Chapter 35

12404.20 07:28 Hours - Halifax, Nova Scotia-

"Told you it wasn't that far, McGee," Jacob limped along the broken tarmac, leaning on the old piece of driftwood he was using as a staff. McGee responded with a rude gesture but smiled. The trio made their way toward the open hanger doors. Although they were a bit bedraggled, and Jacob leaning on his staff more than he wanted to admit, they were relatively uninjured. Their pace picked up when Jacob saw three military types in old-style aviator's jackets standing a little further.

Out of breath, Jacob saluted them, "I am ready for my next assignment."

"Well done, commander," Richard Skyler offered him his hand.

"Next assignment?" McGee walked up behind Jacob. "Mine is the nearest hot shower and my bunk." McGee joked until his eyes fell on the pips on the jacket collars. "Pardon me, Admirals, Captain, I didn't realize."

"At ease," Richard assured him, "We are here as support for Commander Holtz."

"Thank you, sir," McGee nodded to Robin and Lynn and excused himself from being seen by the medical team.

"I see you have made friends along the way, Commander." Robin indicated McGee and the Ferengi that they hadn't been introduced to yet.

"Fnarot, front and center," Jacob called over his shoulder. The annoyed Ferengi came up to the four of them. "Lieutenant junior grade Fnarot, Admiral Robin Scott, Vice Admiral Richard Skyler, and Captain Lynn Skyler."

"Nice to meet you," Fnarot bowed his head to each of them but did it stiffly to Robin and Lynn.

"Lieutenant Fnarot, I accept your respect and acknowledge you for your wisdom." Robin stood straight and looked down at the Ferengi. Fnarot stood straighter. "You have shown perseverance which is a sign of good business. Continue to play by the rules but be vicious doing so."

Fnarot's smile grew wide. "Many forget that though males stand before females in my culture, it does not mean that females are any less deadly."

"Don't I know it," Richard laughed. "Lieutenant, if you will excuse us. Commander Holtz does have to get to his next assignment." Then, with a nod to each, Fnarot left them alone.

"Next assignment?" Jacob looked at Robin.

"You are to report to Star Fleet headquarters for initial debriefing, then a hot shower and a nap before attending an important meeting at Star Fleet medical," Lynn smirked.

"The tribunal made a decision already?" Jacob asked.

"Yes, but that will be discussed later. I take it you forgot your other assignment here on Earth?" Robin asked, trying not to smile. Jacob blinked in confusion.

Richard laid a hand on Jacob's shoulder. "It's April 20th. Weren't you supporting a young scientist at her big conference presentation?"

"Indeed. Is it the 20th already? It looks like I had better get going if I'm excused." He laughed.

"Go on, get out of here." The trio waved Jacob away.

09:26 hours – Star Fleet Medical Headquarters- The Hausman Auditorium

"Deep breaths Christine. You are going to do fine." Katie attempted to reassure her sister.

"Easy for you to say." Christine wrung her hands as she looked out onto the auditorium's stage. "I screw this up, my career could go down the tubes."

"I've performed before bigger crowds; you will be fine." Katie rubbed her sister's back.

"Yeah, using someone else's words, not your own." Christine looked up at the ceiling, trying to shake the nerves.

"Dr. Pagnango did his portion, and Uncle Alan is finishing his technical presentation, and you will now tie all of their data together. You have practiced this talk a thousand times; you can do this." Katie walked Christine over to the stage edge. "You can do this."

"I can do this," Christine said to herself one final time before Alan introduced her onto the stage.

"At this time, I want to call upon Doctor and Lieutenant junior grade Janice Christine Skyler." Alan had gestured to where Christine was standing. With a gentle shove from Katie, Christine walked out onto the stage with her best stage smile to take her place at the podium. Just as Christine was about to speak, she saw some movement off to the right side of the auditorium. Leaning against the wall, waving slightly, was Jacob, smiling widely. Christine's fake smile became a real one. Bolstered by his presence, she took a deep breath and began her presentation.

"You were wonderful!" Christine was met off-stage by Jacob with a hug and a kiss.

"What are you doing here?"

"Doing here? You think I would miss this?"

"I mean, how did you get here? I thought you were still off doing whatever the hell they were doing to you off in Canada?"

"Finished it." He smiled, "But we can talk later. First, you must go be Doctor Skyler, the esteemed researcher."

"But..."

"I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere," He gave her one last kiss and handed her over to the bemused Alan and Dr. Pagnango.

10:49 hours Star Fleet Academy Club, private dining room

Everyone's attention was brought to Alan as he tapped his crystal wine glass.

"I wanted to thank you all for supporting our team and family today. We appreciate all of you. I want to hand the floor to my prettier half, Admiral Robin Scott." Alan gestured to Robin, who stood before the group.

"Earlier this morning, the tribunal committee met to discuss the future of our wonderful Jacob and his former training squad Cerebus," Robin spoke seriously. "With permission, I am going to announce their findings."

Christine silently reached over and interlocked her fingers with Jacob's.

"The training squad Cerabus had an 80% improvement over previous rehabilitation attempts. In addition, the teams' performance following their rehabilitation has improved, so all members can be returned to active duty with limited allowances required." Robin read from the report and then looked to the group, "Regarding the status of Cerabus's commanding officer Jacob Holtz. Jacob, would you please step up here with me." With a squeeze of Christine's hand, Jacob stood and joined Robin at the head of the table.

"Star Fleet Command has placed special trust and confidence in the patriotism, integrity, and abilities of Lieutenant Commander Jacob Kendric Holtz. In view of these special qualities and his demonstrated potential to serve in the higher grade, Lieutenant Commander Jacob Kendric Holtz is promoted to the permanent grade of Full Commander, effective 12404.20 by order of Star Fleet Command." With a smile, Admiral Scott pinned Jacob with his new rank and shook his hand. "Commander Holtz is hereby appointed to an active reserve position in Tactical group Claidheamh with primary posting to Star Base 71 as a diplomatic and cultural security officer for the station. Please welcome the new commander to our ranks."

Robin stepped out of the way so that Jacob could be enveloped by the hugs, and kisses of Christine and the kids. There were quite a few whistles from Katie and Daniel in response. "I would like to say something," Jacob turned to everyone at the table. "A year ago, I had given up on having a life other than what had been handed me. And now, I have found so much more out there for me. I have my son back in my life," Jacob put one hand on Josh's shoulder, "and I have added two more ladies into my life, Christine and Brielle." Jacob placed his other hand on Brielle's shoulder. "And I would like to have them in my life permanently." Jacob got one knee in front of Brielle. Her hands went to her mouth in surprise.

"Brielle, I would like to marry Chrissy. Would you allow me to be your dad?" Jacob removed the small gold ring with a small heart-shaped jewel Sam had made from his pocket.

"Yes!" Brielle jumped up and hugged him tightly. Jacob hugged her tightly and may have shed a tear or two.

While Brielle was hugging Jacob, Christine went over to Josh. "Josh, your dad would like to marry me. I would like to have your permission." Christine smiled at the little boy, "Could I be a guardian to you as I am to Brielle?"

Josh's eyes went big, and he hugged her tightly. "You will be my second Mom, Chrissy. Please!" There wasn't a dry eye in the room.

"I had an extravagant marriage proposal lined up for Christine." Jacob looked to Christine and carefully removed her necklace, "After my last mission, I realized I didn't want to wait, and I proposed right on the transporter pad covered in mission filth. And she said yes." He removed the engagement ring from the necklace, and slipped it onto Christine's finger.

Daniel and Katie were cheering loudly. "Bought dam time too!"

"No wonder you were smiling like a Cheshire cat when you called to tell me that Jacob was back home with Christine and the kids," Lynn playfully nudged Richard in the arm.

"A little bit," Richard teased back.

"When do you want the wedding?" Katie asked, happy for the couple.

"We were thinking tomorrow." Jacob looked at them with a cheeky grin.

"And we want Robin to officiate," Christine smirked at her aunt.

"And she called us impulsive?" Daniel said aside, only to get a poke in the ribs from Katie.

Robin sat there stunned.

"Could you do it for us, Robin?" Christine gave her a begging look. "Please…"

"Of course." Robin stood and hugged the couple.

"Don't you need a dress and all that froo froo stuff?" Daniel asked honestly

"Growing up, I knew my mother had her wedding dress in her closet. Would she let me use it?" Christine looked at her mother.

Tearily, Lynn responded, "Of course. I would be honored. We can look when we get home."

"Is this what you want, baby girl? You know we will go all out for you if you want." Richard asked, wanting to make sure this was what she wanted.

"I have what I want right here." Christine looked at Jacob and the two kids.

"I think that means we are having a wedding tomorrow." Richard was beaming.

14:48 hours- Ravenswood- Front Porch

"And I believe I owe you one of these," Jacob stepped out onto the porch and handed Daniel a bottle of beer.

"Honestly, it wasn't a problem, mate." Daniel sat on the railing of the porch and accepted the beer.

"I was going through hell, and you were there for my family, and I appreciate it." Jacob clinked his bottle with Daniel's and sat on the porch swing.

"I took Josh camping and spent guy time with him. It wasn't a big deal." Daniel tried to brush it off, "It's what family does for each other."

"I know Julie and her boyfriend made two plays to get Josh while I was in Nova Scotia, and Christine is none the wiser," Jacob said earnestly, leaning forward.

"Lynn tell you?" Daniel asked as he sipped his beer.

"She told me that Julie had gotten off detainment 30 days earlier than expected. She was at the conference this morning." Jacob tipped his beer toward Daniel, "A lecture on treatment for a rare skin disease doesn't require that much security, even if they are good at staying out of the way."

"They didn't get past the front door. Thankfully, she didn't throw a fit when she was turned away." Daniel shrugged. "I seeing Josh through the glass appeased her for now."

"Or make her more determined." Jacob inclined his head

"Between Lynn and I, she will not crash the wedding tomorrow, I will assure you."

Jacob smiled and nodded. "And I understand another wedding is not too far off."

"Hush, don't jinx it." Daniel looked around.

"You haven't asked the Admiral yet, have you?" Jacob gently teased.

"I was about to until your princess called a white rabbit to save your sorry ass."

Jacob laughed, "Yeah, I had not planned to be kidnapped and thrown into hell week."

"No one does, Commander," Daniel said cheekily.

"When are you going to talk to him again?"

Daniel shrugged, "I want to wait until after your wedding. It is enough that he is losing Christine. Don't want to overload him with losing his other daughter simultaneously."

"Talk to him after the reception," Jacob shrugged. "He might be more open to listening then. Just remember it is Katie; you will have to convince to marry you, not her family."

"Speaking of which," Jacob gestured to the man walking up the front path. "What has brought you here, Dearthair?"

"Came to see if the rumors were true." Sam walked up and hugged Jacob, and shook hands with Daniel. "Are you and Christine getting married tomorrow?"

"We are," Jacob smiled behind his sip of beer.

"No engagement, skip to the wedding. And you call me impetuous." Sam took a seat across from Daniel and Jacob.

"We have been engaged since," Jacob thought, "March sixth, so about six weeks."

"You bastard! You were engaged when you stayed at my place." Sam slapped Jacob's arm. "And that platinum ring you asked for was for the wedding, not to propose."

"Christine and I had planned to tell everyone that night, but," Jacob shrugged, "plans changed."

"I'll say, and ruined mine." Daniel groused. "You had to get kidnapped on Katie's birthday, didn't you."

"If we had known you were here, we might have done something for it." Sam responded, "Besides, Bea and Chrissy spent all day making that lovely dinner, even if Jacob didn't enjoy it."

"I'm marrying Christine. So I will have other opportunities to enjoy her cooking." Jacob smirked.

"Hey, layabouts!" Bea called from the farm's small road. "Katie is collecting flowers from the Nest's garden for the bouquets tomorrow and needs extra pairs of hands."

"That includes me?" Jacob laughed.

"Yes, you. I can't have you sneaking a peek at the wedding dress. Now get moving." Bea urged the men along.

"Duty calls, gentlemen."

15:07 hours- Ravenswood- Master Suite

"The dress should be in here," Lynn pulled a long pink bag from her closet.

"I appreciate you letting me borrow it." Christine helped Lynn lay the bag on the bed.

"I know you always talked about wearing my dress," Lynn went back to the closet, "But thought you might prefer this." Lynn pulled out another long pink bag.

"Mom?"

Lynn laid the bag on the bed next to the other and carefully unzipped it. "I think this would better suit you." Next, Lynn pulled the cream-white gown from the bag.

Christine stepped up to run her hand along the satin and chiffon. Her mouth was agape.

"Robin said that Jacob loved wildflowers, so I brought a few of those into the dress." Lynn indicated the intricately embroidered pink, yellow and blue flowers stitched onto the skirt's tulle overlay and across the top of the bodice.

"I took the design of my dress, added chiffon sleeves, and I kept the color the antique white you liked." Lynn tried to get a response from Christine.

"Oh, Mom…." Christine began to cry

"Oh, sweetheart, if you don't like it…."

"But I love it." Christine hugged her mother, trying not to crush the dress. "It's perfect."

A soft knock on the door interrupted the women's tears.

"Are those happy tears, I hope?" Richard carefully walked into the room.

"Yeah," Christine wiped her eyes and hugged her father.

"Good," He kissed his daughter's temple. "Your mom has been worried you wouldn't like it."

"I love it." She hugged him tighter. "How long have you been working on it?"

"I may have started planning after we first met Jacob," Lynn wiped her eyes and chuckled.

"Thank you, thank you both." She hugged both her parents tightly.

Their moment was broken when the house began shaking. From the hallway, Sam shouted, "RICHARD! GET OUT HERE NOW!"