Leonard McCoy tugged at the collar of the bright red civilian suit he was wearing. The white accents were what he considered a little too fancy for his taste, but he had to admit the suits matched the bridesmaids dresses perfectly. He was standing in a briefing room aboard the newly christened U.S.S. D'Artagnan with the other attendants, Jade Han, and Jade's mother, Kelly O'Shea. Ruth Valley was fussing with Spock's clothing, which the Vulcan bore with particularly mellow stoicism. Daffy Gollub was primping, chatting with Uhura. Pavel Chekov watched her, his arms folded, an unusually soft smile on his face. Scotty was adjusting the folds of his kilt and the placement of the very formal sporran at his waist. Jilla Majiir was talking quietly with the bride herself, who, McCoy had to admit, had never looked more lovely. The mother of the bride was resplendent in, McCoy couldn't help but think, her namesake color, kelly green, in a long-sleeved version of the dress Jade herself wore. The bride's bouquet was a trailing collection of red roses and white orchids, which, Ruth had told him, Sulu had picked and arranged himself. The bridesmaids carried a single white orchid each.

Ignored by the small gathering and, McCoy was pleased to note, doing his best to be as unobtrusive as Dave Calvin's staff usually weren't, was a videographer, carefully filming the pre-ceremony excitement.

"I don't need to be given away, Mother," Jade was saying. "I'm an adult." She didn't point out that it would've been too painful a reminder that her father wasn't alive to share the day with her. For her part, Kelly seemed oblivious to that psychological truth.

"But it's tradition, girl," she retorted. "For a woman to walk down the aisle by herself..."

"And who would you suggest? It's almost exactly the last minute."

"Well an' you should've thought of it sooner, Jade."

"I did, Mother."

"Uh, Dr. Han?" the videographer interrupted gently. "Commodore Calvin told me that he'd be happy to offer his services i..."

"No, thank you, Lieutenant," Jade replied firmly.

"And why not?" Kelly demanded.

"Mother, I don't like Commodore Calvin."

"Ach, stop bullyin the lass," Scotty broke in. Kelly turned to him.

"I beg your pardon!?"

"It's too late now anyway," Jade said, then smiled at Scotty. "You gentlemen have to get to the chapel." Her dark eyes swept over them. "Now."

"Good luck, bubee," Daffy said and gave Chekov a kiss.

"I have nothing to do but stand there," the navigator reminded her.

"Yeah, well, don't trip or anything."

"And do try not to make a spectacle which will overshadow the bride," he returned. The smile as she smacked the back of his head was the warmest McCoy could ever remember seeing from the usually dour Russian.

"You've got the ring?" Ruth was asking Spock.

"I have."

"You know when to give it..."

"I do, my wife."

The Antari sighed. "I love you."

"And I, you."

"Come on, come on," McCoy said gruffly. "Lord, it's like herdin' cats." But he winked at Jade, and received a relieved smile in return.

The door closed behind them, the videographer going with them to set up for the bridal processional.

Kelly clapped her hands. "Alright, my fine ladies, will ya be linin' up for me now?" She touched each woman on the shoulder as she pushed and pulled them into their proper arrangement. Daffy was first, then Uhura, then Ruth, then Jilla. "That's right, isn't it Jade, darlin?" she asked her daughter.

"Yes, Mother," Jade said, and Daffy giggled, turning to throw Ruth an amused glance.

"There'll be none of that, girl," Kelly snapped to the chemist. "We want decorum and grace, here, not some schoolgirl parade."

"Then Jade shouldn't've asked Daffy," Ruth murmured and Uhura snorted. Kelly glared at them both.

"Now why don't ya be takin' your cue from little Jilla here?" the Irish woman demanded. "Look at her, so calm and dignified..." She beamed at the Indiian. "A fine, proper choice she was, my angel."

"Yes, Mother," Jade said again, as Daffy muttered, "I thought that was somebody else."

To the chemist's surprise, Kelly strode forward and slapped her on the shoulder.

"Did I not say none of that?"

"Ouch! Yes, Mo – I mean ma'am."

Kelly nodded her head once, sharply. "Good." She turned to her daughter. "Best o' luck to ya now, my girl. Know I love you." And she kissed Jade on the cheek, then carefully wiped off the imprint her lipstick had left.

When she was gone, there was a large group exhale.

"So, that's Mom," Ruth said. Jade nodded. "That explains a lot."

The chapel of the U.S.S. D'Artagnan was filled to capacity, as were her rec rooms and mess hall and briefing rooms. Nearly every crewmember from the decommissioned Enterprise was in attendance, along with quite a number of other friends, dignitaries and Starfleet brass. Uhura had asked for and received permission for Tomor Rand to attend, and the large Haven was standing just inside the chapel doorway, merrily puffing away on his cigar. Sulu stood behind the podium in his dress uniform, chatting easily with Jim, who looked quite dashing in a mid-thigh-length white, button-down tunic over black slacks and soft, black boots. Next to Jim, facing the chapel door, were Spock, then McCoy, then Scotty, then Chekov. In the corner of the room behind the podium, a guitar sat on a chair, Geoff Redford in dress uniform beside it at a small piano. There were red roses and white orchids decorating the room.

A bosun's whistle sounded, and Chekov and Scotty moved from their places, Pavel escorting Dorothy Kirk to her reserved seat at the front of the chapel, George Kirk, Jim's father walking behind them. Scotty gallantly led Kelly O'Shea to her seat, and from the smiles on both their faces, one would've never known that the last interaction between the two had been anything other than cordial.

As the two groomsmen returned to their places, Redford struck the opening chords of the traditional wedding processional, The Bridal Chorus from "Lohengrin" by Richard Wagner. As the familiar strains of music wafted through the crowd, the bridesmaids made their entrance.

Daffy was unexpectedly serene and radiant. She met Pavel's eyes as she stepped gracefully up to the podium, and the for-once naked adoration in her eyes made the navigator blush.

Uhura was next, stately as always, and she turned her head to wink at Tomor as she made her way to the front of the chapel. As she reached the podium, she mouthed ‘congratulations' to Sulu, who smiled and mouthed ‘thank you' back to her.

Those assembled who were not used to the sheer magnificence of Antari beauty gasped as Ruth entered the chapel. But she had eyes only for Spock – though she did place her lips into a kiss at Jim as she, too, turned at the podium.

Jilla was glowing as she walked down the aisle, from the emotion around her as much as from her own. She kept her eyes downcast, only looking up to meet Sulu's loving gaze before she took her place next to Ruth.

Those in the chapel got to their feet as Geoff began the processional music anew. Jim straightened in expectation. When Jade came into view, he gasped, then broke into a soft yet overwhelmed smile.

"She's so beautiful," he murmured, and, beside him, Spock said, "Indeed she is, Jim."

There were tears in Kelly O'Shea's eyes as her daughter made her slow, graceful way through the chapel to the podium. Just at the front pews, the doctor turned, handing her mother one of the orchids from her bouquet, then turned to Dorothy Kirk, handing her new mother-in-law one of the roses.

"You're lovely, child," Mrs. Kirk said to her, and Jade smiled. Then she turned and stepped up to Jim.

Jim stepped forward and carefully raised the veil over her face. "I love you," he whispered.

"I love you," she responded, then Jim took her hand and they turned to face Sulu.

"Since the days of the wooden sailing ships," Sulu began, his deep voice clear and carrying to the entire room, "Ship masters have had one happy privilege, that of joining two people in matrimony...."

"The groom has asked for a song for his bride," Sulu said, and stepped back. Ruth moved from her place between Uhura and Jilla, stepping to the guitar. Jade glanced curiously at Jim, who smiled at her. With a deep breath, Ruth began to sing.

To hear the song, click here

I cried a tear
You wiped it dry
I was confused
You cleared my mind
I sold my soul
You bought it back for me
And held me up and gave me dignity
Somehow you needed me.

Jade was having a very difficult time blinking back her tears. Jim took her hand, bringing it to his lips with a soft kiss.

You gave me strength
To stand alone again
To face the world
Out on my own again
You put me high upon a pedestal
So high that I could almost see eternity

Jilla turned her head, her expression open and full of mixed emotion. Sulu's answering gaze was soft and strong and sure, the loving communication tangible even to those who weren't telepaths, empaths or sensitives.

You needed me
You needed me

And I can't believe it's you I can't believe it's true
I needed you and you were there
And I'll never leave, why should I leave
I'd be a fool
'Cause I've finally found someone who really cares

Ruth winked at Jim, then noticed that Daffy and Pavel were staring at each other. Daffy was near to tears, Pavel's brown eyes misty themselves. Uhura was smiling at Tomor, who had his arms folded, a grin on his face from around his cigar of Rigellian.

You held my hand
When it was cold
When I was lost
You took me home
You gave me hope
When I was at the end
And turned my lies
Back into truth again
You even called me friend

Ruth glanced at Spock and saw his slight nod. She smiled, her heart almost too full to continue.

You gave me strength
To stand alone again
To face the world
Out on my own again
You put me high upon a pedestal
So high that I could almost see eternity
You needed me
You needed me

You needed me
You needed me

There was applause, despite the breach of etiquette, and Ruth set down her guitar, returning to her place at the altar. "Thank you," Jade murmured.

"Don't mention it, shrink," Ruth returned with a grin.

Sulu again stepped up to the podium. "Jim, Jade," he said, "You've come here in front of these witnesses, your friends and family, to be joined together in marriage. Jim, do you take this woman to be your wedded wife, to have and to hold, for better or worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, honor, and cherish all the rest of your days, as long as you both shall live?"

"I do," Jim said firmly.

"And Jade, do you take this man to be your wedded husband, to have and to hold, for better or worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, honor, and cherish all the rest of your days, as long as you both shall live?"

"I do," Jade responded, though her voice caught on her emotion.

"The rings," Sulu asked.

Jim turned to Spock, taking the band the Vulcan held out to him. Jade extended her hand.

"Repeat after me," Sulu said, "With this ring, I thee wed."

Jim slipped the ring on Jade's finger, murmuring, "With this ring, I thee wed."

Jade touched it wonderingly before turning to Jilla and the ring the Indiian gave her.

Again Sulu said, "Repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed."

Jade placed the ring on Jim's finger. "With this ring," she said, "I thee wed."

They held hands for a long time.

"Then, by the power invested in me by ancient custom and the traditions of Starfleet," Sulu declared, "I now pronounce you husband and wife." His eyes sparkled at them. "Captain Kirk, you may kiss your bride and Chief Medical Officer."

Jim did, so passionately and for so long that the room was almost out of cheers when he and Jade finally parted.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Captain James T Kirk and Doctor Jade Han, husband and wife!" Sulu announced.

Redford began Mendelssohn's Wedding March and Jim took Jade's arm, the two making their way down the aisle and out of the chapel. They were followed in turn by Spock and Jilla, Ruth and McCoy, Uhura and Scotty and Daffy and Chekov. Dorothy and George Kirk rose and made their way out of the chapel. Sulu stepped down to escort Kelly O'Shea. Just outside the door, Dave Calvin was grinning, heartily pumping Jim's hand.

"That was beautiful, just beautiful!" the head of Public Relations was saying. "Can we use some of the video for recruitment feeds?"

The Shipyards mess hall was full of people when Jim and Jade finally entered. As expected, they were pelted with rice and confetti. Leonard McCoy appeared, handing them both flutes of champagne. He hugged Jim, and gave Jade a big, sloppy kiss, then made way for the long line of officers waiting to do the same. Jim grinned, then stepped to the banquet table, filling a plate with the varied delicacies that waited there.

"Hey, Bwana," Ruth Valley said as she walked up next to him. Spock was with her, their arms entwined. "She was surprised, wasn't she?"

"Couldn't you tell?" Jim responded with a chuckle. "Thank you, by the way, for suggesting the song. It was perfect."

"If there's one thing I know, it's mushy romance," the Antari returned, grinning.

"As is evidenced by your choice of husbands," McCoy's voice said behind her. Ruth turned.

"Bones, you don't know the half of it," she said, her eyes twinkling.

McCoy sighed exaggeratedly, then faced Jim. "I'm gonna miss you, Jim-boy."

"But I think you would've missed Ruth more," Jim rejoined.

"Well, now, son, that may be true, but since I've still gotta put up with Spocko here, it don't seem a fair trade at all."

"Nor does the fact that I must continue to tolerate you, Doctor," Spock said.

"You can still change your mind about my assignment, Captain..." McCoy began.

"Oh no he can't," Ruth broke in. "What would an Enterprise Sickbay be without you?"

"Efficient?" Spock offered.

"Why you green-skinned, pointy-eared..."

"Enough!" Jim laughed. "You're both overjoyed and you know it." He drained his champagne. "Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to enjoy my wedding."

He left them bantering, and wandered off. He accepted many congratulations, not only on his new marital state but also on his new assignment. He watched an amusing conversation between Daffy Gollub, Pavel Chekov, Uhura and Tomor Rand, and noted that Jilla Majiir and Captain Sulu seemed to be in an argument of some kind; with the Indiian looking quietly hopeless and Sulu gesturing broadly. Now I wonder what problems they could be having, he thought. He was about to see if there was anything he could do to help, when Jeremy Paget strode up to them, obviously taking charge of the situation – whatever it was.

He saw Scotty talking to Noel DelMonde, and from his former Chief Engineer's expression, there was no rancor at all towards his new Chief of Engineering. Of course, how could there be? he chuckled to himself. They've both got new babies to tend to.

"A toast!" Dave Calvin's voice rang out, and Jim crossed the room to stand at Jade's side. "To Captain Kirk and Doctor Han, Starfleet's First Couple!"

"To Jim and Jade!" the crowd responded, and Jade whispered, "Well, Ruth isn't going to like that."

"Wait for it," Jim told her.

Calvin again raised his glass. "To Captain Spock and Commander Valley, Starfleet's Second Couple!"

"Hey, we were married first!" Ruth shouted as the crowd again thundered its reply.

"And last but not least, to Captain Sulu and Commander Majiir, Starfleet's Third Couple!"

Jilla glowed and Sulu raised his glass in return.

"And here I thought this was my reception," Jade murmured.

Jim chuckled. "Get used to it, honey."

The toasts were getting more than a little bawdy. There had been the usual long-winded speeches from the assembled admirals, extolling the virtues of the Nest ship concept in the guise of congratulating the newlyweds.

Spock had given the traditional Best Man's toast, speaking of his long friendship with both the bride and the groom, his certainty of the compatibility of the couple, and his wishes for a long, prosperous and peaceful life together.

Scotty had offered an old Scottish saying:

"A thousand welcomes to ye,
May ye be healthy all yer days.
May ye be blessed with long life and peace,
May ye grow old with goodness, and with riches.
Wi' a tear drap in its e'e
May ye're auld enough to dee
May ye aye be just as happy
As I wish ye now to be."

Naturally enough, Sulu's toast had started the ribaldry, with laughing innuendo and suggestive wishes for Jade to soon need her own services in the care of morning sickness. Kelly O'Shea, in particular, seemed to appreciate that sentiment.

Jim was standing next to Ruth when Pavel Chekov gave what started as a warm and proper tribute to his former captain – which was interspersed with Daffy Gollub's inimitable insubordination and witty repartee. At a particularly devastating observation, Ruth doubled over with laughter, spilling her drink on Jim's tunic.

"Angel!" he said in exasperation, and she looked up at him, her eyes wide and innocent.

"You gonna spank me again, Bwana?" she asked, and Jade nearly choked on her suppressed hilarity.

"It was bound to happen, Jim," she managed, then choked again. Jim started laughing, shaking his head.

"Yes, I suppose it was," he said.

Noel DelMonde was drinking far more than was good for him. He'd set his shielding as high as he could, but the alcohol wasn't helping him maintain it. As hard as he tried not to let them, his eyes followed the scarlet-encased form of Ruth Valley. You should jus' go on up to her an' get it over wit', he told himself. Á few weeks o' gettin' the ships ready for launch, then you can tuck it all away again. She be on her ship wit' her damned husband, an' I be...

Alone.

You been fo' a long time, boy. You be used to it by now, non?

She surely does look happy.

So don't you go spoilin' it fo' her.

An' my mere presence not do that right ‘nough?

Not if you not let it.

Not if she not let it.

He finished the drink in his hand, set the glass down on the makeshift bar, took a deep breath, then made himself walk over to the only living woman he had ever loved.

"Hey, darlin', felicitations on your new assignment."

Ruth turned abruptly at Del's voice. "Del... I... I..." she stammered.

"Not to worry, I not plannin' on makin' a scene," he said quietly. His smile was nearly a grimace. "I jus' wanted to..." His voice trailed off. You surely are beautiful, cher.

Del... don't...

"I sorry, Ruth," he murmured. Can I help it if I still love you?

Please, don't do this...

What? I tryin' to be courteous, not'ing more!

You're beautiful, I love you?

"My shieldin' fo' shit," he mumbled. "Too much to drink." He cleared his throat, straightening. "Truce, babe. I really jus' wanted to offer you my congratulations."

Ruth flushed, staring down at the floor. "Thank you," she said quietly.

"An' you tell Spock I said so, non?"

"I will."

There was a long, awkward pause.

"Can we not be friends, Ruth?" Del said at last.

Her eyes flashed up to him. Can you?

You mean can I ever stop lovin' you? Non. Will it ever stop hurtin' that you love him? Non. Can I live wit' that? I can, babe. I do. I have to. I not be wantin' to destroy either one o' us.

"Del..." she began hesitantly. "Do you understand... I mean about what I did... what he did...?" Her voice trailed off.

"I do, cher. I did at the time. It jus' hurt so goddamn bad..."

"Me too. You do know that, don't you?"

"I know." How I not?

I'm never going to want to ignore what we had, Del. I'm never going to want to forget it. It's just something we both have to accept. She took a deep breath. Spock does.

For the briefest moment, he could see it shining in her mind: Deep, overwhelming blue, sorrow and rage and incomprehension, skinless terror, desperate longing, need and power and guilt. If you are serious, don't play with my heart, it makes me furious. And he felt Spock's acceptance.

I not have to lose the love, Raw-eth?

Her mental smile was gentle. How could you?

I love you, cher.

And you know I'll never stop loving you.

Del eased gently from her mind, his smile a little easier. "An' by the way, you got felicitations fo' me? I Jim Kirk's Chief Engineer, y'know."

Ruth smiled. "I know. Congratulations."

"Merci."

"I've gotta get back to Spock, Del."

"An' I got a piece o' entertainment I promised the groom."

"Oh?"

"Wait an' see, cher. Wait an' see."

There was a baby grand at one end of the messhall. Several times throughout the reception, various people had sat down at it to play something, but when Geoff Redford and Noel DelMonde approached it, the crowd seemed to turn expectantly.

"Ladies, gentlemen," Del's deep voice drawled. "can y'all make way fo' the bride an' groom? I believe they not have they firs' dance yet."

A large space opened up in the center of the mess hall, and, with an air of pleased surprise, Jade let Jim lead her into it. Redford began playing, a slow series of chords, classical in feel and tone, resolving into a hauntingly beautiful melody.

Then Del began to sing.

To hear the song, click here

Spirit move me
Every time I'm near you
Whirling like a cyclone in my mind
Sweet Melissa,

Jade put her head on Jim's shoulder, hiding her sudden tears.

Angel of my lifetime,

"I thought that was someone else," she whispered.

"Not anymore," Jim murmured back.

Answer to all answers I can find
Baby I love you
Come, come, come into my arms
Let me know the wonder of all of you
Baby I want you,
Now, now, now and hold on fast
Could this be the magic at last

The music swelled around them as they slowly moved in time with it. Someone dimmed all the lights in the hall, leaving only the central ones on full. Just before he started singing again, Del suggested that the bridal couple be joined by their friends. Within moments, other couples were on the impromptu dance floor: Spock and Ruth, Sulu and Jilla, Pavel and Daffy, Tomor and Uhura.

Lady take me
High upon a hillside
High up where the stallion meets the sun
I could love you,
Build my world around you,
Never leave you till my life is done

Baby I love you
Come, come, come into my arms
Let me know the wonder of all of you
And baby I want you,
Now, now, oh now, oh now and hold on fast
Could this be the magic at last

Other couples joined, Monique DuBois and Ramon Ordona, Tara Ryan and Jeremy Paget, M'ress and Mrraal, George and Dorothy Kirk, the admirals and their wives and girlfriends – Scotty even led Kelly O'Shea onto the floor – until the whole room was filled with the stately, graceful enchanted movement, the music and Noel DelMonde's strong voice carrying over it all.

Now could it be magic
Come, come on, come on, come
Oh come into my arms
Oh, let me know the wonder of all of you
All of you
Baby I want you,
Now, now, oh now, oh now and hold on fast
Could this be the magic at last.
Could it be magic

Come, come on, come on, come,
Oh come into my arms
Oh, let me know the wonder of all of you
Baby I want you,
Now, now, oh now,
Oh now and hold on fast
Could this be the magic at last.

Could it be magic
Come, come on, come on, come,
Oh come into my arms
Oh, let me know the wonder of all of you
All of you
Baby I want you,
Now, now, oh now, now
Oh now and hold on fast
Oh could this be the magic at last.

Del let his voice fade as Geoff completed the piece. Then he grabbed his glass of bourbon and gave a silent toast of his own, and walked out of the messhall.

The End