Labor pains

Mari winced suddenly and hunched over, wrapping her arms around her swollen abdomen. Her breathing turned to a series of labored gasps. After a few seconds, she had recovered her breath and said "Seeds almost ready. Mari go to delivery area now." She slowly started walking down the hall, but with visible difficulty.

"Here, let me help," you offered, and you nuzzled your way under Mari's left arm to help steady her. You held her left arm with your left hand, while your right arm wrapped around her back with the hand placed beside her impregnated belly. "Which way?"

"Delivery area next to...dining hall," Mari panted. The pause in her words aligned with the start of an unmistakable contraction which you felt shudder through her for several seconds. When it finally eased, she continued forward. Before you reached the location, she experienced a couple more. The close timing and duration suggested there wasn't much time left.

You finally reached the door which was the last one on the right side of the hallway. Beyond that, the hallway ended, opening into the dining area. Mari motioned with her hand and the door opened, revealing a small room. It included a chair with a design that reminded you of the tables in the medical bay. In front of it was a round shallow tub-shaped depression in the floor filled with a foamy clear liquid, that looked almost like soap. At the opposite end of the tub was a short cylindrical device that appeared to have wheels, a hose and a mechanical grip.

"Welcome, Mari." said the short device in a strangely peppy female-sounding voice. "Are you ready for your next delivery?" it asked.

"Yes," responded Mari, as she moved to the chair.

As you helped ease her into the seat, the robot said, "I have no record of second occupant. Please identify."

"My name is Sky," you replied. "I helped Mari get here. I wanted to make sure she was OK."

After a short pause, the robot responded, "Vital signs for Mari are within normal range. Delivery is imminent. You may leave."