Title: Return To Tev'Meck (Sequel to 'The Sigournate Virus')
Author: Rose (buffybot76@hotmail.com)
Rating: R
Pairing: Dr. Lazarus/Tawney Madison
Summary: The crew of the NSEA Protector are summoned back to Lazarus' homeworld of Tev'Meck. But it is a bittersweet homecoming.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Galaxy Quest characters. They belong to Dreamworks and the writers of the wonderful screenplay.
Feedback: Yes, please.
Distribution: It is on fanfiction.net right now. If you want it, let me know and you can have it.
Author's Note: I've got to give credit where credit is due! Denise has helped me out alot in the last couple chapters. Hell she practically co-wrote them with me. So this fic is for her. Thanks D!!!
Chapter 5
As before, when their lips met, a soft glow began emanating from their entwined bodies. Lazarus' lips were gentle as they claimed Tawney's. The kiss was sweet, yet no less intense and Tawney sighed in contented pleasure. She allowed her hand to trail down from its spot between Laz's shoulder blades, to rest on his lean hip.
Lazarus allowed his fingers to trail up Tawney's arm to the base of her neck as he intensified the kiss. His tongue tasted her lips briefly before they parted to allow it entrance to frolic with her own. A deep moan escaped both of them as Lazarus rolled their bodies so that Tawney now lay atop him. Bracing herself, Tawney pushed herself up to sit astride his hips and looked down at her mate with concern in her eyes.
"Laz," She gasped. "Is this a good idea?"
"Please don't stop, love; I need this...we need this to fortify ourselves against what lies ahead." Laz's emotions started to get the better of him then; however, he quickly regained control, and continued, "Besides, this may be the last time we can do this for a while."
He was thinking of the Tev'Meckian rituals that lay ahead. His responsibilities, as eldest son, would keep him occupied for some time after their arrival at his homeworld.
Lazarus reached up to unfasten the front of Tawney's uniform, allowing the material to fall away to reveal the soft, satiny skin beneath. As his hands ran lovingly over her curves, Tawney allowed her eyes to close as she arched into his tender touch.
She moved against him then, as she ran her hands lightly along the sensitive fins along the sides of his head, eliciting a moan from him. Throwing the top half of her uniform fully away from them, Lazarus rolled them yet again, to trap her beneath his own body. He leaned up to take in the sight of her beautiful body, before dipping his head to kiss the hollow of her throat. His hands trailed downward to begin the tedious removal of her last piece of clothing, and his mouth, not wanting to break the contact with her skin, followed the downward movement.
All thoughts of Tev'Meck--and the sad events that lay ahead of them--disappeared, as Laz and Tawney gave themselves to each other, body and soul.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Laredo had just finished up his shift and another Ensign was taking his place at the helm. He was leaving the Command Deck, when Tech Sgt. Chen came up to him.
"Laredo, I uh, I just wanted to say that... I'm sorry about what I said. I just tend to overreact when it comes to this ship, you know?"
Laredo just shrugged. "It's all right man, I understand. I shouldn't have taken it so hard, but..." His voice trailed off as he found he couldn't bring himself to tell the tale again.
Sensing that Laredo had another reason for pushing for speed earlier, Chen clapped a hand on the young helmsman's shoulder. "Don't worry about it; the engines weren't as bad as I thought. The extra speed might even be good for them...for a while."
"Besides", the Tech Sergeant continued, "I may be able to coax a little more out of them, and get us to Tev'Meck in about six hours."
Unspeakable relief washed over Laredo. 'At least you'll make it home on time, Laz', he thought to himself. To Chen he smiled and replied,
"Thanks man, you're the best." And clapped the Tech Sgt on the shoulder as he made his way on down the corridor.
*~*~*~*~*
After their respective workouts, Commander Taggart and Ensign Wingate had showered...though not together, despite the ensign's desires. Afterwards, they'd changed clothes, and were headed toward the galley. "So, Ensign...why did you want to sign on with The Protector?" Taggart asked.
Katie hesitated for a moment, not quite sure how to answer the Commander's question. She couldn't possibly tell him that HE was the reason she had signed on. There was just no way. But then, what could she tell him?
"Well, sir..." She began.
"Please, call me Peter." Taggart cut in. He was wanting to put the young woman at ease around him.
Katelyn blushed slightly. "Peter." She amended. "I joined the Protector because I heard that it had a wonderful Commander and crew." She continued.
Taggart looked pleased with her answer, and Katie sighed inwardly in relief. She didn't know what she would do if he learned the truth about her signing on in hopes of catching his attention. She was making a little headway and she didn't want to screw it up.
They walked in silence to the galley, where Katelyn got a salad from the food generators. Peter, after his workout, retrieved a "power shake." At the sight of the lumpy liquid in the Commander's glass, the Ensign's stomach began to protest. Little did she know that the shake would be the most appetizing thing she would see in the galley this day.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Really, Tawney, I can manage!" protested Laz, as Tawney insisted on having him lean on her. While their lovemaking had started slowly, it hadn't ended that way, and the two were famished. "Are you going to try...?" The Tev'Meckian teasingly whispered something in her ear.
"Uh...not today", hedged Tawney. 'Watching you eat that is one thing,' she thought to herself, '...but I'm not ready to try it!'
Tawney was relieved, however, that Laz's spirits seemed to have picked up a little, in spite of everything. She could only hope that the upcoming events would not destroy him...them. With an arm about each other's waist, Tawney and Lazarus headed toward the galley to grab a bite to eat. Lazarus grumbled a bit as he was still weak from the pressure that the bond with his dying mother had put on him, but couldn't help but enjoy the feel of Tawney's soft curves as they pressed into his side.
When they approached the galley entrance, a feminine laugh reached their ears. Tawney's steps faltered, and for a second, she contemplated turning them both around and going back to their room. But Lazarus needed to eat, and she herself was quite hungry as well. They had worked up quite an appetite. So, as the entrance panel slid open, Tawney and Lazarus stepped inside.
Tawney felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise reflexively, as she heard Ensign Wingate chortle, "Oh, Peter! That was hilarious!!"
'No woman calls him that, except me!' her mind screamed in jealousy. At that moment, Laz--who, of course, had felt her anger through their bond--gazed at her curiously. A flush of shame hit Tawney full blast. 'I have nothing to be jealous about!' she berated herself. 'I have what I want!' She hugged Laz all the more...just as Taggart looked up.
"Tawney." Taggart said, a surprised look on his face. "Are you all right?"
He didn't look at Lazarus, nor did he acknowlege him. Tawney noted Peter's lack of concern for Laz, and simply ignored the question. Instead, she helped her mate to the processor and ordered their selections. Once they recieved their trays, they turned to find a seat.
"Why don't you guys sit with us?" The Commander offered, as he scooted over closer to Katelyn, to make room at their table.
A bit reluctantly, Tawney led Laz over to the table where Commander Taggart and Katelyn sat. Tawney, who had carried both trays, sat them down upon the table, and almost immediately Ensign Wingate's face turned a peculiar shade of green.
"W-wh-what is...that?" She managed to get out as she stiffled the urge to gag.
"What, this?" Tawney said, as she gestured to Lazarus' tray. Katelyn nodded weakly as she eyed the bowl of writhing and squirming creatures that sat before the Tev'Meckian. Tawney smiled wickedly. "Oh, that's just some Kep Mok Bloodtick soup."
Katelyn shot Taggart a stricken look before hastily rising to her feet. "Um, Peter. Perhaps we can continue our conversation another time. I've just remembered that, um, I have something...to do...elsewhere. Yes. I need to go...now." The ensign rambled as she backed away from the table awkwardly.
Taggart rose to his feet, alarmed at Katelyn's behavior. "Katie? What's wrong, sweetie?"
If she hadn't felt so sick just then, Katelyn would have jumped for joy at hearing Taggart use the endearment in regards to her. But at the moment, she was too busy trying not to regurgitate the salad she had just ingested.
"Nothing, I just.... I'll talk to you later." She replied.
"But...but..." Taggart stammered.
But before he could finish his protest, Katelyn had fled the galley, the panel sliding silently closed behind her. Taggart turned back around to the pair at the table with a bewildered look on his face.
"Wonder what got into her?" He asked, as he retook his seat.
Lazarus shrugged as he dug into his bowl of Kep Mok Bloodtick soup. He was unconcerned as to why the ensign had fled. Tawney, on the other hand, had to stiffle a smirk that threatened to break out.
It wasn't the first time, since he'd saved Tawney's life--while simultaneously finding his lifemate--that Dr. Lazarus had felt Commander Taggart's discomfort. However, his senses had been heightened by the turmoil and strain of the last few hours . He now realized why the Commander had flirted with Tawney all those times...and why he'd been carrying on with Ensign Wingate. 'He's jealous of me...of us!' he thought.
'I know...but he'll get over it', Tawney silently communicated through their link. Trying to distract the men, she spoke up. "Laz was telling me that, when someone dies, family members are allowed to bring friends to the Departure Ceremony."
"What...? Oh, yeah: friends," Taggart's mind was brought back to their sad task. "How can we help, Laz?" he asked, now truly concerned.
"Well, I can bring three people with me," Laz began. "Tawney will be there, of course," he said, a little apologetically. "I'd like you to come, as well, Peter...but I'm trying to decide on a third person...."
Taggart briefly considered suggesting Katelyn. He immediately rejected the idea, realizing that it wouldn't be fair to either Laz or Tawney...not under these circumstances. Suddenly, an idea hit. "Well...," he began, "since neither one of you has been on the Command Deck, you probably haven't heard about the fight that nearly broke out earlier...."
Both Tawney and Lazarus perked up at hearing this. "What? A fight? What are you talking about?" Tawney asked worriedly.
Lazarus had a worried expression on his face as well.
"Well, it seems that Laredo and Chen were arguing over the speed of the ship. Laredo was hell bent on getting you home as quickly as possible, Laz." Taggart informed the Tev'Meckian.
Lazarus' expression switched from worried to bewildered.
"Chen was trying to tell him the engines wouldn't take the speed, but Laredo wouldn't take no for an answer. I wasn't wanting to have to make a pit stop to pick up another Byrrillium Sphere, so I told him to keep it at an adequate speed." Taggart continued to explain.
With an elegantly arched brow, Lazarus' only reply was, "Why?"
Tawney Madison's feminine intuition kicked in just then. 'I know why!'
she realized. Memories of past adventures came to mind...all of them with the young helmsman neck-deep in trouble. For some reason--probably because he was dilligently working on his soup--Laz had not picked up her thought...however, Commander Taggart saw the expression on Tawney's face, and nodded in agreement.
"He feels he owes you two something, for all those times you've saved his hide", Taggart acknowledged quietly. There was no point, yet, in telling them Laredo's other reason for wanting to get to Tev'Meck ASAP.
Lazarus' spoon paused midway to his mouth, long enough for one of the bloodticks to hop off the end of the spoon and do a swan-dive back into the bowl.
"He doesn't have to do that. That's what friends do. They look out for one another and help them out when need be..." Lazarus said passionately. If there was one thing the Tev'Meckian believed in,it was the bonds of friendship. He glanced down then to see he had lost his supper and dipped the spoon in once more before continuing. "....the way you're helping me now", he mumbled into his bowl, a lump now forming in his throat.
As he was looking at his food, Lazarus totally missed the look of guilt that played over Commander Taggart's face. Tawney, on the other hand, did not.
Tawney gave Peter a warning look before saying in a firm voice. "We should really thank Laredo for the gesture. It was really nice of him."
Lazarus agreed as they finished up their meal. "We will thank him when we go to invite him down to the planet with us." Lazarus stated.
Taggart stood the same time Tawney and Lazarus rose.
"I'll just escort you to the Command Deck. Don't want another episode like before." He said without thinking. Almost immediately he wanted to kick himself as Lazarus gave him a curious look.
"What do you mean? What previous episode?" He looked from the Commander to an embarrassed Tawney.
"N-nothing, Laz. It's nothing at all. Just... let's get to the Command Deck, alright?" Tawney tried to turn the conversation. Laz looked about ready to protest, but just then Laredo entered the galley.
"Hey, Dr. Lazarus. Lt. Madison. Great to see you up and about. After the Commander ran off like he did, I was worried."
Lazarus looked suspiciously at Peter. "What is he talking about? What happened?"
"Well...", the young man began, hesitantly.
"You mean when I fell?" Tawney mercifully finished for him.
"That's it!" Laredo said.
"Well we were all worried...about both of you", he said. "I was really glad to hear that the Commander had ordered more speed." He added.
Despite the helmsman's covering statement, Laz didn't miss his lifemate's guilty look. "You fell?" he asked, concerned.
"Actually, 'slipped' is probably a better word", she stammered. Her tone of voice was enough to warn Peter not to contradict her!
"Why didn't you say something?" Laz asked gently, momentarily forgetting that he and Tawney had an audience of two.
"Because you were hurting so much more," Tawney replied tenderly. She was about to reach up, and stroke Laz's fins, but stopped herself just in time. Turning to Laredo, she changed the subject, by saying, "We heard you'd nearly come to blows with Tech Sergeant Chen."
"Well...he was concerned about the engines...like I should have been," Laredo began.
"However...?" prompted Dr. Lazarus.
"It's not as bad as you think, Laz." Tawney again tried to take her mate's attention off of the sensitive subject.
Lazarus turned his attention to his mate. Through the bond he sent her a silent message. 'This isn't over. We WILL talk about this...later.' When Tawney nodded meekly, Lazarus turned back to Laredo, this time with a slight smile on his face.
"So, Laredo. How would you like to accompany myself, Tawney and the Commander down to Tev'Meck when we arrive?"
Laredo's expression could not be called nothing less than euphoric.
"You mean that? I mean, you REALLY mean that?"
Lazarus smiled at the vibrant young man before him and nodded. "Yes, Laredo. That is exactly what I mean."
Laredo was practically bouncing in his happiness. He had wanted to explore the planet of Tev'Meck for a long while...ever since he had joined the crew of the NSEA Protector and met Dr. Lazarus. He was practically giddy with happiness...plus, he wanted to pay respects to Lazarus' mother. He couldn't explain it really, but Laredo felt that if he did this, it would be like making amends for not being there when his own grandmother had passed away.
This thought brought his happiness down a notch, making it bittersweet.
Tawney looked up curiously, at the sudden change in Laredo; Laz caught it, too. However, Taggart quietly waved off any questions.
Laredo didn't notice this though. Without warning, Laredo threw his arms around Lazarus, hugging the startled Tev'Meckian tightly. Laz was frozen in indecision for a moment, but then resigned himself to patting the man on the shoulder.
"I won't let you down, Sir!! Whatever you need me to do, I'll do it!" Laredo vowed.
Tawney and Peter took in the touching scene and couldn't help but smile.
"So... I guess this means you accept?" Lazarus said in an amused voice.
Laredo pulled back, but not before wiping the stray tear that escaped to run down his cheek.
"Yes, sir. I accept."
"Very well, then", Lazarus stated. "There are some ceremonial robes we'll all need."
With that, the four left the galley and headed to Laz and Tawney's quarters.
*~*~*~*~*~*
tbc...
Author: Rose (buffybot76@hotmail.com)
Rating: R
Pairing: Dr. Lazarus/Tawney Madison
Summary: The crew of the NSEA Protector are summoned back to Lazarus' homeworld of Tev'Meck. But it is a bittersweet homecoming.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Galaxy Quest characters. They belong to Dreamworks and the writers of the wonderful screenplay.
Feedback: Yes, please.
Distribution: It is on fanfiction.net right now. If you want it, let me know and you can have it.
Author's Note: I've got to give credit where credit is due! Denise has helped me out alot in the last couple chapters. Hell she practically co-wrote them with me. So this fic is for her. Thanks D!!!
Chapter 5
As before, when their lips met, a soft glow began emanating from their entwined bodies. Lazarus' lips were gentle as they claimed Tawney's. The kiss was sweet, yet no less intense and Tawney sighed in contented pleasure. She allowed her hand to trail down from its spot between Laz's shoulder blades, to rest on his lean hip.
Lazarus allowed his fingers to trail up Tawney's arm to the base of her neck as he intensified the kiss. His tongue tasted her lips briefly before they parted to allow it entrance to frolic with her own. A deep moan escaped both of them as Lazarus rolled their bodies so that Tawney now lay atop him. Bracing herself, Tawney pushed herself up to sit astride his hips and looked down at her mate with concern in her eyes.
"Laz," She gasped. "Is this a good idea?"
"Please don't stop, love; I need this...we need this to fortify ourselves against what lies ahead." Laz's emotions started to get the better of him then; however, he quickly regained control, and continued, "Besides, this may be the last time we can do this for a while."
He was thinking of the Tev'Meckian rituals that lay ahead. His responsibilities, as eldest son, would keep him occupied for some time after their arrival at his homeworld.
Lazarus reached up to unfasten the front of Tawney's uniform, allowing the material to fall away to reveal the soft, satiny skin beneath. As his hands ran lovingly over her curves, Tawney allowed her eyes to close as she arched into his tender touch.
She moved against him then, as she ran her hands lightly along the sensitive fins along the sides of his head, eliciting a moan from him. Throwing the top half of her uniform fully away from them, Lazarus rolled them yet again, to trap her beneath his own body. He leaned up to take in the sight of her beautiful body, before dipping his head to kiss the hollow of her throat. His hands trailed downward to begin the tedious removal of her last piece of clothing, and his mouth, not wanting to break the contact with her skin, followed the downward movement.
All thoughts of Tev'Meck--and the sad events that lay ahead of them--disappeared, as Laz and Tawney gave themselves to each other, body and soul.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Laredo had just finished up his shift and another Ensign was taking his place at the helm. He was leaving the Command Deck, when Tech Sgt. Chen came up to him.
"Laredo, I uh, I just wanted to say that... I'm sorry about what I said. I just tend to overreact when it comes to this ship, you know?"
Laredo just shrugged. "It's all right man, I understand. I shouldn't have taken it so hard, but..." His voice trailed off as he found he couldn't bring himself to tell the tale again.
Sensing that Laredo had another reason for pushing for speed earlier, Chen clapped a hand on the young helmsman's shoulder. "Don't worry about it; the engines weren't as bad as I thought. The extra speed might even be good for them...for a while."
"Besides", the Tech Sergeant continued, "I may be able to coax a little more out of them, and get us to Tev'Meck in about six hours."
Unspeakable relief washed over Laredo. 'At least you'll make it home on time, Laz', he thought to himself. To Chen he smiled and replied,
"Thanks man, you're the best." And clapped the Tech Sgt on the shoulder as he made his way on down the corridor.
*~*~*~*~*
After their respective workouts, Commander Taggart and Ensign Wingate had showered...though not together, despite the ensign's desires. Afterwards, they'd changed clothes, and were headed toward the galley. "So, Ensign...why did you want to sign on with The Protector?" Taggart asked.
Katie hesitated for a moment, not quite sure how to answer the Commander's question. She couldn't possibly tell him that HE was the reason she had signed on. There was just no way. But then, what could she tell him?
"Well, sir..." She began.
"Please, call me Peter." Taggart cut in. He was wanting to put the young woman at ease around him.
Katelyn blushed slightly. "Peter." She amended. "I joined the Protector because I heard that it had a wonderful Commander and crew." She continued.
Taggart looked pleased with her answer, and Katie sighed inwardly in relief. She didn't know what she would do if he learned the truth about her signing on in hopes of catching his attention. She was making a little headway and she didn't want to screw it up.
They walked in silence to the galley, where Katelyn got a salad from the food generators. Peter, after his workout, retrieved a "power shake." At the sight of the lumpy liquid in the Commander's glass, the Ensign's stomach began to protest. Little did she know that the shake would be the most appetizing thing she would see in the galley this day.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Really, Tawney, I can manage!" protested Laz, as Tawney insisted on having him lean on her. While their lovemaking had started slowly, it hadn't ended that way, and the two were famished. "Are you going to try...?" The Tev'Meckian teasingly whispered something in her ear.
"Uh...not today", hedged Tawney. 'Watching you eat that is one thing,' she thought to herself, '...but I'm not ready to try it!'
Tawney was relieved, however, that Laz's spirits seemed to have picked up a little, in spite of everything. She could only hope that the upcoming events would not destroy him...them. With an arm about each other's waist, Tawney and Lazarus headed toward the galley to grab a bite to eat. Lazarus grumbled a bit as he was still weak from the pressure that the bond with his dying mother had put on him, but couldn't help but enjoy the feel of Tawney's soft curves as they pressed into his side.
When they approached the galley entrance, a feminine laugh reached their ears. Tawney's steps faltered, and for a second, she contemplated turning them both around and going back to their room. But Lazarus needed to eat, and she herself was quite hungry as well. They had worked up quite an appetite. So, as the entrance panel slid open, Tawney and Lazarus stepped inside.
Tawney felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise reflexively, as she heard Ensign Wingate chortle, "Oh, Peter! That was hilarious!!"
'No woman calls him that, except me!' her mind screamed in jealousy. At that moment, Laz--who, of course, had felt her anger through their bond--gazed at her curiously. A flush of shame hit Tawney full blast. 'I have nothing to be jealous about!' she berated herself. 'I have what I want!' She hugged Laz all the more...just as Taggart looked up.
"Tawney." Taggart said, a surprised look on his face. "Are you all right?"
He didn't look at Lazarus, nor did he acknowlege him. Tawney noted Peter's lack of concern for Laz, and simply ignored the question. Instead, she helped her mate to the processor and ordered their selections. Once they recieved their trays, they turned to find a seat.
"Why don't you guys sit with us?" The Commander offered, as he scooted over closer to Katelyn, to make room at their table.
A bit reluctantly, Tawney led Laz over to the table where Commander Taggart and Katelyn sat. Tawney, who had carried both trays, sat them down upon the table, and almost immediately Ensign Wingate's face turned a peculiar shade of green.
"W-wh-what is...that?" She managed to get out as she stiffled the urge to gag.
"What, this?" Tawney said, as she gestured to Lazarus' tray. Katelyn nodded weakly as she eyed the bowl of writhing and squirming creatures that sat before the Tev'Meckian. Tawney smiled wickedly. "Oh, that's just some Kep Mok Bloodtick soup."
Katelyn shot Taggart a stricken look before hastily rising to her feet. "Um, Peter. Perhaps we can continue our conversation another time. I've just remembered that, um, I have something...to do...elsewhere. Yes. I need to go...now." The ensign rambled as she backed away from the table awkwardly.
Taggart rose to his feet, alarmed at Katelyn's behavior. "Katie? What's wrong, sweetie?"
If she hadn't felt so sick just then, Katelyn would have jumped for joy at hearing Taggart use the endearment in regards to her. But at the moment, she was too busy trying not to regurgitate the salad she had just ingested.
"Nothing, I just.... I'll talk to you later." She replied.
"But...but..." Taggart stammered.
But before he could finish his protest, Katelyn had fled the galley, the panel sliding silently closed behind her. Taggart turned back around to the pair at the table with a bewildered look on his face.
"Wonder what got into her?" He asked, as he retook his seat.
Lazarus shrugged as he dug into his bowl of Kep Mok Bloodtick soup. He was unconcerned as to why the ensign had fled. Tawney, on the other hand, had to stiffle a smirk that threatened to break out.
It wasn't the first time, since he'd saved Tawney's life--while simultaneously finding his lifemate--that Dr. Lazarus had felt Commander Taggart's discomfort. However, his senses had been heightened by the turmoil and strain of the last few hours . He now realized why the Commander had flirted with Tawney all those times...and why he'd been carrying on with Ensign Wingate. 'He's jealous of me...of us!' he thought.
'I know...but he'll get over it', Tawney silently communicated through their link. Trying to distract the men, she spoke up. "Laz was telling me that, when someone dies, family members are allowed to bring friends to the Departure Ceremony."
"What...? Oh, yeah: friends," Taggart's mind was brought back to their sad task. "How can we help, Laz?" he asked, now truly concerned.
"Well, I can bring three people with me," Laz began. "Tawney will be there, of course," he said, a little apologetically. "I'd like you to come, as well, Peter...but I'm trying to decide on a third person...."
Taggart briefly considered suggesting Katelyn. He immediately rejected the idea, realizing that it wouldn't be fair to either Laz or Tawney...not under these circumstances. Suddenly, an idea hit. "Well...," he began, "since neither one of you has been on the Command Deck, you probably haven't heard about the fight that nearly broke out earlier...."
Both Tawney and Lazarus perked up at hearing this. "What? A fight? What are you talking about?" Tawney asked worriedly.
Lazarus had a worried expression on his face as well.
"Well, it seems that Laredo and Chen were arguing over the speed of the ship. Laredo was hell bent on getting you home as quickly as possible, Laz." Taggart informed the Tev'Meckian.
Lazarus' expression switched from worried to bewildered.
"Chen was trying to tell him the engines wouldn't take the speed, but Laredo wouldn't take no for an answer. I wasn't wanting to have to make a pit stop to pick up another Byrrillium Sphere, so I told him to keep it at an adequate speed." Taggart continued to explain.
With an elegantly arched brow, Lazarus' only reply was, "Why?"
Tawney Madison's feminine intuition kicked in just then. 'I know why!'
she realized. Memories of past adventures came to mind...all of them with the young helmsman neck-deep in trouble. For some reason--probably because he was dilligently working on his soup--Laz had not picked up her thought...however, Commander Taggart saw the expression on Tawney's face, and nodded in agreement.
"He feels he owes you two something, for all those times you've saved his hide", Taggart acknowledged quietly. There was no point, yet, in telling them Laredo's other reason for wanting to get to Tev'Meck ASAP.
Lazarus' spoon paused midway to his mouth, long enough for one of the bloodticks to hop off the end of the spoon and do a swan-dive back into the bowl.
"He doesn't have to do that. That's what friends do. They look out for one another and help them out when need be..." Lazarus said passionately. If there was one thing the Tev'Meckian believed in,it was the bonds of friendship. He glanced down then to see he had lost his supper and dipped the spoon in once more before continuing. "....the way you're helping me now", he mumbled into his bowl, a lump now forming in his throat.
As he was looking at his food, Lazarus totally missed the look of guilt that played over Commander Taggart's face. Tawney, on the other hand, did not.
Tawney gave Peter a warning look before saying in a firm voice. "We should really thank Laredo for the gesture. It was really nice of him."
Lazarus agreed as they finished up their meal. "We will thank him when we go to invite him down to the planet with us." Lazarus stated.
Taggart stood the same time Tawney and Lazarus rose.
"I'll just escort you to the Command Deck. Don't want another episode like before." He said without thinking. Almost immediately he wanted to kick himself as Lazarus gave him a curious look.
"What do you mean? What previous episode?" He looked from the Commander to an embarrassed Tawney.
"N-nothing, Laz. It's nothing at all. Just... let's get to the Command Deck, alright?" Tawney tried to turn the conversation. Laz looked about ready to protest, but just then Laredo entered the galley.
"Hey, Dr. Lazarus. Lt. Madison. Great to see you up and about. After the Commander ran off like he did, I was worried."
Lazarus looked suspiciously at Peter. "What is he talking about? What happened?"
"Well...", the young man began, hesitantly.
"You mean when I fell?" Tawney mercifully finished for him.
"That's it!" Laredo said.
"Well we were all worried...about both of you", he said. "I was really glad to hear that the Commander had ordered more speed." He added.
Despite the helmsman's covering statement, Laz didn't miss his lifemate's guilty look. "You fell?" he asked, concerned.
"Actually, 'slipped' is probably a better word", she stammered. Her tone of voice was enough to warn Peter not to contradict her!
"Why didn't you say something?" Laz asked gently, momentarily forgetting that he and Tawney had an audience of two.
"Because you were hurting so much more," Tawney replied tenderly. She was about to reach up, and stroke Laz's fins, but stopped herself just in time. Turning to Laredo, she changed the subject, by saying, "We heard you'd nearly come to blows with Tech Sergeant Chen."
"Well...he was concerned about the engines...like I should have been," Laredo began.
"However...?" prompted Dr. Lazarus.
"It's not as bad as you think, Laz." Tawney again tried to take her mate's attention off of the sensitive subject.
Lazarus turned his attention to his mate. Through the bond he sent her a silent message. 'This isn't over. We WILL talk about this...later.' When Tawney nodded meekly, Lazarus turned back to Laredo, this time with a slight smile on his face.
"So, Laredo. How would you like to accompany myself, Tawney and the Commander down to Tev'Meck when we arrive?"
Laredo's expression could not be called nothing less than euphoric.
"You mean that? I mean, you REALLY mean that?"
Lazarus smiled at the vibrant young man before him and nodded. "Yes, Laredo. That is exactly what I mean."
Laredo was practically bouncing in his happiness. He had wanted to explore the planet of Tev'Meck for a long while...ever since he had joined the crew of the NSEA Protector and met Dr. Lazarus. He was practically giddy with happiness...plus, he wanted to pay respects to Lazarus' mother. He couldn't explain it really, but Laredo felt that if he did this, it would be like making amends for not being there when his own grandmother had passed away.
This thought brought his happiness down a notch, making it bittersweet.
Tawney looked up curiously, at the sudden change in Laredo; Laz caught it, too. However, Taggart quietly waved off any questions.
Laredo didn't notice this though. Without warning, Laredo threw his arms around Lazarus, hugging the startled Tev'Meckian tightly. Laz was frozen in indecision for a moment, but then resigned himself to patting the man on the shoulder.
"I won't let you down, Sir!! Whatever you need me to do, I'll do it!" Laredo vowed.
Tawney and Peter took in the touching scene and couldn't help but smile.
"So... I guess this means you accept?" Lazarus said in an amused voice.
Laredo pulled back, but not before wiping the stray tear that escaped to run down his cheek.
"Yes, sir. I accept."
"Very well, then", Lazarus stated. "There are some ceremonial robes we'll all need."
With that, the four left the galley and headed to Laz and Tawney's quarters.
*~*~*~*~*~*
tbc...