On board the Ge'daes Jon's shuttle landed and was greeted by Deatra and her personal guards. He wasn't been anticipating her being there, but he was happy to see she was looking well. As the door to the shuttle cycled open the Guards and marines present came to attention. Lieutenant Commander Cazura, currently in command of the Ge'daes, met Jon as he walked down the ramp.
"Admiral welcome aboard the Ge'daes," Cazura said.
"Thank you Lieutenant Commander, has our guest arrived yet?" Jon asked. His attention wasn't on Cazura it was on his soon to be wife standing patiently, waiting for him to be done.
"They're on final approach as we speak. I've set up one of the briefing rooms for you and have doubled the guards in this section," Cazura said.
Jon nodded, "Good, allow him no more than two guards." Jon started towards Deatra as he spoke, Cazura following close by.
"If he refuses?" Cazura asked.
Jon stopped and turned towards the Invaru, "Then show them the exit. I'm through debating with useless people while we fight for our lives. Tell him this if he refuses. Admiral Hunter has informed me that if you refuse too only bring two guards you're to immediately leave this vessel and return to yours. You will have 15 minutes to leave here and have your ship leave this system. If you fail to comply, we will reduce you and the remaining fleet to dust. He also said that if you leave and make it home you would see him there shortly. You are to warn your people of our intended arrival."
"Sir excuse me, but wouldn't that defeat the purpose of this meeting? We do want to bring the Eutharan people into the ADF," Cazura said.
"This meeting will have no effect on what will happen on the Eutharan home world. The only reason I agreed to this meeting in the first place is that I want to find out why there's a sudden change in their stance. There's something amiss and I plan on figuring that out at this meeting," Jon said as he started back towards Deatra.
Jon stopped in front of Deatra his eyes threatened to spill tears and hers were in better shape. Deatra stepped up to him and wrapped him in a tight embrace, "I... I thought you were gone."
Jon smiled and wiped a tear that finally fell from one of her eyes, "Never, I just had a small side trip. I'm back now and I never want you to leave my side."
Everyone in the hanger backed away from the two people in the room to give them some privacy as the reunited. Whispered words between the two were exchanged, far to low for people to hear. No one said a word or moved during the entire time.
"Momma!" Sam's voice broke the quiet as she bounded down off the shuttle. Oojoung close behind trying to keep up with the small child. Zeus and Hera not far behind Oojoung as they walked next to Kayla who watched her play mate running towards Deatra.
Jon looked back over his shoulder as Sam ran towards them a grin on his face. He let go of Deatra and gave her a wink, "Seems I'm not the only one who has missed you. I had a feeling you would meet me here so I brought some extra baggage with me."
Deatra laughed as she squatted down and wrapped Sam in a tight embrace, "How are you doing little one?"
"I'm ok now that were back. Kayla got real sick and I did too while we were away. I thought poor Oojoung would be left all alone and have no one to play with. Could you imagine Zeus and Hera trying to keep Oojoung company? He would go insane trying to play hide and seek with them, they always beat him," Sam said as she grinned.
"Zeus and Hera no beat Oojoung at hide and seek. Oojoung always wins, they just dumb animals that run really fast from Oojoung," Oojoung whined.
Zeus sneezed as if to say Oojoung was full of himself. Hera walked up next to Deatra and licked her face. Deatra reached over and rubbed the large Rottweiler's head, "Yes, I missed you too. You keeping Oojoung and the kids out of trouble Hera?"
Then as if to answer Hera walked in a small circle and then laid down next to Deatra. Hera's eyes watching Oojoung's every move.
Sam finally let go and stepped back, "Oh, no me and Kayla keep Oojoung out of trouble."
"No you always get poor Oojoung in lots of trouble," Oojoung moaned.
Sam turned towards Oojoung and put her hands on her hips, "We do not. You're always the one getting into trouble and we're the one who always rescue you. Zeus and Hera are around to make sure you listen to us."
"Blah, you and Kayla always going places where you not supposed to be. Then poor Oojoung has to stand in front of your daddy and explain why you were there. Zeus and Hera only make Oojoung's problems worse, they always follow you where you go and Oojoung has no choice but to follow to keep you safe," Oojoung moaned.
By this time everyone in the hanger was watching the young child and the Buranis go at it. A few were chuckling at the banter between the two.
Sam waved her finger at Oojoung, "You're the adult Oojoung, me and Kayla shouldn't have to be watching you and trying to keep you out of trouble."
Kayla had her hand up over her mouth trying to stifle the laugh.
Jon leaned over and whispered to Deatra, "Watch she's about to close the trap on him. Poor Oojoung has no chance against Sam. I barely can give her a run for her money, she has learned a lot from being around you and the officers." Jon turned his attention back to Sam, "Kayla and I, is the proper english."
Oojoung echoed Jon trying to derail the conversation, "Yeah Princess Sam, Kayla and I is proper speakings. Not me and Kayla, you should learn to speak correctly as you are a princess and Oojoung has to protect you. Oojoung no want to look like fool in front of people when you speak and they learn Oojoung in one who protects and teaches you things."
Sam's eyes narrowed, "Oh yes most masterful Oojoung who has learned to speak such perfect English. Your speakings is so much better than mine. I wouldn't want to make you look like more of a fool than you already make yourself look. I mean how old is Oojoung?"
You could almost see Oojoung's mind working, he knew she was about to pull the age card. By this time he could see Kayla, who was standing next to Sam now, laughing so hard tears were forming in her eyes. He knew better than to involve her in the banter, she was after all very intelligent and Oojoung knew he couldn't match wits with her. He couldn't even keep up with Sam, "Princess Sam knows how old Oojoung is," Oojoung said trying to delay.
"Uh huh, much much older that I am," Sam said waggling her finger at Oojoung.
"Nooooo, Oojoung not that much older than Sam!" Oojoung said as he looked around for a way to escape. "Oojoung much check security, me be back in a bit. Leader Jon will watch the younglings."
Oojoung left before anyone could respond, Jon busted out laughing. Deatra looked over at Jon smiling as a grinning Sam turned back to her.
Sam huffed and got serious for a second, "Sometimes it's like having a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent."
Jon started laughing harder as he tried to chew her out, "Sam that's not nice Oojoung is very intelligent."
"Yeah, you're right, when it involves his fists and not his brains he come out on top," Sam replied.
"Sam..." Deatra said as she stopped laughing.
"Ok, ok you win. I'm sorry, it's just so fun to pick on him," Sam said as she grinned back.
"You do know he lets you win because of who you are," Deatra said.
"No he doesn't," Same said.
Jon had stopped laughing and started to nod his head yes, "He does, he worships you and Kayla. I seen him do the same thing to Terri, he would egg her on and then let her win the fight. I have also seen him in action and he's almost as good if not better than any raptor we have."
"Terri whoops him all the time when they spar," Sam said.
"No she doesn't, he lets her win. Have you ever noticed none of the others defeat him as easy? Next time they spar watch his stance, he will relax when he's sparing against Terri and tighten up when he's sparing with anyone else," Kayla said as she stepped up next to Sam.
"Hrm..." Sam said. "Ok next time they spar I'll watch him closer."
"Also have you ever watched him use a computer?" Kayla said.
"All the time," Sam replied.
By this time Jon and Deatra were watching the two children banter back an forth. Jon took Deatra's arm and he turned and walked towards the exit. He planned on her being present for the meeting.
"No I mean really watch, he's knows what he's doing," Kayla said. "I think he likes everyone to think he's dumb and a lug to throw them off their game."
"He was the one who disabled Atlantis when she was on Earth. He knew just what to do to disable the main reactor," Jon said over his shoulder.
"I didn't know that, I guess he is pretty smart," Sam said.
Kayla grinned, "Yeah he sure had the wool pulled over your eyes."
Sam huffed, "I'll get him, just you wait."
Kayla laughed and took Sam hand as they walked, "I'm sure you will."
Just as they exited the hanger Jon stopped and turned to the girls, "I have to get to a meeting and Deatra needs to come with me. I want you to take Zeus and Hera, go the Atrium, and let them run for a bit. Find Oojoung along the way and take him with you for security. I'm also send Carex and a couple other guards with you."
"Oojoung can take care of us and Zeus and Hera won't let anything happen to us," Sam whined. She hated having guards following her about.
Jon knelt down in front of her, "Listen Sam, from now on you and Kayla are to go nowhere with out guards."
"But," Sam started.
"No buts, I'm serious. This isn't up for debate, Carex will be assigning both of you personal guards. We will be going to Eutharan in a few days and I need to know you're both protected. If you need to go somewhere and there's less than two guard present, I want you to use the com unit and call Terri or Brin'tores and have raptors escorting you while we're on Eutharan. Do I make myself clear?" Jon said.
"Yes daddy, I promise," Sam said.
"Good, Kayla?" Jon said looking at the other girl.
"Yes sir," Kayla said.
Jon hugged Sam and Kayla and stood up, "No both of you go take some time and play in the atrium."
Both girls waved as they started off towards the atrium, Zeus and Hera close on their heels. Jon looked over at Carex and pointed to four guards, "You five are tasked with keeping them both safe. Carex I want you to draw up a roster and assign both girls four guards."
Carex nodded, "Yes sir, how many do you want when they are both together?"
"Eight, put the Captain as a guard for Sam. While they're together the Captain of her guards has command," Jon said.
Carex nodded and saluted, "Yes sir." He turned and hurried off after the girls with guards in tow.
Jon turned to Deatra, "Ready?"
Deatra smiled up at him, "As long as you're by my side I'm ready for anything."
With that Jon turned and walked into the briefing room.
Seated on the other side of the table in the middle of the room was Captain Lylas a guard on either side of him, both unarmed. Cazura stood just inside the doorway two guards on either side of the door, rifles at ready. When Lylas seen who entered the room he immediately stood and bowed along with his guard.
"My prince and princess," Lylas said.
Jon arched an eyebrow, "I'm not your prince yet."
"All in due time, your bond with the princess give you the authority of her voice," Lylas said as he looked up at Jon.
Jon pulled out a seat for Deatra as he spoke, "Really?"
Lylas nodded, "Yes sir."
"That's funny," Jon said.
"Excuse me," Lylas said as he resumed him seat as Jon sat and motioned him to sit.
"It's funny you have that position, all I have ever gotten from anyone up to this point is disrespect. Geenis even went so far as to attempt to force a bond with Deatra," Jon said.
Lylas gasped, "He did WHAT?!"
"You heard me plain enough, I said he tried to force a bond in my absence with Deatra and from what I have read and been briefed on, almost succeeded," Jon said.
"His attack on Ghost Station wasn't sanctioned. I formally request that you turn him over so that I can have him transported back to Eutharan for trial," Lylas said.
Deatra spoke, "There will be no trial, I've taken care of Geenis. There's not enough left of him to fill a beaker."
Jon looked over at Deatra in surprise; it was the first time he had heard of Geenis' demise and by her hand no less. Inwardly he smiled; she had done well and he was proud of her for holding together under pressure. But at the same time he had wanted to get his hands on the little coward.
Jon turned his attention back to Lylas, "So let us get to the point, why are you here?"
"My prince, I've been ordered to have my fleet escort you and protect you on your journey back to Eutharan," Lylas said.
Jon took a second before he spoke, "What makes you think I'm going back to Eutharan and why all of a sudden the change of heart? Just a half a day ago two of your ships attacked one of your own and tried to fire on me."
"That was a mistake, those Captains jumped the gun. What they did was inexcusable and if they live they will be deal with when we return to Eutharan," Lylas said.
Jon stared at the middle aged Eutharan sitting in front of him. Something wasn't right Lylas sure wanted to get him to Eutharan. Jon wondered what would be waiting on him when he arrived. What were the King and Queen up to now?
"Again Captain, why do you think I'm going to Eutharan?" Jon asked carefully.
"You have to go to Eutharan and soon," Lylas said smiling.
"Why's that?" Jon asked.
Lylas glanced over at Deatra with a questioning look on his face.
"Deatra didn't ask you why Captain, I did and I would like an answer," Jon said.
"My prince, you have to get married on Eutharan for the marriage to be official. The King and Queen must be present as do all your ranking officers," Lylas said.
"No I don't," Jon said simply.
"Huh?" Lylas said.
Deatra looked over at Jon in surprise.
"I said, no I don't. I have over a dozen Captains that can perform the ceremony on any number of vessels," Jon said.
Lylas' eyes widened in surprise, "But the King and Queen..."
"Mean nothing to me," Jon finished. "I'm human and my custom is just as binding as are your customs. I can, by our laws be married on a ship by a Captain of that vessel, at sail and it's just as legal as having it performed by a clergy."
"But that not our custom," Lylas said.
"I don't give a rat's ass about your customs, all you have done is cause me and my people problems. Why should I honor your customs?" jon said leaning back in his seat.
Lylas looked over at Deatra, "Princess, please explain to him the importance of you being married on Eutharan."
"No," Deatra said.
Lylas sputtered, "No?"
"Jon is my bond mate and whatever he decided to do I'll fully support him. If he wants to get married here then I have no problem with that," Deatra said as she took Jon's hand in hers.
Lylas just stared at the both of them, "You must go to Eutharan to be married. If you don't you will break a very long tradition."
"I'm not going to Eutharan any time soon. I don't need your protection, as you can see Deatra and I are very well protected. You're welcome to help in the rescue operations and escort me and my fleet anywhere we go. But, I'll go to Eutharan when I see fit to do so, not when someone decides for me," Jon said as he stood up. "This meeting is over, if you would like to speak to me you can contact the commanding officer of the Atlantis and they will relay the request. Thanks you Captain, have a good day."
Jon turned and walk out of the room leaving a sputtering Lylas sitting at the table. Lylas just couldn't believe what he had just heard. He had knew Jon was unpredictable but to refuse a royal invitation to Eutharan was unheard of. Lylas figured he would wait a couple days and try again, in the mean time he would assist in the SAR operations and show himself useful.
On the other side of the door Jon and Deatra headed back towards the hanger. During the walk back Jon called Carex and had him bring the kids back for departure. He had also received a call for Rick explaining the situation on the Ea'quoss. They had managed to recover Brin'tores and Angel from the collapsed corridor. The ship had been evacuated in due to multiple stress fractures and they were now trying to get integrity fields online before attempting any more rescue operations.
Jon called Ghost Station and had Gilas, Mark, Breq, Brad, Mike and both raptor teams transferred to the Marudas. He then contacted Prasuh and had him prepare for immediate departure. He also had Rick prepare the Atlantis for departure and turn over all SAR operation to the Ge'daes.
Deatra finally spoke when they were standing in front of their shuttle, "So we're getting married on the Marudas?"
Jon looked at her and smiled, "No were leaving right now for Eutharan. My intention has always been to go there. I just don't want them choosing the time I arrive. We'll be married according to your customs so it's legal. I don't want you giving up anything for me and I think this might actually work to our advantage."
Deatra smiled and hugged him in a tight embrace.
Thanks to my editor BoB_McC