Dressed in a silk robe, she brought a small service of tea to a table near a window that looked out to the distant mountains. Sitting down, she poured a cup for herself. Resting one arm over her stomach, she used the other to drink as she looked out into the dark, rainy day. As she stared, she heard a voice behind her.

"Konnichiwa, Shisuta," someone said in a soft voice. Confused, she turned to find a man dressed in a Kusari Navy uniform with his hat in his hand. He stood with a smile at the site of his sister. She set her cup down and slowly stood up with a look of confusion in her face.
"Kentaro?" she asked as she looked at him, one hand on the table and the other over her stomach. The man just smiled and nodded.
A tear fell down her face as she looked in shock, "But....but...."
He stepped to her and placed a hand on her shoulder, "In you, Shisuta, I live. I always have."
She raised the arm from her stomach and extended her hand to his face. She then touched it and when she felt skin, she began to cry.
"Kentaro, it is you," she said through her tears.
"Hai," he said.
She then placed her hands on his shoulders and as best she could, she hugged her brother.

After a brief embrace, they sat at the windowside table enjoying a cup of the tea she had prepared.
"I never thought I see you again," she said, her face still damp, "we heard you were killed in the Taus."
"Hai," he answered, "I was."
She went to answer but was silenced by her brother.
"I have been with you for some time, Shisuta. I live in your garden and I have watched over you and your husband. I will continue to do so as I watch over my niece as well."
He then smiled as he took a sip of his tea.
She weakly smiled, "A niece we have not named yet," as she took a look at the mound beneath her robe. He just looked at her with a smile, "you will."

There was a moment of silence before she sought his approval, "Is John not wonderful?"
Kentaro nodded, "Hai. He is a man of honor but he hurts. I feel his pain, his confusion. I have seen his mind and most, including himself, find what he knows and feels to be unbelievable or unattainable. He expects much of himself, too much in fact."

He sipped his tea, "Shisuta, you married well. You have changed him for the better."
She smiled, greaful for his approval, "Thank you, Kentaro. It mean much, this approval, cominf from you."
He then put the cup down and stood up, "Shisuta, I must go but I am never far." He motioned to the garden outside. "There you will find me."
He then stepped toward her and placed a finger in her chest just over her heart, "You find me there too."

As he turned to leave, she stood and stopped him, "Kentaro Sato, I miss you and I love you." He smiled at her, "And I you, Shisuta. For now, Sayonara." Walking to the door, he got about half way to it before he just faded away. She could only watch and cry. As she did, the guard came to her. Confused, he offered her a handkerchief.

"Is.....everything all right?" he asked her.
She just smiled, "Hai. Never better. I be OK."
"I will not be far if you need me," he said and returned to his office.

With that, she sat down and poured another cup of tea. She rested her arm back over her stomach and watched into the Canarian rains as she sipped.

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Married to Ambassador John Henry "Doc" Holliday