Steam

'Oh yes!' John thought outside the door. His smiled vanished when her heard Helena respond.

"No!"

"Come on Sis, you've got to do something!"

"Okay. I'll see what I can do." She reached over and took Melissa hand. "Have I told you how happy I am that you're here with me? I can't imagine getting married without you as my Maid of Honor."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world. I do have something for you." Melissa pulled a box from behind her chair. I picked it up in London before we left. I was hoping to wear it myself but I think it'll look better on you."

Helena gently opened the box. She slowly removed the tissue paper. "Oh Melissa, it's beautiful." Helena stood and lifted the white dress from the box.

"It will make the perfect wedding dress, simple but elegant. And I know a certain Commander that would love to see you in it."

Helena rounded the desk and hugged her sister tightly. "Oh thank you Mel!"

Melissa smiled and squeezed her twin. "Just don't get anything on it. Maybe one day Alan Carter will ask me and I can wear it too."

"Oh I hope so."

"Commander?"

John jumped at the sound of the voice behind him.

"Can I help you?"

"Ah, no thanks Bob. I was just headed in to see Helena."

"Very well." Mathias moved off in the opposite direction. John knew his cover was blown so he tapped on the wall beside Helena's door.

The women heard the exchange outside the office and quickly returned the dress to the box. They were standing in front of the box when he entered her office.

"Well, what have we here? You two look as if you're trying to hide something."

Melissa gathered the box in her hands moved to stand by Koenig. "It's nothing really. Helena, I'll drop this off in your quarters on my way to see Alan."

"Thanks, Mel. I'll see you later."

Melissa stood behind John and mouthed to her sister, "Keep him busy!" Then she waved and was gone.

"Was it something I said?" John asked as the door to Helena's office closed.

"I think she wanted to be alone with Alan for awhile." Helena leaned up and kissed his cheek then moved slightly out of his reach.

"So what's going on?"

"Inventory. I'm on my way to count supplies. Care to join me?" She opened the door to her office.

A smile touched his lips. "Let's see...you...me...a dark room...together. Yes, counting supplies never sounded so appealing." He said as he followed her out of her office.

Helena shoved a clipboard toward his chest and reminded him they would be not fooling around-only work.

John shivered as they entered the cold storage room. "Why is it so cold in here?"

"It has to be cold. Some of the supplies have to be kept at a cool temperature."

John tossed the clipboard on a nearby shelf and flipped off the lights. He pulled Helena into his arms and kissed her passionately. To his surprise, she returned the kiss with equal passion. When they parted, she could imagine him smiling in the darkness.

"No. John."

"Yes." He pushed her against the wall as his hands started raising her skirt.

"No." She tried to push him away.

"Yes." He repeated and kissed her again.

"Don't make me hurt you, John Koenig." She raised her knee between his leg just fast and hard enough to catch his attention.

He let go of her skirt but continued to hold her against the wall. "Helena, didn't you heard Melissa? She wants you to keep me busy so she can have some time with Alan."

She pushed him away. "Just how much of that conversation did you hear?"

John laughed. "Let's see. I heard talk dirty, blow job, keep him busy."

"I see. I guess you didn't hear. No. No. No." She said as he pulled her to him.

"I think I can change that no into some Yes." He buzzed her mouth with an enticing kiss.

It was Helena's turn to laugh. "Well, just because you've done it in the past doesn't mean I'm going to let you do it now."

He stepped back and exhaled deeply.

"Please, this really does mean a lot to me."

"I know. I...promise to be a good boy."

"Thank you."

She wrapped her arms around his waist and held him to her. "Just what all did you hear?"

"Oh, not much, Cake." He smiled when he felt her lift her head.

She slapped him lightly before she reached up and kissed him. He pressed his body against hers. She felt the heat as it pressed against her thigh. She reached over and flipped on the lights.

"I'll tell ya what. Why don't you stay here and do the inventory? I think you might need to cool off." She kidded.

"Ha Ha very funny."

She picked up the clipboard and began the inventory with his obedient assistance. They had just started the third shelf when his comlock chirped. He was called away to a meeting about the plans for their return to Earth. He kissed her quickly and left her to finish the work on her own.

On the eve of the wedding parties were set for John and Helena. Tony and Alan picked John up and escorted him to the recreation room where the majority of the men who were off duty had congregated to throw John a bachelor party. Tony has supplied the beer and Alan the entertainment.

Bill Fraser handed John a beer as he entered the room, flanked by Tony and Alan.

"Thanks, Bill," John said taking the glass.

"Enjoy your last night of freedom, Commander." He said slapping him on the back.

John gave him a grin.

He ventured further into the room finding the food table covered with assortment of munchies.

In the cafeteria, Helena was having dinner with the ladies of Alpha. Maya had organized the affair with Melissa's help. The ladies were having a grand time, telling stories on their various significant others. Melissa topped them all telling them about her first zero-g experience, unlike her sister, she'd enjoyed herself thoroughly. She flipped her hair back over her shoulder and smiled, "Alan was very good." The women broke into a fit of laughter so loud that several heads turned to stare at them.

In the recreation room, the music was blaring and the beer was flowing. It was quickly becoming a raucous affair and Tony began singing. He was soon joined by the rest of the room. The men were beginning to get a little restless, wondering where the entertainment was. Eddie Collins was standing in the middle of the crowd and shouted. "Hey, Alan, where's the entertainment you promised!"

Alan stopped mid sip and pointed at the door. He put down his glass and crossed to the doorway. Tony and Pete Garforth guided John to one of the couches and plopped him unceremiously on it. The music stopped and Alan pointed to the deejay, who stood ready with the planned music. Alan moved aside as a large object was wheeled into the room. It was suppose to be in the shape of a cake, but the engineers tried to fashion something that resembled an eagle, but it ended up looking more like Taybor's Space Ship.

"I hope this isn't what I think it is," he looked up at Tony. Verdeschi has laughing. "Have another drink, John. The night is still young."

John covered his face with his hands. He was already feeling more than a little intoxicated. Tony punched John in the shoulder and handed him a fresh beer. The Commander removed his hands from his face in time to see the cake wheeled in front of him. Alan stood beside it laughing deviously. John watched his friend carefully. He knew there was no getting out of this situation so he downed his drink and prepared himself for what would happen next.

Herb Albert's "Whipped Cream" blasted through the speakers. The top of the cake began to shake as the music intensified. The men pushed in all anxious to see what or who would pop out. Suddenly the top of the cake came off. Long white gloves peeked through the top and began to dance with the rhythm of the music. The men started chanting, "More, More, More." John's eyes were glued to the dancing hands. Finally, the remainder of the body popped up and Celeste Boullet appeared in the opening.

John's eyes went wide and his mouth when dry as the scantily clad, Celeste, emerged and was slowly helped out of the contraption by a multitude of hands. She stepped to the floor and danced toward John, with a seductive smile meant only for him. He watched her as she moved to him. She grabbed him by the hands and pulled him to her. John swallowed hard as her hands moved over his torso. She leaned toward him and he bent to accept her lips, but she stopped short, giving him a shake of her finger. She laughed and pushed him back down to the couch and danced around the closing circle of men enjoying all the attention. John watched her, drinking in each and every movement of her supple body. He still wasn't sure if anything had ever happened between them, several years ago. He'd never had the courage to ask.

She finished her round of the men, pausing long enough to plant a kiss on Alan's lips. She returned to move back to John, who watched her with rapt attention. She ended her little escapade with a back flip, landing squarely at John's feet. A roar of applause went up for her performance from her audience. John looked at her and grinned, "Nice move!" Celeste leaned forward and whispered in his ear. "Why do you look so shocked? It's not like you haven't seen my moves before." John's face turned a bright shade of bright red. He took her hand leaning down to with the intention of kissing her cheek. She accepted his kiss said, "Congratulations, John."

In the background the men were chanting, "Kiss her, Kiss her." John knew he shouldn't but it was already too late. He was drunk and caught up in the moment. He pulled her to him and kissed her squarely on the mouth. The cheers and whistles were heard around the room as John pressed his lips hard against Celeste. When he released her, she was smiling. She moved toward him for another kiss but Bill stepped in between them. His voice was low as he spoke, "It's time for you to go back in your cake little girl." He looked at both of them as he spoke. "I don't need to remind you two that The Commander is to be married tomorrow and if Helena Russell ever finds out about this she'll have us all emptying bed pans." John nodded his agreement. Fraser stepped around Celeste and placed his hand in the small of her back as they moved back toward the cake.

"All right boys, we've had our little show. Let's show our appreciation to Celeste."

A few lurid comments were heard from the audience as they roared again. Tony took her hand and helped her back to the cake. She stumbled as she stepped back into the contraption and she fell, twisting her leg in the process. She cursed as she went down and several hands broke her fall. She was lowered to the floor and John staggered to her side. She sat reaching from her injured leg.

"You okay?" John asked his words just a bit slurred.

"Obviously, not." She said.

"Vincent," John called.

Ben Vincent pushed his way to the injured woman and knelt beside her. "What happened?" He asked, slightly intoxicated himself.

John looked at him. "She fell," He stated.

Ben looked at her ankle that was beginning to swell. He touched her ankle. "Ow!" She exclaimed.

"Sorry," Ben said. "Better get you to medical."

Alan was watching from behind John. "Here, I'll take care of that." Alan pushed John out of the way and bent down and plucked Celeste from the floor. John made it back to his feet with Tony's help.

"Well, so much for the party," Tony said.

Alan started for the door with Celeste who had wrapped her arms securely about his neck.

Alan turned back to the group. "What are ya waiting for, come on. Party ain't over yet!"

Tony slapped John on the back and began singing, again, loudly, "I'm getting married in the morning..."

Ben Vincent chimed in. "Ding, dong the bells are going to chime..."

John laughed at them and followed Tony and Ben out behind Alan. The paraded down the corridor toward to the Medical Center, singing loudly and off key. Alan smiled at Celeste as he carried her.

They entered the Medical Center, much to the surprise of the on duty nurses.

"We have an injury," Alan called.

The nurse looked at him and pointed to a nearby bed. Ben Vincent came forward to help out as Alan sat her on the bed.

"Hi Debbie, Celeste hurt her ankle." He said, swaying a bit.

Debbie looked at the doctor. "I see." She said a little hesitantly.

Ben moved to the bed as Alan sat beside Celeste. "Does it hurt much?" Ben asked her.

"Yes it does." She jumped as he touched her ankle.

"Okay, I'll get a pain killer." He said looking around.

Celeste looked at the nurse. "Do you think you could find me a sober doctor?"

Debbie pulled her comlock from her waist, activating it. "Doctor Russell?"

Helena jumped as her comlock beeped. She pulled it from her belt and switched on the unit. "Doctor Russell here."

"Doctor, I'm sorry to interrupt, but I have a situation here, we have an injury."

"I'll be right there." Helena paused before she slipped her comlock back into her belt. Did she hear singing in the background?

Melissa heard the brief conversation. "What's up?"

"I've got a patient."

Helena turned to leave the party and stopped short. "Mel? Just what did Alan have planned for John tonight?"

Mel shook her head. "Oh no, I'm not getting involved in this."

Helena gave her a smile as she turned on her heel and left.

Helena made it to the Medical Center in no time. When she turned the corner, she could hear singing, not just singing, but bad singing.

"Let me call you sweetheart, I'm in love with you..."

Helena couldn't help but smile. There were drunk men all around the medical center, singing and Alan and John were leading the song. Helena saw Celeste on the table with her foot elevated. Debbie was doing her best trying to keep Ben Vincent from giving her a shot of pain killer.

She stepped to the side of the bed and placed a hand on Ben's arm. He stopped immediately as he saw Helena. "Hi Doc! Have you come to assist me."

Alan and John heard her name and abruptly stopped singing. She looked at him and nodded. "Yes Ben, I thought you could use some help."

She assessed Celeste quickly, noting her attire. "What happened?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. "She fell going up some stairs. It looks like a pretty wicked sprain," Debbie reported.

"I see." Helena's voice was calm but John could tell by the look in her eyes that she was not pleased.

Ben also saw the look in Helena's eyes and he moved away from the bed and found a seat.

Helena looked at Celeste and examined her ankle carefully. Celeste winced each time Helena touched her ankle. "Sorry," Helena apologized.

"It's okay, just tender."

"I'm sure. We'll get an x-ray, just to be sure."

Alan and John stood watching the exchange, swaying slightly. Helena glanced over at John and Alan. "Debbie, would you see to the x-ray, please?"

"Yes, Doctor."

"And please find some appropriate attire for her."

"Yes, Doctor."

"Alan, do you think, you could clear these men out of my Medical Center." Her tone was straight forward.

Alan glanced at John. "Sure Helena," He responded. "Come on mates, party's moving back to the rec center." He said as ushered them out.

Helena moved to stand in front of John, noticing the color of lipstick on his lips and his general disheveled appearance. The color matched Celeste's and the hair on the back of her neck stood up.

"John, can I see you in my office?" John knew it wasn't a request, it was more of an order. The tone in her voice served to sober him up as he followed her into her office and closed the door.

She leaned against her desk and stared at him for a moment. Her arms were crossed over her breasts and a look of disgust was on her face. "Well?" she finally said after a very long minute.

"It wasn't what you think." He paused gauging her reaction.

"Really? What do I think happened?"

"Helena, don't do this." He pointed his index finger toward her.

"Do what?"

"Don't let your imagination run away with you. Nothing happened. I swear it."

Helena closed the distance between them and ran her finger over John's lips removing the remainder of Celeste's lipstick. She lifted her finger and held it up for his to see. "I don't think this is my shade."

John moved nervously around her office. "It was nothing really. She just wanted to congratulate us."

"Us."

"Yes, Us." He said with a little anger in his voice.

"Humph! You just can't keep your hands off of her, can you?" She said sarcastically.

"Helena, don't be ridiculous. You know that's not true. We've been through this before. Nothing happened then and nothing is happening now..." He shouted.

"You don't know what happened, you were too drunk. Sort of like now!" She countered as gestured toward the door.

"One time I may or may not have slept with her." He grabbed her and pulled her to him he was still angry. "You know that. We've talked about it and moved on. Tonight, I was set up by Alan, can't you see that. It was a joke."

"Let go of me..." Helena's commlock beeped as she struggled to get out of John's reach.

"No! I'm not letting go of you until you listen to me."

She struggled free and lifted her commlock. "Yes?" She glared at him as Debbie's voice rang from the device. "Dr. Russell, I have the x-rays."

"I'll be right out." She said calmly. She took a deep breath as she looked at John.

"You are not leaving this room until this is settled. We are suppose to get married tomorrow and we are going to get this straight." He said blocking the door to her office with his large frame.

"I can't right now. I have a patient." She tried to move him out of the way.

"No! You're not leaving."

"Let me out of here! I have a responsibility to your friend out there."

"No! Not until we've worked this out."

She looked at the determined expression on his face and stepped back.

"Okay here's the truth. I went to the party and yes I had too much to drink. This cake thing appeared and this music started and then Celeste popped out. She danced around the room. Then she stopped in front of me and the crowd was egging me on, so I kissed her. And that's the whole story." He took a calming breath and watched for her reaction.

"And that's all that happened?"

"That's it. She didn't take her clothes off, we didn't go into a nearby room for a romp. We just kissed that's it. Like I said, I was set up by Alan and Tony."

"Okay." She finally said. "I believe you. But if I hear one story contrary to the one you just told me, I'm calling off the wedding."

"You won't. I promise. It's the truth." He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead.

"Okay. I have to go see to Celeste's ankle."

"Okay. I'll let you go. Are we straight on this now?"

"I guess." She didn't really sound convincing as she pulled back.

He smiled at her as she ran her fingers through her hair. He leaned toward her for a kiss but she stuck her hands up to his lips. "The least you can do while I'm gone is wash her lipstick off your lips." She opened the door and stepped back into the medical center.

Helena approached Celeste after reviewing the x-rays. She noticed that Debbie has found some pajamas for her.

"How are you feeling?"

"Better. My ankle is still hurting." She leaned over and looked at her swollen foot.

"Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but it's broken." She held the thermo plate up to the light and pointed to the line on her ankle bone.

An irritated look crossed her face. "I knew I shouldn't have let Alan Carter talk me into this! Now look what happened!"

"What?" Helena turned and put the x-ray down.

"You don't know, do you?" Celeste started. "But you wouldn't know. Alan planned this whole thing."

"What was the plan?" Helena sat down on the corner of Celeste's bed intrigued.

"Oh Doctor, You've been set up, sort of. Alan came to me and asked me if I would help play a little joke on John, I mean the Commander. Their plan was to get him drunk and then have me jump out of this make shift cake. Alan specifically asked me to dance up to John, I mean the Commander. He offered me 2 weeks off duty if I would kiss him. I needed the vacation time Doctor so I did it."

Helena smiled slightly. "Well, I can't blame you for that. What else did Alan have planned? Surely not this."

"No, this was not part of the plans." She said pointing at her purple ankle. "You'll need to ask him about the rest. He didn't tell the other, only my part. But Doctor you have to believe me, the Commander was set up."

"So he was telling the truth." She thought as a slight smile crossed Helena's face. "Well, it looks like your going to get your two weeks off, Celeste. Unfortunately, you'll have to spend it recovering from your fall."

Celeste fumed. "I'm going to kill Alan Carter."

"The line forms behind me." Helena laughed lightly and Celeste relaxed returning her smile.

"Celeste, can I ask you a personal question? You don't have to answer, it if it's too personal."

"Did I sleep with him that night in Florida?"

Helena remained silent.

"That is what you want to know, isn't it?" She leaned forward and her eyes looked at the floor. "No. I didn't sleep with him. I slept with Victor."

Helena sat back slightly.

Celeste continued, "As I told you the other night, Victor and I were...well involved. I know that might sound odd. I mean why would a world renowned scientist hang out with a simple mission tech?"

She lay back on the bed and stared at the ceiling. "I couldn't go to his funeral. It was too painful at the time." A tear escaped her eye as she spoke.

Helena reached over and gently squeezed her hand. A bittersweet smile crossed her face and she looked over at Helena. "Doctor...Helena, I did not have sex with him. He passed out as soon as we returned to my apartment. Victor thought it might be fun to repay one of those tricks John always pulled on him when he was younger. So he moved John into my bed and removed his clothing. We actually slept in another room. Before sunrise, Victor and I returned to my bed. John had no idea what happened. Victor was going to tell him after he let him sweat a little but..."

"He died before he could tell him the truth." Helena finished the sentence.

"Yes."

"Thank you, that clears everything up. But why did you wait so long to say anything?"

"I don't know. I'm sorry if it caused you any trouble."

"Don't worry about it. It's all in the past now. Now, as for your ankle, it's in the present. Let's get that gel cast on and I'll leave you to rest."

"Debbie?" Helena called the duty nurse.

"Yes, Doctor?"

"Let's get our patient fixed up here." Helena smiled down at Celeste and for the first time in years the women understood one another.

An hour later Helena returned to her office. The lights in the office were off and the room was quiet except for John's gentle snoring. Raising the lights just a little, Helena crossed over to the couch.

"John. John."

"What? Where am I?" He opened his eyes and glanced around the room then up at her. "Helena." He sat up slowly.

"You fell asleep." She eased down to sit beside him and leaned against him.

"I'm sorry." He suddenly realized that her mood and demeanor different. "Did I miss something?"

"Nope." She kissed his cheek.

"Helena...dare I ask why you are smiling at me. The last time you were in here you were ready to kill me."

She lifted his arm and draped it over her shoulder as she leaned them both back against the sofa. "Celeste and I talked. She said Alan put her up to kissing you."

Smiling, John pulled Helena closer. "She did? What did he promise her?"

"Two weeks off. And she's going to get them, her ankle is broken."

"Ouch. Will she be all right?"

"I think so. I promised to let her out in time to go to the wedding."

"You did?" He kissed her softly.

"Yes." She pressed her lips to his and rubbed her foot against his shin.

Their kiss deepened and threaten to become much more but Helena pulled back before any real activity could begin. "We're waiting, remember?"

"Why? It's past midnight and it is our wedding day." He kissed her neck.

"Past midnight? Already?" She disengaged herself and stood. "We'd better go to bed and get some sleep."

"Sounds good to me." John rose and pulled her against him.

"I mean in our respective quarters." She reached for her commlock to open the door to her office.

"Helena..." he moaned.

"It's only one more night. You can wait a little longer." She pushed him out of her office.

The wedding was planned for the next afternoon. Melissa helped Helena dress for her special day. They did her hair in a soft upswept style.

Alan did the best man honors waking John just a little after 11:00.

John rolled over as the buzzer sounded again. He opened his eyes slowly, hoping the noise would go away. Alan hammered on the door. "John." He called.

John sat forward and tried to focus on the door, hearing his name.

"John, come on time to get up." Alan called again.

John's feet hit the floor and he stood and crossed to the door, opening it.

"Good morning," John said slowly, rubbing his eyes.

"Good morning, skipper." Alan said just a little too loudly for John's headache.

He grimaced and moved back from the door to allow Alan to come inside.

"I hope you brought coffee." John said moving to the bathroom.

Alan placed a pot on the table in front of the couch; he looked around the room for some cups. Finding them he returned to have a seat and waited for John.

John joined him on the couch and poured himself a cup. He leaned back taking a long sip of the liquid.

Alan watched him. "I looked in on Celeste, she's doing fine."

"Thanks to Helena." John said. "I really should have your head, Carter." He continued. "For that little stunt you pulled."

Alan grinned and looked at the floor, realizing he was caught. "It was all in fun, John."

"Fun for who? Certainly not Celeste." John said.

Alan shook his head, "I'm sorry that happened, but Raoul said she'd be up and around in no time."

"I suggest you be on guard when she gets out, too." John said sipping his coffee.

"I know, I promised her two weeks off, if she'd entertain for us."

"I think I may override the order, give her some additional time off." John said. "As for you, I should put you on the duty roster for a month, but you're already there, getting those Eagles ready falls mainly on you anyway. You're lucky Helena is an understanding woman. I don't know exactly what she told Helena, but she at least kept the wedding on."

"What!" Alan exclaimed. "You mean she'd call if off!"

"She could have, but she and Celeste seem to have come to some kind of understanding." He said.

"John, I'm sorry if I caused you any problems, it was only a big joke, really." Alan said looking at his friend.

"Remind me, if you ever decide to jump in that I get to arrange your bachelor party." He said giving Alan a grin.

"Well don't hold your breath, I think Melissa and I are doing just fine, just as we are."

"We'll see about that." John said. "Now, can we get some breakfast?"

"You bet."

Back in Helena's quarters, Maya had stopped to see if there was anything that she could do. Melissa was amazed at Maya's ability to transform.

"So, Helena are you ready for your big day?" Maya asked sitting on the couch.

"I think she's more than ready, Maya." Melissa stated, referring to Helena and John's arrangement.

Helena laughed at Melissa's comment. "Yes, Maya, I am very ready."

"So just why did you ask John to wait, Cake?" Mel asked.

"I guess I was trying to keep a little tradition in all of this." She said.

"You've been with the man for five years! You've got to be kidding!"

"I don't know, maybe I was hoping for a little mystery. Who knows what he'll be thinking tonight."

"Oh, I know exactly what he'll be thinking when he sees you in that." She said pointing at the dress that hung across the room.

Maya turned and saw the dress. It was simple, but it's understatement would be perfect for Helena.

"Where did you get that?" Maya asked.

"A gift from my dear sister here." She said patting Melissa's hand.

"It's lovely." Maya said appreciatively.

"You know, it is about time we get you in it, we don't have much longer."

Helena looked at the clock on the communications panel. The wedding was set for 1:00 p.m.; it was nearing 12:15.

Maya looked at Helena. "Well, I'll leave you two to finish your preparations." She said getting up.

She moved to Helena, who stood to see her out. Maya reached to hug her. "I wish you much happiness." She said softly.

Helena returned her hug. "Thank you, Maya."

Maya left them to finish getting dressed. Melissa and Helena wasted no time getting Helena ready for the festivities. Her hair was perfect and the dress was elegant. She wore a simple diamond pendent necklace and the amethyst ring that John had given her. Funny, she didn't wear it always, but she considered it her engagement ring, although they had never talked about it.

Melissa walked with Helena to the recreation room, which had been cleaned up for the wedding. It was the only place on Alpha that could accommodate almost everyone. And nearly everyone who wasn't on duty, was there. Ben Vincent had wheeled Celeste in from the medical center.

John and Helena had asked Tony to conduct the ceremony, as John was usually the one to do the honors.

Sahn greeted them at the entrance of the room. She held the bouquets that Helena and Melissa were to carry. "Helena, you are beautiful!" Sahn said, embracing her gently.

"Thank you Sahn, you can thank Mel here for that."

Melissa smiled at Sandra as she stood beside Helena.

Sahn caught Tony's eye who was already inside and gave him a nod.

He turned to Maya with a grin. "I think we're about ready."

Alan and John were standing off to the side talking to a couple of the eagle pilots. John was dressed in a dark pinstripe suit. And Alan wore a blue blazer. Maya moved to seat in the front row of the chairs. Tony crossed to John and Alan. "It's time, fellas." He said.

John turned at this voice and followed him to the center of the room. Tony took his position at the front of the room. He gave a quick signal and the wedding march began.

John stood a little taller as he heard the music start.

Melissa, attired in a pale pink dress, short but demure for her, came around the door and began walking slowly up the aisle that was created by the rows of chairs.

Alan smiled as she walked slowly toward him, meeting his eyes.

John gave her an appreciative grin as she came toward them. He still couldn't get over the resemblance.

As she was about halfway to them, Helena appeared behind her with a slightly larger bouquet and looking elegant in her white floor length dress. John's eyes brightened when saw her. She was beautiful, even more than when he first saw her in the lobby of hospital in London.

Melissa moved to stand the right of Tony and waited for Helena to join them.

John watched as Helena moved toward him. He met her eyes and smiled broadly.

Helena handed Melissa her bouquet as she moved to stand beside him, smiling up at him as he took her hand, as they stood in front of Tony.

Tony began. "Friends, we are gathered her today to witness the union of two special people, Helena Russell and John Koenig."

Tony nodded to John. John turned to face Helena. "Helena, before our friends on this wonderful day of gladness and good fortune, I take you as my wife, in friendship and in love, in strength and weakness, to share good times and misfortune, in achievement and failure, to celebrate life and love with you forevermore."

"John, before our friends on this wonderful day of gladness and good fortune, I take you as my wife, in friendship and in love, in strength and weakness, to share good times and misfortune, in achievement and failure, to celebrate life and love with you forevermore." Helena repeated.

Tony smiled at their exchange and looked over at Maya as a tear escaped her eye. He looked over at Alan as he took the ring from his pocket and handed it to John.

"You have the rings." Tony spoke.

John glanced at Alan as he handed him the ring. "Just as this circle is without end, my love for you is eternal. Just as it is made of incorruptible substance, my commitment to you will never fail. With this ring, I thee wed." John said as he slipped the ring on Helena's third finger of her left hand.

Melissa handed Helena the ring for John. "Just as this circle is without end, my love for you is eternal. Just as it is made of incorruptible substance, my commitment to you will never fail. With this ring, I thee wed." Helena said as she slipped the ring on John's third finger of his left hand.

They held each other hands as Tony spoke again. "Ladies and Gentleman, may I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. John Koenig. John, you may kiss your bride."

John smiled down at her and took her into his arms and kissed her. She melted into his embrace as they were now united as one. A cheer went up as their lips met.

Melissa eyes' were moist as she met Alan's gaze as they witnessed the ovation.

John and Helena parted, smiling at each other as they looked around the audience of clapping Alphans.

Tony and Alan both congratulated John, shaking his hand. Melissa hugged Helena, handing her bouquet. The clapping died down and John moved to Helena's side and circled her waist with his arm, pulling her to him. They were quickly surrounded by well wishers and were accepting congratulations from everyone.

Soon they moved out of the crush and into the main part of the room where tables were set up with refreshments. Music began playing and everyone helped themselves to the food and drink.

John and Helena were virtually inseparable as they chatted with everyone, helping themselves to a drink. Tony moved to the middle of the room. "Everybody!" He called.

The room quieted down and the music was lowered. "A toast. To the bride and groom!" He said with his glass held high. The crowd responded with a "Here, here."

John gave Helena a smile as her touched his glass to hers and kissed her.

Alan joined Tony. "First dance, for the command couple." He said. A slow song began and John took their glasses and set them aside and took Helena's hand. The crowd made a circle for them and John took her in his arms and smiled at her. She looked up into his blue eyes and they started to move. Soon the room disappeared for them, they were lost in each other's eyes and their slow movement. Helena broke her gaze from John's eyes and nodded to Alan and Melissa who stood watching them. Alan moved Melissa onto the floor and wrapped his arms around her as they joined John and Helena.

Helena rested her head on John's shoulder as they continued their dance and he pulled her close. He missed the feel of her body against his. His hands moved down to her hips and she raised her head from his shoulder. She saw the look in his eyes and she smiled up at him, knowing exactly what he was thinking. She kissed him lightly, "I know what you're thinking." She said.

He grinned down at her. "I'm sure you do."

She kissed him again.

They finished their dance and moved to the side of the floor, finding Tony and Maya. Alan and Melissa continued dancing.

John slapped Tony on the back. "Good job, Tony." He said.

"Thanks John, I had a good teacher."

Helena moved to Tony and kissed him on the cheek, giving him a smile.

"It was a beautiful ceremony, Helena." Maya said, taking Tonys' hand.

"I'll always remember it." Helena said taking John's hand.

"You certainly will, doctor." A voice said from behind her.

She turned to see who it was. It was Clive, the base historian. "My gift to you." He said, handing her a disc.

"Thank you Clive, I'll treasure it always." Helena said.

John turned back to Helena. "I think it's time we made our exit." He said placing his hand on the small of her back.

"But I haven't thrown my bouquet yet." She said, "Where is it anyway?"

"I'll get it," Maya said, moving back to the tables.

Alan and Melissa moved off the floor to join John and Helena. "What's up?" Melissa said looking at Helena.

"I think we're calling it a day." She said.

"Waited long enough, huh." She said with a wink.

Helena laughed at her sister and nodded.

Maya returned with the flowers, handing them to Helena.

Melissa moved back and motioned for everyone to join her. "Okay ladies, let's see who's next!"

Helena laughed at her and turned around to face John. She winked at him and he grinned broadly watching her having her fun.

The ladies had gathered round waiting for the traditional toss of the bouquet.

Helena toss it backward and it landed right in Melissa's hands, who laughed loudly.

Alan had watched the toss from behind her. "Uh oh!" He exclaimed.

He moved toward her and scooped her up in his arms. "It's okay, mates, I can follow in John's footsteps!" He said spinning her around, then returning her to stand beside him.

Helena had moved to stand with John, as they watched Alan and Melissa.

He leaned to her, "You think we've started something?" He said with a smile.

She nudged him, "I hope so."

She took his hand, "You ready?"

He only nodded and gave her a slow smile.

They moved toward the door, walking through the crowd slowly, thanking everyone.

Alan and Melissa followed them. They walked John and Helena to their new quarters, which they would now share.

"So Alan what was that crack all about?" John asked him as they rounded the corner toward their quarters.

"Well, John, if five years was good enough for Helena, let's hope Melissa can wait." He said slipping his hand about her waist.

"I don't know Alan, my sister has been known to be impatient." Helena said.

"Don't I know." Alan retorted.

"Watch it, Fly Boy." Melissa stated.

"At least I won't be interrupting any more of your fun now." John said.

"No, you won't, you'll be having your own." Helena said as she leaned against him.

"It's about time." John responded.

They all laughed at what was known as "the arrangement."

They turned the last corner and Melissa and Alan stopped. "I think you can take it from here, mate." Alan said extending his hand.

John looked at his friend and shook his hand firmly. "Thanks Alan, it was a fine party."

Helena embraced Melissa and kissed her cheek. "Thank you for being here."

They embraced again and then Melissa moved to Alan's side. "Enjoy." He said as they moved off.

John looked at Helena and pulled her to him for a deep kiss. "I've missed that." He said parting from her.

Her hands slowly moved up his chest. "Me, too."

He scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the door of their quarters. She pushed the button with the toe of her shoe and the door opened.

THE END

Dorothy Burton

Keisha

April, 2000