Gh6st Wedding

[be_seeing_you]

Who: Number 6, Ava Starr & Wedding Guests
What: Number 6 and Ava are getting married!
When: Saturday, August 19, Sunset
Where: Pool Deck
Warnings: Post is open to all but any characters who initiate conflict will be thrown out of the party immediately

Setting The Scene

A package had arrived for Number 6 a few days prior. Inside was a note explaining that an appropriate backdrop for their wedding would appear for the event. The note did not lie. A few hours before the appointed time, a stunning arch of flowers and opalescent crystals appears at the end of a white aisle runner on the pool deck. The various lounges and deck chairs already present have been arranged on either side of the runner, facing the new archway. Aside from that stunning centerpiece, the rest of the decorations appear makeshift upon inspection but are arranged with plenty of care--with soft and gauzy fabrics draped over key tables, such as where the gifts and the wedding cake sit, and improvised cloth flowers for most of the centerpieces and railings. All that’s missing now are the guests.

Ceremony

It begins at sunset, the sky painted with a warm ombre above the pool deck. The railings leading up to the deck are draped with repurposed curtains woven with dozens of flowers sewn from the fabric of Tommy Bahama apparel; they mark the way. As guests choose their seats (on either side, no one is being picky) they will find a cloth flower waiting for them as a party favor.

The whole ceremony is a compromise between traditional and simplistic. Klaus is officiating, but they’ve been asked to keep the ceremony itself short and sweet. Number 6 is standing beside them at the end of the aisle decked out in white himself in the form of a white tuxedo with coat tails (it even has wing holes built-in.) His fingers dance anxiously in front of him like he’s frantically playing an invisible keyboard. And, then, the processional music begins, provided by their very own pianist, Phil.

Number 6 turns his full attention to the center aisle. The first down is Fio, playing the lovely role of flower girl once more, with even more of those specially crafted fabric flowers. Then the best man, Skulduggery, and maid of honor, Valdis. Number 6 barely notices either. He’s waiting for... yes, there’s the music change.

His eyes go wide with awe as he beholds the sight of his gorgeous bride being led down the middle of the aisle on Maximilien’s arm. Not even the sight of that omnic can spoil it for Number 6. He’s never seen anything so stunningly, fabulously, beautiful as Ava looks right now. Even the jittering of his hands has stopped. He can scarcely do more than stare. This is really happening. He almost wants to ask Skulduggery to pinch him.

Ava’s glad for Maximilien’s steadying presence by her side, to hold onto so she doesn’t dissolve away into nervous static in anticipation of her turn down the aisle. But once the music transitions to her song, there’s no hesitation as she gracefully makes her way through the parted crowd of their gathered friends toward the man she’ll so soon be able to call her husband.

Valdis helped style her hair just hours before, with a flower crown, adorned by shimmery feathers that match the patch of blue of the groom’s own wings and the borrowed sapphire necklace to complete the tradition. Her gown is a gauzy chiffon, constructed over the last few months with the help of Okie and Siffleur. The fabric flower bouquet she carries is constructed with the pearls gifted to her by Helena.

She can feel eyes on her; that typically might inspire her to flicker away. But hers remain ahead, looking to her future husband. Their gazes catch, and so does her breath as the moment overwhelms her, and then Ava’s smile brightens-- an expression so rare, so uncomplicated. This is the happiest she’s ever been, taking her place by his side. She gives Maximilien one last squeeze of his arm in appreciation of his support, passes the bouquet off to Valdis, acknowledges Skulduggery with a tiny nod, and then steps in to take Number 6’s hands in her trembling own.

Number 6’s own smile is bright as he takes her by the hand, yet somehow soft. In this light, he almost looks like he’s aged backward, as if the man standing before her is in his twenties now, fresh-faced and free of the weight of worries that have weathered him in the past decade. This is an end and a beginning. A beautiful beginning.

Vows

The vows begin with a traditional exchange, each of them repeating their promise to love and cherish one another through sickness and through health, for richer or for poorer, until their final deaths do they part. Then come the rings, discretely handed over by Skulduggery.

“With this ring, I pledge myself to you,” Number 6 recites, as he slips a stunning opal and diamond ring onto Ava’s finger. She does the same for him, slipping a simple and elegant golden band upon his finger. This one holds a secret, but he won’t discover it until later.

With the official vows and rings exchanged, there are only personal vows left to give. Number 6 slips a small sheet of paper out of his breast pocket, but he has read and re-read the words so many times, he hardly needs to glance at it. In front of the whole room, he declares his unending love for her and promises to be her first and best supporter, to be the one that lifts her up, always, to help her see herself as the shining light that she is. Theirs will be a partnership built on mutual respect and unending love. He also promises to withhold no part of himself from her, that she will know him more fully than any other in the world. “I put my heart in your hands, forever more, for no one else in all the world has made me believe in a future like you have. No matter what that future holds, these will be the most rewarding days of my life, because I will share them with you.” He starts to lean in like he means to kiss her but has to stop himself. Not yet. Not quite time.

Once it’s Ava’s turn to share her vows, she freezes up. It’s not that she can’t remember. She’s practiced the words over and over, committing them to heart. But she gives Number 6 a quietly worried look that he luckily recognizes, and as she steps in even closer he brings up a wing to shield them from view and save her from embarrassment. It’s not how it was planned, but Ava draws him down toward her, to lovingly whisper the vows into his ear. Promises of devotion and loyalty, of unconditional trust that no spy should ever have in another. She looks forward to cherishing each day that they’ll have together. To strive for a shared future no matter what horrors they face, that waking up next to him will always make it worth it. “I love you” she finishes and allows him to wipe the stray tear from her cheek, laughing lightly in relief.

“I liked it better this way,” Number 6 whispers back, still cupping her face with his hand. “Words only for me to know and cherish.” He cannot resist any longer. Vaguely, he has the sense that Klaus may have declared them husband and wife, and that they now may kiss. But he’s already leaning in, behind the shield of his wing, to claim his very first kiss with his new wife.

Reception

They are introduced to the room now as Mr. and Mrs. Peter and Ava Starr. Since the reception is happening right here on the pool deck, they don’t have much in the way of formalities. The wedding party simply walks back down the aisle and then disperses, as some of them set to the task of clearing the chairs. The newly wedded couple makes their first stop the cake table.

Grinning like school children, the bride and groom cut the first slice of cake and feed each other a bite before the rest is served up. After that is their first dance to At Last. The two of them sway to the ballad, lost in each other’s loving gazes as if all the world has melted away and only the two of them exist in this moment.

Once the first dance finishes, Sharky takes over the party as DJ to provide a mixture of upbeat and romantic dance hits for all to enjoy. Ava takes turns dancing with each of the requesting guests, as does Number 6, although he is not likely to be in nearly as high demand for partners. As it should be, for who would want to miss their chance to dance with the loveliest woman aboard this ship (in his shamelessly biased opinion?)

There's time for speeches, planned and impromptu. The food spread was prepared by Darcy, and though there are a few bottles of champagne, the drinking isn't overly in abundance.

Bride and groom stick around for long enough to mingle, but eventually Mr. and Mrs. Starr sneak away from the crowd for their own private after-party.

Comments

Ari Tayrey - OTA

[astrogator]

1. Cultural Exchange

[Ari's in her formal uniform, tunic and long skirt. Unusually for her, however, she's accessorizing, with a little yellow scarf, blue ribbons in her hair, and assorted jewelry. She's armed, but Ari's always armed; her intentions are nothing but peaceable. This is the third wedding she has attended, and they've all been very different. Ava had assured her that she was welcome, so she attending, sitting towards the back, and watching with fascination. Klaus gets a reassuring smile from her, because she knows how hard he's worked on his part.

Afterwards, there are things she won't say. Ari might think lifetime contracts are a bad idea, that contract while you're imprisoned might be a worse one, and that inviting the person responsible for it all is a very questionable decision. But she can ignore all that now, because she sees how happy the two of them are, as individuals, and she won't do anything to dampen that. The evening is about them, not Ari and her opinions. So the comments she has for her neighbours are milder.]

That was an interesting ceremony. They both looked so happy!

2. Champagne Merriment

[Although she might never be fully relaxed at a gathering of this size, Ari's not on duty tonight. No patrol, no security responsibilities. She found the champagne, and she's indulging. That some of her friends are abstaining means that she drinks less often than she used to, but she may be making up for it tonight.

She doesn't dance, but she's certainly tapping her foot, with a smile on her face for anyone friendly who might approach.]

2

[businessorlibation]

Johnny approaches, bringing her another glass of champagne when he notices hers is empty. In his other hand, a glass for himself.

"Lieutenant Tayrey." His smile is mild, hesitant. He doesn't actually know how he stands with her.

[astrogator]

'Citizen Summer! That's for me? You have excellent timing. Thank you.'

She'd been just about to go in search of another glass, but it seems he's pre-empted her. Taking it from him, she has a quick sip. The smile she gives him is wide and unguarded. They might not be close, but he's not one of the people who worries her unduly - and she's more than a little tipsy, and he's being considerate.

'This is nice for them, isn't it? They deserve this.' A glance over at the happy couple.

[businessorlibation]

"They do." He glances around the sports deck quietly, then back at her. "Happiness where we can find it, hm?"

[astrogator]

The smile fades a little, because those words make her think of her own situation, and how happiness doesn't come into it - but she's buoyant enough that it doesn't impact her mood.

'That's their philosophy, for sure. I'm not going to begrudge anyone happiness.'

Johnny was married here too, so she suspects his attitude isn't far from theirs.

[businessorlibation]

He sips his drink before speaking. Right, time to take St. Occam's Razor to the Gordian Knot and get it right from the horse's mouth.

"What's your philosophy, then?"

[astrogator]

It shouldn't be a difficult question.

Code and contract.
The first duty of a Tradeliner is to-

That's not what he's asking. Ari opens her mouth, and then closes it again. Her philosophy? Sometimes she thinks it would fill a book, and sometimes it feels like nothing at all.

'Hope,' she finally answers, suddenly solemn. 'That this nightmare will end. Clinging to hope like I'm staring down the black and it's my only tether.'

[businessorlibation]

"I see." Johnny nods slowly. He wishes on some level that he didn't understand, but he remembers a time when that desperate spark of hope was all that kept him going. That, and his pride.

"I probably shouldn't pry further, this isn't the right occasion to discuss hope and its opposite in depth."

[astrogator]

She has plenty of pride, too, even if she thinks the labyrinth tore it away from her, that being rendered so helpless did her some lasting damage. Pride and obstinacy and a sense of her own identity and values will sustain her when she has nothing else left.

'You're not prying. I'd tell you to back off if you were prying.' She waves her free hand, carelessly. 'But if it's inappropriate now, best to leave it. You'd know better than I would. We don't have weddings back home.'

[businessorlibation]

"Wait, really? What...how..." Pause to gather words. "How do families work, instead?"

[astrogator]

Johnny, you've just asked her about her very favorite topic. Home. That earns another smile from the young Tradeliner. She takes a larger sip of champagne before she answers.

'It depends on the planet, and the organisation, but everywhere's got partnership contract, which is legally like marriage, I guess? Only it's time-limited. The couple can renew at the end of the term if they still want to be together, or if not, they part ways, no hard feelings. Some people care about whether children are born in contract and some don't, but a lot of children have two geneparents, and then those parents' subsequent contracted partners to consider extended family. Blood and contract. Adoption is contract, too. I was adopted, because my genemother didn't want a child out-of-contract so she gave me to the lab. And... I'm not gonna have a child myself, because it'd cost me about a standard year in seniority if I did, but if for some reason I ever did then they'd be raised on my homeworld, by my father, so I could go back to work. Other people in that situation ask siblings to help, so I guess family looks different depending on where you are, but it all comes down to blood and contract.'

Belatedly, she realises that what she's said might be a lot. 'I hope it makes sense? I know some things don't carry, across cultures. If you've got questions, I'll answer; none of it's sensitive.'

[businessorlibation]

"As someone whose...geneparents...were intolerable to live with, I respect the idea of families that don't look standard. Hell, on Earth, in my time, my marriage would be considered improper. I'm open-minded about things existing outside what I consider culturally normative."

He looks thoughtful. "Blood and contract. I imagine that makes you feel a little adrift, here. Given no one is of your blood, and the contracts you have back home are...back home. Binding you still, but impossible to take comfort from the protection of."

[astrogator]

She nods, accepting this quite readily. 'Your relationship would be very unusual where I grew up, because there are three of you. I don't see a thing wrong with it, as you're all agreed and it brings you joy, but I understand that people might think it unconventional. I'm... attached to certain social conventions of my own, but that doesn't mean I think others should have to follow them.' Another little smile. 'Freedom is my highest value.'

Is she adrift? Well, that's the beginning of it. 'For me, it's not so much the lack of family that was the trouble. I left home long ago; Tradeline officers have to start training young. Only - contract can bind people as family, but it can also bind them in every other way as well. It's the building block of our society. I missed my ship, and my comrades, but also familiar social actions, if that makes sense? I've made some contracts here, but nobody was raised with it like I was, and the culture shock was extreme.'

Ari laughs then, a little harshly, at herself. 'I was very naive, thinking culture shock was the worst of my problems. It doesn't bother me much now,' she explains. Who cares whether someone is being culturally offensive when you're staring down eternal torture if you can't find a way to save yourself?

2.

[decohere]

[Ava's holding her own champagne glass, though there's only a few sips missing from it. it's more an excuse to take a little break from dancing, and she ends up Ari's way with a friendly smile in return.]

Enjoying the music?

[astrogator]

I am.

[It turns out that if nobody's trying to force her to listen to it, or force her to dance to it, Earther music doesn't sound bad to her at all. Which is a strange sort of insight into the workings of Tayrey's mind.]

You look so happy today. I'm glad I came along.

[decohere]

I am so happy today. [pleased confirmation of the observation, because she knows looks aren't much proof of anything.]

I never wanted anything like this at all. And yet it's the most wonderful experience, I'm glad to share it.

[astrogator]

[Strict organisational codes and unearned suffering in this place might have given her a cynicism far beyond her years, but how can she not share in that happiness, even if just a little?]

You deserve it. You both do. You deserve something good and true and meaningful in your lives. [They deserve a lot more, but even verging on drunk, Ari knows not to bring up anything unpleasant to the bride today.]

Back home we don't have anything like this, but for what's closest we'd wish you good fortune with the contract, so - good fortune. [Those vows are a contract, even if there's no legal document.]

[decohere]

Thank you, Lieutenant. Took awhile to accept the possibility of anything good in my life. And a lot of work on myself to feel I deserved it. But it's been worth it. [even if she's still scared of losing it all, at any moment. having something worth protecting at least drives her forward, looking for a solution.]

Back home I think the next step is getting a house and a dog together. But. I'll take the good fortune.

[astrogator]

[She laughs a little.] I still find the idea of keeping animals in one's home a real novelty! The Tower would never have allowed it, and it would have been a hazard in space.

But I hope you two get your house and dog someday, if that's what you want.

[decohere]

I never had a pet. But. It's the sort of lifestyle most civilians strived for.

And most agents never really get to retire. So much as decommissioned. So it's nice to imagine.

A dog would be cute though, I think. Or goats...

[astrogator]

[Ari nods.] I never imagined a life planetside. [Or retirement at all, really. She'd just assumed she'd stay on the Tradelines until her luck ran out. Some got months, some got decades. They all knew the risk when they set out.] It's good that you can have those dreams now.

But goats! Do you mean for the milk? You could have a little farm! [With a smile] If it were me I'd have a chicken.

[decohere]

No? Space travel wasn't really an option for me at SHIELD, but it always seemed neat. SWORD does its own thing. Didn't have need for invisible assassins. [a small shrug. honestly she's not sure how long before the novelty even wore off, if she would have hated being isolated on a space station as much as the labs. it was probably more of a grass is greener thing. or lack of grass in this case.]

Oh. Hadn't considered that. Maybe I can even learn to make cheese too. The details really don't matter that much, it's just something to focus ahead. A future. [and for once she isn't fearful of how that might not even be possible for her, how curious.]

[astrogator]

Did SWORD do space travel? [It sounds like it, but some people get real prickly if she makes assumptions about the technology on their homeworlds.] I could've stayed on a planet. I was born on one! It didn't suit me to be stuck in one place too long, though.

[Ari smiles again.] People have to have hope for the future, and if yours involves a farm with goats and cheese - why the hell not? It might make you happy, and if it doesn't, you'll have the freedom to choose something else. That's what really matters.

[decohere]

Not quite advanced enough on my planet at my time to travel very far. [slightly embarrassed for her world...] But monitoring of extraterrestrial threats and improving planetary defense systems. Earth has been attacked a few times, and has drawn increasingly dangerous attention.

I've been informed by those later in the timeline that a purple alien came in and wiped out half of life, with just a snap of his fingers... That's. That's why I'm not too interested in going back to my world. I'm not sure what half I even belong to. There's no hope left in a world like that.

[astrogator]

I... I'm so very sorry.

[The words seem totally inadequate. She's taken aback by it all. She can't imagine losing half the people on her homeworld - on any world - in an instant. And from all she's heard, Earth's population is enormous. So many lives lost.]

Your people must have surrendered, after that. I couldn't fault them for it. [She assumes it was a war, because why else would this purple alien do something so horrendous?]

Anyway. You have so many reasons not to go back there. I love my home, that's no secret, but it doesn't mean I can't understand why others might want to avoid theirs. You'll find somewhere else. You and Citizen Smith- [she smiles. It's an easy segue; terrible future wars are not what anyone should be contemplating on their wedding day.] -or no, are you both Citizen Starr now?