I DO NOT OWN Stargate Universe
Chapter 25 – Cloverdale
It was only two days after the seed ship incident and the crew was settled back into their regular routine. The ship hadn't dialled any new planets and the crew now had enough food stored from their gardens in the stasis locker to allow a less severe rationing system. So far Claire's program had yet to detect any mysterious commands so she decided to wait and see.
The previous days had been tiring as they discovered that Chloe had been infected with some kind of alien pathogen by the blue aliens. All the tests for the virus in Rush and Claire had turned up negative and Rush had tried to treat it with the use of the Interface chair, whether or not this had work was yet to be seen, Claire was planning to use the Healing bed to destroy the infection if this failed . Eli's mother had come to Destiny so after Wray had convinced their superiors to allow it so he could convince his mother to continue her HIV treatments.
But right now on Destiny it was quiet, the whole crew was unconscious, not asleep unconscious. People lay on the floor, draped over tables or consoles all out cold but all their minds had become linked together and were all sharing the same dream
Dream world….Cloverdale
On the bus coming into town, two passengers still in marine uniform say. The lieutenant called Matthew Young and the Sergeant Ronald Greer. Matt looked out of the window to see the houses around them, he said to his best friend without looking feeling excited
"We're coming into town"
Greer looked around to see the houses out of the windows of the bus and asked
"How can you tell?"
"Hey it beats the hell out of our digs in Kandahar don't it" Matt feeling happier to be back home. They both laughed before Greer said
"I wouldn't miss it for the world brother"
"Well I appreciate it. I do" Matt said happy that his friend was here with him for the biggest day of his life. They were interrupted when the driver called out
"Cloverdale" and both men went to get up. They grabbed their bags and waited for the bus to stop before getting off into the largely deserted street. Matt looked around and said
"Damn I thought my dad might have been here" and he thought about how he was going to get to his house when the bus pulled away revealing Everett Young with Eli Wallace next to a small red jeep on the other side of the street. Matt turned around and saw them now that his view was unobstructed he said happily moving to cross the street to join them
"There they are. Hey guys" and as he moved quickly into the road before anyone to shout out a warning a car screeched as its brakes applied but not fast enough to stop the vehicle which slammed into Matt sending him to the ground. They all rushed over but thankfully the hit had been minor and Matt was only a little bruised and dazed. Everett, his father leaded over him and called out to bring him back to his senses
"Matthew, Matthew. What the hell is the matter with you?" but still dazed Matt couldn't answer back just yet
"Sorry" the driver of the car said as he got out. Adrian Brody, owner of the local bar came over to see if everything was alright "I'm sorry he just ran out in front of me"
Matt finally stopped seeing double and managed to answer back
"No, I'm fine, I'm fine, I'm fine" Matt said and Brody breathed a sigh of relief before saying
"Thank god" and Brody, Greer and Everett helped Matt to his feet while told him
"Lucky for you" and Matt said
"No I was just being stupid" and Eli handed Matt his hat
Everett reassured Brody "Don't worry Mr Brody at this age they bounce. Are we still on for the" Everett said not wanting to say more within ear shot of Matt and Brody told him
"Of course, of course"
Everett told Eli, Matt and Greer "Hey we're taking up the whole road here guys" as Brody got back in his car and Everett moved out of the road while Eli told Matt
"Hey if you guys end up with any insurance issues I've got the whole thing here on tape" gesturing to his camera before Matt said jokingly
"I kind of wish you didn't Eli" before they all moved over to the jeep and out of the road when Everett took notice of Greer
"So you must be Ronald" before Matt introduced him
"Oh, dad sorry, this is Ron he's going to be my best man"
Greer shook Everett's hand when it was offered saying "Pleasure to meet you sir"
Everett waved off the formality "You call me Everett, your family now, and this is Chloe's brother Eli" he added introducing the brother of the bride who shook Greer's hand. They loaded up the car and all made their way back to Everett's house where they were welcomed by a young blonde woman holding a baby Everett introduced them to Greer
"Ronald this is Tamara the town doctor and my wife and our new daughter Carman" he said
Tamara smiled at them, the baby cooing her arms before saying "Hi" Matt felt uncomfortable given that his stepmother was younger than he was but seeing how happy his dad was he waved his doubts aside and greeted her with a friendly kiss on the cheek before his dad gave him a big hug
"Welcome home son" before they were interrupted by a voice from the stairs
"Hello stranger" and Matt looked over to see his sister Katy Young standing at the banister before walking over to give him a hug of her own before he introduced her to Greer
"Hey Ron this is my sister Kathy, she's a pilot and does a lot of crop dusting for all the local farms around here"
"Pleasure" Ron said shaking Kathy's hand before Matt turned to his father and asked
"Is she coming or couldn't she make it?"
"Are you kidding she wouldn't miss it for the world" Everett told him and just as he said it there was a rumble of a motorcycle engine outside pulling up, Matt and Greer peered through the front room window to see a black motorbike pull up. The rider got off her ride before taking off her helmet revealing the vibrant red hair that Matt knew so well. Greer could only look at the leather clad woman as she walked up the drive way and into the house
"Matt good to see you" the biker chick said before pulling him into a tight hug before Matt pulled away to introduce her to Greer
"Ron this is my other sister Claire down from Chicago where she works for this big research firm"
"So you must be Ronald Greer, thanks for keeping my idiot brother alive out there" Claire said warmly to Greer who shook her hand
"So Ronald make yourself at home, let me grab that. You're in Claire's old room and Claire you're sharing with Kathy" Everett said taking their bags off them so they could all sit down while they waited for Chloe while Everett got them beers from the fridge
"So what's the plan?" Matt asked excited
"I say…You get married, you start a family, you grow old, and you die happy" Everett said as he handed the beers out before they all took a swig
"Okay well, I thought you guys might uh" Matt started to say when his dad asked him
"What?"
"I don't know throw a party or something?" Matt said hopefully when they were interrupted by a knock at the door and Everett shouted for them to come in. An Asian woman in her early thirties entered wearing a shirt and jeans
"I heard the local boy was back in town" she said with a smile on her face
"Ron this Camille Wray the major of this fair town but who lives with us normal folk" Everett said offering her a beer which she took and punched her long time neighbour on the shoulder
"Don't listen to him, I'm just an ordinary woman doing her bit for the town" she said opening the bottle and took a swig "It's good to see you Matt" she said to him before there was the sound of the door opening and in walked the bride to be, Chloe Wallace. At the sight of her Matt got up and walked over to her before taking her in his arms and kissing her deeply
"Oh, I'm so sorry I couldn't be there to meet you" Chloe said after they broke their kiss "The train was too long after I changed my shoes"
"Okay" Matt said before kissing her again
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That evening Matt and Chloe went out to see a movie at the local cinema while the rest of them planned Matt's bachelor party and Chloe's hen party. Val the local babysitter had agreed to watch Carman while they all went to the party
While Matt was at Brody's with his friends getting drunk and having a good time Greer especially with the local school teacher Lisa Park, Chloe was enjoying herself with all her friends as they watched the stripper doing his act. After he was finished Claire said to Chloe
"I'm glad to have you as part of the family" before Kathy added
"You bet"
"Thanks guys" Chloe said deeply touched at her two future sisters in law welcoming her so warmly
"Hey less serious guys this is Chloe's last night of freedom so let's have some fun" Vanessa said, she would have been waitressing at Brody's if Chloe hadn't invited her out. And they all got up and not a little bit drunk got up to get back to the dance floor
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Not allowed to drive on their own, Chloe, Claire, Kathy, Tamara and Vanessa all got a lift back to Everett's with Vanessa crashing with Claire and Kathy for the night. Just as they arrived Sheriff Telford and his deputy Varro dropped off the very drunk Matt, Everett, Eli and Greer.
When they woke up in the morning they all had a hangover but Claire and Kathy went to work in the kitchen after waving Vanessa off after her boyfriend Varro picked her up. They cooked a big breakfast for everyone who all in varying states of dress all drifted into the living room
"Okay everyone eat up" Claire said as she handed out cups of much needed coffee
"Thanks" Matt said as Kathy passed him a second cup "Today we get the suits, don't want to be hung over for that"
"Good thinking" Eli said as he nursed his head.
Once they had all eaten they split up to finish all the preparations for the wedding, Claire and Kathy were going with Chloe to meet up with Vanessa to get their bridesmaids dresses for the wedding
"Do I have to wear this?" Claire said to Chloe, indicating the simple green satin dress that Chloe had chosen. It was form fitting skimming all of Claire's, Kathy's and Vanessa's curves.
"Claire it's my wedding" Chloe said anxiously before Claire said reluctantly
"Alright but just for you"
Chloe smiled as the tailors, Mrs Todd and her assistant Selene Howard put the finishing touches before turning to them and saying "Their perfect"
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After Matt had gone to get his suit fitted, he had gone to see the town's Justice of the Peace, Nicolas Rush. Matt pressed the intercom outside the office and Rush's voice answered
"Hello"
"Hi, I'm Matthew Young. You're marrying me tonight" Matt said backtracking when he realised what he had said "I mean me and my girlfriend"
"I wasn't confused, come one in" Rush said on the other side of the intercom and the door clicked open, allowing Matt to enter. The young man walked into Rush's office who was sitting at his desk
"So, uh, I guess we just want to go for the usual" as Matt sat down across from Rush
"The usual" Rush said looking at Matt with disbelief
"Wedding vows. You know dearly beloved…" Matt clarified but Rush interrupted him
"I know what wedding vows are"
Both gave an uneasy laugh before Matt said
"Look I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm not all here today" he admitted
"So" Rush said "To what do we owe this, uh partial presence? Are you having doubts about what you're entering into?"
Matt looked startled "What about marrying Chloe? No, I love her, I'm just a little…hung-over"
"Like father, like son" Rush remarked
Matt instantly jumped to his dad's defence "My dad is a great man" before continuing on "Well we err, talked about it me and Chloe and we decided just to go with regular vows they're all good"
Rush clapped his hands "Traditional vows it is" before putting his feet on the desk considering the meeting over
Matt got up to leave but nervously turned around and asked "Is that it, isn't there anything else to talk about?"
"I don't know is there?" Rush asked looking up
"I'm scared" Matt admitted "About everything; the wedding, settling down, having a family all of it"
"Well you know. I'm not a great man Matthew" Rush told him "But I can tell you, that fear well it's just one of those things in this world, that proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are truly alive. And that I can tell you that you are alive until your dead"
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Later on in the rented hall, all the decorations were up and Everett was welcoming everyone in, just like David Telford his friend
"David glad you could make it" Everett said welcoming the sheriff in with a hug
"Wouldn't have missed it" David told him "How's your boy doing?"
"Oh, he's fantastic" Everett said "You know white as the plastic man on the cake but that's just nerves" he added and they gave a small laugh before David went to sit and Eli and his girlfriend Ginn arrived
In the room off to the side, Matt was pacing as the big moment grew closer, Greer smiled at his friend's antics
"You'll wear out those flashy new shoes of yours if you don't slowdown" Greer told him before Matt finally stopped pacing and told his friend in a frenzied voice
"I just can't stop thinking about it man. I mean what if I screw up, what if I faint?" and would have continued rambling if Greer hadn't grabbed him by the arm and said
"Hey that's crazy talking, now you listen you're going to be fine"
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When Matt had taken a few calming breathes he and Greer stepped out to the altar and waited for the bride to appear. His dad watched from the front row with Tamara and baby Carman, Ginn stood at the side with Eli's camera capturing every moment on film. Camille and David sat on the other side of Everett smiling at him when Riley the church organist started playing 'Here comes the bride'
The entire hall all looked at the other end of the church hall where Chloe clad in the most beautiful white dress it took Matt's breath away started with Eli holding her arm making her way down the aisle. The corset was outlining her slim waist and the satin skirt fell to her feet trailing behind her a short way where her bridesmaids walked behind. The veil was thin and pulled back showing her face
Matt was speechless till she arrived at the altar and he took her hand before staring into her eyes
"Dearly beloved" Rush started "We are gathered here today in the face of this company to join this man and this woman in matrimony. It is not to be entered into lightly but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly"
Rush continued "Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy and for their health and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity. Through this union, Matthew and Chloe make a commitment to embrace their dreams, realize their hopes and too accept each other's failings"
"We are here today to witness this occasion that marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this man and this woman begin their life together. If any person should know of any reason why they may not be joined together, then let them speak now or forever hold their peace"
After a brief silence Rush continued turning to Matt "Do you Matthew, take Chloe to be your wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honour and keep her in sickness and in health?"
"I do" Matt said without hesitation, his doubts suddenly vanishing
Rush then turned to Chloe "Do you Chloe, take Matthew to be your husband. To love, honour and keep in sickness and in health?"
"I do" she answered
"Then in the name of the power vested in me I pronounce you man and wife, for as long as you both may live. You may kiss the bride" Rush announced and with even blinking Matt pressed his lips against Chloe's before the world dissolves around them
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Back on Destiny, the entire crew started waking up from whatever position they were in and all groaned from the massive headache they all seemed to nursing. Before long they realised something had happened; that they had all fallen asleep at the same time and all had had the same dream. Colonel Scott called together the senior staff to discuss it
"Well I'd like an explanation if there is one" he said to those gathered
"We all had the same dream didn't we? About Cloverdale, Lieutenant Scott and Chloe's wedding?" Major Todd asked
"Yes I've spoken to twenty different people and they all confirm they had the same dream" Camille added
"Well clearly an outside force influenced our dreams and linked us together so we could share the experience" Rush said
"What could do that?" Eli asked "I don't like the thought of someone being in my dreams"
"What have you been dreaming about?" Greer asked and Eli went bright red causing them all to laugh before Claire suggested
"Some kind of mental interface perhaps. Perhaps the ship itself"
They all turned to her in shock so she explained herself
"Well there are no unusual phenomena in the local area so the only suspect is the ship itself. It has an AI with capabilities that we don't yet fully understand. Maybe it can induce a low level telepathic field to join our minds together while we are asleep and guide our dreams"
"How can a computer mess with our heads and why would it do it?" Young asked
Claire speculated "To learn about us perhaps. The ship does realise we are here, stops to planets have only happened since we have arrived"
"Well can we stop it happening again?" Major Todd asked
"Until we gain control of the ship, probably not" Claire told them
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Rush on the bridge later after meeting confirmed Claire's suspicions
"So you are testing us" he said to the ship "But why something like Cloverdale?"
"Perhaps to learn the crew's habits" a voice sounded to his right and he saw the image of his deceased wife sitting there "About their inner doubts and what make them tick?"
"So to do it, it infiltrates our dreams and puts us all in a Midwestern town" Rush said sarcastically but Gloria wasn't done yet
"Points to Claire though, she figured it out. Maybe she'll figure you out"
"Unlikely" Rush said
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I have to admit, I thought about writing Matt and Chloe waking up with wedding rings on but maybe that would be going too far