Posted by Lieutenant Commander Gravel Mardusk (Chief of Security) in It’s Not a Wedding without Drama

Posted by Lieutenant Cara Esmé O’Farrell (Counselor / Education Specialist) in It’s Not a Wedding without Drama

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Gravel Mardusk (Chief of Security) in It’s Not a Wedding without Drama
Posted by… suppressed (12) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
Serchena moved to sit next to Sophie and said “Some tea would be lovely.” and she took a seat and looked up at Gravel. “Be a dear boy and go make a pot.” Gravel shook his head and smiled as he turned to walk towards the kitchen. “Aye Aye, Admiral.” he said as he left the room.

Gravel / Serchena

“No, you’re guests. Well you’re family, but still guests. Cara go make the tea,” Sophie flapped a hand shooing her away. Cara grinned, “Yes, Mam,” and left the room for the kitchen. Ava groaned and rolled her eyes. “Really Mam? Ya sent the bride and groom off ta a room alone tagether? We’ll never get tea. I’ll do it.” Dominik coughed to cover his laugh and took a seat in the chair beside the couch. “So, Serchena, have ya every visited Ireland before?”

“I have, actually. I have a dear friend who has a place on the west coast. Beautiful area, and they allow me the privilege of using it whenever I need some peace and quiet.” and she laughed. “Which is far more than I actually get, let me tell you.”

“It is beautiful. The Cliffs of Moher are my favorite. Though pictures of centuries ago, are stunning,” Dominik remarked, “Alas those centuries of wind and waves have changed it, though it is still a stark beauty of natures power.” Sophie grinned from memories, “Ireland is wonderful for relaxing. And now you’ll have family to remind you to take more time for yourself. What do you do in Star Fleet?”

Serchena smiled slightly and said “I am an Admiral, Sophie. Currently I am the Commanding Officer of Star Fleet Personnel Command. I oversee the deployment, training, promotion, and benefits of all five million members of Star Fleet.” and she leaned in and stage whispered “Not all of them individually, if course.” and she chuckled.

Sophie shook her head, “Managing all that for 3 girls is almost more than I can handle. I can’t imagine tryin’ ta keep organized for that many people. What did ya do before you were an Admiral?”

Serchena smiled at Sophie, enjoying the sincere curiosity and desire to know her as an individual, not just a high-ranking officet. It was.. refofficer. “Well, before that I was an Operations officer. That was my department training in the Academy. I served on a few ships, but stations and planet-based assignments were where I excelled. Which was good, as I had Grav to look after. His father, Donoak, passed away when Grav was just a baby. I was very fortunate to have been born in the Federation. My parents left Orion when I was ten. Donoak didn’t get away until he was almost twenty. He and I met a few years after he had come to the Federation. But life on Orion is hard if you are not… well.. not of a particular demeanor. Donoak had been a miner, trying to make an honest living. The years had taken their toll on his health, unfortunately. But we had almost ten wonderful years together, and he got to see and hold Gravel, and heard his first words and saw his first steps.” and she laughed, but there was a hint of loss to it; but also much joy. “Which be took at five months! He was always so strong… physically and in willpower.” and she laughed again.

Sophie patted her hand comfortingly as she spoke of her husband. She couldn’t imagine losing Dominik to health issues… her gaze settled in her husband who seemed to know she was thinking of her own refusal for medical attention. His raised brows gave it away, but he smiled at her.

Dominik laughed, “Cara was the same way. Stubborn, always has been. Didn’a matter what ya told her or how ya explained it. She was goin’ ta do it her way even if she failed or made a fool of herself. Then she’d just laugh and go on her way.”

“Well what about hobbies? You don’ work all the time,” Sophie asked.

Serchena shrugged slightly and said “Well, I actually do work most of the time. Star Fleet has a way of absorbing you the longer you are serving. That being said, I do like to take time every now and then to go to the theater. And I do yoga. And recently I have taken up an ancient Earth artwork from Japan. Hikaru dorodango.”

Dominik hummed slightly. “Hikaru doradango is at first look a simplistic but extraordinarily beautiful art. The exact origins are unknown, although making mud balls was a traditional pastime amongst the children of Japan for centuries. Dorodango fell out of favor as modernization progressed, until a professor from the Kyoto University of Education took it up to study children’s play. It had a resurgence then in the 21st century and has stayed around since then. You find them all the time, dating back thousands of years in archeological digs.” He caught himself before carrying on about it.

Ava entered the kitchen, “Ya two better be decent.” Cara was prevented from pulling out the various teas and cups and pots and whatnot by Ava throwing her self at her and hugging her tightly. “Yer okay.” Cara hugged the younger girl tightly. “‘Course I am. Not a scratch. I’m alright, Ava, and so are you. I’m very proud of you.”

“What for? I didn’a do anythin’. I didn’a know what ta do,” her voice was muffled and scared and she hugged Cara tighter.

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel looked at her and said “You did a great job Ava. Better than some of my Security officers coming out of the academy, in fact.” Gravel didn’t pander or blow smoke… he said what he meant and meant what he said. He set a hand on her shoulder and said “You kept your cool, you weighed risk and you made a plan. Then you executed it. Not a lot of folks can do that, ya know.” He stood up straight and said “In fact, if you ever wanna follow your sisters footsteps and join Star Fleet, I call dibs on being your sponsor.” Few in the house would know the true magnitude of that offer; but Cara and Emilia would know the weight Gravel’s support would carry.

Gravel

Cara looked over Ava’s head and met his gaze. She knew exactly what that offer meant and her eyes reflected how much it meant to her that he felt that way about her sister. Ava looked at him and shook her head, “I didn’a have a plan, I just didn’a want him ta hurt me.” Ava sighed, “Cara probably beat him up.”

Cara laughed, “I did not. I took martial arts for many years, Ava, and Sensei Tei put me through a lot of real life scenarios. It has been a skill I have always been thankful to have, but in the end, it’s not about flashy kicks and lightning punches. It’s about observing and making smart choices. Sometimes the smart choice is ta be quiet and wait. Don’a provoke them, don’a draw attention ta yerself. And observe. Look and listen.” She raised Ava’s chin a little. “Do ya want ta know how I got away?” Ava nodded. Cara looked at Gravel and grinned before looking back at Ava. “He came outta the shadows and distracted Donovan, and then… I bit him. Right here in the fleshy part of his wrist. While he was screamin’ I ran, and let Gravel take care of the rest.”

Ava looked at her like she was rabid. “Ya did NOT bite him?” She looked at Gravel, “Did she really bite him?” Well that wasn’t exactly the bad@ss picture she had of her sister.

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

“Oh, she did. Bit the ever livin’ piss outta him. Drew blood and everything.” Gravel said with a grin. He then looked at Ava. “Plans aren’t always conscious things, kiddo. Sometimes they are just a series of instincts that move us along a path. Your instincts were solid. Trust ‘em. You’ll be right more often than not.”

Gravel / Serchena

Ava nodded, but she didn’t look convinced, though she had the beginnings of a decent poker face. Cara hugged her tightly and rocked her side to side. “He is absolutely right. We don’t always know why we feel led or pushed ta act a certain way. Our minds are amazin’ and process details we don’a consciously notice. Trust yerself Ava, ya got a bright mind and a warm heart. In the mean time, I’ll ask Dadai to get in touch with Sensei Tei for you. Ya?”

Ava looked up with a heavy breath and nodded. “Yes. Thanks Cara.” Ava stepped back and toward the counter. “Best make the tea before Mam thinks I helped ya two ta run off and elope.” Cara grinned and snapped a little salute that made Ava laugh, “Yes ma’am.” Cara pulled out a tea service while Ava pointed out the different teas they had to Gravel.

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel selected a black tea with some orange hints to it and set it to steep. He looked at Cara and Ava and said “Go sit. I’ll bring it out.” and he grabbed the tray with the tea service in one hand and a tin of cookies with the other and walked both into the living room.

Gravel / Serchena

Cara grinned and led Ava out who ran upstairs to tell Emilia to stop being lazy. Sophie looked up, “Cara! I sent ya in there for a reason. Ta let him help, no do it all.” Sophie shook her head, but was smiling a little.

Cara laughed as she poured tea and plated cookies, “Mam do ya really think I could make or stop him from doin’ what he wants ta do?” Everyone had opinions on that, but no one said it.

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel smiled broadly and said “All part’a my charm.”

Gravel/ Serchena

“And you are very charming,” Sophie said, absolutely convinced of it. Dominik and Cara grinned. If Serchena had any doubts about how much Sophie liked Gravel. Ava came back downstairs with Emilia and Yoss. They joined them for tea and cookies. The conversation was easy and relaxed and flowed well for an hour or so.

The comms rang and Dominik went to answer it. He came back, “Gravel, that was Moira, going on about two giant hogs that need to be put on a spit and start roasting.” Cara laughed and stood up. “Well, I think that’s our cue that wedding planning is still taking place. We’ve got to head back to Nora’s. Mam, Serchena are you coming with us?”

Sophie nodded, “I think I can manage that.” She stood and Emilia helped her with a sweater. “We’ll be back in time to start dinner?”

“Yes Mam, that’s why we’re going now,” Cara told her.

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

“Hogs on spits? Now this is my kinda wedding.” Gravel said with a grin. Serchena stood and walked up to Sophie. “We moms simply must stick together.” she said and smiled as she took Sophie’s arm and rested it in hers. Serchena had a lithe dancer’s build, but she was still Orion. Her strength was noticeable as she helped Sophie move to the door.

The wedding party traveled to Moira’s. Gravel walked around the back and met with Moira and her son, and in just a few minutes the hogs were spitted and set over the dug-out ground filled with coals. At that moment, Gravel’s comm chirped and he stepped away.

It was a few minutes later that Gravel came back, a somewhat chagrined look on his face. He looked at Cara and said “Okay… first of all it wasn’t me. And second, someone told Lord Noggra that we were getting married. There is a slider coming with his ‘wedding present’.”

Gravel

Cara laughed, “Well at least if it’s a targ for me to hunt and kill, we’re in Ireland. I might get lost, but I’ll survive.”

Sophie looked appaled, “A lord. I don’t think we’re fancy enough for that at such short notice.” Emilia patted her shoulder, “No worries, Mam. It will be just fine.”

Dominik looked at Gravel and Serchena, “I feel there is a story there.”

Serchena smiled and turned and joined Cara.

Cara laughed, “Yes, but we ladies have to go.” She gave Gravel a wink and headed back towards Nora’s shop. She had several dresses of different styles set out for them to try.

Gravel mock-glared at her and then looked at Dominic. “Um… yeah. Well ya see… I may or may not be a formal and blooded member of the Klingon Noble House Noggra. As such, I will be given… presents… that the Klingons find necessary and appropriate.” he said as they made their way over to the tent.

Cara blew him a kiss. She grinned at Serchena, “That is his explanation to give.”

Dominik’s eyes went wide, “Really, Lad? That’s fascinating. You have to explain it all ta me.” Yoss chuckled, “You just stirred up the eternal academic in him.”

Over at the tent where the reception would be there were two very large men knelt down messing with items under a table. “Are you sure here? It won’t be bothered?” The other shrugged, “Won’t matter if they do. It will still work. Better access here anyway. Hurry up and hand me that cable.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel cleared his throat and said “Can I help you boys? What do we have going on here?”

Gravel

“Just doin’ a job for our boss,” came the reply from one of the forms under the table. The other man laughed loudly. “Our boss? I’m goin’ to tell them you said that.” An older, tanned and slightly weathered face looked over the back of the table. Greying brown hair and neatly trimmed beard. The man looked up… and up. Then he stood and gave Gravel a scrutinizing look over. He nudged the other man with his foot. To get his attention.

“Just a minute. I’m almost done and we can get out of here. It’ll be a surprise. Said he would know who it was from.”

The man nudged the other one again, “The surprise has been ruined.” The other man looked up finally at the crisp tone in his companions face, stood and turned to follow his gaze. The second man was the identical twin of the other. “Ah, well, not our fault he walked in here early.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel crossed his arms and stared at the two men. “Now lads, I’m all for a good surprise. But see… we’ve had a bit of not so good surprises the past few days. So… I’m gonna ask you boys once. Who are you, and who is your boss?” His tone was not a pleasant one.

Gravel

“Now look here you two miscreants. Get those little boy smirks off your face.” A woman came into the tent and glared at the two men, who grinned more but flushed. “I swear when I die, I’ll find Trine and run her through several times a day for leaving me to handle you two on my own.”

The woman was stunning. Golden blonde hair and features that brought to mind private moments on a storm ravaged night. But a glare that would hold the hounds of hell at bay alone. She turned to Gravel. “You must be Gravel. I’m Helka, and those two are Cuyler, my husband, and Oddvar. I believe you know my daughters, Revna and Runa. And our son, Michael.” She glared over her shoulder at them. “Not your boss, your Chief. You just wait till we get back to Bømlo.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel paused a moment and then his face split into a wide grin. “Okay, sure… I recognize ya from the vid of the wedding.” and he held out a hand. “Welcome to Ireland. And since I caught ya sneakin’ about, your punishment is you have to stay for the wedding.” and gave the trio a wink.

Gravel

They all laughed, “Dear boy, of course we’re staying. Michael and the girls hate they are missing it. So they sent us instead. I mean I’m a prize,” Helka grinned, and it was immediately clear where Runa got if from, “those two are just trouble.” Cuyler laughed, “But you like my kind of trouble, Helka.” Cuyler and then Oddvar offered a hand, unphased by the giant man. Of course, they were big fellows themselves, but not in Gravel’s league. “Mike sent over several kegs for your reception. That’s what we were setting up over there. Helka just came from getting permission from the magistrate to set it up.”

“And Revna and Runa sent the largest barrel we had of Bunratty Meade. They insisted you and your wife have it. Irish tradition,” Helka explained. “You drink it every night the first month of your marriage. It’s supposed to bring great fertility.”

Oddvar nudged his brother, “Don’t forget about the other present. Mike was insistent.” Cuyler shook his head, “If you think it’s so important you give it to him.” Oddvar looked at Gravel, assessing him and then shook his head, “Nope, I wouldn’t take him on even with my axe.”

Helka groaned, “Oh you big babies. Come here lad.” She reached up and tugged Gravel down and kissed his right cheek, “From Revna,” then his left, leaving a nice lipstick print there, “From Runa.” Then Helka kissed him, full on the lips with a lot of enthusiasm. Long enough to make Cuyler, who was familiar with her antics, uncomfortable. “Alright Helka, enough.”

She let Gravel go and grinned, “That was from Mike.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor