You Are Cordially Invited (Part 2 of 2)

Posted on 03 Feb 2025 @ 1:10am by Commander Morgan Tarin & Chief Warrant Officer 3 Lamar Darius & Commander Allyndra illm Warraquim & Lieutenant JG Delainey Carlisle & Lieutenant JG Sofie Ullswater & Ensign Mimi & Ensign S'Ers-a M'Lyr'Zor & Petty Officer 2nd Class Donald Andrews & Petty Officer 3rd Class Jeysa Zeror & Petty Officer 3rd Class John Hollenday & Nesh Saalm

4,007 words; about a 20 minute read

Mission: Episode 20 - Reconstruction
Location: Regula I - Level 15, Holdeck One
Timeline: MD 10, 1649 hrs

Previously, on You Are Cordially Invited (Part 1)...

Delainey entered the holodeck wearing a like new emerald green cocktail dress and her hair up in a French twist, a style that was much fancier than her typical on duty updo. She was beyond grateful to have the opportunity for something to celebrate, not just for the happy couple, but for the crew as a whole. Recent events had weighed heavily on all of them, and in her heart of hearts, Carlisle was still coping with her own feelings of trepidation about the future even as she presented herself as a vessel to hold that of others. Occasions like this wouldn't entirely erase those feelings, but they did offer hope, and the counselor was not about to turn that down.

And Now, the Conclusion...

[ON]

Mimi's Marquee

Inside one of the marquees Mimi stood gently pacing around, her tail though hidden under her dress was twitching with a mix of anticipation and nerves.

"Keep doing that, you'll heat up and like me, you'll start panting. The last thing John and the guests want to hear is you sounding like some old steam engine," Allyndra teased lightly.

"Absolutely no panting! That's for later." Nesh said in amusement.

Mimi briefly chuckled knowing precisely what Nesh was inferring. "If Tarin even gives us time to do any of that." She told Nesh. "You remember what you need to say Allyndra? Need me to go over it again?"

"I think so, but one more time would help," Allyndra replied.

"Take the Tushar, hold it up and you say. For centuries the Tushar has been used to bind Nekomi together as mates," Mimi began to recite the half remembered words of the ritual she'd only seen a few times as a teen in much simpler times. "It has taken many forms and patterns of colour over that time, each with its own meanings. Then as you tie it around our arms you explain the meaning behind the colours we have on this one. Yellow, Green, White and Red."

"Good. Thank you," Allyndra replied.

"And then when we are done, the final blessing, 'may fate be always on your side' but in Nekomi." Mimi hoped Allyndra would remember all this when the time came.

"I will do my best," Allyndra replied. She then pulled her blue-streaked black hair back to reveal an earbud in one ear. "The computer is linked to this. It is monitoring and will help guide me. One advantage to having a certain amount of clearance."


John's Marquee

Poking his head into the second marquee Donald looked in on John. "People are piling in John, it's getting close to time."

"Yeah, yeah. I think I should've just eloped." John shrugged. "Still, it's what Mimi wants."

"Never try and argue with what a woman wants." Donald replied. "Don't think I could win enough of them to be worth getting married."

"I wouldn't say that," John replied. "I think you're having too much fun yet."

"Hey, Tarin is heading this way, probably wants to get things going."

"Okay. Let's get this show on the road. Probably wants to do exercise routines right after," John whispered to Donald.

"Don't say that, she might get the idea." Donald told him, he glanced back towards the approaching Captain. "I'll go check on the ladies."

The Galileo engineer and commanding officer passed each other en route to their separate destinations and it was only a few seconds before the familiar cadence of Tarin's footsteps could be heard approaching the tent. She slowed then walked inside, taking notice of the ceremony's tall, brown-haired groom. "Hollenday," she greeted the man with a casual nod. "How are you feeling? This is a big day for you. Life-changing."

"Fine captain, thank you for asking. To tell you the truth, Commander Tarin, it seems like forever, so I'm ready to get the show on the road as the old Earth phrase went. Thank you for being here and letting us get this done."

"It's the least I can do. Ideally our new chaplain would be leading this event but I've come to understand he and your fiance have some...conflicts of interest." Kov's absence still didn't sit well with the captain. Whether justified or trivial, interpersonal quarrels had a nasty habit of metastasizing if left to their own devices. "That said, I've read up on these ceremonial details you both presented me and I think I have the gist of them."

"Understood. I know Mimi still has this intense dislike of Klingons. Me?" John shrugged. "I judge people by their character, not their race, species, or whatever. I know your first officer has been trying to get the details and language down." John chuckled. He then remembered that this was the captain. "Thank you for relaxing the uniform requirement. I caught Nesh a little earlier and they look great."

"Think nothing of it," nodded Tarin. "Weddings are rare in Starfleet, even more so out here in the Pleiades Cluster. This is a day for you and the ensign to celebrate. I wish we could've traveled to a less holographic venue but we have to make do with what we have. Excellent choice in garments by all of you, by the way," she went on to compliment before gesturing to the marquee's exit. "All set to take the plunge?"

John got lined up with the others. "Showtime." He headed out with the rest and got lined up.


Mimi's Marquee

On the other side of the simulated hillside Jeysa saw Donald heading for the other tent, she excused herself from her conversation and headed over.

With nothing to knock on Donald rattled the tent flap slightly to get their attention, "Ladies I think the Captain is ready to get things underway, she's talking with John now."

Nesh ducked her head out of the tent and looked at Donald. "One cannot rush these things!" She huffed with a flair of dramatics before looking at him and in a softer, more conspiratorial manner whispered, "We're almost ready."

Allyndra had to keep from laughing. "We've been ready for a bit. Mimi, how about you?"

"I think we are ready to go," Mimi's voice came from inside the tent. "Let Tarin know we will be out soon, just one more thing to do."

"Alright" Donald said, see you in a few moments, he took a few steps away from the tent and waited for Nesh and Jeysa to come out together, they'd be walking down the aisle with him.

"Jeysa come inside." Mimi called out, when she did she looked at all three of her bridesmaids. "Thank you all for agreeing to do this with me, this has been a long time coming and I am glad you are all here to see it."

"You're kidding, right? This has been such an interesting experience...I can't wait to repeat the bachelorette party again, soon!" Nesh responded with a wink and a sultry laugh. That really was a good time...and the 'massage?'

"Repeat the party again? Is someone else getting married?" Allyndra cocked her head.

"It was a lot of fun, we can definitely find some time to do it again." Mimi smiled. "But it is time for me to get married first." She stepped forward and gave both Jeysa and Nesh a hug.

Nesh squeezed Mimi tightly. "You look beautiful, Mimi. I am so happy for you both!"

"Me too, thank you for choosing me to be a bridesmaid." Jeysa smiled and hugged Mimi tightly.

"Ladies, it's time," Donald's voice came through the flap. "John and Tarin are ready and waiting.

"Lets go Nesh." Jeysa said and headed out the door.

Nesh quickly followed and she scooted over to Donald and linked her arm in his. "Shall we go take a walk, Donald?"

Following Nesh's idea Jeysa walked over to the opposite side and linked her arm around his too.

"Oh a beautiful woman on each arm, somebody pinch me." Donald chuckled as they walked.

Nesh laughed softly in delight. "You are one lucky man, wouldn't you agree, Jeysa?"

"Enjoy it Donald, probably the only time it'll happen." Jeysa replied.

"Oh I am, don't worry." Donald smiled, both Nesh and Jeysa were beautiful and their outfits emphasised it.

When the others left Mimi turned to Allyndra. ""Diolch anda Allyndra for doing this with me." She stepped up and gave her friend a hug though not too tightly.

"You're welcome, ready?" Allyndra winked.

Taking a deep breath Mimi stepped out of the tent, she smiled widely at the generous amount of the crew that had attended. When Allyndra joined her she slipped an arm through hers and together they steadily walked down the aisle towards her about to be husband.

Delainey smiled as her eyes rested on Mimi, a lump forming in the counselor's throat that surprised her. She didn't know Mimi that well as yet, but remembering the anguish that had graced her features not long ago, Carlisle realized how gratifying it was to see her so happy.

"They look pretty good," whispered Lamar to Sera while observing the unique dress choices and formality of the wedding's occasion. Something about this whole ceremony felt...candid. Sincere. Despite being set in a holodeck, the presentation created an aura of love and bonding. He discreetly reached for Sera's hand and slipped his fingers between hers before giving her palm an affectionate squeeze.

"Indeed." Sera softly mouthed back. Her eyelids fluttered slightly when Lamar took her hand, but she made no other movement or utterance. It was like coming into contact with an electrical current, coursing up her body to the base of her skull, over her heart, and then down lower. Slor Surak, no wonder such displays were forbidden in public amongst her people...it felt utterly scandalous. So, it was only logical to withdraw and maintain proper decorum, correct? Sera made no move to withdraw her hand, instead choosing to reciprocate his gesture, squeezing lightly back before relaxing into the lightest of contact between the two.

A few steps before they reached John and Tarin, Mimi let go of Allyndra and mouthed a quick 'good luck' at her before moving those last few steps to put her beside John. Taking his hand she gave it a gentle squeeze. "You look great." She quietly told him.

"And you as well."

Allyndra moved further to stand near the captain.

A subtle, sweeping gaze across all those assembled reflected a series of prosperous glints in Tarin's hazel irises resulting from the holographic sun in the sky. The articles of clothing each crew member wore - from the elegant robes and dresses to tunics and other individualized formal wear - presented a rare opportunity to view each Galileomember as individuals outside of their designated professions. Not all were present but more than enough were in attendance to demonstrate not just camaraderie, but respect for tradition. She unclipped the small silver PADD from her belt then glanced down to the notes she'd prepared before addressing the audience and matrimonial parties.

"Approximately two months ago, I was assigned to Galileo-A as my first commanding officer posting following almost two years of duty in strategic operations aboard Regula I," she began, her dry inflection somewhat subdued and more casual in nature. "I wasn't elated. I considered an assignment aboard a Nova-class survey vessel to be...a mistake. Not because of any tangible reason, but because I didn't grow up around scientists. Didn't serve with many throughout my early career; didn't understand the motivation behind the blind pursuit of knowledge beyond superficial Starfleet doctrine and mission employment planning. I wondered why I was here. Why me?"

"I look at all of you now and I don't ask that question anymore. I've gotten to know each of you in some capacity over a short time and there's no other place I'd rather serve in this moment. Your commitment to each other as shipmates, friends and partners surpasses what I've encountered elsewhere on a Starfleet posting. This ship's namesake speaks for itself throughout the fleet and its blazed a remarkable trail for the Federation. It gives me... pride to stand here, to be one of you. It gives me even more pride to be given this honor to wed two of our own who've given much more to Galileo than myself."

The captain glanced to the winged first officer next to her before gesturing to the betrothed. "Ensign Mimi and Petty Officer Hollenday embody the finest qualities in us-" her eyes lingered on the Nekomi for a brief second before smirking in jest, "-most of the time. I often speak of duty: duty to the Federation, to the mission and to each other. During the short period I've been here, these two have demonstrated that commitment time and time again. And not just in the present, but in the future. Now, they have a new duty...one to each other, as husband and wife, for as long as they'll both live. This is the ultimate duty that will endure but not without challenge and not without sacrifice. There's no doubt in my mind these two will persevere through sickness and health, and hold each other in the highest regards with love, respect and honor."

Allyndra just smiled, but she wanted to chuckle at the captain's observations of the two.

"This ceremony will now have traditional elements to it from Nekomi culture," Tarin continued. "I welcome them because they represent Mimi's uniqueness, and by extension, all of ours. Today we celebrate a union and an achievement. Today this crew bears a new family." She exhaled a light breath then looked to Warraquim and gave her a curt nod before stepping back.

Jeysa stepped forward and offered the multi coloured Tushar cloth to Allyndra.

Allyndra took the pair's wrists and bound it. "Normally this would be the binding of the tails in Nekomi culture." She wanted everyone to know more about that. Just before she did that she paused. "Are there any here to challenge?" She didn't let more than a few seconds go by. "Since there are none." She bound the wrists.

Mimi looked to John and smiled as Allyndra began to bind their wrists together with the traditional Nekomi tushar. She was glad Allyndra had remembered the challenge but mouthed the words 'the ritual words' to her in case she'd forgotten that bit.

Allyndra barely made a nod. "For centuries the Tushar has been used to bind Nekomi together as mates, it has taken many forms and patterns of colour over that time, each with its own meanings. Each has its own significance. Here yellow represents the sun that shines brightly at the beginning of each day you spend together White for the purity of the bond between you. Green for luck and to thank fate for bringing you together." Allyndra finished the last and added, "Red for the blood that now binds you to each other in marriage." She then stood back and in her trained voice said, "Miat pata izan beti runga Andar strana." She paused then added in Federation Standard, "May fate be always on your side." Allyndra stood back and then nodded toward Tarin.

The eyes of Tarin swept across the assembly one final time following her observant perusal of the foreign tradition. "Fate is ours to forge and these two standing before us will shape their own destinies. I'm honored to be granted this privilege to declare Petty Officer Hollenday and Ensign Mimi husband and wife, for the remainder of their lives and beyond." Her attention then focused on the tall brown-haired engineer who she expressed a warm nod to. "You may now kiss the bride."

John didn't need any more time than that and tilted Mimi back and kissed her.

Mimi smiled broadly at Allyndra, her accent still needed a little work but her pronunciation was perfect, turning to John as Tarin said he could kiss her she held him tightly with her free arm as their lips met. The few seconds they kissed felt like an eternity as they poured all their emotions into each other, when they finally released each other she looked up at him and smiled. ""Sayan Burri.""

"Gods, Mimi, you're going to have to keep up with my lessons. However, I've got other plans before that." John winked.

"Oh I bet." Mimi chuckled. "We should stay and 'mingle' for a while first though. Remember we are tied together, we have to move together."

"Sure sugar. Captain's looking a little anxious so best we get things wrapped up here and to the reception." John jerked his head toward Tarin.

"Thank you for doing this for us Morgan," Mimi said though she visibly hesitated at using her Captain's first name. "Despite my past.. issues."

Tarin visibly cringed at the level of informality the bride used to address her. She hadn't been aware the two of them were operating on a first-name basis and it threatened to undermine her command of the starship and its personnel. However...she'd be remiss to not take into account the occasion and jovial nature of this celebration. Once forgiven. A short breath steadied her composure and temper. "This is your day, Mimi. Yours and John's," she reciprocated with a very rare and small smile of acknowledgement which pulled the edges of her thin lips. "Congratulations. I assume you have new 'business' to get to with your husband, now? A future Galileo crew member is waiting, there," she pointed to Mimi's flat belly.

"If it is possible." Mimi replied, she was probably going to pay later on for using her first name but that was another day, she glanced at Allyndra with a small smile, they'd discussed kids a little but not very thoroughly.

"I'm sure it will be.. with enough practise." Jeysa said as she moved to join John and Mimi. "Congratulations to both of you."

"I second that." Donald added heartily. "Now you've got her John don't let her go, love her as much as I do this ship."

"How exciting weddings are and this was a rather pleasant ceremony. No blood spilled or anything!" Nesh joked.

"Hey, Nesh, there's still the reception yet. Who knows what might happen. You might get your wish." John winked at her.

"Speaking of the reception, time we were heading there." Donald told Jeysa and Nesh. Everything was pretty much already set up but there were always last minute things to do before the guests got there and eventually Mimi and John.

"Yes we should." Jeysa smiled then turned to the happy couple. "We will see you there soon.

"Not too soon." Mimi replied with a brief chuckle and a glance to her husband.

"Time enough for other things, sweetie. We've got a show to put on," John winked.

Beneath the ceremony and rituals, the manner in which the two newlyweds adoringly looked at each other and solidified their bond was special. Lamar knew little about marriage between different species but was quickly becoming accustomed to the concept. "That's a happy couple if I've ever seen one," he commented to Sera. He then frowned with an expression of deep personal thought and academic intrigue. "You think if they have a kid...the child's gonna have a tail like the ensign?"

Sera raised a brow. "I have memories of meeting a young woman...she favored Ensign Mimi and Officer Hollenday...Asha..." It seemed like a dream, remembering the officer from the future. She shoved the memory back into the box it came from. "Yes, Lamar. It is likely any offspring they have will have a tail."

"Hmm..." He casually watched the interaction between the captain and the ensign while absentmindedly rubbing the back of his neck. "You think it's going to be long like hers? Or shorter? Because Humans descended from the Great Apes, and they descended from monkeys, who had tails..."

Would she ever be able to anticipate the direction Lamar's mind went on the most random of topics? "I do not have enough data to postulate, Lamar. Is there any particular reason you have chosen to focus upon Mimi and Hollenday's hypothetical progeny?"

A light shrug casually graced his shoulders. He wasn't quite sure how to answer her question and had no answer which would make 'logical' sense to her. "Just wondering. Sometimes the mind of a genius works in mysterious ways," he winked with some self-deprecating humor.

Sera responded with an imperious brow raise. Dressed as she was, it was a non-verbal gesture that held more gravitas in the moment. However, underneath the outward haughty expression was a sense of mirth, meant only for him, rising up like bubbles in a glass holding a carbonated beverage. "Mysterious and inexplicable." She responded in a dead-panned tone.

"'Sometimes the cucumber tastes better pickled' - old Vulcan proverb, right?" he lightly ribbed while observing the announcement for further festivities from the familiar young Orion bridesmaid. "Looks like it's time for drinks. Think they have Romulan ale?"

"Given Captain Tarin's ban on alcohol, I highly doubt there will be such a libation. Besides, Lamar, that particular drink is not designed for human metabolism...the time you would require in sick bay to recover from such folly would be time away..." She leaned in closely so that her breath caressed the skin of his jaw and neck beneath his ear as she whispered the last part of her statement softly, "...from me."

Goosebumps raised across the skin beneath his tunic while he suppressed a mischievous grin. "That's the most logical thing you've said since we met. Guess we'll have to make due with some Saurian brandy instead. Replicated or not. Ready to go get the party started?"

"It is not." Sera corrected as she gracefully stood and smoothed the robes with her hands while inside she was well-pleased at this exchange. "How does one 'get the party started'?"

"Well...music and dancing. Shots of liquor. More dancing and louder music. More shots. Fun things like that." Lamar followed her example and rose before stretching his legs. "I'll show you, c'mon." He took the lead and headed toward the invisible holodeck exit doors while casting a final glance around the room. It was going to be a enjoyable evening.

As the ceremony came to an end the assembled guests started to chat and stand up and get ready for the move to the reception. Sofie wasn't the first to leave but she made sure not to linger either and quickly took off. It had been good, a ceremony worthy of the occasion. She wished she'd been able to enjoy it. Instead every moment had been spent remembering the minutes when she had first learned about the engagement and about how close she had come to cutting it short. She was so glad that Mimi was alive and happy and so wonderfully married.

As the guests began to file out Mimi looked to her husband. "Shall we?" she asked and began to lead him out of the holodeck.

[OFF]

--

CMDR Morgan Tarin
Commanding Officer
USS Galileo-A

PO3 Jeysa Zeror
Yeoman
USS Galileo-A
[PNPC Mimi]

ENS S'Ers-a M'Lyr'Zor
Chief Engineer
USS Galileo-A

CWO3 Lamar Darius
Conn Officer
USS Galileo-A
[PNPC Tarin]

LTJG Sofie Ullswater
Chief Science Officer
USS Galileo-A

LTJG Delainey Carlisle
Chief Counselor
USS Galileo-A

ENS Mimi
Deputy Operations Manager
USS Galileo-A

CMDR Allyndra illm Warraquim
First Officer
USS Galileo-A

Nesh Saalm
Sous Chef
USS Galileo-A
[PNPC M'Lyr'Zor]

PO2 Donald Andrews
Engineering Officer
USS Galileo-A
[PNPC Mimi]

PO3 John Hollenday
Engineering Officer
USS Galileo-A
[PNPC Warraquim]

RSS Feed