You Are All Cordially Invited

Disclaimer:
All original characters are owned by Henson and Company.

Rating:
NC-17 for sexual content.

Feedback:
Always welcomed. I also need your help guys! The title is a tentative one and I am looking for a better one...can ya help a Scaper Sister out?  

Synopsis:
Well in honor of a good friend’s (Lascaper) birthday request HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIMMIE!!!!!!! I decided to try my hand at “The Wedding” the big day is here and you are all invited!!!! (I hope you like it LA)

How beautiful is the day that is touched by love

The crew of Moya

Request the honor of your presence

to witness the Nuptial Ceremony of their good friends

Commander John Robert Crichton

and

Officer Aeryn Sun

May the Goddess sanctify this day with eternal devotion

Sweet, Sweet Heaven
By Phi Phi "Le Trelk"


“D'Argo…what…look! I really don’t understand why you are so upset.” John matched his stride to D'Argo’s ever increasing one.

D'Argo stopped suddenly, facing John. “John, I am NOT angry. I just want to be sure that you are sure of what you’re doing.”

“D, I have never been more sure of anything in my life.” John grinned.

D'Argo sighed heavily. “But this…this is so final. I…I mean…well she is beautiful, trustworthy, courageous…beautiful but ahh frell! If this is what you really want, I’m behind you completely.

“Thanks D! It means a lot. Now on to big questioned number two. Will you be my best man?”

D'Argo slapped John loudly on the shoulder. “I wouldn’t have it any other way my friend.”

“Thanks man!”  John sighed in relief. Two down and only God knew how many more he had to go before it was all completed.


~~~~~~~~~~


Aeryn fastened her vest and jerked it down to meet the top of her pants. “So is everything alright?”

Noranti nodded. “Everything seems to be fine. I would suggest that you have another physical when we visit the next Commerce Planet. While I am versed in the medical sciences, Sebacean pregnancies are not on my common list “ Noranti put away her instruments. “There doesn’t seem to be any lasting detrimental effects from the crystallization that you and Crichton were put through but one can never be too sure.”

Aeryn nodded, glancing down at the ring on her left hand. “You’re right. Better safe than sorry.”

Noranti turned watching Aeryn’s lips form a whimsical smile. “How odd.” She murmured at the sight. Whimsical was definitely not a term she would have used to describe the ex-Peacekeeper, but there it was.

Aeryn glanced over at the old woman. “What’s odd?”

“Oh nothing. I was just speaking to myself.” Noranti answered. “You’ve made Crichton a very happy man.”

“He’s made me a very happy woman.” Aeryn laughed softly.

“So you will marry him?”

“Oh yes. Just as soon as we find the perfect planet.” Aeryn turned to leave, stopping at the door. “He wants perfect.”

“And you?” Noranti asked quietly.

“I want him.” Smiling she left.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~


“Wacha doin Ryg?” Chiana asked entering the tiny ruler’s domain.

Grumbling something about knocking before entering someone’s private chamber, Rygel gathered the coins that he’d been counting and put them away hurriedly. “I’m dreaming of a thousand Hynerian slave girls! What does it look like I’m doing, you half blind trelk?”

Chiana wrapped an arm around Rygel’s neck, snugly. “Well ‘Your Slugness’, it looks like you were counting, currency.”

“So what’s it to you?” Rygel choked out the words as Chiana’s arm tightened.

“Why?”

“None of your business! It’s my money!” Rygel jerked against Chiana’s arm.

“Ahh come on Ryg! You can tell me. I won’t tell. I promise.” Chiana whispered loudly.  

“You’re right, you won’t! Because you’ll never know!” Rygel managed to free himself from Chiana’s hold. “Now get out!”

Folding her arms, Chiana stood her ground. “Come on Ryg.” Tilting her head slightly, she continued in a velvety singsong manner. “I’m not gon-na leee-ave until ya tell me.”

Rygel hissed loudly. He maneuvered his throne sled closer to the Nebari. “Fine! If you must know you annoying little Hezzmot! I intend to buy Crichton and Aeryn a nuptial gift.”

Chiana crowed in delight, hopping around the room. “That’s a drad idea! Can I go in on it with you? The more currency the bigger the gift. We can get them something that only a Dominar would think of!” She watched Rygel preen with self-importance and knew she’d won.

“Fine, you can add your currency to mine. I’m going to search for their gift at the next Commerce Planet.”

“Alright Ryg!” Chiana kissed one of Rygel’s earbrows. “Ryg, you’re a true Dominar!”

Rygel preened again, stretching two inches higher. “Was there ever any doubt?”


~~~~~~~~~~~


“Pilot.” The soft call wafted through Pilot’s den. “Pilot.”

“Who’s there?” Pilot asked quietly. The voice was soft but almost familiar.

“Pilot, you know who I am.” The voice answered.

“No I…you do sound familiar, but I…” Pilot’s voice drifted into an unsure silence.

“I am exactly who you think I am.” The voice continued. “Your reasoning simply hinders your desire to believe.”

Pilot watched a wavering form appeared before him in a prism of blue light. “Zhaan is that you?”

“Yes Pilot.”

“How is this possible?” Pilot’s eyes drank in the serene sight.

“In the spiritual realm of the ‘Goddess’, all things are possible.” Zhaan moved forward to caress Pilots jaw.

Though Zhaan was unable to make physical contact. Pilot felt the tranquility that accompanied the gesture. Closing his eyes he enjoyed the moment. “It is good to see you again Zhaan. Moya and I have missed you.”

“And I have missed you both as well, Pilot.” Zhaan smiled at the ship’s navigator. “My visit with you must be a short one. The spiritual energy that I must use will not last long.”

Pilot’s expression dropped a bit at the news. “Then we must enjoy this time while we can. To what do we owe the honor?”

“I have come for a very special purpose Pilot, two actually.” Zhaan smiled, almost excitedly.

“What are they, Zhaan?” Pilot’s eyes brighten.

“The first is the perfect planet for John and Aeryn’s nuptial ceremony. There is a planet call Ilaraya. It is in the Artresis system and it is beautiful. I can think of no better place for such a long and anxiously awaited event. ”  She quickly gave Pilot the coordinates and continued.

“And the second?” Pilot asked, his mind was already calculating the distance from their present point to the coordinates that he’d just received.

“That my dear Pilot is a surprise I am saving for all.

“Zhaan do you think that you have time to stay and talk for a bit?” Pilot almost pleaded.

There was such longing in Pilot’s voice that Zhaan could do nothing but comply. “Of course Pilot. I will always have time for you.”



ILARAYAN...


John found Aeryn staring at the famous Ilarayan waterfalls. Upon landing on the planet Moya’s crew had been told about the famous Ilarayan falls. John watched the wonder of the falls. Their multi colored streams of water flowed up instead of down. It was an unexplainable phenomenon, but a wondrous one no less. John focused the small Vivicam
digital camera. The tiny digital camera/ recorder was yet another gift from Aeryn’s Earth bound Christmas shopping. The woman was simply amazing and beautiful. “Hey Aeryn!’

Aeryn swung around covering her face the instant she caught sight of the camera. “JOHN! Stop that!” Aeryn swatted in John’s direction. “You are beginning to make me hate the fact that I bought that for you.”

John shut the camera off, after snapping a few frames of his perfect woman. “You know you love.”

Aeryn nodded emphatically. “Yeah uh huh! I did until Chiana got a hold of your little private stash.” Aeryn watched John laugh. “It’s not funny John! The last thing I needed was to walk into our quarters and catch Rygel and Chiana watching us recreating on the television!”

John’s laughter calmed to a chuckle. “Come on honey! That was over eight weekens ago. Are you going to hold onto that or let it go!”

Aeryn punched John in the shoulder. “Not funny!” Her cheeks glowing at the memory of the scene she’d interrupted.

“Oww! Honeeeeee...Aeryn…baby! It’s not like they haven’t seen us before. The two have crept in on us.” John rubbed his shoulder, still smiling.

“You didn’t see the position we were in.” Aeryn was still embarrassed at the mere thought.

“Huh! Baby I didn’t need to see the tape. I was there, remember? And if memory serves me right, you were quite the little contortionist…Hey!” John dodged Aeryn’s waving fist. Grasping her narrow waist and lifting her up in the air.

Aeryn no longer angry wrapped her arms around his neck and touched her forehead to John’s. John smiled up into Aeryn beaming face and began to sing softly. “Goin to the chapel and we’re gonna get maaarried.” He kissed her gently. “I love you. Are you excited about the ceremony?”

“I love you too.” Aeryn set her elbows on John’s shoulders. “Am I excited? Well let’s see. Since I’ve met you, I have been irreversibly contaminated, nearly turned into a Pilot, almost had one of my eyes blinded by a Peacekeeper Captain that should have been dead. I was stabbed by another Peacekeeper Captain; infected by a sentient virus. I have infiltrated a Gammak base to save a human from certain death. I have named a warship, been accused of holding secrets from the rest of the crew. I have been attacked by a ravenous Delvian.  I have fallen off of a mountain and broken into a shadow depository to save the same human. I have been killed, frozen and brought back to life. I have loved twin one and twin two and swallowed by a Budong. I finally met my mother and when I did she wanted to kill me. I have loved and lost and loved again, met a father who was and still is dead. I have destroyed a Command Carrier, joined a vigilante squad and been shrunk by aliens. I have been connected to Rygel in ways no living being should ever be! I have visited Earth in the past and the present, met one of your old girlfriends and your family.  I have been captured and tortured by Scarrans, saved by the man of my dreams…dreams I didn’t know could exist and helped burst a wormhole. I have been proposed to and then crystallized. And after all of that, I am about to become a mate…er…wife and soon a mother.” She tilted her head sideways. “Am I excited?” She smiled brightly. “Extremely!”

John laughed aloud at Aeryn recanting of their four…almost five cycles together. “Woman you are incomparable! AND IN TWO DAYS I’LL MAKE YOU MINE!”


~~~~~~~~~~~


The Ilarayan tailor finished taking the groups measurements before showing them the choice of nuptial garments. “These are our most popular ceremonial garments. They are from our Royal Collection. Of course the cost is considerably more for these then the others.” The tailor pointed to the racks of jewel-toned clothing, then on to other racks of less intricate design.

D'Argo and Rygel spoke in unison. “Money is not a problem.”

The tailor circled the group, even noting Rygel’s diminutive stature. He paused in front of Aeryn and John. “With your coloring, I would suggest these.” He gestured to two of his assistants, who brought several garments forward, all in vibrant royal jewel tones. The colors ranged from royal blue, red, green, purple to gold. “Please?”  John and Aeryn followed an assistant into separate dressing areas.

“Hey D'Argo look.” Chiana held up two neon green garments. “How do you think these will look?”

“On John and Aeryn or you and me?” D'Argo grunted.

Chiana shrugged. “Well…whoever.”

“Doesn’t matter…” D'Argo shook his head. “No definitely not that color!”

“It would be better on the rack. How about silver, very shiny!” Noranti held up the bright garment. “Or black…that’s always reliable.”

Rygel chose garments in purple. “Ahh the color that befits only a member of royal standing.”

“I prefer the elegant brown myself.” Stark fingered the soft material in front of him.

Rygel sniffed. “There is nothing elegant about brown. It is the color of dren and does nothing for one’s reputation.” Rygel went back to his purple. “Now purple, that is elegant”

“Elegant or not, I don’t wear purple.” D'Argo growled. His hand touched a burnt orange garment and his thoughts turned to his own nuptial ceremony, past and possibly future.

The tailor cleared his throat. “Er…uh…the color of the nuptial party’s clothing is decided by the ceremonial couple. Whatever color they choose that is the color for entire party. The style is your own, but the color scheme is entirely theirs.” Both John and Aeryn exited the dressing rooms together, followed by the assistants once again holding the colorful ceremonial garments. “Well here is the happy couple now. So…have you decided or would you like to see my next suggestions of the white and gold?”

“Well I like the blue.” Aeryn glanced at John. “Hm?”

He could see the decision in her eyes. “Well the little woman has decided that we like the blue.”

The tailor looked askance for a moment. “But what about you? Usually the male…”

John shook his head, raising both hands he interrupted the tailor. “No…see where I come from her decision is ooouuur decision.” He circled his hands to encompass both himself and Aeryn. “When a man and woman get married, she tells him what day, what time, the location and what to wear. All we men do is party the night before and show up in time to say ‘I do’ and enjoy a wonderful week long honeymoon.” John wagged his eyebrows. “Get it? So…uh…yeah blue it is. Your trustee little assistants there, have our measurements. Thanks guy.” John grabbed Aeryn’s hand and headed for the door pointing at Rygel. “See Don Guido for payment!”

D'Argo grabbed Chiana’s hand and followed the two. “John I think that the blue is an excellent choice.”

Noranti nodded. “I agree. The color is truly beautiful. It should flatter all of us.”

“Thanks! Hey Sparky! When you, grandma and the Lunatic Monk finish meet us over at the merchant court. Lunch is on me!”

Stark answered. “Actually I must meet with the spiritual guide who will be performing the ceremony.” Stark joined them at the door.

Rygel watched the two couples and the Stykira leave then turned to the tailor. “You said that the blue was part of the Royal Collection. By this I assume you mean that the blue is a common choice among the Royal houses.”

The tailor nodded. “Yes! That is why I told you that it would be considerably more to choose from that selection. If there is a problem…”

Rygel waved the tailor into silence. “I told you before and I’ll say it again. Money is no object.”

“Then why do you ask about the Royal Collection?”

“Because most Royal Collections include royal jewels. I should know I’m a Dominar. Where are the matching jewels for this selection?” Rygel asked.

The tailor gestured and one of his assistants brought a small golden metal box. “Here they are but they are not included in the price of the garments.”

“Will you stop cataloging the price of things! Just show me the frelling jewels!”  Rygel yelled. He almost choked on his own breath when the lid was opened and the jewels were exposed to his view. The deep blue Ilarayan crystal set in brilliant gold was mesmerizing

The tailor removed each piece separately, describing each. “There are two sets of jewels, one for the male and the other for the female. For the female there are two bracelet cuffs, a head ornament, a necklace and a stomach clasp. For the male there is a matching belt and a set of upper armbands. As you can see every piece is made of pure Ilyaran crystal set in the precious gold metal of our neighboring sister planet Ysyrion.

Rygel turned his attention from the jewels to the tailor. “Ysyrion? Isn’t that the planet on the other side of the Commerce planet sharing this orbit?”

The tailor beamed. “Yes…yes it is! I was telling your Luxan friend all about it. Ysyrion is known for its precious metals but it is favored for its tranquil seas and warm sands.”

“Hmmm…sounds extraordinary. I’ll take the jewels, but I will take them with me now. Pack each set separately please.” Rygel watch them pack the jewels carefully in velvet lined boxes, paid for the jewels and left the tailor, with instructions on the garment designs and promises to return with the group for the final fittings’


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


“So what’s in the cases Ryg?” Chiana asked as she walked into the room he shared with Stark.

“Shut the door and come here!” Ryg whispered.

Chiana complied and moved to the table where Ryg had placed the small cases. “Okay so what’s in the cases?”

“These are the wedding gifts that I…we purchased for Crichton and Aeryn.” He opened the cases and watched Chiana’s lower jaw drop open in astonishment.

“Wow! Ho…how mu…much did they cost?” Chiana stuttered.

“A lot! But after all Crichton and Aeryn have been through and all they have done for us, they deserve them and much, much more.” Ryg nodded sharply. “Are you happy with them?”

“Ryg…yo…you’ve outdone yourself! Aeryn and Crichton will love them. They may not be into the usual jewelry, but this…these are heirlooms for them to pass on to their children.” Chiana smiled.

“Hm…yes and with one already on the way. The Crichton line is already set.” Ryg closed the cases and hid them away. “I’ll present the gifts after we’re all dressed.”

“Ryg, no matter how snappy you like to be, you do care. You did good Ryg.” Chiana patted Rygel’s arm. “Yeah…you did real good.”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


“Alright! Alright guys…come on!” John yelled over the din of noise his friends were making. “Come on guys! Aeryn and I are getting married tomorrow and we need to get all of this settled!"

Aeryn’s patience was wearing thin. “John why don’t we just stand before the citizen registry?” She sighed heavily. “It would be much simpler and quicker! None of this arguing!”

John face clouded with anger. “That’s it! You…you…you…you and you SHUT THE HELL UP!” John pointed out Rygel, D'Argo, Stark and Chiana and Noranti. “Now listen! This is supposed to be a special day for both Aeryn and I, but especially for Aeryn. We will have the ceremony here in front of the falls. D'Argo you will be my best man, Rygel and Stark can be groom’s men and Chi, Aeryn has something she wants to ask you.”

Chiana glanced over at Aeryn. “Yeah Aeryn what did you want to ask me?”

“Well Crichton has explained how this wedding ceremony is supposed to work and…well. Well it seems that the best friend of the groom stands up for him and the same for the bride. I…well…I actually consider you more of a little sister than just a friend. You mean a great deal to me…well me and John. I was wondering if you would be willing to…umm that is it would be my honor if you would be my maid of honor?”

Chiana stared at Aeryn, speechless for a moment. “Oh…wow! Aeryn…I …I would love to. I’ve said it before; your life is so much more interesting than mine. As often as you’ve looked out for me and saved my eema from certain maiming and or death it would be my honor to stand as your maid of honor.” She reached out gather the older woman in a hug.

Aeryn returned the Nebari imps hug and smiled at John, who returned the smile. “Alright, grandma that leaves you. How does bride’s maid grab ya?”

Noranti shrugged. “Always a bride’s maid never a bride.”

John stared at her for a moment. “Huh! Where on Earth did you learn that?”

Noranti snapped at John. “That’s right…Earth…commercials!”

“Okay, so now we all know our parts. There will be no more arguing.” John wrapped his arm around Aeryn’s waist. “Okay now we have the chimers who will do their own rendition of heavenly sounds. When the music starts, Chi you will march down the aisle.”  John moved to the head of the partially decorated aisle and gestured for Chiana to follow him. “Go ahead and walk down the aisle.” He watched her gallop halfway down the aisle before calling her back. “No…no…no Chi you’re not racing Aeryn down the aisle. Here let me show you.” John took Chiana’s arm and began to walk one step at a time until she caught on. “There that is how you walk down the aisle. Grandma you’re next.  Now once the…uh…chimers start their very own wedding march, Aeryn you will walk down the aisle.”

“Where will you be?” Aeryn asked.

“I’ll be right here waiting for you babe. Once you reach me, the spirit guy will start the ceremony. See how simple it is?” John smiled at the group who all smiled back, the joy of the occasion contagious. “Once it’s over we’ll head over to the outdoor pavilion for the food and drinks.”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~


“D where are we going? Man I planned to spend the night with Aeryn.” John allowed D'Argo, Stark and Rygel to pull him into one of the local clubs. “What’s this?”

“John it has not been that long.” D'Argo answered.

John’s eyes were riveted to the stage where two very naked females were gyrating. “Uh D I know what this is. I don’t exactly sleep alone these days. What I meant is…what’s with the club scene?”

The group found a circular booth with a view of the stage, sat down and ordered drinks. D'Argo gestured to one of the dancers. She immediately moved over to their table and began dancing. “Well earlier you were talking about this whole bachelor party ritual on your planet and it sounded like fun, so Rygel, Stark and I thought we’d try it out. SURPRISE!”

“WOW! My very own bachelor party in Space! Who knew?” John downed his drink and stuffed a handful of coins in the dancer’s money pouch! BARTENDER ANOTHER ROUND!”


~~~~~~~~~


“Chiana how did you find this place?” Aeryn asked sipping her second drink.

Chiana laughed. “Actually it…it…it was wrinkles who found it. You like?”

Aeryn nodded. “Definitely! Noranti I didn’t know you were into things like this.” She turned to the old woman. Noranti was busy watching the male dancer remove his cloths to answer. Chiana reached across the table to poke her.

Noranti was startled out of her lusting. “Wha…wha…what?”

“Aeryn asked how you found this place?” Chiana repeated Aeryn’s question.
“I happened upon it last night. It’s simply wonderful isn’t it?” She stood up and began to dance with the young dancer. “Oh what a good boy! Keep that up and you can come home with Ranti tonight!”

Chiana and Aeryn stared at each other before the exploded with laughter.



THE BIG DAY...


“D…how do I look?” John turned to his best friend and man. He snapped the last golden snap in place. Letting the sleeveless knee length jacket fall seamlessly over the fitted blue sleeveless shirt and trousers. He adjusted the jeweled belt Rygel and Chiana had given him this morning. The jewels were unbelievable. He reached for the armbands, studying them a moment before putting them on.

D'Argo looked over John’s ceremonial garments. “You look amazing John. Chiana and Rygel chose the perfect jewels as well.” D'Argo glanced down at his own royal blue garments. “I think we will all make a very becoming bunch. Ready?”

“Yeah.” John followed D'Argo out of the room.

“Are you happy my friend?” D'Argo asked John seriously.

“Man I’ve never been happier.” John answered.

“You deserve it.” D'Argo responded


~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Chiana watched the woman put the finishing touches on Aeryn’s hair. She’d never seen so many curls on one head. She was pretty sure that she’d never seen Aeryn’s hair ever as curly as it was now. The woman had used hot wires to create spiral curls throughout Aeryn’s hair. “Aeryn your hair…”

Aeryn turned uncertain of her new hairstyle. “Do you think that it’s too much? Do you think John will like it?”

Chiana smiled. “Crichton loves everything about you and yes he will love it. It makes you…lo…look beautiful.”

“Uhmmm…may I enter?” Rygel spoke from the doorway.

Aeryn turned to see the Hynerian waiting in the doorway, holding a small case. “Of course Rygel. Please come in.” Nodding to the case she asked. “What have you got there?”

Rygel floated over to Aeryn. “You are truly beautiful Aeryn Sun. I have brought Chiana and my wedding gift to you. He opened the case and watched Aeryn’s eyes light up more at the gesture than the actual jewels.

Aeryn whispered. “Oh Chi…Rygel, I don’t know what to say. Thank you.” She frowned slightly as another thought invaded her mind. “You two didn’t…”

Chiana shook her head emphatically. “Of course not. We purchase them from the tailor. They are part of the Royal Collection. Happy wedding day Aeryn!”

Rygel handed the case to the woman. “Please help her put these on.” He and Chiana watched as Aeryn was adorned with the gifted jewels. When the woman had arranged the head ornament around Aeryn’s forehead and clasped the bracelet cuffs around each wrist, Chiana grabbed the stomach chain and wrapped it around Aeryn’s bare midriff. Then she helped Aeryn into the ankle length jacket. Buttoning the jacket over the fitted shell that ended below her breast. The buttons ended beneath her breast also, leaving her midriff exposed and the stomach chain visible for all to see. Chiana glanced down and for the first time realized that instead of trousers, Aeryn wore a slim skirt also ankle-length. The true surprise came when she stepped forward and Chiana saw that the front of the skirt was spilt up the middle allowing Aeryn to move her legs freely. “Nice legs. Crichton will definitely love those.”

Aeryn grimaced. “Thanks!” Taking in both Rygel’s and Chiana’s ceremonial garments, she replied. “You two look very nice. Rygel blue is definitely your color.” She turned to leave, thanking the woman and paying her for her services.

Noranti arrived just as the woman was leaving. She smiled at Aeryn. “You are truly beautiful my dear.”

“Thank you Noranti. You look quite…fetching yourself Ranti.” Aeryn answered. “Come on you three, we have to go.”

“Noranti, Chiana will you two leave us please. I want to speak to Aeryn alone.” Rygel asked. He watched the others leave before speaking. “Aeryn Crichton was telling us more of Earth’s wedding customs and one he mentioned was that the bride is usually escorted by her father, brother or uncle. It is usually a male relative. While I may not be your father, you have come to mean more to me than any of my progeny. We have been through much together and I would see you begin this new journey correctly. If you agree, I would be honored to escort you down the aisle.

Aeryn felt the tears begin to weld up in her eyes. “Rygel, I would love nothing more. Thank you.”  

“My pleasure.” Rygel held his tiny hand out to Aeryn. “Shall we go?”

Aeryn grasped the small hand “Yes, we shall.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


John watched as Chiana moved slowly down the aisle, surprisingly in tune to the chimers’ melody. He’d tried to teach them the wedding march, but in the end he decided to just let them do their own thing. Noranti followed next and the chimers’ paused for a microt before starting another tune. John glanced around at the guest. Some he knew from their stay on Ilaraya and others he assumed were simply curious visitors. It didn’t matter he had most of the people he loved with him. He just wished that his father and sisters could have been here. If they were lucky maybe he would be able to get a copy of the tape to them. He glanced over at the attendant who’d agreed to tape the ceremony once John had spent a few hours showing him how to use his video camera. John watched the camera for a moment, from his position he could see the red light. Good! The guy hadn’t messed with the settings. John gestured to the head of the aisle and the attendant swung the camera in time to catch Aeryn and Rygel.

John would always remember his ’firsts’. The first time he’d flown into orbit. The first time he’d met a ship full of aliens, the first time he’d laid eyes on a beautiful Sebacean babe named Aeryn Sun and of course his first meeting with old ‘leather-face’. Now he had another first to add. John felt as though he’d ascended to heaven as he watched a vision in royal blue walk towards him down the aisle on Rygel’s arm. She was his dream girl and here he was wide-awake. In all his life he would never see a more beautiful sight. He held her gaze mouthing ‘I love you’ with every step she took.

He focused a teary love filled gaze on Rygel for a second. Sparky was giving Aeryn away? So the little loveable slug had a heart after all. John mouthed a thank you to Rygel as he handed Aeryn over to him. Grasping her hand the two stepped up to the decorated altar. It was a moment before they realized that there was no one there to perform the ceremony. Everyone glanced over at Stark.

John frowned, so help him if that one-eyed schizo had messed this up. “STARK!!!!”

Aeryn placed a calming hand on John’s arm. “John wait, calm down. Let him speak first.” She turned a less serene expression on Stark and growled quietly. “Speak.”

Stark swallowed loudly and moved to the altar. “Friends and…uh…visitors. There was a special reason this planet was chosen by our Pilot.” Stark gestured to the vid-comm link that allowed Pilot to witness the nuptials. At Starks words, everyone glance over at Pilot’s hologram.

“Stark is correct. I was asked to set a course for this system and this planet. It was a special gift for not only Aeryn and Crichton, but for all of Moya’s crew.”

John shook his head, waving his hands. “Okay great. Pilot, Stark you guys did an awesome…awesome job finding this place, but unless the spirit guide guy shows up then it won’t be such an awesome job after all. Now, will it?”
“Well…Crichton…that’s just it. The reason we came is the same reason we’re waiting.” Stark rambled.

“STAAARK!!! What the hell is that suppose to mean? Make sense or make like a banana and split!” John yelled.

Aeryn again rubbed John’s arm, trying to calm him. “What is this reason Stark?”

A voice answered from behind Stark. “I am the reason.”

Stark step down from the altar and watched along with everyone else present as a very surprising figure materialized in the exact place Stark had just vacated. The entire crew all whispered one name reverently. “Zhaan?”

“Yes my darling friends. It’s me.” Zhaan’s form continued to slowly solidify, until she appeared before them in an almost luminescent light. She placed one hand on John’s cheek and the other on Aeryn’s. “I asked Pilot to keep silent about my first visit. Then once you arrived, I appeared before Stark and asked him the same. Ilaraya is one of a few planets that will allow me to transfer my spiritual energy in a corporeal form. Although I can only hold it for a small period of time, I can hold it long enough to perform you wedding ceremony. That is if you would like?”

John captured Zhaan’s hand from his cheek, pulling her into an embrace. “Damn its good to see you Zhaan.” He reached for Aeryn drawing her into the hug. Followed by the rest of Moya’s crew. All happy and excited to have her back, even if it was for a limited time.

John cleared his throat. “Zhaan I can’t think of anyone I would prefer over you to perform the ceremony. Please…hold on.” John jogged over to the attendant to make sure his camera was still working and that there was plenty of tape left. Then he returned to the altar, everyone moved back into place and Zhaan began.

Zhaan addressed the witnesses as well as her friends. “I’ve known Commander John Crichton and officer Aeryn Sun since their birth. That is…since there birth into the family of Moya. John came aboard with his eyes wide open in wonder and Aeryn so full of an angry pride instilled in her from birth. I remember both John’s confusion and Aeryn’s anger at not being completely understood by others. I watched their values not change but reshape. They have sacrificed much, often themselves. No self-sacrifice was ever too great even if it meant sure death. I can think of no two people who deserve this happiness more. Every spiritual being was created to exist beside its mate. Through time you have traveled John Crichton to meet your other half. Aeryn Sun you gave up the only world you’ve ever known, a life you can no longer return to accept your other half. You have both learned that there is always another way, even if it is not the way you would prefer and that is now why the Goddess looks down favorably upon you. Are you ready to pledge yourselves?”

Both John and Aeryn nodded. Turning they clasped hands and knelt before Zhaan. The purity of Zhaan’s voice washed over all. “John and Aeryn come before all and the Goddess to pledge themselves to the sanctity of life and love.” Placing her hand over theirs she continued. “May the Goddess sanctify your physical lives together.”

The response from all came quietly. “Amet.”

“May the Goddess sanctify you eternal lives together.”

“Amet.”

“May the Goddess sanctify your spiritual threads and keep them intertwine throughout eternity.”

“Amet.”

“May your love strengthen with the ever moving waves of time and the yearning to be one remain always.”

“Amet.”

Zhaan dipped her indexed finger in a small finger bowl of scented oil and placed a dab at the base of Aeryn’s throat and a dab between John’s eyes. “As long as time exists this oil will linger in your spirit and guide down the Goddess’ path that has been chosen for you.” Zhaan paused regarding both D'Argo and Chiana. “I believe you both have the symbols that John and Aeryn wish to present to each other.

D'Argo handed John a small gold band. “John”

John pulled his eyes from Aeryn to thank D'Argo and accept the ring. “Thanks D.” He handed the ring to Zhaan.

Chiana sprang forward handing Aeryn the gold band that she’d had made with D'Argo’s help. “Here you go Aeryn.”

“Thank you Chiana.” Aeryn accepted both the ring and bracelet and handed them to Zhaan.

“I accept these symbols and hold them up before the Goddess, so that she may sanctify them and imbue the wearers with the virtues of love, understanding, compassion, and wisdom.” She handed the jewelry back to John and Aeryn.

“On Earth there are vows that a man woman take.” John took hold of Aeryn’s hands and placed the inscribed wedding band onto her finger. “I, John Robert Crichton, take thee Aeryn Sun to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, in sickness and in health for richer or for poorer, until death do we part.” He bent down and kissed her ring finger. “I love you. May our spirits share eternity together.”

Aeryn’s eyes clouded with tears her smile radiant. She accepted the ring and bracelet. Placing the ring on John’s left ring finger, she repeated his words exactly. “I Aeryn Sun, take thee John Robert Crichton to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, in sickness and in health for richer or for poorer, until death do we part.” She turned his hand palm side up and laid a gentle kiss upon the delicate skin, then closed his fingers around it. She placed the bracelet around his left wrist. “I love you. May our spirits spend eternity together.”

John read the inscription. “To the only man I’ve ever loved, the key to my soul. Love Aeryn” John looked up into Aeryn ’s eyes. When did you?”

“On Earth. I bought for a special moment and here it is.” Aeryn smiled.

Zhaan finished the ceremony. “By the grace of the Goddess the two of you must now go on as one.” She kissed both on the forehead. “Amet.”

John cupped Aeryn face gently and caressed her lips with his own. Nothing had ever taste so sweet. He traced her pouty lower lip delicately with his tongue, teasing it apart from the other. Deepening the kiss, he allowed his tongue to duel with hers gentle, finally separating to trace the tender inside of her cheek and the ridged roof of her mouth. Aeryn grasped John’s shoulders pulling herself closer. D'Argo’s loud cough broke into their passionate reverie. John pulled away gently. “Sorry…folks…got…uh a little carried away. But I’ve spent the better part of four and a half cycles trying to get the girl and now that I have her, I can’t keep my hands off of her.”

With a laugh everyone broke into applause.

Pilot spoke to Moya. “Yes Moya, it is done. John Crichton and Aeryn Sun are married.”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


The group surrounded Zhaan to say good-bye. They’d decided to go back to Moya and leave the revelers to the food and drinks. Instead, opting to spend the time privately with the family. Aeryn hugged Zhaan. “Zhaan it is hard to let you go. Thank you so much for all of this. I have missed you.”

“Oh my selfless Aeryn, I think you needed my guidance least of all. Once you opened up to learning, you did so with a child’s ease. And you began to see things in a very simple light, while the rest even myself were unable to. You have come so far Aeryn and I am incredibly proud of you.” She looked around at all of them. “John you are still the most thoughtful person I know and you have matured a bit in your reasoning I hear. D'Argo has finally found his path, a true and reliable leader Chiana has matured period, but still maintained that over zealous vibrancy that made her the fire of Moya and after your jaunt down the aisle Rygel, I see that you have become quite the compassionate one. Stark, as always, is the window to the wounded soul. Pilot the calm in ever storm and Moya the mother of us all. A more wonderful family I have never known and now we have a new member.” She smiled at Noranti who bowed her head in return. “Wise Noranti with the ability to see more than you all know, she too played a part in my arrival. Listen well to her, she will always seek the right path and though you may not always understand her, she has the answers you seek.” Zhaan reach forward to lay a hand on Aeryn slightly curved stomach. “And now there is yet another member on the way. I would like to offer blessings for the child. He will be answer for many and the ending for some. His life won’t be an easy one but he will thrive in the love that this family will offer.”

John smiled and clapped his hands. “A boy…it’s a boy?” at Zhaan’s nod, John did a little jig. “Oh yeah…daddy’s little man!”

Aeryn smiled shaking her head. “Please Zhaan, we would love the blessings.”

Zhaan smiled and gestured to the empty table. John helped Aeryn remove her jacket and lie down on the table. Zhaan brought over the same finger bowl of oil and burning incense.

Placing her hand on Aeryn’s stomach she began. “Just as the Goddess has blessed the union that your parents have forged, so shall she bless the very essence of your physical and spiritual being. May the Goddess sanctify the path that you must journey, from birth unto death and into eternity. May the virtues that your parents hold become instilled in you along with the map to your own. So are the blessings of the Goddess.” Placing a dab of the scented oil on Aeryn’s stomach and again placing her hand over it.  Zhaan murmured a few more words as Noranti trailed the incense smoke over them all.

The entire crew including Pilot answered. “Amet”

Noranti moved forward. “Thank you Zhaan. It has been a pleasure to finally meet you and have a chance to speak to you.” She kissed Zhaan quickly on the cheek and moved away.

Zhaan hugged the others goodbye then held her hand out to Stark. “Stark come with me, I wish to say goodbye to Pilot and Moya. I have a song to sing for them. Goodbye my darlings.”

The group watched as Zhaan left their lives yet again, only this time they knew that they would be seeing her again.

After a moment John turned to the others. “Well no offense guys but the only way this day can possibly get better is if you all go back down to the planet and give me and my sweet wife here a few days alone.”

D'Argo cleared his throat. “Well we were hoping that it would be the two of you who would leave.”

Aeryn frowned. “What?”
Chiana laughed. “Well with you two celebrating and all…I… I doubt any of us will get any sleep.”

Rygel piped in. “Chiana’s right! You two are a bit noisy. I can hear you and I’m on a different level.”

John sniffed. “Uh…yeah…you can hear fluffy because you and Chiana are usually standing outside our door, you pervs!”

Noranti tried next. “Wha…wha…what I believe they are trying to say is…as a wedding present the crew has arranged a weeken stay on Ysyrion for you and Aeryn. It is a…a…a honey…honeymoon I believe you called it Crichton. The prowler has been prepared and D'Argo and Chiana have packed your things. So off with you both.” Noranti shooed the couple away.


The crew saw the couple off and returned to the planet without Stark, letting him and Zhaan spend her remaining time together.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


“Hey Aeryn, wanna learn another Earth wedding custom?” John held Aeryn’s hand, while his other stroking her curls.

Aeryn titled her head. “Un huh.” She smiled up into his eyes, nodding happily.

John smiled and swung Aeryn up into his arms. “The custom is that the groom must carry his bride over the threshold. He carried her through the bungalow, straight to the bedroom. He set her down on her feet and stepped back to gaze at her. “God Aeryn, you’re absolutely breathtaking. And your hair…baby you’ve got a lot of hair, it’s extraordinary! God baby you’re the most beautiful thing I ever seen.”

“And I’m all yours now Commander Crichton. So what are you going to do with me?” Aeryn removed her jacket and tossed it on one of the bedroom chairs.


Walking up behind her he murmured. “I’ve got a few ideas.” He kissed the side of her neck, the softly rounded lobe and delicate shell of her ear. Easing his hands under her tight shell he lift it up over her head bearing her breast for his pleasure. Returning to feast upon the side of her neck, he caressed her naked breast, pinching her nipples lightly until she groaned softly, pushing her bottom firmly against his already aroused body.

John unbuttoned the clasp to Aeryn’s skirt and allowed it to pool at her feet. “Did I mention that you have killer legs?” His fingers moved to the band of her underwear. “Aeryn you realize on Earth that we call this piece of heaven a thong. Women wear them to cut down on lines under their cloths and men…well men just like the way they look on women.” Pushing the tiny piece of material down, he let it follow the skirt.

Aeryn stepped from the pool of clothing and out of her sandals. She swung around to face John, wearing nothing but the stomach bracelet the wrist cuffs and the headband. “Your turn.”

John groaned, Aeryn reminded him of an Amazon queen. He allowed her to remove his jacket and shirt. His breathing became harsh as she suckled his flat nipple one at a time until each responded to the moist suction of her mouth and hardened. Aeryn dropped to her knees and continued her oral manipulation, moving from his nipples to his to his hard stomach. Her tongue swirled in and out of his navel, while her fingers unfastened his trousers. She grasped and pulled on the material until she had both trousers and underwear down around John’s ankles. She returned her attention to his erection. She took the thick head between two fingers holding it straight. Then she began to lick its full length with slow deliberate strokes of her tongue.

John closed his eyes, knowing he was in paradise. His heart pounding as the blood pulsed through his body centering in the head of his erection. He wanted to scream out in ecstasy when she took him into the warm cavern of her mouth, almost swallowing him, suckling him as though he was her only sustenance. His hands cupped her head and his fingers clutched handfuls of dark curls. He used his hands to guide her, as he became more and more aroused. He felt as though his legs would give at any moment. Using her hands to push gently as her mouth pull, Aeryn brought him to another level of rapture. He clenched his eyes shut as wave after wave of pleasure washed over him. He had to hold on. “Ae…Aeryn baby you have to stop, or I’ll pass out useless.

Aeryn pulled away and let John helped her to her feet. John once again swept Aeryn up into his arms walking over to the bed he eased her down to the mattress. He leaned over her taking her lips roughly. Aeryn opened her legs for him only to have him close them. Swing her around on to her stomach, John lay fully atop her. He moved slightly allowing her to feel the results of her handy little mouth. Using his body, he managed to spread her legs a fraction. Leaning over her should he bit her neck gently while pushing the tip of his erection against the moist opening of her secret passage allowing the tip to rest just inside.  “I know what you like.” He left her body then, sitting up and pulling her with him just as suddenly. He maneuvered her up onto her knees facing the intricately carved headboard, placing her hands upon it. “Now don’t let go.” Using one of his knees he spread her legs enough to give him easy access. Pressing against her back he drew his tongue up the column of her pale neck. His fingers working their own erotic magic in the dark curls and the secret they hid.

Aeryn moved her lower body to take more of the finger he so ruthlessly teased her with. Moaning she pushed back. John removed the finger. “Someone’s very impatient. We’re going to have to work on that. But not tonight.” Groaning with pleasure he surged into her tight passage deeply. His hands held her hips pinned as he buried himself deeper and deeper, hard and fast. Her elegant back and shoulders called for his lips. Placing light kisses on ever inch skin he could, his lower body still pumping wildly. Aeryn ‘s soft whimpers changed to passionate cries as her body tightened around his, nearing the point of release. John pulled her away from the headboard. Still on her knees he guided her to her hands. Gripping her hips he continued plunging harder, faster and deeper, the bed protesting loudly beneath them. He felt the power of her climax when it came, soft rippling spasms that flexed around his erection and drove him nearly to madness. He pounded into her, allowing his own release to come as she milked him of his seed. Aeryn collapsed and John followed still ensconced within her damp body.

As relaxed as he was, this was his honeymoon and he was far from finished. He’d been a starving man before her returned to Moya and he was about make up for all that alone time by gorging himself on a dish know as Aeryn Sun-Crichton. Drawing his hand down the side of Aeryn’s thigh to her knee, he parted he legs slightly. He cupped one breast, whispering into her ear. “I love you.”

Pushing back as he pumped forward, Aeryn raised her arm to cup the back of his head. Turning her head to the side she whispered back. “I love you too…ahhhh!” John spent the rest of the night and the next morning making up for lost time.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Aeryn stood drinking a cup of Ilayaran tea as stared at the magnificent Ysyrion Ocean. John was still sleeping; they had gone over to Ilaraya to meet the rest of the crew for dinner the night before. They’d returned and did what they’d been doing for the past three solar days, making love. Aeryn smiled secretly remembering her first view out of this very window. She couldn’t remember ever actually seeing anything. She’d been a bit preoccupied, pressed between the glass and John. She never thought that her life would take such a blissful turn. How could one man complete her so? What would their life be like once the baby came? She could hardly wait. As long as they had each other everything else would work itself out.

John crept up behind his wife, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin against the side of her head. “hmmm…what are you thinking about?”

She handed him her cup and leaned back against his chest. “Uhhh…well…I was thinking about you, the baby and our life together.”

John sipped the hot drink, allowing Aeryn to turn in his arms to kiss him. ‘Good morning gorgeous.”

“Good morning yourself handsome.” She reached up to bring his head down to hers to capture his lips. “Love you.”

“Love you too baby.” A moment later he was able to speak. “So are we going for that walk on the beach or would you rather stay here and make love all day?”

Aeryn tilted her head to the side, smiling mischievously. “I’ve got a better idea. Let’s go to the beach and make love there, all day!”

“Heaven! I’m in Heaven!” John grinned.