Chapter Ten:

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…" the words still rang through Hoshi's mind.

Trip lifted the veil from his bride's face and planted a kiss on her lips. The crew cheered on the surface of the planet. There were even bells ringing as Trip kissed her even more and then carried her off.

Tears of joy streamed down Hoshi's face, she laughed as she was lifted off the ground.

The sun shown bright and the air smelled of exotic flowers and the sky was turquoise blue. There was not a cloud in the sky and the crowd cheered and whistled constantly…

***

Lying on the plush couch, the newlyweds sighed as they remembered the joyous day. Hoshi curled up in her husband's arms and they discussed their plans for the next few days. Life was wonderful.

***

On a nearby beach, Jon Archer sat drinking the strange concoction and basked in the rays of the sun. He was approached by a lithe woman who gave him another drink and winked as she walked away. She had long brown hair and her features were very Lalinalian. Jon watched as she swayed her body away, taunting him to follow. A smile crept up on the man's face. He set aside his towel and followed her…

THE END