Forums » Role Playing
I'm Always By Your Side
<<Out-of-character note: the wedding and following reception took place on 15 June, 4436 (2008). >>
In one of TGFT's larger reception halls, people were bustling around, preparing for the reception. Along one side, a large buffet was being set out with foods from all over the galaxy. At the far end was a bar, stocked with ample amounts of drink-- ample, even, for the massive drinking tendencies of some of those invited. Numerous tables, covered in white tablecloths and with a small centerpiece, were laid out opposite, surrounding a cleared area for dancing. A stage stood across from the main entry.
The guests began arriving soon after, filing into the room in ones and twos. Ecka was first in, dressed in a clean boilersuit, a presence around him despite his relatively small size and age, nodding to the staff as he quietly took a seat at one of the tables. Wild Gramps followed soon after, his hair white and wearing a TGFT dress uniform, sidearms on each hip, trailing a large shipping pallet wrapped in Xithricite wrapping paper for protection.
One of the waiters approached, Atella. "Do you need some help moving it, sir?"
Gramps shook his head. "Naw, I'll let Mor do that when he is ready, besides, if we move it more it may mess up the wrapping."
"Of course, sir."
"Even brought a present for Miharu; even though it is a whole lot smaller, it cost more than the one for Mor."
Atella responded: "I'm sure they'll appreciate it."
"We all will appreciate Mor's present..."
Atella nodded, and Gramps proceeded to move the pallet over towards a corner of the room, placing a smaller package on top of it.
Denji, in an orange PA dress uniform with his councilor badge on either shoulder, entered next, followed shortly thereafter by Rowan, who was wearing flowing green robes with an intricate willow tree embroidered along the back, leaves flowing around to embrace him. Alioni, standing out with red hair, entered behind Rowan wearing a red Serco Military dress uniform and numerous implants, giving him a large frame; small packages were tucked snugly under Denji and Alioni's arms. Greetings were exchanged, and a request for Helio Mists and ale was answered by Atella.
Zathras entered, receiving a greeting from everyone, even a wave from Ecka, still sitting at his place, watching. His red hair, short height, the fake fur tails dangling from his green jumpsuit, and the TPG Super Boots 6000, overloaded with accessories, garnered some odd looks from the wait staff and guests. Looking around, he remarked, "Zathras did not expect so many people."
"Come on Zathras, what are you drinking?" asked Gramps.
"I'll have an ... no, that's not legal here. Ale?"
"Of course, sir." Atella returned to the bar to retrieve ale for Zathras and the Royhus, and a third Helio Mist for Gramps.
John Eldritch quietly walked in, his suit, shirt, and tie all black, looking slightly out of place against the white tablecloths. He nodded to the guests and made his way quickly over to the bar, proceeding to order two bottles of vodka.
"Where should we put our gifts?" asked Denji, having missed the growing pile in the corner. Atella politely indicated where the presents were being left and offered to take the packages from Denji and Alioni.
"I brought a ... err ... gift. Thing," said Zathras, making a few odd clicking noises as he ruffled through his pockets, dumping random items into a garbage bin. "No... no... not that... Where did Zathras put it? ... Ah!" he said as he pulled an old hydrospanner out, "from Zathras" engraved on it, with the "from" having been added at least fifteen years after the "Zathras" portion. "Zathras wanted to give something meaningful. Something useful and reliable." He handed the hydrospanner to Atella as well, who carried the gifts from Zathras and the Royhus to the pile.
"Not very expensive or fancy, but very very useful and dependable. Zathras' first quad-carbonate automatic ambidextrous hydrospanner." There was a short pause and some more clicking noises before Zathras continued. "Zathras has such a poor imagination, and didn't even package it."
Appetizers and more drinks from the bar were handed out among the guests as more continued arriving. Morwen quietly entered, handing her gift off to Atella before making her way to a table. Parakch followed, the Serco placing his gift on the pile and exchanging greetings with his fellow Serco at the bar.
Vardonx walked into the room, glancing around and taking stock of the situation. His dark green TGFT dress uniform a pinnacle of finery, accented with thin, flexible Heliocene ore. He bore himself in a serious manner, ordering a Helio Mist and settling down to the business of drinking it.
Arlina rushed in afterward, looking hassled and concerned, her stormy blue eyes and blond hair standing out. "I'm not late, am I?" she asked, a hand on her head attempting to flatten out the rest of the helmet-hair she'd acquired on the flight down.
"Welcome, ma'am, and no, you're not," was the reply from Atella. The room now had a small, but growing, crowd, and conversations were starting between groups of people as they waited for further arrivals. Arlina placed her gift, a thin, wrapped disk, with the others, commenting to no-one in particular about the delays at the border before heading over to sit next to Morwen, the two starting to chat animatedly about things that had happened since the last time the former classmates had seen each other.
Surbius was standing quietly in a black tuxedo with a dark green vest and liner. He had his usual blank expression on his face, his dark brown hair cut a bit short; his brown eyes missed nothing in the room, the copious amounts of alcohol that were already being consumed by TGFT members included.
Fluffy and Neagoth especially stood out. The former was wearing a TGFT dress uniform and seemed slightly uncomfortable in it, and had a large, flowing hairpiece that seemed starkly out of place compared to the person beside him. Neagoth had a bald head and wore a dark flightsuit with TGFT-green stripes along it. They were talking animatedly about trade routes. A scrap about an excellent trade route in Sedina could be heard by those standing near.
Miexon, wearing an all-black tuxedo was talking with several other PA pilots, the scar above his right eyebrow moving slightly as he spoke, a drink in his hands.
The Vipers were in their own group, alert as ever. Talos, flying under the callsign FreedomBird, stood with his right hand on the holster of the firearm attached to his Viper uniform, blue with red trim, his implant-enhanced neon-green eyes flicking over the crowd at intervals. Strat was beside him, his Viper outfit trimmed with gold and bearing councilor and lieutenant sigils. Phaserlight would have seemed out of place elsewhere, wearing a Viper dress uniform similar to Strat's, sans the lieutenant sigil, but with a dress cape dangling down and a ceremonial saber in a sash at his waist.
Hortan was sitting quietly at the bar, a few seats between him and the Vipers, nursing a Helio Mist and trying to stay out of the way of everyone else. He had on a slightly rumpled dress uniform, the propeller cap ever present, and was clearly trying his best to be presentable -- failing as usual. Mostly, he just looked lost.
People continued standing around, socializing, as food and drink flowed from the bar, the buffet still untouched, people waiting for the bride and groom -- Miharu and Mor -- to arrive. Several minutes passed.
Maharu, the eldest sister, entered the room then, and people began turning towards the door, even Hortan overcoming his shyness and approaching quietly. Her red hair, as usual, was tied up with two wrapped ponytails, and she had changed out of the formal kimono she had worn at the ceremony into another that allowed her more freedom; a cream-white background color with floral patterns throughout.
Naoko, Miharu's twin sister, was next. She was wearing a kimono similar to Maharu's, but colored an imperial purple with a different pattern. In her arms, she held Hitomi, Miharu's -- and now Mor's -- daughter, who was looking eagerly about at all the people from her position. She had on a tiny green kimono, specially fit for her small size.
The newlyweds, Miharu and Mor, entered last, holding hands, happy smiles on their faces. Miharu's kimono was a stunning sea green, worn over the pure white wedding kimono, patterns of flowers and cranes flowing across the fabric. Mor had a dark green kimono on, mostly devoid of patterns. Everyone present began clapping as they entered, a few quiet cheers emanating from the crowd as well. Mor turned his head and planted a light kiss on Miharu's cheek; Miharu returned it with a slight blush.
Miharu and Mor thanked everyone as they walked further in. Hitomi spotted her mother over Naoko's shoulder and cried "Mama!" as she came into view. Naoko let Hitomi down to the floor, allowing her to run over to her mother. Hitomi was quickly scooped up into Miharu's arms, a big smile spreading across her face. Miharu looked at the gathered crowd, slightly at a loss for words. "So, um... thanks for coming," she said, blushing again.
"This family does nothing but get larger and larger," commented Maharu quietly to the couple as she looked around the hall, prompting a slight blush from Mor.
Zathras quietly poked his waist and whispered to Ecka: "Zathras is not getting larger, clothes are getting smaller," garnering a chuckle from the old miner.
Amid the applause, Denji approached Mor, asking, "So, Mor, how does it feel? Has it sunk in yet?"
"No... not yet... I'm just happy to be so lucky," he responded, his eyes showing how happy he was.
Zathras approached, looking curious, saying, "Zathras wants to see the rings! Are there rings? Zathras might have misunderstood, but there was talk of rings."
"Yes, there's rings," Mor said, holding up his right hand and Miharu's left to show the rings to everyone around, matching white gold bands.
The buffet opened soon afterward, everyone present making their way over to help themselves to the ample selection of food; several of the waitstaff helping to serve people before they headed to the tables to eat.
Miharu transferred Hitomi to Mor's arms, serving herself as Mor filled a plate for himself and Hitomi before they sat down together at the same table as Miharu's schoolmates.
Amid the conversation, Maharu leaned over towards Arlina, and quietly asked, "Is Nolan here yet?"
"No, the lazy bum didn't respond to any of my calls. One would think that calling him a fork-tongued toaster would get him to respond, but I dunno..."
Nolan entered through the doorway just then, clad in a red Serco dress uniform with a SCAR patch on the shoulder, and looked around. Maharu gave a glance at Arlina, and shrugged slightly, before she waved Nolan over.
He approached the group, and introductions were made--he and Morwen had not met before--as well as Nolan's congratulations to the couple. Nolan planted a kiss on his wife before moving off to chat with the Vipers and his fellow Serco.
"Ecka, do you think there will be dancing? Zathras is afraid of dancing. Long story, no fun," Zathras asked, shaking his head, taking a deep drink from his ale. Ecka nodded in the affirmative, and several of the other persons at the bar also responded.
"A little bit, Zath, but you don't need to dance if you don't want to," Naoko added.
"Ah, wanting to is not the problem. Zathras wants to dance, but always ends up stepping on toes. Not a pretty sight."
"Well, Zathras, you can come dance near me, I guarantee my toes won't mind!" Denji exclaimed with a chuckle.
"Your toes won't feel anything, Denji," Naoko responded with a laugh. "It'd probably take a crate of samoflange to get them to notice." Denji grinned, and Zathras looked down at his over-sized, over-teched, and over-expensive boots and wondered if that were true.
Miharu stood up and walked over towards Parakch at the bar, but not before running her fingers through Mor's hair, prompting a quick smile. Parakch spotted her quickly as she approached. "Hello, Little One." Miharu closed the rest of the distance and gave him a generous hug. "For such little arms, you certainly are still able to knock the wind out of me," the Serco commented.
"Glad you could make it." Miharu smiled at him.
Atella, who appeared to be the waiter in charge, re-entered the room, wheeling with him a large cart with a three-tiered white wedding cake atop. Icing covered the tops and sides, and was worked into filigree along the edges. Ornamental ribbons descended from the top tier to the bottom of the cake. Atop the cake sat a small statue of Miharu and Mor, their hands clasped -- carved specially for the couple by Nolan's meticulous blade before being painted in minute detail by Maharu.
Denji let out a quick whistle as the cake entered, and Miharu turned from Parakch, "ooh"ing at it. Mor turned as well, glancing from Miharu to the cake before he gently handed Hitomi off to Maharu and joined his wife in approaching the cake, which now had a crowd around it from all the guests.
Atella handed the couple a cake knife, which they grasped together, their hands overlapping on the grip. Slowly, they made the first cut together, and then made the second, removing the slice and placing it on a nearby plate. Miharu removed a piece from the slice with her hand and offered it to Mor, holding it near his mouth. Mor did the same, each smiling broadly at the other, their eyes locked. Mor and Miharu both ate the piece offered to them from the other's hand, to scattered applause from the guests. Mor placed the plate aside after they finished their first bites and leaned in to kiss Miharu, the couple embraced, to more cheers from the crowd.
Mor and Miharu continued feeding each other the cake, as the wait staff began cutting further slices, which were handed out to the guests. The complements, both on the design, and the taste, were numerous.
Out of the main crowd, beside Ecka, Zathras had a communicator pressed to his ear. After a few moments, he returned it to his pocket and said to Ecka, "Will you please tell them Zathras is very sorry, but there was an incident with the Sector R-L communication central, and it is important for Zathras' future income that he go and minimize damage." Ecka nodded, and Zathras quietly left out a back door.
Several bottles of champagne and trays of glasses were taken out, placed on the bartop, and filled. Atella took the first tray and began distributing the glasses, Mor and Miharu first, as other wait staff followed suit. As all the guests received their champagne, Rowan and several of the Vipers excepted, they turned towards the newlyweds expectantly. Arlina was totally absorbed in eating her cake and missed the champagne and impending event until Morwen elbowed her. Nolan approached towards the centre, watching intently.
He raised his glass slightly and began the first toast. Not a man of many words, his voice seemed shockingly powerful. "I first met Mor Isil deep within the Helios system. I was flying under the callsign Burwell Everson at the time. He was mining an asteroid. While his Sigma logo was quite plain on the side of that ship, I ran his name by my superiors. Without any delay, I was ordered to destroy his vessel as a threat to Pyronis space."
"Those of you who know me can guess what happened next." Nolan paused for a moment, letting the statement sink in. Several of the assembled looked uneasily at one another, knowing Mor's vessel should not have survived. "No, I didn't kill him. He is still here today! My finger left the trigger when his hull reached a single-digit percentage. Then he did what 'Tani dogs do best and got his behind out of there!" There was some good-natured laughing from all present.
"It caused a heck of a diplomatic incident between SCAR and Sigma. That isn't what we're here to talk about, though. What impressed me was how quickly Miharu came to his aid, even though she avoided combat."
"Even then, they made quite a team. And even better, Mor and I started the rivalry that we now share today as brothers. Here's wishing the best to the best team that known space has ever seen." Nolan raised his glass slightly higher, along with everyone else, before he took a sip, amid a chorus of agreements. Mor gave a sheepish smile as he drank, squeezing Miharu's hand gently.
Nolan stepped back to stand beside his wife, giving a slight nod at Mor and Miharu. John Eldritch stepped forward, a bottle of vodka in either hand, one mostly empty. "I'll try to keep this short and sweet… after all, this bottle's almost empty." A few chuckles resulted from this.
"I've known Mor pretty much since I first journeyed out on that first fateful coolant run. He used to strike me--back then he actually could!--as a bit of a loner, but a man of honor and a guy you could respect. I have to admit, I kind of missed him when he went AWOL for a few months last year--what was it, Morie; an embarrassing medical condition or something?--but when he came back, I was delighted he decided to join us in the universe's premier drink… err, trading guild." More laughing ensued, and even Hortan had a smile on his face. "Since then, he's proved again and again he's a guy I can trust with my life. I've lost count of the number of times after another legendary night out, I've woken up back in my quarters against all the odds--err, fully clothed I must add."
"However, now Mor's got himself hitched, he's got two far more important people to care for so I guess Waldoze and I are gonna have to find a new designated pilot.
At least I'll always have a place I can call 'second home' in Eo… well, if they ever give me the address that is! I promise not to fill the spare room with education disks." Mor and Miharu looked at each other for a moment, smiling.
"So what can I say about Miharu? Probably not much unless I want to experience that trademark Mor Isil glare!" Mor blushed slightly, looking around. "Seriously though, she's added an extra dimension to the guild since she's joined us. I can always rely on her for some quality banter, to help keep my wits sharp… and often to say what I'm actually thinking allowing me to stay happily spineless!"
"Mih's brought a touch of class to the place and even a family atmosphere with little Hitomi running about the corridors--although Fluffy's still not that comfortable having to wear pants around HQ!" Fluffy tried to scowl at this, but failed, his face breaking into a slightly embarrassed grin. "You've got yourself a stand-up babe there, Mor. I'm sure I don't need to tell you to treat her right." Mor and Miharu both blushed at this, their hands squeezed together. Hitomi let out a little giggle at her name.
"Anyway, that's more than enough prattling from me; the sooner we get to see Mor on the dance floor doing his infamous Setalli Shuffle, the better. So please raise both your glasses--if you've only got one you're not trying hard enough--and join me in wishing Miharu, Mor and Hitomi all the best for their future together."
"Ladies and Gentlemen; the Bride and Groom… Cheers!" Everyone raised their glasses, though only a few had two, and toasted with John, the resounding chorus of "Cheers!" only interrupted by the people who were still laughing. Mor and Miharu both had big grins on their faces.
John stepped back, his bottle drained. Ecka slowly made his way through the crowd next, those in his path parted for the ancient miner, who projected an air of calm certainty around him despite his appearance. He spoke, his voice loud enough that everyone could hear it without it seeming to be raised: "There is much to being the Commander of a great guild such as ours. One of the great pleasures it brings me is seeing our members flourish not only in trade, but in their lives as part of our Community. Today we see Mor an Miharu joining together as part of our wider family, and we wish them the best of happiness for a long and prosperous life within the greater family of TGFT."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, charge your glasses, join me in a toast to Mor Isil and Miharu. Cheers." He raised a bottle of Helio Mist and drank deeply from it, everyone following his example. Ecka stepped back, and returned to the bar for another drink amid applause from the TGFT there.
"I guess tradition says I need to make a toast now," said Mor. The room became quiet, everyone turning towards him. He took a breath, unsure of how to phrase his feelings in words. "I first met Miharu when she was my commander in Sigma... but I think I first met her for real one day in Odia outside the Mak." Miharu blushed, remembering the incident.
"Soon after, we started spending more time together, and I realized that... that I loved her... after looking into her eyes for real that first time-- that I love you, Miharu, more than anything else." Miharu blushed even redder.
"I guess I'm probably the luckiest person in the room... lucky that I've found the love of my life, lucky that I will be spending the rest of my life with her, and that I have all you wonderful people here to share this moment with."
Mor lightly clinked his glass on Miharu's before they sipped, everyone else present raising their glasses in toast to the couple as well. As Mor finished his sip, he placed his glass aside and leaned in to kiss Miharu once more, his arms wrapping around her as she stood on her toes so he didn't have to lean down as far.
"Three cheers for the bride and groom!" shouted Denji. "Hip hip…"
"Hooray!" responded the rest of the crowd, the sequence repeated twice more. Mor and Miharu blushed slightly at the antics, but didn't break their kiss for almost a minute.
After Miharu broke her kiss with Mor, her sister gently touched her arm, nodding her head in the direction of the stage when she had Miharu's attention. "Think it's about time to do your own 'toast'?" she asked.
Miharu glanced at the stage briefly, thinking only for a moment before nodding in response. "Yeah," she said quietly. She let go of Mor slowly, turning and walking towards the stage, Maharu following close behind. Halfway there she waved to Naoko, who was still over by the bar chatting with Denji and Alioni. Naoko nodded and put down her drink before following her sisters to the stage.
Three vox projectors had been set up on the stage, and as they stepped up onto the stage to stand next to them, the crowd went silent, turning their attention towards the trio. Miharu hesitated, then swallowed to clear her throat before speaking:
"It's my turn to make a 'toast' of sorts," she began. "Unfortunately I'm not quite as good at just getting up and speaking my mind in front of so many people, as some of you might know..." Miharu blushed slightly, continuing. "So I thought I'd do it in a slightly different manner -- with a song that a few people here might remember," she said, glancing briefly at her two former schoolmates sitting at one of the tables. "This song was a favorite of the little group I was in during flight school; we came across it while browsing the school's library of old music. It's not written in Standard, but there should be copies of the lyrics, with a translation, on the tables, for those who are interested. Out of all the songs I could have picked, I chose this one because I feel that it is the closest to describing how I feel about you, Mor."
Miharu looked at her sisters, and they silently counted off a pickup measure, then started to sing as the music began, turned on by Atella, who was standing over by the control panel.
"'Unmei no hito nante iru wake nai'
Nante minna waratte ita kedo.
Ima kanjiteru itami wa, tashika na... mono dakara...
Ki ga tsuite watashi wa itsu demo... anata de kagayaite iru kara..."
"There's no such thing as a soulmate,"
That's what they said, laughing at me.
But this pain that I'm feeling is something tangible.
Look at me; I'm always shining because of you.
"Kanjiteru, kanjite nai,
Omoi sugu ni todoketai hohoenda sono... kuchibiru ni.
Furete mitai, furete miru,
Toki wo tomete, se-nobi shite sotto kiss shita-i..."
Feelings I have, feelings I don't have.
I want to speak them to your smiling lips right now.
I want to touch you, I'm going to touch you,
I want to stop time and grow taller, because I want to kiss you.
"Moshimo asa mezame tara, anata ga ite...
'Ohayou' nante waratteitte nara.
Kitto karadajuu torokete... hakanai... awa ni naru.
Surechigau tada sono isshun de... kokyuu ga tomari, souni naru no..."
If you're here in the mornings when I wake up,
Smiling and wishing me a "Good Morning"
Surely my insides will melt into fleeting [bubbles/suds/foam/froth], as
Just the moment of our chance meeting takes my breath away.
"Mitsumeteru, mitsumetenai?
Anata no me ni watashi dake utsushidasu hi ga kimasu youni!
Todoitenai, todoiteru?
Haruka tooku, ano hoshi ni negai kaketa..."
Can you see it? Can't you see it?
The day that when only I am reflected in your eyes.
Can't you reach it? Can you reach it?
The distant stars that hold our wishes?
"Kikoeteru?
Sakenteru koe ni naranai kotoba wo...
Mou hagure nai youni..."
Can you hear it?
The words they send that can't be said,
They won't ever be lost.
The music segued into an instrumental. The crowed divided its attention between the sisters on-stage and following along with the lyrics on paper. Mor spent less of the latter and more of the former, his eyes fixed on his wife and following along with the song out of the corner of his eyes.
Nolan, too, watched his wife, knowing that she was singing for him as much as Miharu was for Mor. A few people quietly commented to each other during the instrumental interlude. Some said that the song was touching; a few said that it was over-the-top and sappy. Nolan and Mor, however, both knew that it was genuine.
People became quiet once again as the sisters resumed their song.
"Kanjiteru, kanjite nai,
Omoi sugu ni todoketai hohoenda sono... kuchibiru ni.
Furete mitai, furete miru,
Toki wo tomete, se-nobi shite, sotto kiss shita-i..."
Feelings I have, feelings I don't have...
I want to speak them to your smiling lips right now.
I want to touch you, I'm going to touch you,
I want to stop time and grow taller, because I want to kiss you.
"Shinjiteru, shinjite nai?
Atsui omoi afuredasu kokoro made oboreru kurai!
Dakishimetai, dakishimete...
Kanau no nara eien no ai wo chikau no..."
Do you believe it? Do you not believe it?
I'm almost drowning from these hot feelings overflowing in my heart!
I want to hug you, hug you
So that it'll come true, this promise of eternal love.
Mor never took his eyes from Miharu, and blushed more and more as the sisters continued their song. He beamed brightly at Miharu as the song finished, and stood with the rest of the crowd and clapped. Hortan stared into a bottle of Helio Mist as he clapped, contemplating his Queen. Nolan watched Maharu and clapped Mor on the back. Ifor, who stood at the height of some of the Serco, with bald head and bespectacled face, muttered something about losing another person to women.
The sisters made their way off the stage. Miharu and Mor came together and embraced once again, exchanging quiet comments about her toast. Maharu joined Nolan, the two more quiet and reserved than the younger couple. After a short time, Mor took Miharu's hand and lead her onto the dance floor.
Everyone became quiet as the two reached the centre. Naoko flipped on some waltz music for the two as they began their waltz, their eyes locked in each other's gaze. Miharu quietly whispered the steps to Mor as they circled around the floor.
When the first song finished, Mor and Miharu came together again and kissed, amid applause from the surrounding people. Mor escorted Miharu off the dance floor and to Ecka, who had volunteered for the father-daughter dance. Miharu pecked Mor on the cheek before joining the ancient miner on the dance floor, his boilersuit and Miharu's kimono looking out-of-place together. Ecka moved faster than his age would seem to indicate, his steps the product of many years of practicing.
As the song finished, Ecka walked Miharu back to Mor, bowing to her as he handed her off. The music continued and people began to take to the floor. Nolan and Maharu started off, their feet moving with perfect synchronization, thanks to past experience and training. Morwen and Alioni went out next, twirling across the floor a little quicker than the pace at which the music was intended to be danced. They were followed by Arlina and Denji; the Grey Spacer and the Itani proceeding at a far more subdued pace. Only a few steps around the floor proved Arlina to be the more experienced and confident of the two. Others soon joined the crowd; Mor and Miharu re-entered for another dance together.
Many of those less-inclined to dance congregated beside the bar. Vodka and Helio Mists flowed in excessive amounts as John Eldritch and Waldoze told fanciful tales of exploits that were probably not suitable for a wedding reception, much to the amusement of all those listening.
Maharu and Nolan finished their dance with a modest, but lingering, kiss, and exited the floor. Gramps approached the couple. "I hope you don't mind, but perhaps you would enjoy a dance with me?" he asked.
Nolan gave Gramps a long look before shrugging. Maharu didn't seem to mind. "One dance couldn't hurt," she said, and allowed herself to be escorted onto the floor. Nolan made his way over towards the Vipers, all of whom were avoiding the copious amounts of alcohol that was flowing.
Miharu and Mor finished their second dance and exited the floor. Several more people approached them to offer their congratulations personally. Naoko approached the two and tapped him lightly on the shoulder. "Can the third wheel have a dance too?" she asked.
Mor smiled slightly and nodded. "Of course," he responded, glancing at Miharu before taking Naoko's hand, escorting her to the floor for a dance together. Miharu continued receiving congratulations from people before she went over to her daughter. Arlina and Denji, and Morwen and Alioni were still dancing. Alioni continued his impressive style, literally sweeping Morwen off her feet once.
Gramps and Maharu finished their dance. Gramps bowed to her, saying, "Ma'am, a pleasure to dance with one so talented." Nolan heard the comment from where he was with the other Vipers, and scowled at Gramps a bit.
Maharu simply smiled happily and thanked Gramps before she returned to her husband's side. Naoko and Mor finished their dance, and the two of them both bowed to each other. Mor returned to Miharu's side and ruffled Hitomi's hair. Gramps ordered two Helio Mists from the bar and approached the couple, handing one of the glasses to Mor. "Cheers Mor, I know you haven't had your Mist today!" They both raised their glasses and sipped, Mor nodding in thanks to Gramps. Mor and Miharu shared the drink, and soon finished it.
The music shifted again and Denji and Arlina finished their dance, bowing to each other. Alioni lifted Morwen again and twirled her as the song ended before setting her gently on her feet. "Whee... thanks Alioni," she said, brushing a strand of her brown hair from her eyes, a wide smile on her face.
"No, thank you," he responded and bowed before returning to his uncle.
Nolan spoke quietly to his wife with Arlina in his sights. "I've been waiting for this for some time now." Maharu gave him a small push of encouragement, her face showing visible amusement. He wasted no time approaching the blond Itani.
"Would you care to dance?"
Two years of history beginning with an ill-fated dogfight in Deneb flashed through Arlina's mind in an instant. She nodded her assent, fixing her blue eyes on the large Serco as she was steered back to the floor. Wearers of the ITAN and SCAR patches in embrace was an unusual sight to say the least, and few failed to notice. As Maharu looked on, Nolan and Arlina spent most of their dance in quiet conversation. Neither seemed prepared when the music wound to a close. Nolan parted with a dashing kiss of the Itani pilot's hand. Her eyes followed after him looking for all the world as if she wanted more time. Maharu clasped his arm jealously when he reached her side, but didn't seem concerned about his time spent with another.
"Did someone say time for presents?" Gramps playfully elbowed Mor in the ribs. "Have fun with those, you two," he said, chuckling.
Miharu and Mor had both completely forgotten about that part of the reception, and made this clear with their responses.
"Presents?" Miharu asked, looking up from Mor's glass of Helio Mists.
"Oh, yeah..." Mor replied quietly, pointing over towards the pile in the corner of the hall, now remembering what Gramps was talking about.
"Ooh... I didn't even notice those were there," Miharu responded. Mor set their empty glass aside and took her hand, going to the pile of presents. The rest of the crowd soon noticed, and the guests started gathering over by the newlyweds.
"I don't know which one to pick first," Miharu said, blushing.
Mor smiled and suggested the present from Arlina.
"Which one was that?" she asked, looking at the pile.
"The disk-shaped one, I think," Mor replied as he reached over and gently plucked it from the pile, handing it to Miharu with a smile.
Miharu slowly unwrapped the package, trying as much as she could to avoid ripping the wrapping paper. She lifted a large holodisk out and looked at it, handing it to Mor so that he could do the same. Mor turned it over a few times, inspecting the way the data contained on the disk made patterns and shapes in the material. "What's on it?" he asked, holding it up to the light.
"Oh... just some archival footage from when you both were in flight school... plus some extra stuff from the Makchuga, thanks to Naoko," she added, nodding at Miharu's twin.
Miharu got up and hugged Arlina tightly, thanking her as Mor placed the holodisk aside on the table nearby, picking Denji's gift from the pile before he sat down again next to Miharu.
Mor began carefully unwrapping the package. He slowly revealed an ornate drinking horn. "It's been a Royhu tradition for quite some time to gift drinking horns to our friends and loved ones at weddings," Denji said. "This one is for you, and Ali's gift is a matching one for Miha." Mor reached out and picked up Alioni's gift for Miharu, who started unwrapping it in the same manner as before.
"They fit together to form a heart, too, for, err, storage purposes..." Denji added, blushing as he trailed off.
"Thank you!" Miharu said, with a big smile in her eyes. Mor nodded his agreement, a grin spread across his face.
Alioni continued: "The end has a cap, too, which you can remove, either to drink from or to use as a hunting horn."
"A hunting horn?" Miharu asked.
"Not that you'd have much use for a hunting horn, but who knows."
"We don't do any hunting... but thanks," Mor said.
Denji nudged him slightly and grinned. "Who knows, you could use it whenever you enter B-8."
"Mor could, that's for sure," Miharu said.
Mor chuckled quietly and fit the two horns together into their heart-shape, admiring them. Mor smiled a bit at the look, "Very nice, thanks, Denji. And, thank you, Alioni."
"Thank you both," Miharu added. Mor placed the horns beside the holodisk, being careful not to scratch or otherwise damage them. Miharu picked up the present from Ecka, a thin package not two millimeters in height and rectangular in shape.
She unwrapped it slowly, revealing an ornate keycard. "Ooh... and what's the keycard for?" Mor asked as Miharu turned the card over and examined it.
The ancient miner took a sip of his whiskey before speaking. "Many years ago when I was a young man, I bought an apartment in Jallik Garden..."
"Is this the key for it?" Mor asked, anticipating where Ecka was going.
"I had just made my first billion and I thought I would treat myself," he continued. "I had it done to my specification, equipped for the er... finer things that... er... young folk might... er... find... er..." he trailed off, trying to find the right word. Then he began blushing bright red. "Stimulating?" he finished.
"Thank you," Miharu and Mor said, smiling even though they were both still blushing brightly. A few people in the crowd made quiet comments about what exactly would be in the apartment.
"Well, all yours now, enjoy." Ecka smiled at the young couple knowingly before returning to his drink.
"We will..." Miharu said as she squeezed Mor's hand a bit, still blushing slightly.
Zathras snuck back in behind everyone else, moving quietly towards Ecka. He whispered, "Did Zathras avo--" he coughed. "Miss the dancing?"
Ecka nodded. Naoko heard the question as well and responded, "Yes, Zath, you did manage to 'miss' the dancing." She gave him a quick wink and a small smile.
Next, Mor opened the gift from Nolan and Maharu. "This one is pretty heavy.." he thought aloud as he set it on his lap. He removed the wrapping, revealing a wooden wall hanging the size of his chest. Carved into the wood was the image of Mor and Miharu just as their lips were about to meet for a kiss. Maharu had added the final touch, making the three dimensional carving look almost real with her paintbrush.
"Another carving, Nolan?" he asked.
Nolan's response was short and to the point. "I thought I'd stick with my strengths."
Mor held up the carving in front of his face, leaning over to kiss Miharu behind it.
"Hey, it DOES look real!" someone called from the back, causing the couple to blush bright red as the crowd laughed.
When things calmed down a bit, Mor reached over and started unwrapping Gramps' gift -- easily the largest present there -- a gigantic box covered in a fine Xithricite wrapping paper. Slowly pealing it off, he revealed a large shipping pallet, with many cases of Helio Mists neatly stacked on it-- two hundred in all. "Wow... that's a lot. Thanks, Gramps," Mor said. Miharu thanked him as well.
"Now when you get back, you can invite me over to enjoy it with you!" Gramps teased.
Miharu giggled. "Wouldn't have it any other way," she said. "We'll just have to have a party again when we get back." She picked up a smaller present, also from Gramps, that was sitting atop the pallet with the Mists. Unwrapping it, she revealed a small jewelry case. "Ooooh, I needed one of these," she smiled happily.
"That's an antique case, hand-carved from real Ebony wood from Sol's old Amazon Rain Forest," Gramps said. Miharu oohed again, thanking him before putting the case aside gently.
She glanced at the pile, reaching over and picking off a smaller, rectangle-shaped parcel wrapped in blue-green paper. Morwen looked on in anticipation, her brown eyes gleaming as she watched Miharu start to unwrap the package in the same way she'd unwrapped all the previous ones -- methodically and cleanly, taking care not to rip the paper; almost mechanical, in fact.
Miharu pulled out a black book with a blue binding. Opening it carefully, she flipped through several of the clean white pages, noting that they were all blank. "A scrapbook?" she asked, looking at Morwen, who grinned.
"Yeah," she replied. "Make sure to take lots of pictures!"
"Of course," Miharu and Mor replied, speaking as one. Miharu playfully jabbed Mor in the side with her elbow, her quip of "My line!" prompting a blush from Mor.
Zathras looked on, muttering something quietly to himself about "private moments," garnering a chuckle from those standing next to him.
Miharu handed the scrapbook to Mor, pulling a small present off the now-dwindling pile. She unwrapped it, revealing a jet black box with a dark red lid. "What's in it?" Mor asked as Miharu cracked the lid open to look inside.
"Betheshee spices!" she responded happily, looking around for Parakch, before spotting him standing next to Denji and Alioni.
He winked, grinning at Miharu. "I remembered you used to pile them on your food when you used to visit... thought that perhaps you could use some more."
Miharu bobbed her head happily, already thinking of what dishes she would be using them in when she returned home from the honeymoon. "Thanks!"
Parakch winked. "You are most welcome," he replied as she placed the case aside.
Mor reached over the pallet of Helio Mists and picked up Zathras' Hydrospanner. "Oooh. That's a really high-end model," Miharu commented, Mor nodding in agreement.
"Useful. Dependable. Like Zathras," Zathras chuckled.
"Indeed!" Miharu replied, smiling at the small man.
"Zathras's first one. It brings luck."
Miharu blushed. "Thank you, Zathras..."
"Ooh, thank you very much," Mor added. Miharu hugged Zathras, who hugged back and blushed bright red.
"You are very welcome."
Mor looked at the pile, not seeing any further presents.
"Miharu?" Maharu said. Miharu turned around, facing her older sister. "Here's another." She handed her a small envelope. "A friend of yours said to give that to you. Don't open it until you have some time to sit down and read it, okay?"
Miharu looked from the envelope to her sister before nodding.
"Ehm, Mor, Miha?" Hortan was standing a bit to the side, shy as always. "I know it is not much, but as you know I have a lot of time among the roids, and some of it I use to sift through various destroyed data in the hope that I find some information from old Earth."
Mor and Miharu nodded, actually both had helped at one time or other, finding defunct hard drives for him to work with.
"And I know it is not much, but I found something that I think you should have. A piece of music from old Earth that I think you can appreciate in the long evenings alone over a glass of Mists." He held out an old style disc with a label in rather childish handwriting. "Chopin, Nocturne Op. 9-1 in B-flat Minor, I am not sure what it means, but it is very pretty."
Miharu carefully took the disc from Hortan. "Wow... thank you," she said, a bit surprised that Hortan had thought of something like that.
"Thank you, Hort. I'm sure we'll enjoy it," Mor said, smiling at the young man. Miharu smiled as well, placing the disc aside gently so as to not damage it. Then she moved forward and hugged Hortan tightly, thanking him again.
Hortan stammered a response, his face bright red. "Uhm... it was... no problem.. Er, you're very welcome." Miharu broke the embrace and gave him another smile, the one she reserved only for Hortan. He blushed still redder, his shyness taking over as he moved away.
Gramps bowed to the newlyweds. "Duty calls, so please excuse" me he said, saying his goodbyes to the other guests as he left.
Miharu looked at Mor and asked, "What's next?"
Mor considered for a short moment. "Saying goodbye to all these nice people and... then the honeymoon..." He smiled at Miharu.
"Already?"
"Oh, while I remember," Zath said.
"Yes, Zath?" Mor asked. Miharu looked over at him.
"Zathras was going to do this later, but there is no time later if you leave now." He put his hand in his pockets and started to rummage around, looking slightly worried. "Ah!"
"We have time," Mor said.
Zathras's face lit up. He withdrew a small, black box with a Jolly Roger engraved on the lid. "It's not strictly legal, Zathras must admit, but it is a lot of fun."
Miharu and Mor looked at the box, wondering. "What is it?" Miharu asked.
"It is Real Coffee, from Sol." Zathras handed the box to Miharu as several of the guests' eyes widened.
Miharu took the box gently, almost as if she were afraid she would damage it. Both she and Mor thanked Zathras profusely.
"It has caffeine in it, heavy doses, so use with care," Zathras added, smiling. "For those late nights." Mor and Miharu glanced at each other, blushing.
"Thanks, Zathras," Miharu said.
"Yes, thank you very much," Mor concurred again.
"Oh, you are very welcome. Zathras needs to quit anyway. This is the last of it."
Miharu carefully put the case of coffee aside. Zathras quietly slipped out of the centre of the crowd and made his way back to the bar.
Hitomi toddled over to Miharu and looked up at her mother. Both Miharu and Mor looked down at their daughter, smiling. She held up a small card. "Mama, here."
Miharu picked Hitomi up and placed her in her lap. She opened the card and read it, Mor looking over her shoulder and doing the same. In cute chicken-scratch handwriting, "Happy marry mama and dada," was legible.
"Thank you, Hitomi," Mor and Miharu said at the same time. Miharu hugged her daughter to her chest and kissed her forehead; Mor reached over and gently ruffled Hitomi's hair. Hitomi giggled happily from the attention, hugging her mother back as she smiled at Mor.
Phaserlight approached the couple, the other Vipers behind him, and bowed. "Bon voyage," he said. "Duty calls."
Miharu blushed at the formality. "Thank you for coming," Mor said. "Stay safe." Miharu nodded in agreement.
"The Vipers will do their best to keep the space lanes safe on your honeymoon," Phaserlight added, as he, Strat, and Talos turned to leave.
"Good luck out there," Denji added.
"Thanks," Miharu and Mor both said to the Vipers at the same time.
They nodded their thanks in response as they left in sharp military order, preparing to return to their ships, then duty once they had changed into more suitable attire.
"Well, it's almost time for the Nation War, those of you who were planning to participate... we won't keep you," Miharu said, smiling. A few of the more combat-oriented guests were slightly surprised, having forgotten about the event amid the alcohol and other festivities.
Denji approached the couple next, Alioni a bit behind him, shy. "I hope you both have an absolutely lovely honeymoon, and I'll see you when you get back!" Denji exclaimed, happily.
"Thank you, Denji," Mor and Miharu replied.
"Indeed, all the best," Ecka added, the ancient miner having come from the bar and made his way through the crowd without anyone noticing him.
"Thanks for inviting me," Alioni said. "This was lovely."
"Your most welcome," Miharu responded.
"You're all very welcome, thanks for coming," Mor said, Miharu nodding in agreement.
"Thanks for letting Zathras in."
"Of course, Zathras," Miharu replied. "Any time," Mor added.
Denji shook Mor's hand, then extended his hand to Miharu. She was still speaking to Zathras. "After all, I wouldn't be part of this family if it weren't for your suggestions in the first place, Zath." Zathras smiled in response. Miharu took Denji's hand as she finished speaking, and shook it lightly.
"Have a great time, we'll keep the galaxy from flying apart while you're gone," Denji said. The other PA present nodded in agreement.
"We shall also be taking our leave, as everyone else seems to be going," Rowan said. "Wouldn't want to delay the honeymoon!"
Miharu and Mor thanked both Denji and Rowan.
"We have had our misunderstandings, but that is all in the past now, Miharu," Zathras said.
Miharu smiled. "Indeed it is."
Denji rounded up Alioni, and the two left, both waving as they did. The rest of the Phoenix Alliance followed soon after, a few lingering to give their personal congratulations to Mor and Miharu again before doing so.
Ecka gave his final well-wishes to the couple, and the remaining people.
"Thank you for coming, Ecka," Mor said to his commander.
"Later Ecka," Miharu said as well. "Good luck." She paused for a moment, and blushed slightly. "And thank you for the apartment." Mor nodded and blushed as well. Ecka just gave a knowing smile, then left. He was needed to host the Nation War event.
Zathras quietly passed Ecka a new bag of tobacco as he left. "Thanks for the loan," he whispered.
"Thank you for inviting us," Rowan said in his melodic voice, before he turned and left with the couple's thanks. "Until we see you again, friends."
The waitstaff was moving around in the background, cleaning now that many of the guests had left.
"Well, we should probably get going soon," Miharu said.
"Mama?" Hitomi said, before she embraced her mother, Miharu returning her daughter's hug.
"Zathras should be going then." He approached and offered Mor his hand, the two shaking.
"Bye, Zath, thanks for coming," Mor said.
"Thanks again for coming, Zath," Miharu said as well. "We'll see you when we get back."
"Have a good honeymoon, and let Zathras know if you need anything!"
"We will," the two both replied.
The couple both thanked Zathras for the hydrospanner. He responded, "Oh, enjoy it. Very useful." Zathras turned and walked out, the couple waving to him, and he back.
Parakch walked over to Miharu and Mor. "I'd best be leaving as well, Little One."
Miharu nodded. "Thank you for coming, it's been too long since I've seen you."
"Indeed it has. And give me a shout next time you're near SkyCommand, hear?" Parakch ruffled Miharu's hair, grinning.
She smiled back. "Will do."
He turned to Mor, his face serious now. "And you, you take care of her."
"I will."
"I mean it."
"I know, and I won't let anything happen to her."
"Good." Parakch extended his hand again. Mor took it and shook.
"Right then, back to work for me," Parakch said. He turned and departed, giving a small wave to the couple, who responded likewise.
Hortan shyly approached the couple. "Uhm... thanks for," he stammered. "Inviting me. I had... a great time." Hortan blushed, and looked down.
"Of course, Hortan," Miharu responded. She smiled at him and hugged him once again, causing him to blush even more.
"Anytime, Hort," Mor added, shaking his hand as Miharu released him.
"Thanks again...I better get going....mining and such....." Hortan trailed off.
John walked up and clapped Mor on the shoulder. "Enjoy the honeymoon, mate," he said. "See you when you get back... and no more glaring!" he winked. Ifor, Fluffy, Vardonx, Neagoth, and the other TGFT made similar comments from various states of drunkenness.
Hortan turned and left first, his propeller hat spinning as he walked. He blushed bright red from some of the comments he heard from the rest of the drunk TGFTers following behind him.
Arlina and Morwen were the only guests left. "I wonder how Astrologica is handling all the extra work today," Arlina pondered.
"Who's that?" Morwen asked.
"My intern. I should probably go check on him to make sure he hasn't buried himself in datapads and forms. I'll see you two when you get back."
"Thanks for coming," Mor said.
Arlina walked up to Miharu and hugged her, Miharu returning it. "Least I could do after all these years."
"Thanks," Miharu said, still hugging her schoolmate.
"I'll be leaving, then." Arlina and Miharu released each other, and she departed, waving.
Naoko turned to Hitomi. "Ready to go home, Hitomi?"
Hitomi looked back at her aunt. "Home!"
"Say 'bye' to Mama first. You won't see her for a little while."
"Mama go 'way?" Hitomi asked.
"We won't be gone for long, Hitomi," Mor replied.
"Just for a little while. You can always call if you want to talk to me." Miharu smiled at her daughter.
Hitomi cupped her hand around her ear, mimicking calling. "Yes, Hitomi, that's right," Naoko said.
"Bye-bye Mama!" Mother and daughter hugged again.
"Love you, Hitomi. You be good for Naoko and Morwen, okay?" Miharu said.
Hitomi nodded. "Bye, Hitomi," Mor said.
She released her mother and hugged Mor, who hugged her back, planting a light kiss on her head. "Bye-bye, Otou!"
"Do I get a hug too?" Maharu asked. Hitomi climbed down from Mor and ran to her aunt, hugging her. "That's better... you were a good girl today, Hitomi." Hitomi grinned happily at her aunt. "Now go with Naoko and Morwen. I'll stop by in a few days to check on you."
"Okay!" Hitomi said cheerfully.
Naoko came over and scooped Hitomi up into her arms. "Let's go make you some pancakes, mm?"
"Pancakes!"
"Thanks, Naoko," Miharu said.
"No problem at all."
Morwen approached Miharu and hugged her tightly, winking. "I'll make sure she doesn't get spoiled."
Mor thanked her. Morwen released her schoolmate and followed Naoko and Hitomi out of the room.
Maharu and Nolan were the only other people left, aside from the wait staff cleaning up the room. "Well..." Maharu said. "Congratulations, you two."
"Thanks," Mor replied happily.
"Come and visit Nolan and I when you get back. You should see the new place."
"We will," Mor and Miharu answered at the same time.
Nolan spoke, chiming in with an awkward piece of advice. "Make sure to drink lots of water," he said. "Champagne only dries you out." The couple nodded in response.
Miharu then rushed over to her older sister and hugged her tightly. "Thank you... thank you for everything."
Mor walked behind his wife. "Yes, thanks for everything."
"What are sisters for, mm?" She paused. "Now, go and have fun. I'll send the larger presents home for you."
Miharu released her sister from the hug and stood by Mor, their hands squeezing together and fingers intertwined. She glanced from Maharu to Mor. "Ready?"
"Yes," Mor happily answered, leaning in to kiss Miharu quickly.
Maharu grinned. "Okay you two. Save it for the honeymoon." The newlyweds blushed. "Now shoo, I'll wrap things up here." She noticed that Miharu was still holding the envelope in her hand. "Don't open that for a bit, okay?"
Miharu nodded and handed the envelope to Mor, who put it in a pocket. "Let's go." Mor smiled at his wife.
Maharu collected the smaller presents into a box and handed them to Miharu and Mor on their way out. They thanked her. "Alright then. See you in a few weeks." She leaned in closer, speaking quietly, prompting a blush and a quick nod from the newlyweds.
Mor and Miharu both blushed. "We'll try," Mor said.
"Emphasis on 'try,'" Miharu added.
"Good enough for me. Now scram! Go enjoy your honeymoon!" Maharu winked at them.
"Bye."
"Hai, Oneesan..." Miharu waved to her older sister as she and Mor walked out of the room to begin their honeymoon.
In one of TGFT's larger reception halls, people were bustling around, preparing for the reception. Along one side, a large buffet was being set out with foods from all over the galaxy. At the far end was a bar, stocked with ample amounts of drink-- ample, even, for the massive drinking tendencies of some of those invited. Numerous tables, covered in white tablecloths and with a small centerpiece, were laid out opposite, surrounding a cleared area for dancing. A stage stood across from the main entry.
The guests began arriving soon after, filing into the room in ones and twos. Ecka was first in, dressed in a clean boilersuit, a presence around him despite his relatively small size and age, nodding to the staff as he quietly took a seat at one of the tables. Wild Gramps followed soon after, his hair white and wearing a TGFT dress uniform, sidearms on each hip, trailing a large shipping pallet wrapped in Xithricite wrapping paper for protection.
One of the waiters approached, Atella. "Do you need some help moving it, sir?"
Gramps shook his head. "Naw, I'll let Mor do that when he is ready, besides, if we move it more it may mess up the wrapping."
"Of course, sir."
"Even brought a present for Miharu; even though it is a whole lot smaller, it cost more than the one for Mor."
Atella responded: "I'm sure they'll appreciate it."
"We all will appreciate Mor's present..."
Atella nodded, and Gramps proceeded to move the pallet over towards a corner of the room, placing a smaller package on top of it.
Denji, in an orange PA dress uniform with his councilor badge on either shoulder, entered next, followed shortly thereafter by Rowan, who was wearing flowing green robes with an intricate willow tree embroidered along the back, leaves flowing around to embrace him. Alioni, standing out with red hair, entered behind Rowan wearing a red Serco Military dress uniform and numerous implants, giving him a large frame; small packages were tucked snugly under Denji and Alioni's arms. Greetings were exchanged, and a request for Helio Mists and ale was answered by Atella.
Zathras entered, receiving a greeting from everyone, even a wave from Ecka, still sitting at his place, watching. His red hair, short height, the fake fur tails dangling from his green jumpsuit, and the TPG Super Boots 6000, overloaded with accessories, garnered some odd looks from the wait staff and guests. Looking around, he remarked, "Zathras did not expect so many people."
"Come on Zathras, what are you drinking?" asked Gramps.
"I'll have an ... no, that's not legal here. Ale?"
"Of course, sir." Atella returned to the bar to retrieve ale for Zathras and the Royhus, and a third Helio Mist for Gramps.
John Eldritch quietly walked in, his suit, shirt, and tie all black, looking slightly out of place against the white tablecloths. He nodded to the guests and made his way quickly over to the bar, proceeding to order two bottles of vodka.
"Where should we put our gifts?" asked Denji, having missed the growing pile in the corner. Atella politely indicated where the presents were being left and offered to take the packages from Denji and Alioni.
"I brought a ... err ... gift. Thing," said Zathras, making a few odd clicking noises as he ruffled through his pockets, dumping random items into a garbage bin. "No... no... not that... Where did Zathras put it? ... Ah!" he said as he pulled an old hydrospanner out, "from Zathras" engraved on it, with the "from" having been added at least fifteen years after the "Zathras" portion. "Zathras wanted to give something meaningful. Something useful and reliable." He handed the hydrospanner to Atella as well, who carried the gifts from Zathras and the Royhus to the pile.
"Not very expensive or fancy, but very very useful and dependable. Zathras' first quad-carbonate automatic ambidextrous hydrospanner." There was a short pause and some more clicking noises before Zathras continued. "Zathras has such a poor imagination, and didn't even package it."
Appetizers and more drinks from the bar were handed out among the guests as more continued arriving. Morwen quietly entered, handing her gift off to Atella before making her way to a table. Parakch followed, the Serco placing his gift on the pile and exchanging greetings with his fellow Serco at the bar.
Vardonx walked into the room, glancing around and taking stock of the situation. His dark green TGFT dress uniform a pinnacle of finery, accented with thin, flexible Heliocene ore. He bore himself in a serious manner, ordering a Helio Mist and settling down to the business of drinking it.
Arlina rushed in afterward, looking hassled and concerned, her stormy blue eyes and blond hair standing out. "I'm not late, am I?" she asked, a hand on her head attempting to flatten out the rest of the helmet-hair she'd acquired on the flight down.
"Welcome, ma'am, and no, you're not," was the reply from Atella. The room now had a small, but growing, crowd, and conversations were starting between groups of people as they waited for further arrivals. Arlina placed her gift, a thin, wrapped disk, with the others, commenting to no-one in particular about the delays at the border before heading over to sit next to Morwen, the two starting to chat animatedly about things that had happened since the last time the former classmates had seen each other.
Surbius was standing quietly in a black tuxedo with a dark green vest and liner. He had his usual blank expression on his face, his dark brown hair cut a bit short; his brown eyes missed nothing in the room, the copious amounts of alcohol that were already being consumed by TGFT members included.
Fluffy and Neagoth especially stood out. The former was wearing a TGFT dress uniform and seemed slightly uncomfortable in it, and had a large, flowing hairpiece that seemed starkly out of place compared to the person beside him. Neagoth had a bald head and wore a dark flightsuit with TGFT-green stripes along it. They were talking animatedly about trade routes. A scrap about an excellent trade route in Sedina could be heard by those standing near.
Miexon, wearing an all-black tuxedo was talking with several other PA pilots, the scar above his right eyebrow moving slightly as he spoke, a drink in his hands.
The Vipers were in their own group, alert as ever. Talos, flying under the callsign FreedomBird, stood with his right hand on the holster of the firearm attached to his Viper uniform, blue with red trim, his implant-enhanced neon-green eyes flicking over the crowd at intervals. Strat was beside him, his Viper outfit trimmed with gold and bearing councilor and lieutenant sigils. Phaserlight would have seemed out of place elsewhere, wearing a Viper dress uniform similar to Strat's, sans the lieutenant sigil, but with a dress cape dangling down and a ceremonial saber in a sash at his waist.
Hortan was sitting quietly at the bar, a few seats between him and the Vipers, nursing a Helio Mist and trying to stay out of the way of everyone else. He had on a slightly rumpled dress uniform, the propeller cap ever present, and was clearly trying his best to be presentable -- failing as usual. Mostly, he just looked lost.
People continued standing around, socializing, as food and drink flowed from the bar, the buffet still untouched, people waiting for the bride and groom -- Miharu and Mor -- to arrive. Several minutes passed.
Maharu, the eldest sister, entered the room then, and people began turning towards the door, even Hortan overcoming his shyness and approaching quietly. Her red hair, as usual, was tied up with two wrapped ponytails, and she had changed out of the formal kimono she had worn at the ceremony into another that allowed her more freedom; a cream-white background color with floral patterns throughout.
Naoko, Miharu's twin sister, was next. She was wearing a kimono similar to Maharu's, but colored an imperial purple with a different pattern. In her arms, she held Hitomi, Miharu's -- and now Mor's -- daughter, who was looking eagerly about at all the people from her position. She had on a tiny green kimono, specially fit for her small size.
The newlyweds, Miharu and Mor, entered last, holding hands, happy smiles on their faces. Miharu's kimono was a stunning sea green, worn over the pure white wedding kimono, patterns of flowers and cranes flowing across the fabric. Mor had a dark green kimono on, mostly devoid of patterns. Everyone present began clapping as they entered, a few quiet cheers emanating from the crowd as well. Mor turned his head and planted a light kiss on Miharu's cheek; Miharu returned it with a slight blush.
Miharu and Mor thanked everyone as they walked further in. Hitomi spotted her mother over Naoko's shoulder and cried "Mama!" as she came into view. Naoko let Hitomi down to the floor, allowing her to run over to her mother. Hitomi was quickly scooped up into Miharu's arms, a big smile spreading across her face. Miharu looked at the gathered crowd, slightly at a loss for words. "So, um... thanks for coming," she said, blushing again.
"This family does nothing but get larger and larger," commented Maharu quietly to the couple as she looked around the hall, prompting a slight blush from Mor.
Zathras quietly poked his waist and whispered to Ecka: "Zathras is not getting larger, clothes are getting smaller," garnering a chuckle from the old miner.
Amid the applause, Denji approached Mor, asking, "So, Mor, how does it feel? Has it sunk in yet?"
"No... not yet... I'm just happy to be so lucky," he responded, his eyes showing how happy he was.
Zathras approached, looking curious, saying, "Zathras wants to see the rings! Are there rings? Zathras might have misunderstood, but there was talk of rings."
"Yes, there's rings," Mor said, holding up his right hand and Miharu's left to show the rings to everyone around, matching white gold bands.
The buffet opened soon afterward, everyone present making their way over to help themselves to the ample selection of food; several of the waitstaff helping to serve people before they headed to the tables to eat.
Miharu transferred Hitomi to Mor's arms, serving herself as Mor filled a plate for himself and Hitomi before they sat down together at the same table as Miharu's schoolmates.
Amid the conversation, Maharu leaned over towards Arlina, and quietly asked, "Is Nolan here yet?"
"No, the lazy bum didn't respond to any of my calls. One would think that calling him a fork-tongued toaster would get him to respond, but I dunno..."
Nolan entered through the doorway just then, clad in a red Serco dress uniform with a SCAR patch on the shoulder, and looked around. Maharu gave a glance at Arlina, and shrugged slightly, before she waved Nolan over.
He approached the group, and introductions were made--he and Morwen had not met before--as well as Nolan's congratulations to the couple. Nolan planted a kiss on his wife before moving off to chat with the Vipers and his fellow Serco.
"Ecka, do you think there will be dancing? Zathras is afraid of dancing. Long story, no fun," Zathras asked, shaking his head, taking a deep drink from his ale. Ecka nodded in the affirmative, and several of the other persons at the bar also responded.
"A little bit, Zath, but you don't need to dance if you don't want to," Naoko added.
"Ah, wanting to is not the problem. Zathras wants to dance, but always ends up stepping on toes. Not a pretty sight."
"Well, Zathras, you can come dance near me, I guarantee my toes won't mind!" Denji exclaimed with a chuckle.
"Your toes won't feel anything, Denji," Naoko responded with a laugh. "It'd probably take a crate of samoflange to get them to notice." Denji grinned, and Zathras looked down at his over-sized, over-teched, and over-expensive boots and wondered if that were true.
Miharu stood up and walked over towards Parakch at the bar, but not before running her fingers through Mor's hair, prompting a quick smile. Parakch spotted her quickly as she approached. "Hello, Little One." Miharu closed the rest of the distance and gave him a generous hug. "For such little arms, you certainly are still able to knock the wind out of me," the Serco commented.
"Glad you could make it." Miharu smiled at him.
Atella, who appeared to be the waiter in charge, re-entered the room, wheeling with him a large cart with a three-tiered white wedding cake atop. Icing covered the tops and sides, and was worked into filigree along the edges. Ornamental ribbons descended from the top tier to the bottom of the cake. Atop the cake sat a small statue of Miharu and Mor, their hands clasped -- carved specially for the couple by Nolan's meticulous blade before being painted in minute detail by Maharu.
Denji let out a quick whistle as the cake entered, and Miharu turned from Parakch, "ooh"ing at it. Mor turned as well, glancing from Miharu to the cake before he gently handed Hitomi off to Maharu and joined his wife in approaching the cake, which now had a crowd around it from all the guests.
Atella handed the couple a cake knife, which they grasped together, their hands overlapping on the grip. Slowly, they made the first cut together, and then made the second, removing the slice and placing it on a nearby plate. Miharu removed a piece from the slice with her hand and offered it to Mor, holding it near his mouth. Mor did the same, each smiling broadly at the other, their eyes locked. Mor and Miharu both ate the piece offered to them from the other's hand, to scattered applause from the guests. Mor placed the plate aside after they finished their first bites and leaned in to kiss Miharu, the couple embraced, to more cheers from the crowd.
Mor and Miharu continued feeding each other the cake, as the wait staff began cutting further slices, which were handed out to the guests. The complements, both on the design, and the taste, were numerous.
Out of the main crowd, beside Ecka, Zathras had a communicator pressed to his ear. After a few moments, he returned it to his pocket and said to Ecka, "Will you please tell them Zathras is very sorry, but there was an incident with the Sector R-L communication central, and it is important for Zathras' future income that he go and minimize damage." Ecka nodded, and Zathras quietly left out a back door.
Several bottles of champagne and trays of glasses were taken out, placed on the bartop, and filled. Atella took the first tray and began distributing the glasses, Mor and Miharu first, as other wait staff followed suit. As all the guests received their champagne, Rowan and several of the Vipers excepted, they turned towards the newlyweds expectantly. Arlina was totally absorbed in eating her cake and missed the champagne and impending event until Morwen elbowed her. Nolan approached towards the centre, watching intently.
He raised his glass slightly and began the first toast. Not a man of many words, his voice seemed shockingly powerful. "I first met Mor Isil deep within the Helios system. I was flying under the callsign Burwell Everson at the time. He was mining an asteroid. While his Sigma logo was quite plain on the side of that ship, I ran his name by my superiors. Without any delay, I was ordered to destroy his vessel as a threat to Pyronis space."
"Those of you who know me can guess what happened next." Nolan paused for a moment, letting the statement sink in. Several of the assembled looked uneasily at one another, knowing Mor's vessel should not have survived. "No, I didn't kill him. He is still here today! My finger left the trigger when his hull reached a single-digit percentage. Then he did what 'Tani dogs do best and got his behind out of there!" There was some good-natured laughing from all present.
"It caused a heck of a diplomatic incident between SCAR and Sigma. That isn't what we're here to talk about, though. What impressed me was how quickly Miharu came to his aid, even though she avoided combat."
"Even then, they made quite a team. And even better, Mor and I started the rivalry that we now share today as brothers. Here's wishing the best to the best team that known space has ever seen." Nolan raised his glass slightly higher, along with everyone else, before he took a sip, amid a chorus of agreements. Mor gave a sheepish smile as he drank, squeezing Miharu's hand gently.
Nolan stepped back to stand beside his wife, giving a slight nod at Mor and Miharu. John Eldritch stepped forward, a bottle of vodka in either hand, one mostly empty. "I'll try to keep this short and sweet… after all, this bottle's almost empty." A few chuckles resulted from this.
"I've known Mor pretty much since I first journeyed out on that first fateful coolant run. He used to strike me--back then he actually could!--as a bit of a loner, but a man of honor and a guy you could respect. I have to admit, I kind of missed him when he went AWOL for a few months last year--what was it, Morie; an embarrassing medical condition or something?--but when he came back, I was delighted he decided to join us in the universe's premier drink… err, trading guild." More laughing ensued, and even Hortan had a smile on his face. "Since then, he's proved again and again he's a guy I can trust with my life. I've lost count of the number of times after another legendary night out, I've woken up back in my quarters against all the odds--err, fully clothed I must add."
"However, now Mor's got himself hitched, he's got two far more important people to care for so I guess Waldoze and I are gonna have to find a new designated pilot.
At least I'll always have a place I can call 'second home' in Eo… well, if they ever give me the address that is! I promise not to fill the spare room with education disks." Mor and Miharu looked at each other for a moment, smiling.
"So what can I say about Miharu? Probably not much unless I want to experience that trademark Mor Isil glare!" Mor blushed slightly, looking around. "Seriously though, she's added an extra dimension to the guild since she's joined us. I can always rely on her for some quality banter, to help keep my wits sharp… and often to say what I'm actually thinking allowing me to stay happily spineless!"
"Mih's brought a touch of class to the place and even a family atmosphere with little Hitomi running about the corridors--although Fluffy's still not that comfortable having to wear pants around HQ!" Fluffy tried to scowl at this, but failed, his face breaking into a slightly embarrassed grin. "You've got yourself a stand-up babe there, Mor. I'm sure I don't need to tell you to treat her right." Mor and Miharu both blushed at this, their hands squeezed together. Hitomi let out a little giggle at her name.
"Anyway, that's more than enough prattling from me; the sooner we get to see Mor on the dance floor doing his infamous Setalli Shuffle, the better. So please raise both your glasses--if you've only got one you're not trying hard enough--and join me in wishing Miharu, Mor and Hitomi all the best for their future together."
"Ladies and Gentlemen; the Bride and Groom… Cheers!" Everyone raised their glasses, though only a few had two, and toasted with John, the resounding chorus of "Cheers!" only interrupted by the people who were still laughing. Mor and Miharu both had big grins on their faces.
John stepped back, his bottle drained. Ecka slowly made his way through the crowd next, those in his path parted for the ancient miner, who projected an air of calm certainty around him despite his appearance. He spoke, his voice loud enough that everyone could hear it without it seeming to be raised: "There is much to being the Commander of a great guild such as ours. One of the great pleasures it brings me is seeing our members flourish not only in trade, but in their lives as part of our Community. Today we see Mor an Miharu joining together as part of our wider family, and we wish them the best of happiness for a long and prosperous life within the greater family of TGFT."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, charge your glasses, join me in a toast to Mor Isil and Miharu. Cheers." He raised a bottle of Helio Mist and drank deeply from it, everyone following his example. Ecka stepped back, and returned to the bar for another drink amid applause from the TGFT there.
"I guess tradition says I need to make a toast now," said Mor. The room became quiet, everyone turning towards him. He took a breath, unsure of how to phrase his feelings in words. "I first met Miharu when she was my commander in Sigma... but I think I first met her for real one day in Odia outside the Mak." Miharu blushed, remembering the incident.
"Soon after, we started spending more time together, and I realized that... that I loved her... after looking into her eyes for real that first time-- that I love you, Miharu, more than anything else." Miharu blushed even redder.
"I guess I'm probably the luckiest person in the room... lucky that I've found the love of my life, lucky that I will be spending the rest of my life with her, and that I have all you wonderful people here to share this moment with."
Mor lightly clinked his glass on Miharu's before they sipped, everyone else present raising their glasses in toast to the couple as well. As Mor finished his sip, he placed his glass aside and leaned in to kiss Miharu once more, his arms wrapping around her as she stood on her toes so he didn't have to lean down as far.
"Three cheers for the bride and groom!" shouted Denji. "Hip hip…"
"Hooray!" responded the rest of the crowd, the sequence repeated twice more. Mor and Miharu blushed slightly at the antics, but didn't break their kiss for almost a minute.
After Miharu broke her kiss with Mor, her sister gently touched her arm, nodding her head in the direction of the stage when she had Miharu's attention. "Think it's about time to do your own 'toast'?" she asked.
Miharu glanced at the stage briefly, thinking only for a moment before nodding in response. "Yeah," she said quietly. She let go of Mor slowly, turning and walking towards the stage, Maharu following close behind. Halfway there she waved to Naoko, who was still over by the bar chatting with Denji and Alioni. Naoko nodded and put down her drink before following her sisters to the stage.
Three vox projectors had been set up on the stage, and as they stepped up onto the stage to stand next to them, the crowd went silent, turning their attention towards the trio. Miharu hesitated, then swallowed to clear her throat before speaking:
"It's my turn to make a 'toast' of sorts," she began. "Unfortunately I'm not quite as good at just getting up and speaking my mind in front of so many people, as some of you might know..." Miharu blushed slightly, continuing. "So I thought I'd do it in a slightly different manner -- with a song that a few people here might remember," she said, glancing briefly at her two former schoolmates sitting at one of the tables. "This song was a favorite of the little group I was in during flight school; we came across it while browsing the school's library of old music. It's not written in Standard, but there should be copies of the lyrics, with a translation, on the tables, for those who are interested. Out of all the songs I could have picked, I chose this one because I feel that it is the closest to describing how I feel about you, Mor."
Miharu looked at her sisters, and they silently counted off a pickup measure, then started to sing as the music began, turned on by Atella, who was standing over by the control panel.
"'Unmei no hito nante iru wake nai'
Nante minna waratte ita kedo.
Ima kanjiteru itami wa, tashika na... mono dakara...
Ki ga tsuite watashi wa itsu demo... anata de kagayaite iru kara..."
"There's no such thing as a soulmate,"
That's what they said, laughing at me.
But this pain that I'm feeling is something tangible.
Look at me; I'm always shining because of you.
"Kanjiteru, kanjite nai,
Omoi sugu ni todoketai hohoenda sono... kuchibiru ni.
Furete mitai, furete miru,
Toki wo tomete, se-nobi shite sotto kiss shita-i..."
Feelings I have, feelings I don't have.
I want to speak them to your smiling lips right now.
I want to touch you, I'm going to touch you,
I want to stop time and grow taller, because I want to kiss you.
"Moshimo asa mezame tara, anata ga ite...
'Ohayou' nante waratteitte nara.
Kitto karadajuu torokete... hakanai... awa ni naru.
Surechigau tada sono isshun de... kokyuu ga tomari, souni naru no..."
If you're here in the mornings when I wake up,
Smiling and wishing me a "Good Morning"
Surely my insides will melt into fleeting [bubbles/suds/foam/froth], as
Just the moment of our chance meeting takes my breath away.
"Mitsumeteru, mitsumetenai?
Anata no me ni watashi dake utsushidasu hi ga kimasu youni!
Todoitenai, todoiteru?
Haruka tooku, ano hoshi ni negai kaketa..."
Can you see it? Can't you see it?
The day that when only I am reflected in your eyes.
Can't you reach it? Can you reach it?
The distant stars that hold our wishes?
"Kikoeteru?
Sakenteru koe ni naranai kotoba wo...
Mou hagure nai youni..."
Can you hear it?
The words they send that can't be said,
They won't ever be lost.
The music segued into an instrumental. The crowed divided its attention between the sisters on-stage and following along with the lyrics on paper. Mor spent less of the latter and more of the former, his eyes fixed on his wife and following along with the song out of the corner of his eyes.
Nolan, too, watched his wife, knowing that she was singing for him as much as Miharu was for Mor. A few people quietly commented to each other during the instrumental interlude. Some said that the song was touching; a few said that it was over-the-top and sappy. Nolan and Mor, however, both knew that it was genuine.
People became quiet once again as the sisters resumed their song.
"Kanjiteru, kanjite nai,
Omoi sugu ni todoketai hohoenda sono... kuchibiru ni.
Furete mitai, furete miru,
Toki wo tomete, se-nobi shite, sotto kiss shita-i..."
Feelings I have, feelings I don't have...
I want to speak them to your smiling lips right now.
I want to touch you, I'm going to touch you,
I want to stop time and grow taller, because I want to kiss you.
"Shinjiteru, shinjite nai?
Atsui omoi afuredasu kokoro made oboreru kurai!
Dakishimetai, dakishimete...
Kanau no nara eien no ai wo chikau no..."
Do you believe it? Do you not believe it?
I'm almost drowning from these hot feelings overflowing in my heart!
I want to hug you, hug you
So that it'll come true, this promise of eternal love.
Mor never took his eyes from Miharu, and blushed more and more as the sisters continued their song. He beamed brightly at Miharu as the song finished, and stood with the rest of the crowd and clapped. Hortan stared into a bottle of Helio Mist as he clapped, contemplating his Queen. Nolan watched Maharu and clapped Mor on the back. Ifor, who stood at the height of some of the Serco, with bald head and bespectacled face, muttered something about losing another person to women.
The sisters made their way off the stage. Miharu and Mor came together and embraced once again, exchanging quiet comments about her toast. Maharu joined Nolan, the two more quiet and reserved than the younger couple. After a short time, Mor took Miharu's hand and lead her onto the dance floor.
Everyone became quiet as the two reached the centre. Naoko flipped on some waltz music for the two as they began their waltz, their eyes locked in each other's gaze. Miharu quietly whispered the steps to Mor as they circled around the floor.
When the first song finished, Mor and Miharu came together again and kissed, amid applause from the surrounding people. Mor escorted Miharu off the dance floor and to Ecka, who had volunteered for the father-daughter dance. Miharu pecked Mor on the cheek before joining the ancient miner on the dance floor, his boilersuit and Miharu's kimono looking out-of-place together. Ecka moved faster than his age would seem to indicate, his steps the product of many years of practicing.
As the song finished, Ecka walked Miharu back to Mor, bowing to her as he handed her off. The music continued and people began to take to the floor. Nolan and Maharu started off, their feet moving with perfect synchronization, thanks to past experience and training. Morwen and Alioni went out next, twirling across the floor a little quicker than the pace at which the music was intended to be danced. They were followed by Arlina and Denji; the Grey Spacer and the Itani proceeding at a far more subdued pace. Only a few steps around the floor proved Arlina to be the more experienced and confident of the two. Others soon joined the crowd; Mor and Miharu re-entered for another dance together.
Many of those less-inclined to dance congregated beside the bar. Vodka and Helio Mists flowed in excessive amounts as John Eldritch and Waldoze told fanciful tales of exploits that were probably not suitable for a wedding reception, much to the amusement of all those listening.
Maharu and Nolan finished their dance with a modest, but lingering, kiss, and exited the floor. Gramps approached the couple. "I hope you don't mind, but perhaps you would enjoy a dance with me?" he asked.
Nolan gave Gramps a long look before shrugging. Maharu didn't seem to mind. "One dance couldn't hurt," she said, and allowed herself to be escorted onto the floor. Nolan made his way over towards the Vipers, all of whom were avoiding the copious amounts of alcohol that was flowing.
Miharu and Mor finished their second dance and exited the floor. Several more people approached them to offer their congratulations personally. Naoko approached the two and tapped him lightly on the shoulder. "Can the third wheel have a dance too?" she asked.
Mor smiled slightly and nodded. "Of course," he responded, glancing at Miharu before taking Naoko's hand, escorting her to the floor for a dance together. Miharu continued receiving congratulations from people before she went over to her daughter. Arlina and Denji, and Morwen and Alioni were still dancing. Alioni continued his impressive style, literally sweeping Morwen off her feet once.
Gramps and Maharu finished their dance. Gramps bowed to her, saying, "Ma'am, a pleasure to dance with one so talented." Nolan heard the comment from where he was with the other Vipers, and scowled at Gramps a bit.
Maharu simply smiled happily and thanked Gramps before she returned to her husband's side. Naoko and Mor finished their dance, and the two of them both bowed to each other. Mor returned to Miharu's side and ruffled Hitomi's hair. Gramps ordered two Helio Mists from the bar and approached the couple, handing one of the glasses to Mor. "Cheers Mor, I know you haven't had your Mist today!" They both raised their glasses and sipped, Mor nodding in thanks to Gramps. Mor and Miharu shared the drink, and soon finished it.
The music shifted again and Denji and Arlina finished their dance, bowing to each other. Alioni lifted Morwen again and twirled her as the song ended before setting her gently on her feet. "Whee... thanks Alioni," she said, brushing a strand of her brown hair from her eyes, a wide smile on her face.
"No, thank you," he responded and bowed before returning to his uncle.
Nolan spoke quietly to his wife with Arlina in his sights. "I've been waiting for this for some time now." Maharu gave him a small push of encouragement, her face showing visible amusement. He wasted no time approaching the blond Itani.
"Would you care to dance?"
Two years of history beginning with an ill-fated dogfight in Deneb flashed through Arlina's mind in an instant. She nodded her assent, fixing her blue eyes on the large Serco as she was steered back to the floor. Wearers of the ITAN and SCAR patches in embrace was an unusual sight to say the least, and few failed to notice. As Maharu looked on, Nolan and Arlina spent most of their dance in quiet conversation. Neither seemed prepared when the music wound to a close. Nolan parted with a dashing kiss of the Itani pilot's hand. Her eyes followed after him looking for all the world as if she wanted more time. Maharu clasped his arm jealously when he reached her side, but didn't seem concerned about his time spent with another.
"Did someone say time for presents?" Gramps playfully elbowed Mor in the ribs. "Have fun with those, you two," he said, chuckling.
Miharu and Mor had both completely forgotten about that part of the reception, and made this clear with their responses.
"Presents?" Miharu asked, looking up from Mor's glass of Helio Mists.
"Oh, yeah..." Mor replied quietly, pointing over towards the pile in the corner of the hall, now remembering what Gramps was talking about.
"Ooh... I didn't even notice those were there," Miharu responded. Mor set their empty glass aside and took her hand, going to the pile of presents. The rest of the crowd soon noticed, and the guests started gathering over by the newlyweds.
"I don't know which one to pick first," Miharu said, blushing.
Mor smiled and suggested the present from Arlina.
"Which one was that?" she asked, looking at the pile.
"The disk-shaped one, I think," Mor replied as he reached over and gently plucked it from the pile, handing it to Miharu with a smile.
Miharu slowly unwrapped the package, trying as much as she could to avoid ripping the wrapping paper. She lifted a large holodisk out and looked at it, handing it to Mor so that he could do the same. Mor turned it over a few times, inspecting the way the data contained on the disk made patterns and shapes in the material. "What's on it?" he asked, holding it up to the light.
"Oh... just some archival footage from when you both were in flight school... plus some extra stuff from the Makchuga, thanks to Naoko," she added, nodding at Miharu's twin.
Miharu got up and hugged Arlina tightly, thanking her as Mor placed the holodisk aside on the table nearby, picking Denji's gift from the pile before he sat down again next to Miharu.
Mor began carefully unwrapping the package. He slowly revealed an ornate drinking horn. "It's been a Royhu tradition for quite some time to gift drinking horns to our friends and loved ones at weddings," Denji said. "This one is for you, and Ali's gift is a matching one for Miha." Mor reached out and picked up Alioni's gift for Miharu, who started unwrapping it in the same manner as before.
"They fit together to form a heart, too, for, err, storage purposes..." Denji added, blushing as he trailed off.
"Thank you!" Miharu said, with a big smile in her eyes. Mor nodded his agreement, a grin spread across his face.
Alioni continued: "The end has a cap, too, which you can remove, either to drink from or to use as a hunting horn."
"A hunting horn?" Miharu asked.
"Not that you'd have much use for a hunting horn, but who knows."
"We don't do any hunting... but thanks," Mor said.
Denji nudged him slightly and grinned. "Who knows, you could use it whenever you enter B-8."
"Mor could, that's for sure," Miharu said.
Mor chuckled quietly and fit the two horns together into their heart-shape, admiring them. Mor smiled a bit at the look, "Very nice, thanks, Denji. And, thank you, Alioni."
"Thank you both," Miharu added. Mor placed the horns beside the holodisk, being careful not to scratch or otherwise damage them. Miharu picked up the present from Ecka, a thin package not two millimeters in height and rectangular in shape.
She unwrapped it slowly, revealing an ornate keycard. "Ooh... and what's the keycard for?" Mor asked as Miharu turned the card over and examined it.
The ancient miner took a sip of his whiskey before speaking. "Many years ago when I was a young man, I bought an apartment in Jallik Garden..."
"Is this the key for it?" Mor asked, anticipating where Ecka was going.
"I had just made my first billion and I thought I would treat myself," he continued. "I had it done to my specification, equipped for the er... finer things that... er... young folk might... er... find... er..." he trailed off, trying to find the right word. Then he began blushing bright red. "Stimulating?" he finished.
"Thank you," Miharu and Mor said, smiling even though they were both still blushing brightly. A few people in the crowd made quiet comments about what exactly would be in the apartment.
"Well, all yours now, enjoy." Ecka smiled at the young couple knowingly before returning to his drink.
"We will..." Miharu said as she squeezed Mor's hand a bit, still blushing slightly.
Zathras snuck back in behind everyone else, moving quietly towards Ecka. He whispered, "Did Zathras avo--" he coughed. "Miss the dancing?"
Ecka nodded. Naoko heard the question as well and responded, "Yes, Zath, you did manage to 'miss' the dancing." She gave him a quick wink and a small smile.
Next, Mor opened the gift from Nolan and Maharu. "This one is pretty heavy.." he thought aloud as he set it on his lap. He removed the wrapping, revealing a wooden wall hanging the size of his chest. Carved into the wood was the image of Mor and Miharu just as their lips were about to meet for a kiss. Maharu had added the final touch, making the three dimensional carving look almost real with her paintbrush.
"Another carving, Nolan?" he asked.
Nolan's response was short and to the point. "I thought I'd stick with my strengths."
Mor held up the carving in front of his face, leaning over to kiss Miharu behind it.
"Hey, it DOES look real!" someone called from the back, causing the couple to blush bright red as the crowd laughed.
When things calmed down a bit, Mor reached over and started unwrapping Gramps' gift -- easily the largest present there -- a gigantic box covered in a fine Xithricite wrapping paper. Slowly pealing it off, he revealed a large shipping pallet, with many cases of Helio Mists neatly stacked on it-- two hundred in all. "Wow... that's a lot. Thanks, Gramps," Mor said. Miharu thanked him as well.
"Now when you get back, you can invite me over to enjoy it with you!" Gramps teased.
Miharu giggled. "Wouldn't have it any other way," she said. "We'll just have to have a party again when we get back." She picked up a smaller present, also from Gramps, that was sitting atop the pallet with the Mists. Unwrapping it, she revealed a small jewelry case. "Ooooh, I needed one of these," she smiled happily.
"That's an antique case, hand-carved from real Ebony wood from Sol's old Amazon Rain Forest," Gramps said. Miharu oohed again, thanking him before putting the case aside gently.
She glanced at the pile, reaching over and picking off a smaller, rectangle-shaped parcel wrapped in blue-green paper. Morwen looked on in anticipation, her brown eyes gleaming as she watched Miharu start to unwrap the package in the same way she'd unwrapped all the previous ones -- methodically and cleanly, taking care not to rip the paper; almost mechanical, in fact.
Miharu pulled out a black book with a blue binding. Opening it carefully, she flipped through several of the clean white pages, noting that they were all blank. "A scrapbook?" she asked, looking at Morwen, who grinned.
"Yeah," she replied. "Make sure to take lots of pictures!"
"Of course," Miharu and Mor replied, speaking as one. Miharu playfully jabbed Mor in the side with her elbow, her quip of "My line!" prompting a blush from Mor.
Zathras looked on, muttering something quietly to himself about "private moments," garnering a chuckle from those standing next to him.
Miharu handed the scrapbook to Mor, pulling a small present off the now-dwindling pile. She unwrapped it, revealing a jet black box with a dark red lid. "What's in it?" Mor asked as Miharu cracked the lid open to look inside.
"Betheshee spices!" she responded happily, looking around for Parakch, before spotting him standing next to Denji and Alioni.
He winked, grinning at Miharu. "I remembered you used to pile them on your food when you used to visit... thought that perhaps you could use some more."
Miharu bobbed her head happily, already thinking of what dishes she would be using them in when she returned home from the honeymoon. "Thanks!"
Parakch winked. "You are most welcome," he replied as she placed the case aside.
Mor reached over the pallet of Helio Mists and picked up Zathras' Hydrospanner. "Oooh. That's a really high-end model," Miharu commented, Mor nodding in agreement.
"Useful. Dependable. Like Zathras," Zathras chuckled.
"Indeed!" Miharu replied, smiling at the small man.
"Zathras's first one. It brings luck."
Miharu blushed. "Thank you, Zathras..."
"Ooh, thank you very much," Mor added. Miharu hugged Zathras, who hugged back and blushed bright red.
"You are very welcome."
Mor looked at the pile, not seeing any further presents.
"Miharu?" Maharu said. Miharu turned around, facing her older sister. "Here's another." She handed her a small envelope. "A friend of yours said to give that to you. Don't open it until you have some time to sit down and read it, okay?"
Miharu looked from the envelope to her sister before nodding.
"Ehm, Mor, Miha?" Hortan was standing a bit to the side, shy as always. "I know it is not much, but as you know I have a lot of time among the roids, and some of it I use to sift through various destroyed data in the hope that I find some information from old Earth."
Mor and Miharu nodded, actually both had helped at one time or other, finding defunct hard drives for him to work with.
"And I know it is not much, but I found something that I think you should have. A piece of music from old Earth that I think you can appreciate in the long evenings alone over a glass of Mists." He held out an old style disc with a label in rather childish handwriting. "Chopin, Nocturne Op. 9-1 in B-flat Minor, I am not sure what it means, but it is very pretty."
Miharu carefully took the disc from Hortan. "Wow... thank you," she said, a bit surprised that Hortan had thought of something like that.
"Thank you, Hort. I'm sure we'll enjoy it," Mor said, smiling at the young man. Miharu smiled as well, placing the disc aside gently so as to not damage it. Then she moved forward and hugged Hortan tightly, thanking him again.
Hortan stammered a response, his face bright red. "Uhm... it was... no problem.. Er, you're very welcome." Miharu broke the embrace and gave him another smile, the one she reserved only for Hortan. He blushed still redder, his shyness taking over as he moved away.
Gramps bowed to the newlyweds. "Duty calls, so please excuse" me he said, saying his goodbyes to the other guests as he left.
Miharu looked at Mor and asked, "What's next?"
Mor considered for a short moment. "Saying goodbye to all these nice people and... then the honeymoon..." He smiled at Miharu.
"Already?"
"Oh, while I remember," Zath said.
"Yes, Zath?" Mor asked. Miharu looked over at him.
"Zathras was going to do this later, but there is no time later if you leave now." He put his hand in his pockets and started to rummage around, looking slightly worried. "Ah!"
"We have time," Mor said.
Zathras's face lit up. He withdrew a small, black box with a Jolly Roger engraved on the lid. "It's not strictly legal, Zathras must admit, but it is a lot of fun."
Miharu and Mor looked at the box, wondering. "What is it?" Miharu asked.
"It is Real Coffee, from Sol." Zathras handed the box to Miharu as several of the guests' eyes widened.
Miharu took the box gently, almost as if she were afraid she would damage it. Both she and Mor thanked Zathras profusely.
"It has caffeine in it, heavy doses, so use with care," Zathras added, smiling. "For those late nights." Mor and Miharu glanced at each other, blushing.
"Thanks, Zathras," Miharu said.
"Yes, thank you very much," Mor concurred again.
"Oh, you are very welcome. Zathras needs to quit anyway. This is the last of it."
Miharu carefully put the case of coffee aside. Zathras quietly slipped out of the centre of the crowd and made his way back to the bar.
Hitomi toddled over to Miharu and looked up at her mother. Both Miharu and Mor looked down at their daughter, smiling. She held up a small card. "Mama, here."
Miharu picked Hitomi up and placed her in her lap. She opened the card and read it, Mor looking over her shoulder and doing the same. In cute chicken-scratch handwriting, "Happy marry mama and dada," was legible.
"Thank you, Hitomi," Mor and Miharu said at the same time. Miharu hugged her daughter to her chest and kissed her forehead; Mor reached over and gently ruffled Hitomi's hair. Hitomi giggled happily from the attention, hugging her mother back as she smiled at Mor.
Phaserlight approached the couple, the other Vipers behind him, and bowed. "Bon voyage," he said. "Duty calls."
Miharu blushed at the formality. "Thank you for coming," Mor said. "Stay safe." Miharu nodded in agreement.
"The Vipers will do their best to keep the space lanes safe on your honeymoon," Phaserlight added, as he, Strat, and Talos turned to leave.
"Good luck out there," Denji added.
"Thanks," Miharu and Mor both said to the Vipers at the same time.
They nodded their thanks in response as they left in sharp military order, preparing to return to their ships, then duty once they had changed into more suitable attire.
"Well, it's almost time for the Nation War, those of you who were planning to participate... we won't keep you," Miharu said, smiling. A few of the more combat-oriented guests were slightly surprised, having forgotten about the event amid the alcohol and other festivities.
Denji approached the couple next, Alioni a bit behind him, shy. "I hope you both have an absolutely lovely honeymoon, and I'll see you when you get back!" Denji exclaimed, happily.
"Thank you, Denji," Mor and Miharu replied.
"Indeed, all the best," Ecka added, the ancient miner having come from the bar and made his way through the crowd without anyone noticing him.
"Thanks for inviting me," Alioni said. "This was lovely."
"Your most welcome," Miharu responded.
"You're all very welcome, thanks for coming," Mor said, Miharu nodding in agreement.
"Thanks for letting Zathras in."
"Of course, Zathras," Miharu replied. "Any time," Mor added.
Denji shook Mor's hand, then extended his hand to Miharu. She was still speaking to Zathras. "After all, I wouldn't be part of this family if it weren't for your suggestions in the first place, Zath." Zathras smiled in response. Miharu took Denji's hand as she finished speaking, and shook it lightly.
"Have a great time, we'll keep the galaxy from flying apart while you're gone," Denji said. The other PA present nodded in agreement.
"We shall also be taking our leave, as everyone else seems to be going," Rowan said. "Wouldn't want to delay the honeymoon!"
Miharu and Mor thanked both Denji and Rowan.
"We have had our misunderstandings, but that is all in the past now, Miharu," Zathras said.
Miharu smiled. "Indeed it is."
Denji rounded up Alioni, and the two left, both waving as they did. The rest of the Phoenix Alliance followed soon after, a few lingering to give their personal congratulations to Mor and Miharu again before doing so.
Ecka gave his final well-wishes to the couple, and the remaining people.
"Thank you for coming, Ecka," Mor said to his commander.
"Later Ecka," Miharu said as well. "Good luck." She paused for a moment, and blushed slightly. "And thank you for the apartment." Mor nodded and blushed as well. Ecka just gave a knowing smile, then left. He was needed to host the Nation War event.
Zathras quietly passed Ecka a new bag of tobacco as he left. "Thanks for the loan," he whispered.
"Thank you for inviting us," Rowan said in his melodic voice, before he turned and left with the couple's thanks. "Until we see you again, friends."
The waitstaff was moving around in the background, cleaning now that many of the guests had left.
"Well, we should probably get going soon," Miharu said.
"Mama?" Hitomi said, before she embraced her mother, Miharu returning her daughter's hug.
"Zathras should be going then." He approached and offered Mor his hand, the two shaking.
"Bye, Zath, thanks for coming," Mor said.
"Thanks again for coming, Zath," Miharu said as well. "We'll see you when we get back."
"Have a good honeymoon, and let Zathras know if you need anything!"
"We will," the two both replied.
The couple both thanked Zathras for the hydrospanner. He responded, "Oh, enjoy it. Very useful." Zathras turned and walked out, the couple waving to him, and he back.
Parakch walked over to Miharu and Mor. "I'd best be leaving as well, Little One."
Miharu nodded. "Thank you for coming, it's been too long since I've seen you."
"Indeed it has. And give me a shout next time you're near SkyCommand, hear?" Parakch ruffled Miharu's hair, grinning.
She smiled back. "Will do."
He turned to Mor, his face serious now. "And you, you take care of her."
"I will."
"I mean it."
"I know, and I won't let anything happen to her."
"Good." Parakch extended his hand again. Mor took it and shook.
"Right then, back to work for me," Parakch said. He turned and departed, giving a small wave to the couple, who responded likewise.
Hortan shyly approached the couple. "Uhm... thanks for," he stammered. "Inviting me. I had... a great time." Hortan blushed, and looked down.
"Of course, Hortan," Miharu responded. She smiled at him and hugged him once again, causing him to blush even more.
"Anytime, Hort," Mor added, shaking his hand as Miharu released him.
"Thanks again...I better get going....mining and such....." Hortan trailed off.
John walked up and clapped Mor on the shoulder. "Enjoy the honeymoon, mate," he said. "See you when you get back... and no more glaring!" he winked. Ifor, Fluffy, Vardonx, Neagoth, and the other TGFT made similar comments from various states of drunkenness.
Hortan turned and left first, his propeller hat spinning as he walked. He blushed bright red from some of the comments he heard from the rest of the drunk TGFTers following behind him.
Arlina and Morwen were the only guests left. "I wonder how Astrologica is handling all the extra work today," Arlina pondered.
"Who's that?" Morwen asked.
"My intern. I should probably go check on him to make sure he hasn't buried himself in datapads and forms. I'll see you two when you get back."
"Thanks for coming," Mor said.
Arlina walked up to Miharu and hugged her, Miharu returning it. "Least I could do after all these years."
"Thanks," Miharu said, still hugging her schoolmate.
"I'll be leaving, then." Arlina and Miharu released each other, and she departed, waving.
Naoko turned to Hitomi. "Ready to go home, Hitomi?"
Hitomi looked back at her aunt. "Home!"
"Say 'bye' to Mama first. You won't see her for a little while."
"Mama go 'way?" Hitomi asked.
"We won't be gone for long, Hitomi," Mor replied.
"Just for a little while. You can always call if you want to talk to me." Miharu smiled at her daughter.
Hitomi cupped her hand around her ear, mimicking calling. "Yes, Hitomi, that's right," Naoko said.
"Bye-bye Mama!" Mother and daughter hugged again.
"Love you, Hitomi. You be good for Naoko and Morwen, okay?" Miharu said.
Hitomi nodded. "Bye, Hitomi," Mor said.
She released her mother and hugged Mor, who hugged her back, planting a light kiss on her head. "Bye-bye, Otou!"
"Do I get a hug too?" Maharu asked. Hitomi climbed down from Mor and ran to her aunt, hugging her. "That's better... you were a good girl today, Hitomi." Hitomi grinned happily at her aunt. "Now go with Naoko and Morwen. I'll stop by in a few days to check on you."
"Okay!" Hitomi said cheerfully.
Naoko came over and scooped Hitomi up into her arms. "Let's go make you some pancakes, mm?"
"Pancakes!"
"Thanks, Naoko," Miharu said.
"No problem at all."
Morwen approached Miharu and hugged her tightly, winking. "I'll make sure she doesn't get spoiled."
Mor thanked her. Morwen released her schoolmate and followed Naoko and Hitomi out of the room.
Maharu and Nolan were the only other people left, aside from the wait staff cleaning up the room. "Well..." Maharu said. "Congratulations, you two."
"Thanks," Mor replied happily.
"Come and visit Nolan and I when you get back. You should see the new place."
"We will," Mor and Miharu answered at the same time.
Nolan spoke, chiming in with an awkward piece of advice. "Make sure to drink lots of water," he said. "Champagne only dries you out." The couple nodded in response.
Miharu then rushed over to her older sister and hugged her tightly. "Thank you... thank you for everything."
Mor walked behind his wife. "Yes, thanks for everything."
"What are sisters for, mm?" She paused. "Now, go and have fun. I'll send the larger presents home for you."
Miharu released her sister from the hug and stood by Mor, their hands squeezing together and fingers intertwined. She glanced from Maharu to Mor. "Ready?"
"Yes," Mor happily answered, leaning in to kiss Miharu quickly.
Maharu grinned. "Okay you two. Save it for the honeymoon." The newlyweds blushed. "Now shoo, I'll wrap things up here." She noticed that Miharu was still holding the envelope in her hand. "Don't open that for a bit, okay?"
Miharu nodded and handed the envelope to Mor, who put it in a pocket. "Let's go." Mor smiled at his wife.
Maharu collected the smaller presents into a box and handed them to Miharu and Mor on their way out. They thanked her. "Alright then. See you in a few weeks." She leaned in closer, speaking quietly, prompting a blush and a quick nod from the newlyweds.
Mor and Miharu both blushed. "We'll try," Mor said.
"Emphasis on 'try,'" Miharu added.
"Good enough for me. Now scram! Go enjoy your honeymoon!" Maharu winked at them.
"Bye."
"Hai, Oneesan..." Miharu waved to her older sister as she and Mor walked out of the room to begin their honeymoon.
<<OOC:
Thanks to everyone who participated in the four-hour IRC RP event that this write-up is based on: Denji, Wild Gramps, Ecka, Zathras, Phaserlight, et al.
Thanks also to the people who couldn't make it, but provided descriptions so we could include them.
The toasts are written by the individual player who said them: Aramarth (Nolan), John Eldritch, Ecka Estenk, and myself. Thank you for adding some colour and a personal touch.
The song sung by the Kanaka sisters is "Koko ni Iru Kara," which roughly translates as "Because You're Here," "Because You're Here By My Side," or "I'm Always By Your Side" (from which we take title of this thread).
Many, many thanks to Strat, for not showing up in a BioCom-nanite-induced Chuck Norris body wearing only a speedo. Our sanity and sight are especially thankful. ;)
Thanks to TGFT, PA, and VPR for letting us post about this on their forums. Also thanks are in order for the larger Vendetta community, for helping to make this a success and a fun event.
Aramarth and Hortan have all credit for prodding us to finish this.
Thanks to our proof-readers and sanity-checkers, Hortan, Denji, and Aramarth.
Hope you enjoyed it.
>>
Thanks to everyone who participated in the four-hour IRC RP event that this write-up is based on: Denji, Wild Gramps, Ecka, Zathras, Phaserlight, et al.
Thanks also to the people who couldn't make it, but provided descriptions so we could include them.
The toasts are written by the individual player who said them: Aramarth (Nolan), John Eldritch, Ecka Estenk, and myself. Thank you for adding some colour and a personal touch.
The song sung by the Kanaka sisters is "Koko ni Iru Kara," which roughly translates as "Because You're Here," "Because You're Here By My Side," or "I'm Always By Your Side" (from which we take title of this thread).
Many, many thanks to Strat, for not showing up in a BioCom-nanite-induced Chuck Norris body wearing only a speedo. Our sanity and sight are especially thankful. ;)
Thanks to TGFT, PA, and VPR for letting us post about this on their forums. Also thanks are in order for the larger Vendetta community, for helping to make this a success and a fun event.
Aramarth and Hortan have all credit for prodding us to finish this.
Thanks to our proof-readers and sanity-checkers, Hortan, Denji, and Aramarth.
Hope you enjoyed it.
>>
I think ya'll could have found a more appropriate song.
I think you could shove your head right back up your ass and delete your post, genka.
Sure I could! But I won't! :D
Wait, I missed ANOTHER ingame event? How... unusual!
Well, congrats and all, Miharu & Mor Isil! How many does this make?
Well, congrats and all, Miharu & Mor Isil! How many does this make?