Hi, this one will remind you of "Cloverdale"... hard not to in some ways. Enjoy

SGU s04 e13

Chloe

Six weeks had passed since the crew of the Infinite Voyage had returned home. The Apollo 2011 had turned up several hours later and relieved Destiny of the reporter and cameraman, but had no new news on Castell's whereabouts. Destiny had returned to her original mission, continuing to search for intelligence about Castell wherever they visited. For the last few days, the crew was focused on happier things, namingly Matt and Chloe's wedding.

Everett had returned to Earth with his new family and was currently at a meeting with the IOC and SGC, at the Pentagon.

After the meeting, Everett was introduced to the new IOC member of the Intergalactic Alliance (IGA), Dr Jason Shinseki. He was a Japanese Diplomat heavily involved with the International Space Station project, and had held a lead position in charge of top secret Alien technologies research before disclosure.

Everett smiled at his old friend, "Jack, good to see you again. Seems as though retirement doesn't suit you..."

Ret. Gen. O'Neill shook his hand with a firm grip, "At least I'm not stuck on a ship halfway across the universe... although I do miss it sometimes", he said reflectively. "This is Dr Jason Shinseki, the IOC's sitting member on the IGA, my counterpart."

Everett shook hands with Jason who said, "It's an honour to meet you General Young, I hope we have some time after this to sit down and talk."

Always sceptical of the IOC, Ev wasn't sure what this would involve and gave a quick glance to Jack, who in turn gave a slight nod of approval. "Pleasure to meet you Dr Shinseki, I will try and make some time."

Everett turned his attention back to Jack and knew something was up saying, "Something on your mind, Jack?"

Jack just got straight to it. "We need you to sit in on this meeting..." Everett asked why without words, so Jack continued. "I don't know, but even if I did I can't tell you. All we know is that they want to talk to you in person, and she will be there also", he always had a way with words.

Everett asked, "Which she?"

Jack gave his one word answer, "Freya..."

A duty Sergeant quickly called for the three men to enter the meeting, watching as the men turned, making their way to the very large mahogany table in the centre of the room. It reminded Everett of a movie theatre with long curtains all around the room, a dark shade of blue, and several flags displayed. A small grey triangular intercom looking box in the centre of the table appeared to be of Asgard design.

They were the only ones in the room as Jack looked at his watch and said aloud, "Three, two, and one..." with that beams of light appeared behind the seating positions in the room.

Everett whispered to Jack, "They love a dramatic entrance don't they?"

The council took their seats as Freya remained standing ready to address everyone. "It is nice to see you again General Young. I trust all is well with your new addition on Destiny?" Her genuine smile surprised Ev, and he couldn't help but smile back.

"Yes, Hadrian and his mother are doing well, thank you." After the last time they met, he had a bad feeling what was to come next.

Freya continued straight to the point. "General Young, we understand that you have undergone special training on Valeya which warrants you with extra abilities. Is this correct?"

Unsure of where this was going, even though he may have been able to predict it, he could not advance his own reaction or answers. "Yes that is correct. Valhalla has trained me in the use of the gift that Castell instilled in me before being taken."

Freya seemed more compassionate this time, which only made Everett more suspicious of her questions as she answered, "You have the gift of seeing the future or past then?"

He answered cautiously, remembering Valhalla's guidelines on its use. "To an extent, as long as it is used with compassion and wisdom, that was the teaching."

"Can I ask you then General Young, in the time you have come back from the planet, why have you been unable to locate Castell, or the Ori?" asked Freya.

Everett just answered honestly. "I have tried to make a connection with him every day..." he closed his eyes and tried to explain what he could, "I can sense his life force, but not connect to his mind for very long, only moments. It was the same when both Valhalla and I tried to break through to him while on Valeya. His abilities are being suppressed by the collective power of the Ori, so unless we can in some ways drain their power, it will be difficult to connect with him." Like it or not, Everett didn't need ESP to tell him what was coming next...it was obvious to everyone there.

Freya looked at the beings seated around the table, and gave an uncharacteristic sigh. "I am truly sorry to say this Everett, but we cannot afford to keep sending ships across the universe, looking for one individual. Our efforts need to remain on tracking and removing the Ori from those beings and planets that come under their renewed threat."

Everett slumped back into his chair, heartbroken. Even more evident was the subdued tear from the corner of this decent man's eye. Freya herself showed sadness at the harsh decision they had come to.

The lights suddenly flashed in the room as Everett stood up and moved out of his chair, his heartache turning to fierce anger. Before he launched into a rage, someone else made a startling entrance from nowhere, and stood beside him.

Lady Destiny took on human form, from a ghost like figure and spoke. "I will not allow this action to proceed. Castell is the way to a united universe... if we are giving up on him now, you might as well hand Genesis your gate addresses and surrender the universe to Origin. There is another that all of you must protect, but her name cannot be spoken until it has been given. This will become Destiny's true legacy of finding what she was built for...the answers that all of you seek. Time is running out to free him...he is still mortal and will eventually succumb to Origin and be turned. Once this happens, he will ascend and peace will never come. Even Everett will tell you of the future this will bring, for he has seen it in his visions too. Remember, the future is not set in stone, we all have the power to change it." She put her hands softly on Everett's shoulders and whispered quietly and gently to him, "Sit down my darling Everett" then, she drew his anger out from within him, allowing his head to clear and think rationally.

Jack stood up and collected his thoughts for a moment before starting. "Is it just me, or does everyone here thinks we should keep looking? Now look, I know you guys are more advanced and smarter than us humans, but do we really want to all live under Origin...because I've seen how crappy it is, and I don't really want to go there."

He made light of a dark situation in true O'Neill form, and also in his next subject. "As you are all aware, we have been collectively working on a new anti Ori weapon that well, just kills off the priors, not the people." Jack picked up the notebook in front of him and tapped the screen, causing the 3D image to spring from the Asgard projector in the centre of the table. "Okay, this is it, all ready for real world testing...or should I say real galaxy. We have named it the Anti Sub Space Halo Ori Liberator and Remover. I know it sounds long so we made an acronym for it... A.S.S.H.O.L Remover. If you prefer, we'll just stick to Anti Ori Weapon (A.O.W) for now." Jack had lost none of his cheek with age.

He continued with the more technical details, but kept it brief. "It can be fired from the standard Valeyian weapon and we believe, causes only minimal damage to the ship. As we have learned, take out the prior and his light up stick thingy, the ship is virtually useless without his power to run it."

Freya had a question and interrupted Jack's somewhat comical speech. "General O'Neill, we do understand that the Orici has the power to operate the ship remotely, if a prior is otherwise incapacitated. How then will this weapon remain effective?"

Jack didn't get to answer as Lady Destiny took over. "Removing a prior from existence causes fluctuations in the Ori's power, requiring Genesis to balance it out. As minor as this seems, if many were removed at once, he would struggle to maintain order and control the ships, as his abilities are not yet fully awakened. No matter how powerful the mind, multitasking as humans would call it, is still very difficult at that level of concentration. This is the key to retrieving Castell, confuse Genesis with a great many losses, and Everett should be able to communicate with him." She looked at all who were seated and then added, "There are still those of the Ascended that do not believe we should be involved with those that are not. Even though I can speak freely here to you, I will still face my own consequences upon returning. I cannot help you fight the Ori unless they ascend, however I will continue to give advice, even if it is at great personal cost to me." She placed her hand again on Everett's shoulder, as a sign of her fondness of him, as she simply vanished.

Away from the drama at the Pentagon, but still on Earth, Chloe knocked on the front door of her mom's house. She heard the footsteps and then watched as the door opened and her mother appeared.

"Chloe!" was all she could say as she burst into tears of joy and hugged her daughter, "Oh God I have missed you Sweetheart..."

Chloe hugged her mom back with nearly as many tears saying, "I've missed you too mom...so much!"

Patricia let go and stood in front of her holding Chloe's hands. "Wow, what a beautiful woman you have become...you're no longer my little baby girl now", she said with a huge smile.

Chloe was smiling broadly too and said, "I'll always be your baby girl mom... I love you so much." They embraced again. Chloe let go and stood back half a step, but kept hold of her mother's hand and said, "Mom, this is Captain Matthew Scott, the man I intend to marry", Matt stepped from the side of Chloe and offered his hand to her mother.

Patricia looked him over quickly, "Oh don't be silly, come here!" She placed her arms around his neck and hugged him, as Chloe giggled watching Matt's awkwardness. She let go and turned the same direction as them saying, "Come in, come in..."

As Matt entered the house first, Patricia grabbed her daughter's hand again and pulled her close, whispering in her ear, "Now I see why you like him Honey!" The two girls laughed together.

They all sat down together in the sitting room and became more acquainted, making small talk and catching up on family.

Chloe said, "Mom, Matt has something he would like to ask you."

Patricia looked at Matt with softness in her eyes, knowing what he wanted to ask. "Okay, by all means."

Matt took a quick glance at Chloe, who re-assured him with her eyes, then he asked, "Mrs Armstrong, with your blessing, I would be honoured to take Chloe's hand in marriage."

Although she knew they were engaged, she felt a sense of pride in being asked in person. She looked at the two of them in front of her and answered, "Is this what you two really want? ...It's not something to be taken lightly..." she said with a slightly stern face.

Matt answered without hesitation, "Yes Ma'am, with all my heart and soul."

It wasn't hard for her to see the bond they had between them, but in that instant she noticed something very "different" about Chloe... that made her sit back for a moment in hesitation. "Well then..." she smiled broadly at them both, "You have my blessing. Now, if you don't mind Matthew, may I speak with my daughter alone for a moment?" before Matt could answer she added, "Oh, and call me Patricia, Mrs Armstrong sounds like my mother" she smiled at him.

"No Ma'am, that's fine...um, Chloe, where is the..." replied Matt with a cheeky smile.

Chloe beamed lovingly at him, "Down the hall, to the left" she giggled.

Patricia looked carefully at her daughter for a moment, then asked "You have changed in some way Chloe, not just became wiser, but more...what is it that happened out there?"

Chloe sat back on the sofa and pushed her long dark hair back, sighing and closing her eyes to think. "Yes, I have...but I can't tell you about it" her mom went to interject, but she held up her hand saying, "Not because I don't want to, it's more that I don't actually know or remember what happened" Chloe wanted to tell her but she was unsure if her mother was ready to hear it.

"Chloe," she said, "I'm your mother, and I know when you're hiding something from me. Look I understand to an extent, what it is you do. Considering it's been all over the news since that reporter stepped onto your ship, nothing would surprise me these days."

Chloe reached out and took hold of her left hand saying, "Just trust me and close your eyes."

Patricia was a bit hesitant speaking with a slight tremor in her voice, "Chloe?"

Chloe reached out and took hold of her other hand and repeated, "Mom, just trust me..."

Patricia closed her eyes, and put her blind faith into her daughter. She felt the strangest feeling of floating...as though she was dreaming while wide awake. Somewhat startled she asked, "Honey, what is this?"

Chloe's calm voice reassured her, "We're still in the room mom, this only exists in your mind, not the real world."

Her mom suddenly found herself in a dimly lit room, holding her daughters hands, as reality seem to slip away. She felt safe, but still anxious in her question."Honey, where are we?"

Chloe smiled and began. "It would be impossible to explain the changes in me without showing you first hand. The place we are in is a part of Destiny's memory. It would hurt you too much if I showed what happened to me when I was taken by the Nakai, so I will just show you the residual effects. They took me back and undid all of their genetic manipulation, but it had opened a part of my higher consciousness that now allows me to interact with the neuro-net of Destiny herself. This means I am connected to the ship, almost like an extension of it. My navigational and mathematical abilities are way beyond my own understand, so I just accept that when it comes to me, I use it."

They found themselves standing on the bridge together, watching an image of Chloe piloting Destiny through a battle with the Ori.

Patricia watched in fear and amazement as her daughter defied the odds, as she kept the ship from being destroyed. "Oh my Lord, this is what you do all day...run from aliens?" She could feel the endless love from her daughter surround her as she watched on, feeling safe for herself, but concerned for Chloe.

Chloe answered, "Two of the crew were in the front of the ship effecting emergency repairs. If we were hit in that area, they would have died instantly. The whole ship may have even been destroyed. This is why I do what I do, because I can." Chloe slowly brought her mother back to the sitting room that they had never left. Matt was standing in the doorway knowing what was going on.

Now with her head and mind safely back in her home, Patricia looked back to Matt, who just smiled and said casually, "She's quite a girl, your daughter...Ma'am..."

Uncountable light years away in a far off galaxy, another kind of debate was going on between several of Destiny's crew. Lisa, with help from others scientists sent from Earth, was starting to unravel the ancient science equipment in the many different labs of the ship.

Lisa was saying convincingly, "But if you look back at the universe, it is a snapshot of what it used to look like. We all know what we looked back at from Earth was about 13.7 billion years ago, because of the speed at which light travels, and the time it took to get there. I still have to ask if we really have any chance of finding whatever it was the Ancients found, since we are so far behind the event."

Lisa's conversation was directed at Kelda, an Asgard presented in complete perfect human female form. Unlike the athletic looks and long blond locks of Freya, Kelda was a dark shade of shoulder length burgundy with voluptuous accentuated curves of medium build. It was amazing to think one of the most advanced races humans had ever met, turned out to require our help in recreating their own species.

Kelda smiled back at her replying, "All matter and anti matter is relative to its own time and space, and I am under the belief that what they found will still show a residual presence, regardless of the time past. Besides, not even my own species knows for 100% certainty that time remained constant in that moment. Some of my people have theorised that due to nature of the event, time was not a concept until gravitational forces degraded, allowing particles and light to escape. Even our own technology cannot see the origins of the universe, although as Asgard, we have a greater understanding of conceptual quantum physics than Humans or Ancients for that matter, and our theories are somewhat different."

Lisa looked up from the console she was standing at and thought about what Kelda had just said, before smiling back and saying, "Well, I guess that is why we are here...to try and find out just what it is either of us don't understand..." Kelda laughed and smiled knowingly. As Lisa was still getting to know her, she added, "You are so different from the Asgard we have come to know... normally they would simply correct our understanding if we say something too... "Human"."

Kelda joked back, "Don't let my human looks fool you... I am very highly intelligent remember!" she giggled along with Lisa. "I must say that I find this body is a far more appropriate vessel for my consciousness, than I first believed. The Human emotion centres of the brain do require constant adjustment to remain focused on the task at hand. Especially when some of the more... to use a Human term, "attractive" males pass by me, I find myself rather distracted and looking at their bodies. Is this a normal Human behaviour for a female?"

Lisa cracked up laughing but managed to get out, "Yes, we do sometimes... and it works both ways."

Although the Asgard were far advanced, in their new human form they had to contend with a human size brain, and all it's wonderful emotional centres born in the frontal lobe region. However, they used it far more effectively and efficiently, although they still had a way to go with the Human traits of emotions and feelings. Kelda was now more curious and asked Lisa a very personal question, hoping not to offend her.

"Lisa, may I ask something?" she moved close as to not speak aloud.

Lisa stopped what she was doing, sensing that this was important to Kelda, and replied openly, "Of course you can, anything you like."

Kelda got straight to it asking discretely, "Why do humans have such urges to procreate? Is this a fault of this body I have, as it only seems to occur in the presence of particular situations. As you know the Asgard have a very different way, but I understand that this is why we have chosen to use Human forms, allowing us to reproduce naturally."

Lisa looked around at the other people near them and made a decision quickly before answering. "Um... here is probably not the best place to answer that, and it would be better if you came to my quarters later, where we have some privacy... it isn't a simple explanation."

Kelda smiled warmly at her. "Thank you Lisa, I will do that" the feeling inside her suggested she had found someone she could call a friend.

Lisa thought to herself, wow, for all that intelligence...they have a limited understanding of love or lust... Amazing... she smiled and went back to work…

Ginn sat in the observation deck looking out the window at the waves of FTL, with her hands gently caressing her belly. She knew their little girl was nearly ready to arrive, but hoped it would be after Chloe and Matt's wedding.

Vanessa put her hand on Ginn's shoulder, walking around the seat to face her. "Hey, how are you two doing?" she asked happily.

Ginn just smiled back, "We are doing just fine... hey, and why are you out of uniform?"

Vanessa was jovial in her reply. "Well..." she sat down beside Ginn, "my boss has said that for the next few days of the wedding, I am to consider myself on break. That means... I am on holidays! Yea!" she went on to laugh.

As Ginn watched Vanessa sit down beside her she asked, "How's Camille, I haven't seen much of her for a few days?"

Vanessa looked at Ginn askingly before answering, and with a smiling nod from Ginn, she placed her hand on her belly. "She has been so busy organizing this wedding, I have hardly seen her much myself!" Vanessa could feel the baby moving under her touch. "Ohh, she's gona be such a cutie!"

Ginn laughed, "Her daddy thinks so too." She continued to smile at Vanessa before saying what she thought. "You have thought about having a child too, haven't you?"

Vanessa looked seriously at Ginn for a moment... "I don't know how to ask Camille. I mean, if she wants too... I would like to, but my career rather limits me as well and...I'm not getting any younger either. I don't know, I think I'll just enjoy yours and Te'arly's for now" Vanessa was being honest to herself, but the thought had been on her mind for some time.

Ginn clasped Vanessa's hand for comfort saying, "If it's any consolation, I think you two would be incredible parents."

A tear crept from the corner of Vanessa's eye as she said, "Thank you..." and gently hugged Ginn. Wiping it away with a small sniffle, Vanessa changed the subject. "Now, assuming you don't have a little surprise in the next two days, are you still up to your Matron of Honour duties?"

Ginn grinned back warmly saying, "There is only one reason I would miss it..." and rubbed her belly smiling, "If someone decides it's time... TJ believes she should be due in about five more days, but being part of me, it will be on her terms I guess!" she laughed.

Vanessa laughed along, agreeing with her situation. "Well, TJ will be right beside you anyway. Now, me and Camille have everything organized on Chloe's list, while she is back on Earth... we'll be setting up for the wedding right here. Eli has two of the engineers coming tomorrow to remove the seating from here, so we can set the rest of the deck up as a reception area. Is there anything you need?"

Ginn thought for a moment before saying, "Maybe a stool would be good behind me, just in case I get a bit tired on my feet. Other than that, everything is fine. The dress that Chloe got for me is amazing and beautiful, I have never seen such delicate work...and what was the name of that colour again?"

Vanessa was still grinning, "Salmon pink, and yes, the lace work is exquisite. How about Chloe's dress? Oh my God! It is just suited for a princess with that long train, strapless pure white, and lace. It's just sooo beautiful." Vanessa was feeling that this was becoming one of the happiest occasions aboard Destiny in the time they had been there.

Ginn smiled, "Your people certainly have a way with special occasions..."

The eve of the wedding had arrived as Everett, Te'arly and Hadrian, returned with Patricia, Chloe, and Matt. Patricia step tentatively through the gate and onto Destiny, nearly crushing Chloe's hand in the process as she held it so tight.

Chloe squeezed back to get her attention, "Mom, I need that hand..."

Patricia realized and let go of her grip saying, "Oh, sorry. I suppose you would tell me "you get used to it", but I'm not sure I'd want to." She went quiet again taking everything in.

Chloe answered, "Come on, I'll show you the best part."

Matt turned and told Chloe "Honey, I have to check on a few things, see you later?" he turned and gave Chloe a quick peck on the cheek, before acknowledging Patricia with a nod and "Ma'am."

Chloe just automatically replied, "Love you... see you soon" knowing that he still had duties to perform.

Patricia followed Chloe and after a few moments of silence, she was startled by Destiny returning to FTL flight by the blur familiar to everyone else onboard. "What in God's name was that?" she asked.

Chloe replied calmly, "It's just Destiny jumping back into faster than light-speed travel. We call it FTL for short...every time we use the gate, we have to drop out of FTL and come to a standstill, a fixed point in space." She looked at her mother's confused face, "I'll let Eli fill you in, he's better at explaining technical things without confusing people. Come on..." she held her mom's hand and led her to the directional elevator.

They landed at the corridor that led to the observation deck with Chloe asking, "Want to see what travelling faster than light looks like?" Chloe had the broadest smile across her face.

Patricia stood in silent awe as many others had in wonder of the bluish white glow of FTL travel. She also noticed the front of the ship way off in the distance which broke her silence. "How big is this ship Chloe?"

Chloe had to quickly ask Destiny in her mind, not having ever the need before. "Just under 2500 feet long and 1700 feet wide... so pretty big!" she answered while rubbing the small of her mom's back. "I know this is all overwhelming for now, but you do get use to it. And before you ask, yes it does get scary sometimes, but we all count on each other for support under any situation... you'll understand in a couple of days." Chloe leaned her head against her mother's shoulder.

Patricia conceded that there were things here that she may never understand, but watching Destiny travelling across space faster than light, was the most astounding moment she had ever experienced. "Oh Chloe, I see why you wanted to stay... this is just..."

Chloe cuddled herself in deeper finishing off her mom's sentence. "That's where most people get stuck...there are no words to do it justice." They stood there watching, mother and daughter, remembering the husband and father they had lost.

Patricia said what Chloe had always believed. "He would have been so proud of you for taking this on" she wiped away a tear, "And..." she began to really tear up, "And I am so proud of my beautiful daughter, oh Honey, you are just the most amazing and beautiful..." she struggled to finish it as a wave of emotions swept over both of them.

Their moment ended when they were happily disturbed by TJ and Camille.

Camille went first, "Hey guys, welcome back, and welcome aboard!"

Chloe introduced them, "Mom, this is Camille, and this is Tamara. Everyone calls her TJ for short, and this...is my mom, Patricia..."

Patricia shook their hands, "Lovely to finally meet you both, Chloe has told me so much about the two of you..."

Camille wanted to say thank you for what Senator Armstrong had done, but after seeing this had been very emotional, particularly for Patricia, she kept her comments centred on Chloe's wedding. "Well as you can see, we have removed the seats to make more room, and the reception area is well underway. Now Chloe, I have Mr Brody and Captain Tez working the bar and our catering staff will be handling the meals and horderves. Is there anything else you need us to take care of?" asked a much focused Camille.

Chloe just smiled and spontaneously hugged Camille saying, "Thank you Camille, this has been so wonderful what you guys have put together for us!"

Camille lost her steely focus but held back any tears. "Oh Chloe, it has been a pleasure to help you two out..." She stepped back still holding her hand, "The SGC has sent a Chaplin from the US Air-Force to conduct the service, and he would like to meet you both to go over a few things."

Chloe looked at her mom, "Well then... it seems that everything is under control here. All I have to do now... is get married!" she laughed.

Destiny was abuzz with the wedding day finally arriving. Nearly all of the crew were helping in some way to make the event trouble free and wonderful for everybody. Colonel Telford and Colonel Mitchell had both sent their regards to Matt and Chloe, but duty called and they were unable to be present. Destiny herself could feel the excitement, as was pointed out by Chloe and Amanda. Even Eli received a message on his CI screen in Ancient that translated to "Enjoy the moment!" as he worked on some last minute details before getting ready to be Matt's Grooms-man.

As Chloe and the girls, Tamara, Camille, Vanessa, Amanda, along with Patricia and Ginn, got ready for the big event...in another part of the ship, Matt and Ronald dragged their hung over asses out of bed and into the "shower".

Matt coughed and gagged before making a leap for the toilet. "Gees, what the hell did Brody put in that stuff last night?" he managed to spit out.

Greer wasn't doing too much better replying, "Dono... a bit of everything I think. All I know is...you got fucked up...and I feel like shit..." The two boys started to laugh until their heads began to throb.

Matt stood up. "Don't make me laugh Sergeant..."

Greer had a huge smile on his face, "Is that an order...Captain Hangover?!" he started to laugh again.

Everett walked in and looked at both of them. "You guys want to hope Chloe doesn't ask to see the recording of last night... she might have second thoughts." Everett kept a straight face. In all fairness, nothing bad happened. Just a group of friends who played a drinking game that was rigged to get Matt smashed... and it worked! "Been some time since I was at a bucks night." He looked Matt over before letting him off the hook. "You needn't worry, you did nothing wrong. But get your butts moving, you're on in three hours!"

Eli had remained sober just in case Ginn had gone into labour. He arrived with very strong coffee, and greasy hamburgers... his own perfect hangover cures for both of them.

Matt looked at the food and groaned before Eli assured, "Trust me, it works..."

Greer didn't need a second invite and hoed down on hamburger breakfast.

An hour later, Matt and Ron had sobered up remarkably well, and were now getting organized with Eli assisting. Matt was now feeling nervous, and it was starting to show, as Ron noticed it.

"You okay?" Ron asked

Matt looked straight at him and asked sincerely, "I'm I doing the right thing? I mean, with all the um... extra abilities she has, am I right to do this?" He didn't wait for an answer before adding, "You know I had that dream about marrying her once, and when she turned around..."

Greer cut him off. "I know, you told me...she was part Nakai." Ron searched for the right words, "Look man, no one can tell you how to feel. We all know Chloe is different than when she arrived, but most of us are. It's the nature of the universe to change, and up to us as to how we deal with it. Chloe is awesome, and she is someone I also count as a close friend...you I count as a brother. So there is no way I would ever let either of you do something that might end badly, especially this. From what I know, it's normal to feel anxious before a wedding, but don't doubt how you feel for her... she loves you the same way, and I know you're both going to be awesome together."

Matt smiled and gave Ron a brotherly hug, "Thanks..."

Greer looked at Eli and Matt. "You ready? Let's roll!"

Ginn looked at herself in the mirror and was astounded by the reflection back."I've never had clothes like this before...ever! It is sooo beautiful!" She was proud of her belly bump, and was never concerned with her shape or size. Her culture acknowledged expectant mothers as something to be honoured and respected.

The three girls stood together as Patricia took some photos. Chloe looked stunning in her wedding dress, and her joy and confidence just shone through.

Patricia said, "I can't believe my little girl is getting married! Oh Honey, you are just gorgeous...Matthew is going to just melt when he sees you." As her eyes teared up she said the one thought Chloe was trying to hold back, "He is so proud of you, I can feel it in my heart..."

Chloe swallowed hard and fought back her tears, after Camille and Vanessa had spent hours on her make-up and hair. "I know mom... me too" she said solemnly.

Camille got their attention, "Ladies... if you will follow me..."

Standing at the altar a very nervous Matt looked at Ron with a shaky smile. "You got the rings right?"

Greer spoke first then touched his jacket pocket. "Yeah, there here..." and then moved his hand to the other pocket, "Um...they were..." his hands darted into every pocket as he watched Matt start to freak out, then... "Hahaha, just joking man, there right here..." he took out the black ring box and opened it for Matt to see. "Remember, trust me with your money or your life..." he didn't finish out of respect for Chloe.

Matt breathed a collective sigh of relief, "After this, remind me to kill you..." Eli watched on amused by Ron's last minute gag.

The word came from the doorway and shortly after, Ginn walked through, followed by Tamara.

Chloe finally walked through to the sound of gasps with Patricia hook on her arm. She whispered to Chloe with a smile as they walked slowly down the aisle, "I don't care if this is not traditional...we're on a spaceship in another galaxy..." Chloe just kept her eyes focus on the man standing in wait for her.

The ceremony proceeded with tears, joy, and happiness from everyone. Photographs were taken with the FTL glow backdrop through the observation deck window, and later in the dome as Destiny dropped to sublight engines to catch the stars in the background. They returned to find the reception underway, with Everett introducing the new Mr and Mrs Scott to a cheering audience.

Ronald's speech had the crew in laughter and silence as he spoke from the heart about the man who he thought of as a brother, and a lady that he held dear to his soul. It wasn't long after this that Ginn suddenly felt something.

She called out to Eli across the noise, who was oblivious to her call until Chloe got his attention...

"Eli! She's coming!"