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 Lieutenant Cara Esmé O’Farrell (Counselor / Education Specialist) in It’s Not a Wedding without Drama
Posted by… suppressed (39) 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.”

Gravel clapped once and rubbed his hands together. “Fantastic! Nobody is gonna be sober.” and he laughed.

“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.”

Gravel shook his head. “We’ll be sure to go easy on it then. Pretty sure our Captain would lose her mind to have little Mardusks and O’Farrells running all over her ship.”

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.”

“Good call.” Mardusk said with a half-smile.

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

Gravel smiled and said “Mike is a good kisser, ‘tis true.” and then he looked at Cuyler and said “But she gave it a good try.” and winked at the big man.

Cuyler laughed, “She kisses just fine for me, and I have no desire to see what Revna would do to me if I tried to kiss Mike.”

A horn sounded two short honks outside. Gravel walked out of the tent and saw a ground truck with three large crates in it’s bed pull around the town square. He waved it over and the truck came to stop next to him. The doors opened and two large, burly Klingons stepped out. “Mardusk. Son of T’Kol and Warrior of House Ghol.” he said in tlhlngan Hol and slammed a fist against his chest. Mardusk did the same and inclined his head once and then looked the Klingon in the eye. Again in Klingon the speaker said “Lord Admiral T’Kol sends his regrets that he cannot attend your wedding, but he sends gifts.” He half-turned and swept an arm to the crates. “A full barrel of his finest Blood Wine and ceremonial tankards. You will, upon taking your vows, fill each of each other’s tankards and drink deep as is our way.” The other Klingon scoffed softly and muttered “As if they can handle Blood Wine.” under his breath. Gravel looked at the first and said in perfect tlhlngan Hol “We are honored and give our thanks to the Lord Admiral. My mate and I will partake and drink of the wine as if it were the very blood of our Houses’s enemies.” The first Klingon nodded and smiled at the Orions use of his native tongue. Gravel then looked at the second and said (loudly) in Federation Standard “Insult me or mine again, and I will put you on a spit and roast you as we have the pigs for our feast.”

Gravel

Cuyler and Oddvar scowled at each other. “Now, I don’t understand Klingon, but I do know when someone is being insulting.” Cuyler said stepping up.

Ofdvar rumbled from the other side, “Aye. Mike did say Mardusk was the best man he knew.”

“And it wouldn’t be a wedding without a brawl.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel crossed his arms on his chest as the two large Norwegian men walked up and stood on either side of him. Gravel looked at the two Klingons and then said to Oddvar and Cuyler “This one here is polite and formal.” and he inclined his head towards the first Klingon. “That one over there seems to think neither I nor my bride-to-be can handle our drink… probably because he is a racist piece of sh!+.” The first Klingon’s eyes widened and the second began to walk purposefully towards Mardusk and the Edman men.

The first Klingon held an arm out and stopped the second. “You will hold.” Mardusk hadn’t budged, but he looked at the now stopped Klingon and said “Listen. This is my wedding. And I have no intention of getting into a fist-fight the day before I get married. So I will make you a bet. After my wedding, and during the reception, you and I will have a drinking contest. You against me or my bride, your choice. You pick the drink, but not the mead. That stuff is way too strong for you.” The second glared at Gravel for a moment and then said “I accept. If you lose, you will stand on a table and declare Mor’keth your personal champion!” Mardusk hid most of his grin and said “And if I or my wife win, you get ‘This is where the Mardusks beat me’ tattooed on your left butt-cheek.” The first Klingon turned his head and tried valiantly not to laugh, but it was only a half-victory. Gravel then leaned forward and said “And one question… who the hell is Mor’keth?” The second Klingon growled dangerously and said “ME! I am Mor’keth!” through gritted teeth. Mardusk nodded and said “Oh, okay, Yeah, that makes sense.” and he looked at Oddvar and Cuyler with a wicked, mischievous gleam in his eyes. “Makes sense, yeah?” and he nodded his head slightly.

Gravel

Yoss and Dominik were watching. Or Cara? His daughter didn’t drink. Dominik really hoped this man didn’t pick his daughter. It would be embarrassing. Yoss on the other hand had heard tales and seen Cara drink at Mike’s when he went with Emilia.

“Yeah, makes total sense,” they said in unison with a grin. They had heard stories from Mike, especially the one about Mardusk out drinking his bride. Cuyler and Oddvar looked at each other. “I don’t think we brought enough.” Cuyler shrugged, “Probably empty the stores, but it’ll be worth it. Hey isn’t Blair satin’ that tattoo artist now?” Oddvar grinned, “Yeah she is. I’ll give her a call.” Cuyler nodded. “Well it’s not a brawl, but should be just as entertaining.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel looked at Cuyler with a grin and said “Oh, it’ll be a brawl. Don’t you worry about that.” He then looked at the first Klingon who just shook his head and said “I am Jol’kanor. I am honored to be allowed to celebrate you and your mate.” Gravel nodded and then looked at the crates.

One shook… violently.

Gravel glared and just said “Well, damn… looks like we’re getting a dog.”

Gravel

Cuyler watched the crate, “Fenrir embodied judging by the movement.” Oddvar eyed it, “Looks like it wants out. Your gift, you do the honors.”

Gravel chuckled.

Dominik groaned. “That dog better be trained. Cause if it runs off, Cara will chase it, and we won’a find her in time for the weddin’.” The assembled locals all laughed or groaned.

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel looked at Dominik and said “I keep tellin’ ya to put a bell on her.” He walked over to the end of the truck and shook his head. “Two. We are getting two dogs.” He looked back at Edman and O’Farrel men. “You boys ever seen a Klingon targ before?” He took a deep breath. “‘Cause you’re about to.” He reached up and grabbed the two metal handles that worked the very robust locks and hinges on the crates and yanked down and the end of the crates came open slightly… and then burst open as two black and red streaks shot out of their prisons and began growling and glaring at everyone, baring teeth designed to tear flesh form bone… and then break those bones. The two four-legged beasts seemed to a be a far more malevolent and malicious version of a Terran boar… but with large spikes growing from their backs down their spine. Their tusks were deep red and tipped in some kind of black metal.

Several of the towns folks started to turn and run and Gravel yelled “STOP! DON’T… Just… don’t move. I got this.” He walked up to one… and grabbed it around the neck and lifted it off the ground and threw it into the side of the truck. The other spun and charged Gravel, who promptly kicked it right in the side of the head sending it spinning sideways and falling over. The first got up, wholly unfazed, and growled at Gravel… and then it stopped and smelled the air. In an instant, it went form monstrous killing machine to happy puppy and bounced and hopped in circles and the ran up to Gravel and raised up on it’s hind legs and pawed at him. The second stood up, wobbled a second, and then did as the first. Gravel grinned and scratched the two animals on the top of their heads. The Klingons, even the surly one, nodded in approval. The second one said “Lord T’Kol decreed when they were born that these two sleep in your bed. They have known your scent since before they were weaned.” Garvel smiled and said “They are what? Year? Year and a half old?” The first laughed. “You would think! But no, they are eight standard months!” Gravel looked at him in disbelief. “They are huge!” Jol’kanor smiled. “The prize of the litter. A gift worthy of the Hero of the Ghol.” Gravel shook his head and said “My thanks to you. And my bride will be pleased. You have done us much honor today.” Jol’kanor bowed his head. “They are trained, but strong willed. They will make fine companions.” Gravel looked down and said “Trained, huh?” He pushed the two animals down and took a step back. “Ba’!” he siad loudly and the two targs dropped to their haunches and looked at him with an almost unnerving intellect. “Qam!” and they stood up and ready, looking only at Gravel. “Anwr!” and they sprung forward to either side of him and started growling at everyone. Gravel grinned. He pointed to all the onlookers and said “Jup’a!” and the targs immediately became docile again and walked up to people and smelled them, rubbed against them (almost pushing a few over), and accepting pets and scratches. Gravel nodded in approval and said “They won’t hurt anyone, but you might wanna keep the food locked up till the reception.” and he laughed loudly.

Gravel

“Well, umm… Gravel?” Moira was trying really hard to let the monstrous beasts sniff her without screaming. “What about the hogs? They are on spits already and we can’t cook them inside.”

Yoss was watching, “What about Sam? He’s no match for these things, and he’s not aggressive, but this could end badly.” All the O’Farrells were very attached to the dog.

Cuyler and Oddvar on the other hand were making quick friends with the beasts. The targs seemed to like them as well. Helka was laughing and snatching pictures of the two older men, kneeling on the ground making friends with the giant animals.

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel watched the targs for a bit and then said “Well… they seem well-trained. We’ll see what Cara says, about it. And don’t worry about Sam. These are domesticated targs. They won’t go after him. They just needed to know who was in charge.” He laughed somewhat wickedly and looked at Dominik. “Too bad Donovan O’Hara isn’t around now.” he said softly.

Gravel

Dominik and Yoss both began to laugh. “I would pay ta see that.” Dominik watched the animals, “They are really quite majestic aren’t they?”

Yoss cleared his throat, “Speaking of Donovan,” he pointed, “What happened to Liam, and why is he coming over here?” Liam O’Hara’s face was bloody, nose broken, dislocated arm, and walking with a limp. He was also staggering like he was drunk, but as he got closer it was clear it was probably a confusion based on the blow to the side of his head.

His arrival caused murmurs and a shift in attitude to the assembled. Diminik met him before he got to the tent. His posture became curious and then surprised. He turned and waved Gravel over.

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel had watched the man approach and he looked at the targs. Need to name them soon. he thought and then he snapped his fingers. The two immediately came to him and followed on either side as he walked towards Dominik and Liam. He cast an appraising glance at Liam and said “Mr. O’Hara… you’ve looked better.” The two targs just stared at the man.

Gravel

Liam watched the targs looking nervous, “I’m not here ta cause trouble.” His speech was slightly stilted. He shrugged, “I’ll heal up. Look, Donovan agreed ta the sale, but I don’a think yer gonna like it.”

“His accounts have been frozen and he needs money. He is goin’ ta use yer money ta pay for a lawyer ta get him off and then some people ta deal with ya and Cara after.” He waves at himself, “A friend of his delivered the message.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Mardusk held no real animosity to Liam. In fact, seeing the ‘message’ made his jaw clench. “Mr O’Hara… Liam… I’m really appreciative of you coming and telling me this. We’re gonna get you fixed up, but first I need to know how long ago the ‘messenger’ left, and how he was traveling. Then you are welcome to have a drink, rest, and we’ll see if I can’t have a word with your brother’s errand runner.”

Gravel

Liam shrugged and winced. “I don’a know. He cracked a eib and my nose before he left. I was in no condition ta follow, and he didn’a exactly knoc ta come in. I remember thinkin’ his slider sounded like a jungle cat when he left. He was a good foot taller ‘an me, no neck, a giant servant tattoo goin’ from one arm around his neck ta the other. Unkempt lookin’ but clean.” He managed to take his eyes off the targs for a moment. “Kinda built like those two.” He nodded at the two older Edman’s, “but younger and more…beast and muscle if ya k own what I mean.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel nodded and said “I think I do, yeah. Tell you what…” and turned to Dominik and said “Dominik, would you mind calling Emilia and asking her to see to Mr. O’Hara? And Mr. O’Hara, thank you for the information. We’ll see to it that you are taken care of and I’ll buy you a drink when I get back.” He nodded at Dominik and the Edmans and then moved away, targs following close behind. He pulled out a civilian communicator and tapped a few commands into it. A moment later a face appeared on the small screen. “Gravel Mardusk as I live and breathe. Whaddaya want?” the Tellerite asked directly. Mardusk said “Listen, heres the situation…” and he proceeded to tell the Tellerite everything that happened over the past few days. Finishing the recap, he said “Now my lead is leaving the town of Comeragh in Ireland. Think you can tag the vehicle and let me know when it stops moving?” The Tellerite cursed in several languages and said “By the ten hells of Driz of course I can! What are ya, stupid? I’ll call ya when they stop.” and the comms went blank. Gravel smiled and looked down at the targs. “Oh, I think you two are gonna be just fine.” and he walked back to the gathering.

Gravel

In the meantime, Liam had refused the offer of help. “No Mr. O’Farrell. I’ve given yer girls enough grief over the years. We never got along and that was my fault. Hurt pride and jealousy. What Reggie did was inexcusable. Donovan… well he might be blood but I want nothin’ ta do with him now. Not that I ever did. I’ll go take the clinic. Then I’m goin’ ta see Sean ta set up the sale of my property ta Mr. Mardusk. Then I’m packin’ and gettin’ outta here. Somewhere where no one knows me and I can start over.”

After he left Dominik explained to Yoss. Who just chuckled. “A changed man. But it won’t matter if Donovan gets the money or not. I have friends. No one will take him as client no matter how much money he has. I have contacts. He is slotted to get the most incompetent public dependent ever. Donovan will fire him and make the mistake of representing himself. He will fry for this.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Mardusk shook his head. “Probably not. Most penal colonies are on frozen planets.” He looked at both men and said “And relax. This is already handled. We are setting up for a wedding, lads. So let’s get it set up!” and he smiled and put a hand on each man’s shoulder and led them back towards the wedding activities. He did, however pause and have a quiet word with the two Klingons who grinned in a most disturbing manner and then climbed into the slider and left down the road quickly.

Gravel

Yoss looked at Dominik and said, “Are you worried? I’m not worried.” He looked about, “Except if Gravel here forgets to feed those targs.” He laughed and walked over to check the tents for the portable heating. It shouldn’t be too bad, but the elders did tend to get chilled no matter what, and they needed power for the music. Dominik went to help set up a few tables and Helka walked over. “Now, what do we need to do with that blood wine? We don’t want to set up something incorrectly and offend someone before they get drunk under a table.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel chuckled. “Good call. It goes right by where the officiant stands. When the vows are done, we each drink a full tankard. Klingons believe that if the two can down a full tankard and not spill a drop, it’s a sign the marriage is destined to be successful.”

Gravel

Ronan heard and looked at the crate with the barrel and tankards. “We’ll get a truck and haul it out ta the falls in the mornin’. Unless those two chaps want ta do that. I’ll be happy ta show them the way in the mornin’.”

“No Cuyler,” Helka turned suddenly as if she had some sixth sense that troubke was coming. She sounded absolutely exasperated and on the edge of laughter, “we are NOT getting a targ. We have to many animals as is. And before you suggest it, no it can not live with Oddvar.”

“I was just wonderin’ how they would cross breed with wild boars. A purely intellectual experiment, Helka. I swear.” Cuyler winked at her and Helka flushed.

“My answer is still, ‘no’. Finish setting that up. We’ve got 10 more barrels to get over here and set up.” Helka opened a personal comm. =/\=We’re ready. Yeah set them down 60 meters north of my position. Yep. Thanks.=/\= Moments later 10 large brewing barrels appeared in the field outside the tent. “Alright, where else can we help?”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel was looking at a mini-PaDD and smiling… and it wasn’t necessarily a nice smile. He tapped some commands and then looked up at Helka. “I’m sorry, what? Oh. Yay. Okay… so we need someone to get the reception pavillion set up over by the pub for the rest of the guests, and we’ll need the tables and chairs brought over from the community center.” and he pointed. “Think you old guys can handle that?” he asked with a grin at Cuyler and Oddvar.

Gravel

Oddvar grinned, “I don’t know, I’m pretty arthritic these days. I suppose we can try.” Cuyler punched him in the arm and flipped open a comm. A moment later, 20 huge strapping Nordic and Scottish lads appeared. “Alright, this here is one Gravel Mardusk,” he pointed at the man, “Best friend of Chief Michael. He’s gettin’ hitched tomorrow. Pavilion tent over there, chairs and tables from the community center there.” He pointed again. “Then we gotta move chairs and that big crate on the truck to Mahon falls. Get goin’!” The people grinned and dispersed, but not without congratulating Gravel and shaking his hand. Cuyler and Oddvar went back to setting up taps.

In less than an hour, the pavilion was up, secured, tables and chairs, and a dance floor in place. A seperate tent for the food was pitched beside it and the chairs and bloodwine transferred to the falls. A handful if helpers volunteered to camp out and keep it secure.

In the meantime, the women had chosen dresses and Cara’s altered perfectly. They were placed into garmet bags and taken to the O’Farrell house.

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Several kilometers up the road…

The customized Andorian racing slider weaved it’s way through the backroads of the rolling hills outside of Comeragh. At the controls, Michael Finn- former heavyweight boxing champion and now enforcer for a few of the less than savory individuals in the Irish criminal scene- smiled as the machine hugged the corners and hovered along the road at speeds far higher than was safe for others on the road. Finn was a very large man, with muscles that had muscles. In the ring, he had garnered a reputation for a viscous left hook that had felled over a score of opponents. He had also developed a reputation for betting on his own fights, which was frowned upon by the boxing governing body. His ban was big news for a hot minute, and then he found his current profession: delivering messages from one party to another… and making sure the messages were heard.

Finn loved his car, and had spent more than a few bars of gold-pressed latinum on modifications to the engines, controls, and on-board computers. The slider could outrun anything on the roads in most major cities, Let alone anything the local constabulary might have out here in the sticks. he thought to himself and chuckled. The idea of the police stopping him for speeding was laughable. Unfortunately for Finn, today wasn’t a day he needed to be concerned about the law. His concerns were about to come from a much more… ‘insistent’… kind of organization. And much like Finn himself, the messengers were similarly talented.

The sudden explosion from the engine compartment sent the car sideways and Finn could barely control the slider and keep it from careening off the road. But Finn was a decent enough driver that he managed to keep it on the road and bring it to a stop under emergency power on the shoulder of the two-lane country road before he ended up in a ditch or in a stone wall. He opened the door and, cursing loudly, stepped out and looked at the slider. The engine compartment was black and sparks and smoke came from under the compartment cover… which was odd since the compartment was supposed to be strong enough to keep such things inside to prevent outside fires. Finn looked closer and saw the point of failure; a large, circular hole in the exact center of the engine compartment cover… a hole seemingly burned through the metal. Before he could give the hole much further thought, two large shadows fell across the slider from behind him.

Finn turned to see two of the largest beings he personally had ever seen standing behind him. They were dressed in black and gold and red armor of some kind made form a combination of leather-like material and metal in strategic places. Long black hair flowed form dark brown scalps that were crested at the front with prominent cranial ridges…

Klingons.

And one cradled a disruptor rifle in his arms.

“Hmmm, human… you seem to be having engine trouble. Can we be of assistance?” one asked as the other leaned slightly to the side and looked past Finn to the slider. “Did you know you have a hole in your engine, human? I am not a mechanic, but it seems that could be a problem.” The first kept his eyes locked on Finn. “Indeed.” said the one with the rifle and his fingers drummed along the rifle’s body. “Odd malfunction… I wonder how that could have happened?” Finn’s eyes darted back and forth between the two. He had never met a Klingon, let alone on a deserted road in the middle of nowhere, but he knew a bit about them… and nothing he knew brought him any comfort. But a coward Finn was not, so he crossed his arms across his barrel of a chest and glared at them. “So you shot my car. Ok, you got my attention. But you know you’re gonn be paying to fix this, right?” The Klingons grinned and looked at each other, then back to Finn.

And that’s how the fight started.

Finn was an adept brawler and boxer, and he was in the top percentiles of human strength. Against two bigger humans, he could have held his own and had good odds of even coming out on top. Against two bigger Klingons? Klingons who didn’t train for hand-to-hand combat in a ring with rules; but instead for life-or-death battles? Who had proven themselves to such an extent that their House Lord trusted them to be some of the select few to protect his family?

Finn never stood a chance.

Now, he did get a few solid punches in. Punches that had garnered him numerous victories in the ring… against humans. Even when his legendary left hook caught one of the Klingons right in the jaw, his assailant just laughed and began to hit him harder. It was over in moments, and Finn was on the ground. But the beating continued. It only stopped when he was just about to go unconscious. That was when one of the Klingons kneeled next to his broken and battered body and used two gauntleted fingers to open his already swollen shut eye so he could see him as he spoke. “Take this message to Donovan O’Hara. If he or anyone in his employ or his house ever set foot in Comeragh, the county, or anywhere near anyone from the town again; then our Lord will take that as a declaration of a blood feud with House Noggra and we will send all of the finest warriors the Klingons have to bury him, his clan, and anyone who has ever known him in shallow, unmarked graves. Tell anyone who does business with him that if they continue to work with him, House Noggra will consider them enemies of the Empire and we will not stop until they are erased from history. Tell those who would give him shelter and comfort that doing so is their signature on their own death warrant. Tell everyone that to go against any family of Comeragh, their loved ones, or those they consider friend is an open declaration that they find dishonor within our House… and we will respond in kind. Nod if you understand, human.” Finn could barely move, but managed a weak nod. The Klingon grinned a feral grin and then said “Good. And a message for you personally. Gravel Mardusk wants you to know that he knows who you are, Mr. Finn. And as one of the Honor Marked of House Noggra and Security Officer of Star Fleet, if you so much as think about continuing to do the work that you do and hurting the innocent? He will not stop until you are in a penal colony for life. You are not his enemy… yet. Take great care to stay that way.” The Klingon stood and the second came over and looked down at Finn. The last thing he saw was the sole of a giant boot come crashing down on his face.

Don’t Mess With Psychotic Families With Private Armies

The car of one Michael Finn, enforcer and all around bulky was found on the side of the road outside of Comeragh. There were signs of a fight and Finn’s tracks leading away for a few kilometers. The car was impounded, but there was no complaint filed nor did Finn show up to retrieve it. In fact, know known associated knew where to find Finn. It seemed he had left the country.

At the O’Farrell house, Sophie was in a happy wedding daze. Practically giddy over her middle child’s wedding the next day. She was supposed to be cooking, but she had set Emilia, Cara, and Ava to work in the kitchen and was busy showing Serchena pictures and holos, and keepsakes of her girls.

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

As the last of the preparations outside were being completed, Gravel (and the targs) made the rounds and ensured everything was as it should be. A little over an hour after their departure, the Klingons returned and had a brief and happily animated conversation with him away from the others. Gravel grinned and grasped each one by their forearm and they all laughed.

Gravel (and the targs) made their way to the O’Farrell home and Gravel yelled from outside. “CARA! WE GOT EARLY WEDDING PRESENTS!” A few of the townsfolk were watchingbas the two targs sat on either side of Gravel and looked at the door.

Gravel

Sophie sat the latest stack of pictures of Cara and all the random places she had been found over the years and went to the window and SCREAMED “By the Sidhe! What are those things! No! Cara do NOT go out there!” Cara gave her sisters a long suffering look and opened the door anyway.

And paused.

It was a sight to make any woman giddy and some swoon. Gravel and two massive tags. And they had to be massive if they didn’t look tiny next to him. “Targs?! Domesticated targs? Oh thank the Sidhe, I don’t have ta make candles out of them. They are magnificent. ” Her eyes positively danced at him. “Kelly is goin’ ta string us up in the brig when we take them home with us. And they ARE goin’.” She slapped her hands together like she was dusting them off. “So what do I have ta do? Wrestle ‘em or somethin’ so they know you aren’t the only one in charge? I got bread in the oven, so let’s get ta it.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel looked at her and crossed his arms on his chest. “Already told ‘em I was a boss. You gotta do you, hun.” he said with a grin. “But whatever you do, do it right now. You pause, and you’ll never get their respect.”

Gravel