Lieutenant JG Ras El'Heem - Among the Oaks

[Ras El'Heem]

((Ceremony at the creek))

 

Their timing was impeccable. The two flower frolickers arrived at the back of the ceremony, Ras still holding Semara’s hand. He gave it a squeeze and nodded to her before whispering under his breath.

 

El’Heem: Thanks for the help.

 

If it was any indication of genuine smile. The corners of his eyes wrinkled ever so slightly. Then he straightened up and smoothed out his suit before adjusting the flower on his lapel. He stood at the back of the aisle off to the side waiting for his queue. The Captain took to the podium at the other end of the path and Ras took a deep breath, preparing himself once more for eyes to be on him. Thankfully it wasn’t his show and he would only be harking in the bride-to-be and then all eyes would be on her and Connor.

 

Shayne: Good evening, all. I am Captain Randal Shayne, of the Federation Starship Khitomer. It is my sincere pleasure to welcome you to this most happy occasion. Connor and Ayemet have seen fit to honor me with the privilege of officiating today.

 

The three dapper gentleman on stage dwarfed the presence of everyone else at the ceremony, at least for now. He felt a tinge of pride seeing Connor standing next to Hobart. You didn’t have to be a telepath to feel the endearing nerves radiating off the man. Ras clutched the basket tightly and gave it a few light squeezes to ground himself. And if further grounding was required, it was covered as he spied Ezra and Richard taking their seats. He gave them a wave as he noticed Carpenter had been invited as well.

 

Shayne: I’ve had a number of officers tell me, with varying degrees of timidity, that I can ramble, so I will do my utmost to be brief, and succinct. 

 

The band began to play and that was his queue. He took a quick breath and began walking to the rhythm of the music. On beat he took a step and then tossed a large handful of each type of flower on their own leaving a trial of alternating colors down the stone pathed aisle.

 

Step.

 

Eschscholzia californica. Orange.

 

Step.

 

Step.

 

Viola adunca. Blue and yellow.

 

Shayne: What you witness today is the formalizing of a union; what you may not know is what stands on either side- past and future- of this moment . What started on a scrappy little starship on the edge of the unknown as a friendship and a genuine affection has blossomed into a connection, a bond, a relationship and a promise that shakes its fist at old cynics. 

 

Step.

 

Step.

 

Mimulus aurantiacus. Apricot.

 

Shayne: ::clarifying:: Like me.

 

Step.

 

Step.

 

Delphinium cardinale. Red.

 

Step.

 

His large strides had led him to the stage already and he spread the last of the petals in a large circle.

 

Clarkia unguiculata. Pink.

Castilleja affinis. Red Clay.

Sisyrinchium bellum. Violet.

 

The tall man walked to the opposite side of the stage of his fellow officers and stood at the end. The Bride’s side. With the basket now free of flower petals except for a scant few, all that remained at the bottom was an ornate box. He removed the box and set the basket down, just off stage. He cradled the box in front of him and then stood tall as the tent door from where he just came flapped open.

 

He briefly scanned the crowd and found Semara’s eyes. He cocked his head as if to ask “Did I do well? Does the aisle look good?” Then he looked back to the tent where Chief Ohnari stood at the door. The setting sun’s last rays of light shimmered over her silver dress and then slipped behind the valley wall leaving the ceremony in a warm twilight that set the stage for Ayemet’s reveal.

 

The bands graciously transitioned into a new piece and a spotlight flicked on casting a vignette on the entrance to the tent. Within that little circle of light, where everyone’s attention was focused, the woman of the hour appeared in a stunning dress. Her hair growth had been a large part of the reveal. The two had many a follicle stimulation therapies leading up to today, hoping to pull it off before this moment. And boy did she pull it off.

 

Ras gripped the box he held tightly, and felt the sentiment of what lie within, weighty in his hands. Ooh’s and Aah’s and even a stray whistle fluttered through the crowd. Connor looked dashing but Ayemet, stole the show. And why shouldn’t she? The music rose as she stepped through the precipice into the life she’d be spending with her husband.

 

Any: Response

 

Tag/TBC

 Lieutenant JG Ras El’Heem

Medical Officer

USS Khitomer (NCC-62400)

K240106RE3