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.
Chapter 7
Tawney and Lazarus arrived on the Command Deck just as Katelyn was taking a seat at the helm.
*Just what the hell does he think he's doing?*
The venomous thought drifted to Lazarus through the link and he gave Tawney's shoulder a slight squeeze.
*Easy, love.*
Peter looked up from his position, leaning over Katelyn as he instructed her on what to do, to see the look on Tawney's face. He knew that look. It was her 'are you crazy, are you sure you know what you are doing' look.
"Tawney," He interjected before she had the chance to begin her tirade.
"Did you know that Katelyn recieved an award for helmsmanship during her years at the Acadamy?"
Tawney's expression lightened then, as she turned her attention to the young woman sitting at the helm.
"So...you won an award at the Academy?" Tawney set the flask of ceremonial oils on the console. She was trying to be pleasant, for everyone's sake.
"Yes, Ma'am", Katelyn replied. "I was...um...tops in my class." Accepting the olive branch, the young ensign made light of her accomplishments. "My instructors where quite proud of my skills. Said that I would make a fine helmswoman one day."
Tawney felt a smile tugging at her lips. She really had no qualms with the young woman due to the fact that the Commander's actions weren't her fault. Still, she couldn't help but feel apprehensive when it came to actually conversing with Ensign Wingate.
Laredo spoke up just then from his place beside the console. "Hey guys, we're there. Guess we should make for the Digital Conveyor, huh?"
"Yeah, I think you're right, Tommy, we should get going." Commander Taggart spoke up. He patted Katelyn on the shoulder affectionately before turning and leading the other three off of the Command Deck. "Maintain standard orbit, Ensign", he said as he exited through the panel.
"Aye, Commander", came the crisp reply.
Tawney could feel that Laz's pain had indeed intensified in the last few minutes, but he was hiding it valiantly. She assisted him down the corridor and through the entrance panel to the room where the Digital Conveyor was housed.
*Hang on, Laz! We're almost there!* Tawney urged, through their bond.
*I'm trying...but it's so hard!* Laz was close to tears.
Steadying her mate with both hands, Tawney helped Laz to, then onto, the platform. Taggart and Laredo followed.
Chen stood at the Conveyor's controls, ready to Digitize them down to Tev'Meck's surface. Everyone positioned themselves on the platform and waited.
"Okay, Chen. Digitize us." Came Taggart's order.
A hum was heard, followed by a flash of lights, as all four figures of the landing party stretched and contorted visibly for a short second, before disappearing altogether.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The sight that Tawney's eyes beheld, once the effects of being Digitized had worn off, was utterly breathtaking. They had landed a ways away from Laz's clan's villiage, and all around them was a vast open desert-like enviroment. Only, it wasn't a barren wasteland like some deserts appeared to be. The atmosphere on the planet was unlike desert air as well. It held a pleasant fragrance and there was a constant warm breeze blowing. A particular hefty puff blew Tawney's hair, causing it to fan out about her face.
*My God, Laz. It's beautiful.* Tawney stated through the link. Despite Laz's pain, she heard a soft chuckle in her head in response to her appraisal of her mate's homeworld.
*Not as beautiful as you, love.* Lazarus couldn't help but add.
Tawney was about to turn to the others when she caught a glimpse of something cresting the hill in the distance.
"What's that?" She asked, drawing the attention of Laredo and Taggart, who had been examining the landscape as well.
"That would be my brother coming to greet us." Laz responded for all to hear. In her mind, Tawney could hear Laz's voice call out through the link. But not to her. *Lareth, are we too late?* The Tev'Meckian worried.
Another male voice, similar to Laz's deep rich one, entered Tawney's mind then.
*Nay, my brother, you are not too late. But you *are* cutting it a bit close.*
"Commander, we must make haste!" Laz said, urgently. The landing party quickened their pace.
As the crew members approached Lareth, Laredo finally spoke up. "Sir, what are those?"
"Damned if I know." The Commander replied with a bewildered look in his eyes. "Laz, what the hell are those things."
Fighting the pain that was threatening to overcome him--and Tawney--Laz replied, "Eshors." Each animal resembled a cross between a rabbit--a HUGE one--and a bat, the humans thought. Bat-like wings extended from the quadrapeds' forelegs. The animals' gait was also like a bat's.
"We're supposed to *ride* those?!"
"Oh, ye of little adventure, Peter." Laz surpressed the grimace of pain, replacing it with a snarky smile.
Taggart shot Lazarus a look that clearly said, 'bite me' before turning back to gawk at the wierd creatures that were approaching.
"I'm all up for adventure." Taggart grumble his argument. "As long as it doesn't involve riding Mr. Hoppy there."
It was just then, that Lareth arrived atop his own Eshor. Behind him, being led by a tether, where four more of the strange looking creatures. Lareth slid off of his mount and approached Laz, drawing his brother into a welcoming, as well as comforting hug.
"Lazarus, it is so wonderful to see you once more, my brother. I am only saddened by the fact that it has taken a tragedy such as this to bring you back home."
Laz hugged his brother back just as tightly. "I know, but it couldn't be helped. How is Lethe?" Laz spoke of his younger sister and Lareth's twin.
"She is with mother. It is hard for her, she was always closer to mother than either of us." Lareth replied.
Laz nodded. "Let us hurry now, I wish to see mother."
Lareth released his brother then.
"She will be comforted to see you...and your friends...." Lethe now eyed the humans warily...especially the woman, who seemed to be supporting Laz more than just casually. Could it be possible that his older brother had actually taken this...alien...as a life-mate?
Would he--could he--have actually gone against all tradition? Unknown to Laz, Lethe sent an urgent telepathic message to their father.
"Alright then, let's saddle up!" An enthused Laredo said as he stepped up to one of the Eshors.
The creature eyed him warily, but tolerated it when Laredo stepped up into the stirrup and hoisted himself onto it's massive back.
Once astride, Laredo looked back down to see that Taggart hadn't moved from where he stood. He seemed to be frozen in place. Laredo knew what was going through Taggart's mind, and he wasn't about to allow the man to back out now.
"Oh, come on Commander. It'll be a new experience." He urged.
Taggart noticed Tawney glaring at him, and finally, gulping very audibly, approached another of the monsters.
"New experience, my ass." Laredo thought he heard the Commander mutter, but wasn't quite sure.
After a few failed attempts to mount up, Taggart finally found himself perched precariously on top of the Eshor. He immediately felt nausious as he saw exactly how far up in the air he actually was. It was just as upsetting as being held upside down by the Gorignak. Trying *not* to look down, Taggart focused on Tawney as she climbed up onto her own animal.
*God, she's beautiful.* He couldn't help but think to himself.
The sudden jerk of the Eshor taking off, cut Taggart's obsessive thought short though. He noticed that the creature was falling in line behind the others. Sort of like follow the leader. First, Lareth's Eshor, then Laz's. Tawney's came next followed by Laredo's and finally his. As they made thier way to civilization, Tawney glanced ahead to take in Lareth's features. He was younger than Laz, by a few years at least. Handsome, just like Laz as well. But even though she knew this was her mate's brother, Tawney got the distinct impression that he did not like her... them. At all.
Tawney tried her best to sheild her thoughts from both Laz and Lareth. The last thing she wanted was to come between her mate and his brother. Or any of his family for that matter.
*We're coming, Father!* Laz sent a message across his parental bond.
The moment his father received the message, he knew something was amiss...for as his mind was touched by Laz's, another, alien, presence was carried with it.
*Lareth, do not lie to me: Is it true...?* The elder Tev-Meckian demanded of his younger son.
*It is true, Father*, responded Lareth privately, blocking the link so that Laz could not hear the discussion. *Laz has taken a life-mate from among the humans.*
At the villiage, Lareth and Laz's father turned toward the village elders, who were assembled for the Departure Ceremony. This ceremony would be especially somber, for it was their leader who was feeling the pain of losing his lifemate. But even though he was in such pain, he addressed them, "We have a problem...and it must be dealt with soon."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
tbc...
Author's Note: The description of the Eshors were taken from the movie 'The Dark Crystal' by Jim Henson. I'm not sure of the real name of the creatures in that movie, so I made up my own.
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.
Chapter 7
Tawney and Lazarus arrived on the Command Deck just as Katelyn was taking a seat at the helm.
*Just what the hell does he think he's doing?*
The venomous thought drifted to Lazarus through the link and he gave Tawney's shoulder a slight squeeze.
*Easy, love.*
Peter looked up from his position, leaning over Katelyn as he instructed her on what to do, to see the look on Tawney's face. He knew that look. It was her 'are you crazy, are you sure you know what you are doing' look.
"Tawney," He interjected before she had the chance to begin her tirade.
"Did you know that Katelyn recieved an award for helmsmanship during her years at the Acadamy?"
Tawney's expression lightened then, as she turned her attention to the young woman sitting at the helm.
"So...you won an award at the Academy?" Tawney set the flask of ceremonial oils on the console. She was trying to be pleasant, for everyone's sake.
"Yes, Ma'am", Katelyn replied. "I was...um...tops in my class." Accepting the olive branch, the young ensign made light of her accomplishments. "My instructors where quite proud of my skills. Said that I would make a fine helmswoman one day."
Tawney felt a smile tugging at her lips. She really had no qualms with the young woman due to the fact that the Commander's actions weren't her fault. Still, she couldn't help but feel apprehensive when it came to actually conversing with Ensign Wingate.
Laredo spoke up just then from his place beside the console. "Hey guys, we're there. Guess we should make for the Digital Conveyor, huh?"
"Yeah, I think you're right, Tommy, we should get going." Commander Taggart spoke up. He patted Katelyn on the shoulder affectionately before turning and leading the other three off of the Command Deck. "Maintain standard orbit, Ensign", he said as he exited through the panel.
"Aye, Commander", came the crisp reply.
Tawney could feel that Laz's pain had indeed intensified in the last few minutes, but he was hiding it valiantly. She assisted him down the corridor and through the entrance panel to the room where the Digital Conveyor was housed.
*Hang on, Laz! We're almost there!* Tawney urged, through their bond.
*I'm trying...but it's so hard!* Laz was close to tears.
Steadying her mate with both hands, Tawney helped Laz to, then onto, the platform. Taggart and Laredo followed.
Chen stood at the Conveyor's controls, ready to Digitize them down to Tev'Meck's surface. Everyone positioned themselves on the platform and waited.
"Okay, Chen. Digitize us." Came Taggart's order.
A hum was heard, followed by a flash of lights, as all four figures of the landing party stretched and contorted visibly for a short second, before disappearing altogether.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The sight that Tawney's eyes beheld, once the effects of being Digitized had worn off, was utterly breathtaking. They had landed a ways away from Laz's clan's villiage, and all around them was a vast open desert-like enviroment. Only, it wasn't a barren wasteland like some deserts appeared to be. The atmosphere on the planet was unlike desert air as well. It held a pleasant fragrance and there was a constant warm breeze blowing. A particular hefty puff blew Tawney's hair, causing it to fan out about her face.
*My God, Laz. It's beautiful.* Tawney stated through the link. Despite Laz's pain, she heard a soft chuckle in her head in response to her appraisal of her mate's homeworld.
*Not as beautiful as you, love.* Lazarus couldn't help but add.
Tawney was about to turn to the others when she caught a glimpse of something cresting the hill in the distance.
"What's that?" She asked, drawing the attention of Laredo and Taggart, who had been examining the landscape as well.
"That would be my brother coming to greet us." Laz responded for all to hear. In her mind, Tawney could hear Laz's voice call out through the link. But not to her. *Lareth, are we too late?* The Tev'Meckian worried.
Another male voice, similar to Laz's deep rich one, entered Tawney's mind then.
*Nay, my brother, you are not too late. But you *are* cutting it a bit close.*
"Commander, we must make haste!" Laz said, urgently. The landing party quickened their pace.
As the crew members approached Lareth, Laredo finally spoke up. "Sir, what are those?"
"Damned if I know." The Commander replied with a bewildered look in his eyes. "Laz, what the hell are those things."
Fighting the pain that was threatening to overcome him--and Tawney--Laz replied, "Eshors." Each animal resembled a cross between a rabbit--a HUGE one--and a bat, the humans thought. Bat-like wings extended from the quadrapeds' forelegs. The animals' gait was also like a bat's.
"We're supposed to *ride* those?!"
"Oh, ye of little adventure, Peter." Laz surpressed the grimace of pain, replacing it with a snarky smile.
Taggart shot Lazarus a look that clearly said, 'bite me' before turning back to gawk at the wierd creatures that were approaching.
"I'm all up for adventure." Taggart grumble his argument. "As long as it doesn't involve riding Mr. Hoppy there."
It was just then, that Lareth arrived atop his own Eshor. Behind him, being led by a tether, where four more of the strange looking creatures. Lareth slid off of his mount and approached Laz, drawing his brother into a welcoming, as well as comforting hug.
"Lazarus, it is so wonderful to see you once more, my brother. I am only saddened by the fact that it has taken a tragedy such as this to bring you back home."
Laz hugged his brother back just as tightly. "I know, but it couldn't be helped. How is Lethe?" Laz spoke of his younger sister and Lareth's twin.
"She is with mother. It is hard for her, she was always closer to mother than either of us." Lareth replied.
Laz nodded. "Let us hurry now, I wish to see mother."
Lareth released his brother then.
"She will be comforted to see you...and your friends...." Lethe now eyed the humans warily...especially the woman, who seemed to be supporting Laz more than just casually. Could it be possible that his older brother had actually taken this...alien...as a life-mate?
Would he--could he--have actually gone against all tradition? Unknown to Laz, Lethe sent an urgent telepathic message to their father.
"Alright then, let's saddle up!" An enthused Laredo said as he stepped up to one of the Eshors.
The creature eyed him warily, but tolerated it when Laredo stepped up into the stirrup and hoisted himself onto it's massive back.
Once astride, Laredo looked back down to see that Taggart hadn't moved from where he stood. He seemed to be frozen in place. Laredo knew what was going through Taggart's mind, and he wasn't about to allow the man to back out now.
"Oh, come on Commander. It'll be a new experience." He urged.
Taggart noticed Tawney glaring at him, and finally, gulping very audibly, approached another of the monsters.
"New experience, my ass." Laredo thought he heard the Commander mutter, but wasn't quite sure.
After a few failed attempts to mount up, Taggart finally found himself perched precariously on top of the Eshor. He immediately felt nausious as he saw exactly how far up in the air he actually was. It was just as upsetting as being held upside down by the Gorignak. Trying *not* to look down, Taggart focused on Tawney as she climbed up onto her own animal.
*God, she's beautiful.* He couldn't help but think to himself.
The sudden jerk of the Eshor taking off, cut Taggart's obsessive thought short though. He noticed that the creature was falling in line behind the others. Sort of like follow the leader. First, Lareth's Eshor, then Laz's. Tawney's came next followed by Laredo's and finally his. As they made thier way to civilization, Tawney glanced ahead to take in Lareth's features. He was younger than Laz, by a few years at least. Handsome, just like Laz as well. But even though she knew this was her mate's brother, Tawney got the distinct impression that he did not like her... them. At all.
Tawney tried her best to sheild her thoughts from both Laz and Lareth. The last thing she wanted was to come between her mate and his brother. Or any of his family for that matter.
*We're coming, Father!* Laz sent a message across his parental bond.
The moment his father received the message, he knew something was amiss...for as his mind was touched by Laz's, another, alien, presence was carried with it.
*Lareth, do not lie to me: Is it true...?* The elder Tev-Meckian demanded of his younger son.
*It is true, Father*, responded Lareth privately, blocking the link so that Laz could not hear the discussion. *Laz has taken a life-mate from among the humans.*
At the villiage, Lareth and Laz's father turned toward the village elders, who were assembled for the Departure Ceremony. This ceremony would be especially somber, for it was their leader who was feeling the pain of losing his lifemate. But even though he was in such pain, he addressed them, "We have a problem...and it must be dealt with soon."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
tbc...
Author's Note: The description of the Eshors were taken from the movie 'The Dark Crystal' by Jim Henson. I'm not sure of the real name of the creatures in that movie, so I made up my own.