Archive - 2004 Bunny Open House - John's LATP "Marriage" fic Challenge

ajshipper on May 26, 2004

I have had this idea bouncing around in my head since this challenge was presented. Finally got it down on paper. No beta'ng. Written straight to the board for the Bunny Party.

Usual disclaimers-The characters are not mine. Owned by Henson. Only borrowing them a short time for this challenge.

Rating: PG 13 to R for language

Now the story:

"What if"

John had asked D'Argo to meet him in Command to go over some last minute details about his wedding to Aeryn. He wanted to be sure everything went off without a hitch, and it would be the perfect day for both of them. Of course there was his bad timing and fate might take another try at them. Hopefully, fate had decided to take an extended vacation, John thought to himself as he walked to Command whistling the 1812 Overture. His favorite DRD following him chirping in his own rendition.

John entered Command and saw that D'Argo had arrived before him. "Hey, D. What's hanging?"

"John, I think that conversation is for another time. You wanted to discuss some details about my officiating as Captain," D'Argo answered.

John controlled the laughter that was attempting to come out, and keep a serious look on his face, as he knew D'Argo was taking his assigned role seriously. As well he should, John thought. He was only trying to calm the rattlers in his stomach, but every so often he still threw a curve ball when he threw in one of his Erp sayings.

John figured he better answer D'Argo because he did ask him here in the first place. "Yes, D. I have explained how it is an Earth custom that a Captain can marry a couple."

"Yes, John. You have, but I have a question for you. My understanding of marriage I have learned from your culture is that you can't marry another person until your previous marriage has been legally dissolved. Correct?" D'Argo asked.

"That is correct, D'Argo. But why would you ask that. Neither Aeryn or I are married," John responded, as he run his thumb over his lower lip trying to figure out what he was forgetting.

"John, the Royal Planet and your marriage to Katralla. I was there, so technically you are married," D'Argo said.

"Oh that. No problem, D. That marriage was dissolved before I left there. I have a paper to proof it," John answered, wondering why he hadn't thought to ever tell anyone.

"Can I see it, John? The proof," D'Argo asked.

"Sure thing. I put it in my pocket this morning, though I don't know why. Guess I was thinking about that other time and grabbed it from my stuff. Not that I thought you would be asking me about it. I really should have said something sooner, but I--" John started to say.

"That's okay," D'Argo interrupted, "I just want to see it, so I know everything is all set for you and Aeryn to finally be able to get married."

John walked over to D'Argo, and handed him the paper he had just removed from his pocket. As he watched D'Argo open it, the rattlers intensified in his stomach. He continued to watch D'Argo as he started reading the paper. He could see that D'Argo was studying it intensely, and he didn't like the somber expression that was appearing on D'Argo's face. Say something D, John thought, please.

"John, we have a problem," D'Argo stated.

"What, what's the problem? The Empress signed it, didn't she," he said, as he grabbed the paper out of D'Argo hand to look at it. "See, her signature is right there. In black and white."

"Her signature is there, John. However, the document is missing the Royal seal. Without it, that is a worthless piece of paper," D'Argo explained.

"A seal. No frelling person on that frelling planet mentioned anything about that. How do you know about it?" John said, his anger taking hold as it dawned on him that another alien had screwed him over.

"You remember when we were on the Royal Planet how Rygel was teaching me the laws and regulations," he said.

"Yeah, I remember. I told you that you were sounding like an old professor. I should have shown someone this earlier. What am I going to do now? How the frell am I going to explain this to Aeryn?" John said, as he watched D'Argo start to laugh.

"Remind me to be far, far away when you attempt to explain this to Aeryn," D'Argo laughingly answered.

"Thanks for your support, D. We need to head for the Royal Planet now. Pilot," John said into his comm.

"Yes, Commander," Pilot responded.

"Pilot, do you have the coordinates for the Royal Planet? We need to go there, pronto," John asked, and then continued, "Can we use that extended Starburst thing? I'm kind of in a hurry to get there."

"To answer your questions, Commander. Moya does have the coordinates, but Moya and I will need to discuss the extended Starburst." Pilot responded.

"Fine. Talk with Moya, but can we head in that direction now. Kind of get a head start here," John said, as he could begin to sense another presence entering Command. He would know that scent anywhere. Aeryn, oh shit.

"Captain, what do you say," Pilot asked.

"Pilot, I would head there immediately," he answered.

"Where are we headed? I thought we were going to stay in this area until after the wedding." Aeryn asked.

"Uh, baby. I can explain. There is a small technicality in regards to us getting married," John answered, hoping against hope his mivonks weren't in jeopardy.

"What technicality, John?" Aeryn angrily retorted, her voice seriously loud to John's ears.

"Remember the Royal Planet," John hesitantly said, feeling his body starting to sweat. He then was interrupted by D'Argo clearing his throat, and John took this opportunity to calm himself down and collect his thoughts.

"John, remember what I said. Far, far away. Don't break anything or anyone, kids. Be nice," D'Argo said, as John watched him leave Command, and John knew he was in trouble.

"I'm not good at nice," Aeryn answered to D'Argo's retreating back.

"You've gotten better," John quickly responded, knowing that now he was completely on his own. Well, it is my fault, but I can fix this. Just use some of that Southern charm. Yeah right, like that was going to work with Aeryn. Well, the best place to start is at the beginning.

John turned his complete attention to Aeryn, keeping a safe distance, and said as calmly as he could, "Remember what happened on the Royal Planet--"

The End