We Need a Deathworlder!

With her forehead pressing to Chak’s Simone releases a long drawn breath, allowing herself to drown in the bliss of this moment and what it means to her.

How did she even get here? Roughly a year ago she was prowling streets on the hunt for bounties attached to low-lives scum. Sleeping in hotels if she had no other choice because although she could afford it, she never quite trusted those joints in the places she found herself. She constantly battled the unbearable weight in her head alone, while often surrounded by the substances that numbed the ache in her body and soul.

Although she managed to dig herself out of the worst, it would have taken a single trip to fall back down in that ugly pit. But before she was given that chance, a literal space-princess walked into her life and took her by the hand.

In a few -admittedly very eventful- blinks of an eye, Simone’s life finds itself sailing a new course. She’s now sober, married, a mother and deprite the gun aiming at the head of the universe… she’s happy.

She’ll likely live with the mental scars and burdens she has accrued over her life for the rest of it. There will no doubt be very hard and even terrible times ahead that will rock her universe in the worst of ways. But at the end of the day she’ll remain for as long as the universe grants and maybe even more if she can get away with it.

She has found her happiness in this woman, she has found her purpose in her family and she has finally found that allusive self love within herself.

Seven told her about how much of an amazing person she is and how her simple actions of helping someone in need lead to all this coming to pass. She’s not spiritual or really buys into the actual existence of karma, but she can’t deny that looking back now she’s so proud of herself for not forgetting who she was under all the endured pain.

Simone turns her head slightly to look at the framed image in Chucknuq’s graspers.

She’s a Thatch, and will not be the last.

Robert’s half-blinking expression wearing his mighty smile breaks her heart while also reinforcing it.

‘I love you, dad.’ she softly mouths to her father before pulling away from Chak to look her over.

“I love what you’ve done with your fur.” she says as she runs a hand through the top of Chak’s fur, “And sick ear rings!”

The Cali’s eyes spark in extra glowing brilliance.

“Thank you, this was all Jet’s work. I apologize for having to wait to see each other at the last minute. But I felt it would be quite the surprise.” Chak softly replies in a giggle as she taps her spiked jewelry with her lower limbs, “I must admit it still feels really strange, but I like it very much!”

“It really suits you.” the redhead chuckles before finally looking to the wedding guests, smiling as she pulls Chak in for a few photo opportunities despite fully knowing her makeup must be wrecked by now.

Chak joins in, seeing Troy and the Gratt helping out gather the Essjay and Jamie so that Seven can head out first with Ted to check in with catering.

“You know what also suits me?” she asks coyly, “My new name. Thank you so much for sharing it with me… could you… uhm… say it? I’d love to hear you say it.”

Simone opens her mouth to happily oblige, but holds off as a devious thought comes to her.

“I will, but not yet. Trust me.” she says while giving the Cali a gentle side squeeze.

A little disappointed but indeed trusting, Chak gives a single nod.

“Such a tease…” she playfully grumbles.

“Trust the process, hun.” the redhead counters.

“Oh, I will.”

Receiving a cue from Donna, Chucknuq cleared his throat loud enough to gather attention.

“With the bonding ceremony complete, the newly weds will now receive their marks of union. With many Terran traditions, the exchange of jewelry is what’s most common and is usually done during the ceremony itself. But they have opted for another method that would take a bit long for everyone to just sit in watch. Please, as they do so Donna will lead everyone to the reception area. The merriment will begin, and will be joined by Chak and Simone momentarily.” the old man announces.

With curious acceptance the bulk of guests leave their seats and follow Donna back out and around to an area filled with seated tables, a bar, catering and even an open dance floor with a hired local D.J.

All but Chucknuq and Jet depart, in fact the woman remains because she previously volunteered to take on a particular honor.

“Alright you two, time to get out and dry off. Can’t keep the people waiting.” she informs the married couple, “I’ve already set up in the changing room so don’t worry about going far.”

Simone and Chak walk up and out together, their lower halves drenched. But before they get to the elder woman Chucknuq came up to them both. His colors are already shifting vibrantly red.

“I’ll be sure to place your father’s photograph at your table.” He assures before opening his arms wide, “Now bring it in you two! Hahaha-oof!”

Before his laughter can complete it’s cut off by the newly weds accepting the hug without a moment’s hesitation.

“Thank you, Chucknuq.” Simone says with a warm tone.

“Your officiation was splendidly perfect.” Chak agrees, “And thank you so much for walking with me. It felt so right for you to be there, just as I thought it would.”

“I couldn’t think of a greater honor.” the Captain replies softly, “I have no doubt in my mind that you two will continue to take care of one another and your children for many many years to come. In my long life, never once did I expect to be this position, but I’m so glad to be here. Now, I’m off to make sure everyone is properly entertained! Bwhahaha!”

After a few moments longer in the tri-embrace, Chucknuq pulls away and heads off to join the others.

“Alright, let’s get going before more people try to steal some hugs.” Jet chuckles as she waved the two to follow.

“Right. You did great work with Chak by the way.” the redhead compliments.

“Always happy to lend a young lady a helping hand. Also, I’d be crazy to pass up punking-up a politician. A princess to boot.” Jet replies in another chuckle before leading the two away.

Within the reception room the guests sit where they please in the similarly iridescently-lit room. However the aroma of food is impossible to ignore as the various scent-promises of meats, pastas, desserts and freshly baked buns called most to plate up real quick.

“Well that was an adorable ceremony!” Ellie says as she walks up to Bree and her family settling down together at a table.

“It absolutely was! Short and sweet while having one heck of an atmosphere! It actually made me curious to see what a full on Cali wedding looks like. Oh, would you like to sit with us?” Bree replies as she motions the one free hand to the empty seat next to her while the other gently bounces her child who seems absolutely ready to start digging into the food on the plates.

“Absolutly, if you’re sure?” Ellie hesitantly accepts, trying to play it as though she wasn’t wishing for that precise offer.

“Hey, as long as you don’t mind a messy kid being right next to you.” Bree chuckles with a nod.

“Also Avery’s there too.” Duke -Bree’s father- adds with a teasing smirk, not even looking up from the slab of buttery brisket he’s cutting into.

Bree rolls her eyes while her mother playfully smacks the man’s arm causing him to cackle like a cartoon villain.

Smiling at the familial shenanigans, Ellie settles into the offered seat.

“So… it must be either the most exciting or most boring job working for the ambassador.” she says to spark conversation.

“Stars… Would you believe me if I said it’s both? Most of the time it’s datawork, organizing meetings, attending meetings and constant research into every political sphere. But then suddenly there’s- well, I’m afraid I can’t really say exactly, but let’s just leave it as ‘things go from zero to a hundred’ in milliseconds.” Bree explains while she ensures her child’s food is properly portioned for him.

“Wow, though I guess I shouldn't be too surprised. It being in the realm of politics after all.” Ellie says.

“What do you do for work if you don’t mind my askin’?” Jen gently questions Ellie.

Ellie purses her lips as she inhales a sigh.

“Well, nothing at the moment. I just quit a very well paying job over some… moral conflicts.” she answers with a wave of her hand, “Although we can survive off savings for a while, my grandmother and I are looking to relocate away from Vapor’Perna altogether for somewhere that isn’t as financially staining or difficult to secure work.”

Duke lifts his eyebrows as he chews.

“You got work on V.P? Not bad. What work did you do?” he asks.

“I worked as an internal incident manager for Valmore Enterprises.” the woman replies.

“Ah, a Titan-based company. No wonder there was a moral dilemma.” the man nods.

“Yeah… my grandmother did not approve it one bit, but the credits, location and benefits were just too good to pass up.” Ellie responds as she bites into a warm bun with a firm crispy shell, yet delicately soft interior.

“About your grandmother… has she always expressed herself in that way?” the Duke investigates with a clear layered interest.

“Her whole life as far as I’m aware. Apparently an ancestor of ours was one of the people on the outreach voyage that left earth. I guess she’s really proud of that, and I am too to an extent… but It’s not really something that we have been able to confirm so I’m not investing myself too much in what’s basically a family legend.” Ellie replies.

Both Jen and Bree share the same curiously excited expression towards Duke, who himself appears frozen for a few seconds as he thought something over.

“Something wrong?” Ellie inquires.

“As it so happens… I’m a lead cataloger in the preservation department on Ares. I’ve personally worked with relics of the outreach voyage on several occasions. Including what remains of the ship itself. If you’d like, I can arrange for you and your grandmother to come visit it. Maybe do some tests to confirm if that legend of yours is true?” he offers.

“No kidding…? Well, sure that would be amazing! Thank you so much. And I promise to not hold it against you if my family legacy is at all exaggerated.” Ellie agrees before peeking back at the entrance, wondering how long her grandmother is going to take to arrive with the brides.

“Nodrin and Meeki sit close together at another table, practically entangled as they share a plate between them. Troy sits down next to them soon after, though he doesn’t quite join the duo bundle as he prefers a bit more space to eat.

Across from them sits Sonla and Zecrozz who both have far more protein stacked on their plates than anyone else in the venue.

Being genuinely impressed, Troy raises an eye tuft at the nearly equal portions each of the reptiles indulge in despite their difference in size.

“The BBQ’s pretty damn good, ain’t it?” the Terran comments after polishing off a rib bone.

“Yes! Very!” Meekie immediately agrees, “The mashed po-da-toes are very good as well!”

“The potatoes? For sure, glad they kept the skins on.” Troy replies before eyeing the large dino, “Hope the food makes up for the kidnapping.” he jests.

Zecrozz chuckles nervously.

“Y-yeah… It’s great. It’s uhm… not what I expected to be doing today, heh, that’s for sure.” he says with a slight shrug, “B-but I have no complaints so far.”

“Good to hear. I’m no stranger to a sudden shift in life-direction stuff. Have you two talked with Thorn yet? You know, to work out arrangements and stuff?” the Terran inquires.

Sonla nods rapidly.

“Yes! But he said we’ll speak in detail tomorrow. Zecrozz is a very good pilot!” she informs.

The Z’ah’tuck’s mane of feathers fluff out little bit.

“Ah- w-well I’m… I’m an alright pilot I guess.” he sheepishly clarifies.

“That’s not what your sister told me!” Sonla chuckles.

“Well… uhm… I’m sure she was just, you know… hyping me up as much as possible in order for you to… uhm… take me on.” Zecrozz counters.

“Oh I took you on alright…” Sonla whispers in a devious hiss.

Widening his eyes Zecrozz cleared his throat hoping no one else heard that, along with hiding other strong feral feelings that this setting was not appropriate for.

Meanwhile, Brandy is sitting with Jackie, Donna and their twins.

“Yep, Not only did I play match-maker with Troy and the Gratt, but managed to help out our Vorook to snag that guy. Donno if it’ll work out, but hey maybe I found my true calling.” Brandy jokes.

“No kidding… must be pretty dangerous being a bounty hunter.” Donna points out.

“You’re a bounty hunter!? Like in the movies!?” Jeanne asks in excitement.

Brandy laughs lightly and scratches at the side of her neck.

“Kinda? Like the movies I mean. Though the movies don’t really show the more… boring aspects of the job. As for how dangerous it is… yeah, it’s very dangerous at times. But the people I work with are very capable and I’m no slouch either.” she says.

“When do you plan on leaving that life behind ya?” Jackie inquires.

To that, Brandy shrugs.

“Whenever I feel the need to, I suppose. Right now I like what I’m doing and trust the folks I’m doing it with. Until that changes or life tells me that it’s time to move on elsewhere then I’m not moving on from it.” she answers honestly before smiling, “How bout you two? Do you plan on starting in this colony forever or do ya have thoughts of eventually going elsewhere?”

Donna and Jackie share a look as they mumble, as if to gauge who should be first to speak.

“We certainly have ideas about moving to Ares or possibly York when the girls are older… but nothing quite set in stone.” Donna finally answers.

“Yeah, colony life is far from glamorous but this place is special to the both of us. If a big opportunity came our way that would be better to plan for the girls’ futures, then we’ll probably have more serious talks about it. But as of now? We’re just fine. Our friends, family and culture are here, you know?” Jackie adds.

“Well if we’re available and you find yourself moving, give us a call. We got plenty of storage for things. And we’d be cheaper than the standard transport companies.” Ellie offers before drinking deep in her Terran champagne.

As she did so she eyes another table where the two Watath speak with Dr. Vin and Seven while they watch over Essjay and Jamie.

Then to another where Thorn, Chucknuq and Ted seem to be in a heated laughing match with poor Devin across from them.

Weala tilts his head at Vin.

“You don’t say…” he hisses in curiosity before looking at Essjay then Jamie.

“Indeed, after a safely monitored first meeting Simone Junior has managed to not be as affected as others would be by Jamie’s… presence. I suspect that it’s something to do with the still developing adolescent mind not quite grasping the full effects. Honestly I’d say the pair have gotten along rather well despite the circumstances. I don’t believe that Simone Junior has even shown the slightest bit of actual defensive aggression. At least not the kind that’s not expected from young siblings.” Vin assures.

“And… Jamie here has not shown carelessness? We Watath are a durable people, even in youth, but if I am to be honest that tail seems… strong.” Queall asks.

“It most certainly is, but I assure you that Jamie does have an understanding of his capabilities and has a good sense of mindfulness…” Vin says as he turns to see the Manarian tearing a soft loaf of garlic bread and a tender brisket to shreds with his hand and tail claws, “...food being the current exception.”

Weala refocuses on Essjay and addresses them directly.

“How has your voice been coming in?” he asks kindly.

Looking up from their plate Essjay nods before opening their mouth.

“G-goooodah!” they report excitedly.

“That’s splendid!” Weala replies with an amused hiss, “Are things going well between you and your… sibling?” he then asks.

Essjay nods again.

“Yyyyeaaasssss. Noo w-wooorrrrryy.” they report assuringly.

“Good.” Weala nods back, seemingly satisfied with that.

Suddenly, both of Jamie’s plumes twitch and he’s the first to turn his head to look before anyone else to see his parents’ arrival.

Dressed in more ‘dance-safe’ dresses that match the previous themes, Simone and Chak step into the area, prompting the Mikk D.J to switch it up to more celebratory tunes.

Jet walks past them with Zrume by her side, giving her granddaughter a thumbs up that then aimed at the newlyweds.

People start to clap at the two but it only grows in intensity when Chak and Simone lift their held hands up together to show luminescent glowing white tattoo bands around one of their fingers. Simone’s is on the traditional ‘ring finger’ while Chak’s is on her outer larger digit.

They stride in further together and are met with several congratulations and incoming embraces.

“Troy…” Simone says to the man as he approaches. “Love the dress, bud.” she states before giving the man a big bear hug.

“I’m a man of my word, and honestly I think I’m killing it!” he replies in a grunting chuckle. His tight and elegant sky blue dress glitters like a refined disco ball.

After a short while the pair are allowed to plate themselves up and move to their special rectangular table that has gifts on one far end and currently baren on the other. Right in the center however is where they are guided to sit and eat.

With the perfect view to take in all present, Simone can only overlook them all for so long before her eyes fall back onto her wife.

Her wife…

Her beautiful, wonderful, amazing, impossibly perfect wife.

Chak’s constantly gleaming red eyes look back and smile.

“I love you.” she says to the redhead.

“I love you too,” Simone replies softly.

As they almost forget to continue eating, the room’s music goes down in volume and Donna stands with a raised glass.

“Thank you all for coming, everyone. With the brides here I think it’s the perfect time to go around for toasts or words you wish to speak in regards to this very special union. No pressure, This is just for anyone who has something to say. If you don’t mind, my husband Jackie and I will be the first to do the honors.” she announces, motioning for her other half to stand with her as she turns towards the couple, “Chak, thank you so much for finding Simone and bringing her back into our lives. And thank you for so openly inviting us into yours. Planning today has been a wonderful honor, and I can only hope that this is far from the last celebration we all share whether it be birthdays, holidays, or just because.” she syas before nodding to Jackie.

“Same, of course. We hope you take good care of our middle school bully, you hear?” he chuckles before getting more serious, “She’s like a sister to us, and by extension so are you. You both will always be welcome here and will always have us standing by your side. Simone, I’m so proud of ya. We all are. And regardless of where you settle, I can’t wait to watch both our sets of kids grow up and thrive in the universe.” he finishes.

With a clapping the two sit down, only for the Gratt duo to stand up and nearly trip over their chairs in the process.

Meekie clears her throat and exposes her row of sharp teeth in a wide smile.

“Although the circumstances of how we met weren’t pleasant in most regards, I am still very happy to have met you both. The sky itself fell over our world, threatening our people’s security and sovereignty. Many fell in the conflict that followed and it saddens me greatly that they had to make such a sacrifice. But even so I am so thankful to live to see the day my people ascend into the stars and embark on our greatest adventure as a people. I consider you both very dear friends and have nothing but the best of hopes for the future. But regardless, we will be there to help make sure it’s a happy one.” she says before passing the attention to Nodrin.

“Indeed you both have our loyalty, admiration and gratitude.” a few chuckles ring out as some think Nodrin was going for a pun, “In large part you two saved our people and ensured that they not only succeed but thrive among the stars. Not only our people as a whole, but for Meekie and I as well.” Nodrin turns to look at Troy and reaches a hand out to him, when accepted they look back to the brides, “Meekie and I would have not met Troy without you, and we are forever grateful.” they say while giving Brandy a quick thankful smirk.

While they sit down, Bree takes a turn after handing Avery off to her mother.

“Well… I’d love to explain to everyone just how incredible and insane you two are, but I’d be fired in a heartbeat if I did.” she says, earning a few chuckles and nods from those who very much understand, “But I will say this; Simone, you and I have only reconnected very recently after years of being apart and living very different lives. There came a time however that I had to choose whether or not to fully trust you in a very insane situation. I asked myself a million questions about your character and if I could risk investing into what my gut was telling me at the time. But then I thought back to when we first met. You were so damn scary when I first saw you, I swear I nearly turned tail and quit the academy before I even started. But after opening your mouth you showed me and my parents what kind of person you were. You even went out of your way to make a girl like me feel as comfortable as possible.” Bree turns to the rest of the room gently pointing at the redhead, “She pretended to not know what bed she wanted to claim although she clearly already did, just so I could pick the one I felt the most comfortable with. That’s the kind of person Simone Thatch is. Even in the smallest of ways she acts on her kind heart. She always had throughout the time I’ve known her, so when it came down to it I knew exactly whether she was worth trusting or not.” wiping a tear from her eye, Bree looks back at Simone, “You deserve nothing but happiness for the rest of your life and I truly believe you found the person that will help make that happen.” she finishes as Ellie stands to take her place.

“Yeah, that person was almost me…” Eliie shrugs in a blunt humorous manner, “For real though, when I joined these two for a shopping trip Chak was the best wingwoman a girl could ask for. Only to realize later that she was doing so completely obliviously. To her credit though she had me rooting for her more than myself by the time we all parted ways, and I’m so damn proud to stand here and see you two so happy with each other. I’m also so honored to have you both as friends and that you’ve invited me to share in your best-est of days.” she wraps up.

Seven erected themselves higher on their four wheeled legs.

“Ceremonial acts such as this are so very-ery fascinating. In such a big declaration, you two promise something-ing so very simple; that you are to be metaphorically and legally bonded in a unified relationship-hip to share together. It’s just as amusing as it is beautiful. Each and every one of our lives are limited-ted in time and experience, and yet many choose to give much more of that to one another-her. Your most precious resource beyond rare minerals and sustenance, you’ve decided-ded to spend on one another. I see this as absolutely wonderful and relish witnessing-ing it whenever I can. Oh, and Dave says ‘hi’.” they state before sleeping back down.

Chucknuq seems to consider saying something, as in his nature, but having already spoken to the two in private he’s satisfied.

When no one else takes the chance, Thorn stands up.

“No gonna lie Simone, after you parted ways from me and my crew I was real-worried about’cha. Although I believed that you had it in you to pull through and dig your way out of the rut you fell in… I didn’t know if you would. But look at’cha now; hitched, sober and saving the damn universe in fuck’n style. Being ‘proud’ ain’t enough to describe what I feel, even I couldn’t see this as a possible outcome for ya. It’s… the stuff of legends. You both in your own right are legends. A space-Princess seeking to liberate her people and get justice for her family, and a back-cluster lady who earned the highest honor a Terran can receive from the Union president herself. A medal that very few throughout our history among the stars have earned, and without a doubt you’ve fuck’n earned it. You both have my respect and my loyalty. And I’d run to hell and back twice for ya. Believe that. No matter what fires arise on the horizon.” he declares before raising her glass up to them and drinking the entirety of its contents.

Everyone with a beverage follows suit and cheers as the music picks back up to invite all to the dance floor.