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 13
Tawney Madison sat in Lethe's hut with Katelyn Wingate as they ate their evening meal. Since Lethe herself was eating a bowl of Kep'Mok Bloodtick soup, she did not want her guests to be left out. So she had prepared a salad for the women made from various edible plants native of Tev'Meck. Tawney and Katelyn had thanked Lethe, telling her how thoughtful it was for her to have thought of them. It was almost time for the continuation of the Mourning Revel and the Ensign and Lieutenant still had no idea what was expected of them. Tawney had hoped that Laz would come by and inform her if she were to have a particular task to perform. But she hadn't seen him since they had left the men at Lareth's hut.
After they had finished eating, Lethe told Tawney it was time to prepare for the Revel. She was to don their mother's robe and Lethe asked if she could bind her hair in some way, since Tawney's was freely flowing, to show respect for the departed. Tawney smiled warmly and told her she would love for Lethe to fix her hair.
*~*~*~*~*~*
A short distance away, in Lareth's hut, Commander Taggart and Laredo watched as Lareth ate his own bowl of soup. He had not offered the two humans anything other than the soup, knowing they would refuse it.
*Well, too bad for them.* He thought.
Just then, Lazarus came back from his task to eat and prepare for the Revel. Upon seeing that his friends had not been offered anything to eat, his eyes narrowed accusingly at his brother.
*Our mother would be ashamed of you, Lareth...and you know it!!* Laz shot at his brother.
Lareth returned his older brother's glare. *Oh come off it Lazarus.*
*I suppose you're going to try and convince me they've already eaten?* came the wry question.
*Not at all brother, It is not as if I were going to starve the pathetic things.* Lareth 'sneered'.
*They are my friends, and will be treated as such!* Lazarus 'exploded'. *Furthermore, Tawney Madison is my lifemate...whether you like it or not!!*
Taggart glanced at Laredo. The Commander had read the body language of the two Tev'Meckians and came to the conclusion that it would most likely be best if they were to leave the hut. Immediately. Nodding toward the entrance, he indicated that they should slip out. Laredo nodded in agreement and silently followed Taggart as they left the hut.
Not noticing as the two humans left, the brothers continued to face off.
"Man! You don't need to be telepathic to know what those two were arguin' about!" Laredo said, when they were out of earshot.
Inside the hut, the argument began to heat up.
*You have the nerve to return here and bring a *human* female as your mate? How dare you disgrace this family like that!* Lareth rose from his seat bringing himself eye to eye with Lazarus.
*You and Lethe have just recently reached the Age of Awareness*, Lazarus began, referring to the fact that his younger siblings had reached sexual maturity. *When your souls tell you that you found your Lifemates, you and Lethe will respond accordingly...just as I did.* He sighed. *Yes, I know that there have never been any interplanetary Bondings. When I first felt the Mak'Tar Mating Urge--and realized it was for Tawney--I was in denial for a month, from the shock. Unusual circumstances finally led Tawney to confess that she'd had feelings for me...for an even longer period of time. One day, you'll understand....*
Lareth looked at Lazarus in disbelief. He could not comprehend what his brother was telling him. Could he and the Human truly be lifemates? Lareth had practically convinced himself that there had been some sort of mistake or miscalculation. Could it be possible......
*NO!* Lareth bucked against the uncertainty. *There is nothing to understand, brother. And after seven suns, there will be nothing to worry about as well.*
Realizing Lareth was referring to the upcoming duel, Lazarus tried to learn more; however, Lareth had "shut down" his link with his older brother...and, when Lazarus tried to "ask" his father for details, he found that link closed to him as well. He toyed with the idea of "contacting" Lethe, but realized she would be busy tending to his lifemate, and Ensign Wingate, feeding them....
Lazarus turned quickly; he'd just now missed Taggart and Laredo. "I'll start a salad for them", he spoke sharply to Lareth. "*You* find them, and bring them back in!" he demanded...thus serving his brother a large slice of humble pie, to go with his soup.
Lareth shot his brother one last glaring look before stalking out of the hut in search of the humans. Careful to shield his thoughts from his brother, Lareth began muttering to himself.
"Unusual circumstances, he says. I'll understand one day, he says. By Grapthar's hammer I'll understand!"
Lareth continued on his tirade until he came upon the two humans. They had not wandered far, not being familiar with their surroundings, and so he found them a few yards from the hut with their backs to him.
"Humans, my brother is preparing you a meal and he wishes for you to return so that you may eat it." Lareth made sure they could read between the lines. He did not want them in his hut.
Taggart and Laredo looked at one another. After a moment, they both shrugged and proceeded to follow the rather hostile Tev'Meckian back to the hut.
Inside the hut, as Lazarus began preparing a salad, he felt a pang of sorrow: This salad had been his mother's favorite. Reflexively, he reached out for Tawney, and felt her love once again. Tears began rolling down his face. Hearing the others re-entering, he quickly tried to wipe the telltale streaks from his face. Taggart's hand on his shoulder told Lazarus he was not quick enough.
"Hey Laz, ol' buddy, you okay?" Taggart spoke lowly enough so as not to draw Laredo or Lareth's attention.
"Yes, Peter...", Lazarus began, unconvincingly. Turning away from his commanding officer, Laz's hand accidentally hit the salad bowl in front of him. He grabbed the bowl, barely rescuing the humans' meal. "I...suppose...not", Laz confessed, his shoulders now shaking, as he fought the sobs which threatened to claim him.
Taggart looked at his Chief Advisor and long time friend. "Is there anything I can do?" The Commander asked with a bit of worry. He never quite knew what to do when it came to emotional situations. Give him action and dangerous situations, but this.... this wasn't his thing. "Maybe I should go get Tawney?"
"No", the Tev'Meckian gasped through his tears. "I'll be all right in a bit. Here; take this in, and I'll join you shortly." While he *did* need to feel Tawney's loving arms, he would console himself with her loving thoughts. As Laz's mind touched Tawney's, it also found Lethe's. *Thank you for accepting her*, he "told" his sister, his heart overflowing.
*What are sisters for?* The younger sibling teased, then became serious. *You are welcome, my brother.* She 'said'.
Fortified by the knowledge that his and Tawney's union was not universally condemned among his people, Lazarus wiped his face, then went to the dining area, to join his shipmates and brother.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Back in Lethe's hut, the young Tev'Meckian woman let out a sad sigh. It hurt her to feel her brother's pain and knowing that it was his and her own clan, their own *family* causing it was next to unbearable. Tawney, who had been sitting beside Lethe, glanced over at her hostess when she heard the sigh.
"I'm truly sorry about all of this. I wish there was something I could do to make it better." Tawney said sincerely.
"This would be so much harder on Lazarus if he had no Lifemate at all", Lethe replied sadly. As Lazarus had reminded Lareth, the family twins had recently reached the Age of Awareness. Lethe--who, like Lareth, had not yet identified a Lifemate--was feeling an extra measure of loneliness. As she reflected on this, she realized that, beyond his bigotry, Lareth was lashing out at Lazarus in jealousy. Changing the subject, she remarked to Tawney, "I know--at least I think I know--how Lazarus knew you were to be his Lifemate. May I ask how...?" She stopped, blushing, as she realized that Katelyn was still with them.
Tawney smiled Lethe for a moment. "Well... At first I just thought it was an infatuation, we humans call it a crush. I was fascinated by his customs and especially him. I thought he was the most beautiful man I had ever seen. And he was caring and brave. The perfect man to fall in love with. At first, I didn't think there was a way for us to ever be together, that he would never see me as I saw him. But I was wrong." Tawney's smile widened considerably. "Boy was I wrong."
Lethe felt her interest peak. "What happened?" She asked.
"Well, it's kind of hard to put to words...." Tawney began, not quite sure how to explain the miraculous event that had led to her and Laz confessing their feelings.
Lethe smiled kindly. "You don't have to put it to words." The young Tev'Meckian said. "Just...open your mind to the bond."
Tawney returned the smile and laughed lightly when she confessed that she had yet to learn how to shield her thoughts and if she so wanted, Lethe could have already delved into her mind.
"That is against our beliefs...even with others of our own race", Lethe explained, somberly.
"Really?" Tawney asked, surprised by this fact, as she remembered the incident with Lazarus' brother Lareth.
"Yes." Lethe replied quietly. The tone of her voice drew even Katelyn's attention. It was a grave one. "It is an atrocious thing to force one's mind into another's, almost as horrible as forcing one's thoughts on another. An act that is punishable if perpetrated."
"Lieutenant?"
Even without telepathic abilities, Katelyn's feminine intuition--along with Tawney's body language--had alerted her to the terrible truth: Tawney had already experienced this atrocious act. The blonde woman's flush of shame also revealed this to her hostess...her sister-in-law. The expression on Lethe's face ranged variously. From confusion, to shock and then finally settled into outright fury.
The Tev'Meckian remained quiet for a moment, then softly asked. "May I?"
Tawney bowed her head as she murmured her permission, and allowed Lethe to initiate the bond and enter her thoughts and memories.
With the memory of Lareth's invasion still somewhat fresh, Tawney couldn't help but flinch slightly, as Lethe's mind touched hers.
*Gently, Sister...gently*, came the soothing thoughts of the Tev'Meckian woman. As Tawney relaxed under the gentle "touch", her body slumped slightly. Seeing this, Ensign Wingate sat down.
The first memory Tawney shared was her first meeting with Dr. Lazarus. Lethe was pleased to learn that Tawney's initial reaction had been open-mindedness. True, there was curiosity about this man from another planet; that was expected. However, there was none of the revulsion that she felt from her twin, which revealed his thoughts about the humans.
Next, Lethe 'viewed' all of the many times her older brother had saved Tawney, and the other members of The Protector. With each rescue, Lethe could feel Tawney's increasing admiration for Laz, culminating in the incident which Tawney had recently revealed to Laz...when her feelings for him blossomed into love. An amused Lethe felt Tawney shift uncomfortably, as she now remembered Mottera. Lethe actually laughed at the memory of Laz's hand on Tawney's, before they Digitized down to the planet.
*I'll have to remember that one!* she teased.
*Only if you give me some 'ammunition' in return!* Tawney giggled. She'd forgotten about the upcoming duel--as Lethe had hoped she would--and was wanting to learn some things that would give her an upper hand over her lifemate.
*Deal!!* affirmed Lethe. She then pressed on....
All the time Tawney lay in the Medical Quarters, fighting for her life, the entire Medical and Science Staffs were searching desperately for the key to saving her. Finally, Laz--of all people--found the missing clue, in notes left behind by the first, ill-fated Motteran landing party: Phygotaxis Oxitosis. The antibody that the landing party had run out of--thus making them easy prey for the same virus that Tawney was fighting--had also become active in Laz's bloodstream, when the Mak'Tar Mating Urge told him that Tawney was his intended lifemate.....
Finally, Lethe felt; although second hand, the experience of Tawney and Lazarus' bonding. The exquisite feeling of pure love and happiness, it was almost too much for Lethe to bear, and tears of joy sprang to her eyes as the emotions washed over her. Lethe began withdrawing her mind, but before she had accomplished it she felt something that halted her retreat.
*TELL ME, HUMAN.*
The sound of her twin's voice in Tawney's mind, and the tone it was using made Lethe flinch inwardly. Lethe was again shocked and angered that her brother would dare do this to anyone, especially his brother's lifemate.
*Lareth, you fool!!* Lethe thought to herself, not sharing this with Tawney...for she knew the conseqences her twin would face, when this horrible transgression was revealed to the Village Elders. *What have you done?!*
Withdrawing her mind gently, Lethe gathered a now sobbing Tawney into her arms as a concerned Katelyn looked on. Knowing that Tawney could not do so herself, Lethe used her sibling bond to effectively block Tawney's distress from Lazarus. The last thing her poor brother needed was this alarming news thrust upon him on top of everything else.
*Hopefully, this mess will be straightened out*, Lethe reflected, trying to think of a way out of the duel her father was insisting on, *then, the wives of the Elders can instruct Tawney on using her mental bond...and other things....*
A smile crossed her face, as she remembered the one weakness of her brothers--a certain spot on the back of the neck of each--and how neither one could refuse the "wishes" of someone who was stroking that spot. Tawney noticed the smile and wondered at it. Lethe giggled at the look of curiosity on her brother's lifemate's face.
"Later." She simply said, and Tawney nodded, knowing that Lethe would let her in on the secret when the time was right.
"It's almost dusk." Katelyn stated, noticing the sunlight that had been coming through the window was fading.
"We best prepare ourselves then." Lethe stated, rising to her feet and moving to gather the robes so that she and the other two women could don them.
The mood in Lethe's hut had again turned somber, as the three stepped out, preparing to join the men in the center of the village, in which lay a large "icehouse". Normally, this building was used to preserve freshly-killed meat, but Lethe had explained that it was also used during Departure Ceremonies. Lethe had said this would be a silent vigil: The family members and honored visitors--namely, Laz's crewmates--would sit outside the building, with Lazienne's body inside. During the night, anyone coming from outside the village would be greeted with silent hugs. Afterwards, Laz would take them to special "visitors'" huts.
As the three women approached the center, Tawney's steps began to falter as she began to grow nervous at the prospect of seeing Laz's father and brother again. Lethe felt Tawney's hesitance and reached out, taking Tawney's hand in her own and giving it a reassuring squeeze.
Somehow knowing that her thoughts were being shielded by Lethe, Tawney "asked" her, *Will there be any trouble with my wearing your mother's robes?*
*I do not believe my brother would be so foolish as to go against tradition during the Mourning Revel.* Lethe replied, secretly hoping that she was right.
Tawney proceeded, although a bit apprehensively, on to where the men waited for them along with the Elders. Deliberately avoiding the gaze of the others, Tawney strode purposefully to Laz.
"How are you holding up?" she asked aloud.
"Better....now that you're here." Laz whispered, taking Tawney's hand in his own. "It is hard, and this night will be harder...but I believe I can manage now," Lazarus then sent a message to Lethe: *Thank you, Sister, for letting my Lifemate wear Mother's robes.*
For a moment Lareth looked to be about to speak, but after a glare from Lethe, instead turned to his father. Luchien locked eyes with his youngest son then turned to eye the robe that Tawney wore with a bit of malice. Before he could utter a word though, Laz's voice broke in.
"Peter, did you know it is customary for the robes of the deceased to be worn by the eldest offspring's Lifemate?"
Although the question was directed at Taggart, Lazarus' eyes were firmly locked on his father. For a moment father and son faced off, but the tension was broken thankfully when the first of the 'out-of-towners' arrived. The group that had arrived was from another clan whose village was not very far away. The silent hugs were exchanged, and Laz left Tawney in the care of Laredo and Taggart as he led the visitors to their huts.
When he returned, he noticed that Katelyn had moved to stand on the opposite side of Tawney. Not wanting to be rude, Lazarus took up a position on the opposite side of Taggart, noticing in slight amusement, that Lethe had chosen to stand beside Laredo. It continued this way; a group arriving, exchanging silent hugs and being led away by Lazarus for countless hours. Taggart and Laredo looked to be getting a bit tired, but refused to leave Tawney's side.
Among the group, Tawney noticed a particularly attractive Tev'Meckian woman, who seemed unable to take her eyes off of Laz as hugs were exchanged. When it came time for the woman to embrace Laz, she practically molded her body to Tawney's Lifemate. At the sight of this, a wave of jealousy engulfed Tawney, just as she heard a whisper in her mind. The Tev'Meckian woman was communicating to Laz telepathically.
*Laz, my love, I am truly sorry about your mother.*
Tawney started at hearing the woman use the endearment in reference to Lazarus. She was even more surprised when she felt confusion sweep through Lazarus....right before shutting down his link to Tawney, blocking off anything else that the Tev'Meckian woman or Laz himself would have said. Not wanting to break the silence--not even mentally--Tawney did the next best thing: She squeezed Lethe's hand, letting her know that something was wrong...dreadfully wrong. Her fears were confirmed when she saw a look of triumph on Luchien's face.
*~*~*~*~*
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 13
Tawney Madison sat in Lethe's hut with Katelyn Wingate as they ate their evening meal. Since Lethe herself was eating a bowl of Kep'Mok Bloodtick soup, she did not want her guests to be left out. So she had prepared a salad for the women made from various edible plants native of Tev'Meck. Tawney and Katelyn had thanked Lethe, telling her how thoughtful it was for her to have thought of them. It was almost time for the continuation of the Mourning Revel and the Ensign and Lieutenant still had no idea what was expected of them. Tawney had hoped that Laz would come by and inform her if she were to have a particular task to perform. But she hadn't seen him since they had left the men at Lareth's hut.
After they had finished eating, Lethe told Tawney it was time to prepare for the Revel. She was to don their mother's robe and Lethe asked if she could bind her hair in some way, since Tawney's was freely flowing, to show respect for the departed. Tawney smiled warmly and told her she would love for Lethe to fix her hair.
*~*~*~*~*~*
A short distance away, in Lareth's hut, Commander Taggart and Laredo watched as Lareth ate his own bowl of soup. He had not offered the two humans anything other than the soup, knowing they would refuse it.
*Well, too bad for them.* He thought.
Just then, Lazarus came back from his task to eat and prepare for the Revel. Upon seeing that his friends had not been offered anything to eat, his eyes narrowed accusingly at his brother.
*Our mother would be ashamed of you, Lareth...and you know it!!* Laz shot at his brother.
Lareth returned his older brother's glare. *Oh come off it Lazarus.*
*I suppose you're going to try and convince me they've already eaten?* came the wry question.
*Not at all brother, It is not as if I were going to starve the pathetic things.* Lareth 'sneered'.
*They are my friends, and will be treated as such!* Lazarus 'exploded'. *Furthermore, Tawney Madison is my lifemate...whether you like it or not!!*
Taggart glanced at Laredo. The Commander had read the body language of the two Tev'Meckians and came to the conclusion that it would most likely be best if they were to leave the hut. Immediately. Nodding toward the entrance, he indicated that they should slip out. Laredo nodded in agreement and silently followed Taggart as they left the hut.
Not noticing as the two humans left, the brothers continued to face off.
"Man! You don't need to be telepathic to know what those two were arguin' about!" Laredo said, when they were out of earshot.
Inside the hut, the argument began to heat up.
*You have the nerve to return here and bring a *human* female as your mate? How dare you disgrace this family like that!* Lareth rose from his seat bringing himself eye to eye with Lazarus.
*You and Lethe have just recently reached the Age of Awareness*, Lazarus began, referring to the fact that his younger siblings had reached sexual maturity. *When your souls tell you that you found your Lifemates, you and Lethe will respond accordingly...just as I did.* He sighed. *Yes, I know that there have never been any interplanetary Bondings. When I first felt the Mak'Tar Mating Urge--and realized it was for Tawney--I was in denial for a month, from the shock. Unusual circumstances finally led Tawney to confess that she'd had feelings for me...for an even longer period of time. One day, you'll understand....*
Lareth looked at Lazarus in disbelief. He could not comprehend what his brother was telling him. Could he and the Human truly be lifemates? Lareth had practically convinced himself that there had been some sort of mistake or miscalculation. Could it be possible......
*NO!* Lareth bucked against the uncertainty. *There is nothing to understand, brother. And after seven suns, there will be nothing to worry about as well.*
Realizing Lareth was referring to the upcoming duel, Lazarus tried to learn more; however, Lareth had "shut down" his link with his older brother...and, when Lazarus tried to "ask" his father for details, he found that link closed to him as well. He toyed with the idea of "contacting" Lethe, but realized she would be busy tending to his lifemate, and Ensign Wingate, feeding them....
Lazarus turned quickly; he'd just now missed Taggart and Laredo. "I'll start a salad for them", he spoke sharply to Lareth. "*You* find them, and bring them back in!" he demanded...thus serving his brother a large slice of humble pie, to go with his soup.
Lareth shot his brother one last glaring look before stalking out of the hut in search of the humans. Careful to shield his thoughts from his brother, Lareth began muttering to himself.
"Unusual circumstances, he says. I'll understand one day, he says. By Grapthar's hammer I'll understand!"
Lareth continued on his tirade until he came upon the two humans. They had not wandered far, not being familiar with their surroundings, and so he found them a few yards from the hut with their backs to him.
"Humans, my brother is preparing you a meal and he wishes for you to return so that you may eat it." Lareth made sure they could read between the lines. He did not want them in his hut.
Taggart and Laredo looked at one another. After a moment, they both shrugged and proceeded to follow the rather hostile Tev'Meckian back to the hut.
Inside the hut, as Lazarus began preparing a salad, he felt a pang of sorrow: This salad had been his mother's favorite. Reflexively, he reached out for Tawney, and felt her love once again. Tears began rolling down his face. Hearing the others re-entering, he quickly tried to wipe the telltale streaks from his face. Taggart's hand on his shoulder told Lazarus he was not quick enough.
"Hey Laz, ol' buddy, you okay?" Taggart spoke lowly enough so as not to draw Laredo or Lareth's attention.
"Yes, Peter...", Lazarus began, unconvincingly. Turning away from his commanding officer, Laz's hand accidentally hit the salad bowl in front of him. He grabbed the bowl, barely rescuing the humans' meal. "I...suppose...not", Laz confessed, his shoulders now shaking, as he fought the sobs which threatened to claim him.
Taggart looked at his Chief Advisor and long time friend. "Is there anything I can do?" The Commander asked with a bit of worry. He never quite knew what to do when it came to emotional situations. Give him action and dangerous situations, but this.... this wasn't his thing. "Maybe I should go get Tawney?"
"No", the Tev'Meckian gasped through his tears. "I'll be all right in a bit. Here; take this in, and I'll join you shortly." While he *did* need to feel Tawney's loving arms, he would console himself with her loving thoughts. As Laz's mind touched Tawney's, it also found Lethe's. *Thank you for accepting her*, he "told" his sister, his heart overflowing.
*What are sisters for?* The younger sibling teased, then became serious. *You are welcome, my brother.* She 'said'.
Fortified by the knowledge that his and Tawney's union was not universally condemned among his people, Lazarus wiped his face, then went to the dining area, to join his shipmates and brother.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Back in Lethe's hut, the young Tev'Meckian woman let out a sad sigh. It hurt her to feel her brother's pain and knowing that it was his and her own clan, their own *family* causing it was next to unbearable. Tawney, who had been sitting beside Lethe, glanced over at her hostess when she heard the sigh.
"I'm truly sorry about all of this. I wish there was something I could do to make it better." Tawney said sincerely.
"This would be so much harder on Lazarus if he had no Lifemate at all", Lethe replied sadly. As Lazarus had reminded Lareth, the family twins had recently reached the Age of Awareness. Lethe--who, like Lareth, had not yet identified a Lifemate--was feeling an extra measure of loneliness. As she reflected on this, she realized that, beyond his bigotry, Lareth was lashing out at Lazarus in jealousy. Changing the subject, she remarked to Tawney, "I know--at least I think I know--how Lazarus knew you were to be his Lifemate. May I ask how...?" She stopped, blushing, as she realized that Katelyn was still with them.
Tawney smiled Lethe for a moment. "Well... At first I just thought it was an infatuation, we humans call it a crush. I was fascinated by his customs and especially him. I thought he was the most beautiful man I had ever seen. And he was caring and brave. The perfect man to fall in love with. At first, I didn't think there was a way for us to ever be together, that he would never see me as I saw him. But I was wrong." Tawney's smile widened considerably. "Boy was I wrong."
Lethe felt her interest peak. "What happened?" She asked.
"Well, it's kind of hard to put to words...." Tawney began, not quite sure how to explain the miraculous event that had led to her and Laz confessing their feelings.
Lethe smiled kindly. "You don't have to put it to words." The young Tev'Meckian said. "Just...open your mind to the bond."
Tawney returned the smile and laughed lightly when she confessed that she had yet to learn how to shield her thoughts and if she so wanted, Lethe could have already delved into her mind.
"That is against our beliefs...even with others of our own race", Lethe explained, somberly.
"Really?" Tawney asked, surprised by this fact, as she remembered the incident with Lazarus' brother Lareth.
"Yes." Lethe replied quietly. The tone of her voice drew even Katelyn's attention. It was a grave one. "It is an atrocious thing to force one's mind into another's, almost as horrible as forcing one's thoughts on another. An act that is punishable if perpetrated."
"Lieutenant?"
Even without telepathic abilities, Katelyn's feminine intuition--along with Tawney's body language--had alerted her to the terrible truth: Tawney had already experienced this atrocious act. The blonde woman's flush of shame also revealed this to her hostess...her sister-in-law. The expression on Lethe's face ranged variously. From confusion, to shock and then finally settled into outright fury.
The Tev'Meckian remained quiet for a moment, then softly asked. "May I?"
Tawney bowed her head as she murmured her permission, and allowed Lethe to initiate the bond and enter her thoughts and memories.
With the memory of Lareth's invasion still somewhat fresh, Tawney couldn't help but flinch slightly, as Lethe's mind touched hers.
*Gently, Sister...gently*, came the soothing thoughts of the Tev'Meckian woman. As Tawney relaxed under the gentle "touch", her body slumped slightly. Seeing this, Ensign Wingate sat down.
The first memory Tawney shared was her first meeting with Dr. Lazarus. Lethe was pleased to learn that Tawney's initial reaction had been open-mindedness. True, there was curiosity about this man from another planet; that was expected. However, there was none of the revulsion that she felt from her twin, which revealed his thoughts about the humans.
Next, Lethe 'viewed' all of the many times her older brother had saved Tawney, and the other members of The Protector. With each rescue, Lethe could feel Tawney's increasing admiration for Laz, culminating in the incident which Tawney had recently revealed to Laz...when her feelings for him blossomed into love. An amused Lethe felt Tawney shift uncomfortably, as she now remembered Mottera. Lethe actually laughed at the memory of Laz's hand on Tawney's, before they Digitized down to the planet.
*I'll have to remember that one!* she teased.
*Only if you give me some 'ammunition' in return!* Tawney giggled. She'd forgotten about the upcoming duel--as Lethe had hoped she would--and was wanting to learn some things that would give her an upper hand over her lifemate.
*Deal!!* affirmed Lethe. She then pressed on....
All the time Tawney lay in the Medical Quarters, fighting for her life, the entire Medical and Science Staffs were searching desperately for the key to saving her. Finally, Laz--of all people--found the missing clue, in notes left behind by the first, ill-fated Motteran landing party: Phygotaxis Oxitosis. The antibody that the landing party had run out of--thus making them easy prey for the same virus that Tawney was fighting--had also become active in Laz's bloodstream, when the Mak'Tar Mating Urge told him that Tawney was his intended lifemate.....
Finally, Lethe felt; although second hand, the experience of Tawney and Lazarus' bonding. The exquisite feeling of pure love and happiness, it was almost too much for Lethe to bear, and tears of joy sprang to her eyes as the emotions washed over her. Lethe began withdrawing her mind, but before she had accomplished it she felt something that halted her retreat.
*TELL ME, HUMAN.*
The sound of her twin's voice in Tawney's mind, and the tone it was using made Lethe flinch inwardly. Lethe was again shocked and angered that her brother would dare do this to anyone, especially his brother's lifemate.
*Lareth, you fool!!* Lethe thought to herself, not sharing this with Tawney...for she knew the conseqences her twin would face, when this horrible transgression was revealed to the Village Elders. *What have you done?!*
Withdrawing her mind gently, Lethe gathered a now sobbing Tawney into her arms as a concerned Katelyn looked on. Knowing that Tawney could not do so herself, Lethe used her sibling bond to effectively block Tawney's distress from Lazarus. The last thing her poor brother needed was this alarming news thrust upon him on top of everything else.
*Hopefully, this mess will be straightened out*, Lethe reflected, trying to think of a way out of the duel her father was insisting on, *then, the wives of the Elders can instruct Tawney on using her mental bond...and other things....*
A smile crossed her face, as she remembered the one weakness of her brothers--a certain spot on the back of the neck of each--and how neither one could refuse the "wishes" of someone who was stroking that spot. Tawney noticed the smile and wondered at it. Lethe giggled at the look of curiosity on her brother's lifemate's face.
"Later." She simply said, and Tawney nodded, knowing that Lethe would let her in on the secret when the time was right.
"It's almost dusk." Katelyn stated, noticing the sunlight that had been coming through the window was fading.
"We best prepare ourselves then." Lethe stated, rising to her feet and moving to gather the robes so that she and the other two women could don them.
The mood in Lethe's hut had again turned somber, as the three stepped out, preparing to join the men in the center of the village, in which lay a large "icehouse". Normally, this building was used to preserve freshly-killed meat, but Lethe had explained that it was also used during Departure Ceremonies. Lethe had said this would be a silent vigil: The family members and honored visitors--namely, Laz's crewmates--would sit outside the building, with Lazienne's body inside. During the night, anyone coming from outside the village would be greeted with silent hugs. Afterwards, Laz would take them to special "visitors'" huts.
As the three women approached the center, Tawney's steps began to falter as she began to grow nervous at the prospect of seeing Laz's father and brother again. Lethe felt Tawney's hesitance and reached out, taking Tawney's hand in her own and giving it a reassuring squeeze.
Somehow knowing that her thoughts were being shielded by Lethe, Tawney "asked" her, *Will there be any trouble with my wearing your mother's robes?*
*I do not believe my brother would be so foolish as to go against tradition during the Mourning Revel.* Lethe replied, secretly hoping that she was right.
Tawney proceeded, although a bit apprehensively, on to where the men waited for them along with the Elders. Deliberately avoiding the gaze of the others, Tawney strode purposefully to Laz.
"How are you holding up?" she asked aloud.
"Better....now that you're here." Laz whispered, taking Tawney's hand in his own. "It is hard, and this night will be harder...but I believe I can manage now," Lazarus then sent a message to Lethe: *Thank you, Sister, for letting my Lifemate wear Mother's robes.*
For a moment Lareth looked to be about to speak, but after a glare from Lethe, instead turned to his father. Luchien locked eyes with his youngest son then turned to eye the robe that Tawney wore with a bit of malice. Before he could utter a word though, Laz's voice broke in.
"Peter, did you know it is customary for the robes of the deceased to be worn by the eldest offspring's Lifemate?"
Although the question was directed at Taggart, Lazarus' eyes were firmly locked on his father. For a moment father and son faced off, but the tension was broken thankfully when the first of the 'out-of-towners' arrived. The group that had arrived was from another clan whose village was not very far away. The silent hugs were exchanged, and Laz left Tawney in the care of Laredo and Taggart as he led the visitors to their huts.
When he returned, he noticed that Katelyn had moved to stand on the opposite side of Tawney. Not wanting to be rude, Lazarus took up a position on the opposite side of Taggart, noticing in slight amusement, that Lethe had chosen to stand beside Laredo. It continued this way; a group arriving, exchanging silent hugs and being led away by Lazarus for countless hours. Taggart and Laredo looked to be getting a bit tired, but refused to leave Tawney's side.
Among the group, Tawney noticed a particularly attractive Tev'Meckian woman, who seemed unable to take her eyes off of Laz as hugs were exchanged. When it came time for the woman to embrace Laz, she practically molded her body to Tawney's Lifemate. At the sight of this, a wave of jealousy engulfed Tawney, just as she heard a whisper in her mind. The Tev'Meckian woman was communicating to Laz telepathically.
*Laz, my love, I am truly sorry about your mother.*
Tawney started at hearing the woman use the endearment in reference to Lazarus. She was even more surprised when she felt confusion sweep through Lazarus....right before shutting down his link to Tawney, blocking off anything else that the Tev'Meckian woman or Laz himself would have said. Not wanting to break the silence--not even mentally--Tawney did the next best thing: She squeezed Lethe's hand, letting her know that something was wrong...dreadfully wrong. Her fears were confirmed when she saw a look of triumph on Luchien's face.
*~*~*~*~*
tbc...