Billy Rigers and Admiral Madeline Beckwater hereby invite their friends from the UNW and Greystar near and far to participate in their union. The two have constructed a large cathedral like building on Tsatsos for such an occasion, with some of the stones actually prized from the lava creature many before them have tried and failed to kill. A short ceremony is expected before what promises to be an exciting and very boisterous reception. The Baron has flown out from The Harvest Spirits, aboard a Free Merchant packed with alcoholic drinks and fine food, and is expecting to return home with an empty hold. He implores all attendees not to disappoint him. As a show of respect for the twinned Admirals, there will also be a parade of starships honoring the two, seen best from the space platform above Tsatsos. (He wouldnt know anyone currently in EP, NMC, or CBSS, as he's not adventured there and we've had no joint missions, we can meet up at another occasion)

With the wedding invitations, a rare Tsatsos Metal coin is delivered to each recipient that says “Through Fire We Build” with a picture of Billy and Beckwater limping supporting each other on one side and on the other it says “Persist” with the head of the lava beast.

Chris gets his full band together “The Furies” with the soulful duet singer ‍ Sandra Swindon and practiced all the songs that are requested along with a swinging Wedding March.

Dozens of pews are empty, waiting for guests to arrive. Beckwater is cloystered in a back room with her share of the wedding party, mostly members of her old fleet, and underofficers. Billy and his wedding party are in a different area of the large structure, waiting for things to begin

In the front row there are a few seats labeled reserved. One has a thermos of coffee and box of acastan mushroom chocolates and the other has a leather jacket draped over the back with an ear of corn embroidered on the back of it. A third rests an old TFP patch. In the dressing room, Billy takes a swig of whiskey from Cayne as he’s measured yet again for the final fitting.

(Oh also, we will assume if you do want robert officiating, the ritual was a success)

(theres enough psychics here between the guests, trained UNW ones, and shangra la being a well prepared facility)

Dax elbows Billy in the ribs in greeting as he shows up dressed in his After Dark suit, likely the only one he owns. "Congratulations!.... But also, what were you thinking?! Marriage? How do you even work up the nerves for that? Give me another Fleshshaper battle moon, because I'm never doing that."

Billy takes the elbow well, though the man currently measuring his inseam doesn’t seem as pleased. “Heh. Love my TFP boys. I didn’t have any courage in me at all, Dax. I just made the ring and as I went to give it to her the words just fell out of me. I couldn’t believe I said it let alone having her say yes.... I bet we could get you hooked up with the twins. If you’re scared, they both seem to take charge a bit more than average if you know what I mean. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind doing all the leg work for you.”

"Ha! Dax already has his Vorianu and she seems to do plenty of legwork! Her legs are probably strong enough for some good plowing! Granted, no one can pull a plow like a piggen but I'd hire her on my farm over most humans!"

"I... uh, yeah. One is more than enough for me. She's uh, yeah. We're good." He laughs nervously. (edited)

Grupp is wearing a fitted charcoal grey suit with a black dress shirt underneath a vibrant yellow vest with the RCOE symbol emblazoned on the breast. A very large unopened package sits heavily in the corner where he left it, covered in bright pink wrapping paper with a matching pink bow.

Billy laughs. “Dax, you’re the only one I’ve ever been able to turn redder than me.” “Grupp! Grupp! You are charming as ever you beautiful bastard. What about you? Do you have any prospects right now? -ouch! Hey watch it.”

The Furies are practicing a quiet version of “Chapel of Love” by the Dixie Cups for when the guests arrive. Chris and Sandra Swindon are singing a soft voiced duet into the ️ microphone. Goin' to the chapel and we're gonna get married Goin' to the chapel and we're gonna get married Gee, I really love you And we're gonna get married Goin' to the chapel of love (edited)

"Ha! Well Val keeps trying to poach me to work for her in Rebirth, but I'm faithful to us engies," Grupp gives a wink to Billy, "Let's just say I don't think she's only interested in my artisan arcanotech skills."

(It's the tusks)

"But we're here to talk about you and your lady, CONGRATULATIONS! HA!" Grupp wraps Billy in a massive four armed hug, lifting him off the ground and spinning him around. "I've got a little something for ya that I've been working on! You finishing off that nasty lava beastie gave me just what I needed to finish it!" Grupp sets Billy down and moves over to the garishly pink present, muscles bulging as he hefts it over to Billy, "Go on, open it!"

Billy grunts as he’s lifted up. “Hua! Right now? What is it?” He says breathily. Vauguely devious, Billy tears into the package.

Inside is a beautifully crafted assault suit, silver and black, plated with the deep red material harvested from the lava beast, occasionally streaked through with flashing red lightning. Billy's witchfinder senses see currents of metadimensional energy strengthening and enhancing the armor past what mere metal is capable of. (edited)

Billy’s face goes slack in awe. “No way... Grupp you made this?!” He breaks out into a boyish hoot and puts the helmet on. “You think she’ll still marry me if I come out in this?”

Grupp's wide grin grows even wider, "Ha! I'm glad you like it! And if I know anything about women they love a man in armour! But maybe save it for after the wedding eh? Ha!"

Hailey finds Billy beforehand. She’s dressed in a classy but surprisingly simple lavender dress, not wanting to steal the spotlight for probably the first time in her life. She runs up to her best friend and grabs him in a tight bear hug, grinning. A moment later she lets go to punch him lightly in the arm, “Look at you dude, congratulations! I’m happy for you! Mr. and Mrs. Admiral hahah.”

“Fine... but she’s seeing it tonight.” He responds to Grupp. He brings in Hailey tightly. “I fucking miss you, woman. It’s kinda weird isn’t it? You gonna do a speech?” (edited)

She grins. "It's not weird at all. You deserve to be happy to be loved. Not that we don't all love you but you know what I mean." "I'd be honored to speak, but it's your call. Or, I guess Beckwater's haha. I'm just happy to be here."

“Um it’s my wedding too. I want to hear you. You’re standing on my side anyway if that’s cool with you. We came up together.”

“You are beautiful by the way. Lavender suits you.”

"I'd be happy to. Just as I'll be honored to stand up on your side, like I have dozens of times before." "Thanks. You clean up pretty nice yourself friend."

“I definitely wouldn’t be here today without you...” He meets her eye. “Out of everyone, I think you’ve seen me at my very worst mental spaces and have always had my back. That’s saying something. You practically carried me out of Elkano. Fuck, Hailey. It’s been a while since I’ve actually had the chance to reflect on it all. Are you sure you’re ready to be my best man too?”

“Oh fuck Elkano. That was a wild one. Or even the first couple of drops here on Tsatsos. But I promise next time we’re doing something together it’ll be something fun. Still, you’ve seen me at by worst and best too. I’m more than excited to be you’re best man, and happy I can stand behind you on this next ’most important moment of your life’. Are you ready to be the groom?”

Billy’s eyes widen in fear and he shows all of his teeth. “OOO! Hitting me with the hard questions now... Yeah. I think so. No. I know so. What am I supposed to feel. I’m nervous. Sure of myself but it’s scary in a way Fleshshapers or the remnant aren’t. Does that make sense? Agh.” He recenters himself. “Yes. I’m ready.”

“Makes perfect sense hahah. And don’t stress too much. I don’t think anyone here’s judging you. Just enjoy it huh? You’re surrounded by people that love you.”

“Fuck yes. Thank you, VP of Communications. You’re good at this. I love you too. Presentable? Anything in my teeth?”

She looks and brushes off his jacket and straights the clip. “Check check check RCOE president. You’re good to go bud. You look great.”

“All set to go get your girl.”

Billy takes a deep breath and kisses her on the forehead. “Thanks.” He holds her at arms length proudly and then turns to go to the next phase.

It seems as though everyone outside is ready for you, as you're to be at the altar first, before your bride. the double doors at the back of the building open, and youre able to see those in their seats as you walk to the front of the building to the makeshift stand. Not really a pulpit, but more a place where a ghostly @Bartholemew Thrace (Robert) Robert Tanzer, summoned moments ago by the assembled psychics here, can give his off the cuff but always heartfelt comments.

Chris and the Furies stop playing and await for the ceremony to start.

Eisheru nods to other gathered psychics once the ritual has been completed. He quickly and quietly finds his place next to Svenka in the gathered crowd.

I hope this isn’t too much. he thinks as the ritual completes. He eyes Robert’s ghostly form reverently and he approaches with gentle steps. “I miss you, brother. A-and I’m sorry to bring you back from the arms of your wife and daughter. I just have one more thing to share with you before I can let you go. You can’t not be at my wedding... and if you would...” He whispers, trying hard to keep his composure. “Would you do me the honor of giving us your blessing? I want to try and live up to the man you were and help build a better life for everyone. I want to be able to raise a daughter in a world without the monsters we fought and spread your message for generations to come. Fuck I’m happy to see you.”

"I'm happy to see you too, Billy." Robert smiles, looking far more peaceful than in life. "I'm glad I could be here for this, it's no bother at all." He approaches the pulpit, taking a moment to look out at all the gathered friends and loved ones of the soon to be married couple. "It truly is an honour to be here with you all today. Today is a day of life and celebration, as two extraordinary people come together to make an undying pact of love. Both have had lives fraught with danger and conflict, and have risen to the occasion, proving their ability to lead and create change in a chaotic universe. Their efforts have allowed many in this region of space to both survive and thrive. It is not their tremendous contribution to greater society that defines them, however, but rather the connections and love that they share with those around them, and especially with each other. They found each other, and through that they found love, strength, and community. It is that which we come to celebrate today." "While I never had the pleasure to make the darling brides acquaintance, I count the groom, our boy Billy, as one of the finest friends I made through my life. It is that friendship, and those like it, that I miss most. It fills me with joy to see you all today to witness such a wonderful union, and I believe it is time for us to begin the ceremony."

The back doors of the room open, and Admiral Beckwater in a dress of a creamish white begins to step out, accompanied by her own men and women in waiting. She has chosen four of her own, her former First Mate, the navigator of her former blue water vessel, and two younger women who you're not entirely sure what role they might have served in her fleet previously. They do have strong resemblance to her though , perhaps sisters. The assembled congregants stand, as the group begins making their way down

Chris and the Furies start the Wedding March.

It takes just a moment for her to make her way down the aisle, and before long is standing next to Billy, both of them now facing each other, and the ghostly Robert Tanzer

The band stops playing and there is silence.

Billy is filled with emotion as he turns from Robert, warmed by his presence. He stands silent, in awe of the woman coming down the aisle before him, chancing only a quick 5 second stare at his wedding party. When she finally reaches him he takes her hand kissing it. “Ohp. Little sweaty.” He whispers nervously and wipes his face before locking eyes with her. He seems to be caught under a spell Before an impish grin flashes across his face. “I can’t believe you’re standing here right now.” Billy catches a look from Beckwater that he interprets as I love you too you big idiot and he clears his throat and nods at Robert. “Quick before she comes to her senses.”

Beckwater laughs softly, really the three of you the only ones able to hear it. "I know you don't have a lot of time Mr. Tanzer, and you had no way to prepare. Whatever you say, It will be perfect and more than we deserve" she says, a single tear beginning to well up in her eye

Robert nods, wisps of ethereal smoke trailing behind his movements. "We gather here today to witness two people, united in love and purpose, become united under the eyes of their loved ones and the law in eternal matrimony. They met on Halia, two leaders trying to find peace on a world where war rapidly approached." As Robert mentions Halia, a white mist pushes out from his body, and suddenly, without moving, all attendees find themselves sitting on the island where Billy, Beckwater and the Wasimian representative first hammered out a peace treaty. Ocean stretches out in all directions, and the calls of seabirds are audible behind Roberts speech. "Through meeting, they forged peace and found love. They have since worked together, continuing their efforts to bring peace and safety to a wild universe. Through shared struggle, tragedy, and triumph, they have proved that their love will stand the test of time, and all of us should feel honoured to be witness to it." The scene rapidly begins to change once more, with the floor and everything in the room returning to view. However, the sky doesn't return to ceiling, but rather displays a brilliant starfield, with beautiful worlds like jewels streaming through the sky, far closer than could be physically possible. Motes of light and colour dance around the room, leaving a faint glow in their wake. "This is my gift to you, in lieu of something physical. An illusion to make this day as special and memorable as it possibly can be, because you both deserve one good day after all you've both done. I believe I've talked for long enough. Billy, if you'd be so kind as to make your vows?"

“Thank you, Robert.” He smiles. Billy closes his eyes to center himself before meeting hers. The lump in his throat relaxes though it feels an eternity before he can will his lips to part and his tongue to form words. When he does, he feels the weight fall from his chest and he lives in the truth of his words and being. “Hi. It is nice to meet you here. Just as it was nice to meet you the first time and just as it will be nice to meet you every day until we part. That brings me to my first vow. I vow to always meet you... as an equal.. because there is no ownership in love. I vow to meet you in times of hurt and pain and trust you to make choices for you and not take them personally as a loss of my own. I do not vow to stand strong, as I have fallen, broken, many times before but, I vow to race to stand back up in the case that I do. I vow to meet you as a new person every day as we both morph and change through time and realize that that same spirit is behind the wheel even when we are not in our best of spirits. I vow to fight and innovate and build alongside you as we try our best to.. to make these stars, iron in their resilience and adaptable under heat and stress. I vow to love not just when it is easy. I vow to love you when our spirits are most distant and numb. Our love was born out of making peace in the depths of war and standing together through every battle moving forward. Today, I vow to continue on that trend. Toegether we will see hard times but we will prosper and do our best to ensure that those around us prosper as well. I love you, Madeline Beckwater. These are my vows to you.”

She blushes and takes a deep breath, preparing now to speak herself

“I’m used to giving speeches right before I’m about to ask my sailors to join me in doing something stupid. I’m having a hard time finding words today because what I’m doing isn’t stupid at all. I never expected to find love in the middle of my home literally starting to boil around me. I’d still be there right now if it wasn’t for you. You saved me then and I vow to save you and stand beside you not just when things are well, but when they aren’t. Especially when they aren’t. I love you Billy Rigers and I promise to be your friend and companion and lover forever. I will always be at your side. “

Billy beams like a fool and nods. “Deal.” (Is this the part where I get the ring from S’kolli?)

(it is indeed)

S'kolli the Ashen One makes his entrance through the double doors at the back of the building, not dressed in a rough tunic for the first time ever. In its place is an ill-fitting suit jacket on top of khaki shorts that display his new augments. Where he once had dingy and beaten metal for limbs, he now has gleaming chrome instead, thanks to his latest adventure with Svenka. Faced with the crowd and his own responsibility to the ceremony, he can't help but speak out of astonishment. "ooooOOOOooo...." He begins his slow march towards the front with the rings suspended above his outstretched arms, thanks to a little help from Headmaster Regulus. Arcs of blue-white electricity jump every few seconds between his hand and the rings as he makes his way to the altar. S'kolli can't help but giggle and halfway cough as he reaches those assembled at the front.

If it were possible for Billy’s grin to widen, it would. “S’kolli, you look fantastic. I love your new augments! I see you’re finally making use of those millions I’m paying you! If you can even buy these anywhere these are exquisite! S-sorry!” He grins gleefully. “Come stand beside me.” He says as they reach for their rings.

S'kolli makes a quizzical expression at Billy, probably in regards to the comment about getting paid, but without a way to speak back, remains silent.

Seeing his quizzical look he pauses, “let’s talk after.” Billy and Beckwater retrieves the rings and face each other. Billy’s is a solid red crystal band and Beckwater’s is made to fit perfectly with her engagement ring.

Sitting near the back with Svenka, Eisheru closes his eyes and with one hand takes her hand with the other he makes a few gestures. Slowly MES energy begins seeping into the cathedral in the form of the sound of ocean waves gently rolling onto shore. The smell of the salt spray drifts through. (edited)

Grupp steps up next to Robert, giving Billy a hearty pat on the back, "Guess it's my turn now eh? Ha! Unfortunately ghosts don't exactly exist, at least in a legal sense. Maybe we can work on that if you keep popping up like you have been, eh Robbie? Ha! Alright you two lovebirds, let's get this over with so we can go celebrate! Billy Rigers, do you take this firecracker over here to be your wife? To have and to hold and to slay many more lava monsters with?"

He give Grupp a sly look and back to Beckwater. “I do.”

"And Madeline Beckwater, do you take this scrawny-but-handsome engineer to be your husband? To have and to hold and to protect him from lava monsters but even more so himself?"

“Yes. I do. “ she says, also looking a bit shy. Outside the simulated ocean waves crest and crash against invisible rocks

Grupp smiles and places a hand on each of them, his other two stretched out towards the audience, "Ha! Well then, by the powers vested in me by chief Stonetusk and the UNW, I now pronounce you man and wife! Go ahead and kiss your bride Billy! Ha!"

Billy steps forward kissing her deeply causing them to take a step to Beckwater’s side. It’s a good passionate kiss but not overly tonguey for the public and involves a proper dip.

There is clapping and polite cheers from@the crowd as the kiss concludes. Billy and his new wife face their assembled friends

Chris & the Furies start to play in celebration !

Illusionary fireworks explode in the rafters of the great cathedral and the seas begin to calm as if the presence of the now joined admirals command respect and deference from the ocean. (edited)

The reception takes place across the street from the chapel in a large high ceiling Building. dark iron bowls have been set upon stone plinths that end in a claw to hold them. Fires burn low in each one providing a warm glow without being too hot to enjoy the room Dozens of circular tables have been set up with rcoe color table cloths.

A large rectangular table sits slightly elevated for the bride, groom, and notable guests

Billy raises his hands. “Guests! Welcome! I’m so glad to see all of you here today, I promise to get to everyone for a bit but leave you well enough alone so you can just enjoy. Thank you so much for attending. First! The bar is open! Help yourself to food and drink! There will be music and dancing if that’s what you’re into. Take care of each other, let loose and just be. I have a treat for all of you! If you wish, feel free to select one of the Android critters as a wedding gift!” He raises his hands and through the entrance a flock of mechanical birds, all manner of fox and otters and other mammalian and reptilian mech pets. This is one of my favorites, here.” And he pulls one of the simplest looking ones with a glass globe head and three spindle legs that skitter around and bounce on springs occasionally catching tipped drinks as they move among the crowd. (Free choice of Tsatsosi mechanical wildlife as a pet) “And feel free to steal your dinnerware or glasses, please! Have a blast!”

Chris checks with Billy and the Bride what they want to have played for their first dance .

Billy gestures to Madeline to do the honors and she grins devilishly and grabs his hand. She leans in to Chris’ ear and whisper’s “Sail” Of course, Billy never considered a first dance and Madeline chose the most tame song with lyrics about love that she liked.

The dance is over after a few moments, and Billy is able to hold his own, though is far less graceful than his partner. The fires burn a bit higher and the food begins arriving on large silver carts full of large plates, bowls, and stemware

The party sufficiently underway, Billy moves to make his rounds through the crowd greeting and giving thanks to all parties involved.

(Anyone specific you want to approach first?)

(If anyone wants to rp we can now. I think the main parts are done)

Chris steps off the stage and will approach Billy when the groom is free.

He will say hello to any guests and take any requests for songs they want.

Billy grins widely and introduces himself. “Chris! It’s so good to finally meet you, Hailey has said amazing things! So happy to see homegrown Acastan success.”

Chris looks down, takes a breath and steps forward.

"I met you before," Chris says. "But I was just in a crowd."

"You brought those weapons to Acastus and gave it to the rebels in the Mushroom Forest. I was one of those. I was also with you, Hailey, Desmond and Dax. At the end there..."

"We were the army that followed you into the city."

Chris looks at him and shakes his head as if agreeing to something. "You are the reason Acastus is free. Just wanted to say thanks...in person."

(I’ll do a best man speech once I get a chance to sit down at my computer properly)

Billy’s face relaxes in awe and pulls him in for a deep hug. “We are brothers then, you know that, right? Come we will add another seat at the bride-parties table if you’d like! And it doesn’t have to be now, but we should talk about how everyone is doing on Acastus I don’t exactly have a perfect relationship with your new government but it’s ok. I just want to help so let me know if you need anything on the ground.

"Governments come and go on Acastus but the people, and the shadows we cast, are always there. My parents are like most Acastans, happy Greystar is trying to get more people jobs and peace of mind."

“You always have a friend in Billy Rigers. If you ever need anything just ask. Oh! And here’s a tip for playing so well.” Billy pulls out a cred stick and hands it to Chris. There is 200k creds inside. “I think you’ll know what to do with that. Is that enough?”

He winks before Chris can answer and says. “I’ll catch up later! Gotta make my rounds. I’m seriously. Message me sometime.” Billy continues on greeting Halians and Ashen one guests and moving through the tables finally reaching Eisheru’s table.

“TIDECALLER!” He says with open arms. “How extraordinary!”

Chris walks away smiling, Pays the band well. (edited)

(OMG... what to do with all this pretend cash !)

Eisheru looks up from his quiet conversation with Svenka Vilnovha. He gives a slight smile. It comes across far colder than is intended. "Ah the man of the hour! Congratulations Mr. Rigers! Truly a beautiful day."

Svenka shifts slightly to the side, away from Eisheru. Giving a slight smile and a nod to Billy. “Beautiful ceremony. I like the cathedral you built for the purpose.”

Billy feels his chest tense ever so slightly at seeing her reaction but quickly relaxes as he realizes her kindness even as that catches him off guard. “Oh! Yes. Thank you. Svenka, I’m glad you could make it. I didn’t think you’d come. Th-thank you. Seriously. Please feel free to make yourself home while you’re here....” He pauses for a moment on the edge of opening up more. “I promise I didn’t just do it because you’re a foreign dignitary. I’ve wanted to work with you since we met and I realize that my mistakes in the past haven’t always put me in the best light in your eyes. I’m brazen, young and stupid cocky sometimes and I own that. I want you to know I admire your work and character in standing for what you believe in and that has made me self reflect and think deeply about who and what I stand for especially when you seemed to be the only one holding me emotionally accountable...” His eyes widen suddenly. “shit.” He holds up his glass. “Truth serum. Too much. Forget I said anything. I can’t think of anything sassy to say and I’m feeling overly open today. You look ... fantastic actually. Damnit. Tell me I’m an idiot or something. I’m uncomfortable.” Billy pivots back to Eisheru. “You made it a wonderful day in a way that I could never have imagined. Thank you. Seeing all the waves rush and pulse from your body to fill the room with your memories of Terezinho was a touch I never expected but rooted both of us in the moment and at the same time a sense of deep and longing nostalgia that was our own and not at once. Madeline’s lip quivered which is a hard thing to do. She was touched.” He pauses to really examine his face. “You’re truly a remarkable man.”

Eisheru watches the exchange but says nothing. His ever present slightly upturned smile is on his face. He bows his head slightlyv at the praise. "You are too kind. We are glad that we could come and support you on your special day. A beautiful moment that I was happy to play a small part for." "How do you feel, Mister married man?" (edited)

“Like the weight of worlds have been lifted. You know after all I’ve been through having my mind altered by the Still Lady and connecting with the Fleshshapers seed and experiencing the pain and death of an entire planet and to get to this point today and make it through without completely breaking is a miracle to me. I’m the best I’ve ever been.... in a weird way, I’m almost proud of it. To feel is to live, my friend. I’ve certainly had my breakdowns but this? This is a new high. See now, if I weren’t mistaken, the way you were sitting when I came up, I might think you might have that too. You both deserve to be weightless with joy. The gods know you’ve surely been through enough yourselves.” He smiles widely and breathes deeply and lets a tear fall from his cheek. “Fuck. We’ve all been through a lot.”

After a second of silence he exhales again and looks over at him. “It never leaves you but, the numbness goes away and when you can feel again I just think you open up so many doors.”

"I am overjoyed to hear that you are doing well" Eisheru says in his near deadpan voice "You have done much for these sectors of space and have earned every minute of joy and elation. We all manage to find our own ways through hardship and we each have our demons to battle. For me, I find the small comforts where I can." Under the table he gives Svenka's hand a small squeeze "Indeed we have gone through much," Eisheru raises his glass in toast "May we never have to do it again." "Do not let us keep you, Mr. Rigers, Congratulations once again." (edited)

“Indeed, enjoy your new life.” A smile and a nod

“Ok. I’ll get out of your hair.” He chuckles. “Please. Enjoy.” He turns and hollers over his shoulder as he moves on. “Make sure they get anything they like!”

(Sounds like this is running outta steam. We can call it here if everyone’s satisfied )

(Sorry I'm only now jumping in.) Seung walks up to Billy holding a drink wearing a black suit unadorned by any patches unlike most of his clothing. "So after everything you ended up being the first to get hitched. I feel like Dorlin is really going to be on my ass now." Seung chuckles. "Congrats Billy I'm really glad to see how far you came after joining the Task Force, really came into your own man."

Billy grabs Sueng and hugs him avoiding his arm. “I couldn’t have done any of it with out you papa Seung. You’re going to need to really outclass me now. I did pretty good.”

“But seriously, thank you. And really out of everyone are you surprised? Look at them over there.” He chides.

Seung chuckles watching the others. "I suppose you're right, and you're welcome. It's good to see everyone together again although it's sad Cyrus never got to see this. About outclassing you though we'll have to see what I can come up with, but I'd hate to do it purposely to one up you. Congrats on the wedding and I hope you have many long years together man."

S'kolli is currently standing with a gaggle of Ashen One attendees, gesticulating animatedly about who-knows-what in his native Ashen One language. He waves happily over at Billy and gives a thumbs up of congratulations when he catches his eye for a moment.

He chuckles, pauses and looks at Seung seriously. “I don’t know how we are here whether it’s just how the dice fell or there is some cosmic force controlling events. I lost all hope of seeing an old age on Elkano. And since then I’ve struggled a lot with death but we just have to do what we think is right in the moment. I’m sure you of all people know that one. I hope to meet you in a rocking chair and have a glass of scotch when we are old and decrepit too.”

“Anyway, I’ve got to speak with S’kolli about something. I don’t think he knows he’s getting paid.”

“I know what you mean with struggling with death after everything I saw with the Remannt, and the shapers. I also have the same hope for growing old, but go talk with your guest you’re man the hour I’m not going to take up all your time.” Seung put’s his glass up for a moment as a solo cheers and walks into the crowd giving Billy a slight wave.”

Billy returns the cheer and smiles as he turns to speak to S’kolli. “Hey! S’kolli I wanted to have a word.”

S'kolli turns to Billy and in one of his hands a dataslab spins a few times with a flourish before it stops and lights up with his EK energy.

“You are on of my favorite people, S’kolli. Thank you. I wish I were that cool.“ Billy’s eyes light up as he sees the waves of energy and visual sparks coming from him. “I really need to study up on MES energy some time. That’s spectacular, the way the energy ripples around your face and flows like water toward your hands before making the spark. Hey- listen. You looked a little confused when I mentioned your pay earlier and I just wanted to clear that up with you. You have been seeing the money in your account right? As a shareholder you own 5.5% of the company and I better have your right account or else there is some lucky soul who just thinks the gods favor him.”

S'kolli gasps as the realization hits him, but luckily it doesn't induce one of his coughing fits. S'kolli brightens in Billy's senses and the energy intensifies until the dataslab makes a 'pop' sound and the lights on it go out. He drops the dead device on the ground in his haste to root around and find his commpad in one of his suit jacket's pockets. In a moment he has it ready to transmit his message.

Billy’s face goes white with the sudden realization. “Oh shit. Oh fuck. Is it still in there? We have to recover it. S’kolli you’re getting paid around 20 million a month!” He whispers I’m amused bewilderment. “I thought you would be spreading the love or building something amazing for all. Hahaha” He chuckles bringing him in close. “It’s fine. It’s cool we just have to go find it and make sure it’s all there.”

He lets loose a little snort. “This must be like Christmas for you.”

“Shit.” Well S’kolli, put the word out to your network and tell them that somewhere there is a golden credstick hidden in one of your drones and if you can retrieve it and reassemble the drone then the credstick is theirs. You will keep getting money from me. I’ll put it ... somewhere else. That will be a huge boon to your business and will make one of your customers rich beyond their wildest dreams and teach hundreds to become engineers... Christmas is a holiday where we give gifts to our loved ones. It’s been passed down in my culture for thousands of years. To celebrate one another.”

"OOOOoooo...."

Billy kneels down to S’kolli. “Look, man. There’s no reason to be sorry. We worked hard so we don’t have to worry about dying every day. You’re going to get paid another 10/20/40 million dollars next month and you’ll still be rich beyond your wildest dreams. Then you can really do great and wonderful things.”

Having made his rounds and handling crisis, Billy goes on to enjoy his night, partying and enjoying his friends and family before retiring with his new wife, Madeline.

(Take a re roll token everyone who was here)

(I didn’t want to interrupt other conversations here and my internets been down since the 5th so I didn’t get a chance to properly do it before this cut off, but let it be know Hailey would’ve made a great and funny best man speech ) (edited)

(You should still do one anyway!)

(Yeah I wanna hear it)

The ghost of Robert Tanzer raises his voice for a moment, and it booms louder than it could in life. "I believe it's time for us to hear the words of my dear friend Hailey. She's been a staunch supporter of Billy for some time now, and we'd be remiss to not hear what she has to say on this most wonderful of days."

Hailey stands and taps her glass lightly as she begins. “Thanks Robert.” She puts a hand on Billy’s shoulder for a moment before she begins. “I know it's traditional for the maid of honor to speak first, but I want to make this very clear. I might be mellowing with age, but the next time I’m not the first to speak…” Hailey smiles to let everyone know she’s joking and continues after a light laugh passes. “Billy is the kind of friend that I can banter with in the middle of fighting whatever and have no lapse in conversation. I can say ‘Let’s do this like we did Acastus, the first time,’ and he’ll instantly know the plan. I’m of course referencing that whole black seed fiasco and I honestly do not have time to unpack that bullshit but I look back on that day fondly now.

Of course we fought the Still Lady not too long later. People still come up to me and say,” she sarcastically puts up air quotes, “‘ow wow yeah. Hailey Clements. Ya know there really is no Greystar without you.’” Hailey once again grins jokingly, accompanied by a sarcastic scoff. “But I digress. Realistically, we should’ve lost our minds that day with the seed. Thankfully Billy took the worst of it, because it would take very little to make me go feral and if I did, God help...everybody. But frankly, I’m pretty confident Billy did go crazy that day. I mean, the guy went from building a scrappy masterpiece of a tank to building some of the most complex, effective, and frightening spacecraft of war the galaxy has ever seen, and captaining them. Back in those days, he couldn’t even lead a group of mudrats if he wanted. But maybe he didn’t go crazy. Chances are, he just kept doing what he loved and what was important to him and he found a place, nay a need, for it. The galaxy had a need for what he had to offer, as I’ve come to realize it does for most of us. (edited)

I got to drive that tank once. Billy and I took it out one night when we were wasted to make donuts out in the lot of Harvest Spirits. I’ve still got a couple pictures from that night, real ‘Weekend at Bernie’s’ style things making fun of passed out Thorn who probably would’ve hated for those to get out. We got to talking afterwards and he said the three things he thought made him tick were ‘Curiosity, Exploration, and Experimentation.’ As you move into the rest of your life with Madaline, Billy, may those three things guide you still. May you always remain curious about each other. I wish for you to always get to know each other better, driven to learning about all the little things that make the other smile. May you continue to explore, trying new things side by side and having fun doing it. Finally, may you continue to experiment, learning new things about yourselves, discovering how to work better as a team, and making the Iron Stars better for it. Who knows, maybe you and I will still find Earth someday like we planned back then, but for now, I think you’re starting an even better adventure. It’s probably about time I shut up anyways. To Billy and Madeline, keep killing it you two!”

Billy runs up laughing and tackle hugs her. “Don’t let her fool you! She’ll never shut up!” He shouts to the crowd. “Love you, Clements. Thank you. Maybe Earth should be our next project.” He says in her ear and kisses her eyebrow awkwardly. “LETS DRINK!”

Chris and the Furies smile and he attacks his hollow body Acastan Acoustic guitar with aggressive strumming in a Rockabilly tune... "Hailey’s Comet!!! She burns bright and then fades to black You think she’s gone but she comes back Falling into the Sun and then slipping away Here she comes to save the Day We wish her well and owe her all She always rises when you think she'll fall Her best friend is a Thorn among Roses with frenemy words and chameleon poses She’s all the craze with an amazing Maze Going out in a great big Blaze We wish her well and owe her all She always rises when you think she'll fall One of the ones who set us free.. Burning Bright for all to see... Space Orphan, Cherry Bomb, iPod Fan Doing it all without a Plan We wish her well and owe her all She always rises when you think she'll fall..."

(Had fun looking up a bunch of old stuff to write that)

(Its good to do things like this. Smaller events sometimes come back up)

(Every single time we have done one its been worth it)

(Having it focuses on one character definitely makes this sort of thing less chaotic)