Three Square Meals Ch. 131

"You really want to get married right now?" Rachel asked gently.

"Definitely." Henry then darted a worried frown at his fiancée. "As long as Abi agrees?"

She looked at him with a mixture of affection and incredulity. "You're actually serious about this?" When he nodded, she gave him a tender kiss. "Okay... but on one condition: could we have another ceremony so that my parents can attend? Otherwise they'll never forgive me for eloping."

Rachel grinned at her father. "Alright, I'll be at your wedding... but only if you let me make all the arrangements!"

***

"Now I've got to get back to Maliri Space before all the new matriarchs start killing each other just to make a good impression," John muttered, sipping his whiskey. "It's a real mess."

Charles shook his head in disbelief. "I remember laughing when you told me you were going to try trading with the Maliri. I just can't get my head around you being their leader!"

John chuckled and nodded. "You're not the only one..."

There was a quiet hiss as the door opened and Dana bounced into the room, a broad grin on her face. She was wearing tiny hot-pants and a crop-top that was practically painted on, leaving very little to the imagination.

"Hey, Charles!" she exclaimed, leaning over to give him a kiss on the cheek.

He blushed and returned her smile. "Hello, Dana. It's good to see you again."

John rose from his seat to greet the exuberant teen with a kiss. "Hi, honey. Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, everything's just peachy!" she chirped, her sky-blue eyes sparkling. "Alyssa's got some awesome news... can you come back to the Officers' Lounge?"

He looked at her outfit with a raised eyebrow, surprised that Dana was veering wildly from the script they'd discussed. "Err... sure."

The redheaded teenager grinned at Charles, who was struggling to keep his eyes from her spectacular figure. She was the embodiment of youthful beauty; slender and perky, with a wonderfully toned physique and flawless skin.

"My bod looks familiar, right? Just like Lynette?" she asked, while cupping her mouth-wateringly firm breasts and squeezed them appreciatively. "Becoming a Lioness was the best thing that ever happened to me. I used to be flat as a pancake but now I'm stacked!"

Charles coughed and flushed with embarrassment. "You certainly have... a lovely figure."

Dana fluffed out her beautiful mane of lustrous red hair so it was tumbling down her back, then turned around and gave him a cheeky grin over her shoulder. "Like the view? I'm just giving you a glimpse of what Lina will look like after the Change!"

"Sparks..." John muttered, flashing her a disapproving frown.

"What?" she asked, with an impish twinkle in her eyes. "I didn't want Charles to forget that you've already got a flame-haired temptress on your crew."

John laughed and pulled her into a hug. "How could anyone forget you?"

"I know, right?" she agreed, before flicking a smile at the seated admiral. "Seriously though... the Invictus only has room for one hot redhead. John couldn't handle two of us."

Charles couldn't help chuckling. "I can believe that."

"You don't need to worry about Lynette either," Dana insisted, giving him a meaningful look. "We're maxed out on foxy brunettes too! John's already got Rachel, Calara, and Neysa... and they're all totally devoted to him."

Flushing with embarrassment, John muttered, "Dana... we've just gone over this. I told him I wasn't interested in Lynette."

Rising to his feet, Charles looked thoughtful as he studied the feisty redhead. "I must admit, I had trouble believing you before, but Lynette's just another brunette to you, isn't she?" he asked, sounding surprised as his gaze flicked to John.

"I don't think of her as just a brunette," John said indignantly, feeling somewhat defensive. "I have a great deal of respect for Lynette; she's brave and very loyal to her friends, as well as a dedicated and talented leader for the Terran Federation."

Charles placed a hand on his shoulder and gave him a reassuring pat. "Easy, I'm not accusing you of being shallow... but I really don't have anything to be jealous about, do I?"

John relaxed, glad that his friend finally understood. He slipped an arm around Dana and smiled. "Nope. I've got my hands full already..."

She giggled and kissed his cheek. "Totally!"

Gesturing to the door, John said, "Well, we better head back to the Officers' Lounge."

Charles nodded and followed them through the Bridge up to the grav-tubes. He was quiet as they left the Command Deck, the frank conversation with John giving him plenty to think about. When they reached Deck Two, Dana released John's hand and headed the opposite way down the corridor.

"I'm going to get changed," she explained, skipping backwards towards her quarters. "Bye, Charles!"

"It was good to see you again, Dana," he gruffly replied. "And thank you."

Dana blew a kiss to him, then wiggled her fingertips at her fiancé. "See you later, John..."

John exchanged a smile with her, then led his guest to the doors at the other end of the corridor. The doors opened with a quiet hiss, admitting John and Charles into the Officers' Lounge, where Alyssa was still seated with Lina and Lynette. The redhead was lost in thought, but Lynette shot a worried glance towards the door, her eyes locking onto her fiancé. Before anyone could say a word, Alyssa leapt to her feet and rushed over to John's open arms.

"They're getting married!" she exclaimed, looking thrilled.

He blinked in surprise. "Who?"

"Henry and Abigail!"

Her explanation left him more confused. "Yeah, I know. Henry proposed a couple of weeks ago."

She shook her head, blonde locks swishing over her shoulders. "No, I mean they want to get married right now!"

"Oh, wow... that is good news. I'm happy for them," he said, pleased for Rachel's father. "Where are they holding the ceremony?"

"They haven't decided yet, but I volunteered to make a dress for Abigail!" she gushed, her cerulean eyes sparkling with glee.

John darted a quick glance at the chronometer to check the time, his expression conflicted. "Alyssa... we're supposed to be leaving as quickly as possible."

"But they're family!" the blonde protested. "Don't you want Rachel's new stepmother to look beautiful on her wedding day?"

He groaned and rubbed his hand over his face. "Yes, of course I do."

She grinned at him in delight. "I knew you'd agree!"

John rolled his eyes, but couldn't help smiling at seeing her so happy. "If they haven't chosen a venue yet, what about a beach wedding in the Lagoon?"

"Oh, John! That's a wonderful idea!" she gushed, giddy with excitement. "Thank you so much!"

"They're family," he said with an amiable grin.

She gave him a big kiss, then turned to their guests. "Sorry, but I have to run. I need to do some preliminary designs and find out whether Abigail wants her dress to be made from silk, lace, chiffon, velvet, or satin!"

"You have all that?" John asked in bewilderment.

Alyssa winked at him. "A girl likes to be prepared!"

She startled Lina with a surprise hug, whispered something in the redhead's ear that made her blush, then gave Lynette a friendly wave goodbye. "Speak to you later, beautiful!"

Bounding over to Charles next, she kissed him on the cheek, then gazed into his eyes. "Don't over-think this, Charles... just go with your heart, okay?"

He nodded, flustered by her close proximity. "I'll t-try," he stammered.

With that, Alyssa swept out of the Officers' Lounge like the force of nature that she was, leaving her three guests speechless.

John gave them a look of apology. "I'm sorry about that. She's just excited about the wedding."

"It's quite alright," Lynette said, walking over to Charles. She tentatively slipped her hand into his and looked relieved when he didn't pull away.

There was an awkward silence as John glanced at the two female admirals, not sure exactly what they knew about his discussion with Charles.

"Alyssa told us everything..." Lynette said, her expression conflicted. There was a long pause, then she continued, "We should probably get going. I'd like to see all the girls again, but now's obviously not a good time. You need to take care of Jehanna and the girls have a wedding to plan."

"That's true... but I'm sorry we're in such a rush."

The Fleet Admiral waved away his apology with a look of understanding. John accompanied his guests to the grav-tubes, then they descended to Deck Nine, where they stopped inside the airlock.

"It was good to see you again, Lina," John said, with a cautious smile.

The redhead looked at him speculatively, a mixture of apprehension and fascination on her face. "Alyssa certainly gave me a lot to think about. I'll let you know my decision when you return."

He acknowledged her with a nod, then turned to exchange a firm handshake with Charles.

"When are you back?" Charles asked without preamble.

"I don't know for sure... two weeks, maybe three?" John replied with a helpless shrug. "Alyssa will keep Lynette updated."

Charles hesitated, then said, "I'm sorry about all this. I know you've already got a lot on your plate and the last thing you needed was extra complications. Good luck, John... I hope everything goes smoothly with the matriarchs."

"Thanks, Charles," John said gratefully, sensing that whatever decision Admiral Harris made, their friendship would remain intact.

Turning to Lynette, he could see how worried she was, despite her best efforts to hide her anxiety from her fiancé.

Looking at the brunette with sympathy, he asked, "Could I have a quick word with you in private, Lynette?"

She flashed a pensive glance at Charles, but relaxed when he shrugged and nodded. "Okay then," she agreed.

Charles and Lina stepped through the outer airlock door, while John guided Lynette back down the corridor. They were still in sight of the other admirals, but were now safely out of earshot.

"I had to tell him the truth, Lynette," John said quietly, looking into her troubled hazel eyes. "If Charles found out I'd loaded up Lina behind his back, he'd never forgive any of us. You know he never really got over his wife cheating on him."

She wrung her hands together anxiously and glanced through the airlock at her fiancé. "What if Charles can't accept it? Now he knows what I did to go through the Change... he might not look at me the same way again."

"It did all happen before you two got together," John said, his tone calm and reassuring. "I'm basically like an ex-boyfriend you dumped after a few dates. Yeah, it's a bit awkward... but at least he didn't see you with a full tummy."

Lynette blushed and couldn't help giggling nervously. "Thank heaven for small mercies."

"He loves you, Lynette," John said with certainty. "Just give Charles some time."

"What about Lina?" she asked, studying John intently. "What do you think he's going to decide to do about her?"

"I honestly don't know," John admitted. "He's been my best friend for years, but funnily enough, this isn't the kind of thing we've ever discussed. We'll just have to wait and see."

She let out a heavy sigh, then nodded reluctantly. "I hope everything goes smoothly with... well, everything you're dealing with at the moment. Just let me know if I can help you in any way and I'll do whatever I can to assist you."

"You're a good girl, Lynette," John said with a grateful smile. "Thank you."

Lynette was immediately buoyed up by his praise, then her hazel eyes sparkled with amusement. "Aren't I a little old to be called that? Have you forgotten that I'm 52?"

He raised an eyebrow and appraised her with a professional eye. "Actually, physiologically you're only about twenty." Giving her a lopsided smile, John added, "Besides, Edraele's 162 and she's a good girl as well... most of the time."

*Only because you like it when I'm naughty, my Lord,* Edraele purred, a playful lilt to her voice.

*I do have a weakness for bad girls...* he admitted, enjoying the banter.

Lynette laughed, then looked at him in gratitude for trying to lift her spirits. "Thanks, John."

He gave her a reassuring smile. "You take care. We'll be back as soon as we can." Reaching over, he double-tapped her jacket pocket. "Don't forget your disguise."

John escorted Lynette back to the others and the three admirals waved goodbye as they departed. Leaning against the airlock door, he watched them walk away from the Invictus until they had left the docking bay. As much as John wanted them all to be happy, the thought of another toe-curling conversation with Charles about the Change made him squirm with embarrassment. He closed the airlock and headed inside, for once feeling incredibly thankful that he had an all-female crew and would never have to face this problem again.

*I'm sorry that was all so awkward,* Alyssa apologised, sounding genuinely contrite. *When Lynette first expressed an interest in Lina, I was happy for her. You know how much I love Calara and the difference she's made to our lives... I just wanted the same thing for Lynette and Charles.*

*Let's just stick to the winning formula from now on, okay?* he grumbled, striding over to the grav-tube. *XO in charge of recruitment.*

Her melodic laughter echoed through his mind. *Alright, handsome. No more delegation... I promise.*

***

Rachel lowered her arms and the ephemeral grey aura dissipated in a swirl of misty tendrils. All around the Critical Burns Ward, dozens of marines were sobbing with relief, or thanking the Angel of Terra with euphoric fervour. She smiled at them kindly, modestly demurring their pledges of lifelong fealty for healing their grievous wounds.

Doctor Bowman stood with his coterie of medics, the awed expressions on their faces far more eloquent than any flowery praise. He stepped forward as Rachel approached, then silently bowed his head in deference, an action repeated by the rest of the medical staff. She looked startled for a moment, then politely thanked him for the opportunity to help the wounded.

"She's amazing..." Abigail whispered, leaning into her fiancé.

Henry watched his daughter with a soft smile of paternal pride. "I know."

After saying her farewells, Rachel walked over to join them, a joyful expression on her face. "Alright, we better get going! There's lots to do before the wedding!"

Sakura peeled away from the door to fall into step beside her. "I'll head back to the Invictus with Abigail when Jade arrives. Alyssa needs her for the dress fitting."

The bride-to-be gave them a pained look. "I really appreciate Alyssa's offer, but we're having the service in an hour. There's no way she can get a dress made for me by then! I can just head back to our quarters and pick up one of my gowns. I have a lovely designer dress that Henry bought for me to wear at last year's Gala... it would do just fine."

"My future stepmother is not recycling a dress for her wedding day," Rachel declared with a mock frown of indignation. "Trust me... please?"

Abigail sighed and her blue eyes softened. "I can hardly turn you down after you saved my life. Oh well, I suppose anything's better than a hospital smock..." she said with a wry smile, plucking at the polyester garment that had replaced her blood-soaked clothes.

"That's the spirit," Sakura joked, stifling a laugh.

They walked out into the reception area, which was now completely deserted, the crowds having dispersed long ago. Jade arrived a moment later, her tail swishing playfully from side-to-side as she sauntered into the foyer.

"Hello everyone," she said, a warm smile lighting up her verdant features. The Nymph glanced at Sakura and added, "You better take off... Alyssa's getting as twitchy as a long-tailed catgirl in a room full of rocking chairs."

The Asian girl nodded her understanding, then turned to Abigail with open arms. "Would you let me carry you back to the Invictus? You must be exhausted after being healed and I can get us back much faster."

The raven-haired young woman gave her a self-conscious smile. "I am a bit tired... but are you sure you don't mind?"

"Not at all," Sakura replied, stepping forward and effortlessly scooping Abigail up into her arms.

Abigail grinned at her fiancé. "Help me, Henry! I've been swept off my feet!"

He leaned over to kiss her. "No you haven't. I know you're still mine."

She crossed her arms behind his neck as she returned the kiss. "That's true." After releasing him, she glanced up at Sakura. "Okay, I'm ready. Let me know if I get too heavy."

Sakura winked at her and activated psychic speed, then they blasted out of the reception area in a blur, Abigail's startled shriek echoing behind them. Henry jumped in surprise, then turned to his daughter for an explanation.

"Don't worry, Abigail's in safe hands," Rachel said, slipping her arm around his and leading him from the medical facility. She smiled at Jade who skipped a few steps to catch up with them. "And so are we. Jade's going to be our bodyguard until we return to the ship."

Her father stared at the cute green catgirl wearing a bright yellow sundress and strappy sandals. He quickly concluded that she was the furthest thing from a bodyguard he could ever imagine. Jade glanced back, a twinkle of anticipation appearing in her emerald eyes when she saw his sceptical expression.

"I could give you a demonstration if you like?" she asked, toying with the shoulder strap of her dress.

Rachel swatted her hand. "No scaring the Olympus personnel, Jade. Let's try getting to my father's quarters without causing pandemonium."

The Nymph pouted. "Oh, alright... if you insist."

***

John strode into the Lagoon, but was surprised to see that it was deserted. The only evidence of its recent occupants were a couple of empty cocktail glasses left abandoned on the table by the beach.

*They're in the Observatory,* Alyssa informed him, sounding distracted. *Check the Bathroom...*

*Thanks, honey,* he replied, crossing the bridge over the artificial lake.

When he opened the door into the Observatory, female laughter reached his ears, along with the alluring sound of splashing water. He turned towards the bathroom and went inside, his smile broadening when he found the source of merriment. Jehanna, Calara, and the twins were all in the huge bath, surrounded by a fluffy white cloud of foamy bubbles.

"I know I suggested you chat in comfort, but this wasn't quite what I had in mind..." John observed, trying to keep a straight face.

The laughter died and Jehanna looked up at him, her face twisting in sudden consternation. "John! I'm so sorry!"

"Hey, I'm not really upset," he quickly assuaged her, squatting down beside the bathtub. "I'm glad you were relaxing with the girls, honestly."

She shook her head. "It's not that... I've been a terrible girlfriend! I don't know why you want to be with me, when I'm so bloody selfish!"

"Where's all this coming from?" he asked in confusion, pulling the distraught soapy girl into his arms.

"All I've done is moan about my parents... but oh my God... what you've been through with yours!" she gasped, hugging him tight. "I never even asked how you were doing!"

Calara and the two Maliri girls rose from the sea of bubbles, emerging from the water like Venus from the sea.

They each stroked him as they passed, with Calara quietly whispering, "We're going to help with the wedding preparations."

John held Jehanna close, with one arm wrapped around her for support, then reached up to catch Calara's hand to stop her leaving. He moved his fingers to brush over her trim stomach and made eye contact with the statuesque Latina. "Later..."

She bit her lip and nodded, her eyes flicking to Jehanna then back to him. "Tell me when."