Chapter 523

The Retreat

... Morning started with meal preparations by the women, and the rounding up of pallets and other supplies by the men. As soon as breakfast was over, Jeff, Dave, Mike, General Whitworth, Art, Bill, Eric and Frank began stacking chairs, decorations and whatever else the women wanted on the pallets. One pallet was reserved for overnight cases filled with wedding clothes, each case with a name obvious on it.

By ten, all the Alphas and their families had arrived – early, as usual. But these were people who were quick to lend a hand. By 11:30, everyone had eaten lunch, the kitchen was clean, everything and everyone was aboard Ship and the Clan was ready to go.

Of course, Kei was introduced to the few she didn’t already know, and she soon suspected that they had all been informed of her marital status. She had expected to feel uncomfortable, since she really wasn’t part of the group, but it was obvious that they were all treating her as if she were one of Jeff’s wives. She didn’t know whether to be embarrassed or pleased, but she didn’t have a lot of free time to worry – there was way too much to do.

Thirty minutes early, they were all aboard Ship with most in the lounge. Jeff, sitting on a couch between Diana and Laura, spoke through his mental connection with Ship to Arlene on the bridge. Baby, we’re early. Why don’t you take us for a quick orbit around Earth for those who haven’t made the trip yet?

Certainly, Husband, she sent back.

The holo screens on three sides of the lounge came to life showing the bridge with Arlene sitting in one of the command seats and Selina at the navigator’s console.

When the lounge became quiet, she spoke, her amplified voice easily carrying to everyone. “Dad suggested that, since we’re early, we could take a quick excursion around the planet. I know that some of you have already made the trip, but I never tire of it, although Ann and I get to see it frequently as we train in our interceptor. I particularly like to see the crescent of light on the horizon that heralds the approaching day. We will be using Ship’s inertialess drive as we leave the Retreat and circle the globe in low orbit. The inertialess drive not only allows us to quickly reach our chosen speed, stop or change directions almost instantaneously, but it uses a part of Ship’s dimensional drive to remain out of phase while we are still in Earth’s atmosphere. This allows us to maneuver at speeds that would otherwise cause a shockwave strong enough to do major damage to whatever happens to be below us.”

While she had been lecturing, Arlene had brought Ship up to 35,000 feet in a matter of ten seconds, which allowed her passengers to get a feel for the speed, though in reality, it was only a small percentage of what Ship was capable of. Nevertheless, for those who had not had the experience, and also knowing, approximately, how long it takes for an airliner to reach cruising altitude – generally around 35,000 feet depending on direction or other variables – there were several people who were quite impressed.

Arlene went on, “Now, we just dawdled up to 35,000 – or flight level 350 in pilot speak – but we want to get a good view of the Earth, so we’re going on up to stay slightly lower than the lowest satellite. Oh, I’m not worried about running into any of them – Ship can maneuver around them with ease, and will remain invisible and undetectable, but I want us to remain low enough to give a really good view of the planet.” While she spoke those few sentences, the view on the holo screen changed, and within seconds, they were in space.

“That was rather quick, wasn’t it?” she asked. “But really, Ship could have done it many, many times faster. Ann and I frequently ascend to synchronous orbit, twenty-two thousand miles and change, in just a few seconds in our interceptor. Without the inertialess drive, such acceleration would smear our bodies across the bulkhead, of course.”

As she lectured, day turned into night, the cities appearing as sparkles of light below them. As they continued, Arlene told everyone to watch the horizon. Moments later, there was a hint of light that soon changed into a crescent before they were quickly in daylight again.

A little later, the screen showed the blackness of space with billions of pinpoints of light as Arlene ordered Ship away from the planet. “Navigator?”

“Course verified and laid in, Commander.”

“Stand by for warp,” Arlene said over the intercom.

There was a wrenching sensation and a blue planet suddenly appeared in front of them, much as the Earth appeared from space. Knowing that Arlene and Ann had become accustomed to the interceptors’ maneuverability, Jeff had cautioned Arlene to refrain from scaring everyone, so her approach through atmosphere took about twenty seconds instead of what she was accustomed to in the interceptor. Even so, it seemed that Ship could not possibly stop in time. Suddenly, the view changed to show the cave entrance, the outhouse, porta potty and the solar collectors directly beneath Ship as she hovered just above the giant trees.

Seconds later, the screen showed Jasmine, Morales and the wolves as they came out of the entrance to stand looking upward.

“Okay,” Jeff said, standing, “for those who are going to help move everything inside, i.e., the guys, I suggest that you get your coats on. Ladies, some of you might need that sweater I suggested while in the cave, and certainly your heavy coat if you have to use the outhouse. I don’t have the heat going in the cave, yet, and Ship just informed me that the outside temperature is just above zero Fahrenheit. Farther back in the main passageway of the cave, the temperature seems to level out at around sixty degrees. Near the entrance, though, the outside temperature has more influence and it can get quite cold without Morales and Jasmine’s fire.”

As they neared, Jeff continued, “Just stand near the open hatch. Ship will use her inertialess tractor beam to place you on the ground near the cave entrance.”

“I don’t like heights,” Alice, the fourteen-year old muttered, grabbing her sister’s hand as they neared the hatch. A second later, Alice’s grumbling turned into a “wow” of delight duplicated by Terri as the girls turned to look up at the titanic vessel now hanging above them. And, they were not the only ones, for most had never seen Ship at all, since she remained invisible while at the Retreat. They had certainly not seen her at her full size – nor experienced her inertialess tractor beam.

The ever-efficient Clan Queen had provided Morales and Jasmine with names and family pictures of those they hadn’t met yet. The two had done their best to memorize all the names and faces, and with the enhancement, found that it wasn’t a daunting task at all.

Selina, of course, hurried to say hello to the wolves, both meeting her outside where they escorted her on into the cave, winding up at their favorite lounging place near the fire. “Come on and I shall introduce you,” she called out to Alice and Terri as they tentatively came toward Selina. The girls looked at each other, then back at the wolves who, naturally, grinned back at them. The grin, of course, showed their double rows of vicious-looking teeth.

“Oh, poo,” Selina said, completely out of character when she saw the girls hesitate. “Do not be concerned with their appearance. They are simply big pussycats.”

With a look from Selina, Lila hunkered down in order for the seven-year-old to climb aboard. Smiling, she rode the giant wolf in a big circle that included the girls. Back by the fire, Selina slid off and motioned for them to come closer. After seeing the casual way the wolf acted, Alice’s and Terri’s fears vanished and they were soon petting and making over the animals.

When the introduction of the group was finally over, Diana motioned to her husband. “Baby, please set up a couple of tables here in the kitchen for us to work on, and make sure they are steady on this uneven ground. I don’t want to chance any accidents with the wedding cake. I’ve marked a place farther along the passageway where the main food tables should go, and we have hung extra lanterns in the area.”

When Jeff, Eric, Dave and the General had the tables set up, Diana came back over. “The smaller of the stasis chambers has the layers of the wedding cake in it. Please put the chamber near the table there. The larger of the stasis chambers should go near the food tables farther down the passageway. Please put all the rest of the serving and food items along the wall here,” she said, pointing. “The chairs, lanterns and such should go in the wedding chamber, of course.”

The stasis chamber for the cake had been Jeff’s idea since he had worried that something would happen to the big wedding cake even if it were to be transported in sections. Diana liked the idea and suggested that they transport the rest of the food in a stasis chamber, too. That way, the food would remain perfect. Ship was glad to supply them with the chambers.

The Clan Queen turned to Helen. “Would you please supervise getting everything set up in the wedding chamber while Carla, Laura, Ann, Caitlin and I put the cake layers together, the food table arranged, and Hope gets the cake decorated? We won’t take the actual food out of stasis until shortly before we eat.”

Jeff smiled at Diana. “Ship is going to be our sentry, so no one will need an escort to the outhouse today. Should an animal come near, she will move it away with her tractor beam.”

“Good. Tell Nat, Nicki and Whitney to spread the word,” Diana instructed, her mind obviously on something else.

Arlene came up to hug her father. “After you get the food tables set up in the passageway, we need the guys to put out the folding chairs in the wedding chamber.”

“Yeah, I already have my orders,” he said with a grin.

The men were suddenly very busy.

One glance at Morales and Jeff frowned when he realized that the man was beginning to look odd. Walking over, the Prime put a hand on the lifer’s shoulder. “Trust me. You’ll survive, and she’ll be worth it,” he teased. Then a little more seriously, “But ... there have been a few instances of a groom passing out, so if you feel dizzy, I suggest that you sit down and put your head between your knees.”

Surprising Jeff, Morales immediately sat on a big rock and did as the Prime suggested. “I’m fucking scared to death I’ll screw something up and ruin this for Jas,” he whispered with his head still between his knees.

Concerned, Jeff sat on the rock beside the new Alpha and put his hand on Morales’ shoulder. After a couple of minutes, Morales sat back up, his color having mostly returned, but it was obvious that he was still stressed. After taking a deep breath, he quietly said, “Shit. I’ve never been so nervous in my life.” Then, trying to get his mind on something else, he motioned to the men hurrying back and forth, “All of these guys are Alphas, right?”

“Yep. All are your brothers.”

“They all shook hands with me and wished me well, and ... they all seem to mean it. I just can’t believe...”

Jeff chuckled, cutting Morales off. “They know about your background, at least, generally.”

“But they still came,” Morales returned. “Jeff,” he said, his voice becoming even more serious if possible, “it’s, uh ... this is embarrassing. I mean all of these ... Alphas have come to see me get married – see us be married, after all the shit I’ve done. And ... I have nothing. I can’t offer them anything other than a cup of coffee, because I don’t have anything to offer. I don’t even have a present to give my bride.”

Jeff sat looking at the man, suddenly realizing just what he meant and how he felt. I put him here, but ... if I hadn’t, he would probably never have become a full Alpha, or if he had, he might well have still been a criminal. But dammit, I like him. He’s worked his ass off since he was sent to this planet and, he did so again yesterday. He ran that trencher constantly, only stopping for a couple of minutes now and then when one of the girls would shove a cup of coffee into his hand. Even then, he drank the coffee, set the cup down, and went right back to digging the trench. Even though Ship warmed the ground in front of the trencher, all those roots and rocks had to be a bitch for both Morales and the girls who were working with him.

Jeff slapped Morales on the back and asked if he were feeling better now. When he answered affirmatively, Jeff told him to get himself a cup of coffee and stop worrying. As Morales walked away, If my idea works out, one of these days, you’ll be able to hold your head up, and not only that, but your wife will be extremely proud of yet even more of your accomplishments.

Shortly, Morales was back to helping set up the chairs, the other Alphas including him in their jokes and conversations.

The women did what they always did, and everything came together as if it had been choreographed. When Diana told them it was time, Morales, Jeff and the other men went farther into the cave, putting their lanterns on rocks so they could see to dress. At Jeff’s suggestion, the women would change aboard Ship.

Earlier, Jasmine had cut Morales’ hair and drastically shortened his beard.

Dressed and with their cummerbunds in place, Jeff eyed Morales’ attempt to tie his bow tie. Smiling, the Prime reached to help as he said, “Hold still and let me see if I can make that thing look a little better – not that I’m very good at it.”

“Well, you have to be better than I am,” Morales said with a chuckle.

Done a moment later, Jeff stepped back to inspect his work. “That should do it, but you’re not going to faint on me at this late date, are you?” the Prime teased, half-seriously, though.

Morales ignored the question, although there was a slight tremble to his hands. “She’s lost her mind,” he stated emphatically as he stared at Jeff. “How can a woman like her marry somebody like me? I’m a fucking prisoner. All I have is a piss-poor high school education. I don’t own a damn thing. I should never have agreed to this. Shit, she’s going to wake up in the morning and realization is going to hit her. She’s going to ruin her life. Dammit, she’s marrying a prisoner.”

“Oh, bullshit. She’s marrying an Alpha – and a damn good one in my opinion. All of us married guys have had to face what you’re going through right now. I’ve done it sixteen times, and it scares the shit out of me every time. If Jasmine is the woman I think she is, then she’s the right one for you. And if it makes you feel any better, none of us are good enough for the women we’ve married. Now suck it up and comb your hair,” he ordered as he held a mirror up for the groom.

Despite Morales’ worry that he would screw things up, his tension seemed to be forgotten as Dave and Evie struck the first chords of the Bridal Chorus (Here Comes the Bride). Everyone came to their feet, and a moment later, Jasmine, in her beautiful dress, came into view on the arm of General Whitworth in his dress uniform.

Jeff and Diana, the Alpha Prime and Clan Queen, were standing in the front of the room by Morales. Jeff didn’t know where his mate had gotten all the small lanterns, but their light along the walls in the darkened cave added a mystery and uniqueness to the occasion. Morales was still looking a bit shell-shocked, but Jasmine’s smile was radiant and seemed only to increase the nearer she came to her choice of a life-mate.

The General handed her to Morales and even winked at him.

The ceremony continued without a problem, and their voices were firm as they said their vows before the Alpha Prime and the Clan Queen, but Morales’ hands were shaking as he slipped the wedding band on his wife’s finger at the appropriate time. When she did the same thing for him, hers was far from steady, also. When it was time to kiss her, he slowly raised her veil, and aware of everyone watching, began a closed-mouth kiss, but Jasmine was having none of that. Her hand not holding the bouquet came up to grab his neck as she pressed herself to him while delivering a kiss that got his undivided attention. There were giggles from the women and wolf whistles from the Alphas while Morales’ face turned red as he desperately fought to keep from having an erection.

Jeff motioned for the two to turn toward the audience as he and the Clan Queen reached out to touch the married couple. “Diana and I would like to present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Morales.”

A cheer went up and a moment later, Dave and Evie began the Wedding March as the bride and groom walked down the aisle. The small packets of birdseed were opened and the couple was showered. When it started, Diana giggled. “Just think, Jeff. No one will have to clean the seeds up. Not with Gertrude, Abigail, Hortense, Junior and the rest of the brood.”

Jeff grinned at his wife. “Good to have an enthusiastic cleanup crew, huh?”

Expecting that there would be a lot of noise, Dave cranked up the volume on the speaker system so the music could be heard. The wolves, not understanding, but realizing that whatever happened was important, followed side by side behind the humans, for all the world seeming to have practiced with the new man and wife.

As the two hurried past the last of the visitors while trying to get away from the flying “shrapnel,” they broke into laughter when they both realized that the audience consisted of a few more than they had thought. Gertrude, Abigail, Hortense, Junior and the other half-grown chickens had been standing within viewing distance as they watched the ceremony too, but all the sudden noise had startled them. When someone let out with a shrill whistle, the chickens all took to wing, inadvertently making a pass around the newlyweds before heading back in the direction of their nests.

Jasmine had noticed a number of cameras and phones being used to record the wedding. “I hope they will give me a copy,” Jasmine said, worrying about approaching people she hardly knew.

“Oh, I’m sure they’ll share. They probably took the pictures for us, anyway. And besides, how many weddings have you ever heard about that had chickens and wolves for escorts.”

“There is that,” she agreed with a giggle.

Morales looked at the table with relief. “I’m glad they didn’t put the food out early. I know the wolves wouldn’t help themselves, but the chickens...”

“Sit and talk with your... brothers,” Jasmine broke in to say. “I need to help with the food.” But the Clan Queen brought her back to her husband a moment later.

“This is your day, and work isn’t part of it. Now sit and tease your husband. Better yet, sit on his lap and talk to him about what will happen tonight. He looks really cute with a red face,” she said with a giggle. “Now have fun. We’ll have the food ready in a minute or two.”

Food eaten, the bride and groom cut the cake together, both smearing a small amount of icing on the other’s face to be licked off. Again, Diana instructed them to sit as the presents were brought to them. There wasn’t anything to indicate who any of the gifts came from, but it was obvious that a lot of thought and coordination had gone into the purchases. Morales had to fight to keep tears from his eyes as he realized that he had, indeed, been treated as a brother, and Jasmine, likewise, had been thought of as a sister.

“I don’t know how I can ever thank you for all this,” Morales told them.

“Can we go hunting?” Fred asked with a chuckle, although neither Jasmine nor Morales was sure if he were serious or not.

“I, uh, would love for you to, but I’m afraid that it isn’t up to me. You’ll have to ask the General.”

“It’s your place, so it is up to you,” General Whitworth broke in to say.

Morales locked eyes with him, only to realize that Whitworth was dead serious.

Morales turned back to Fred. “Anytime, my brother.”

“After a couple of weeks when the honeymoon is over,” Jasmine corrected to the sound of chuckles.

“You have had your first correction as a married man,” Jeff said with a grin.

“Yep, he’s an old married man now,” Dave agreed to the accompaniment of good-natured laughter.

The women had done their thing, and the men had returned most of the chairs to Ship, along with everything else that needed to go. They left two of the smaller tables set up – one for the two to eat on and the other to help with meal preparations. Jeff had insisted on leaving the plywood they had used for the other tables, and a few of the chairs, stacking the cabinet-grade plywood farther down the cave in case Morales might need it for something.

The goodbyes over, almost everyone was back aboard Ship when Diana put an arm around her husband as she asked Jasmine and Morales to step outside with them for a moment. Motioning to a small, covered dry erase board now sitting by the entrance, she said, “The General asked me to tell you that, until further notice, the cameras will remain outside, so we have set up a dry erase board. As you can see, it has a clear cover that will keep the board waterproof. The Sergeant will have the AI check the board several times every day. Should you need us, just make a note, and we should know within a few hours, at most. With Ship, it’s no hassle to be here in just a few minutes after we receive the message.”