Chapter 3
Crais cleared his throat "twins? Two?" Raising an eyebrow, questioningly.
"Well yes, that's the definition of twins" smirking at him.
"Two."
Laughing "yes, two. Are you ok?"
Shaking his head out of his daze "yes. Sorry, it's just come as quite a shock. Two?"
"I know, I'm just trying to process this too." Biting her lip "I have to admit…I'm absolutely bricking it. Twins run in my family; they say it skips a generation. I'm obviously the lucky one." Half grimacing.
Composing himself as he pulled her in enfolding her in his arms "we'll be fine" as he kissed the top of her head. "How long, um, what is the pregnancy cycle for humans?"
"The same as Sebaceans apparently. I'm about 8 weekens along."
Crais smiled, leaning down to kissing her, whispering against her lips "time for us to prepare then." Smiling at her.
Jess smiled back "I love you." As she brushed her nose across his, as he chuckled. "Oh, in other news, I found out that a Command Carrier was destroyed not long ago." Smiling "this might be the right reality."
"I'll get Talyn to gather intelligence. Oh, you'll be glad to know, I believe I've made suitable adjustments to the transponder. We shouldn't have any more, switches."
"Thank god!" Kissing him again.
Jess was in the maintenance bay stretching after a gentle circuit. They had travelled between planets, believing they were in the right reality, having heard of similar stories about a human who destroyed the Command Carrier. They had decided, despite the risks, that they would travel to tormented space to see if they could locate the planet Trilask as they knew Moya would be traveling to Katratzi. Crais was certain with Talyn's additional shielding, tormented space shouldn't cause him any issues.
As she looked down stroking her belly, it was starting to swell. Smiling to herself, it had been 6 weekens since she found out about the pregnancy. She felt Crais was starting to accept their situation, despite him putting on a brave front, she could sense he was anxious. She figured he probably didn't have much knowledge of children, his family life before the Peacekeepers a distant memory. He would have been young when Tauvo had been born. As she turned to leave, stopping as she noticed Crais learning against a bulkhead by the door, his arms folded casually across his chest. "Hey."
He smiled and nodded in response.
"Been watching?" He chuckled. "Seen anything you like?" Smirking at him.
"Most definitely" as he unfolded his arms pushing himself up, slowly walking towards her, wrapping his arms around her waist kissing her neck.
"Don't mind me getting fat?"
"You look fine to me." As he gazed at her, leaning in to steal a kiss when suddenly Talyn's targeting alarm sounded. Pulling back, raising his hand to the transponder.
"What is it?"
"We're being targeted." As he left for command.
"Well, I gathered that! By who?" As she followed him out.
Marching into command "Talyn, stand down, do not engage."
"Crais, what are those?" As she looked out the viewport.
"Self-tracking pulse cannons."
"They've locked onto us?"
"Yes." As he moved to a console searching the data readings.
"Who do they belong to?"
"I believe the nearby planet; it appears to be their first line of defence."
"Well can we communicate to them? Tell them we travel in peace?"
"I'm attempting to open a connection." Just then a Sebacean man in white robes appeared on the communication screen.
"State your purpose Peacekeeper."
Crais clenched his jaw "I assure you, despite appearances we are not Peacekeepers. Scan our vessel."
"We have."
"Then you will see, we are a crew of two occupants. A Peacekeeper vessel would not have such a small crew."
"Your ship has weapons yet it appears Leviathan."
"Yes, Talyn is a hybrid of Leviathan and Peacekeeper technology. However, we are not affiliated to them. His firing mechanism on his main cannon has been disabled."
"Look at the Princess!" Jess suddenly blurted out.
"What?" Crais frowned.
As she ran up to him, looking at the man on the screen "hey!" Looking back up at Crais whispering "the episodes on the royal planet! When Crichton marries the Princess!" Crais nodding as he remembered.
"Did you say Crichton?"
Jess turned to the screen "um, yeah, we're comrades."
The security officer on the screen turned and nodded to someone off screen, suddenly the pulse cannons stood down.
Crais and Jess breathed a sigh of relief in unison.
"Thank you. Would you allow us to gather supplies from your world?"
"Is Crichton with you?"
Jess looked up at Crais who frowned back at her, she turned back to the screen "no, we don't know where he is. Tell me does Princess Katralla reside here."
"Empress Katralla."
"Empress? Has 80 cycles passed already?" Worried that the wormhole had flung them into the future.
"No, Empress Novia perished half a cycle ago during a ground shaker."
"Our condolences." Crais interjected.
The officer nodded "we will allow you visitation, but no weapons" as he ceased communication.
As they exited the pod, they were greeted by armed guards. Crais raised his hands "we are unarmed as requested."
As they were searched to ensure no weapons, satisfied they were unarmed "follow us."
Crais and Jess looked at each other, raising their eyebrows as they followed. Entering a room, a dark-haired man stood with their back to them.
He turned slowly "leave us" ordering the guards. As they marched out.
Jess watched as they left, turning back opening her mouth in shock when she realised the man was Counsellor Tyno.
"You know the human John Crichton?"
Jess nodded.
Tyno looked worried "and what do you know of his visit here?"
"Your secret is safe with us. We did not intend on visiting here, we've not come to disrupt your governance."
"How do you know? Is he informing people of what occurred?"
Jess shook her head, "no, he's been honourable. It doesn't matter how we know, it's a complicated story, but rest assure we will not reveal to anyone that Katralla carries his child."
Tyno sensed he could trust them, although still a bit warry, he nodded and went to leave.
"How long ago did he visit?"
Tyno stopped "about two cycles ago." Turning and leaving.
Crais shrugged his shoulders at Jess "shall we?" As he left the room.
Jess followed "well two cycles, that matches the timeframes up."
As they walked along the corridor Jess cried out as she was grabbed from behind, gasping as a blade was held against her neck.
Crais spun round "no!" Taking a fighting stance as he quickly searched for anything he would use as a weapon.
"Captain Crais? Why are you here? What is your mission?"
Crais glared at her.
Jess recognised the voice "Jenavian?" Groaning as the blade pressed harder against her neck.
"Release her now! That's an order." As he stood tall, slipping easily back into his former commanding role.
Jenavian sighed annoyed as she removed the blade and shoved Jess towards Crais.
Catching her "you alright?"
Jess rubbed her neck "yeah, fine."
Crais smiled at her before returning his gaze to Jenavian "why are you still here? You mission is complete." Playing along with the fact she thought they were Peacekeepers.
Jenavian glared at the two of them sceptical of them both seeing how intimate the acted towards each other. "I remained to ensure the Scarrans did not seek retribution for Cargn's killing." As she stalked up to Crais "why are you here Captain? You know Crichton, I know he's not a Peacekeeper." Seductively eyeing him up seeing if there was a reaction from either one of them.
Jess clenched her jaw, trying to remain focused on the other end of the corridor, standing to attention like a good little Peacekeeper would.
Crais smirked at her, "you cannot be privy to our mission. As far as you are concerned, we are not here." As he turned and marched off "come" ordering Jess.
"Yes, Sir!" as Jess followed.
As they sat in the bar Jess sipping on some fruit juice as Crais opted for something a little stronger. "She cannot live" he declared.
"What do you mean she can't live?"
"If she returns to the Peacekeepers and mentions my name, they will know we survived. They'll surely send another retrieval squad."
"So, what are you suggesting, we assassinate her?"
"It is the only way."
"How does she know you anyway?"
Shaking his head "she probably served on my carrier at some point."
"We can't just kill her Crais. Talyn is pretty unique and recognisable, it's surely only a matter of time before the Peacekeepers get wind of a Leviathan hybrid travelling about."
Crais downed the rest of his drink before banging the cup down on the table in frustration.
A young blonde-haired man sat next to Jess "hi" as he held a small vial up to her smiling expectantly.
Jess laughed, placing a hand on his chest "no thank you" shaking her head "on your way." As he disappointingly walked off.
At the same time a petite female with long flowing blonde hair perched herself next to Crais wrapping an arm around his shoulders, smiling "hi" holding the vial up to him.
Crais pulled away, looking at the vial, taking it from her, holding it up to her shaking his head "no" before placing it on the table.
The female sighed, sulking off before quickly changing her tone as she bumped into the man who propositioned Jess, smiling as they placed a drop of the fluid on their tongue before kissing.
Crais watched as another male started to lurk up towards Jess, standing up, silently challenging the hopeful suitor causing him to nod and continue on his way. Crais sat down with a sigh.
"Mmm, we can't act like a couple in case Jenavian suspects we're not Peacekeepers, but we're going to be propositioned left, right and centre if we don't."
Crais moved round to sit closer to her, "mmm, well, this could be part of our mission for all she knows." Picking up the vial from the table, resting an arm around her shoulders, raising an eyebrow at Jess.
Jess laughed, looking down at her stomach as she rubbed a hand over the little bump "I think it's a bit late to know if we're compatible."
"Don't you want to know if they'll be healthy?" Not quite understanding why she wouldn't want to know.
Jess frowned "well, what if it's not sweet. What if our Children aren't healthy?"
"We can take the appropriate action."
Jess was taken aback, thinking the worst "and what action would that be?"
Crais paused, trying to choose his words carefully "well, it would depend on what…complications surfaced."
Jess glared at him "so what are you suggesting? If they're not perfect we terminate?"
Crais licked his lips "not necessarily."
Raising her voice "not necessarily, so you'd contemplate termination? Jesus Crais, people born with, complications or disabilities can live fulfilled lives."
"I'm not saying they can't, but tell me how many disabilities have you witnessed here?" Jess looked blankly at him, realising she hadn't noticed any. "Our technologies, medicines, development is far more advanced than yours back on Earth. Wouldn't you want to alleviate any suffering?"
"Not being 'perfect' doesn't mean they'll suffer. I'll love our children either way, termination is not an option." Standing to walk off.
Crais stood and grabbed her arm stopping her "Jess!"
"I'm going to the bathroom." Pulling her arm free, storming off pushing through the crowd.
Crais groaned, standing with his hands on his hips, sitting slowly as he saw Jenavian heading towards him.
"Captain. We have something to discuss."
Crais motioned to a seat, inviting her to sit.
"In private."
He smiled "once my officer returns." Motioning again for her to sit. As she did, he reached for a fresh glass pouring her a drink handing it to her. Her hand casually stroking his as took the drink from him, her eyes never leaving his.
"You seem excessively close to her."
Crais leaned back in the chair, placing his elbow on the arm, as he stroked his chin, studying her. "It's necessary for the operation. I'm glad the performance is believable."
Jenavian sipping her drink slowly eyeing him suggestively, as Jess returned looking sombre. Jenavian threw the rest of her drink down her throat, standing and nodding to Crais for him to follow.
Crais stood "we need to discuss some matters. Wait for me here." As he squinted his eyes and nodding to Jess, the side of his mouth twitching, silently requesting she followed.
Jess caught on, nodding "yes Sir" watching them leave before quickly following. Jess hung back, watching as they went into what she presumed was Jenavian's accommodation. Running up, positioning herself behind a wall, before moving up to crouch under a window.
As Crais followed her in he scanned the room for escape routes and potential weapons. "What do you wish to discuss?"
Pouring a drink and offering it to him "now Captain" as she circled him "we don't need to rush straight to business. It's been too long since I had a good Peacekeeper frell."
Crais chuckled "it will be a bit longer for you I'm afraid. I did not come here for recreation." As he took a small sip, suspecting she had put something in it.
"mmm" as she stood behind him "no and it wouldn't be a Peacekeeper frell now would it" as grabbed him holding a knife to his neck. "Former Captain Crais." Crais grabbed her hand as she pressed harder "it's been reported you perished. I'm sure High Command will be pleased to learn I've arrested you so you can face trial. I'm sure they'll also be interested that the Empress carries Crichton's child."
Crais grunted as he elbowed her side while knocking her other hand holding the knife away. As his head suddenly felt a bit foggy. He silently requested Talyn help regulate his reaction to the drug she had put in the drink.
Jess poked her head up just in time to see Crais throwing Jenavian over his shoulder as she quickly recovered, scrambling to her feet. Jess shouted at a passer by "get a guard" as she picked up a rock throwing it at the window. Shielding her face from the shattering glass before climbing through.
"Jess keep away." Crais shouted as Jenavian lunged for him, as he side stepped just as she caught him, slicing his arm as Crais growled in pain, punching her before kicking her in the stomach. They continued to fight as Jess grabbed an ornament, smashing it on Jenavian's back. Jenavian turned punching Jess across the face causing her to stumble and fall over a table.
"Jess" Crais shouted trying to see if she was ok as Jenavian lunged again stabbing Crais in the stomach "argh" grabbing her arm, twisting it free of the knife that was protruding from him as she delivered a pantak jab to his wound knocking him to the ground. Jenavian stood over him, pulling the knife from his side as Crais kicked it from her hand as she lunged for him again.
Jess retrieved the knife and turned to see Jenavian on top of Crais trying to strangle him. She grabbed her hair yanking her off him, Jenavian turned to punch Jess who blocked her attack returning a punch. Crais struggled to his feet holding his side trying to slow the bleeding. Jenavian releasing a blade from her wrist, lunged for Jess, grabbing her as Jess raised her hand. Both women gasped.
Crais rushed over just as Jenavian fell to her knees holding just above her stomach. Looking down at her wound before collapsing to the floor. Jess stood opened mouthed looking at her blood covered shaking hands. Suddenly dropping the knife "oh god" as tears streamed down her face.
Crais pulled her into his embrace "are you hurt?" Jess shock her head against his chest. Crais let out a sigh of relief as he looked down at Jenavian "well done" as he took her chin in his hands lifting her head so she'd look at him, smiling down at her.
Jess stared blankly at him in shock "I, I killed her." Her face pale as she started to feel queasy, her hands still shaking.
Crais frowned "Jess you had no choice" stroking her cheek with a thumb.
Jess looked down at Jenavian's body as she started to breath short shallow gasps.
Suddenly realising this would have been the first time she would have had to of killed someone. Whereas he was trained to do this and had done so countless numbers of times this wasn't in her nature. Placing his hands on her shoulders "look at me." As she slowly looked up at him, tears still streaming down her face. "She wouldn't have hesitated killing us both." Jess nodded, her breathing slowly returning to normal. "Killing the twins." Jess gasped, looking down at her stomach, closing her eyes as he cradled her in his arms again.
As she wrapped her arms around his waist he winced as she grazed his wound "you're hurt." Pulling away to look at him.
Three guards suddenly barged in the room "don't move!" Training their riffles on them both.
Jess held her hands up "he needs a doctor, he's injured."
As one of the guards glared down at Jenavian's body.
"She was a Peacekeeper."
"And how to you know that?" The guard questioned as he stepped up to him.
"I am a former Peacekeeper. She knew who I was and attacked."
Jess sat outside of the surgery; her wrists cuffed with an armed guard at her side. They had allowed her to wait for Crais's operation to be finished. She looked at nothing on the floor, every time she closed her eyes, she could see the dead body, the knife, her hands covered in blood as she swallowed back the queasy feeling. Her daze was broken when Katralla strode in, Jess smiled at her neat little pregnant bump. Jess bowed her head "Empress."
"How dare you come to my planet and disrupt the peace."
Jess was emotionally drained as she just hung her head "I'm so sorry. We didn't intend for any of this."
Katralla motioned the guard away. Jess looked up surprised. "You know John Crichton?" Jess nodded "how?"
Jess sighed and proceeded to tell Katralla everything. When she didn't quite believe her, she went into more detail about her meeting with Tyno on the bridge, her conversations with Crichton and the fact she was expecting a girl. She described the altercation with Jenavian and that she was going to inform the Peacekeepers Crichton was the father, as tears fell down her face.
Katralla nodding, finally believing her "have you and your unborn children been checked by the doctor." Jess shook her head. Katralla motioned for the guard to come back "you must be examined immediately." Just as the doctor opened the door.
Jess looked up expectantly, awaiting the news.
"He's fine, a simple enough operation."
"Can I see him?" Jess's voice wavering.
Katralla nodded, motioning for the guard to remove the cuffs.
Jess rubbed her wrists "thank you." The doctor showed her in, closing the door behind her to give them some privacy. Crais was sat up on the bed, his side bandaged up. Jess smiled walking over to embrace him. "You ok?"
Crais smiled pulling her in for a kiss "I'm fine, just some mild discomfort. You? The twins?" Jess nodded.
Jess reached into her pocket, slowly pulling out a vial as she looked nervously at him.
Crais licked his lips, shaking his head "no you're right. We don't need to know." Closing his hands over hers.
"No, I want to." Crais smiled faintly as Jess slowly opened the vial placing a drop of liquid on her tongue, dipping the pipette back into the vial and placing a drop on Crais's tongue before placing the vial on the bed next to Crais. She tentatively leant in; their noses brushed as she stuck her tongue out connecting with his. She pulled back, closing her eyes as she swallowed, pausing as he gently ran his fingertips across her cheek leaning in his lips skimming over hers, coaxing her closer as she slowly opened her mouth accepting him. She paused again pulling fractionally away, as a sweet taste filled her taste buds, they both chuckled lightly, a broad smile crossed each of their faces as they deepened this kiss. Jess pulled away, leaning her forehead against his cheek and she exhaled her relief.
Crais kissed her head, sighing running his fingers across her back before whispering "I love you."
Jess closed her eyes "I love you to. So, so much!"
They stayed in each other's embrace before the doctor returned. "The Empress has asked me to examine you." Looking at Jess.
"You've not been examined?" Crais looked annoyed.
"No, I feel fine, I wanted to make sure you were ok."
Sighing "Jess."
As the doctor guided Jess to another bed. Crais leaned in kissing her "I'll be back, get some rest." As he moved to talk quietly to the doctor who nodded before he retrieved his jacket putting it on as he left.
Jess woke a couple of arns later, she looked around. She was in a private room with a balcony overlooking the coast. She could hear the waves gently crashing against the rocks. She slowly sat up getting a better view of the room as she noticed Crais sat out on the balcony. She smiled, swinging her legs to hang over the edge of the bed, rubbing her belly. She felt relaxed as she stood and made her way to the balcony, smiling as she realised Crais had drifted off.
He suddenly opened his eyes as she moved closed, smiling sweetly at her as he stood. "How are you feeling?"
Jess smiled, nodding "good thank you. Rubbing her belly again, doctor said everything is all good." As she moved to look out over the balcony at the sea. "It's beautiful."
"mmm" agreeing with her. "Jessica?"
As she turned to look at him "oh no, full name, what have I done wrong?"
Crais frowned "you've done nothing…"
Jess laughed "it's ok, I only usually get called Jessica when I'm in trouble." Looking at his confused face, "sorry it's another silly human thing."
Crais still looked confused "I, um, I can't fully remember the correct practice for this" reaching into his pocket "but, I, um" looking uneasy. "Well, the thing is, I, um" as he nervously fidgeted.
"Crais?" looking worryingly at him.
Inhaling deeply to compose himself "will you consent to be my wife?" Holding out a box to her.
Jess opened her mouth in shock "Bialar?" Slowly smiling.
He suddenly remembered what Becky had told him about proposals on Earth and knelt down "sorry."
Jess grinning from ear to ear before nodding "yes, yes of course I will."
Relief suddenly washing over Crais as he released the breath his had been holding. As he stood pulling her in for a passionate kiss.
As Crais pulled away, smiling, Jess looked down at the box, slowly opening it and gasping "my Grandmothers ring! How did you?"
Crais smiled "your mother gave it to me before we left."
As Jess's eyes filled with tears Crais took the ring and placed it on her finger.
"The Empress said it would be her honour to perform the ceremony, as a thank you for protecting her secret. That's if you want to get married here?" Jess smiled. "Just, I know how much you loved the beaches and water on Earth, this would be an ideal location." As he glanced over towards the sea.
Jess smiled even more at the thought he had put into this "it's perfect."
Crais smiled "I'll go ask if she's free tomorrow!"
"Tomorrow!" As she looked at him wide eyed.
"Yes, unless you feel that's too soon, I understand, we can wait."
"No, no, it's fine, it's not too soon, but you have to go!" Pushing him round and back. "Go, go!" Chuckling.
"What?"
"It's bad luck to see the bride the night before the wedding!"
Crais laughed "Jess?" As he stepped away from her, turning to face her.
She smirked "it's a human tradition."
Crais smirked back, "ok. Any more human traditions you wish to adhere to?"
"mmm. Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue." Laughing at the confused look across his face, biting her lip "don't worry, I'll sort all of that!" As Crais smiled. "Oh, and the first dance!"
The smile quickly faded from his face as he stared at her "dance?" As he rubbed his hand over the top of his head "I, um."
Jess laughed, "ok, I'll let you off from the dance."
Crais sighed "thank you."
"Do you have any traditions?"
"Well, actually, yes." As he walked up to her "I, uh, on my home planet, it's common for the man and woman to have a bonding tattoo."
"Bonding tattoo?"
Crais looked down, looking a bit dejected "yes, but I'll understand if you don't want to participate."
Jess reached for his hand, squeezing it "no, it's ok, I'll happily participate."
Crais looked up, smiling appreciatively, nodding "thank you." Reaching into his pocket again pulling out a small black symbol holding it in his palm. As Jess looked down at it. "I hope you don't mind, but after your mother gave me the ring, I think deep down I always knew I wanted to marry you and her giving me this ring I hoped you that you would want to marry me too, one day. So, when we visited the Sebacean colony on Trall, I had these designed and made." Looking slightly flustered, shrugging "just in case."
Jess grinned "you designed this yourself?" As she slowly ran her fingertips over the pattern. Looking up at him adoringly.
Crais smiled nodding "yes, is it ok?"
"It's beautiful."
Crais smiled with gratitude "the design is from my family insignia and a symbol you had in your house you said meant strength."
Looking closer "yes, the Celtic symbol for strength. It's perfect."
"I just thought, our bond would give us both strength." Smiling sweetly at her.
Jess mentally swooned "see you can be romantic" as she wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning up kissing him.
Eagerly accepting, wrapping his arms around her pulling her closer, just as there was a knock at the door, the doctor walking in.
Smiling "how are you both feeling?"
Jess nodded "good thank you."
"I just thought you would like to know I have your results back, your children are doing well, they're healthy."
They both smiled relying "thank you" in unison.
The doctor smiled "would you like to know the sex of your children?"
Crais looked down at Jess "it's your choice."
Jess bit her lip "um, no. Let's keep it as a surprise."
"Very well, please let me know if you need anything else I can do for you." Turning and leaving them.
Crais smiled at Jess, "let's go see the Empress."
The Empress had agreed to marrying them. Crais made his way back to Talyn to uphold Jess's tradition. While Jess had gathered her something old; her Grandmothers ring, something new; a dress, something borrowed; a necklace from Katralla, something blue; a floral headband.
Jess made her way back to her room after dinner making her way onto the balcony watching the sun set over the cliffs. Smiling down rubbing her belly. "You two ok in there? I'm glad you're both healthy. Your father and I can't wait to meet you." Sighing, tapping her comm "hey Crais?"
"Everything ok?"
"Yeah, just, wanted to see how you were."
Crais smiled to himself "I'm well thank you. Are you ok?"
"Yeah, I love you."
Crais chuckled "I love you too."
"Ok, see you tomorrow." Grinning to herself.
"Indeed."
Jess had a restless night, nightmares of Jenavian's body and her blood covered hands, nightmares of alternative outcomes with Crais dying, her dying. She sat bolt upright at the latest nightmare to plague her mind as Jenavian pierced her stomach with the knife. Her breathing coming in short shallow gasps, shaking as she wiped the sweat from her forehead. Whispering to herself "get a grip!" She got up and slowly walked out onto the balcony, looking up at the stars recollecting that last few months and how her life had changed, living in a different part of the universe in the middle of her favourite show. Science fiction had become her reality, pregnant with twins and about to marry the man she loved but had only officially known just under a year. As she made herself back to the bed, laying down, chuckling to herself at the thought that technically she had known Crais for over twenty years. Slowly drifting back to sleep.
Jess slowly opened her eyes, as she stretched out when there was a knock at the door. As she got up to answer two women stood smiling at her "hey."
"Good morning. We've brought you some breakfast. The Empress has sent us to help you prepare."
Jess raised her eyebrows, "oh, um, wow, thank you. Please, come in" as she stepped aside to allow them in.
The two women hurried in placing the breakfast on a table "please eat, we'll prepare a bath for you."
Jess smiled taken aback by the kind gesture, "thank you."
Jess sat smiling at herself in the mirror a brief spell of unhappiness washing over her wishing Becky and her parents could be here to celebrate with them. Her daydream interrupted by one of the women "are you ready?"
Jess took a deep breath, smiling "yes."
Crais stood on the beach looking out to the sea, shoulders pulled back, hands clasped behind him as his fingers fidgeted nervously. Katralla waited in front of him. Slight murmuring started behind him as he looked to Katralla, who gazed passed his shoulder smiling. Ambient music started to play as he took a deep breath, before licking his lips. He slowly turned, the sight that greeted him took his breath away, as Jess beamed back at him. She stood next to him as he smiled approvingly at her.
"Hey" whispering as she returned his smile.
"Hey. You look beautiful."
"Thank you, you look great." Biting her lip as she admired the light black rope he donned. Both turning to look at Katralla.
"Bialar and Jess, you have helped save our peace. It is my honour to marry you both as a token of my appreciation."
Crais held out his hand, Jess smiled and placed hers in it as he gently clutched it.
"Let us start the proceedings. This bond between you requires you both to be responsible for each other and the family you are about to start. A true gesture of your love for each other as you are joined as one. Do you accept this joining in matrimony?"
Jess nodded "I do."
Crais smiled, gazing down at Jess "I do."
"I understand you have a bonding tattoo?"
"Yes." Reaching into his pocket and pulling out the tattoo passing it to Katralla. As he held his right hand up.
Jess reached up with her right hand placing the heel of her palm against his, as Crais wrapped his hand around hers.
Katralla placed the tattoo in between their wrists as they pressed their forearms together holding it in place.
Jess softly frowned, not knowing what to expect as Katralla turned to retrieve a candle. Watching as she brought the flame up to the tattoo which quickly ignited. Jess gasped as she felt a slight burn, looking in amazement as the tattoo burnt until it had completely dissolved.
Crais stroked her hand with his thumb as he released his hand. Jess gazed down the tattoo that was now on her wrist.
"As reigning Empress, it is my honour to announce you as husband and wife."
As the small crowd of well-wishers clapped, Jess lent up to kiss Crais on the cheek "I love you."
Crais smiled whispering back "I love you too."
The had had a small meal before retreating back to their room. Crais stepped up behind her pull her hair off her neck before kissing it and wrapping his arms around her. "Are you ok?"
Jess leaned back into him "yes, just a little tired." Crais turned her to face him, as he looked worried. She held her hand up cupping his cheek. "I'm fine, I just didn't get much sleep last night?"
"Mmm, that's a shame, I was hoping we weren't going to get much sleep tonight."
Jess laughed, "oh don't worry, I was fully intending to keep you up all night!" Pulling him down for a passionate kiss.
The next morning Crais woke to Jess gently trailing her fingertips lightly over his chest as he glanced over to her, as she leaned on her side with her head on her arm, grinning at him. He took her hand and kissed her inner wrist where the tattoo was "morning."
"Morning, you ok?"
"Mmm." Learning over her as he kissed along her neck and along her jaw.
Jess sighed, trailing her fingers over his back "Talyn ok?"
"Yes. He's extremely happy. He's eager to have us back on board." Grinning back at her.
After some breakfast, they said their farewells to The Empress and Regent.
As the pod took off Jess sighed, "if we meet up with Moya" pausing and looking over to Crais "do you think we should tell Crichton about Katralla?"
"What use is that knowledge to him?"
Jess shrugged "I don't know, just that his daughter is going to be born."
"Would you want to know?"
"Maybe, yes, I don't know."
Crais landed the pod "well, we can tell him, it's his decision what he does with that information after that."
As they exited the pod, they were greeted by some excited DRDs who scurried around their feet. "Hello! Did you miss me!?" Giggling as she tried not to trip over them. "Bialar?"
"Yes?"
"I've been thinking" folding her arms across her chest "it's going to be pretty risky where we go next. Is it worth, trying to restore the firing mechanism on Talyn's cannon?"
Crais sighed, nodding "the idea has crossed my mind too."
"Is it easy enough to do?"
"Yes, with the correct supplies. It should be manageable." Jess smiled. "But first" holding out a hand to her "come with me."
Jess accepted his hand following him.
Crais led her to the terrace, as the door opened Jess noticed her laptop off to the side.
"What's this?" A curious look across her face.
"Shhs" as Crais stopped in the middle of the terrace as a DRD scurried passed stopping by her laptop.
Jess cocked her head "what?" Just as music started playing, Take That, Rule the World she chortled looking surprised.
Crais looked apprehensive as he pulled her closer to him wrapping his arms around her waist as she wrapped hers round his neck. He swallowed, before a smile crept across his face as he slowly started to sway.
Jess leant her head on his chest "what's this?"
As he lent down, kissing the top of her head "I didn't want you to miss out on your tradition." Closing his eyes "is this ok?"
Jess smiled "it's perfect, thank you" looking up and pulling him in for a kiss as the music continued to play.
"If you tell anyone I danced!"
"Your secret is safe with me!" Closing her eyes, sighing blissfully, melting into her husbands embrace.
