Tying the knot ~ The Wedding

[Samarra Blackwell]

2133-2135
Dec 31
Rai Residences

After the ordeal in the Ida Galaxy, everyone on the Ida Task Force was sent back to Earth, be it for simple rest and relaxation, or for mental and medical recouperation. Unfortunately for Samarra, it was the latter.

For the first week or so after her return, her days consisted of popping the prescribed pills and sleeping or lounging about the flat she kept in Southern California for her usual LOA, which was usually filled with surfing and sunbathing. Not this time. Every now and then, someone from the SGC would come in and check on her, be it an officer or a doctor of one kind or another. She was improving from the condition she was in, physically at least. Mentally, she became extremely introverted, the complete opposite of the fiery, extrovert she had been. It was understandable, considering the circumstances. The psychologist said it was normal to have a lack of desire or motivation after what she went through. Whatever. None the less, she figured she would continue taking the nutritional supplements and anti-toxins to get her body back to the way it was supposed to be before returning...until Des called.

Her request was simple: hop a flight to New Delhi and accompany her to the Garcia-Rai wedding. So many things about that phone call ignited memories of November. It was Garcia's team, SD-5, that had rescued the Task Force. Sure, everything was a little fuzzy right now, but she remembered how they saved her life. Going to a celebration of life and love for them, though she wasn't sure she was ready for such things yet, seemed as good a way as any to repay them for what they did. The other part of the phone call that caused her stomach to flip was the sound of her friend's voice. Sure, she had heard it countless times before, when they would have LOA together and when they would work together aboard the Aenied. However, Marra also remembered Des' voice as it tortured her, when her friend was brainwashed into serving the Nidhogg Queen. At one point, it got so strong, she almsot hung up the phone on her...but, as a friend, she didn't. She knew it wasn't Des who had done that to her, and she knew it must be killing her on the inside to know what had happened. She needed a friend. Marra agreed.

Yesterday, they had landed in India and stayed the night at a hotel, calling to get directions to the wedding, shopping to find something reasonable to wear. Now, they had just jumped out of the cab in front of the Rai residence, a dynamic duo in their wedding wear.

"You ready for this?" Des asked, trying to keep a conversation going. It was strange. Normally, that was Marra's job, but these days, it was difficult for her to find words for much of anything. At first, she was going to respond with only a nod, but pushed herself to say, "Yeah. I'm ready." The voice didn't even sound like her own. It was flat, empty sounding. She wondered briefly if it would ever sound right again.

"Think Poo might have any cute brothers?"

"If she did," Marra started, pushing to have more inflection in her tone, "They are more than likely promised to someone...but, what's the harm in trying, right?" Seeing her friend smile produced a smile of her own, though not a bright as before. Her black dress hung loosely over her thinned frame. It came off the shoulders but had long sleeves, which was the main reason she chose it, to keep her scarred arms hidden. Her hair had grown slightly longer, which helped cover some of the scars on her neck. A little bit of makeup did wonders for her face, though it was now beginning to have a natural glow once again, thanks to Des for getting her outside.

"Do you know who else will be here?" she asked as they approached the door, breezing into the visiting room. It didn't matter much anyway. She had Des. It was good to be able to talk to her friend again, even after all they had been through.

<Tag Des, Anyone>

[Jahzara Jaarsveld]

2133-2135
Dec 31
Rai Residences

She was running late! Not having ever been to India, she should have still known that the traffic would be horrendous. Her friend, a member of her team, was getting married. Knowing what a special occasion this would be for her, Zara had dressed in a traditional sari for the event. Paying the taxi driver and quickly gathering her skirts she rushed into the Rai household.

Seeing others from the expedition, she sat next to them. “I hope so!” Zara said with a laugh as she heard one ask if Pooja had brothers. “I am Jahzara by the way. Archaeologist by trade,” she introduced herself as she settled the fabric around her body. “I have only been to one Indian wedding, which was some time ago. They are so much fun!” she advised them with a huge smile. “Have either of you been to one before? They can go for a couple of days….” she asked waiting for a reply.

<Des/Samarra/Anyone>

[Jerry Garcia]

2135
Dec 31
The Ambassador Hotel
New Delhi, India

Are you sure you dont want Lance to bring you a shot or two of brandy?

Jerry flashed his best smile No, I don't need it. Lance might, but I want a clear head. This is a once and done for me. Jerry looked to the team members that had arrived. If everyone else is ready, so am I. Shall we go find my blushing bride? He turned and took a step toward the door, then turned back and walked to the night stand. Opening the drawer he pulled out the wedding band he had bought for Pooja. He looked it over and hoped she would like it. It was a white gold band with a channel will with diamond baguettes.

Slipping the ring in his pocket, he turned and found everyone staring at him. What? Is my fly open? Did I forget something?

<Tag Anyone>

[Vanessa Collins]

2135
Dec 31
Rai Residences

She had been on her way upstairs to see the bride when three sets of chatters caught her ears. Knowing her interest had perked up, she turned and back down the stairs she was climbing to meet Des, Marra and Zara, when she saw the three girls all in their gowns and no Class A uniforms for the two Captains. Grinning she picked up a drink from the tray that was going by before covering ground towards the three of them.

The entire house was done in garlands and fairy lights. She had seen various flowers all around the house when she had arrived. There was also the Mandap at the side of the lawn with a scared fire thing in the centre of the lawn, which was surrounded by chairs for the guests. Tables had been lined up in the far corner on the other side for food and drinks.

All in all she guessed the celebration was going to start off with a bang. That is if the groom arrived on time. She arrived just in time to hear the last sentence out of Zara and grinned, “I don’t see either of them making the ceremony lasting days. I think this is the main event.” Knowing the length of the events would have driven both of them crazy. “If anyone wants to see the bride she’s upstairs. According to her mother she’s not meant to come down till Jerry arrives. So you might want to go upstairs and see her. I’m betting she’s nervous as heck.”

<<Tag Des/Marra/Zara>>

[Ashley "Logan" Kale]

2135
Dec 31
The Ambassador Hotel
New Delhi, India

Kale heard Kim say to him “Well speak of the devil.” Kale looked to see her looking at him probably thinking that he is an old man or something with a walking Stick “How’s the wounds?” Kim went on to ask "Yeah much better than they were when it first happened" Kale replied doing a little walk around with the walking stick then he continued when he got back from his little demonstration "I was very lucky on the last mission not to re-injure them".

Kale then heard Kim ask to him teasingly “when I asked you to look after the team, I didn’t mean getting yourself injured in process, Kale.” Kale just laughed and said "Yeah, but that is what you get when you go on dangerous missions as you would know"

Kale was chatting to some of the others when he heard Jerry say "What? Is my fly open? Did I forget something?" That was when Kale turned and looked at Jerry with a puzzled look on his face not knowing what is going on.

<Tag all in Hotel Room>

[Pooja Garcia]

2135
Dec 31
Rai Residences
Pooja’s room

She wasn’t sure if Marah was trying to assure her or whether it was her own mind was making herself nervous, blushing deeply, she nodded, “Thanks, I think. That’s really helping me with my mental image. My brother planning on something crazy isn’t helping either.” Pursing her lips she quickly looked around to make sure Raj wasn’t near the hearing radar. It seemed it was only Marah and her left room. Glad for that she faced her friend again, “Then again that goddaughter of his is going to be the highlight of the whole wedding.” The two month old bub was super cute with her mother’s hair and eyes.

“Ah, okay.” From the open door she could hear few voices, belonging to their Expiditon friends, “I say few Task Force members are here too.” Moving to the edge of the staircase she bend down and saw Zara, Des and Marra, the dear shrink was looking well and at totally at home. Getting Zara’a attention, Pooja waved and gestured the woman to come upstairs and the others were welcome as well.

<<Tag Zara/Des/Marra/Vans>>

Gazing at Marah, when the question came and grinned like a kid, she took the former Captain by the hand and went back to the room, “Busy in the last few days. As to he has been helping me pack all my stuff. But otherwise we haven treating this as a vacation and wedding’s just a bonus part of it.” As she said that her eyes took stock of how empty her room felt, feeling the tears sting she knew she was going to miss everything.

“So what have you been doing since....you know.” She was talking about the mission SD4 had taken, “Major Cocky still being a pain or is he behaving?”

<Tag Marah/All>

((I’m tagging my own Charrie...weird O.o))

[Jerry Garcia]

2138
Dec 31
The Ambassador Hotel
New Delhi, India

Since everyone was looking at him a bit perplexed, Jerry quickly scanned his own attire, looking for something out of place. Seeing nothing wrong, anyone feel like going to a wedding? He looked about the room for the reaction that slowly spread at his question. The biggest reaction came from Geri who was pulling on her fathers' nose and squealing all the while. Do I need to make this an order? and couldn't hold back the laughter that followed.

<Tag Anyone still here>

[Kimberly "Kim" McKinnon]

((Sorry muse had ran away :-\))

2138
Dec 31
The Ambassador Hotel
New Delhi, India


Kim came back into the lounge where everyone had moved to with a envelope in hand, which she had to dig out of the suitcase. Meeting her husband’s eyes over the tiny hands that clasped his nose she gave a nod before moving towards Jerry, with a grin after his jest, “I don’t think you need to order it. You can throw out orders any other day, but not tonight. Tonight’s for calling the New Year with a new ring there,” she pointed to his left hand and the ring finger.

Wrapping her arm around his waist, much to her daughter’s little frown and pout, she tapped the rectangle sized paper to his chest, “Here,” she looked at him and gave a small shrug, “Just something small from the team. We all pooled in. Dad’s likely to have the fight tickets to give you. All you two need to do is show up to the place and enjoy it.”

Giving him a peck, her eyes glinted, “We aren’t taking no for answer. You will hurt all our feelings if you don’t take it.” It was wrong to leave a little choice to him, but she knew he wouldn’t have taken it. Moving to pick up the baby bag, after securing it, Kim took Jerry’s hand had led him out of the door.

<<Tag Jerry and Guest>>

((The papers are likely to be the info on the resort on Cooks Island plus accommodation and few tours and stuff ;D))

[Jerry Garcia]

2138
Dec 31
The Ambassador Hotel
New Delhi, India

I don’t think you need to order it. You can throw out orders any other day, but not tonight. Tonight’s for calling the New Year with a new ring there.

Jerry looked where Kim pointed. That was my plan, Kim. She moved in close and kissed his cheek, Just something small from the team. We all pooled in. Dad’s likely to have the fight tickets to give you. All you two need to do is show up to the place and enjoy it. We aren’t taking no for answer. You will hurt all our feelings if you don’t take it. Jerry accepted the envelope and looked at the gathered team members. You guys really didn't need to do this. Your being here to celebrate with us was plenty. He move to each person in the room and gave each a warm hug, adding a peck on the cheek when he got to Kim.

Shall we go. If I'm late, this will be my funeral.

<Tag Everyone>

[Timothy "Tim" Foster]

2138
Dec 31
The Ambassador Hotel
New Delhi, India

“She’s meant to be useful? You mean I get to teach her tricks and stuff? I don’t think she will learn any. Playing with Buster is more fun than playing with Vicky. She just makes endless babbles and never stops. She throws things too.”

Tim crouched again and looked in to the boy's eyes, “I promise you she'll be useful. It might just take another decade of two, but you'll love to have her around by then...”
The boy nodded and then moved over to his mum with a puzzled look on his face and Tim stood to face his CO.

You guys really didn't need to do this. Your being here to celebrate with us was plenty.

Tim gave him an embarrassed shrug, then hurriedly returned the hug, “Well, it was a nice excuse to get to India...”

Shall we go. If I'm late, this will be my funeral.

With a grin Tim held the door, “Don't worry sir, we'll have your back. If we could fend off some 'bugs' a few weeks back, I'd say we'll manage an angry Dr Rai.”

< tag all >

[Samarra Blackwell]

2135
Dec 31
Rai Residences
Pooja’s room

As Marra admired the wedding setup, she caught the eye of someone who had become all to familiar of the past few weeks: Dr. Collins. In fact, the captain probably wouldn't even be here if it weren't for the wonderful little pills the doctor had prescribed. In fact, she even made eye contact with the archaeologist as she introduced herself.

"Samarra Blackwell, Captain," she nodded, looking at Des out the corner of her eye for her introduction. "We are...were both on the Task Force. And, no, I've never been to an Indian wedding..or any for that matter." When the woman mentioned how long some of the weddings could last, her eyebrows raised slightly.

“I don’t see either of them making the ceremony lasting days. I think this is the main event.” Turning, she saw Dr. Collins coming towards them. Marra managed a small smile.

“If anyone wants to see the bride she’s upstairs. According to her mother she’s not meant to come down till Jerry arrives. So you might want to go upstairs and see her. I’m betting she’s nervous as heck.”

"I can only think of a few things scarier than a wedding, to be honest," she replied, a faint, dark grin crossing her face. Nodding her head at the psychologist, she said, "It's good to see you, Dr. Collins, under these kinds of circumstances for once."

<Tag Vans>

With that, Marra followed the others up the stairs, where she saw Pooja. Upon seeing the woman, a slight memory of her face returned as they all sat nervously on the Jumper, tense with the technical difficulties involving the back hatch. It was all extremely fuzzy. Blinking, she realized the woman was not wearing green BDUs, but instead a beautiful Indian dress, and beaming with nervous excitement. Returning to the present, she smiled at the woman.

"You look beautiful, Dr. Rai," Marra said, trying to make her face show a bit more emotion than it had lately. This was a very special day for this woman, and she owed her that joy, especially for their team saving her life. "I'm so happy for you and Commander Garcia. Thank you for having us." Glancing to her side at Des, she made eye contact, but quickly broke it. Not to be rude, but...just out of an uncomfortable sensation.

<Tag Pooja>

"So, when does the ceremony begin?"

<Tag Anyone>

[Jerry Garcia]

2138
Dec 31
The Ambassador Hotel
New Delhi, India

Jerry made a move toward the door, and he felt Geri grab his arm. He leaned over to take her from her father, and pulled her close enough to kiss her on either cheek. Leaning in close to her ear he whispered, You know you will always be my favorite, but don't tell Aunt Pooja, OK?

He pulled the door open and usher everyone out to the hall. As kim approached, he handed Geri to her and said softly, She'll be a heartbreaker when she gets older. You let me know if she needs a watch dog.

<Tag Anyone>

[Vanessa Collins]

2135 - 2138
Dec 31
Rai Residences

Vanessa was amused at the response, from Samarra, she could imagine one too, “Yes,” she agreed, with a grin of her own, “Major Will O’Malley with a dull needle and a mood to match.” Marching down the hallway and in to her office.

“I agree,” she beamed, “Meetings should under these kind ones. Unless Frank’s got a different idea.” Snickering she took a sip of her drink, “which would another story altogether.” She spoke as she walked along with the others.

Looking at the woman who was going to be a Garcia soon as a the Naval Officer arrived to get his bride, and her jaws dropped, “Marra beautiful doesn’t cover it. She looks like someone who belongs in the fashion magazine. What’s she’s doing with the program is beyond my ability to comprehend at the moment.” Blowing air through her lips, she flopped on Rai’s bed and looked at the woman then winked.

Sensing the nervousness out from Pooja, Vanessa grabbed her hand and made her sit, “Now, there’s no need to get too nervous. If you keep using it, I’ll have to use the zat.” The last word she said in a lower voice.

Pooja’s lips kicked into a smirk, then her eyes travelled to other woman in the room, “Don’t tell me she had glass of bubbly before coming here,” knowing that wasn’t the case, “Or is that sugar speaking?”

"So, when does the ceremony begin?"

Looking at Marra, “As soon as Jerry’s and friends show up.” Pooja replied, then at Collins, “I’m not nervous to actually get married, it’s just the wait is making me nervous.”

<<Tag All>>

[Travis Oxford]

2138
Dec 31
The Ambassador Hotel
New Delhi, India
Hallway

Travis chose to limp in the hallway - looking for his son - right at that moment since the voices had caught his ear, seeing his wife and children he grinned and faced Foster. He had read the reports on the ‘bugs’. Nasty things and pretty much tough. “I thought her anger always had been elaborated for the effect, just to keep half of us away from her,” a smirk had formed on his lips as he looked at Ashwood – no wait – now it was McKinnon, glaring at him and just maybe along with his wife of nearly 7 years, whom he couldn’t see since she was behind him.

“Or rather not,” he quipped dryly shifting his weight, to more comfortable position. Seeing Garcia taking a baby from her father, Travis smiled at the ease and the unique bond the two seem to have formed, before passing the baby to her mother. Word was that he was the kid’s godfather.

“I might not be the fairy godfather, but I believe your horse awaits downstairs, Sire,” He gestured down the hallway and in the direction the party seemed to be heading towards. He grinned and winked a the groom with full aloof expression.

<<Taggy All>>

[Kimberly "Kim" McKinnon]

2138
Dec 31
The Ambassador Hotel
New Delhi, India
Room -- > Hallway -- > Hotel’s front door

Lance felt his daughter trying to wiggle out of his hold, unexpectedly. He was surprised, when he really shouldn’t have been to see her latching her fisted hands on Jerry’s arm. Holding her a little more securely, he handed her over. Watching her happily go to the Commander and wiggle in response at something he said to her. When another face showed up with a smart reply to Foster’s comment, and watched Kim and another woman who seemed to be the talking man’s wife glare at person. He didn’t dare laugh at the man’s uncomfortableness from the two women in knowledge that both faces would give him the same result.

Kim walked over to give her friend a final look over before they all started on the journey to get him married. Seeing her daughter seemingly to be glued to her godfather, she shook her head in amusement, taking her as Jerry handed her over, she grinned at his words, “Yes that is if looks anything like her father, she certainly will be breaking hearts. Of course I’ll let you know if she needs a watch dog. Yet we both know she will try to sweet talk you out of anything.” She spoke as they all walked down the hallway and she pressed the button for the elevator, hearing the ding for the arrival, she stepped in with her team and husband; and felt the lift go down.

<<Tag All>>