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: If you want it, just ask.
Chapter 12
"The duel, Peter......is to the death."
The silence immediately following Laz's revelation was deafening. Taggart and Laredo were stunned speechless by the tone of the Tev'Meckian's voice. By the look in his eyes, he meant to allow this to happen.
"No!" The stunned silence was broken, surprisingly, by Katelyn. She had remained silent after she had informed the others of the Tev'Meckian Elders' intentions. "This is insane, Peter. You cannot allow this!" Her panic-tinged words reflected the look in her eyes.
Taggart overcame the shock then and locked eyes with Katelyn, giving her a reassuring look, then turned to glare at Luchien and Lareth.
"If you think that we're going to sit back and let this happen, then you're crazy. We came here for Laz to see his mother one last time. We did *not* come here for my Lieutenant to duel to the death! I'm not-"
Taggart's protests were cut short when he felt someone grab his arm gently. He turned to see Tawney standing beside him, a steely look of determination in her eyes.
"Peter." Her voice was as determined as her eyes looked. "It's all right, this has to be. I know you don't understand, but I'm glad I've got to do this. Maybe now I can prove to *them*," Tawney nodded toward Luchien and Lareth, indicating which 'them' she meant. "That Laz and I are meant to be." Turning back to face Taggart, Tawney added softly. "I can do this, Peter."
Taggart's body relaxed a bit then and he squeezed the hand that still rested on his arm for a second before nodding. Taggart then looked at Laz. The Tev'Meckian's body was relaxed and his previous words had made it seem he approved of the situation, but Taggart could tell by the clenching and unclenching of Laz's fists that this wasn't entirely true. But there wasn't anything that could be done. It was his clan's way and he could not go against it. Tawney returned to Laz's side and he placed an arm around her waist, pulling her close.
*Are you entirely sure, love?* Laz 'asked'.
*Yes, darling.* The answer came immediately, serving to put Laz at ease.
He smiled at her then, knowing that he indeed had a true mate. To face a challenge such as this with such confidence, she could be no less than devoted, heart and soul.
"We shall set a time for the challenge after the Departure Ceremony is complete." Luchien spoke with such smugness in his voice that it was grating on the crew's nerves. "Also, as head Elder, I do reserve the right to choose the opponent."
Although Laz's facial expression did not change, Tawney could practically feel him grimace as he muttered through the bond. *I should have known.* His next comment was directed at Tawney. *I don't like this. I know my father, and he is entirely too smug about this.*
Tawney had gotten a similar feeling. Luchien was way too smug about this challenge. It was like he knew something that they didn't. *Well, he does know something we don't. Namely, the identity of my opponent.* She thought to herself, unknowingly transmitting it to Laz, who prevented the idle thought from reaching his family.
*You will have to be taught how to control your thoughts, Love*, Laz half-scolded.
Realizing he'd kept her thoughts a secret, Tawney gave in to a bit of fear. *If I'm even around long enough to learn...*, she started.
*You will be!* Laz reassured her. *We'll figure something out....*
"So, when does this so called duel take place?" Taggart asked. His voice held a hint of annoyance.
"It shall be conducted in seven suns, after the completion of the Mourning Revel." Luchien responded, he looked over at Katelyn with a look that made the young Ensign squirm uncomfortably. "You are invited to stay with your friends, if you wish. I am sure that your support would be appreciated."
Not knowing how to respond, Katelyn looked to Taggart. He nodded slightly and Katelyn sighed, relieved. "Thank you, I would be honored to stay and support Dr. Lazarus."
Laz and Tawney each felt warning signals sounding, at this exchange. Moreover, Lethe was looking at Laredo, as if she were trying to communicate mentally with him. She did not succeed at this; however, her face told the Protector's helmsman all he needed to know...and he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.
Katelyn's reply must have pleased Luchien because he got a peculiar gleam in his eyes and he smiled while he said, "Very good. Lethe, show our guests where they shall be staying until the end of the Revel."
Lethe stared a moment at her father, then nodded reluctantly. "If you will all follow me, please."
The group fell into step behind Lethe as she led the way through the village. They passed many other Tev'Meckians who watched the visitors pass in curiosity. They recognized Lazarus, but had no idea why the humans felt the need to be here at such a personal time. Finally, Lethe reached a hut close to the center of the villiage, and stopped outside it's entrance. Lareth noticed where they had stopped and frowned at his sister.
*Lethe, just what do you think you are doing?* The scolding tone of his 'voice' did not deter Lethe in the least. In fact, he actually heard her giggling in his head.
*Why brother dearest, you know it is custom for us to house visitors. And as Laz has no hut of his own, it is up to you to shelter the human males.*
*And the females?* Lareth's question caused another fit of giggles to erupt from his sister.
*I will house them, of course. It will be good for them. We can give them instructions on what is and what is not appropriate during a Mourning Revel.* Lethe pointed out to her brother.
*All right, you win. I'll house the Humans. But I don't have to like it.*
Lareth was not in the least bit pleased by this turn of events, but Lethe felt it served him right for the way he had been acting. He didn't even know these humans and yet he was ready to pass judgement on them. And then there was the matter of their brother being mated to one of the females. It was undocumented for sure, but forbidden? She did not recall it ever being said that a Tev'Meckian could not mate outside of his or her species. It had just never happened. There had never been the urge to bond with someone of a different ethic background.....until now, at least.
"All right, Commander, Laredo, you will be staying here with Laz and Lareth, until the end of the Revel. Tawney, you and your female friend here shall be staying with me in my hut." Lethe spoke to the group that stood around her. The two males looked as if they were about to protest, but with a look from Tawney simply nodded instead. "Very well then, you may go freshen up for the conclusion to the Departure Ceremony."
"Shouldn't I change clothes?" Ensign Wingate asked. She was still in uniform, and felt awkward, and out of place.
"That would be best", Lethe replied, grateful that the ensign respected Mak'Tar customs. "I have some spare robes...This way, please."
She then led the young female to another area. Lethe led them a few meters away from Lareth's hut to her own and motioned for the two women to follow her inside. Once they had entered, Tawney felt as if a huge weight had been lifted, although temporarily, from her shoulders. The atmosphere in the hut was wholey inviting and friendly. Lethe went to an antique looking chest that sat off to one side of the hut. She rummaged around inside of the chest for a moment, pulling out some spare robes for Katelyn. Then, pausing a second as if coming to a decision, Lethe pulled out another robe. This one was more elaborate and beautiful, drastically unlike the one Tawney had on. Turning back to the Earthlings Lethe smiled gently.
"This robe belonged to my mother." She revealed. "It was for special occasions, and I am sure that she would have wanted Laz's lifemate to wear it for the Mourning Revel."
She then handed the precious robe to a very shocked Tawney.
"I can't...", she began.
"Please do", requested a somber, but serious Lethe. "It would mean so much to me...and Lazarus."
"I suppose that settles it!" Ensign Wingate remarked, in a tone that managed to lighten the atmosphere.
The three women shared a smile, before Lethe showed Katelyn where she could change clothes.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Lareth sat in his hut, staring death glares at the two human males that had been forced upon him, by his own kind's customs of all things. He was currently watching the two Humans mutter amongst themselves. He did not trust these Humans and he could not comprehend how Ipthar had deemed it suitable to bond Lazarus with one of them. The female was the worst, with all that long flowing hair.
*It must get in the way constantly.* He thought ruthlessly. Lazarus had left a shortly after seeing the Humans settled. He had duties to perform as eldest son, although Lareth did not see why he bothered, seeing as how his brother had run off all those years before. *He abandoned these duties then, why does he feel the need to perform them now?*
Across the hut, completely oblivious to the spiteful thoughts of their host, Taggart and Laredo were deep in discussion over the turn of events this visit had taken.
"Man, I'm telling you, I don't like this." Laredo muttered as he faced Taggart.
"Neither do I, Laredo", Taggart responded, "but right now, I can't think of any way out of this."
Laredo gave the Commander an amused look, mentally debating... should he or shouldn't he? Laredo grinned. "Never give up, never surrender, Commander."
Commander Peter Quincy Taggart turned ten shades of red in as many seconds, causing Laredo to forget the solemnity of the situation in a fit of laughter.
"Wait 'til we get back!" Taggart half-threatened the young helmsman. He started to remove his ceremonial robe; however, a new fit of laughter seized Laredo. Remembering all the times Dr. Lazarus had chided him about being shirtless, Taggart realized they didn't have any spare clothes. "Uh...Lareth", he began, hesitantly. "Is there something else--a different kind of robe--that we need to change into, or can we have our uniforms sent down here, until the next part of the Ceremony?"
Lareth looked at the Humans with a slight look of disgust. "The next part of the Mourning Revel will begin at dusk. I believe it would be acceptable for you to wear your 'uniforms' until then." The word uniform left Lareth's mouth as if it were a loathsome term.
Laredo and Taggart exchanged glances when they heard the tone of Lareth's voice. Oh yeah, they definitely didn't like this.
"He's up to something...and I don't like it!" Taggart whispered, as the Tev'Meckian left them. Suddenly, Taggart remembered how Laz's brother had been treating Tawney. He could tell that Laredo was remembering, as well....
"I think we should get Ensign Wingate to keep an eye on Lt. Madison, don't you Commander?" Laredo asked.
"Yeah, Laredo...we'll have to have someone keep an eye out for Lieutenant Madison. I suppose Ensign Wingate is the best choice...." *Of course, Laz's sister--was Lethe her name?--seemed to take to Tawney right off*, Taggart reflected. *Plus, Laz's dad was looking at Tawney AND Katelyn rather strangely!* he now realized. *Maybe we can get LETHE to keep an eye on both of them...if Luchien hasn't already taken care of that!*
Taggart felt sorry for the Tev'Meckian who had just lost his wife and lifemate...however, alarms were going off, warning him not to trust the man!
*~*~*~*~*~*
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: If you want it, just ask.
Chapter 12
"The duel, Peter......is to the death."
The silence immediately following Laz's revelation was deafening. Taggart and Laredo were stunned speechless by the tone of the Tev'Meckian's voice. By the look in his eyes, he meant to allow this to happen.
"No!" The stunned silence was broken, surprisingly, by Katelyn. She had remained silent after she had informed the others of the Tev'Meckian Elders' intentions. "This is insane, Peter. You cannot allow this!" Her panic-tinged words reflected the look in her eyes.
Taggart overcame the shock then and locked eyes with Katelyn, giving her a reassuring look, then turned to glare at Luchien and Lareth.
"If you think that we're going to sit back and let this happen, then you're crazy. We came here for Laz to see his mother one last time. We did *not* come here for my Lieutenant to duel to the death! I'm not-"
Taggart's protests were cut short when he felt someone grab his arm gently. He turned to see Tawney standing beside him, a steely look of determination in her eyes.
"Peter." Her voice was as determined as her eyes looked. "It's all right, this has to be. I know you don't understand, but I'm glad I've got to do this. Maybe now I can prove to *them*," Tawney nodded toward Luchien and Lareth, indicating which 'them' she meant. "That Laz and I are meant to be." Turning back to face Taggart, Tawney added softly. "I can do this, Peter."
Taggart's body relaxed a bit then and he squeezed the hand that still rested on his arm for a second before nodding. Taggart then looked at Laz. The Tev'Meckian's body was relaxed and his previous words had made it seem he approved of the situation, but Taggart could tell by the clenching and unclenching of Laz's fists that this wasn't entirely true. But there wasn't anything that could be done. It was his clan's way and he could not go against it. Tawney returned to Laz's side and he placed an arm around her waist, pulling her close.
*Are you entirely sure, love?* Laz 'asked'.
*Yes, darling.* The answer came immediately, serving to put Laz at ease.
He smiled at her then, knowing that he indeed had a true mate. To face a challenge such as this with such confidence, she could be no less than devoted, heart and soul.
"We shall set a time for the challenge after the Departure Ceremony is complete." Luchien spoke with such smugness in his voice that it was grating on the crew's nerves. "Also, as head Elder, I do reserve the right to choose the opponent."
Although Laz's facial expression did not change, Tawney could practically feel him grimace as he muttered through the bond. *I should have known.* His next comment was directed at Tawney. *I don't like this. I know my father, and he is entirely too smug about this.*
Tawney had gotten a similar feeling. Luchien was way too smug about this challenge. It was like he knew something that they didn't. *Well, he does know something we don't. Namely, the identity of my opponent.* She thought to herself, unknowingly transmitting it to Laz, who prevented the idle thought from reaching his family.
*You will have to be taught how to control your thoughts, Love*, Laz half-scolded.
Realizing he'd kept her thoughts a secret, Tawney gave in to a bit of fear. *If I'm even around long enough to learn...*, she started.
*You will be!* Laz reassured her. *We'll figure something out....*
"So, when does this so called duel take place?" Taggart asked. His voice held a hint of annoyance.
"It shall be conducted in seven suns, after the completion of the Mourning Revel." Luchien responded, he looked over at Katelyn with a look that made the young Ensign squirm uncomfortably. "You are invited to stay with your friends, if you wish. I am sure that your support would be appreciated."
Not knowing how to respond, Katelyn looked to Taggart. He nodded slightly and Katelyn sighed, relieved. "Thank you, I would be honored to stay and support Dr. Lazarus."
Laz and Tawney each felt warning signals sounding, at this exchange. Moreover, Lethe was looking at Laredo, as if she were trying to communicate mentally with him. She did not succeed at this; however, her face told the Protector's helmsman all he needed to know...and he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.
Katelyn's reply must have pleased Luchien because he got a peculiar gleam in his eyes and he smiled while he said, "Very good. Lethe, show our guests where they shall be staying until the end of the Revel."
Lethe stared a moment at her father, then nodded reluctantly. "If you will all follow me, please."
The group fell into step behind Lethe as she led the way through the village. They passed many other Tev'Meckians who watched the visitors pass in curiosity. They recognized Lazarus, but had no idea why the humans felt the need to be here at such a personal time. Finally, Lethe reached a hut close to the center of the villiage, and stopped outside it's entrance. Lareth noticed where they had stopped and frowned at his sister.
*Lethe, just what do you think you are doing?* The scolding tone of his 'voice' did not deter Lethe in the least. In fact, he actually heard her giggling in his head.
*Why brother dearest, you know it is custom for us to house visitors. And as Laz has no hut of his own, it is up to you to shelter the human males.*
*And the females?* Lareth's question caused another fit of giggles to erupt from his sister.
*I will house them, of course. It will be good for them. We can give them instructions on what is and what is not appropriate during a Mourning Revel.* Lethe pointed out to her brother.
*All right, you win. I'll house the Humans. But I don't have to like it.*
Lareth was not in the least bit pleased by this turn of events, but Lethe felt it served him right for the way he had been acting. He didn't even know these humans and yet he was ready to pass judgement on them. And then there was the matter of their brother being mated to one of the females. It was undocumented for sure, but forbidden? She did not recall it ever being said that a Tev'Meckian could not mate outside of his or her species. It had just never happened. There had never been the urge to bond with someone of a different ethic background.....until now, at least.
"All right, Commander, Laredo, you will be staying here with Laz and Lareth, until the end of the Revel. Tawney, you and your female friend here shall be staying with me in my hut." Lethe spoke to the group that stood around her. The two males looked as if they were about to protest, but with a look from Tawney simply nodded instead. "Very well then, you may go freshen up for the conclusion to the Departure Ceremony."
"Shouldn't I change clothes?" Ensign Wingate asked. She was still in uniform, and felt awkward, and out of place.
"That would be best", Lethe replied, grateful that the ensign respected Mak'Tar customs. "I have some spare robes...This way, please."
She then led the young female to another area. Lethe led them a few meters away from Lareth's hut to her own and motioned for the two women to follow her inside. Once they had entered, Tawney felt as if a huge weight had been lifted, although temporarily, from her shoulders. The atmosphere in the hut was wholey inviting and friendly. Lethe went to an antique looking chest that sat off to one side of the hut. She rummaged around inside of the chest for a moment, pulling out some spare robes for Katelyn. Then, pausing a second as if coming to a decision, Lethe pulled out another robe. This one was more elaborate and beautiful, drastically unlike the one Tawney had on. Turning back to the Earthlings Lethe smiled gently.
"This robe belonged to my mother." She revealed. "It was for special occasions, and I am sure that she would have wanted Laz's lifemate to wear it for the Mourning Revel."
She then handed the precious robe to a very shocked Tawney.
"I can't...", she began.
"Please do", requested a somber, but serious Lethe. "It would mean so much to me...and Lazarus."
"I suppose that settles it!" Ensign Wingate remarked, in a tone that managed to lighten the atmosphere.
The three women shared a smile, before Lethe showed Katelyn where she could change clothes.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Lareth sat in his hut, staring death glares at the two human males that had been forced upon him, by his own kind's customs of all things. He was currently watching the two Humans mutter amongst themselves. He did not trust these Humans and he could not comprehend how Ipthar had deemed it suitable to bond Lazarus with one of them. The female was the worst, with all that long flowing hair.
*It must get in the way constantly.* He thought ruthlessly. Lazarus had left a shortly after seeing the Humans settled. He had duties to perform as eldest son, although Lareth did not see why he bothered, seeing as how his brother had run off all those years before. *He abandoned these duties then, why does he feel the need to perform them now?*
Across the hut, completely oblivious to the spiteful thoughts of their host, Taggart and Laredo were deep in discussion over the turn of events this visit had taken.
"Man, I'm telling you, I don't like this." Laredo muttered as he faced Taggart.
"Neither do I, Laredo", Taggart responded, "but right now, I can't think of any way out of this."
Laredo gave the Commander an amused look, mentally debating... should he or shouldn't he? Laredo grinned. "Never give up, never surrender, Commander."
Commander Peter Quincy Taggart turned ten shades of red in as many seconds, causing Laredo to forget the solemnity of the situation in a fit of laughter.
"Wait 'til we get back!" Taggart half-threatened the young helmsman. He started to remove his ceremonial robe; however, a new fit of laughter seized Laredo. Remembering all the times Dr. Lazarus had chided him about being shirtless, Taggart realized they didn't have any spare clothes. "Uh...Lareth", he began, hesitantly. "Is there something else--a different kind of robe--that we need to change into, or can we have our uniforms sent down here, until the next part of the Ceremony?"
Lareth looked at the Humans with a slight look of disgust. "The next part of the Mourning Revel will begin at dusk. I believe it would be acceptable for you to wear your 'uniforms' until then." The word uniform left Lareth's mouth as if it were a loathsome term.
Laredo and Taggart exchanged glances when they heard the tone of Lareth's voice. Oh yeah, they definitely didn't like this.
"He's up to something...and I don't like it!" Taggart whispered, as the Tev'Meckian left them. Suddenly, Taggart remembered how Laz's brother had been treating Tawney. He could tell that Laredo was remembering, as well....
"I think we should get Ensign Wingate to keep an eye on Lt. Madison, don't you Commander?" Laredo asked.
"Yeah, Laredo...we'll have to have someone keep an eye out for Lieutenant Madison. I suppose Ensign Wingate is the best choice...." *Of course, Laz's sister--was Lethe her name?--seemed to take to Tawney right off*, Taggart reflected. *Plus, Laz's dad was looking at Tawney AND Katelyn rather strangely!* he now realized. *Maybe we can get LETHE to keep an eye on both of them...if Luchien hasn't already taken care of that!*
Taggart felt sorry for the Tev'Meckian who had just lost his wife and lifemate...however, alarms were going off, warning him not to trust the man!
*~*~*~*~*~*
tbc...