Star Trek: Metamorphosis

Westfall/Star Trek TNG Crossover Fanfiction #2

Scene 17

The tables of Ten Forward had been pushed to either side of the room, creating a clearing in the center. The chairs had been reassigned into neat rows on either side of the clearing. A simple metal archway entwined with greenery and small white flowers had been placed at the end of the aisle against the windows that looked out into the starfield of space.

Captain Picard stood in front of the archway in his dress uniform; a long, tunic-like variant of his captain’s garb. He quietly smiled as he looked out at the crew members who filled most of the seats before him. All of the commanding officers were present, taking up much of the front row. Many of them had donned their dress uniforms, including Geordi, who stood beside Hudson to act as his best man.

The other side of the aisle, on the other hand, was filled with a different group–the visitors from Westfall. Despite their fewer number, they beamed with just as much elation as those in Starfleet beside them. Their former mechanic stood in a coat and tie in front of them, prepared for a day they had all hoped for.

Hudson’s hands were clasped at his middle, though they often drifted up to tug at the sunflower pinned to his lapel or at his royal blue tie for some last minute straightening. He glanced to Geordi, only for the Chief Engineer to grin back at him. His brown eyes then darted to the door, waiting with bated excitement for his bride to appear.

The doors into Ten Forward opened, and Jean-Luc, smiling, gestured for those present to rise.

Hudson’s heart leapt into his throat. That time was now.

A tall Klingon in a gray dress shirt with a metal sash looped over his right shoulder appeared in the doorway. On his arm was a much shorter young woman in a simple white dress and a circlet of sunflowers in her hair.

Gemini was led into the room, wide-eyed and brimming with excitement. Her attire was both Aravasti, in the form of a blue sash over her shoulder and tied at her waist, and a nod to her husband’s heritage, in the form of a circlet of sunflowers in her up-done hair. Her eyes locked onto Hudson, and the latter found it hard to keep his knees under him when a jubilant smile broke across her lips.

Worf’s seemingly emotionless expression could not hide the pride of being able to walk his friend and colleague down the aisle. He did, however, take his duty very seriously, keeping a steady pace and forward gaze despite the distractions on either side of the aisle.

When the two approached the end of the aisle, Worf gave a deliberate bow before presenting Gemini to Hudson and the Captain. Jean-Luc bowed in return, and with one last smile from Gemini, Worf turned and took his place across from Geordi.

Jean-Luc then gestured to the couple, and Hudson and Gemini stepped together and took each others’ hands. The rest of the room took their seats.

“Since the days of the first wooden sailing ships, all captains have enjoyed the happy privilege of joining together two people in the bonds of matrimony,” Captain Picard announced to the group. “And so it is my honor to unite you, Gemini Hope Inova, and you, Hudson James Rowlett, together in matrimony.”

The couple tried their best to stifle their smiles–to no avail.

“Do you, Hudson, take Gemini to be your lawfully wedded wife?” Jean-Luc continued.

“Yes, sir–I do!” Hudson fumbled nervously, but a wide grin from Gemini quickly quelled his nerves.

“And, do you, Gemini, take Hudson to be your lawfully wedded wife?”

“I do,” she squeezed Hudson’s hands.

Jean-Luc held open his hands. “With this, it is my honor to present Mr. and Mrs. Rowlett! Hudson,” he glanced at him with a knowing grin, “you may kiss your bride.”

A variety of calls, cheers, and applause rang out across Ten Forward as Hudson and Gemini leaned together to share their first kiss as a wedded couple. Even Geordi broke into a lively ovation.

The Captain glanced at Worf, still stiffly standing beside him. He was about to urge him into the celebration when he noticed a wide smile had crept across the Klingon warrior’s lips as his eyes watched his college happily dancing down the aisle with her husband. 

Jean-Luc, instead, turned back to the couple and gestured for everyone to rise and continue the celebration.

<< Scene 16

Scene Notes

• I was very happy with how the "sub plots" in this story all ended up tying together (the mark of a good Star Trek TNG episode in my opinion, and one I stive for!). Gem and Hudson's upcoming wedding prompted the thought of who would walk her down the aisle, and the subsequent mission showed that despite her close friendship to many of the crew, Gemini's best mentor was Worf all along.
• In my mind, there will be one more episode in my "Star Trek: Westward" mini series, so be sure to keep your long-range sensors operational!