Wedding Bells Part Three: Party!

Posted on Wed Oct 5th, 2022 @ 8:05am by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Lieutenant Sapphire Morgan [Lalor] & Lieutenant JG Nerinath zh'Rhilror [Lalor] & Lieutenant Samaire MacBride-Reece [Lalor] & Cadet Sophomore Grade Triston Montgomery [Lalor] & Skylah McBride [Lalor] & Samantha Prescott [ADMIN NPC] & Miran Lalor [Lalor] HRH & Tristi Richardson & Harper o’Leary & Captain Gary Taylor & Lieutenant Commander Aurelia Taylor & Commander Sthilg & Lieutenant Colonel Azhul Naxea & Commander Arrianna Salannis an Vantar & Lieutenant Commander Alicia Kelea-Salik & Lieutenant Etrara Khalten & Lieutenant Baeryn Whavi-Tonelly & Lieutenant Victor Barclay de Tolly & Lieutenant Commander Rin & Consul Andrinn Orin & Captain David Tonelly [Reece] & Captain Samuel Woolheater & Lieutenant JG Miraj Derani & Captain Garrett Lovejoy [ Taylor] & Commander Kyle Reece & Lieutenant Commander Malakai Starr [Taylor] & Lieutenant Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen [Taylor] & Legate Imik S'Niohun [Lia Taylor] & Lieutenant Scott Gregory [Taylor] & Lieutenant Tonya King ( Barclay de Tolly ) & Lieutenant Commander Kara Starr {Kelea-Salik} & Captain Mattias Richardson [Reece] & Captain George Charles [Reece] & Lieutenant JG Zac Smithson & Lieutenant Alice Jordan ( Barclay de Tolly ) & Lieutenant Vira Vemre [Whavi] & Lieutenant Vise [Sthilg] Kesahl & 1st Lieutenant Joshua Young [Taylor] & Lieutenant JG Jason Danvers [Taylor] & Lieutenant JG Alana Balfour [Whavi] & Lieutenant JG Louis Bordeaux ( Barclay de Tolly ) & Lieutenant JG T'Kek [Naxea] & Lieutenant JG Heather De La Rosa {Kelea-Salik} & Ensign BF 345078 (john Snow.) [Sthilg] & Chief Warrant Officer Man'darr [Naxea] & Master Chief Petty Officer Chuck Finley [Reece] & Senior Chief Petty Officer Fernando De La Rosa [Taylor] & Senior Chief Petty Officer Emily Charles {Kelea-Salik} & Gunnery Sergeant Luxa Gami [Naxea] & Gunnery Sergeant Nenaa [Sthilg] & Staff Sergeant Leilani Charles {Kelea-Salik} & Staff Sergeant Liam "Swede" Reece [Reece] & Crewman Adelaide Kirkby & Deanna Kelea & Gavin Lovejoy & Ebi [Rin]

Mission: Season 5: Time Warp
Location: Colorado Estate, Earth
Timeline: 27/07/2397 - Early Evening
6536 words - 13.1 OF Standard Post Measure

The Ceremony was done. The speeches were done. And the massive buffett meal and drinks was well underway. There were no assigned seats, everyone could sit wherever they wanted around the large dance floor.

The Dance floor was 'roofed' by hundreds of fairy lights and the live band was already playing songs to get people in the mood for dancing.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, while you enjoy the open bar and constant food, we would like to request that the newly weds please come to the dancefloor for your first dance as man and wife"

Phoenix gave a mock groan and grinned at Mattias and held out her hand to him

Taking her hand and smiling happily, Mattias led his new bride out onto the dance floor. After bringing her hand up to his lips and kissing her knuckles, he put his arms around her waist and paused.

"Ladies and Gentlebeings," the lead singer of the band spoke. "For their first dance, the Groom has picked a song that he said describes how he feels about his bride perfectly." The band then started to play as the singer softly crooned the words.

"It's amazing how you can speak right to my heart
Without saying a word, you can light up the dark
Try as I may, I can never explain
What I hear when you don't say a thing
The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me wherever I fall
You say it best, when you say nothing at all.

All day long, I can hear people talking out loud (ooh)
But when you hold me near (you hold me near) you drown out the crowd (out the crowd)
Try as they may, they can never define
What's being said between your heart and mine
The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me wherever I fall
You say it best (you say it best) when you say nothing at all.

Oh, the smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me wherever I fall
You say it best (you say it best) when you say nothing at all.

That smile on your face (you say it best)
(When you say nothing at all) the truth in your eyes
The touch of your hand lets me know that you need me (you say it best, when you say nothing at all)
(You say it best, when you say nothing at all) nothing at all
(You say it best, when you say nothing at all) nothing at all
(You say it best, when you say nothing at all) nothing at all
(You say it best, when you say nothing at all) nothing at all."

As the song played, Mattias gracefully guided Phoenix around the dancefloor, the whole world melting away as far as he was concerned. The woman who had owned his heart and soul for so long was now forever by his side.

Phoenix, was happy to let him lead her around the dance floor, not caring if she stuffed up as there was not any pressure to do well. She rested her head on his shoulder as they danced.

Kara applauded loudly as she smiled proudly at Phoenix and Mattias, Little Ezri was copying her mother her little hands clapping too.

Naxea, now much more comfortable having changed out of her uniform and into a teal sleeveless V-neck maternity dress applauded the couple from the table she sat at.

T'Kek applauded from his position near the bar.

Tonya gave a whistle while Victor clapped.

Miraj put her fingers to her mouth and let out a sharp wolf whistle.

Mattias smiled as he looked around. "Looks like we are appeasing our guests, baby," he whispered into Phoenix's right ear, then lightly kissed the side of her neck.

"Ah well we aim to please" she smiled back.

==After the first dance==

As guests filled the dance floor with the bridal pair, the party really got under way.

Kara held out her hand to Malakai, “Would you like to dance?” She looked around for someone she could entrust Ezri to for a few minutes.

Malakai took her hand inn his. "Would love to dance my darling." He saw her looking around and realized she was looking for someone to watch Ezri for a few minutes. "Why don't you ask Heather and her husband to watch Ezri? They have two small children.''

Kara nodded. “Of course! I would have asked Matt but he and Phoenix are pretty busy. She walked over to Heather. “Excuse me Heather, I was wondering...”

Heather grinned. “You don’t need to even ask, go dance we’ll look after your daughter for you.” She held out her hand to Ezri offering a warm smile.

Fernando smiled at Ezri, "Come say hello little one. You can meet Cody."

“It’s okay sweetheart, we’ll be right over there” she pointed to the dance floor. “You wait with Heather for me Okay?” Kara looked to Malakai. “Let’s go dance!”

Malakai took her hand. "Let's go trip the light fantastic!" As they headed out onto the floor.

“The light fantastic huh?” Kara grinned as she held onto Malakai. It had been a while since the last party they attended for their own wedding.

"Indeed. let's show these upstarts what real dancing is." As he took Kara's hand and led her out onto the dance floor.

Kara giggled. “Make the most of it now before I start looking, and feeling like a baby space whale!”

"I plan to." Malakai said with smile. "As for looking like a baby space whale. Never my darling."

Kara smiled. “Just keep telling me that for the next trimester and a half.”

"I'll tell you that for a lot longer than that Kara.''

Kara smiled as she looked into Malakai’s eyes as they danced. “I love you Malakai Starr.”

Malakai smiled and held Kara even closer, his head bent forward and he kissed her softly. "I love you Kara Starr" He answered quietly as he kissed her again.

Returning Malakai’s kiss Kara held her husband close as they tripped the light fantastic.

Man'darr offered his hand to Jessica. "Care to dance, Imzadi?"

Jess sighed and responded to Man'darr. "I can't dance...."

"Then I can toss you around the dance floor like a rag doll?" he teased with a grin.

"Make no mistake... I can dance the tango, or whatever, in a cockpit. But I am clumsy when it comes to dancing." Jess mentioned.

Man'darr took Jess by the arm, yanking her to her feet. "Ok, flinging you around like a rag doll it is," he laughed.

"Fine then, you can trip over my two left feet." Jess mentioned.

As the couples started to join the Bride and Groom on the dance floor, Kyle stood and offered his hand to Vanessa. "May I have this dance, sweetheart?"

Vanessa smiled. "You have just saved yourself a fate worse than death for your superb choice in dance partners."

Sthilg was happy for everyone as the crew enjoyed themselves. Looking to his daughter he smiled warmly to her. " Go and enjoy yourssself. Me and your mother can look after the kidsss." He said warmly.

“Are you sure?” Alicia grinned as she saw the look on Sthilg’s face. “Yes, Father. Thank you” She stood up and kissed Sthilg on the cheek before looking to Savar. “Dance with me?”

Savar extended his hand to Alicia, "I would be honored my love." He intoned as he led Alicia onto the dance floor., sweeping her into arms.

Alicia let the joy of the moment sweep her away as she and Savar enjoyed dancing together. “Did I ever tell you you’re a wonderful dancer?”

"If that is so, it is because my wife is a wonderful dancer herself." Savar said as he held Alicia close and they glided across the dance floor.

“I’m only as good as you make me Imzadi” Alicia smiled as she lay her head on Savar’s chest as they let the music guide them.

"You are such a flatterer Alicia. I thank you for your kind words." Savar replied as they twirled and glided across the dance floor.

Luxa Gami leaned against the bar as she watched the dancers move onto the dance floor, happily sipping her Sumerian Sunrise.

T'Kek watched as the numerous couples moved onto the dance floor. Everyone seemed happy and having a great time. 'It's certainly more fun than Vulcan weddings,' T'Kek thought with a grin as he spotted Miraj nearby. He had somewhat of a crush on her though he doubt he would admit it. He moved over towards her. "Excuse me, would you care to dance?" he gestured to the filling dance floor.

The formalities over, Miraj was contemplating making a run for the bar and getting something with a lot of rum and an umbrella, and lots of fruit and maybe even sparklers, so it took a moment to realise the young man was even talking to her. "I'd love to dance!" Which was absolutely true, she was always happy to dance, but usually, she was on her own, not with a partner. Her ears turned a little pink as second thoughts set in. T'kek was young and very handsome, and probably had people lining up to dance with him, all of whom were more co-ordinated than her. He'd probably prefer someone who wouldn't trip over him. "Er, but I'm not very good. My brother says I've got all the rhythm of a landed fish."

The response caused T'Kek to laugh. "Who cares?" he shrugged. "I think the point is to just have fun."

"Fun I can do," she offered him her hand, trying not to grin like a lunatic that anyone wanted to dance with her. ""No promises on fancy footwork."

He offered her his hand as he grinned at her. "Then I shall settle for basic footwork," He teased.

Even basic footwork might be pushing it Miraj thought, but since he didn’t seem to mind, she was going to go for it, and she eagerly followed him onto the filling dance floor.

T'Kek looked at Miraj as they took their position and began to dance to the music, keeping in mind to keep his moves simple. He wasn't a great dancer by any means, but he would call himself decent. "I am surprised you came alone," he stated.

Miraj was mostly looking down to try and follow T'kek’s moves without treading on him, but at his question she looked up. “Was I not supposed too? I don’t know who I’d have asked. My brother maybe? But he’s off somewhere beyond Orion space right now.”

"No, it's just that I would have figured you would have had someone special to bring with you to the dance," he explained. "You are after all, quite a beautiful woman."

Miraj stopped dead, and almost collided with the vulcan man, then turned red. She was many things, but beautiful wasn't one she'd ever believed. She wasn't human enough, or boslic enough to rate by either standard. the floor was suddenly very interesting. "I..er..well...if...thank you."

T'Kek lightly cocked his head to one side as he studied the woman. Had she never been complimented before? "You are most welcome, Miraj," he stated with a slight bow of his head.

She knew she had to say something, and groped for anything that didn't sound completely dumb. "If beautiful people are supposed to be here with someone, shouldn't you like be here with three people?" She cringed at her own words, lost the rhythm of the music, and quietly wished to die as she flailed awkwardly.

T'Kek could only laugh at her comment along with the flailing. "I appreciate the comment. Thank you," he replied as he grasped her hand, twirling her gently. "I simply haven't found the time to ask anyone to the dance."

Miraj turned, stubbing her toe on her own heel, but managing to not completely over balance. "Too busy?"

Helping to steady her as he completed the twirl, T'Kek nodded. "Yes, I've been pulling an extra shift in Sickbay lately due our annual inventory inspection. So why is it that you are alone if you do not mind me asking?"

Miraj shrugged, which threw her off the beat and she did a few quick steps to get back into rthym again. "Busy I guess, and no-one's really interested, except creeps and weirdos."

"Well, I do not consider myself neither a creep nor a weirdo," T'Kek smiled.

Jason took Lana's hand in his, "Care to dance Lana?" He asked, knowing that like him she couldn't wait to get out on the dance floor.

"I've been dying to!" She exclaimed tightening her grip on Jason's hand and all but skipping onto the dance floor with her partner.

"Music to my ears Lana!" Jason said happily as gripped Lana's hand, following her onto the dance floor and bringing her close to him as the band played a slow waltz.

Adelaide made a face and plugged here ears as Sam whistled, loud and piercing and then he started applauding. Adele uncorked her ears and said, "Very enthusiastic."

Sam grinned back, "You. Look. Wwavashing!" he said with a distinct obliteration of the 'R' sound on 'ravishing'. Adelaide was dressed in an elegant, dark dress and comfy dress shoes. She shone. She radiated warmth and beauty.

She said, "You're not so bad yourself Lieutenant?" she flipped his chin with her index finger at his thick five-o-clock stubble. Sam wore a light cotton shirt, nice dress pants and shoes. He was ready for an evening of fun.

He smiled and said, "You rank me tonight. Have you seen how the single guys are checking you out?" he said as he cast a glance at her. "I'm a have to watch my back or I might get shivved."

She looked at him questioningly and grinned, "Are you speaking English? What are you talking about?"

He grinned, "You look pretty. I'm liable to get knifed if I'm not on my guard and replaced by your side."

She shook her head, "I'm sure I don't know what you're saying."

He nodded, "Mmmm-hmmm" in fake agreement with her ruse. They waited for a spot at the bar and Sam got the drinks. He was taller and had a louder voice and he spoke "bar". So many people were dancing and having a good time, and Adele seemed to know so many of them. He watched her with avid fascination. How she made people feel...unique and welcome. He liked that feeling. They found a table near the dance floor that could seat four persons. They took a seat and did some people watching. Sam got the food from the buffet. He brought back a bowl full of those little cocktail weenies, "My favorite!" he said as he popped a few in his mouth. It was all just snacking food. He didn't want to load up on a big trough of food. Nor just yet anyway. The night was just starting and soon they'd be dancing the night away.

As the dance floor continued to fill, David looked over at Baeryn, offering her his hand. "Would you care to dance, my love?'

Baeryn watched couples head towards the dance floor for a moment before turning to David. She slowly took his hand. Reaching up to kiss the corner of his smile she softly whispered, "I would love to."

His smile growing a bit warmer, David guided Baeryn out onto the dance floor. Then, after getting them both into position, he started to lead her expertly through one style of dance after another, all the while, his eyes stayed locked on hers and the passion he felt for her washed over her.

Etrara stood on the edge of the dance floor wondering what she was doing there and if she could sneak away without being noticed. She laughed inwardly, of course she could. Despite her size she never felt so small and the question she had been struggling with once again came bubbling up into her brain. She had run away from her life straight to the Academy and then into Starfleet thinking that a career on a starship was what she really wanted. Who had she been kidding all these years! What she really wanted was to make a ‘connection’ with someone she could share her life with. Watching all the ‘connections’ amongst the guests was almost overwhelming as she made the decision to resign her commission and begin the search in earnest for her father. Maybe that would cover the ache in her heart. She looked one more time around the sea of faces and then turned to walk away from it all.

Luxa spotted a half Klingon making her way away from the party and decided to hurry after her as she could sense a feeling of loneliness from the woman. "Hey, wait up. Ditching the party already?"

Etrara walked backwards looking at Luxa, smiling she said “parties aren’t really my thing and I don’t really know anyone so I thought I would just sneak out.”

"The point of parties is to get to know people. Like me, for example. Gunnery Sergeant Luxa Gami," she introduced herself formally, extending her hand.

Etara took the outstretched hand and shook it. “Pleased to meet you Etrara Khalten Chief Tactical Officer.” Etrara stood there helpless as what to say.

"Well, ma'am, you have to stay now since you now know someone," she smiled at the woman. "Care for a drink? We'll get you hooked up before the night is over."

“Thank you for the offer but I am not wanting to ‘hook up’ thank you. Just have a pleasant drink then leave, but it is very kind of you” Etrara hoped that she would take her rejection in the spirit of which it was given.

Leilani looked towards George as they sat sipping drinks. “I don’t suppose you’d like to dance, would you?”

George smiled at his lovely wife and nodded, standing and offering his hand to her. "I will always want to dance with you, Imzadi." He looked at their son and said, "Hendor, you stay here with Skylah, okay?"

The young boy nodded happily. "Yes, Papa!" Truthfully, there wasn't anywhere he wanted to be more, than with Skylah.

Zac had arrived just in time to see Captain Lalor get married. He was about to get a drink and then leave, figuring he had paid his respects when he saw Etrara standing on the edge of the dance floor. "Etrara?" He questioned as he drew closer. "It is nice seeing you again." He said honestly.

She nodded hello to him. “Nice to see you too Zac, enjoying yourself?”

He shrugged his shoulders. "I suppose so. I don't know anyone here except you Etrara, so seeing you is a definite plus."

She smiled “it’s true when they say you can feel alone in a crowd. Want to hang out a bit? Here or back on board.”

"I would love to hang out. Let's do it here for a bit and then back on board." Zac suggested. "Do you dance?"

“Yes, surprisingly I do, my mother made me go to dance classes and it was hell but, I grew to enjoy the mathematics of each step.”

Zac extended a hand to her, "Excellent. Let's see how good a student you were." He joked as they moved into the dance floor.

She took his hand they walked to the floor. The band was playing an uptempo beat but the minute the pair hit the floor the music became slow and soft. Etrara put her hands round Zac’s waist and they moved together,

Zac looked into her eyes and smiled as he put a hand on Etrara's waist and they glided across the dance slow. They moved smoothly and effortlessly. "You dance very well Etrara." He noted.

“Thank you” she said as they moved across the floor weaving in and out of the crowd. “How many people do you know here?” she asked. “I mean really know as friends?”

Zac looked into her eyes as they glided across the floor. Holding Etrara felt right and wonderful. He didn't have to think on her question as he answered, "One. You."

She closed her eyes, his hands felt warm and gentle as they held her. When she opened her eyes his were still locked onto hers and she felt something deep in her soul move, something that she had never experienced before. The music died and the throng around them disappeared. She rested her head on his chest. Perhaps this is where I am supposed to be she thought.

Zac stood there holding Etrara and it felt right and wonderful. He was vaguely aware of the music stopping and the crowds of people leaving the dance floor. "Etrara. The music has stopped." He whispered, "Would you like something to drink?"

She looked up having been ‘in the moment’ and not wanting it to end and nodded, “something long and cold I think.” They moved to an empty table at the edge of the dance floor and sat down next to each other. She could feel the warmth of his leg next to hers and suddenly she wanted to be completely alone with him a world of possibilities open to them. “I never had that meal you promised me, I am sorry I have been so busy.”

"Long and cold. Got it." Zac said and started to get up when Etrara mentioned not yet having the meal he promised her. "You could have it now if you like." He said softly.

“I would love to, I just want to spend time with you and I hope, I think you feel the same?”

"Fantastic!" Zac answered happily. "Let's have a drink and then we can leave and I'll fix you that meal." He smiled at her, "No need to hope Etrara, I very much want to be with you."

Etrara sipped her Tequila in companionable silence watching couples pair off and having fun on the dance floor. To be honest her stomach had begun to rumble a while ago despite having some of the buffet. “I am not used to crowds like this, I prefer to be outside in nature under the stars. Do you like camping?” She asked Zac.

Zac sipped his rum and coke. Just sitting talking to Etrara was wonderful. He nodded his head, "I like camping very much." He admitted. "We should do it sometime."

“I would love that, let’s do it soon. Do you ride? I used to trail ride out by myself and we would camp under the stars just me and my horse. I love the feeling of just being a tiny speck in the galaxy, one with nature. I used to build my own shelter….” She stopped. “I’m sorry Zac but being with you seems to bring out these good memories. “ my drink is nearly gone.” The music became louder and voices more strident as real alcohol began to seize the party.

Zac shook his head, "No, I don't ride but I can learn, camping out being with you under the stars, sounds like a dream come true." He admited.

She smiled, “maybe we can have dreams come true together, that’s if you want to?” She finished her drink. “Shall we get out of here?” She asked.

"Sounds wonderful and in regard to getting out of here, that is the finest command decision I have heard in a long time." Zac rose and extended his hand to Etrara. "Let's go."

Etrara stood and retrieved her clutch. “Should we thank anyone before we leave?”

Zac shrugged his shoulders, "I suppose we should as I don't want us to appear rude but who would say it to? The captain doesn't know me as I just transferred in."

“Let’s just go Zac, leave everyone to enjoy the party.”

"Sounds okay to me Etrara. Let's go." Zac agreed.

She took his hand and they walked slowly back to the beam out site. Once there they only had to wait a couple of minutes in the queue before the familiar blue beam deposited them back on the transporter pad.

Scott looked out at the dance floor, "Want to dance Sapphire?"

"Lead on" Sapphire replied with a smile and laughed as he pulled her to the dance floor.

Scott smiled and led Sapphire out onto the dance floor, turning to her his hand went to her waist and he brought her close. He looked deep into her eyes and without a word he kissed her.

Sapphire kissed Scott back, and rested her arms around his neck as they moved to the music.

Garrett had been low profile during the wedding as he didn't want to take any attention away from Phoenix. He held Sam's hand. "Would you like to dance Sam?" He asked the most important person in his life.

"Hmm sounds like an idea" Samantha smiled. "Just a slow dance though"

"A slow dance it is Sam." Garrett agreed as they stepped onto the dance floor just as the band began to play a nice romantic waltz. "See, they knew you wanted a slow dance."' He observed as he held her close.

"Much better than trying to dance fast with you Love" Samantha whispered in his ear.

Arrianna walked away from the party. She turned towards a table with drinks and poured about a small amount of wine and then filled the rest with water. She looked back. Everyone had someone to dance with. Arri would have taken Josie and danced with her right now. She was not here, but still being held by Bishop. Arri got her into this." She grabbed the diluted wine and began drinking it. Even diluted, it had the same potency a few shots of tequila to a human. She needed her mind off Josie now. And the distant drinks table provided an escape from the festivities. She was happy for phoenix.. But people who were supposed to be here. Were not here. Maybe if she just tolerated Carrington's abuses, she wouldn't have put her in that situation."

Arri poured another diluted glass of wine. She began to drink it again. Until she realized.. She didn't want to ruin Phoenix's wedding by becoming completely uncontrolled. "No... no.... I won't do this to Phee."

By the time Lia entered the dance floor was crowded, "Guess we're late Imik." She glanced at the Ojnas and smiled.

Imik bowed in response, "A woman of breeding always arrives late, it shows that she is unafraid of being outshone by the other females."

As the music played and more people filled the dance floor, Sam took a good look around. Everybody it seemed had a somebody else. He gazed up at the little fairy lights, like so many stars in the night sky, their light was warm and comforting. His gaze ended on Adelaide. He watched her for a long while.

Her attention was on the dance floor and taking in the good vibes of the place. She got that feeling of being watched and looked at Sam, "What?" she asked.

"Thanks for coming with me today to the wedding."

She smiled back, "Of course! I wouldn't have missed it. Thank you for the invitation."

Sam rested his arms on the table and drew closer to her and said, "You know...there are a few of the fellas checking you out. You don't have to stick with me you know? Maybe you want to...y'know...walk about and see who says hi?"

She smiled delightfully so and said, "Are you watching out for me Lieutenant? Or trying to get rid of me?"

Sam grinned and laughed, "I want you to be happy. Meet people, find out who is going to stay in the cabin with you tonight. I'm going to get a drink and then hit the dance floor."

She put her hand on his arm. "I'm fine. I have no agenda other than to be here with you my friend."

Sam's eyebrows lifted, "That's it?"

She nodded and giggled, "Mmm....hmmm! That's it."

Sam was happy. "OK then. How about a drinky-poo then? What's yer poison?"

Adele said, "Surprise me. I'll hold down the table."

Sam nodded and left for the bar to get the drinks. Along the way, he danced, ever so slightly to the tunes. He saw Consul Orin, "Andrinn! How's it going Consul?"

Andrinn heard someone sneak up from behind him, spooking him a bit before he saw that it was Sam. Holding onto his heart for a moment before coming down from the near heart attack, Andrinn replied, "I'm doing good Sam. How are you? Where's your plus one this evening?"

Sam slapped him playfully on the shoulder, "Hey man! It's all good. I think I may have a buzz y'know? I drank something blue that was good. Hmm? Adele? She's over there. We've got Rin and Ensign Miraj too at the table.
Hey? Come on and join us? They want to play something called....I don't know....'Never Say Never Again'? I think. Something. Come on, you can...you can....just come on and joins us?" He laughed. He had too much to drink. "Where's your plus one man? Bring 'em over too. We'll put two...two....(he snapped his fingers for the word)...tables. Together and yeah...dance and...whatever's?"

"You probably drank Romulan Ale. Bloody green blooded son of a guns know how to make a drink and make it nice and strong. Come on, lets get back over there before our fellow guests miss us!" Andrinn said with a smile on his face as he helped to guide Sam over there, as he was in way deeper than Andrinn was at the moment.

Sam staggered one step and fell forward into Andrinn, "Whoa! Careful Consul...you've had too much I think?" He laughed and then looked at Andrinn with bedroom eyes. Sam kissed Andrinn. "You're cute!"

As the guests were enjoying themselves, Mattias and Phoenix had slipped outside of the dance area and were saying goodnight to the twins. Mattias had Elizabeth in his arms first. "Goodnight, sweetheart," he cooed softly. He gently kissed her chubby left cheek, taking a moment to inhale her soft, clean scent. He found it perfect. After gently rubbing her cheeks and chin, he smiled as he whispered, "I love you, my beautiful little princess!"

"You are spoiling them" Phoenix said with a smile. She cradled William in her arms and watched Mattias with Elizabeth. Sighing she handed William back to the nanny.

After a quick little kiss on her soft chubby cheeks, Mattias handed Elizabeth over as well. He then moved to embrace his beautiful bride. "And I'll continue to do so for as long as I can, my love." He then nuzzled the right side of her neck and whispered into her ear, "And you as well, my Queen. I will be spoiling you for the rest of my life."

"Hmm" She turned and kissed him. "Only 30 mins more and you can steal me away" she promised him.

A hungry look filled his features. "I'm going to hold you to that number, Mrs Richardson." He smirked slightly and gave he a flirty wink.

"Oh I never break my word" she whispered.

Samuel came back with a wine stem filled with wedding mints. He had a handful and popped them in his mouth and happily said, "Gawd I love these mints!" Adele laughed and shook her head, "I'm pretty sure you can get those anytime from the replicator?"

Sam shook his head, "Nuh uh. Not the same. For the proper taste they have to be served at a wedding. Out of doors and been available just before the end of the ceremony. Otherwise, yeah, then their just candy. But these? MMmmm...these are the bong!" He handed her the wine stem and she took a few. "Ok."

Gary had made his way down from the alter to where Lia and Imik were. "So, what did you think of the ceremony?" He asked as he listened to the band play.

Arrianna sighed as she watched. Then turned to leave. Every time she thought about everyone else's happiness. It just made her feel more miserable than ever. She shouldn't have come to this wedding. She didn't belong here.

Rin looked to Ebi. "Shall we show them how it's done?"

Ebi took her hand and led her to the dancefloor. "They swayed for a few bars, getting the beat and the melody. And then Ebi began to lead.

It wasn't a dance of professionals. It was, however, a dance of perfect timing. They moved in sync. Each knew where the other would be in the next moment and could move accordingly. There was no fear of falling, no problem of dancing over the other's toes. It was calculated and exact, but it was also flowing and, dare she admit it, fun.

Sam finished off the mints and, his mind cleared of the buzz, said, "This is a wonderful evening. I have to say. Truly magical" he said with a sincere grin. Adele said, "So? Not so terrible after all huh? And think of it - a big bad ass marine sharpshooter survive a whole wedding! My oh my...I'll have to let the Colonel know so we can pin a medal on your chest." Woolheater rolled his eyes and sighed, "Yeah...yeah..."

Tim had made his way to the bar after the ceremony and the honor guard. He watched Matt and Phoenix on the dance floor and smiled but it was bittersweet. He was happy for his friend; Phoenix was a wonderful woman. He remembered back to when he and Matt had found her tied to a pole and being lashed. How she and Matt had connected even then. Now here it was years later, and she and Matt were married. He sighed; life had changed. No longer would he and Matt go out drinking, hitting the night clubs and just carousing through the night. Matt had a family now, and they were his main responsibilities as they should be. He raised his glass in a silent toast to his best friend, his wife and downed it in a single gulp. It was time to move on.

Sthilg had moved over to the side his granddaughter held firmly in his arms. Though the small hybrid kept reaching for his new pocket watch. Smiling at her he gently undid her grip around the chain as he looked at his friends and family enjoying themselves. Life seemed so good.


LATER THE WEDDING PARTY WINDING DOWN

Samuel and Adelaide made it a point to seek out the newlyweds and to personally congratulate them and thank them for the invitation. It was late, late now. The air was still warm. There was the scent of evergreen and pine on the air. The smell of freshly cut grass from some distant field censored the air. The sound of the river could now be heard, the babbling very calming now.
It wasn't a surprise, that Sam's sharp eyes found the Richardson's out and after bidding other guests, friends and party goers a good night, they came before the two captains. Samuel said, "Captains? Mr. and Mrs. Richardson, I wanted to offer you my congratulations and best wishes on your new life together. We both did. Oh, this is crewman apprentice Adelaide Kirkby. She is helping us out in the MARDET office."

Adele smiled warmly, inclining her head in a gentle nod, "Your wedding was lovely captain and you looked so radiant up there. And you are quite the handsome groom captain."

Phoenix smiled, content to stay close in Mattias's arms "Thank you both." she said brightly "I hope you had fun."

Mattias smiled happily, his left arm wrapped around his beautiful bride. "Thank you, Adele. And thank you both for coming, and Sam, thank you again for you part of the saber detail."

Adelaide forgot about decorum and slipper her hand around Sam's arm as she attended him. One might have thought they were dating. He didn't mind, he wasn't in uniform and this was off, this was downtime. He continued, "And, to thank you for the invitation to the wedding. The invitation to be a part of the honor guard, this lovely, kick ass wedding party. The location is perfect. Before we left, we just wanted to greet you and wish you all the best. Oh? And to ask you, the room? The cabin by the river? I'm going hiking tomorrow, early, in a few hours really. Would it be okay if Ade-- crewman Kirkby has the cabin tonight? She's tired and loves the place and..."

"Of course" Phoenix assured them. "Make yourselves comfortable" she said warmly.

Adele turned red with embarrassment. She removed her hand from Sam's arm, "Oh, no, we're not...we're not together. Dating. Or sleeping together if that's what you think. I'd...I would...never...we're definitely...NOT..." she looked to Sam for help. He just looked at her and put his arms behind his back. Rather enjoying her squirm.

He teased, "You don't even know if I'd be a good lay or not."

Adele looked like she might cry she was so embarrassed. Sam rescued the situation with, "What...I think...crewman apprentice Kirkby is trying to say Captains, is that I invited her to attend the wedding. Not as my date, but as my plus one friend. We're keeping our relationship entirely professional. The cabin is her and maybe a friend or two tonight." He winked at Adele letting her know that everything was OK.

"So, thank you again Richardson's" Sam said. Adele tried to recover and said, "Yes, that's what I meant. We're just not dating or anything like that. And..."

"Time to go, excuse us and good night" Sam said as he offered her the crook of his arm and escorted her away and to the cabin.

As they left, Mattias leaned in and whispered to Phoenix. "Oh yeah, they're definitely going to get together." He then kissed her cheek before adding, "And I do believe your thirty minutes is up, my love. Time for your husband to steal you away!"

Phoenix nodded. "Lead on kind sir."She said with a smile. "And do it quietly."

He gave her a confident grin. "I'm a Recon Marine, sweetheart. We always move silently." He then took her hand and quickly led her to their master suite, where their own, private, party was about to begin.