The Ark Royal-A: Wedding Day

Posted on Tue May 25th, 2021 @ 2:12pm by Captain Jack Solomon & Admiral Deela T'Lar & Commodore Leon `Lee` Pike & Lieutenant Xalanth & Lieutenant Percy McWire
Edited on on Tue May 25th, 2021 @ 2:13pm

3,336 words; about a 17 minute read

Mission: Episode 109 - The Dust Settles
Location: Versailles Castle, France, Earth
Timeline: Takes place after "USS Ark Royal - A - The Shakedown Continues"

A smile was on the lizard's face as he made the final tune-up to his formal uniform before checking the prep list. He had the rings tucked neatly into his breast pocket. Despite the Starfleet replicator never being able to get the formal uniform made correctly the lizard was able to ignore that for the sake of his friend.

Taking Fulvia's arm who like him was dressed in the fleet formal gear, the lizard headed to the reception area to give one last checkup. He didn't want the big day ruined.

After his shift, Percy went to his quarters to get dressed in his formal uniform to be ready for the big day. After getting dressed he wrapped up the gift for the bride and groom. He was excited to be part of such a historical event.

Solomon's Temporary Quarters

Jack stood in front of the mirror for what seemed like the umpteenth time as he made sure his dress uniform was straight and in place. He looked over every detail to make sure that he looked perfect for his bride to be. Jack had made sure he'd had an early start to make certain everything was arranged and in place care of the Castle staff.

He was incredibly lucky that the castle staff had agreed to stage the wedding on such short notice and for many of them, this was an honour to have two Starfleet officers getting married in such a historic venue. Having seen that everything was in place, Jack made sure he was suitably dressed for the occasion, despite fighting back the nerves that he could feel building.

He'd been close to being married once before when back serving on the Wildcat-B but that relationship had ended in a tragic loss of life of his then partner. With all that had gone on since he and Deela had decided to get together, Jack considered himself lucky. Once he was happy that he looked as good as he could, Jack made his way down to the great hall to await his bride and future wife.

T'Lar's Temporary Quarters

Deela was waiting for some special guests. One of which were her kids that she hadn't seen since the big battle and Starbase 400's takeover. Also, her Maid of Honor was also enroute to the ship. It wasn't the wedding she was expecting but she was tired of waiting, never knowing when the other shoe would drop, as they say.

While Deela was getting prepared, the chime rang. As soon as the door opened, two kids came rushing at her. Her parents stepped in, her father, stoic as usual. "Mommy!!! Mommy!!!" Tears ran down their eyes causing Deela's to as well. Brandon wanted to show off his new telepathic abilities, "We've missed you so much!"

Deela answered the same way with hers, "I missed you more." She smiled as tears ran down her face. She ignored her father who still was not smiling. She walked over to her mother and hugged her, "Mom, thank you so much for bringing them.

Deela's mom smiled back, "I'm happy to do it. I wouldn't miss this reunion for anything. The kids were so excited to see you. They've been waiting for this moment for what seems like forever. And you're getting married! That is so exciting!"

Her father Salek chimed in, "Again." He just looked at her, no emotion what-so-ever.

"Hello, father. I am happy that you came. I wasn't sure if you were or not."

Deela's mother looked at her father and gave him a look that could kill. Then she nodded to him and waved her hand to him signalling him to do something. He walked up to Deela and gave her a hug. Deela didn't expect that and it surprised her.

Brandon walked over to her and hugged her too. Raivyn joined in and soon, all of them were in a group hug. Deela could tell that her father was uncomfortable with it but he didn't pull away. Soon, everyone let go.

A few minutes later, the chime rang again. It was Alex and her kids. She hadn't seen Lee yet but she wanted to touch base with Deela so she'd know she was there. "Hi Deela." She walked over and hugged her, "The twins ran close behind Alex and stood there patiently.

"Your kids have grown." Deela was in shock as she looked at hers and Alex's kids. Deela knelt down to the twin's level, "Look at you two. You are getting so big." The twins smiled then joined Deela's daughter.

Alex was feeling happy and she could tell that Deela was too. Alex turned to Deela's parents, "Well, I'll let you and your daughter enjoy your time together. We're going to go see Lee and surprise him. Come on kids." Salek nodded to her. Lira smiled, "Thank you, Alex. See you in a few." With that said, Alex and the kids left. Deela, her parents and kids began to get reacquainted with each other.

Versailles Castle, The Great Hall

Jack arrived in the Great Hall and was stunned into silence as he saw all of the arrangement laid out. It all looked magnificent before him and he felt so proud of the work that had taken place. Seeing the minister told by his pulpit, Jack walked over to him to greet him.

"Thank you for holding this ceremony at such short notice, Reverend Colby, I can't tell you how much it means to have you conduct this," he said.

Rev Magnus Colby shook Jacks hand and smiled as he greeted him. "Commander, its my absolute pleasure to be able to wed two Starfleet officers in union together, please, your thanks are not necessary," he said.

"Well, I appreciate you doing this all the same," Jack answered. "The guests should be arriving soon as well as my best man...er lizard. A Lot of the guests will be the crew of the USS Ark Royal A however we've also managed to invite some friends and family. Well, the family from Deela's side at least."

Colby could see the look on Jack's face. He was aware that Jack's only living family members were both his Uncle Hank and his sister Isabelle. Despite making various attempts at contact, he'd not received an answerback and was hoping that they would receive his message.

"On an occasion like this, Commander, those who can attend will attend as they wish to be present on such a happy event. The day will go without issue. Just remember to stop at some point and recall the day," Colby said trying to ease Jack's nerves.

Upon hearing people entering the great hall, Jack looked back and smiled. "Thank you, I'd better go and greet the guests as they are starting to arrive. Thank you," he said as he made his way towards the arrivals.

As soon as he got to them, Jack recognised the senior crew of the Ark Royal A all dressed in their various dress uniforms and smiled as he saw how wonderful a sight they were. He spotted Lieutenants Caveel, Raven, Taloris, Celes, Wolf and Reyna as well as Ensign Korso.

"Well, talk about turning up early, if only you all did this for our staff meetings," Jack joked. He shook hands and hugged with all of them before standing tall once more. "Its a pleasure to have you all here, thank you all for attending."

Caveel was the first one to speak up. "Captain, without seeming to be too duty-driven, there was also the order of shore leave being handed out after the ceremony and what better way to start than with a wedding in such a grand place," he said.

"Thank you, Mr Cavell, I'm glad you have your priorities in place," Jack said smiling.

"Captain, its a pleasure to be here and its also a pleasure to be present as we witness both you and Admiral T'Lar finally tie the know, it been too long in the making," explained Raven which made Jack smile.

"And you Taloris? any words of wisdom from my favourite Chief of Operations?" Jack asked with a wry smile.

"According to human tradition, once you have been confirmed in marriage with the Admiral, I understand that primitive mating rituals must take place, followed by years of being told how your wife is correct and you must do as she says... Therefore Captain, I still question your reasoning for going ahead with this ceremony as you will seem to be made to feel more miserable afterwards," she said.

Jack smiled and then let out a laugh. "It's called Love, Taloris. I love her and she loves me...and once the honeymoon period is over, I'll gladly let the lady lead," he said with a wink. "Right, let me show you all to your places..." With that, Jack showed the senior crew to the seats and then headed back to the doors.

Percy arrived at the great hall seeing the commander at the door. "Hello Commander, the big day has arrived for you two thank you for letting me be part of this great day," he said

As if by magic Xalanth appeared having been going over everything one final time. "Everything's ready to go, my friend. Nervous? I know I was all three times I've been bonded with my mates."

"Gentlemen, thank you for being here, this means so much to me," Jack said to both of them. "Ensign, it's my honour to have you here and Lieutenant, I can't thank you enough for being my best man. Thank you both once again."

Once they were seated, one of the ushers came over to Jack and whispered to him. "Sir, its almost time, the bride and her party will be here soon."

"Thank you," he said in reply before turning around and making his way back to the head of the seating area where Rev Magnus Colby was waiting. All Jack needed now was to have his other guests from the Ark Royal turn up and all would be ready for Deela and her party to arrive. He could feel his nerves getting a little more present.

T'Lar's Temporary Quarters

After a while, Alex came back to help Deela get dressed. Deela's parents left with Deela's kids who were already dressed for the ceremony. Alex smiled at Deela, "Okay, let's do this." Alex saw Deela's dress and then saw her dress and smiled, "Oh my god! They are beautiful!"

Deela smiled, "Alex, we've been friends for a long time. I know what you like and do not like. I knew you would love it."

"I'm glad too. I've seen some awful bridesmaids dresses." After helping Deela with her dress, Alex picked up her dress and put it on. She stared at herself for a moment, "I make this look good."

Deela rolled her eyes, "Wait. I thought this was all about me." They laughed, "So, what do you think? Hair up or down?"

Alex shook her head, "Down. Yes, definitely down." Alex moved to the vanity, "Step into my parlour so I can work my magic."

Alex continued to help her get ready and when they were finished, they both stared in the mirror and smiled, "Perfect." Alex admired her work, "Well, it's just about that time."

Deela smiled, "It is. I cannot believe that we're finally doing this. I thought we would never get married."

"I know. With everything that has happened, it's a miracle." She smiled, "Let's get you married."

"Good idea." Deela stood up and followed Alex. As they walked out the door, Raivyn joined them. She was dressed in a cute white lace dress with a yellow bow and a white basket in hand filled with rose petals. Deela could nothing but smile.

Versailles Castle, The Great Hall

Alex left Deela and Raivyn in an adjoining room while she went off looking for Jack. She found him, "Jack, Jack," She walked over to him, "Deela's waiting in the other room. Are you ready to do this?"

Jack smiled as he saw Alex and she asked him the one question, on a day like today he could easily answer. "Yes, yes I've been ready for this for a very long time," he said.

Lee was finishing putting his dress uniform on adjusting it, Alex had already left to help out Deela, he smiled then after he was dressed he then went looking for his wife.

Alex saw her husband in her peripheral vision. She turned and once she got his attention, she waved him over, "Lee! Over here."

Lee felt the presence of his wife, he turned towards her then headed towards her direction, towering over most around him it was easy to spot her, he stood in front of her "Hello my wife."

Alex smiled and leaned in to give him a soft kiss, "Hello my husband." She chuckled, "You look mighty handsome in your dress uniform. And in case you're wondering, the kids are sitting with Brandon and Deela's parents. Hopefully, they're not making Salek crazy."

Lee chuckled looking at his wife then paused for a second "No the twins are behaving currently, but who knows with them." He shrugged "Thank you, you are looking gorgeous as always."

Alex smiled, "Aww. Thank you." She looked over where Jack was, "I'd better get in position. See you after the ceremony."

Once everyone was ready, Reverend Colby nodded to the organ player and the wedding march began playing out in the Great Hall. As everyone stood up in the congregation, Jack stood fast with Xalanth beside him, knowing that his Bride to be was about to join him.

Raivyn walked in first, tossing rose petals in the path, then Alex walked in next and then Deela with a bouquet of roses in her hands. Her eyes were fixed on Jack as she walked towards him. She smiled as she approached Jack. Raivyn was led away.

Once she had arrived and taken her place beside Jack, Reverend Colby opened his book and began the service.

"To all gathered here today, we bear witness to the marriage between Admiral Deela T'Lar and Commander Jack Solomon in this most wonderful of locations," he began before turning to Deela.

"Deela, will you take Jack to be your husband? Will you love him, comfort him, honour and protect him and forsaking all others be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?" he asked.

Deela smiled, I do."

"Jack, will you take Deela to be your wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honour and protect her and forsaking all others be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?" he asked.

"I do," Jack said, holding her hand.

"Deela, do you promise to love and respect Jack from this day forward?" asked Colby.

Deela gently nodded, "I do."

"Jack, do you promise to love and respect Deela from this day forward?" asked Colby.

"I do," Jack said.

Colby looked around at the congregation before asking his next question. "If anyone here present knows of any reason as to why these two people should not be wed in legal marriage, please say so now."

It was always a question he feared the worst for and had seen a few weddings halted there and then. When no one answered, Colby continued. "You may now take each other's hand before we go forward."

Deela joined hands with Jack once again had her hand in his. She gazed into Jack's eyes as the Reverend spoke.

"Deela repeat after me. I, Deela solemnly and sincerely declare that I know of no legal impediment to accepting you Jack as my lawful wedded husband."

She smiled, "I, Deela solemnly and sincerely declare that I know of no legal impediment to accepting you Jack as my lawful wedded husband."

"Jack, repeat after me. I, Jack, solemnly and sincerely declare that I know of no legal impediment to accepting you Deela as my lawful wedded husband."

Jack looked into Deela's eyes as he repeated the words. "I, Jack, solemnly and sincerely declare that I know of no legal impediment to accepting you Deela as my lawful wedded husband."

Colby turned the page before continuing.

"Deela repeat after me. To have and to hold, for better or worse, in sickness and in health. I promise to love, comfort and honour you from this day forward."

"To have and to hold, for better or worse, in sickness and in health. I promise to love, comfort and honour you from this day forward."

"Jack, repeat after me. To have and to hold, for better or worse, in sickness and in health. I promise to love, comfort and honour you from this day forward."

"To have and to hold, for better or worse, in sickness and in health. I promise to love, comfort and honour you from this day forward," said Jack. He could feel a tear running down his cheek as he spoke.

Once they had both spoken, Colby looked at Xalanth. "May we have the rings please?" he asked.

Xalanth nodded as he pulled the small box from his pocket. As he flipped open the box he couldn't help but feel pride at the two rings he'd made himself for his friends.

Deela handed Alex her bouquet of flowers to hold while they exchanged rings.

Once the rings were given, Colby could see the happiness between both Jack and Deela and continued. Seeing Deela holding the ring over Jack's finger, he began.

"Deela, repeat after me. I give you this ring as a token of my love and as a symbol of our marriage."

Deela softly cleared her throat, "I give you this ring as a token of my love and as a symbol of our marriage." She slid the ring on Jack's finger as she grinned from ear to ear.

"Jack, repeat after me. I give you this ring as a token of my love and as a symbol of our marriage."

"I give you this ring as a token of my love and as a symbol of our marriage," he said sliding the ring over her finger before looking up at Deela, smiling.

Looking at them both, Colby smiled before saying the final part of his reading. "Very well, now comes my favourite part. By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Jack, you may kiss your wife.”

As soon as he heard those words, there were tears running down his cheeks as he pulled Deela to him and kissed her gently. After he pulled back, smiling, Jack couldn't help himself. "Hello there Mrs. Solomon," he said to Deela.

Deela could sense the intense emotion coming from Jack and it made her smile even more. She was now feeling giddy, an emotion she rarely experienced, "Hello there, Mr T'Lar."

As the pair of them smiled and saw the congregation stand up and begin to clap in rapturous applause, the Reverend Colby stood for a moment and watched the view before him. He felt very happy that he had married another couple and not just another couple but two Starfleet Officers at that.

Allowing them a moment to enjoy the completion of the ceremony, Colby leaned into them both. "As much as I hate to interrupt, if you'll both follow me, we'll go and sign the register to complete your marriage," he said.

Guiding with his arm, Colby lead them both and the wedding party to the private room that was put to one side where Jack, Deela and the official wedding party would gather to sign the register and also to have the witnesses sign it as well. Minutes later and both Jack and Deela were walking down the aisle together as the organs played out loud, heading towards the hall doors and ready to take their first steps outside as man and wife.

RSS Feed