To Have and to Hold

Posted on 09 Nov 2020 @ 5:11am by Captain Jonathan Reynolds & Civilian Eddie Reynolds & Commander Amelia Fox & Lieutenant Commander Aidan Datari & Lieutenant Commander True Keading & Lieutenant Xu Chang Lau & Lieutenant JG Rosaline Belikov & Lieutenant C'Tora Kuroka & Ensign Gwen Leighton & Captain Melody Jones (Commanding Officer) & Lieutenant Syvar MD

Mission: R&R - after facing the Planet Killer
Location: Starbase
Timeline: R&R Day 3
2532 words - 5.1 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Jon pulled at his collar. It didn't matter what they redesigned the dress uniform to be, it was always stiff and uncomfortable.

"I really didn't think I would be performing a wedding so soon," he said to True and Eddie for about the hundredth time as they waited in the room they had commandeered on the starbase.

This had been sprung on him so fast he felt like his head was still spinning.

True pursed her lips. She wasn't sure about this marriage. This had all gone on quickly and she wasn't sure anyone had time to deal with the after affects of the Mirror Amelia. But she kept her mouth closed, and smiled slightly at a couple of people who passed by.

A wedding had been the last thing Xu had expected, but then again nothing about this assignment so far had been calm, plain sailing or filled with the run of the mill situations. That said, who didn't enjoy a wedding, surprised as she was that she even received an invite as she had only encountered the first officer on two occasions and the Medical Officer on one that she could recall. It also gave her an opportunity to get herself all dressed up. So as not to out do the bride she chose a simple sky blue kimono with a white and pink floral patter around the lower hem that extended up one side to her waist. She had also pulled her hair up into a simple knot held together by her customary jade hairpin and very simple makeup. She was also lucky enough to be on the arm of a very handsome man who looked stunning in his dress uniform.

"So do you know how Lieutenant Fox and Ensign Syvar met?"

"No. I barely know the senior crew except for Jon. And I think the Jon I know differs from the captain persona you all see. I got to meet True for the first time transporting them down here a day or so ago. And well now I am incredibly blessed to know you in a very lovely way," he smiled at the memory of the other night. He brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it before steering them towards some seats.

Standing to the back of the congregation, Rose smiled as she watched the crew mulling around talking to one another. Although she’d love to join in, she had her own little girl to worry about. Being several months old, Ziva was starting to become quite the curious child and Rose figured an event like this might be a good experience for her. Holding Ziva in her arms, Rose took one of the empty seats at the back.

Melody, Sansa and Draxx had found seats at the front as Sansa was holding on to the rings. Melody had managed to delay the departure of the Merlin when she had heard that Amelia was getting married. She was sat between Drax and Sansa. She gently squeezed his hand and glanced at him looking very handsome in his dress uniform. Sansa was sat with nervous excitement, having been given the role of ring bearer. Melody whispered to her "I'm sure you'll do fine Sweetie. Would'nt you agree?" She asked Draxx.

"You are going to smash it sweetheart," the Bajoran agreed.

"I'll get started shall I?" Jon said as Syvar and Amelia approached.

Amelia stood next to Syvar and as usual, slipped her hand into his, intertwining their fingers.

Syvar straightened, slowly expelling his breath as he squeezed the hand that held his.

"We are gathered here today to join in union," Jon said trying to remember the appropriate words. This was the first wedding he had conducted, "Amelia Fox and Syvar."

That didn't sound right Jon thought for a minute. Then he remembered Vulcans didn't have second names.

Amelia and Syvar, marriage is the promise between two people who love each other, who trust that love, who honour one another as individuals in that togetherness, and who wish to spend the rest of their lives together. It enables the two separate souls to share their desires, longings, dreams, and memories, their joys and sorrows, and to help each other through all uncertainties of life.

It takes trust, to know in your hearts that you want only the best for each other. It takes dedication, to stay open to one another, to learn and grow, even when it is difficult to do so. And it takes faith, to go forward together without knowing what the future holds for you both.

Amelia and Syvar please join hands."

Jon was getting into the swing of this now, more confident.

Syvar turned a fraction to take Amelia's hand into his.

"Syvar do you take Amelia to be your wife?"

"I do," the Vulcan answered, though his voice seemed to quiver a fraction.

"Amelia, do you take Syvar to be your husband?"

Without a moment of hesitation, she responded with a look of warmth and love towards Syvar "I do."

Syvar smiled at her, his hand a little sweaty within hers. He was nervous, and trying very hard to hide it. Of course, he could hide nothing from her, so he put on the brave smile, having eyes for no-one but her.

Michael had been surprised in some aspect by the invitation for Syvar and Amelia's wedding. He was glad as well to be witness to their marriage. He looked at Iola, whom he brought along to see this, wondering what she thought of the ceremony. He did have a small flashback of a wedding that didn't happen. He held his breath, then relaxed when his adopted sister Amelia, and his adopted brother, Syvar said their I do's. They made it to the finish line.

He smiled, Michael was definitely happy for them.

"Are you crying?" Gwen's date asked in a low whisper, "That's kind of adorable." Her response was to gentle nudge him away while wiping the corner of her eyes. Weddings always made her eyes leak.

C'Tora stayed in the back of the room watching the event unfold. This was his first Non-Caitian joining ceremony, it did his heart good to see them so happy together as he silently wished them all the health, happiness and joy that they're hearts could hold.

"Repeat after me please Amelia.

I take you loving who you are. To be grateful for our love and our life. To be generous with my time, my energy and my affection.

To be patient with you and with myself. To encourage you to grow as an individual and to love you completely.

These things I pledge to you.

Taking a deep breath and never taking her eyes off Syvar, she repeated Jons words carefully. She made it all the way to the end in the one breath.

"Syvar repeat after me please," Jon continued thinking he had an alternative career if ever required now,

"I take you loving who you are. To be grateful for our love and our life. To be generous with my time, my energy and my affection.

To be patient with you and with myself. To encourage you to grow as an individual and to love you completely.

These things I pledge to you."

Syvar obediently repeated the words though he never took his eyes of his soon wife to be. They sparkled brightly, though his skin was slightly flushed with all the excitement and anxiety.

"Please present the rings," Jon asked. "Whoever has the rings!"

Sansa appeared and handed over the rings quickly and sat down again beaming a smile at both Amelia and Syvar.

Jon took the first one and handed it to Syvar,

"Unbroken, a never ending circle and a symbol of commitment and unending love. Place the ring on Amelia's finger please to cement your union,"

With trembling hand, Syvar took the ring and gently shoved it onto Amelia's finger.

"Now Amelia please do the same for Syvar," Jon said handing over his ring to her.

Taking the ring, Ameila slid it gently onto Syvars finger.

Jon smiled and looked forward at everyone.

"Amelia and Syvar in the presence of family and friends you have declared your commitment and love to each other. You have each given and recieved a ring as a symbol of the promises you have made.

By the power vested in me as your Captain, I now pronounce you man and wife.

Amelia you may now sock one on him," he grinned. "And congratulations."

Amelia rolled her eye and mutter under her breath "So close..." before she melted into Syavrs arms and a very passionate kiss.

Jon winked at True, yup conducting weddings nothing to be worried about.

She gave him a thumbs up symbol and couldn't help but crack a smile at the words he'd used.

"Come on Fox give the man chance to breathe," he chuckled. "Right let's get to the bar. I guess im getting some drinks in."

Melody led the crowd into a round of applause. Amelia finally let go of Syvar and then gave Melody and Sansa a hug.

Michael walked up towards Syvar, giving them both a huge smile. "Congratulations to you two. "embracing them both.

"I am very happy for you." he turned to look at Iola with a smile, then back to Amelia and Syvar. "May you have many happy times together. "

“Thank you so much.” Amelia said, then spotting Jon added “Excuse me for a moment.”

She walked up to Reynolds and stopped, giving him a wry look. “I should sock one on you.” She said with a small grin. “But I think a hug will suffice. It really was a beautiful ceremony. Thank you Captain.” She added as she gave out her arms around him.

"Well .... it felt right," Jon stated. "And no problems. Just name the baby after me," he joked.

Syvar smiled at Michael. "I still can't believe I'm this lucky," he said, "I'm not dreaming, am I?"

Michael chuckled, "No, you are not dreaming. Syvar. I hope to be just as happy as you, someday." he looked over towards Iola. "I'd like you to meet, Iola, the ambassador from Agora Crossroads. She's my date."

Syvar inclined his head at the Orion woman. "Pleasure to meet you Iola," he said, even though he was fairly certain he'd briefly met her before as she'd come in for her inhibitors. "Enjoy your stay on board."

C'Tora approached where the group hade gathered around the bride and groom. He warmly smiled at them. " Syvar, Amelia. I wish to convey my congratulations upon your joining. I hope you are blessed with joy, peace and health throughout your lives together. This was my first time witnessing a non caitian joining ceremony, I found it to be refreshing and quite lovely." He gave a slight bow to the happy couple. " I am not certain what an appropriate amount of time should be for greeting and well wishing is, So I guess I should withdraw for now." As he began to back away from the group.

Xu and Oliver moved up once C'Tora began to move away and stopped before the happy couple, and even though she did not know either one very much at all, she couldn't help but have cried during the ceremony.

"Congratulations to you both" the slight Asian women pulled Amelia into a hug and whispered into her ear "You are a beautiful bride!"

"Thank you." Amelia replied. "It's a lovely dress. Syvar's mother helped me pick it out. It's just a shame that in about 4 months, I won't fit in it. Probably won't fit in my uniform either." She added, patting her stomach.

"Another excuse to go shopping for clothes if you ask me!"
Xu chuckled as she moved on, allowing the happy couple to have a moment with the rest of the guests.

Syvar just smiled, not really comfortable with the sudden abundance of attention. He'd pulled his gloves back on to be able to safely shake all these hands he was required to shake. "How about we sneak away?" he whispered to Amelia.

Amelia pulled him close and kissed him again. "You read my mind." She whispered in his ear.

"Hang on your not rushing away so quickly," Jon said. "You haven't even thrown the bouquet."

"Ok... Ok... Gather round ladies." Amelia said. All the single ladies gathered and Amelia took a couple of steps away before throwing her bouquet over her head.

True might have normally gone over there but as far as she was concerned, she was already taken, whether she had a ring on her finger or not and she didn't want to give Jon any ideas about actually wanting to marry yet.

Choosing to remain at the back of the gathering, Rose waited just long enough to see who caught the bouquet before quietly leaving. With most of the senior staff and other officers attending the wedding, the was the perfect time for her to spend some time alone with her daughter. Besides, Rose was sure that the reception after the wedding was not the best place for a young child to be.

Xu had watched it lift into the air, the delicate petal's fluttering every so slightly as it started its arching journey up over the small gathering of ladies, herself included. She had never dreamed she would be the one to catch it but it looked as if it was going to be a direct hit.

'What will Oliver think?' was all she could think as she lifted her hands, elbowing the ribs of the overly excited women next to her... was it Gwen? Xu didn't care, she had her sights set and she intended to catch it. She pushed off with her feet, inching just slightly ahead and it paid off. Wrapping her fingers around the flower stems and it was hers, beaming from ear to ear she turned to look at Oliver...

Oliver seemed to cough a few times before smiling and saying, "Well done." He didn't really know what else to say.

A 'gentle' hip check during their celebratory moment allowed Gwen to knock Xu slightly off balance, "Whoops." She feigned as she grabbed the bouquet and tugged roughly on a handful of the stems. A thorn caught her finger and she winced.

The slight Asian women was not going to release them, she yanked them from Gwens grasp, forcing the the slice even deeper than it had originally.

"Whoops" she said with a lop sided smile as she moved rapidly away for Oliver feeling monumentally silly for her reactions.

Syvar watched as the women seemed ready to fight over the bouquet, then smiled as one of them came out as victor. "Can we go now?" he asked Amelia, not understanding this ritual at all.

"Sure thing my love," she took him by the hand.

Jon grinned and offered True his hand to make to leave.

He slapped Oliver on the shoulder as they passed, "I get working on that best man speech then mate."

OFF:

Some of the wording was taken from here:https://wanderlustbay.com/wedding-ceremony-scripts/