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 (61) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
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 targs. 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

As with anything it was all about momentum and knowing how the body should move and be made to move. She’d probably get bruised in the process, but Cara wasn’t worried about that.

Right now they were docile and waiting for a command. She did exactly what she knew would get a reaction, she ran straight at Gravel with a yell that left no doubt she was going to hurt him. They charged her, as they were trained to do. Cara dropped, tucked, rolled, and used the momentum to land both feet right into the chest of the first, knocking the breath put of it. She just got her feet in time to grab the tusks of the second as it bowled her over. She twisted and torqued the tusks, planted her feet into it’s belly. It followed the direction of its tusks, and with a little help from her legs, Cara flipped it, where it landed against the stone wall of the fence.

What Cara did next as the first came rumbling back toward her made the targ wary of her. She grabbed it by the nostrils and yanked. It wouldn’t cause damage, but it hurt and made it squeal and thrash about to get away. She waited till it was pulling a great deal before letting go so it stumbled. It shook it’s head and stumbled about. Cara stood and walked over to Gravel, her back to him and glared at the animals. They weren’t happy and ready to go again, pawing at the ground and shaking their heads. They approached with more caution. They were smart, working in tandem as they came at her again. They were suddenly confused though as the wind blew strongly. They sniffed their and looked from her to Gravel. “That’s right, my scent is all over him and his is all over me. Get used ta it. If ya don’a I will make ya inta candles.” There hesitation was enough, “Qam!” The targs stopped and looked at Cara. They were smart and gorgeous. “Jup’a!” They shook their heads and walked toward Cara, sniffing her. She let them and put a hand on each of them, scratching behind their horns. They became nothing but giant puppies after that.

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

“Nice. But I get to name ‘em.” Gravel said with a grin. He put an arm around Cara and looked at the targs. “vIwov. ‘ach DaH bIHegh.” he said and the targs did a little circle of happiness and then bolted out the front yard and out of sight around the back of the house. Gravel shook his head and said “Yep. Skipper is gonna straight up kill us.” and he laughed.

Gravel

“As long as she doesn’a touch a hair on their hides.” Cara slipped an arm around him and her hand into his back pocket. “Well hurry up and name ‘em, Malachite.” As they raced around the back of the house there was a suddenly howling and alarmed barking from inside the house. “SAM QUIET!” The large Irish Wolfhound went silent, appearing in the door way. “Poor old fellow. Missed all the excitement and didn’t know it.”

Ava pulled Sam back into the house and called, “Cara, yer bread is burnin’!” Cara grinned but Emilia cut her off, “We all wanna eat Cara. Come on. Mam’s no good after watchin’ ya wrestle those targs.” Dominik walked past them and into the house to see to Sophia.

Sophia was physically fine, but she was workingbherself into a lecture of epic proportions. “Cara, that was totally irresponsible. What were you thinking? Those things could kill you! Ya’ve always been wild, but this is ta much!” It went on for several minutes. Cara got up, hugged her mother, “I love ya too, Mam. Now why don’cha tell more embarrassin’ stories while I help set dinner on the table.” She kissed her mother’s cheek and went into the kitchen. Sophie huffed, “As if gettin’ lost isn’a enough. She has ta wrestle with damgerous animals.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel took a seat next to Sophie. “Now would you think for even a second that I would let her do something that would get her hurt? C’mon… you know better than that.” he said with a smile.

Sophie crossed her arms and looked at him. “No Gravel I don’a think ya would let her get hurt. Yes yer a big stong strappin’ lad, but I know no one let’s Cara do or no do anythin’. She’s worse than a stone wall.”

“And listen. they look mean and scary… well, they are… but they are also very well trained. My Klingon House is known for their targs and the training they get.” He looked at her and said “You want to touch one?”

Gravel

Sophie glanced out the window to the back of the house where the targs had run off, clearly undecided. Ava on the other hand hurried into the living room, “I do!”

Cara laughed, “Hey! That’s my line!” Emilia burst out laughing and Ava made a face at Cara. Ava looked at Gravel, “I don’a have ta wrestle it do I?” She didn’t want to do that, but she supposed she could try if she had to. Sophie shook her head with a smirk, “Cara do you see what you’ve started!?” Cara only laughed from the kitchen. “I suppose I will, Gravel, but I’m not wrestlin’ with one.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel chuckled. “I don’t think you’ll need to. Wait here a sec.” He stood up and walked out of the room and to the back door. Opening it, he stuck two fingers in his mouth and a loud whistle sounded across the yard and far out the back past the wall separating town from fields. He waited a moment and soon he saw, off in the distance, two large black forms barreling across the countryside. They had gotten pretty far away in a short time, but were making up the distance obscenely fast for their size. As they came leaping over the stone wall and into the back yard, Gravel held up a closed fist and said “yImev!” (Stop!) and the two beasts slid to a stop less than a meter away from his legs. He looked down at the two and said “Jot.” (Be calm.) and then he turned and snapped his fingers once and the two panting targs walked in behind him.

The only one not curious about the targs was Sam. Recognizing them for the predators they were he growled in warning and tried to get between them and everyone else. Dominik called him over to his chair and spoke quietly to him in Gaelic. Sam quieted and sat, ever watchful.

One of the targs regarded Sam with an almost cool appraisal. It’s head cocked to the side as it looked at the Wolfhound, and then it let out a soft huff and turned it’s attention back to Gravel and Sophie.

Emilia disappeared up the stairs with Yoss, but not because of the targs.

He led them into the living room that became suddenly much smaller with everyone and the two ‘pets’ inside it. Gravel took his seat next to Sophie and snapped his fingers. The two trags moved to him and sat on their haunches, black eyes looking at him expectantly. “Contrary to how they look, they are incredibly smart.” Gravel said to Sophie. “They are also quite receptive to people… well… Klingons, at least. But these have been trained for me, so they follow my lead. Now, repeat after me… jupna’. It means friend.” As Gravel said the word, the ears on both targs stood up and their eyes widened slightly.

Gravel

Ava was practically dancing in place. “They’re beautiful.”

Sophie looked at them curiously. “Well they do seem calm now. Jupna’.” She repeated after him in her heavy accent.

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

“Firmer. Make them know it.” Gravel said.

Dominik looked at his wife. “Remember when the girls decided to prank Old Lady Phoebe? Say it like that.” Sophie looked at him before turning back to the targs even as all three of her daughters groaned. “Jupna’.” The targs eyes riveted on Sophie.

He took her hand in his and held it out to one of the animals. The porcine snout sniffed at both and then Gravel took his hand away. A low rumble came from the targ and then it looked at Sophie… and butted her hand with the top of his head. The second one moved closer and repeated the gesture, and a moment later both were laying on the floor in front of Sophie’s feet.

Sophie grinned, “They really aren’t so scary are they?”

Gravel smiled. “They like you. That’s not very common. Typically targs only bond with one, maybe two individuals. These seem much more… pack oriented… than is normal.” He smiled more broadly and said “Now that’s pretty cool.” He showed Sophie where to scratch them and how best to avoid the spikes along their back. “They are naturally sharp, so be careful. C’mon, Ava. You can get in on this. Just go slow at first and remember… JUPNA. Say it with conviction.”

Gravel

Sophie pet them gently but made sure not to hesitate as they laid at her feet. Ava didn’t need a second invitation. She sat down right next to Gravel, “JUPNA’.” She grinned having gotten the word mostly correct. “Can I pet them now?”

“Grah-VEL, did Lord Noggra send food for them? I’m pretty sure they won’a like dog food. Or do I need ta make something? We don’a have a replicator,” Cara came in and set a hand on Sam’s head. She shook her head with amusement at her family.

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel scratched on besides it’s spikes and said “They’ll eat anything. Like literally anything. They’re almost like Bolians.” He looked down at the two targs and their willingness to be touched and said “Ok, names… both are males. Female targs are way too aggressive. So…” and he sat in thought for a moment before a grin spread over his face. He looked at Cara and pointed first at one and then the other. “Hall… and Oates.”

Gravel

“Aren’t most gemales?” Dominik asked deadpan. Sophie glared at him, he winked at her, and she blushed. Ava reached down and let the targ he was petting sniff her. Then she pet it just as Gravel was doing. She did a very good imitation of being a bored teenager (that no one believed), but inside she was just a giddy little kid. Everyone was glad to see it after everything she’d been through.

“I like it. Now ya get ta explain who is vocals and who is guitar.” Cara laughed and muttered about being outnumbered. Dominik’s eyes glittered with mischief, “Well make sure yer first child is a girl, then.” Cara looked at her father, decided she wasn’t touching that one, spun in her heel, and went back to the kitchen. Dominik’s laughter chased her the whole way.

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel looked at Dominik and said “You can start the family planning after we’ve left the planet and not before, thank you very much.” and he laughed. He stood up and said “I’m gonna head out and make sure the Vikings haven’t decided to recruit the Klingons for a raiding party.” He turned his head towards the kitchen and said “Call me when dinner is ready if you can find your way to the door without gettin’ lost, hun!” and he chuckled loudly as he walked out the door.

Gravel

Sophie looked at Serchena and smiled, “But if we wait they will be out of range and can ignore our calls. There is no tellin’ when they’ll be home again.”

Serchena grinned. “My dear, if you ever think they are ignoring you, you simply call me. You have friends in very high places now. None of your Star Fleet children are out of touch from this point on.” and she laughed.

Cara’s voice carried, “Sarchena, I thought you liked me.” Her laughter was infectious and so was Sophie’s.

“Well we may no be in high places, but ya have family here now, Serchena.”

Dominik laughed. “Why do I have a feeling you are more worried they are planning without you, than that they are actually doing it.”

“Ya have one hour till food is on the table,” Cara called from the kitchen. “If yer not back by then, we start without ya. An no one has ta worry about me gettin’ lost.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

“Everyone has to worry about that, doll!” came gravel’s voice form outside, followed by laughter.

Cara chuckled to herself and watched him walk away through the window.

A few moments later, Gravel walked up the gathering area and surveyed the setup and nodded. “Well, as long as the wedding itself goes smooth, this should be one hell of a party!” he said to no one in particular.

Gravel

Cuyler clapped his hands and rubbed them together. “Apparently a local group is going to play music. They aren’t bad. Ain’t like Mike’s friends…what was his name, Oddvar? The one with the neon green spikes?”

“Bubba. Good thing Capall had left that little party before he and Runa saw each other.”

Cuyler laughed, “They hadn’t met yet.”

“You really think that would have mattered?” Oddvar shook his head like his brother had gone daft.

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel chuckled and said “Now this I gotta hear. I know Bubba; if the one you are talking about is loud, large, and as likely to stop a battlecruiser with his face as a photon torpedo. And if it’s a Bubba and a girl story? Well… even better.” He went over to one of the tables and reached under and pulled out a dark red bottle. He cracked the seal on the neck and smelled and smiled. He walked back over and took a long pull from the bottle before holding it out to the two men. “Here ya go… some of the reserve Blood Wine. Might as well know what you are getting into before tomorrow.” and he grinned. He was sure the two men could hold their drink… from what Mike had said the entire family could. But Gravel also loved watching humans drink Blood Wine for the first time. No matter how it went, it was always funny.

Gravel

Cuyler took the bottle and a swig. He chocked down a cough and passed it to Oddvar. Oddvar raised a brow at his brother’s expression. “That good?” Ofdvar took a swig and his eyes went crossed, and he inhaled sharply as it burned his sinuses. He coughed several times. “Whatda they make this with?” He coughed again and then grinned, “Hey! HELKA! Come try this!”

Gravel grinned. “It’s called ‘Blood Wine’ and it’s made by Klingons who aren’t really know for their skill in hyperbole.”

The Nordic beauty came over and eyed the bottle. She sniffed it. “No! Cuyler you know what happened last time you got really drunk, and that was with Mike. I’ll dump you in the bay this time.” Cuyler gave her a lecherous look. “It would be so worth it.” He snagged an arm around her waist and pulled her to him. “Let’s both get drunk. I bet you can’t drink a whole cup of it.”

Every Edman-McKenzie there stopped dead and watched with mischief on their faces and credits changing hands. Helka grabbed the bottle and took a swig. She absolutely did not make a face, but shrugged. Inside she knew she’d be passed out drunk quick on this stuff. What was it made of? “Okay, I’ll take that bet. I pick the cups.” She flipped open her comm and made a request. 5 minutes later a large chest appeared and she flipped it open.

Skulls. She looked at Gravel, “Blood of your enemies and all that. It certainly tastes like it.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel looked at the skull tankards and said “Hmmm… might wanna wait till the town is drunk before bustin’ those out, I think. The Mother of the bride especially.” and he chuckled.

Gravel

Helka shook her head, “Oh these are just for Cuyler and my little bet. I promise not to scare her. That would be exceptionally ill-mannered.” Helka closed the box and tapped the transponder on it and it disappeared back to whence it came. She gave the bottle back to Gravel.

“Alright, so Bubba and Runa,” Cuyler said. “I’m sure you heard from Mike about the upstart problems he had. Well he arranged for some friends of his to show up to help out. Bubba was one of them. There’s a commotion down at the gate, Oddvar and I go down there, and laying on Hamish’s slider is this huge, crazy looking, spiked haired man, looking asleep. Until Hamish opened his mouth and started spiting insults about Mike.”

“It was all very amusing watching Bubba make him soil himself. All of a sudden we here Runa yell ‘Mike! Bubba’s out of gum!’ Bubba whips around and looked like a kid at Christmas. Starts towards her, hand still holding Hamish, stops, holds up a finger and then knocks Hamish’s lights out. Before he hit the ground, Bubba had Runa off the ground, swingin’ her around and squeezing the breath out of her.”

Oddvar chuckled, “Apparently Runa used to travel to all of Mike’s shows with Bubba and the rest. He found out Mike had married Runa’s twin and,” Oddvar laughed hard, “Sorry, never seen Runa blush before. Bubba asked to the entire assemblage if they knew that Runa had thrown her underwear at Mike specifically on several occasions and was crazy about him. Runa denied doing anything like it. Bubba asked how she got them off without taking off the skin tight leather pants she wore. Runa slipped up and said she didn’t because it was her bra she threw. Girl was so red we had a second sun.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel’s eyes widened and he said “That was Runa?!?!? Holy hell, I remember that show!” and he laughed loudly and for quite a while. “Please please please tell her, FROM ME, that I saw that show and had I known that was her? Oh, she never would have lived it down.” He laughed some more and then his eyes went wide and he said “Oh… oh oh oh oh oh… we should invite Bubba to the wedding!”

Gravel

Helka just grinned, she could see why this was Mike’s best friend. “Oh, Revna doesn’t let her live it down. She was headed right for Runa with that look that makes Loki stand aside. Runa disappeared. After a few hours we couldn’t find her and Revna was really upset. She thought Runa thought she was actually mad. Then a few hours later here comes Runa with Capall. Mike and Seamus gave her hell about bringing him there. Then Mike goes on that just because he let her in the bar and he married her sister, she was asking too much bringing him there. I thought Runa would cry. Then she looks him in the eye, shames him for accusing her of such a thing, and disowns us all. She chose Capall over the rest of us.” Helka grinned. “Thatbgirl never did anything that wasn’t dramatic. She must have caused you all kinds of trouble on that ship.”

Cuyler chuckled, “At least Capall isn’t an intergalactic pirate.” He looked at Grabel, “Your wedding, invite whomever you want. Tell us where theybare and we’ll get them here.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel smiled and then shook his head. “Naw… this ain’t about a reunion of punks. ” He looked back at the house. “This about that red-headed walking broken compass back there.” He snapped his fingers and then looked at Helka. “Oh, favor to ask. Keep your eyes on Cara. Girl could lost in a round room with one door.” One of the towns people walking past said “Ain’t that tha truth!” and laughed.

Gravel

Helka blinked, “Sure, I can, but if she is so easily lost where is she now and who is keeping an eye in her?”

“She’s in the house, thankfully. Lots of folks in there. Besides, between her sisters and her mother, I doubt she she is alone for more than a few seconds at a time.” Gravel said with a laugh.

Helka and Oddvar exchanged a look, “My girls being together in one place is not an assurance that things are fine.”

Cuyler’s faze followed townsman, “That sounds like we need more information. I mean, if you are talking about raiding a village and running away with your bride. We have that down to a science.”

Ronan walked over, carrying a large vase of flowers. “He means we have a standin’ personalized SAR team just for Cara. The girl got lost so many times, she tied up all the regular emergency services. So we had ta have a team jus’ for her.”

“Ohhh…” cuyler looked at Gravel, “I tell ya, sounds like you would be safer just hauling her off with a band of good men so she doesn’t get lost on the way.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

“She’s gettin’ a bell for her neck for a wedding present.” Gravel said with a grin.

Gravel

Ronan laughed loudly. “Ronan?! What’s so funny?” One of the women asked. “He says he is gettin’ Cara a bell to wear around her neck!” Everyone cracked up laughing, some crying. “Gravek, better make sure you have Emilia permanently and surgically attach it or she’ll lose it!”

“Alright, well tell me where to pick her up in the morning and I will make sure she has her own personal honor guard for the day,” Helka said.

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel pointed at the house. “Right there.” He then turned and looked at Cuyler and Oddvar. “You boys feel like a party tonight? Never got married before, but I wouldn’t mind a bachelor party.” and he grinned.

Gravel

Cuyler clapped his hands and rubbed them together. “Have ya seen the results of Mike’s bachelor party?” Helka scowled at him. “That wasn’t a party that was you and Mike just getting drunk. I will dump you in the fjord this time.”

Cuyler chuckled and grabbed his wife and kissed her, leaving her flushed. “So worth it. And you won’t have Seamus around to save you.” He looked at Gravel, “Welk take you to Bømlo and have a grand party of it.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel smiled and said “Sounds good… or we could always just go the lodges just outside of town. Either way, I’m gonna drink you boys under the table tonight!” He looked around for a moment and said “We should get all the guys in town together and round up food and booze. I mean, it’s not a bachelor party without enough guys to start throwing punches.” and he chuckled.

Gravel

“Oh we can do that. Give me a list of the booze and we’ll get it.” Cuyler said. They would do it up in style.

From behind him was a loud snort and a growl. “Only count me in if that red haired demoness isn’t gonna be there. And I got his special beer.” Tugm walked around to join them. “No way am I missing this. Gotta make sure she’s really off the market. Save me thousands in repair.”

Oddvar cupped his hands to his mouth and in a bellow that easily carried, “BACHELOR PARTY AT THE CABINS TONIGHT!” Cheers and whoops went up and people started moving to get finished.

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel laughed loudly and said “Well, I guess that’s one way to do it.” He looked at Helka and stage-whispered “Don’t worry, I won’t let ‘em wander off.” and he smiled at her.

Gravel

Helka laughed, “Oh that’s alright, the only place he will wander is to bug me. So if you can keep him from doing that, I’ll be forever grateful.” She was only half teasing, but the care and affection was palatable.

At the house the two targs had left the living room and joined Cara in the kitchen. They watched everything she did with rapt attention. She glared at them. “He gave you some secret command to watch me, didn’a he?” She laughed and started putting food on the table and every time she left the kitchen the targs followed, until they realized it would be easier for one to stay in the kitchen and the other the dinning room. “They’re scary smart, Cara,” Ava said as she helped. “They are. No more than Sam is though.” Ava stepped around one of them, “Is this one Hall or Oats?” Cara looked, “Oats.”

The table was filled with Colcannon, boxty, Irish stew, shepherd’s pie, soda bread, corned beef with horseradish sauce, codle, bangers and mash, and a variety of other things. There was enough for two armies. Then she went into the kitchen and started taking what was left and mixing it into bowls to give Hall and Oats after.

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Outside, the center of the town, just outside of the pub, was looking like a party was about to happen. Pavilions covered dozens and dozens of tables and chairs. Long tables were set up in front of a truly impressive number of beer kegs; while crates of liquor were stacked in an organized fashion in strategic places. Hundreds of glasses and shot glasses set ready to be filled, and a raised platform had been assembled and set up for the bride and groom and family to sit at at the far end of the dance floor.

Gravel looked around and nodded. He then stepped away, spoke into his comms for about ten minutes, and then shut it off with a smile. He walked back to the house and said “Cara! You wanna see how it looks?!’

Gravel

Cara came out the door, Hall and Oats right behind her. Once she was clear of the door, they took off toward Gravel, and Cara just laughed. “Yah, let’s go, but no long. Mam’s decided she’s feelin’ up ta playin’ for ya and yer mom after we eat.” Cara made her way over to him and slipped her hand into his. They could miss the meal for all she cared. It was the first time they’d been to themselves since that morning. About the time they got to the field where everything was set up, a chill raced down her spine making her shiver. She rubbed her arms against the chill of the inevitable adrenaline crash; of course it would happen now that she was with him.

Gravel pulled off his jacket and seat around her, it swallowing her but at least she would be warm.

Cara pulled the jacket around her. Next best thing to be wrapped up with him. It really wasn’t that cold out, but it felt that way for a moment. “Thank you.”

The field was decked out and prepped. Cara laughed, “Why do people need months ta plan a weddin’? This looks great.” She stared at the rows of kegs and crates. “I know Ronan doesn’a have that much in stock. Where did all that come from? And is that… mead?”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel shrugged and said only one word. “Mike.” as if that explained everything. He looked down at her and asked “How are ya feelin’?”, even though he was pretty sure he knew the answer.

Gravel

Cara grinned, “Okay, tha’ makes sense.” She looked around. Everyone had really outdone themselves. Cara couldn’t have done better if they’d had months to plan. She looked up at him, slipping her hand back into his, despite the length of the sleeves on his jacket. “From this mornin’? I’m alright. It’s just the adrenaline finally drainin’. In general?” Her eyes twinkled at him, “I’m over the moon and feel like I’m floatin’. Tamorrow we’re goin’ ta be married. Nothing can ruin that. What about ya? Gettin’ cold feet yet?”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

“Nope.” Gravel said and then looked down at her and grinned. “Besides… if I did, I think Hall and Oates would eat me.” and he laughed. The two targs had already learned their names, apparently, because when he said them the two looked up at him expectantly, a gleam of intelligence in their black eyes that was almost unsettling. “No, I’m not talkin’ to you two. Go. ngepDaq chep.” (Check the perimeter.) and they took off like hairy black and red blurs. Gravel shook his head and said “They are so gonna get us in trouble when we get back.” and he laughed.

Gravel

Cara watched them go and laughed. “Oh yeah they are. Do you think they’ll adjust to being on a ship?” She looked concerned, “Being locked in quarters all day while we’re on duty? Unless we can put them to work. They’re too smart to leave them bored.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

“We leave ‘em bored, they’ll destroy everything we own.” he said flatly. It was the truth, though. “Maybe I can put them to work. Or maybe the kids can play with them during the day.” and he snorted. “Maybe not. Some little nose-picker yanks their tail and we’ll get brought up on charges.”.

Gravel

“It might not be a bad idea to socialize them though. Not without one of us supervising, but Atlantis is a family ship. They will run inta the children at some point.” Cara looked up at him with that mischievous look of hers. “We haven’a talked about it, but if we decide ta grow our family, Hall and Oats are goin’ ta have ta be able ta handle that.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

“Ain’t even married and already you’re planning on domesticating me. Typical.” Gravel said with a chuckle. “But you’re right… we haven’t talked about that, have we?” He watched the preparations for a moment and then said “I’m guessing by your statement you are in the ‘Pro-Green-Skinned-Red-Haired-Troublemakers’ camp?”

Gravel

Cara laughed, “Not unless you count you and yer mom teasin’ me about it over dinner.” She looked around and then back at him. “Domesticating ya? Malachite, I wouldn’a know how ta domesticate myself much less anyone else.” She gave the question due consideration though. “I love kids, and I wouldn’t mind if we did have green-skinned-red-haired-troublemakers. Is tha’ really such a good idea? Think about it. First time the kiddo toddles off at the playground, we’ll both be lost. I won’a know how ta get back. Then ya will lookin’ for both of us. And sidhe forbid the poor thing is like me and can’t figure out which way is up.” Normally Cara laughed about it, but this time she was dead serious.

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

“I bet then you’d think bells were a good idea.” he joked, but there was a seriousness to his face. “Tell ya what… let’s spend a year or two just us. Then we can come back to it. I mean, our jobs aren’t exactly stable, either.” A surge of adrenaline raced through him and his hands clenched into fists. “And if we had had a kid of our own on the Promenade during that last s#!t-show?” and he shook his head and forced himself calm. “Red… I’da beat that mo+÷rfu<%er to death with his own fists.” The words were fact, not even hyperbole.

Gravel

Cara looked no less disturbed by the idea. “I would have hurt Royo getting inta the promenade.” Smart or not she would have hurt anyone in her way. It was near thing with Gravel, having to watch and unable to get through. They both chose to serve though, and knew the risks. Cara lifted his fists to her lips and kissed them. “I have absolutely no doubt ya would have.” She looked up at him, “But like I said, we have 3 years at least before anyone starts bugging us about it.” She grinned, “But that doesn’a mean we can’a practice.”

He looked down at her and grinned. “Practice makes perfect, as you humans say. I’d hate to think we set up our kids to fail just because we didn’t train properly.” and he kissed her.

Then she gave him a quite serious look. Thinking about the promenade and that morning, “I’ll wear a bell, but it had better be tasteful and have a d@mn tracer in it, Gravel.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel chuckled. “What? You think I haven’t already put tags all over your clothes? What kinda slack-ass Security Chief do you think I am?!” he said with a grin. Although after recent events, it was already a plan. He looked around and then said “Ok. I think they got it. Let’s go eat, and then Mike’s family is taking me to the cabins for a bachelor party. And fair warning, I’m pretty sure your sisters and that Helka lady have something in store for you, too.”

Gravel

Cara grinned and stepped in close and hugged him. “Oh I’m pretty sure ya have all kinds of things all over me. As much as ya keep yer hands on me, I wouldn’a notice if ya slipped something inta a pocket.” Her eyes twinkled and she stretched up to kiss him. “Oh that sounds like a party, and like I had better plan ta stay with my family tanight. Too bad. Wait… who’s Helka?”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

“Mike’s mother-in-law, I think.” Gravel said with a confused look. “And Cuyler is her husband. And if I remember right… Mike’s two cousins who he considers his brothers married Mike’s wife’s sisters. Soooo…” and he looked at Cara. “Regardless. The Vikings and the Klingons are here… no way that will get outta hand.”

Gravel

Cara laughed, “That sounds…like a lot of drama in the making.” She looked at the pavilion, “Yeah, that’s going ta be interestin’. However, Vikings are known for kidnappin’ brides the night before their wedding… I’m keeping Hall and Oats with me tanight.” She laughed again. “Of course they’d have ta deal with Mam. I think she might have a bit of berserker in her if someone tried ta stop ya from becomin’ her son-in-law.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

“Little do you know, I’m only marrying ya to get to her.” Gravel said with a grin. “Ok. Feed me now or lose me forever.” he said as he turned to her, bent down, threw her over his shoulder, and marched her back into the house.

Gravel

Cara laughed, “Oh I have no doubt.” Cara let out a soft oof as she landed upside-down on his shoulder. “I’m no even goin’ ta protest. The virw is ta good.”

They entered the house and the conversation paused as everyone looked at the undignified way Cara was being brought home. Dominik sighed, “Cara, ya walked off holdin’ his hand. How did ya possibly get so lost in 10 minutes, with an escort, that ya had ta be brought home like that again?” That caused the gathered O’Farrell to laugh loudly.

Cara huffed, which was lost in the muscles of his back. “Keep it up, I won’a feed ya.”

The smell of colcannon, boxty, Irish stew, shepherd’s pie, soda bread, corned beef with horseradish sauce, codle, bangers and mash, and a variety of other things filled the house. There was enough for two armies. Ava rolled her eyes. “Look, we can stand here pickin’ on Cara for years or we can eat. I’m starvin’, so I’m eatin’. ‘Sides we can get our jabs in between bites.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

The smells of the food caused Gravel’s stomach to growl… loudly. He grinned and said “It’s used to having been fed a few Ensigns by now.” and he chuckled as he set Cara on the floor. He smiled and kissed her softly, and then looked at Ava. “Well? Go on, Sis. You better get yours before I destroy what’s left.”

Gravel

Ava beamed. She had a brother, a really cool one! “Yeah yeah, we all heard about ya at Moira’s this morning.” Ava was already at the table filling her plate. Cara hid a grin, he had a way with people. O’Farrell women in particular.

Yoss, Emilia, and her parents filed into the room, “Serchena, ya just sit down here beside me,” Sophie said. Dominik held a chair out for both of them before he sat. “Alright, help yerselves. Emilia, ya leave some o’ that soda bread for the rest of us.” Emilia grinned and set the basket back down. “Thank ya for cookin’ Cara.”

“Yes. It looks and smells divine.” Serchena said with a smile that seemed to lighten the room. She wasn’t shy, however, and she helped herself to the food as it came around.

She shrugged as she took from a bowl and passed it. “I didn’a mind. It’s been awhile since I’ve had the chance.” The O’Farrells didn’t stand much on formality. Dinner was meant to be family time, to be enjoyed and enjoy the joys that were family.

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel sat at the end of the table opposite Dominik and he said “So… you coming to the bachelor party tonight?” with a grin.

Gravel / Serchena

Before Dominik could answer, both Emilia and Ava said, “YES!” Emilia grinned, “And I’m going ta foist Yoss on ya as well. This works out great. I didn’a want ta have ta kick the men out. We women have ‘things’ ta do without pryin’ male eyes.” Yoss grinned and pointed his bread at Cara. “You are in for it, Cara. I remember what you did to Emilia. She’s been waiting years for payback.”

Ava snickered. Cara glared at her little sister, “Oh ya just wait till it’s yer turn Ava. Ya will have me and Emilia plannin’ yers.” Ava shrugged, “Not me! If I ever get married, I’m elopin’. I’m not stupid.” The older girls just laughed, knowing exactly how that would actually happen. Dominik chuckled. “Yes, I’m coming. Ya don’a even have ta twist my arm. I’m not stayin’ anywhere near here for this.” Dominik paused and set his napkin down, “I better call the guarda and tell them ta put caution tape around the property.”

“Already told them, Dominik,” Yoss broke into a huge grin. Dominik raised his glass to him, “Good man.” Emilia shook her head, “We won’a let Cara get crazy.” Yoss brushed back Emilia’s hair, “It’s not Cara I’m worried about. Most people don’t realize it, but you can be a lot worse than she is.” Emilia swatted him with her napkin and then suddenly stood and bolted from the room, looking pale.

Yoss pushed back his chair to follow her. Sophie looked at after her. “Somethin’ is wrong. She’s caught some disease hasn’t she Yoss? And she won’a tell me. She’s dyin’ isn’t she?” Sophie was truly upset and looking flushed and her heart was probably racing in a bad way. “No Sophie, she’s not. We weren’t going to say yet, but Emilia’s pregnant.” And with that bomb dropped, Yoss went after his wife. Happy chaos erupted as Yoss left. Cara leaned towards Gravel and grinned. “Well whatever my sisters were plannin’ is ruined. Mam will turn it inta a baby shower. I’m saved.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Serchena leaned in and said “The hell she will and the hell you are.” and she laughed. “I mean… congratulations to your sister, Cara. But I’m here for you. This is your day, and I won’t let anyone forget it.” She grinned at Cara and said “Besides… I do love a good Bachelorette Party.” Gravel groaned and said “Oh, crap.” and he shook his head. Looking at his mother he said “Just don’t let this one wander off alone. We’ll never find her in time for the ceremony.” and he laughed.

Gravel

Cara shook her head and looked at Serchena. “It’s family, yers now too. I won’t be here for the baby shower, so I don’a mind sharin’… a little bit.” She laughed and looked from Serchena to Gravel. “Maybe I should run and hide. I don’a think even my crazy family can keep up with yer mom’s idea of a good bachelorette party.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “I promise ta stay right here, even if the house burns down.”

“No! Ya can’t promise that Cara; we’re not stayin’ here.” Ava laughed wickedly. “But I promise ta keep an eye on her, Gravel. We’ll handcuff someone ta her if we have ta.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

“As long as it ain’t a stripper, I’m okay with it.” Gravel said and he began to eat. Serchena laughed. “If anyone is getting handcuffed to a stripper tonight, it’ll be Sophie. Probably the only way we’ll be able to keep her from running off!” and she laughed and smiled at Sophie. Of course she was joking, but the image was just too fun not to share.

Gravel / Serchena

“Wouldn’a be the first time that happened,” Sophie said without missing a stride. “Ava, pass the boxty.” Except Ava was just staring at her mother in shock and horror. “EWWW! Mam!”

Emilia stopped in the doorway, “No a mental picture I wanted,” she shook her head and sat back down. Cara on the other hand was laughing so hard she was crying. “She was probably the one that put the cuffs on.”

Dominik was staring at his plate, but the grin on his face couldn’t be missed. “Told ya, ya girls got that wild streak honestly. Wasn’a from me neither.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel looked at Dominik and said “Never took ya for the dancer type, Dom.” with a huge grin on his face. Serchena looked at Sophie and said “Handcuffing oneself to a good looking man is certainly one way to get their attention.” and she winked at her new BFF.

Gravel / Serchena

Dominik laughed, “It paid my way through college.” Ava’s food fell off her fork as she looked at her father with horror. Cara thought she would die of suffocation from laughing so much. She couldn’t catch her breath. Sophie looked at Serchena, “It’s a good way ta have yer father try and ground ya when he finds out.” Then she nodded toward Dominik. “Good way ta get the attention of a man playin’ hard ta get when ya hand cuff herself ta the ‘wrong’ man.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel looked at Cara and grinned. “Ya okay there, Red? Do ya need a medic?” he asked, and then leaned in and whispered very softly in her ear “Or do ya need some private mouth-to-mouth resuscitation?”

Gravel

Her head nodded againstnhis lips. He was being teasing, but she might really need it.

“Cara why are you laughing?” Ava thought her sister might have been knocked in the head harder than they thought. Cara thought it was great. Her mother hadn’t been this animated in awhile, and Cara adored seeing that her parents were still so much in love.

Serchena looked at Ava and said “Why aren’t you?” she asked with a grin.

Still laughing she shook her head at Ava and with a wave, excused herself to the kitchen. She leaned back against the counter and wiped her eyes and tried to drink some water.

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Gravel looked at the table and said “Now here is when in the vid the groom follows her into the kitchen and locks the door and then, well… but I think instead I’m gonna be a bit more respectful and simply ask Dominik what went through his head when she handcuffed herself to someone else.” and he grinned and took a bite of bangers and mash.

Gravel / Serchena

Yoss shook his head, “Better man than me. I’d have followed Emilia.” Dominik chuckled, “I followed Sophie, but her father followed me.” He chuckled and took a sip of his drink. “Red went through my head, my vision, and my knuckles turned white. I was livid. I told got about an inch from her face and told her to let him loose, or she’d have a bodiless arm attached to hers.”

Sophie grinned, “I had ta let him go. I felt bad. Ronan looked terrified Dominik might actually kill him. I let him go, and snapped the cuff on Dominik and tossed the key.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Serchena smiled and clapped. “Bravo!” and she looked at Ava. “Take a lesson, young lady. Anyone that is turned off by your tenacity isn’t the right for you. But once you find that right one…” and her eyes looked into the past and she smiled a bittersweet smile before snapping back to the present, “… do just like your mother did. Lock ‘em down!” and then she laughed. Gravel shook his head and looked at Ava. “Sis, don’t listen to ‘em. You slap cuffs on somebody and on the off chance they don’t want to be all yours- their loss, by thr way- you’ll get charged with unlawful detention.” and he looked at Sophie and Dominik. “You both should be ashamed, trying to corrupt this poor young woman.” he said with a smile.

Gravel

Dominik held up both hands, “No it’s all Sophie. She gave them the red hair. Ya should know by now it’s a warnin’ label.”

Ava looked unimpressed, “Emilia and Cara have been tryin’ ta corrupt me for years. It won’a work, I’m an angel.”

Cara returned, eyes still dancing. “Oh Aye, and Conor certainly would agree that uer an angel.” Ava flushed bright red to the roots of her red hair. “Shut up, Cara.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

Serchena looked at Ava and smiled. “Never be embarrassed about liking someone, Ava. But know that if anyone so much as makes you think about crying, they will have your extended family to deal with as well as your current one.”

Gravel smiled as he chewed and then said “I’ve never been a big brother before. I imagine I’ll be the over-protective kind, though.” and then he said “You know, you should ask him to go to the wedding with you. If he can handle that, then he’s solid.”

Gravel