XVI
Despite my continuous objections to Nathan's proposal, I eventually accepted. He was right, after all. We couldn't stay awake forever. But it just seemed so stupid. A killer Xenomorph was roaming around aboard the ship, and we were expected to simply sleep? As I wandered back over to my quarters, I continued to run through all the things that could happen to us whilst we were asleep. What if the ventilation ducts had to open during the night to prevent oxygen levels in our quarters from dropping? What if there was a fire aboard the ship and the lockdown mechanisms all went into emergency release? All the while that I was over-thinking these outlandish scenarios, I found my mind drawn once more towards Xena. I thought of her, roaming the corridors of the ship alone, probably as afraid as I had been when I first found her. But what could I do?
As I reached my living quarters, I heard Archie's voice sounding from a speaker on the opposite wall of the corridor. He basically just reiterated the instructions Nathan had given us: to ensure our quarters were on full lockdown, including ventilation shafts, to sleep in full uniform, in case we had to evacuate in the middle of the night, and to keep our weapons by our bedsides, in case something did make its way into any of our rooms. I chose to ignore the second rule, preferring to sleep in the comfortability of my own pyjamas rather than my uniform. Nevertheless, within five minutes, I was ready to sleep, and had already clambered into bed, the room around me sealed as securely as it possibly could be. I turned over onto one side, wrapping the warm duvet around myself, and slowly closed my eyes as I drifted away.
"Coming, dear?" I asked, standing in front of a long dress mirror as I adjusted my tie. It really was a splendid outfit, I thought to myself, observing the finely-detailed stitching and high-quality trim of the sleek, black blazer. I looked up at the clock impatiently, and saw that the time was almost one o'clock. Then, I directed my gaze towards the closed door across the landing. A small sign on the door told me not to disturb. But if she didn't hurry up, we'd be late.
"We've got to be there in five minutes, sweetheart…" I continued, walking over to the door and knocking. No reply, of course. I pulled my sleeve up slightly and examined my watch, a pointless endeavor since I'd already checked the time. If she didn't hurry, I'd have to just meet her there, although that didn't seem very… chivalrous, under the circumstances.
Another minute or two passed, still without reply from the other room. Finally, I could stand it no more. I was just so eager to get going. And anyway, I wasn't supposed to see her before…
"Look, I'm going to get going, darling?" I said, heading towards the stairs. "I'll meet you there, OK?" And with that, I slowly walked down the stairs and towards the front door. As I stepped out, I shut the door gently behind me, making sure I left it unlocked for her to leave when she was ready. Fortunately for me, my destination was less than a block away from the house, so I could comfortably complete the journey on foot. I looked at my watch once more, becoming slightly nervous at the thought of what was coming. But I knew in my heart that it was what I wanted. I knew that it was the right decision.
Arriving outside the tall, stone building, I saw that the entryway was crowded with people. I noticed friends and family members milling about, conversing with one another about stuff and nonsense. Over the chatter, somebody called out my name, and everybody's gaze suddenly turned towards me. Within moments, everybody was pushing each other in my direction, eager to ask me how I was feeling, what I was thinking, and of course, where the lucky lady was. The commotion soon died down, after a man in a black robe with a white collar came out of the building, and told us all that it was time to go in. As the crowd of people sifted in through the huge oak doors, I looked around one last time. Where could she be, I thought to myself, I hoped to God that she hadn't shied out. Today of all days, she had to be here on time.
It took several minutes before everyone had gotten into the main hall and sat down, all of them still chattering away. Nathan came over and tapped me on the shoulder, telling me it was time.
"She'll be here, mate," He said, placing a hand on my shoulder to comfort me. "Don't worry about it." I thanked him for the support, knowing he was right. She wouldn't just leave me at the last minute like this. As the noise level in the room began to die down, Nathan pulled me towards the front, forcing me down the aisle to stand before the vicar.
"Ladies and gentlemen, if you could be silent please," said the sharply dressed man of God, dampening the remaining flames of speech across the room. "The ceremony will now commence."
Suddenly, I was frozen on the spot, now terrified that she might not arrive in time, if at all. I peered over at Nathan, who stood a few feet to my side. Seeing the look in my eye, he gave me a quick thumbs up. I smiled back, and then gestured the vicar, who signaled to the organist, who nodded back. She turned to the enormous pipe organ in front of her, and resting her hands over the keys, began the opening flourish of 'The Wedding March'. Everyone around me was now silent and smiling, yet I continued to assume the worst of my companion. I heaved a huge sigh of relief when I heard the church doors behind me thrust open. Turning around to look down the aisle, I was met with the most beautiful sight in all the world. My bride.
The organist continued to play her uplifting tune as my soon-to-be wife stepped slowly down the aisle. I gazed at her, taking in every single one of her perfect features. The long, black legs, the delicate, gentle hands. The shiny, sweeping dome atop her head, which spanned well over two feet in length. Her thin, ridged tail swept along the ground as she walked, and her teeth glistened in the light of the church candles. Guests whispered to one another as she sauntered down the aisle towards me. Tears welled in my eyes as the glorious moment approached. There she was, walking towards me with a huge smile across her face. The love of my life. As she approached the altar before which I stood, I reached out to take her hand.
"Ahem," the vicar coughed, clearing his throat before he spoke. "Dearly beloved. We are gathered here today to witness the partnership of Matthew and Xena in holy matrimony. The…" His voice slowly faded into nothing but a blur as I lost myself in Xena's eyes (a figure of speech, of course). The vicar continued to recite the usual words, words that had been spoken at so many marriages in the past, and words that would be spoken at so many in the future. But this was different. Never before in human history had there been a wedding quite like this. As I continued to gaze at my beautiful bride, she smiled back at me, and although to most it was nothing more than a blank stare, to me it meant everything. I heard the faint voice of the vicar as he repeated my name once more, a questioning tone in his voice.
"Oh, sorry." I said, snapping out of my daze. But I didn't need him to repeat the question. Looking at my still-smiling fiancée one more time, I took in a deep breath, and nodded to the vicar. I slowly whispered to him just two words: "I do."
"Very well," The vicar announced, now addressing the entire reception hall. "Then by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride." Everyone in the crowd behind us stood up and applauded, cheering for the happy couple. I reached up to Xena's shoulder with one arm, and pulled her closer towards me. Her mouth slowly opened as our faces approached one another. I closed my eyes and prepared myself for our lips to meet. And then…
"Jesus!" I yelled, opening my eyes and sitting bolt upright in my bed. I was breathing heavily and gasping for breath as I looked around the room. Realising what had just happened, I buried my face in my hands. What the fuck had I just dreamt? As I slowly began to catch my breath, I looked up at the clock, and saw that the time was 6:45 AM. Well, I was up now. Still, it was hard to push aside the image which was now stuck in my head. How could- I mean, why would- and what was- what was wrong with me?! I wanted to hit my head against a wall, I was so frustrated. Forcing myself to forget the bizarre dream, I got out of bed and hurriedly changed into my uniform. Then I slumped down in my desk chair, a hand rested against my forehead. I wanted to forget whatever it was I'd just imagined. That sick, twisted fantasy. I wanted it all to go away, for the idea to never have even popped into my head in the first place. But alas, I found that I simply couldn't.
