Written in the Stars

 Episode Name:  Written in the Stars

   Written By:  Grey, Rhane

         Cast:  Alena Avery, Arzt, Donavon, Foster, Goodwin, Green, Grey, Hurley, Kirkpatrick, Krylow, Lopez, 
                McKenna, Nabrun, Norvan, O'Rielly, Park and Rhane.

  Produced By:  Starfleet

  Directed By:  Grey

     Aired On:  Sun Jul 17 00:11:19 2005

     Stardate:  55120.3

Time: Sat Jul 16 16:31:47 2005

Stardate: 55119.6

Space- the final frontier. Vast, inky blackness enfolds all in a strangely warm blanket of deep space. In every direction stretch hundreds, perhaps thousands of circling starry pinpoints, twinkling yellow, blue, white, red. Some of those above seem to grow gradually larger, until the nearing star transforms into an exotic orchid of the same color. The slow rain of flowers makes its way between those attending the nuptials, and continue downward past their feet to recede into stars once more. Looking forward, no horizon can be detected in the expanse of deep space, though occasionally a comet or revolving planetoid whirls by. The illusion of space makes these celestial bodies seem just a few hundred meters out of reach, despite their relatively small size.

Walking in space can be a heady experience, and even an unnerving one. Each footstep, though, meets the pressure of a level, invisible floor; the dimmest blue gleam can be briefly glimpsed beneath and around each supported foot. Other support structures exist here as well, in the form of seats for those attending. They're not built to be directly discernible, but the vague black outline of each can be detected in one's peripheral vision. Those sitting seem to be doing so on nothing at all.

Foster steps into holodeck 1 from the Dream Factory.

Foster has arrived.

Lopez steps into holodeck 1 from the Dream Factory.

Lopez has arrived.

Norvan steps into holodeck 1 from the Dream Factory.

Norvan has arrived.

Green takes another deep breath once she gets inside. "Whew." Shaking her head, she starts to take a step, then blinks, looking around.

Everything is relatively quiet, with the bride and groom being nowhere to be seen. Quiet instrumental music plays in the background, harp and violin, from the sounds of it. It's simply some nice background music while the guests gather. Hurley, Malloy and Reian are all here as well, witnesses to the ceremony.

. o O Lopez thinks, "Its nudity, not nakedness. Its art. Its like children. Its... its not a big deal. We're all grown-ups. I think."

. o O Green thinks, "This is... different. Yes. Hmmm. I think, if I ever lost my mind enough to marry, I'd want to do it in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon or somesuch. But this /is/ rather neat."

Foster arrives, naked as the Risian day he was born, to take a look around the area, to see the setting settled upon by bride and groom. It should be noted that, while he looks up and around, there is one place he does not look, does not let his eyes wander to, and that is below the level of the heads of the various others in this location. He'll be damned before he makes the other parties - since, notably, the grand majority are female - uncomfortable, or even comes close to it.

Lopez follows the rest, having not bothered with the robing process outside. She pulls in a little breath, and thereafter seems... comfortable. With herself, with everybody else. But she jokes as she swings close to the others, "I've had this dream before, but I was in Astrophysics and you were all clothed."

Alena Avery takes her place quietly, suitably attired, or not in this case, for the occasion. She's always seen around this station in her uniform, and its quite a jump to go from always uniformed, to not at all. Needless to say, an embarrassed blush colors her cheeks, but she quickly finds that keeping her gaze down is even worse, and quickly lifts it to keep her eyes on faces only.

"Rain and fire," calls out an accented voice. "I imagine this setting's likely to cause trips." The corner of her lips twitch into a broad smile, eyes soaking up the starry universe. "Cannae be the same setting for all." Donavon, disrobed and exposed, hangs alongside Lopez. "Mm. I had that same dream. Must have been before mid-years."

Foster asks, "Er... if we were all clothed and in Astrophysics, how is it the same as this?" He seems honestly puzzled.

Norvan takes a deep breath as she steps into the holodeck, unable to keep the smirk from her lips. After hesitating for a moment, she starts over to join Donavon and Lopez. "See, I used to think that was just a bad dream, too. Then I was named the station's Astrometrics Officer, and I found out, that's actually what my shifts are like there," she jokes.

Green lets out a low whistle as she looks around. At the setting. "I never took Astrophysics," she mumbles, and feels her way gingerly toward a seat. "Y'know, this would be a /really/ bad time for the Dominion to attack or something. Can you imagine us scrambling for battle stations?"

Lopez smirks, "I'm kidding, Caleb. An ice-breaker." She puts her hands on her hips, and laughs to Green's commentary, "Might scare the enemy away."

Donavon deadpans. "Yes. Me, my robe, and phaser. A mean combination, eh?" She chuckles at Green, amused, and glances about for sitting arrangements. What bodies are seen are swiftly passed over -- only the briefest of looks. "There's the lass. Care to join Chrissy or is there assigned sitting?"

Foster remains mostly in the back, in order to let people filter to seats ahead of him. Seeing bare backs is less of a problem than bare fronts, after all. "As for the setting, I kind of like it. But then, I would be expected to."

"Don't give them any ideas," Norvan chuckles, giving Green a sidelong glance.

Rhane steps into holodeck 1 from the Dream Factory.

Rhane has arrived.

Green snorts softly, settling in, legs crossed, arms folded across her chest. Purely by accident, of course. "I feel naked. I couldn't figure out a way to bring a phaser. No place to stow it. No comfortable place, anyhow."

"Tayyyyyy," Foster says, from the rear. Er, that is, from behind. Er, behind *her*. Since he hasn't found a seat yet. Yeah, that's the ticket. "Why would you need a phaser at a marriage ceremony? If Alek chickens out, we can always hunt him down later." He does, however, finally find a seat. In back. At which point he crosses his legs just as accidentally as Green crossed her arms.

The arch doors open, and into the holodeck steps Ambassador Loriana Rhane of the United Federation of Planets. And she's completely naked. She makes her way to the front of the 'room' -- if this can really be called a room, and then turns to face the gathering, unabashed and unrushed, giving a warm smile to all those gathered as she waits for the attendees to quiet down.

Donavon tsks at Green. "Learn from the pro - Gwen." She suggestively points at Green's hair, then turns on heel to grant the Ambassador room down the aisle. Being bare to the universe hardly draws a goosebump to her flesh; she doesn't appear nervous. "Trust Foster not to understand, Green." She heaves a disappointed sigh. "Tsk." Seat discovered midway, she sits aisle-side.

. o O Foster thinks, "Do not look. Do not look. Do not look. Do not look. Yes, you idiot, I know they don't care, but the grand majority of people here *aren't* Betazoid. Besides, Kaitlyn'd kill me."

Green glances over her shoulder, lifting an eyebrow. "SOP, Caleb." Turning to face front again, she sends Donavon a nod. "/Men/." Eyebrows lift a bit, though, as her gaze follows Rhane toward the front.

. o O Green thinks, "Who's that?"

Foster comments, "Actually, Meg, I understood exactly what she was saying. I just... oh, nevermind."

Lopez isn't saying anything, seing the entrance of the Ambassador. Ana makes her way into the nearest empty place, and stares forward.

As the group begins to settle in, Norvan quickly finds a seat near Donavon and Green, and she falls silent when she sees Rhane take her position at the front.

. o O Lopez feels strangely numb. The ability to joke is draining away.

The music begins to change, subtly, as Rhane enters and settles into position. The notes become a touch more anticipatory, lighter, swelling slightly. It's clear that something's about to begin. From the left appears another Betazoid - the bride, of course. Her hands are empty, shoulders are back, chin is up as she waits, poised to enter. Eyes are on the front, on Rhane and in her vicinity, though it seems she's looking for something - or someone.

. o O Green thinks, "Beautiful. Absolutely gorgeous. Alek, you lucky dog."

Even as Nabrun enters, Krylow appears on the opposing side, poised to enter like the bride. The engineer is wearing a slightly nervous smile, and, like the others, no clothing. When his eyes falls on Barana the smile loses its nervousness, instead becoming clear and warm.

Rhane's dark eyes glance over to the bride, then to the groom, her smile growing just a bit as the two stars of the ceremony finally make their entrances.

. o O Donavon thinks, "Breathe you, two."

Green forgets to keep limbs crossed over various parts of her, leaning forward a little as she's caught up in the moment.

. o O Krylow is slightly nervous and apprehensive, though that is easily pushed to the side as he focuses on his bride.

Donavon glances left and then right the moment the music cues the arrival. Smile fashioned on, warmed by wedding memories, she focuses on the bride's and groom's facial features.

. o O Nabrun is an absolute nervous wreck inwardly - something that doesn't show outwardly.

. o O Nabrun thinks, "There he is. He DID show up. I was afraid I'd have to give Tay the phaser in my bag and send her and Ana to find him."

Norvan perks up a bit as the music shifts. When she sees Nabrun and Krylow enter, a smile comes to her lips, and both of them are given approving nods.

. o O Norvan thinks, "They really do make a wonderful couple."

The appearance of the couple draws Foster's attention for a brief moment, each to a side. Then he goes back to looking forward, since it's readily apparent that the Betazoid at the fore is the one conducting the ceremony.

Lopez doesn't look at first, but smiles at the swelling of music in the starry setting. She stands herself up respectfully.

Nabrun hesitates for only a split second before she starts toward Rhane. Attention is on Alek, though she does remember to smile at the guests before her eyes are drawn back to the Engineer. Steps are slow and even, measured. But finally she's there, standing in front of Rhane, waiting.

Krylow begins slowly making his way towards Rhane and Nabrun with measured steps. Like Nabrun, he too glances to those gathered with a brief smile, before turning back to Rhane and Nabrun. He reaches Rhane as Nabrun does, stopping while facing his bride.

Lopez waits patiently for both of her 'family' members to arrive at the point of meeting, and then sits, again. One of her open hands settles upon her breastbone. She closes her eyes in a squint, to listen. As though they sting. Ana rubs her eyelids, and forces them open, and embarassed expression on her face.

"Good afternoon." Rhane's greeting to the guests comes with a cheerful tone to her authoritative voice, and that same warm smile. "I am Ambassador Loriana Rhane. Today it is my honor, and my pleasure, to gather all of you here as the friends and family of these two beloved, as we accept their invitation to share in this special and important day in their lives. Today, they will vow their love to each other before everyone gathered here, and ask for your support in this."

Norvan remains quiet as the ceremony begins, craning her neck just a little bit so she can see.

Donavon dabs a fingertip from one corner of her eye, sweeping outward. Lips tightly formed to a thin line, she struggles -not- to cry in happiness and forces the smile to hold. Breath returns to an even pace. Sights focus on the main stars.

. o O Donavon thinks, "From here on out, I suspect I'm going to gush at weddings. Stupid feminine wims. They look so happy together."

. o O Green thinks, "Well, that explains that."

Green's eyebrows lift a bit as the Ambassador introduces herself, and she sits back, her gaze shifting toward the happy couple.

. o O Lopez thinks, "I'm not going to cry. I am happy for them. Es una boda."

Foster keeps his attention on the now-introduced Ambassador, watching calmly and quietly. See, the thing about controlling your emotions? You're controlling your emotions, so none seem to come out, happy or sad or... other. He does flash a grin at Barana's back, not that she'd see it.

. o O Foster thinks, "Go for it, you two."

Nabrun can't help but smile as she glances to Alek, then out at the gathered friends and family. When she speaks, her voice is low and quiet - moreso than usual. "Tay?" she calls quietly. "Will you please come stand with me, as a loved one and my support, as I marry my friend?"

Krylow turns after a moment, to again face those gathered. His eyes scan the crowd before settling on Lopez. "Ana, could you please stand with me?" he calls out, and after a moment turns back to face Nabrun, those gathered to one side and Rhane to the other.

Green blinks with surprise, but it only takes her a second to rise. "I'd be honored," she says softly, and moves forward, unabashed now. Tay settles in at a good flanking spot near the bride, and maybe her lips even move in a near-smile for Barana. A real quick one. There's a stranger present, after all.

. o O Green is getting downright effusive, her chest tight with happiness for her best friends. Her family.

"I will," answers Lopez, slowly, calmly, nodding. She climbs up, and walks to stand to Krylow's other side, with Nabrun, Green and Rhane. Her hands knit together behind her back. She gives the groom an encouraging nod and smiles, or tries to smile big.

. o O Donavon thinks, "Best friends. Now man & wife. No stranger to that. Glad these two found each other at last."

After watching the witnesses come to the front, Rhane turns to face Nabrun. "Barana Nabrun, you come here today before us, before your friends and loved ones, to bind yourself in love and marriage to Alek Krylow. In openness and trust, and before all of us gathered here, I ask you to vow your love for him."

Nabrun smiles softly at Rhane, then turns to face Alek, reaching out to take his left hand in both of hers. "You came into my life with the force of a storm and the gentleness of a summer breeze. No matter how I fought you, fought what I knew in my heart, you were there with a gentle touch and soft words. Today I come to you with nothing to hide, offering myself completely. You are my Imzadi, and very soon to be my husband. I promise to love you, to honor that love above all things. I vow to cherish you, to hold you in my heart always. I will support you in all of your endeavors and be by your side always, in the good times and the bad, no matter what may befall us. Love, honor and duty - these I pledge to you."

Krylow turns slightly to Lopez, smiling warmly to her, before turning back to Nabrun to listen. As he listens the smile contintues to grow.

Green once again finds herself caught up in the ceremonials, nearly holding her breath as she listens with shining eyes.

. o O Lopez thinks, "Everything you wanted, hermanito."

. o O Green fiercely holds back tears of happy emotion.

Foster, now that he's mostly past the novelty of a nude wedding, seems to be paying more attention to the words than the bodies. In fact, he has a rather distant look on his face.

. o O Larissa feels overwhelmed. But pleased. Somewhere there is a happy occasion going on.

Awww. Absentmindedly, Christine Hurley lifts one of the purple ribbons braided into her hair she'd been fidgeting with to dab at new tears formed in the corners of her eyes. Fashionable /and/ practical.

Rhane smiles as she turns to face Krylow. "Alek Krylow, you come here today before us, before your friends and loved ones, to bind yourself in love and marriage to Barana Nabrun. In openness and trust, and before all of us gathered here, I ask you to vow your love for her."

Mirroring Nabrun's actions, Krylow reaches out to clasp Nabrun's left hand inside both of his. With a brief smile, he beings. "When you entered my life I was without direction and wandering the path of life alone. You became a guiding light for me, giving me the strength of your support. Your strength and your faith have made me stronger, given me the strength to better myself." He pauses briefly, the smile growing. "Today I come to you open and free, with nothing to hide, to become both your Imzadi and now your husband. I will love you for all my days, support you in every endeavour, and to hold you close and cherish you and your love for me. I vow that no matter what will befall us that I will love you forever."

Norvan can't help it: a tear falls from each eye, and she quickly reaches up to brush them away, her lips curled into a silly little smile.

Green swallows, looking down hastily for a moment, lest that suspicious moisture in her eyes be noticed before she can blink it back.

. o O Norvan thinks, "Such a beautiful wedding... I wish Alyna and I had been able to do something like this."

Lopez looks down to her feet while the groom speaks to the bride. When he finishes she raises her head again, and bolsters her smiles for the pair... but there is a discomfort tugging at her posture. She rubs her hand slowly as things proceed.

. o O Foster thinks, "I have to admit - I really don't get this whole crying bit, though. I mean, it's a *happy* occasion, isn't it? Well, except for the competition... neh, that's an unworthy thought."

Rhane turns back to Nabrun, that warmth still firmly on her face. "Barana, do you take Alek Krylow as your husband?"

Cheek-to-cheek, Donavon bursts into a smile. The emotions resulted by hearing their vows glimmers in honey pools within her eyes. She sucks in a soft breath as the question is posed, faintly chuckling inaudibly.

Nabrun's smile is warm and soft, a hint of teasing in her eyes as she hesitates JUST long enough before murmuring, "I will."

. o O Green snickers.

With the hint of a playful grin on her lips, Rhane now returns her gaze to Krylow. "Alek, do you take Barana Nabrun as your wife?"

. o O Donavon thinks, "Say no and you'll have a rampage of guests! Course, he'll say yes."

Krylow grins slightly at the teasing, watching Nabrun even as Rhane speaks to him. He doesn't hesitate and responds with a firm, "I do."

Hurley holds her breath while the couple actually do the "I do" part that brings a lump to everyone's throats.

. o O Hurley thinks, "Yay, Alek! I /told/ you it would work out in the end, you lug. And there you were all worried months ago. I /told/ you."

Green nods once, firmly, though very slightly as that particular step is completed.

. o O Green thinks, "Good boy, Alek."

The ambassador's smile grows as she turns to face the rest of the guests in attendance. "You have now heard the vows of love and commitment shared between Barana and Alek. Now, as they exchange rings, I ask all of you to add your strength to theirs. To add your love for them to their love for each other. To help this marriage grow stronger with each passing day. Do you, as their family and friends, agree to guide these two beloved, and to support them through their trials as a wedded couple?"

Norvan manages to keep her voice even as she responds. Just barely. "We do," she chimes in.

As strong a response as an officer gives to a superior is the same breath Donavon gives, though more warm and brimmed with love for the couple. "We do," she echoes with the group.

Hurley's response is choked slightly with unshed tears that she fights back, but she does get the two magical words out with the rest of those gathered, "We do." Again, she uses one of her ribbons to dab at her eyes, smile brightening as she looks between Alek and Barana.

Lopez says, "We do."

. o O Nabrun thinks, "He didn't run. That's probably a very good thing. I can see them taking him down like a herd of lionesses after an injured gazelle."

"We do," Foster adds, distractedly.

Avery should have brought a tissue, but where would she have kept it? She settles for lightly wiping the joyful tears for the couple away with a gentle swipe of her hand. She too joins the others in saying, "We do."

Nabrun stands, holding Alek's hands now, as she looks around to the others. The smile grows as everyone affirms their support. Someone else is getting a little misty.

. o O Foster thinks, "Eyes on the faces, Caleb. Eyes on the faces. You almost missed your cue there."

. o O Lopez feels many things. Happiness and sadness mingle, but everything turns inward, and happiness is the greater portion.

Green nods, quickly, firmly. "We do," she says clearly, glancing around to make sure everybody else is as well.

Lopez just positively refuses to cry, or let her blissful expression wilt. Each breath follows the last, moving her ribcage.

Rhane beams as she turns her attention back to Nabrun and Krylow. "Then with your love affirmed, and with the support of all those gathered here, you are now husband and wife." She pauses for a moment, letting those words hang in the air, and then she gives the groom a wry grin. "You may kiss the bride, Alek."

Krylow turns to smile out to those gathered, before turning back to Nabrun. He meets her eyes for a moment, before leaning slowly forward, head tilting down to gently press his lips against her's.

. o O Green thinks, "Oh, c'mon, Alek, you can do better than that."

Lopez smirks, and says softly, aside, "As though he was waiting for permission!"

Nabrun leans up slightly on tiptoe, after slipping the ring on Alek's finger, of course, and returns the kiss. She hesitates for only a second, then slides both arms around his neck, tightly, stepping close.

Donavon applauds the happy couple with much enthusiasm.

This is where applause is normally expected. And, since she's such a sucker for weddings in general, Christine stops fidgeting with her ribbon and brings her hands together amazingly at the same time as Donavon.

. o O Krylow is now simply happy and estatic. The earlier nervousness has faded away.

Foster claps quietly. Not because he feels any less towards the couple - that's just the way he does it.

Norvan wipes her eyes and claps for the new couple, her grin threatening to stretch right off her face. Figuratively, of course.

Green bursts into clapping as well, taking a step back from the pair now that the ball and chain are tight on Alek's... Um. Happy couple. Goood happy couple.

As Nabrun steps closer, Alek wraps his arms around her, hands gently holding her close. Whether he realizes the crowd is there or not, or whether he cares or not, he continues to kiss his new wife.

. o O Hurley thinks, "I hope they remember we're.. uh, still here. And stuff."

. o O Green thinks, "This, /this/ is as it should be. Maybe things really are going to be better for all of us from now on."

Nabrun seems to have forgotten that there are other people present, at least for the time being. She's a little busy with the first kiss as husband and wife.

. o O Donavon thinks, "Don't forget to come up for air!!"

. o O Hurley thinks, "Oh dear. Um. Hmmm. I could talk to, uh, no, I can't talk to.. well, there's always.. oh, look! Comet! Pretty comet!"

Hurley's attention is suddenly drawn to one of the holoprorammed astrological events, eyes widening and broad smile brightening.

Donavon's amusement breaks through her smile as laughter quietly shakes her body.

After a long minute, a log minute spent ignoring everyone else and kissing his wife, Krylow finally, slowly, pulls back, offering her a warm smile. Then wordlessly he bends enough to slide an arm behind her legs and another behind her back, and scoops her into his arms and turns to begin making his way through the gathering.

Lopez claps her hands together with vigor, in support. Because this is what is supposed to happen. And not a single dirty prank.

Green watches the pair, bemused, pretends to glance toward where her chrono would normally be. She shakes her head a little, finally tucking her hands behind her back, then her eyebrows rise as her gaze follows the pair.

Rhane opens her mouth to speak, but then her lips close in silence as her dark eyes fall on the still-kissing couple, amusement twinkling in them. And then she watches them make their way out, still smiling broadly.

. o O Hurley thinks, "I wonder how irritated he would be if a "Just Married" sign popped up on his back while he was carrying her towards the door...."

. o O Lopez thinks, "Atta boy?"

Apparently someone wasn't expecting that. There's a squeak and Barana tightens her arms around his neck. "Alek!" Helpless laughter follows as she gets carried out of the ceremony.

. o O Green thinks, "Hope they don't run into Ghorev."

Hurley's smile turns to grin as new movement around her brings attention away from the comet and spiraling back to the new couple. Hands clasp together in front of her and she just proudly watches them as they move through the small gathered crowd.

. o O Rhane thinks, "Were Doro and I anything like that? *chuckle*"

Lopez just hoots with laughter. "So. Cake anyone?" she jokes.

Krylow chuckles softly at some of the reactions, but he doesn't respond and continues on his course with Nabrun in his arms, making his way out of the holodeck and out of the ceremony.

Donavon leans towards Norvan, speaking in a teasing soon. "How soon will he remember to clothe themselves?"

Hurley purses her lips, overhearing Donavon. "With Alek? Possibly not until they accidently run into Commander Ghorev in the Turbolift..."

Norvan glances over at Donavon, giving the redhead a wry grin. "I think the giggles might give it away."

As the pair leave, Barana leans in and gently presses a kiss to Alek's cheek, focused on him once again.

Green watches the pair go, bemused, then she straightens and turns toward the officiant. "That was a very well-performed ceremony, Ambassador. Thank you."

Krylow steps out of the holodeck.

Krylow has left.

Nabrun steps out of the holodeck.

Nabrun has left.

Donavon clamps down fiercely to prevent giggles. "That would make for an interesting encounter, Chrissy."

Foster comments, "The Security Officers might have something to say about it too."

Hurley's eyes shine cheerfully and mischeviously towards Donavon. "I'm unsure who would be uneasiest in that encounter. But, I would certainly want to be far, far away from it, Meg." A grin is tossed in Foster's direction and she pauses to survey the choice of ceremony locales once again. "Simply breathaking."

As soon as the new couple has left the holodeck, Rhane turns her attention back to the guests. "Thank you for your attendance and your support, everyone. The reception will be held in the Warp Core, thirty minutes from now. The happy couple looks forward to seeing all of you there." And then, the announcement out of the way, she turns to Green, giving the woman a smile. "It was my pleasure. I believe Barana said your name was... Tay?"

"Half a hour? That's not nearly long enough." There's a pause, and then Norvan glances around. "Did I say that out loud?" she murmurs with a sheepish grin.

Green inclines her head. "Lieutenant Taylor Green, ma'am. Tay is fine though. Will you be joining us for the reception, then?"

. o O Lopez thinks, "Well. They've had time to practice."

. o O Green thinks, "Weird. I have no urge to rush out and don clothes."

A blush fills Christine from the tips of her ears all the way to her painted toenails in response to Norvan's comment. Smile still remaining firmly in place, she scurries off to the front of the holodeck to retrieve her robe. "No, it's not long enough! I still have to choose what I'm going to wear!"

Lopez falls quiet, bridal couple departed and announcements made. Ana moves off through the starry venue, putting her arms around herself. Robe time.

"Breathtaking and vertigo-inducing if you let your eyes go unfocused." Donavon beams at Hurley, nodding agreement. Arms cross her chest. Her foot taps before her elbow directs towards Norvan. "So say you. Shame you and Nuvar decided on a private affair." Eyes wander the room before she blinks at Hurley. "What to..wear? Clothes." Shoulders shrug.

"I'm going to try, Tay," Rhane affirms with a nod. "But I have some business to catch up on, and I really should attend to that first. I've not been on the station for a full week, and already I've overseen a first contact situation and a wedding. I'm afraid I'm a little behind on my paperwork," she grins.

Hurley pushes an arm through one of the sleeves of her robe and looks wide-eyed at Donavon. "And I suppose you think uniform boots are perfectly acceptable for such an occasion." Tsking, she shakes her head. "Proper attire," she explains, blush slowly dissipating, "helps the couple feel important, confident and special!"

Green's lips twitch with humor. "First contact situation and a wedding. I'd hate to guess which of those is the more nerve-wracking." Inclining her head, Tay takes a step back. "In that case, I shan't keep you, then, ma'am. We'll try to save you a piece of cake."

Norvan turns her attention to Donavon with a warm grin. "Well, it wasn't exactly what we wanted, but under the circumstances..." Her smile grows. "We *are* intending on having a second ceremony, though. Doing the full thing, since we weren't able to do it the first time. Whenever she's able to make it back to the station."

Foster grins, and shrugs, beginning to head out. "Dress uniform always works for me."

"I don't suppose there's the tiniest twinge of selfishness in wanting to show off your new shoes?" Donavon teases Hurley. Hands rest to her hips. "And if I could, I would wear those boots, but I'm afraid Shoes and yourself would thrash me. That's to be avoided." She nods at Norvan. "Look forward to the date."

Rhane chuckles. "I'm honestly not sure that I could tell you myself. But both of them are a trip to Risa compared to dealing with cranky diplomats on a daily basis," she grins, "and I need to study their dossiers. If you can manage to save me that cake, though, I'd appreciate it very much. And please, if I'm to call you by a name as familiar as 'Tay,' don't address me as ma'am. I'm not *that* old yet." She winks. "Loriana will be just fine. Or Lori, if you prefer."

"So do I," Norvan replies to Donavon with a nod, as she starts towards the doors. "Trust me, as soon as she gets back, it'll be one of the first things we figure out. I'll see you all at the reception!" And she slips out.

Norvan steps out of the holodeck.

Norvan has left.

Lopez steps out of the holodeck.

Lopez has left.

Hurley grins to Donavon. "One day, Megan Rose Donavon-Harris, I will sneak into your quarters with Grandfather's help and replace all your boots with old-fashioned high-heeled uniform boots until you appreciate them beter." Robe secured at her waist, she flashes a quick grin at Lopez. "She'd never know."

Green doesn't smile, but she's got that kind of demeanor, as she starts to move toward the arch. "Lori, then. I'm honored."

Hurley steps out of the holodeck.

Hurley has left.

Foster just chuckles quietly at the interaction, finally heading out. The first thing picked up is the robe he came in with.

Foster steps out of the holodeck.

Foster has left.

"As am I, Tay," responds Rhane with a nod. "Enjoy the reception! I hope to see you there later."

Donavon arches her eyebrows, smug. "Silly lass to think that I don't have a back-up plan for such a prank." She heads for the exit to recover her robe, fasten it, and departs.

Donavon steps out of the holodeck.

Donavon has left.

"Oh, I intend to," Tay chuckles, and pauses for a last look around before heading out. Alas, poor girl, /she/ left her robe outside.

Green steps out of the holodeck.

Green has left.

Rhane steps out of the holodeck.

Rhane has left.

Time: Sat Jul 16 18:59:02 2005

Stardate: 55119.8

Lopez sits down at viewport nook.

Green is gussied too, her high heels making sharp clicks against the coffee house's floor as she heads in. Once there, though, she pauses, pondering the bar for a moment. It just doesn't seem like a dress type place to sit, so she moves to claim the couch.

Green sits down at plush couch.

Goodwin makes his way in, a bit hesitantly, as if making sure he has the right spot. "This is the spot for the wedding reception, right?" asks Josh. "Nineteen hundred?" He's even dressed in off duty clothes for the occasion.

Lopez calls from her place, "Yeah, though the bride and groom are... indisposed, likely, at the moment. They'll be here. And the guests are dressing."

Green snorts a snort of amusement. "Indisposed. Yeah."

Goodwin ohs and nods his head, looking down at the small box in his hand. "Well, right. I brought a gift and everything, so I at least wanted to give it to them before they went on off to the honeymoon and all."

Lopez says, "Well, have a seat, Sir. They'll be along. Youthful stamina and months of intensive physical training are bound to fail them at some point. Uh... Tay, what table should they put gifts on?"

Green says dryly, "I wouldn't put them on any table unless you want a light-fingered... greedy person to walk off with them."

. o O Green thinks, "Ferengi"

"I'll just hang onto it, then," says Goodwin, searching for a seat amongst the tables in the Warp Core. He then wrinkles his nose at Lopez. "Thanks for an image I didn't need, Lieutenant."

Lopez says, "Anytime, Commander."

Donavon steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Donavon has arrived.

Green shakes her head. "Ana, you're positively awful." Her gaze turns toward Goodwin. "It's kind of you to come on down for the celebrations, Commander."

Goodwin ohs, and shrugs his shoulders. "You know, I figured I'd come down and mark the occasion, seeing as I know the bride and groom at least in passing," he says, brushing it off. "I'm not /that/ busy."

Donavon brushes the fabric of her gown, fidgeting far more in a dress than at the wedding itself. Teeth gnawed on her bottom lip, she lifts her chin proudly and steps inside the Core. "Not here yet? What's the betting time?"

Arzt steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Arzt has arrived.

Lopez quieries the computer on the time, and says, "Meg, you are not seriously considering betting on whether or not the groom gives the bride a good rogering, are you? -- I give it ten, maybe 15 minutes. Should we start a pool?"

Green starts to reply to Goodwin, only to shoot a /look/ toward Lopez. "Really, can we avoid comments like that?" she suggests frostily.

Nabrun steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Nabrun has arrived.

Krylow steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Krylow has arrived.

Lopez crosses her eyes. "Yep. Sure thing."

"I figured with all the talk at the wedding," Donavon chuckles but lightly waves her hand in dismissal. "I wouldn't be one to actually lay down a latinum bar." Another chuckles rises.

Arzt quietly makes her way in, holding a small box in her right hand. She gives a shy wave to everyone there and then quietly makes her way in on the edges of the party.

Goodwin is hanging around, with a small box in his hands, some sort of gift perhaps. "Hey, Ensign," the second officer greets the Research Archivist with a flash of a smile, waiting for the bride and groom.

Hurley steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Hurley has arrived.

Green settles back on the couch, murmuring a beverage order to a waiter that comes near. As he starts to move away, she reaches to snag at his sleeve, changing the order.

Lopez lays her head down on her arm, to watch the influx of well wishers and the Bride and Groom themselves for a few minutes.

Donavon sets a neatly wrapped package on a side table. "Lovely wedding wasn't it?"

Krylow steps into the Warp Core, left hand slightly adjusting his jacket while his right arm is extended to Nabrun, whom he leads in. "Do you suppose we're ashionably yet?" he murmurs as they enter.

Arzt gives a shy wave to Goodwin and then heads over to the side table to put down her gift. Then steps to the side as she sees the bride and groom come walking in.

Nabrun slips her arm through Alek's and grins wryly. "Just a little," she replies quietly. "Though I think we can be forgiven for taking the time to actually put clothes on."

Hurley, sneaking in just behind the couple, bounces off towards the gift table with a covered wicker basket balanced in her arms. Yes, bounces. In heels. It /is/ possible.

Donavon waves at hand at Arzt. "Evening. Did Mo mention stopping by? Swore he said he would." Lips nonchalantly twitch. She takes a moment to survey the room and discovers a sleepy somebody. Wandering to one direction, she approaches a table before rapping knuckles to it. "No rest for the Best 'Man' is there?" she teases Lopez.

Arzt blushes a little at the mention of Mo's name and then shakes her head, answer Donavon's question, "Ummm, no I saw him the other night but he didn't really mention the wedding."

Lopez chuckles a little, and mocks a little snore for Donavon's benefit, sitting herself up then a little straighter. "Sorry," she says, "-coming down off the naked-high."

Goodwin laughs and turns his head towards Mr. and Mrs. Krylow for a moment, distracted from his drink order.

"What a rush." Meg's eyes light in amusement and gestures towards the empty seat. "May I?"

Foster steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Foster has arrived.

Foster, true to his word, has switched from no clothing at all to his dress uniform. He arrives, moving at the hustle he usually reserves for when he has a place to be.

Krylow chuckles softly to Nabrun, before turning and looking about the Warp Core. Seeing those gathered be smiles warmly to them, continuing to into the room. Tay and Ana in particular get smiles. To them he also mouths a 'Thank you.'

After carefully placing the basket on the table, careful to position it *just right*, Christine turns to survey the Core, casually sliding her hands towards the hemline of her dress, smile coming into place quickly and warmly. "Hello, Jenell!" she greets, cheerful as ever, to the quiet ensign near the table. "How are you?"

Green lifts her orange julius with a wink as it arrives, in response to Krylow's silent words.

Goodwin claps softly for the entrance of the married couple - after all, he wasn't present at the wedding ceremony itself. "Congratulations," offers up the commander, nodding his head towards Krylow and Nabrun.

. o O Green thinks, "So. When ya gonna make me an aunt?"

Lopez mmm-hms, and nods to one Megan Donavon, gesturing expansively. "Please," she says, and twists in her chair to applaud the newlyweds. "Lets hear it for the married folk, for Barana and Alek!"

Nabrun looks around with eyes wide, smile warm as she takes in all gathered. Her attention turns to Goodwin, and it looks, for a moment, like she'd move to attention, but catches herself. "Thank you," she says quietly, cheeks turning pink. For whatever reason, she fixes Tay with a wide-eyed look, very briefly.

Donavon hooks the chair leg with the heel of her sandal, placing her body in front. Hands clap before she places fingers to her lips - one wild whistle released. "Here. Here. To Mister and Misses Krylow."

. o O Green laughs softly. "Ignore me. Just musing."

Arzt looks at Christine and gives a shy smile, "I'm okay...umm, how are you?" She crosses her arms and nods to the basket, "That's a really nice basket." Then pauses as the clapping begins and joins in quietly, standing next to Hurley.

"Hear, hear!" Tay calls, golf-clapping.

Foster chuckles quietly, mostly to himself. He heads in the direction of an unused, out-of-the-way table.

Donavon sits down at viewport nook.

. o O Foster thinks, "Heh. Their turn to be the center of attention."

. o O Foster thinks, "And hey, if there was ever a night for people-watching, tonight's it."

Hurley's conversation is put on hold for the moment as she cheers for the entering couple, broad, beaming grin offered in their direction. "May you ever be Baralek!" she teasingly calls, bemused glint in her eyes.

. o O Hurley is really teasing, as evidenced in the sincere love she feels currently for /both/ Barana and Alek - completely separate people. Barana, a dear, dear, sweet friend and Alek, the older brother.

Krylow grins at the clapping and the whistles and everything else, looking around to everyone. "Thank you, thank you all for attending. I appreciate, we both appreciate it very much."

"'Baralek'?" asks Josh for a moment, not getting it, perhaps. Beat. Beat. "Oh. Heh." He then stands and then makes his way towards the couple with his box. "All right. Where can I put this?" he asks, gesturing, vaguely.

Lopez waves in the direction of Foster, motioning to one of the nearby chairs that can be easily pulled to the nook table.

With the gratitude from the couple out of the way, Christine turns back towards Arzt. "Oh, thank you. An idea I had, really. A different one, I do hpoe. And I hope they like it."

Nabrun gives Christine an odd look, then groans, laughing. "You frighten me, Christine," she teases. "Please, everyone make yourselves comfortable and enjoy the food and drink. Thank you, as Alek said. We're honored that you could share our day with us." She leans into Alek's side slightly.

O'Rielly steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

O'Rielly has arrived.

. o O Lopez thinks, "Just a few minutes. Wish everyone well, and be a sport-- then slip out, when everyone's busy."

. o O Hurley's thoughts immediately go to what's *in* the basket, despite her best efforts to let the couple be surprised when they open gifts. Under the purple silk overlay are two crystal, gorgeously crafted wine glasses, a box of fine Terran chocolates, a bottle of champaigne with fresh strawberries and a small data crystal - her pride of the entire gift - filled with thousands of romantic songs spanning many cultures. Someone is most definitely a hard-core hopeless romantic.

Foster waves back at Ana, apparently content to remain where he is. He does get up, briefly, to get something to eat and something to drink.

Arzt whispers to Hurley, "I'm giving them an evergreen seedling so they can plant it in the Observation Garden."

O'Rielly steps into the Coffee House looking around for a long moment. He lingers near the door as he looks around, taking in all who are there for the event.

Hurley flashes a quick grin in Nabrun's direction, but her attention returns to Arzt, head canting as she considers the Ensign. Hurley whispers to Arzt, "That's.. a very wonderful gift idea, Janell. Horribly romantic! I gave them, essentially, a romantic date kit. Kind of. I figured Alek could use the help, right?"

Donavon sits now that the couple hath entered and requests a glass of water from the 'tender. Turning back to face Lopez, she grins. "Great way to start a vacation, wouldn't you say? See two good friends married off." She sighs happily, ending with a chuckle by Christine's nickname. She notices Foster in the meantime. "Also without spouse? Want to join us?"

At her place, Lopez says "I've not actually been to that many weddings. My sisters, but I think that was a little different. Wild. What usually happens... what happened at yours?"

Arzt giggles at something that Hurley says and then shakes her head, "Oh, I wouldn't know." She looks around as if she's not sure where to sit, "Are there assigned seats?"

"I..." Christine pauses to look around. "I don't believe so. If there are? Eh. I'm sure between you and me, we could hack the seating charts and rearrange them." She turns another quick grin and this time punctuates it with a wink. "Would you like me to grab you something to drink while you steal a seat? A bite?"

"Ana's being fussy," Foster replies, a 'complaint' he makes all too often. "I was going to try to tell her what happened at the wedding, but she's crying. I'd almost think she's teething, but she's not quite old enough I don't think."

At her place, Donavon's lips twitch. "Mine was slightly outside the box. I had Zip as my Matron of Honor. Zeps was my ring bearer. He was quite cute with Chrissy as was Mo. A Klingon Ambassador married Rob and I. Then he threatened the guests with their lives should any say nay to the wedding. My Da and brothers interrupted the wedding mid-way. A shock to see them. Everyone thought my family would skin Rob right then and there. The reception had plenty of drink so say my family. The boys made the bar exciting."

Donavon raps fingers to her chin, puzzled. "How old? Isn't she a quite a number of months? Have you tried rubbing cool ointment on her gums? My sister-in-laws swear by it. Only way to quiet Donavon wailing boys." A chuckle rises.

As the applause dies down, Krylow starts making his way around the Warp Core, apparently intending to speak with those gathered. The first stop is the couch, and as he approaches he grins to Green. "Tay, Meg, thank you for coming," he murmurs softly to them, gesturing for Green to stand and and come closer.

Nabrun goes right along with Alek, sticking by her husband's side as they go through the ritual of greeting. There are just about stars in her eyes at the moment. The Betazoid is glowing, subtly.

Arzt smiles at Christine, "Oh sure, umm, just a latte please and maybe a little tart." She looks around for a moment and then heads toward a free table to sit.

"She's just over a year old now, Meg," Foster says. "We're still planning the party."

At her place, Lopez smiles a little at the description, and waits for a break to say, "Thats right, you do have a large family, don't you. Lots of brothers. My siblings were twins, eight years older than me. Caridad and Miguel. They're both... they were both married, before things changed over on us. I don't know, now. You... haven't heard from Hamish, have you?"

Arzt sits down at formica table.

Goodwin makes his way over to the table where Gifts Go, dropping it off. He then makes his way over towards where Arzt and Hurley are. "Mind another?" he asks, gesturing.

Oh sure, catch Tay with hands juggling snacks and beverage. She gives Alek an amused look, but sets the items aside as she rises. "It was a beautiful ceremony, Alek."

Hurley glances up towards Goodwin, startled slightly at first, but composure quickly regained. "Of course not, Sir. Would you like me to grab you something, too?" To confirm for Arzt, "Latte and a little tart."

Arzt gives Goodwin a nervous glance and shakes her head, "Umm no sir, please join us," then finds a table to sit, nodding to Hurley as she sits, letting her know she has the order right.

Donavon is between conversations yet is able to nod brightly at Foster. "You better. My sweet tooth fingers are itching to bake and I know how Shoes loves my brownies. Question is how messy do you want Ana? Triple icing?" She chuckles and sits back to sip her cold water before conversing back with Lopez. A slight twinge of concern appears in her eyes, sombering up. Her head shakes.

At her place, Donavon says "No. I haven't," is expressed in a sad tone. "Wish I did. Twin brothers huh? I know the feeling of having your elder siblings married off and you're left at the roost alone. But I refused to conform. It's why I joined the Academy. Have your wrote to your family since the change?"

O'Rielly continues to look around, staying near the door for a moment. He's apparently not attempting to become the life of the party in any way at all.

Foster chuckles, "You're an evil woman, Megan Donavon-Harris." He says, "I think we're planning for some time this week, but... we had been planning before, and it never worked out." He's off to the side, apparently talking with his old partner. And people-watching.

"I mean, ah, if I'm gonna put everyone on edge, I can sit somewhere else," says Goodwin with a vague gesture. "And yeah. Some coffee's fine, and one of those brownie-cupcake things they have'd be nice."

Lopez exhales softly, speaking to Donavon briefly, before allowing her to devote the full attention to Foster and the talk about little Ana's party. "Keeping a hose handy might be a good idea. I think we have tubing in cargo... somewhere."

Krylow doesn't say anything to Green, at least not right away. Instead he steps forward to give her a hug, squeezing for a moment before pulling back. "It was lovely because people like you were there, Tay."

Hurley, secretary extraordinaire, simply smiles to Goodwin. "Oh, don't be ridiculous, Sir. You're not going to put us on edge. That just means we can't gossip about the senior officers like junior officers are wont to do." She pauses, then grins from ear to ear. "Coffee and Death By Chocolate. /Almost/ after my own heart, aren't you?" With a wink, she's off towards the counter to obtain said food and beverages, keeping a cheery face forward.

Green returns the hug fiercely, reaching out blindly to try and pull Barana into it too. "Goofball," she mumbles at Alek, happily embarrassed.

At her place, Lopez says "Brother and a Sister. Caridad is "Dadi". She had three children... no. Not since then. I'm not... er, there are indications that the Ana of this timeline is a criminal, and not very much like me. She was married and separated, with a daughter.""

Nabrun leans in to kiss Tay's cheek, laughing softly as she's hugged. "Thank you," the Betazoid murmurs quietly. Someone's stuck on repeat. "So, now that the dress rehersal's over..."

Donavon touches the hollow of her throat, mock innocence played. "That's absurd, Caleb Foster. There's no evil in wishing the best for a wee gal's first birthday. They're suppose to get messy." Deadpan, she responds to Lopez. "Not big enough. We might need an entire pool." She chuckles. "Name the date partner. I'll work it in. Anything for Ana." And there it is; the baby has Donavon wrapped neatly round her little finger. What Lopez has to say draws her attention.

At her place, Donavon says "Why don't you give them make the decision? Mine heard through Chrissy's Da about who I am now. It was *them* not me who wrote and wanted me in. Perhaps, this will be their catharsis. A new beginning with their sister."

. o O Lopez thinks, "Lucky you."

Foster laughs, "Somehow, I can imagine the look on my wife's face if I suggested hosing Ana down after a party. I'm not sure I'd survive the next few minutes after that." He adds, "And we wouldn't have Doctor Pierce around to help her out either. I wonder how he's doing." He adds, "A pool might be interesting. Maybe we can do it in the holodeck, since managing that amount of water in-quarters is a bad, bad idea."

Lopez shakes her head at something Donavon has said to her, murmurs something briefly, and then gets up.

Krylow grins to Tay and nods a little. "Of course I am. Its what I do best," he says with a grin. "I will catch you with you later, but for now I'm going to go make the rounds."

At her place, Lopez says "Maybe. But I can't risk it right now. Too many rejections on a grand scale... bad for your ego. It'll all be alright. 'Scuse me for a few, I should wish the marrieds well."

Lopez stands and leaves viewport nook.

"Can't push your luck, Foster?" Donavon barks with a laugh. "It would serve as the next best prank. But the notion of a pool party might entice folks to the holodeck. That or a carnival." She slips in the idea, then casts a tight gaze upon Lopez. "Be sure to return. I've a proposition for you. A bit of a break, vacation if you will. I'm sure you'll brighten at the prospect." She grins.

Green acks, snerking at Barana's comment. "Dress rehearsal? So, like, now Alek has to beat off all the men you ran into on the way home, right? Since you're still up for grabs, that is." Eyes twinkling, sh gives Alek a nod. "And I'm going to consume the vittles."

"Thanks, Lieutenant. And if you want to gossip, I've got some decent dirt for you," kids Goodwin as he grab a seat with her and Arzt at the table, as Christine goes to play the waitress that she is apparently so good at.

Nabrun's nose crinkles and she laughs softly. "Given the way he growled if anyone got close," she teases, laughing. "Go eat and relax. We're going to greet the other guests.

Lopez promises, "Do my best," and coasts down along the way between the table and the counter.

Arzt gives Goodwin a shy smile as he sits down, "Did you go to the wedding ceremony sir?" She gives a little blush, "I...I didn't go but I heard it was very nice."

Even before he's really greeted anyone, Bristol O'Rielly decides to turn around and head out the door very suddenly.

O'Rielly moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

O'Rielly has left.

. o O Donavon thinks, "A tender heart but a goodly spirit. The lass needs a distraction and this wedding isn't the best...Ham wish you weren't sneak away. It aches to see a lass' heart break."

Foster mms, "A carnival sounds like an interesting idea. I wonder if there's anyone who might want to play a fully-costumed clown." He looks thoughtful.

. o O Green thinks, "The station clown just left, Caleb."

. o O Arzt thinks, "Okay Jenell, we're off duty, you can relax."

. o O Arzt feels a little nervous but otherwise in good spirits.

Donavon sips her water. The twinge of remorse tightens against the rim of her glass, hidden from sight. Distant eyes snap back to attention, focused now on Foster when he speaks. "Mo," she chimes.

Waitressing? Perhaps not so much. Christine eyes the tray the barista prepares for her, loaded with chocolate goodies and coffee for Goodwin, the latte and tart for Arzt and a large slice of tiramisu and jumja tea for herself. For a moment, she looks as though she might actually ask for help, then she suddenly remembers who she is. Standing up a little straighter, Christine turns to balance the tray carefully in both of her hands and simply *glides* to the table where Goodwin and Arzt are waiting for her.

Arzt immediately stands up to meet Christine, offering to help, "Here, Christine, let me help you." She holds out her hands, ready to take some of the burden from Hurley.

Green nods with an almost-smile. "Go greet, but don't forget to have some fun too. This is /your/ party, after all." And she settles back onto the couch, reaching for her snacks.

Foster blinks once, then a second time. "You know... I can actually *see* Mo putting on that kind of thing."

Goodwin goes to stand up as well, but Christine beats him to the table. "Actually, I didn't go," he admits to Arzt. "Didn't get an invite, but, well, I did hear it was lovely." He goes to take his seat once more when it's clear that the items will get over in one piece.

"The shoes is probably where he'll draw the line, but mention Ana's name a few more times and he'll break down. My nieces and nephews know how to work their Uncle Mo." Donavon sighs, amused, and chuckles. "And let's not fail to mention how Shoes can convince Mo."

"Breathtaking," Christine says to both of them, smiling gently as she slides the tray onto the table. "And... very.. naked." A blush fills her cheek and she turns a smile back towards Arzt. "Thank you for the offer, Janell. I was worried, though, that if I got off-balance at all.. well, you and I would be coffee-flavoured for the rest of the day."

Krylow moves on from Green, setting an intercept course for a certain operations officer, whom he greets with a smile. "Ana, thank you for coming," he says to Lopez as he approaches. "I really appreciate it."

Arzt sits back down, blushing at the word 'naked'. She gives a little nod and takes a sip of her latte, "Oh, well you're much braver than me...I don't think I could have done that." She pauses and admits, "I guess I'm a little bit of a prude."

"Don't we have a threshhold problem of who might be tasting you in the first place?" asks Josh with a quirked eyebrow towards Christine. He then shakes his head. "Ah, yeah. A Betazoid wedding. You do a lot of interesting things as a Diplomatic Attachi, let me tell you."

Nabrun procures three glasses of what appears to be a synth champagne and is a few steps behind Alek as he approaches Ana. Someone's playing hostess, at least for the moment.

. o O Arzt thinks, "Although, there's a part of me that's always wondered what everyone would look like naked."

. o O Arzt feels curious and a little embarrassed by her thoughts.

. o O Hurley is absolutely.. SHOCKED.. at Goodwin. The flush feeling starts and rapidly builds.

Foster mms, "I think, if we went ahead and did something like this, I probably wouldn't tell her ahead of time. I'd want that to be a surprise, I think."

Deer-in-headlights Christine *stares* at the Second Officer for a good, long moment, blush rapidly making it through the flesh in her chest, up her neck and flaring into her ears. She's absolutely speechless and reduced to a jaw-drop.

Lopez wordlessly puts her arms out, attempting to gently snag both bride and groom walking within paces of eachother, and squeeze the stuffin's out of them.

. o O Green thinks, "Wow. If Chris gets any redder, her head's going to explode."

. o O Hurley thinks, "Escape routes.. escape routes... a quick.. escape... plan..."

"Huh? What?" asks Goodwin at the blank stare from Christine. "Oh. Well. I mean, not that it's going to happen. I was just thinking it through is all, and wondering about the issues that might come up." He reaches for his coffee. "Thanks."

Arzt seems at a loss for words, taking a bit of her tart and a sip of her latte. She glances over a Christine to see if she's okay.

"Careful how you surprise Shoes. My ears still ring from time to time," teases Donavon. She watches everyone relax, mindful of where the bride and groom are located. "Don't moments like these have you fondly remembering your own? Different time. Different people." Light sigh at the memory before stronger words are spoken. "Congratulations on your position."

. o O Arzt thinks, "Is Lt Commander Goodwin hitting on Christine, or making fun of her?"

. o O Arzt feels confused, not sure how to react.

Foster chuckles, "Different time, different people, same place. This is where we got married, after all. Though, of course, it wasn't quite as *planned*. But then, that was the intent." He sits back, and sighs, "Thanks. Now, if Starfleet would be cooperative enough to get me the qualifications setup, I can start actually *working* on it."

Hurley's jaw just drops a little more. "You.. you.. were..." she just can't vocalize it and quickly turns to her jumja tea for a calming sip. Unfortunately, the sip was not well planned and thus, some of the tea splashes onto the silk bodice of her dress. With a quick screech, she sets the cup back to the table and brushes frantically at the fabric. This is, afterall, a horrendous catastrophe, unparalleled since Terra's last World War.

Nabrun leans in to hug Ana, lips brushing across the other woman's cheek. "Thank you for being here," she murmurs. Then a pause. "Do you think I should go rescue Chris?

Krylow lets Lopez catch him in the hug, wrapping his own arms around her and squeezing back. Like Green, he pulls back after a moment to smile to her. Krylow whispers to Lopez, "I'm so glad that you came, Ana. It wouldn't have been the same with out you."

"All in good time I suppose." Donavon slightly winces at her words and gradually starts to rise when noticing the frantic expression on Hurley's face. "Oh," is uttered. "Just the dress." She sits back down, heel hitting the floor. Shoes are eyed, darting between hers and Foster's. "Want to do me a favor, partner? Let's make a trade. I'll give you these sandals for your boots. You can gift these," she shows off the left foot, "to Shoes."

Arzt jumps up from the table, grabbing a few nearby napkins to give to Christine, "Are you okay? Did that hurt?" She looks at Hurley with concern.

"Oh, boy," says Josh as he also stands up at the splash of the drink. "I mean. I didn't. Wow." He lets out a long exhale of air, having drug that hole and kept on going. And apparently, is still digging from the splash of tea.

Foster snickers quietly, "Nothing doing, my favorite Irish lass. You chose those shoes to come in. Suffer!" But he sounds like he's amused. He adds, "I do not understand the attraction, still."

Lopez shakes her head, choosing now of all times to get all misty and wordless. More shaking of the head. She just doesn't have the words to express what she wants to tell them. So instead she wipes her eyes with an awkward little laugh, and kisses both Alek and Barana on their cheeks, though at her height it takes some doing.

Krylow smiles softly, leaningg down a little to let Lopez deliver the kiss, before her giver her another hug. This time its a wordless one, before he returns the kiss to cheek.

"Nono, I'm fine," Christine insists, embarrassed smile offered to Arzt. "Just.. clumsy... at times. And.. well, oh dear. I need to go change. I'm so sorry." A quick, extremely embarrassed smile is offered to Goodwin. "I'm so sorry, Sir. Just.. clumsy is all. This'll teach me for not coming in dress uniform, hmm? No worries. I'm sure the replicator can get the stain right out. Or something. Or maybe Edan has some tricks up his sleeve. You never know with him." She glances between the two and casts a quick glance back to Krylow and Nabrun. "Give them my best if they make it over here? Thanks, Janell. Commander." After a sincere smile, she scurries to the door, hesitates, rushes back to grab the tiramisu - NOTHING stands between her and chocolate - smiles again and bolts for the door, plate in hand.

Donavon snorts in disappointment, arms crossing her chest. "Had to lest I hear *your* wife and *my* granddaughter lecture me on proper foot attire. The catalog recommended these." She kicks the sandals off, letting the fling wherever they choose to land - in this case, a foot near their table. Another humph starts. "Be a good partner. Lend me your boots. I'll make them fashionable and never *EVER* hear another lecture!"

Donavon hollers swiftly before Hurley can bolt, "Replicate a new one. It's *just* fabric, lass." Shoulders shrug as she leans towards Foster.

Nabrun slips a glass into Ana's hands and rests her forehead against the other woman's temple for a moment before stepping back. "Well...I think I'll thank Christine later," she says with a wry smile.

Donavon whispers to Foster, "What is with *them*? Freaking out over fabric. You've lived with Shoes. What's your theory?"

Foster just grins at Donavon and responds in a lower tone.

. o O Donavon thinks, "Ah well. Wonder if I give her these sandals it'll make Chrissy happier. That is just a dress. Don't understand those women."

"Oh. All right," says Goodwin, just watching Christine hustle out with a look that's between confused and amused over his lips. "Sure thing. Uh. Take care." A long beat and he just shakes his head again.

Foster whispers to Donavon, "The impression I get is that they consider shopping for them a relaxing thing to do. I have no theory on the actual wearing. That's why I stick with the three sets of shoes I have."

Arzt watches Christine leave and then bites her lip for a moment. Then she brightens up a little, and gives Goodwin a shy smile, sitting back down at the table. She takes a sip of her latte and quietly sits there, seemingly content with being quiet.

Donavon blinks at Foster's reply, still puzzled. A follow-up question must be asked.

. o O Arzt thinks, "Okay, now what. Think, think of something intelligent, poised to say."

. o O Arzt feels nervous.

Donavon whispers to Foster, "It's a hobby? If that was the case, then shouldn't Chrissy be happy right now? She'll have to shop for another dress."

Hurley moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Hurley has left.

. o O Nabrun thinks, "Now to make sure the guests are comfortable. I'm not sure how women DO this."

"Happy for you," Ana tells them hoarsely, accepting the glass. "Go ahead and greet all your guests... Enjoy your party. I have to, uh," she points to Donavon.

Foster lifts his hand and shrugs his shoulders in the way that has, for time unending, indicated a complete lack of understanding in the human race. "Your guess is as good as mine."

Park steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

Park has arrived.

Krylow reaches out, about to ruffle Lopez's hair, before he stops. "Alright, Ana. I'll be back around again before you know it," he says, before smiling to her and moving on, towards Goodwin and Arzt.

Nabrun steps back from Ana and Alek, then turns to head in Goodwin's direction.

Goodwin of course, feels the need to strike up a conversation. "So they have you supervising Physical Sciences, now? You must be pretty diverse to handle some many are --" He then notes the groom and bride coming over, getting to his feet. "Lieutenants. Congrautlations."

Donavon shakes a scolding finger at Foster. "Learn the secret, then educate the rest of us. You're our last hope, Foster. I still fail to understand their lessons." Lips twitching, she snorts in amusement again. "Best Man, Matron of Honor, then by rank. Shall we say they're saving the best for last or avoiding their doom?" teases Meg to Foster, eyes on the newlyweds. "Should we practice our lines?"

Arzt stands up from her chair and gives Nabrun and Krylow a shy smile, "Congratulations...at least I think that's what you're suppose to say."

Lopez pats Krylow's arm, and squeezes Nabrun's shoulder, before herself looking back toward the nook table, faklempt. Therefor she does not go there, yet. She goes to the counter, to sip from her glass.

Foster smirks, "I think it's just a matter of timing. I'm not too worried about it." He adds, pretending to be worried, "And I didn't prepare any lines."

Park steps through the doors just far enough to actually be said to have entered. A box wrapped with silver wrapping paper, along with a thin silver bow is held in his hands.

Donavon goes along with the pretend worry, nibbling on a fingernail. "What should we say? This is all so sudden. Is your heart racing?" She cracks up and downs the remainder of her ice water. Knuckles knock the table for a second. "Any word on if those two will be immediately leaving for a honeymoon?"

Nabrun makes her way toward Goodwin, smile warm. "Commander," she says quietly. "Thank you for coming."

. o O Park thinks, "Get in, say hello, get out. Stay focused. No spoiling the mood."

Krylow smiles first to Goodwin and then to Arzt. "Thank you, Commander, Ensign. Thank you for the well wishes. Please, enjoy yourself this evening."

"If it was, I certainly wouldn't admit it," Foster replies. "Never let 'em see you sweat, or whatever that saying is." A pause. "No, actually, I don't know. I hope not. If we have a party for Ana, I'd want them to be there. We might have to delay again." Now the worry is not, perhaps, so fake.

Goodwin chuckles and nods his head. "I hope you at least enjoy some time off from your respective hectic schedules," says the Commander with a nod of his head. "I'll try to make sure that no one roughs up the Runabouts or gets too traumatized while you're away."

"Tricorders never lie, partner, but I find that method cheating." Donavon scans his forehead. "Mm. Not a drop of sweat. You're good." Teeth flash in her smile which teeters on being forceful. "Well if they *were* then I wouldn't feel guilty in saying this but..Rob & I leave tomorrow for vacation."

Nabrun looks ot Arzt, smile growing a bit more. "And thank you, ENS Arzt. We're thrilled you could be here to share with us this evening. May I offer you something to eat or drink?" Goodwin's words get a wry smile, but no response.

Lopez rubs her thumb over her eyes once more and takes down a gulp of liquid. "Dr. Park," she says, "Here to give that to the newlyweds... theres a table to put things on, I think. They're," she casts around, and points. "-there."

Arzt gives a little nod to Krylow, "Thank you, I will." Then turns to Nabrun, "Oh no, I'm good. I've got a latte and a tart that I'm nibbling on." She gives them both a bright smile, "Thank you for having me again."

Foster produces an obviously faked gasp of astonishment, "Tell me it isn't so! Now we definitely WILL have to delay. Where are you guys going?"

Park puts on a smile as he looks over at Lopez. "Oh, thank you, Ana. I suppose I'll just sneak over there and drop it off, then.", he comments, heading that way.

Krylow grins a little to Goodwin. "Well, there is no scheduled time off yet, but we're working on it, Commander. However, once we get it booked I will hold you to that promise." He turns to Arzt, smiling to her. "Its our pleasure."

Donavon gasps in return, equaling Foster's faked acting. "Oh, it is so, partner. I hope you'll live." Eyes roll joyfully, then she responds in a serious tone. "Rob booked us passage on the Lexington to Dulcais. We're going to see fireworks for Federation Day. Surprise gift on his part." Wryly, she smirks. "He always knows when to spring them. So," eyes on Foster, "where do you think those newlyweds are headed? Hopefully not a junkyard so Krylow can pick up parts."

"I'm pretty sure that Barana would have nixed any idea like that," Foster says. "Considering they can hear each other's thoughts if they're Imzadi, Alek couldn't have missed that. Maybe they're headed to Dulcais too. I mean, considering the timing." He chuckles. "I'm kind of jealous about the Lexington, though. I'd have loved to spend some time on her."

Lopez leaves her glass on the counter, and says, "No, no, I just meant you could if you wished to, so you'd have hands free for consumables. Alek and Barana and making the rounds to visit with the guests. I can take the box for you, if you like."

"Is there any sort of butt that I can kick for the two of you to make the leave paperwork go faster for you?" asks Josh, looking between bride and groom at Krylow's comment. "Seriously. You two just got married and do some good work for us. Consider it a wedding present." His face is more serious at that.

Nabrun grins at Arzt and nods. "Excellent. I think I'll manage to grab a tart before too long." She trails off and just blinks at Goodwin. She hasn't seen Park yet, apparently.

Arzt is quiet, letting them talk around her and smiling a little.

Park stops in his tracks and glances over at Lopez. "Oh, no, it's fine.", Park replies, holding the package then and moving back toward her. "I don't think I'm going to be staying long enough to eat. Just watned to drop this by to Barana and Alek before I went back to the Infirmary."

Krylow shakes his head a little to Goodwin. "No thank you, sir. While I appreciate the offer its not fair to have the Second Officer pulling rank. We'll get things squared away soon enough," he says with a smile. "If you don't mind, at least for the moment, we need to continue with the rounds."

"True. True." Donavon bobs her head up and down, agreeing with Foster. "Wonder if Alek is having as many troubles as Lieutenant Golden did with his Imazdi. For the first few days he spoke aloud instead of thinking." The name drop causes a bit of sorrow but is stiffened by a long hard sip of her water. "Oh, the Lexington. Rob's likely to skip through her corridors. It's a breath of home."

Foster grins, "Yeah. I think I'd do the same. Though what I'd be itching to do is get behind the Conn. I'd see it as testing myself."

Lopez nods to that. "Good luck to your then," she says, and moves along for the former table, now that she is better in control of herself.

"Ah, c'mmon," says Josh to Krylow before he makes his way away. "You toss me enough help on warp theory and field dynamics that you gotta let me do something for you." His voice sounds something closed to if not, pained, then at least pressing the issue a bit.

"With any luck, Rob will charm the Captain and get to fly her a bit." Donavon taunts Foster more. "I could take holo-pics for your amusement?"

The familiar voice gets her attention and Barana turns to smile at Park, the smile lighting up her face. "Good evening, Commander," she calls.

Foster waggles his finger, "Careful. We're making full-circle if I come back to calling you an Evil Woman again for the second time in as many hours."

Park watches Lopez go and just stands there for a minute, unmoving. Then, he takes a step toward the gift table again just as Nabrun calls out to him. Turning, he gives her a smile and adjusts course toward her. "Barana, this is certainly one day that you don't need to be so formal.", he replies, leaning down to kiss her on the cheek. "Congratulations."

Lopez rejoins Donavon at the table, asking she and Foster, "Still room for me here?"

Arzt gives Park a shy smile when he arrives, continuing to stand quietly as Goodwin, Nabrun and Krylow converse.

"My help was for duty related items, sir," Krylow says to the Second Officer. "I really do appreciate the offer, but its not fair," he says, before nodding to Arzt and Goodwin and turning to follow Nabrun. "Doctor Park, thank you for coming."

"Rob does it ever--" Donavon coughs into her fist, saved by the Lopez. Cheeks red, she graciously offers the empty spot to her. "We're discussing the Lexington. She's making a stop here tomorrow before heading to Dulcais for Federation Day."

Nabrun reaches up to hug Park, gently. "Thank you for coming," she says softly. "I'm glad you could make it."

Lopez sits down at viewport nook.

"I wouldn't have missed this.", Park replies, offering his hand to Krylow. "Congratulations, Alek.

Lopez raises an eyebrow, "The Lexington? I heard tell that the plasma displays were to be of a special magnificence this year."

. o O Arzt thinks, "Wow, I hope they're really happy together."

. o O Arzt feels happy for them.

Krylow takes the offered hand, giving it a firm shake. "Thank you, Doctor Park. It means a lot that you could make it."

Donavon nods, then gestures to Foster. "I'll let the pilot explain."

"Hey, Doctor Park. How's it going?" asks the second officer of his peer, turning his head towards the Chief Medical Officer. He does, however, mainly let the married couple talk to Park.

Nabrun leans against Alek's side, relaxed. "Will you be able to stay?" she asks Park, voice quiet.

Arzt murmurs, "Excuse me." She quietly detaches herself from the group, "Thank you once again for having me." She leaves the area, heading towards the door.

Park offers a nod toward Goodwin and then turns his gaze back to the couple. "Unfortunately, no.", he replies smoothly. "Given how shorthanded we are, I need to get back to the Infirmary. I just wanted to stop by to wish you both all the best and to give you this." Aaron hands over the package he's carrying.

Arzt stands and leaves formica table.

. o O Arzt thinks, "I should probably go."

. o O Arzt feels a little uncomfortable.

. o O Park feels a sense of contentment and happiness, though not for himself. These emotions, though, seem to be almost forced, or at least highly focused on.

Foster grins, leaning back, "The Lexington is one of the oldest ships still in active service. She's a Constitution-class ship. I'm practically itching to get my hands on her, just to feel what she flies like."

Goodwin turns his head towards Arzt and waggles fingers. "Hey, take care, Ensign. I'll need to corner you sometime not in a big group and chat you up. Sorry I got distracted," the second officer apologizes, sincerely.

Arzt gives Goodwin a shy smile and nods, leaving the cafe.

Arzt moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Arzt has left.

Krylow reaches out to take the present, while he nods to Park. "Its a shame to see you go, sir, but again thank you for coming and have a good evening."

Nabrun tilts her head to the side, studying Park, then dips her head, smiling. "Thank you for stopping by," she replies. "I'll be in tomorrow morning for a shift."

Park offers each of them a smile. "No, you won't, Barana. Enjoy your time together. I don't want to see you until Monday morning.", he comments, then turns and leaves before there is a chance to argue.

Park moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Park has left.

Lopez says, "Well, then, if she is make a stop to ferry passengers, Sir, you should arrange to go... Oh, but you've the little girl now to think of, and your wife. Can you not all go? I myself would would like to visit Dulcais."

"I'm going to mention this to Hiro. He could use a mini-break," says Donavon, but she peers at Foster to hear his answer.

"If it were any other time than now, I would," Foster says. "But Starfleet is still sending me dribs and drabs of what they expect of the RRO. I don't have time to arrange for it, I'm afraid."

Krylow chuckles softly as Park departs and smiles to Nabrun. "Well, it seems I have you all to myself for a little while," he teases, before nodding to Foster, Donavon and Lopez. "Shall we?"

Goodwin is now bereft of even Arzt for company, considering where else he might go to hara -- er, mingle and mix here at the wedding reception. But first, he stops to get some more coffee.

Nabrun crinkles her nose and laughs quietly. "What, be alone with you?" she asks, feigning surprise. "I thought that's why we got married!" Her arm threads through his. "Besides, we haven't thanked Caleb and Meg yet.

Krylow chuckles a little to Nabrun and starts towards the last table of friends. He does turn towards the couch, and crook a finger to Green in a 'come here' gesture before turning back and continuing to the table.

Lopez says to Donavon, "Lieutenant Takamura? Oh, this is what you spoke of earlier. You're going, Meg?"

Donavon nods brightly. "Gift from Rob. I figured I might as well invite friends for the initial run. Could be fun."

Nabrun tilts her head slightly. "Where are you going, Meg?"

Donavon waves off the question and sets her glass to the table. "We should be asking where are *you*," eyes focus in on Nabrun and Krylow, "going for your honeymoon?" Her smile brightens her eyes.

Green catches the gesture, barely, and comes out of her daydreaming. Stretching a bit, she slips from the couch, and meanders her way toward Krylow to give him an inquisitive look.

Lopez says, "Yes, you cannot just -not- go away together."

Krylow grins to Tay as she comes near and then gestures her to join the talk at the table, even if half of them are standing. To Donavon he says, "Well, I have reserved time at a resort, a very beautiful resort, on Dulcais. Now its a matter of finding time to make the trip."

Green stands and leaves plush couch.

Goodwin glances at the time and sighs softly. "I'm needed up around the Ops center around this time," he says, making his way towards bride and groom. "But thank you for having me here tonight."

Lopez says, "An excellent evening to you, Sir."

"Dulcais - honeymoon choice for S419," teases Donavon. "Rob reserved the same hotel as we had during our first time there. Whenever you get the time, you'll enjoy it." Now, she pushes up to her feet. "Evening to you, Lieutenant Commander." Impish eyes then darts to the newlyweds. "Alright. Which one of you gets the bear hug first?"

Green lifts an eyebrow a bit, but settles into a quiet stance sort of behind the others to listen to the conversation.

Krylow smiles to Goodwin, nodding to him. "Thank you for coming, sir. It was an honor," he says to Commander, one arm around Nabrun as they stand and chat. When Donavon pops her question, he gently pushes Nabrun forward, volunteering her with a grin.

Goodwin goes home.

Goodwin has left.

Nabrun grins wryly. "Taking the time," she says, leaning against Alek, until he pushes. "Eep? Ok, I'm voted.

Donavon's arms fling around Nabrun to squeeze the lass fiercely, but gentle enough not to break. "Congratulations. Now you've evolved to the married couple plateau."

Foster smirks from behind Donavon, "Yeah, pretty soon you'll be able to answer the 'old ball and chain' question too."

. o O Donavon thinks, "Lass, we've had our ins and outs, but this is one time, I'm *glad* Alek didn't listen to my angered advice. You made a beautiful wife."

Krylow turns to Tay, looking to her over his shoulder. "Why are you doing lurking? I would have though you'd learned by now that I don't bite."

Green lifts her own shoulders a little. "Just not feeling terribly social." She tilts her head. "Ball and chain goes clink. A jail /is/ the clink. Coincidence? I think not," she deadpans.

Lopez smiles. "Why are they called that? Ball and chains?"

Nabrun squeaks as she's hugged and hugs back, though more gently. "Thank you, Meg," she says softly. "And we'll be going away, well, whenever we can coordinate vacation. What IS a ball and chain," she asks, echoing others.

"Ol' brig accessory. Kept the prisoner in place. People coined it to married people. One spouse, namely the husband, couldn't get away from the wife. Ball and chain." Donavon brims with laughter and squeezes Nabrun once more but on the shoulder. Sights veer to Krylow. "You're next, dart boy."

. o O Green helpfully supplies the ball and chain image, with Barana's face on the ball, and the chain tighly locked on Alek's ankle.

Krylow says, "nods to Tay and then turns back to Donavon, stepping forward and opening his arms. "Yes, I figured I was next in line," he deadpans."

McKenna steps into the Warp Core from the mall.

McKenna has arrived.

Green helpfully aims a push at Alek's back to help him on his way.

Donavon sweeps Krylow into a hard and strong hug. "Welcome to the club, my friend. Congratulations."

Krylow returns the favour, wrapping his arms around Donavon and squeezing back. "Thanks, Meg. Thanks for coming out too, we both appreciated it."

Lopez watches all this and stands up for the table. "I think... if you'll all excuse me, that I will take a short walk."

"A shindig like this will drag me out of any cave," teases Donavon upon parting. "Besides, I have to show support for my friends sometime...even the ones who have horrible tastes in liquor."

McKenna makes his way into the room, and grins broadly. "Sorry I'm late. A cat got stuck in a Jeffries Tube," he quips. "Took me three hours, waving catnip and fish-flavored treats before it would stop swiping at me. Almost requisitioned a phaser set on stun."

Lopez stands and leaves viewport nook.

Green blinks, looking over her bare shoulder. "Should have sent Monster in after it," she advises James.

Krylow smiles to Lopez at she stands. "You can only leave with a parting hug," he teases, before grinning to Donavon. "Someone on this station needs to impart culture on the Irish."

Donavon brushes knuckles across her nose. "I've plenty of culture and it's called Klingon Opera." She sweeps up her glass of water to partake of its coolness, then waves farewell to Lopez. "Better hug Foster before he feels unloved," advises Meg to Krylow, wink tossed to her ol' partner.

Nabrun blinks at McKenna and laughs quietly. "I hope it wasn't Trouble?"

"That's quite all right," Foster says. "I'll accept handshakes. From Alek, at least." Yes, that evil twinkle is back in his eyes.

McKenna grins as he wanders towards Green. "That counts as a terror act, I think. I'd never be able to live with myself for such a thing." He shakes his head at Nabrun. "No, this was some other cat. Sort of a grey and white one. Big blue eyes, no one home at all. Claws like a bat'leth."

Donavon jerks her head. "Grey and white? Tabby cat?" She sounds worried.

Lopez says gently, "Now that you are fully clothed, you may have all the hugs you like, hermanito." She reaches and squeezes Alek's shoulders, and then moves about for Barana. "A monster of a cat, sounds like. Evening James." She kisses the bride on the temple again, and then moves on, towards the door.

Green peers at McKenna close up, looking for scratches. "You're alright, aren't you?"

Krylow returns Lopez's hug, murmuring a warm, "Good night, gaupa," to her before turning to McKenna and smiling. "Glad you could make it James, Thanks for coming." As for Foster, he dips the tips of his fingers into his drink and flicks them at the ex-pilot.

Foster just grins at Alek, impetuously, and doesn't say a word.

Lopez moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Lopez has left.

McKenna waves to Lopez amiably. "Have a good night, Ana." He shrugs at Donavon. "Not really a tabby. I left it in my quarters until I track down the owner." He displays relatively unmarred hands to Green. "I'm as quick as I am witty, so I was just fine."

Green's gaze flicks up to meet McKenna's. "Oh. Guess I can't kiss and make it better then." Lips twitching, she glides over to retrieve her orange julius.

Nabrun looks up to Alek, head tilted to the side slightly, a brow raised.

Donavon lifts her water glass high. "I'd like to propose a toast to the couple, if I may."

Krylow lifts his glass as well, listening quietly for the moment while Donavon makes her toast.

Green lifts her sweet orangey drink, looking expectantly toward the redhead.

McKenna quickly obtains a drink, thereby able to join in with the toast.

Nabrun lifts her glass, leaning against Alek's arm, smile soft.

"I'd like to impart upon these two bright stars in our tiny nook of the universe a bit of cultural wisdom passed down through the generations. There are 4 things you must never do." Donavon watches the faces of each person, "lie, steal, cheat, or drink." Her glass is lifted towards her lips but held off, impish grin forming. "Buuuuut," a chuckle as she regards Nabrun and Alek exclusively, "if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal," a warm smile, "steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death." She taps her nose at that, chuckling again at the many times everyone has done so. "And if you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away. Here's to another one of those moments. Congratulations Barana and Alek. May the saddest day of your future be no worse, than the happiest day of your past. Long life, happiness and health!"

Green doesn't smile, of course- they're in public- but she most definitely wears a pleased expression. "What she said." And Tay drinks her drink.

Nabrun laughs quietly, though a few tears well. She looks from Donavon to Alek, smile soft and tender. The glass is lifted, to tap against his.

McKenna grins broadly. "I'll drink to that," he agrees cheerfully. "Huzzah."

Krylow gently taps his glass against Nabrun's, letting the glass ring out for a moment, before he takes a drink from it. Drink done, he smiles to Donavon. "Thank you for that toast."

Donavon flushes, cheeks pink, as she nods to Krylow. Toast complete, she drains her glass completely. "You're welcome." Bare toes wiggle to the cool surface of the floor. Joy. "Is there cake and dancing at a Betazoid Reception? I never got that far in chatting with Cerene."

Green snaps her fingers, looking toward Nabrun. "That reminds me- Loriana said to save her some cake."

McKenna grins. "Mmmm, cake. I'm all for cake," he agrees.

Nabrun coughs quietly and grins. "Cake, ice cream, dancing and drinks are on their way out now. However," she looks up at Alek, head tilting slightly. "This is generally the point where the bride and groom make their escape."

Krylow grins to the others and nods. "I either pass out in quarters, or right here in about two minutes, so we had best take our leave for now."

McKenna laughs, and shakes his head. "Go on, you two wacky kids, get on out of here. And congrats once again."

"Endurance levels that low?" Meg waggles brows at Krylow, lastly on Nabrun. "Good night and sweet dreams. We'll certainly have ours while eating triple..yes," another eyebrow waggle, "triple chocolate cake." Wink. "Be sure to shut off your coms by the way."

Green ohs! And dives toward the couch to retrieve a wrapped, flat package. She hurries back to offer it to the happy couple. "That present, Barana." Her eyes twinkle merrily.

Krylow looks to the present, then to Green. "That present? Why does that sound so ominious?"

Nabrun blinks and reaches out for it, though blushes at Meg's words. "No comment," she replies, biting her lip.

Green stands on tiptoe to aim kisses at Alek and Barana's cheeks. "Because you're very perceptive for one of the male species, big brother."

Donavon snorts at Nabrun. "Weddings are energy-consuming. After rounds of drinking with my family, Rob & I passed out in a second after the reception." Suspicion rises or rather curiosity when Green's gift perks her interest.

McKenna grins. "And because you know it's got to be interesting and yet vaguely frightening."

Nabrun just eyes Tay for a long moment, then shakes her head. 'We'd better run," she tells Alek. "I think it's ticking."

Krylow chuckles softly and uses Green's tiptoe kiss movement to give her another hug. "Thanks for the company, Tay," He says seriously, then waves to the others. "Thanks again everyone," he calls, as he moves to lead Nabrun out.

Green settles into James' side, looking as innocent as possible. Which isn't very much. "You're welcome, Alek," she says softly.

McKenna slinks an arm around Green's waist, comfortably, and grins. "I know you guys will enjoy it."

Nabrun grins over her shoulder. "Thank you, everyone!" she calls, then heads out on the arm of her husband.

. o O Green thinks, "If they're elastic enough."

Green waves, settling her head on James' shoulder.

Krylow slips out of the reception, arm twined with Nabrun's.

Krylow moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Krylow has left.

Donavon mmhmms for a second. "Better give the chain an ol' tug to locate the ball." She wiggles fingers in a farewell to Green and McKenna. "Evening you, two. Going to hunt and likely will smash cake in his face."

Nabrun moves through the sliding double doors, exiting to the mall.

Nabrun has left.

Donavon goes home.

Donavon has left.