Got a Favour to ask

Posted on Sun Sep 18th, 2022 @ 8:21am by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Captain Gary Taylor

Mission: Season 5: Time Warp
Location: Gary's office
Timeline: 10/6/2397
1214 words - 2.4 OF Standard Post Measure

Phoenix made her way to Gary's office as she had something personal to ask him. She paused outside the door and hit the chime.

Inside, Gary was going through some housekeeping reports when his chime sounded. Putting the reports aside, he called out "Enter!" Now he waited to see who would grace his entrance.

"hey" Phoenix said as she entered. "Got a minute?"

Gary stood as Phoenix entered a smile on his face. "Captain, this is a surprise. A pleasant one but a surprise, nonetheless. I have all the time you need. Please have a seat, would you like something from the replicator?"

"Ah no thanks. So I have a question for you and you are under no obligation to say yes to it okay?" Phoenix said as she stepped up to his desk.

Gary chuckled, "Phoenix." He said using her first name, "I have to hear the question before I can give any kind of answer but in regard to being under no obligation. Got it. Ask your question."

"So.. Mattias and I.. we are going to get married in July this year... I was wondering if you would perform the ceremony for us?"

Gary stared at her, for several seconds he said nothing, then a broad smile blossomed on his face. He came around the desk, "That is fantastic! Oh, Phoenix! Congratulations! Wait till I tell Lia or do you want to tell her?" He paused and his face grew serious. "As for performing t your wedding ceremony. I would be honored to do so. Thank you for asking me."

"You can tell her, invitations will be sent out soon, all crew invited." Phoenix replied with a smile.

"I can't wait to tell her." Gary replied happily. "Where are you going to have the ceremony?" He asked.

"on Earth. My brother and I brought a ranch a few months before I went on that mission. He has been doing it up and it is in Colorado so it will be lovely in summer." Phoenix said with a smile.

"That's wonderful. Colorado is a pretty part of the country. Almost has pretty as Wyoming." Gary teased. "That's where my ranch is. We have plenty mountains in Wyoming. The Laramie Mountains aren't far from my ranch. You and Mattias should come up for visit."

"We shall keep that in mind" Phoenix grinned "Thank you for doing this for us Gary."

"I hope you do. We would love to have you. As for doing this for you and Mattias, are you kidding? I am glad, thrilled to do it. After all you preformed Lia and mine ceremony."

"Which i was more than glad to do." Phoenix said. "Just don't spread that around, i was scared I would screw it up!"

"As I am." Gary answered. "As for the other you had nothing to worry about, you handled it with skill and grace. As for mentioning it, mums the word."

She gave him a smile that lit her eyes. "Well here is hoping I can get through my own day with the same grace. I have to go talk my mother out of a traditional Erisian gown. Am so not wearing a corset."

Gary laughed softly at Phoenix's statement. "Do I need to make sure to have medical personnel standing by with smelling salts?" He teased "As for your mother; remind her this is your wedding not hers and you can where whatever you like. If that doesn't work just tell her i said so.'

Phoenix laughed. "That might work, she likes you. For some strange reason that just eludes me" she teased back.

"Your mother always shows good sense in addition to being a fine judge of character." Gary tossed back in a teasing manner.

"oh yeah" Phoenix drawled. "She has a great track record"

"Indeed. Her oldest daughter's track record isn't too shabby either." Gary pointed out with a grin.

"Oh you'd be surprised how many times i have screwed up in my life." Phoenix smiled. "Sometimes even on this ship"

"No! Do tell." Gary bantered easily, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of their conversation. It wasn't captain and her executive officer talking, it was two close friends having an informal pleasant talk.

"Oh When I was an ensign I broke Mattias's nose in a shuttle." She confessed.

Gry was silent for a moment before he burst out laughing. "You broke Mattias's nose? Oh, you have to tell me more. I can't wait to hear this story."

"Well in fact he broke his own nose but I had to take the blame. He took me for a joy ride when I was 20 in a marine shuttle and he turned the Zero G off...and he didn't get back to his seat before we hit a couple of geothermal eddies and pockets of explosive gas. He hit something and broke his nose. He was not the pilot of record so.. and he was a member of the senior staff on the Scott." she smirked. "He still owes me big for that."

Gary was still laughing as Phoenix finished her story. "That is priceless, just priceless. I'll say he owes you big for covering for him. Bet he stays in his seat next time he gets in a shuttle. No telling what he might break next time. Question though, did you get into any trouble for him breaking his nose?"

"Yeah, got put on Delta shift and off shuttle rotation." She sighed. "I was pissed but it is what it is."

Gary nodded in understanding. "I would be pissed as well. That sucks. I hope you got a good dinner or something to take the sting out of being punished , especially for something not your fault."

Phoenix grinned "Oh I got dinner alright, well it was more a of breakfast."

"Ah, I understand perfectly, say no more." Gary answered with a wink.

"Gutter mind! Mattias was a total gentleman. We dated for nearly half a year before the relationship was taken to that next important step." Phoenix smiled. "Just don't tell my father, he thinks I slept with men from the age of 16."

"Phoenix, I didn't say anything. You don't owe me an explanation. As for your father, don't have any plans of ever seeing him let alone talk to him." Gary answered. His tone indicating what he thought of Phoenix's father.

"Well I have no desire to see him either so I hope we never do see him again." Phoenix said with a smile.

"Phoenix, I think that is a capital decision. One I can fully get behind and support." Gary replied with an answering smile.

Phoenix nodded then glanced at the Chrono. "I need to go talk to some more people. Thank you again Gary for being willing to undertake the Service for Mattias and I."

"Phoenix it is my pleasure, no that it isn't right. It is my honor to do this for you and Mattias. I only hope I can pull it off as well as you did doing Lia and my ceremony." Gary replied honestly.

"My friend I am sure you will do wonderfully" Phoenix assured him as she moved to the door.

"I appreciate the confidence, Captain." Gary answered as Phoenix moved to leave his office.

Phoenix waved and left.

 

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