Nicole walked into the Federation Complex to find it filled with Betazoid Diplomatic Staff. Nicole was puzzled by the presence. She looked at Vincent and flat out asked, 'What the heck is going on here?"
Vincent looked back, "Nikki, Admiral Coren would like to hold the wedding here."
"What wedding?", Nicole asked.
"Captain Addison Laree and Dr. Orchid Coren.", Vincent looked at her, knowing it would hurt her badly.
"Oh my god!!", Nicole snapped.
"This is a valuable opportunity for the colony and the Phoenix Fleet. Having Betazoid support in the Alpha Quadrant is critical to our continued exploration of the Beta Quadrant. This is something we should not refuse.", Vincent explained.
Nicole knew he was right but it did not mean she liked the idea. She stormed into her office. The desk was piled with PADDs. She walked back out, "Now what?"
"The civilian government is having trouble processing the refugee claims. It is taking too long for their staff to complete them. We have people sleeping in the shuttle stations and vacant "N for Nicole" houses.", Vincent explained.
"So let me get this straight, I had to walk through protesters screaming, "Go Home Star Fleet" and now I have to give them a house.", Nicole snarled.
"It is my expectation that you will comply.", Commodore Viceroy looked at Nicole knowing that by rank, she could flatly refuse.
"When is it?", Nicole asked.
"When is what?", Vincent responded.
"The Wedding.", Nicole responded.
"Oh, on Saturday.", Vincent explained, "They are technically married already so its a renewal."
"So its something to do out of spite.", Nicole snarled.
"Yes and Admiral Coren knows that we will not refuse because of the political necessity.", Vincent explained.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Wedding
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Trista and Brenna played in the tent. The wedding was incredible. The wedding was
brutal. Orchid and Nicole even chatted for a bit. Orchid told Nicole that it was just better this way. Nicole hated the whole thing. She thought the trials were all for show, this put that entirely to shame.
Nicole stood at the bar watching Magenta dancing with a Laree offspring. She could not believe that these family unions were going to be perpetuated again. She was mortified and even digusted.
Nicole was forced to stay for the entire ceremony as the ranking officer and host. When Illyan walked by her, he winked.
Illyan stopped turned around and glared at her, "Listen, Branson. I decide. No one does things that I don't approve of, not even you."
Nicole stood up and walked towards the bar. Magenta was still there. The ladies chatted about Trista and about Orchid and the wedding. The girls were soon drinking too much champagne and giggling and laughing.
Magenta left to return to the hotel. She was standing out next to the shuttle when she realized something... She could not believe it was true.
God, is her uncle going to be upset...
Posted by:
Vice Admiral Nicole Branson
Executive Officer
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Fleet
Commodore Vincent Viceroy
Commanding Officer
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Fleet
