A very special day

Posted on Sat Jun 29th, 2024 @ 2:16am by Lieutenant Commander Alicia Kelea-Salik & Lieutenant Commander Kara Starr {Kelea-Salik} & Lieutenant JG Heather De La Rosa {Kelea-Salik} & Senior Chief Petty Officer Emily Charles {Kelea-Salik} & Staff Sergeant Leilani Charles {Kelea-Salik} & Deanna Kelea & Captain Gary Taylor & Commander Kyle Reece & Commander Sthilg & Lieutenant Colonel Azhul Naxea & Lieutenant Commander Rin & Lieutenant Anna Esquivias & Lieutenant Thor Magnus & Lieutenant J'airesh Mora-Heath & Consul Andrinn Orin & Captain Samuel Woolheater & Lieutenant N'vok Holv & Lieutenant JG Damien Blackford & Teevs Dosivi & Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Lieutenant Commander Malakai Starr [Taylor] & Lieutenant Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen [Taylor] & Lieutenant Nicholas Reece [Reece] & Captain David Tonelly [Reece] & Captain Mattias Richardson [Reece] & Captain George Charles [Reece] & Lieutenant JG Zac Smithson & Lieutenant JG Louis Bordeaux ( Magnus ) & Master Chief Petty Officer Chuck Finley [Reece] & Senior Chief Petty Officer Fernando De La Rosa [Taylor] & Staff Sergeant Liam "Swede" Reece [Reece] & Cadet Junior Grade Gérard Dirsye [Reece] & Kerilia Dosivi & Harper o’Leary & Hendor Charles [Reece] & Lieutenant JG Tarr Zell ( Barclay de Tolly ) & Lieutenant JG Toshiro Yamaguchi

Mission: Season 6 HIATUS
Location: Planetside - Tropical paradise setting
Timeline: MD4
4335 words - 8.7 OF Standard Post Measure

{IC}

Everything was set up ready, the setting couldn’t be more ideal. A forest glade, next to a crystal blue stream with a waterfall to add to the crowning glory of the scene. The guests had already started arriving ahead of the ceremony to marry Sthilg and Deanna, ready to do her job as Matron of Honour for her mother, Alicia was lending a hand greeting guests as they arrived.

“Are you okay there Imzadi?” Alicia smiled as she walked over to Savar, who was keeping Connor, and N’vea amused, whilst Soral was curiously taking in the surroundings.

Savar looked up as Alicia approached. "We are all fine Alicia." He replied while bouncing N'vea on his knee and moving some dinosaurs with Connor. "If needed I can ask Soral to assist me."

Alicia nodded. “I’ll be back to help as soon as I can.” She kissed Savar on the cheek before returning to helping and to await her mother’s arrival.

Arriving at the setting for the wedding Emily was still in awe at the sheer beauty of the entire planet, she smiled as she looked towards Zac. “Oh wow! What a setting for a wedding it’s so beautiful.”

Zac nodded and smiled at Emily, squeezing her hand softly. "It sure is Emily! It is breathtaking in its beauty. This is something you think of and imagine in your mind. The Doc and Mrs. Kelea picked the perfect wedding setting."

Emily nodded. “They most certainly did.”

Anna was the next to arrive. She still didn't know many here very well. However, she was smiling warmly. It was truly beautiful and weddings were always happy times.

Kyle entered the small chapel, that had been built to compliment the beautiful surroundings. As the invite said formal, but dress uniform was optional, he had decided to forgo the uniform, and instead replicated a traditional black tuxedo. Looking around, he saw a tow of seats that were still empty. Ushering his children over, he spoke softly. "Zhavna, honey, why font you and your brother go sit at the other end for mow, so we can hold the row for when Harper and her kids show up, okay?"

Both Orion children, equally appropriately dressed for the occasion, smiled and nodded. "Okay, Papa," Zhavna replied. It was still new for her to refer to Kyle in that manner, but, she had started to when it had felt right, and each time since, it still felt the same.

Kyle smiled, then leaned in and gently kissed his daughter on her forehead. Afterwards, he nodded them to their seats. For a moment, he watched them, his eyes misting up a bit at the strong feeling of love that he had for the both of them. Then, he blinked the happy tears away and turned to watch for Harper and her children to arrive.

Harper had come with her three children. Niamh was asleep in her pram, and Edward and Kendra were dressed neatly, Edward in blue slacks and a dark grey button down, and Kendra matched her adopted mother in a pretty green dress. Harper's green dress was sedate as she didn't want to show off. It was a simple dress with spaghetti straps and matching sandals.

She walked over to Kyle with the children and gave them a warm smile.

Several of the Engineers showed up which were Lt. Thor Magnus, Lt. Junior Grade Toshiro Yanaguchi, Lt. Junior Grade Tarr Zell and Lt. JG. Louis Bordeaux. Their wives were either quilting back up on the ship or minding the Engineering section.

Andrinn had arrived earlier and helped to set up a few last minute things for the wedding. He wasn't sure where he could best be used, but wanted to feel useful. Andrinn was wondering where Sam might've been as well, as he hadn't arrived quite yet. It was still early though, so he might've been coming up soon enough.

His ears burning, Samuel beamed down in a shimmery blue and white transporter beam. In his hands, he carried a wedding gift from both Andrinn and himself. Andrinn knew Doctor Sthilg and Alicia better than he did. The transporter beam completed and Sam moved towards Andrinn and the table for the gifts. The scene was so nice! A canopy for the ceremony. The sun would be low in the sky by the time they started but it would still be light for hours and hours. The sand under his feet had been tamped down so it wasn't so squishy. He walked to Andrinn and greeted him with a smile and a kiss on the cheek. Then he showed Andrinn the wedding gift. He undid the bow and opened the box which was about three feet long and three feet wide. It was a large piece of driftwood from Eden's Reach. And Samuel had cleaned it up, removed some of the burrs and polished it and the sealed it with preservation varnish. He carved the wood with the images of Sthilg and Alicia standing on the very beach they were on. The distinct double-crossed palm trees on both sides placed them at this spot and time. The driftwood was lighter in shades and it looked warm and inviting. He carved in the stardate and the planet name 'Eden's Reach'. Sam borrowed a few bits from Shakespeare and with heavy editing carved,

"This azure throne of world's, this scepter’d isle,
This place of majesty, this seat of singular Beauty,
This other Eden, a far and lonesome demi-paradise,
This garden of delights built by Nature for herself...this Eden's Reach"

It was meant to hang in their quarters if they so liked it. It was meant to commemorate their happy union. Sam watched Andrinn's reaction and asked, "You think...is it ok? You think?" He watched for Andrinn's evaluation of the wedding gift from both of them.

Andrinn kissed Sam's cheek before replying, "Yeah, that looks amazing. I wanted to make sure that we got this here in time."

Sam said to Andrinn, "Well, let's drop it off and get back to our hike yeah? That's still what you want to do right? We only have a few days left of shoreleave but; I'll do anything you want too."

"Yeah, lets get it onto the table for presents and make our discrete exit, stage transporter room one," Andrinn said, trying to make a subtle joke before Sam put the present onto the table and they made their discrete exits via transporter.

The Charles family entered next. Young Hendor, looking very handsome in his little dark blue suit, followed by his mother and father. George was wearing a nice, black, three piece suit, deciding against the tuxedo. On his left arm, was his beautiful wife, Leilani, looking absolutely radiant.

Leilani was dressed in one of the dresses George had bought her, she hadn’t had much chance to wear it for any occasions like this. She smiled as she carried their daughter Aviana. “Such a beautiful setting, I’m envious! If this planet was near home I’d happily move here.” She grinned.

George grinned as he looked at Leilani. "Well, we will just have to find one, Imzadi." He smiled a bit brighter when Aviana turned her head and smiled when she heard her father's voice. He leaned in and kissed the top of her head.

Leilani smiled at the relationship George had with their baby daughter, he was a good father to their children. “She’s definitely a daddy’s girl.”

"And she always will be," George replied happily. He then cooed at Aviana. "Won't you, my sweet little angel? Yes! Yes you will!"

Hendor then saw Skylah and her family. He looked back at his parents and asked, "Mama, Papa? May we sit over by the Reece's?"

Leilani nodded. “Of course we can Hendor” she looked back at George giving him a warm smile.

George smiled back, his eyes full of love for each member of his family. He then ushered them over to the seats that Hendor had indicated. Once everyone sat down, Hendor moved to sit next to Skylah.

Inside the chapel, the gorn was putting the last few finishing touches. The gorn dressed in his formal uniform carefully moved the plinth with a statue of one of the all mother's children from it's place. " There we go that looksss better now." he said with a smile to Savera. The hybrid returned the smile which warmed the doctor's heart. She deserved to be happy after what she'd been through. " Gary are the bracletsss sssafe? " he called over to his best man.

A few feet away Gary looked back to Sthilg and Savera. He was in his dress uniform. He was tempted to joke with the CMO but as nervous as the CMO was and as momentous a day this was, he decided not to. "No worries, Doc the bracelets are safe and sound. We're good."

Sthilg smiled and he gave his best man a thumbs up.

Gary gave an answering smile and returned the thumbs up gesture. He was happy for the Doc and Mrs. Kelea. They made a nice couple and he hoped they had many years of happiness together.

Nicholas and Cassia entered next. She was carrying their daughter, and he hand his left arm behind her waist, as he led them to empty seats.

Cassia stayed close to him with a smile.

Naxea entered, dressed in her Marine Dress Uniform. Though things weren't the best in her life right now, she wanted to show support for her friend, Sthilg. Taking a moment to get her bearings among the guests, she made her way over to Sthilg. "Congratulations, Sthilg," she stated, grinning.

" Thank you my friend. " Sthilg replied returning the grin. " Where Ssshib and the little one?" he enquired.

Naxea didn't want to bring any drama to Sthilg's big day. "I'm not sure if he's coming or not," she said quietly. "He's watching Sle'anna as she is way too rambunctious to be at the wedding. Enjoy your day," Naxea said as she turned and headed to take a seat towards the back.

Sam saw the Colonel arrive and take a look around. He hadn't spoken to her or seen her in days now. Not after the heavy losses of the fighter group. He thought it best to give her space and did his best to make sure that very little problems or paperwork ended up on her desk. He saw Commander Sthilg and so did the Colonel. He turned to Andrinn, "C'mon? There's Commander Sthilg, let's go say 'Hi' and 'Bye' as he tapped Andrinn in the direction of the Chief Medical Officer. Sam looked around for Alcia and then remembered that they probably wouldn't see her until the ceremony was underway. Sam led the way and when there was an opportunity he addressed himself to the doctor, "Commander Sthilg, just wanted to offer our congratulations on your wedding sir. Couldn't have picked a better day or place. Absolutely loverly Commander" he said.

" Thank you my friend. I hope the weather holdssss." the old lizard replied.

Sam nodded, he let a beat pass seeing that many people wanted to speak to the Commander, he ventured forth. Sam put an arm around Andrinn and said, "Yes sir, we hope so too. We're on our shoreleave too. Oh! There is a gift from both of us to both you an Alicia. We hope you like it. And, we just wanted to wish you all the best in person. You see, we're going back to our shoreleave and we're going to have a mountaintop experience. But we wanted to make sure that you know how happy we are for you and Alicia. Please excuse us; we'll be discreetly leaving. Not before saying how much we wish you all the best."

Saying their goodbye's and well wishes, Sam and Andrinn quietly made a discreet exit.

A few minutes later, David arrived to the small chapel. He was dressed in a very smart-looking blue suit. In his left hand, he carried a baby carrier, which currently held his and Baeryn's little girl, Samanthanna. The infant was wearing a tiny little dress that matched her father's suit, complete with a tiny head band that had a tiny pink flower on it.

After nodding to a few of the gathered crew, he found a couple seats located at the rear of the chapel. There, he sat in one, and placed Samanthanna's carrier in the other.

Damien arrived a few minutes after, making his way over to the chapel. When he'd been packing his things to ship out, including a suit hadn't actually been on the list, so instead he had opted for the standard Starfleet Security Dress Uniform.

After saying hello to some of the assembled crew, he headed into the chapel, locating a seat nearer to the back. He didn't really know the Doctor, or his fiance, and taking a seat nearer to the front, which, in his opinion, should be taken by people that were closer to the couple, just didn't feel right.

N'vok arrived in a formal grey Vulcan robe and took a place out of the hustle and bustle. He did not know the couple well but was happy to wish anyone happiness in these trying times.

Shortly following N'vok's arrival was Teevs, his daughter next to him radiating excitement. Following the invitation, he took the time to ask the computer many questions about union ceremonies from the Milky Way so he and Kerilia would know what to expect. The invitation said formal, so he pulled out the attire he would wear to such ceremonies on Niea IV. It was a silver jacket with dark silver hems, the front closed diagonally across his chest, and dark grey slacks.

Kerilia eyed the venue with awe. She was excited to see the doctor get married and to witness a cultural event like a union. The dress she picked out was knee-length and purple, her favorite color, with a belt across her waist. Around her shoulders was a similarly colored shawl. Defaulting to her culture's practices of not speaking until after the ceremony, she tugged at Teevs' sleeve and pointed to some empty chairs.

Teevs looked at Kerilia when he felt the tug, then gave her a smile. "It's ok to talk at these, Kerilia," he whispered. It was awkward for him to talk, a result of his own awareness of the difference in culture. "Remember that the computer said?"

"Right," she whispered back. Kerilia led her father to the chairs she had pointed out, giving warm smiles to those she passed.

Noting Teevs arriving with someone he did not know, N'vok's curiosity was piqued and he gracefully made his way over. "Mister Dosivi, how good to see you again. And who is this charming young person you are accompanying?"

Teevs gave N'vok a smile. "Mister N'vok, this is my daughter, Kerilia." Turning to the teenager, he added, "Kerilia, this is the one who I said works in the science department on the ship."

Kerilia looked the Vulcan over, a quiet 'ohhhh' of understanding coming from her. She hadn't met this person before, so was a little shy, but between the celebration and Teevs visible comfort, she was able to give him a kind smile. "Will you join us?" she asked.

"I would be honored, Miss Kerilla," said N'vok. "I hope you have been making good use of your time aboard the Elysium. If you are interested in science, with Mister Dosivi's approval, I would be pleased to give you a tour of my department. We are always working on interesting things."

The teenager glanced to Teevs and, seeing his nod of approval, turned back to N'vok. "I would like that, Mister N'vok."

N'vok nodded and took a seat.

Rin arrived on her own, dressed in a flowing sleeveless blue dress. She kind of hated these sorts of things, not that she shared that. The happy couple wished to celebrate with their colleagues and friends, and she would not disappoint. But she had no significant other to arrive with, no "plus 1," as they said.

N'vok noted Rin's arrival and gave her a polite nod.

J'Air Mora-Heath arrived with MCPO Finlay looking positively glowing, her arm in his and only the slightest limp to show she'd sustained any damage on the last mission. She was so proud to be on Chuck's arm and officially one another's "plus ones" that she looked like a Cheshire cat who had got the cream, grinning happily and chattering away. She held the wrapped box that held their joint gift and on arrival they both acknowledged the other assembled guests as they made their way to either the bride, the groom, or the present table, whichever they happened upon first.

Smiling as well, Chuck carefully led J'Air through the crowd. As they reached the gift table, he nodded to it. "Looks like that's where the goodies go, sweetheart."

J'Air nodded and placed the gift they'd both sourced together, onto the table with all the other brightly packaged gifts there. "I hope they'll like it" she said to Chuck, slightly nervous that they'd found a good gift for the couple who already had everything they needed. J'Air thought about her conversation with the Bride, Deanna, regarding her pregnancy and thought that, on that front at least, the happy couple would get the gift that would bring them the most joy of all!

She settled her thoughts happily to the fact that it didn't matter what material gifts they got, it was just a way to celebrate the lovely couple and wish them well. Their love was what really mattered. Squeezing Chuck's hand affectionately, the ACMO settled into enjoying the lovely day and trying not to dream too much yet - as difficult as it did seem to be right now.

Chuck looked over at J'Air when she gently squeezed his hand. He leaned in and gave her a tender kiss on the side of her neck, partially because he didn't want to mess up her makeup, though mostly because he so enjoyed that neck of hers. He then saw their seats and guided her over, allowing her to sit first, then he sat down as well, taking her right hand back into his left. Looking around the setting, and remembering the Commodore and Captain Richardson's wedding, it was starting to make him long for the same thing. The fact that he had found someone as fantastic, in all areas, like J'Air, had really started his thinking about it. But would she accept when he asked her? That was the question most weighing on his mind.

If the two of them had both been Betazoid, they might have had clues that they were both thinking similarly but time would reveal whatever the Goddesses were planning for them.

Phoenix dressed in her dress uniform found her way to the front where she would be performing the ceremony.

Seated towards the front, Mattias was in his dress uniform. He and Phoenix had left the twins with the holonanny, but Tristi had asked to come. So, she was seated next him, wearing a nice dress that fit both her form and her age. They both looked up at Phoenix and smiled at her.

" Thank you for doing thisss Phoenix." Sthilg said walking over and giving his commander a warm smile.

"My pleasure." She replied. "Always willing to help people into the marriage noose."

===

Out of view behind a natural plant barrier Deanna was standing ready to begin, she couldn’t help but feel nervous being six months pregnant in a wedding dress, though the dress did wonders to flatter her rounded stomach and overall look. “Do I look alright?”

“You look wonderful Mum” Alicia smiled and nodded. “I’ll let the others know we’re ready.” She stepped out motioning that her mother was ready to make her entrance. As the music began Alicia waited for her mother to start her walk down the aisle before she followed on behind her.

===

Sthilg hearing the music jumped into place as the odd mix between a betazoid and gorn wedding theme. Oddly the two themes aligned rather well. Smiling as the woman who had rekindled a part of him he thought he would never feel again came into the chapel he felt nothing but love and happiness.

The gorn statues began to light up chanting blessings for the couple to be and a happy future.

Phoenix picked up the small book she normally used when performing weddings. And waited with Sthilg for the bride to appear.

Gary stood beside Sthilg as the wedding music began to play. His hands held the box containing the wedding bracelets which he would hand to Sthilg at the appropriate time.

Arriving alongside her husband to be, Deanna handed her small posy of flowers to Alicia before reaching her hand out to hold Sthilg’s hand. They’d gone roughly over the mixed ceremony, wanting to incorporate the Gorn traditions as well.

Phoenix waited for a moment then said “We are gathered here today, surrounded by the beauty of creation and nurtured by the sights and sounds of nature to celebrate the wedding of Deanna and Sthilg. You have come here to share in this commitment now they make to one another, to offer your love and support to their union, and to allow Deanna and Sthilg to start their married life together surrounded by the people dearest and most important to them. They thank you for your presence here today. They ask for your blessing, encouragement and lifelong support, for their marriage and life shared together. They also remember other loved ones who cannot be here to share this moment.”

Gary looked out at the assembled group of officers and crew and saw Little Lia sitting with Savar and his and Alicia's children. She was sitting still but her eyes were filled with wonder and awe at the proceedings and he knew she would pepper him with questions later.

Alicia smiled as she looked towards her family, and Little Lia who appeared to be enjoying the ceremony. Nodding to Gary she smiled warmly.

Gary smiled back at Alicia as he saw her looking at Savar and her family along with Little Lia.

" Deanna. " Sthilg said looking deep into his imzadi's eyes as he took her hands in his own. " Before i met you i alwaysss felt like i could never love again. Thank you for rekindling that part of my sssoul and helping me feel truly alive once again." he said in a soft tone letting the crew know how truly happy he was.

“Sthilg, my dear Imzadi” Deanna smiled as she looked deeply into the Gorn’s eyes. “When my daughter said she’d adopted a new father, I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of man could be held in such high regard by a child who idolised her father. Now I've gotten to know you, and love you, I know just what a wonderful, loving man you are. I am lucky to be the woman who holds your heart.”

" And i welcome you to hold my heart." Sthilg replied his smile beaming even more. Glancing at Gary he gave him a nod to bring out the bracelets.

Seeing the Doc nod, Gary took a step forward and brought forth the small ornate box he was holding. Opening the box, revealed two bracelets inside. He held the reverently and offered it to Sthilg to take the bracelets.

Sthilg took the silver bracelet made by his own two hands. A patter of mixed gorn and beatazoid patterns dotted it's surface. Dipping it into the bowl of sacred oils and herbs he had replicated and mixed himself. " I Sssthilg take you asss my wife." He said waiting for her to extend her arm. The bracelet was to be placed on the vein leading directly to the heart.

Deanna extended her arm for Sthilg, it was an unusual ceremony but he’d explained it all to her before.

The gorn gently slid the perfectly fitting bracelet up her arm before stoping at the correct spot. He then extended his own arm.

Deanna picked up the second bracelet, dipping it in the sacred oils and herbs she placed it on his arm. “I Deanna take you as my husband.”

Sthilg smiled as he took her arm in his. " Till the end of eternity. "

Deanna smiled and nodded. “Til the end of eternity.”

With an even bigger smile Sthilg carefully pick up his wife and placed her on his shoulder before carefully beginning to walk towards the entrance. The music changed into a betazoid wedding tune as he did so. " Happy?" he asked his wife as he carefully made his way down.

“Extremely happy” Deanna nodded. She grinned even though it felt oddly strange being carried away on Sthilg’s shoulder.

Sthilg smiled back carefully watching his footing as he walked down the aisle and out of the chapel. With the light of the sun upon him he carefully placed his wife down before embracing her with a hug.

Alicia couldn’t help but wipe away a few stray happy tears as she watched her parents go.

===

Stepping out into the fresh air Sthilg smiled as he gazed at the beaming light before carefully placing his wife down carefully. " Thank you for making me the happiessst gorn in the universsse." he said as he held his wife

“No, thank you for just being you!” Deanna smiled warmly.

Sthilg feeling a sense of wholeness he hadn't felt in a long time smiled as he looked back at the crowd of his friends and family. " Thank you for being here one and all. You can't even begin to imagine how happy it makesss me to have you here on thisss mossst wonderful day. Now eat drink and be merry."