=/\= Starbase Unity =/\=
Chloe sat at Richard's computer at his desk. It was early still in the day, but wasn't rushing because she didn't have a duty shift that day. She was looking over the preprogrammed list of clothing in the database. More so, she was looking at wedding dresses. As much as she liked wearing a Starfleet or marine uniform, she didn't want to get married in one.
Richard came out of his specially constructed walk-in closet, which contained his personal weapons collection, as well as his clothing and personal effects. He was polishing one of his best dress shoes as he walked into the sitting room. “Hard at it?” He asked, as he leaned against the doorframe, using a brush on the shoe.
"I’m thinking programming my own design into the computer." Chloe said as she moved from photo to photo of dresses.
“Just remember you’ll be in public, in front of Captain Rojac, so as tempting as it is, no bikini-dresses. Okay?” Richard said, chuckling.
"Oh, ha, Richard." She said turning to look at him with a raised eyebrow. "The idea hadn't even crossed my mind." She said rolling her eyes.
“Oh, that’s a shame.” Richard said. “You have such a lovely body when its barely clothed… perhaps a Betazoid wedding? I wouldn’t need to polish my shoes and brass buttons if we did that.”
"Yes, a betazoid wedding for two humans." She gave a laugh. "Sounds very traditional."
“Sure, why not? Saves the hassle of ripping your clothes off later.” He grinned wickedly.
"If I’m spending so much time finding the perfect dress, I would kill you if did that." Chloe said, looking at him serious. She always hated it when her clothing got ruined in anyway. "So don't you dare even think about it." Chloe gave a sigh. "I want a beautiful dress Richard."
“And you can have any dress you like.” He said. “But bear in mind you’re only going to wear the damn thing once.” He began brushing his shoe again. “Also bear in mind what you’ll be wearing under it.”
"That's not the point, Richard." She said shaking her head. She doubted he would get the point. "Since I was a little girl, I always wanted to have a beautiful dress when I got married." She said turning to fully look at him. "Im only going to do this once, and I want it to be perfect."
“So the man who is on his second wedding, obviously has no understanding of a woman’s desire to have her dream wedding? When his first wedding was effectively a shot-gun wedding aboard the battle-bridge of a Nebula Class starship, in duty threads, with a heavily pregnant fiancée?” He said, sourly.
Chloe sighed, standing up to cross the room to him. "That's not what I meant at all, Richard." she said softly, resting a hand on his cheek.
“So you don’t think I want you to have your dream wedding?” He asked, looking at her. “I mean, its bad enough I’m not exactly your dream husband, I wouldn’t want you to not enjoy the event.”
"Richard, I only take what I want. If you weren't what I wanted, I wouldn't be standing here now." She said calmly. "I wouldn't have a ring on my finger now, if you weren't what I wanted." She gave a soft sigh, but looked in his eyes. "Why do you think your not my dream husband?"
“How many women dream of walking down the aisle to a man twice their age, who has battle scars on his face.” He sighed.
"My dream has always been to get married to a man that loves
Richard leaned in and kissed her tenderly on the lips. “Well, I wouldn’t spend hours polishing the shit out of my uniform for just anyone.” He grinned at her.
"Oh, of course not." She gave a laugh. "How could you think that your not what I wanted?" She asked again serious.
“I don’t know, just nagging doubts.” He said. “I just can’t believe how lucky I am to be marrying you…”
"It goes both ways." Chloe said softly giving him a quick kiss. "Do you want me to show you one of the dresses I like?" She said trying to cheer him up.
“Its bad luck to see the dress before the wedding.” He said, smiling. “I want the first time I see your fantastic dress is when you’re floating up that aisle tomorrow. When I get to hold you hands, and admit my love publically, and then hold you and kiss you as my wife… forever end of days.”
"Alright then. You will see what I choose tomorrow." She said warmly. "Do you know where Sarah is?" She asked curious.
“Probably out shopping, if I know her.” Richard said. “I’m sure she’s looking forward to seeing what bridesmaid dress you have in mind for her.”
"I was thinking..." Then stoped. She was going to have Sarah's dress match what she had chosen, but she didn't want to give anything away to Richard. "It's going to be a surprise for her just as much as it is for you." Chloe said, teasingly.
“Cool.” Richard said, smirking. “Just don’t put her in red. She can’t stand red for some reason. Personally, I think it makes her look fantastic, but she disagrees.”
"No, no red." Once the dress Chloe was thinking about had a little of blue in it, she planed on putting Sarah in blue with a little of white so she would match the bride. "But good you mentioned it just in case."
“Just making sure that the ceremony is memorable for our getting married, not the bride being murdered with her own bouquet by the bridesmaid.” Richard said, grinning.
"Have you talked to the captian yet?" She hoped that Richard had.
“I had a word with him.” Richard said. “He seems somewhat willing, considering we’re imposing on his R&R.”
"And besides Sarah, anyone else?" She was currious to see if Richard wanted anyone else there. Chloe could care less.
“Well, Patrick will be there, of course.” Richard said. “I can hardly get married without the best man.”
"Of course." Chloe said, taking his hand. "Anyone else in particular? I don't mind if we keep this small or big." Chloe said giving him a light squeeze. "And where?"
“Well, the where is easy, the lounge aboard the Chimera.” Richard said. “As for who comes, I’ve decided to leave that up to you, as all my family will already be there. You, Patrick & Sarah are all the family I have in this universe.”
"That sounds fine with me." Chloe said, a smile on her face. "Just something small and personal." She liked it that way.
“Well, you’d better get back to picking your dress.” Richard said. “and I will see you, on the Chimera.” He kissed her forehead.
"Alright, love." She said with a warm smile on her face. She was starting to get nervous about the next upcoming several days where she would get married and they be off on a honeymoon with her husband. this was all new for her and she was excited for it.
With that, Richard went back into his closet, grabbing all the parts of his dress blues he’d need for tomorrow, and exited his quarters, to go get set up in the guest quarters he’d been given temporarily for the wedding.
After Richard left, she went to go sit back down at his desk. Fliping threw a few more pictures from the replicator database, finally stoping at one. She found the dress that she wanted and it was beautiful.
=/\= End Log =/\=
MGen. Richard Sharpe
MEF CO
2Lt. Chloe Merau
Pilot
