Sholan Alliance - AU Bk 04 Ch. 12

Temple wedding

The date had finally been set for the temple wedding. Billy was starting to be nervous about the life mating ceremony. When he bonded with Satasha he hadn't been nervous. She had sprung it on him and he hadn't had time to get nervous or scared. This was different since it had been there for months. He had asked them several months ago and Father Shion had set the date. It was after their next link day and also after Dani's. He had placed a call to the Father to have Dani and Mizaki's bonding arranged since he could, it was the least he could do for them.

He was going to respect Mizaki's desire to purchase the bracelets. Billy could arrange the best type of ceremony they could have. They were going to be leaving the next day to head to the temple. Due to that he was doing his best to ensure all the current paperwork was done. It was slow since he had their kitten in his arms. He looked down at her and had to smile. As she was sleeping she was letting out little kitten snores.

Sandi walked into his home office and had to smile at his expression, "You look so very content Yilly. You have a beautiful little girl. So very jealous." She gently stroked D'Danilon's cheek. She was so cute and she really wanted a baby. She was going to need to talk to Jenna. Neither were getting younger and both did want children. Even if it was some sort of artificial insemination they wanted to have some.

He looked up and gave her a light peck, "It's a false look, I'm getting nervous about the life bonding. I want it and want both my ladies but it does scare me. It is reminding me of proposing and marrying Danielle. I love both so very much but like when Satasha is pregnant, it is bringing back memories." Billy knew she would understand, "Oh, and damn it! It's Billy since I know you can pronounce my name correctly."

Sandi started laughing at him, "But it's so much fun to call you Yilly. Silly boy." She took the kitten from him and settled down in his lap, "Relax Billy, all will be fine. Anytime you need a good hug or someone to talk to, come to us. You know we care about you and your family. Now, as much as I hate to say it I've more things for you to read and sign."

He gave her a good hug, "Thanks Sandi. She's starting to get hungry so would you take her to Tasha? Send me the stuff and I'll take care of it." Billy gave her a good hug before letting her stand up and he turned back to his work and did his best to focus on it. Eventually he gave up. He simply couldn't focus on what he was doing and after logging out, he secured all the sensitive crystals before leaving his office.

Over the bonds, he could tell Satasha was nursing D'Danilon and Z'Marl was working on an engine mod. She was a damn good designer and he had learned a few things from her even as she was learning from him. Some of her suggestions made a great deal of sense. She was honestly more grounded than he was in the real world when it came to his designs. So much of his designs were almost flights of fancy. There had always been someone who took what he designed and actually made them work. It wasn't that he wasn't capable, just he wanted to push the envelope. It was part of the reason he hadn't done a great deal after Danielle had died. As odd as it might sound she had grounded him and kept him somewhat controlled.

Since Tasha and Z'Marl were busy he went to their rooms and pulled his dress robes out. For this it was totally Sholan in dress. He had a light inner tabard which was a medium brown. The outer tabard was a dark brown with intricate designs. The over robe was black with purple designs. There was his ambassador necklace, a lovely torque and some other jewelry. Since he was human there were some light sandals with some socks which matched them. Once he was sure they were ready he packed some other clothing. The three of them were going on a short honeymoon trip to one of the local islands.

One thing he had always carried was his wife's ring on a slender necklace. He stepped out to the porch outside of their rooms and lightly grasped it, "I want your blessing Danielle on this. I loved you so much but I've found someone else who I can love as I did you. Bless us and allow us to keep going." He stood there for a while before he heard a noise in the rooms. When he did he let go of the necklace and ring before moving in, "Hey, getting ready to leave in the morning? Looking forward to it."

Z'Marl leaned against Billy and lightly nipped at his beard, "Silly human, do you think we didn't feel your emotions? Danielle has blessed us and we know it. We wouldn't have you if she hadn't." She nipped one last time on an ear before she turned to ensure she had everything she needed packed.

Satasha moved over once Z'Marl went back to packing, *Love you so much Yilly, I understand about the ring. Danni would bless us I believe. She wouldn't want you to live your life alone as you had been. We do have her blessing I am sure.*

He leaned against Satasha and did his best to relax, "Hard for me even now Tasha. Miss her so much. Love you and Z'Marl but still miss her. Thank both of you for loving me." He moved away from her and finished his packing. It was going to be a stressful few days. They couldn't be gone to long since he had an important job but he was going to let most go hang.

Once they were packed and ready he led them out of the room and down to the lounge and he settled down. Even as he leaned back Vangie and Sally came in. They were only recently back from visiting Mizaki's family. Sally settled down next to him and leaned against him, "Can't wait daddy. Want to see you married again." She knew it wasn't what they called it here but she knew it would be good for him.

"Thanks Sally." He gave her a good hug before relaxing again. It was somewhat wrong but he had a skull cup imported from earth and he took a sip of coffee from it. When he did several in the room groaned at him since it was wrong. Mostly it was because he had told them it was a skull of a pirate who had irritated him. They knew better but the joke was bad, wrong, and terrible. When the Sholan's in the room hissed at him he started laughing. It did help.

~~~

Life bonding ceremony

The morning of the ceremony he carefully dressed and ensured all his jewelry was polished and ready. Bracelets, necklaces, and a ring. He even had Danielle's ring showing for good measure. Once he was done Vangie and Kingie escorted him to the temple. When he walked in he was facing a statue which looked like the male he had seen in that dream. He gave it a very slight bow before moving off to one side.

Satasha and Z'Marl were escorted in by Sally and Dani. Everyone else involved were already there. When his future life mates walked in he couldn't help but look at them and felt his eyes starting to water. Both were so beautiful and how he loved them. Sally was holding their kitten and Dani was with Z'Marl. She looked as lovely as the other two. He had talked to Sally and ensured she would make Dani look her best for the bonding.

Father Shion cleared his throat, "As you know we don't have a fixed ceremony for life mating but in this case since you are going to be a triad Yilly, Satasha, and Z'Marl come forward." He waited for them to come to the front of the temple even as everyone else settled down on the benches. In the back ground, quiet music was playing. Some was Sholan while others were from Earth.

"I welcome all here for this life mating ceremony. Yilly, Satasha, and Z'Marl have decided to become a triad since they are all Leska Linked. This is one of the very special ceremonies we have. To become a life mate is so intense yet so wonderful. They are going to share this mating with the three of them and want everyone to know it. To represent the triad there is a blue-white crystal in a silver holder. In this case Yilly has asked for the colors to be black to represent space, silver to present the moon, and a yellow gold for the sun. He feels this is what represents the three of them. He is at heart a traveling spacer, Satasha is the silver of the moon he chases, and Z'Marl the yellow of the warmth of the sun he desires. I do agree with the choices. They aren't what we normally would but it is who they are. That is what is important."

Shion lifted an earring and looked at it, "Black, silver, and yellow. This is what and who they are. Yilly, even though you are Leska linked with Z'Marl do you take Satasha as your triad partner? Will you care for her, love her, and always come back to her?"

Billy didn't bother dashing the tears from his eyes, "Father Shion I do. I'm linked with Z'Marl right now and how I love her but Satasha was the first woman I loved since I lost my last life mate. I take her as my life mate and triad partner. I love her, care for her, and will always be there for her and our kittens." The had talked about what they had wanted to say.

"Good, do you take Z'Marl as your triad partner as well? She is your current Leska. Will you be there for her? Love her, and come back to her time after time?" He held up a second earring as he was speaking.

"Father, as much as I love Satasha I love Z'Marl as well. She is no more nor no less to me than Satasha is. I love both equally. They are different but yet in a way the same to me. I'll love her, be here for her and any kittens we have and come back to her as I will with Satasha. I accept both as Triad partners." His tears were flowing even more than before. He had an arm around both of them as he was talking.

Shion picked up a Damascus blade, "Come forward, receive the life mate cuts, and cast the incense into the god's brazier." He nicked all three palms and let the blood flow over the crystals of incense. Before they tossed the crystals into the brazier a helper carefully sealed the wounds.

All three picked up the bloodied crystals and tossed them into the brazier. There was a brief sizzle before the flames flared up and the smoke from the crystals rose towards the ceiling, "Blessings on your mating." He moved forward and hooked each earring in their ears. Once he was done he stepped back, "We do have a bonding to deal with. Have a seat please." He watched the three sit down. Once they had he couldn't help but smile slightly, "Will Danielle Madlax and Mizaki N'thalion come forward? I was informed you plan on doing a bonding since Danielle is pregnant. Even though you are Leska's this is a proud day for both of you."

Both looked slightly shocked before they moved forward. For good measure Sally and Vangie had moved forward as well.

"Ambassador Yilly indicated Mizaki was going to ask his daughter to bond with him. Will the two of you come forward please? It would be my honor to do the bonding ceremony for the two of you." He gave the two young adults a contented smile when they glanced at each other before standing. When they came forwards Billy and his life mates did as well.

Shion looked at them, "Mizaki, Dani, is this what you wish? To be bonded for three years?" He could feel their emotions as he asked.

Both looked at him and told him yes. Dani had to sniff before someone handed her a Kleenex, "I, I mean we do father." She had to blow her nose before she said anything else. Mizaki said much the same to him.

"Congratulations to both of you, sign here, toss some incense on the brazier, and fasten the bracelets around your wrists." He showed them what to do. Once all was done he gave both a good hug, "Congratulations to both of you. I would say I hope your mating will be fertile but I can sense it will be. It will be recorded as required. He stepped back so they could hug each other.

At that point Kingie stood, "Father, permission being given might you do one more ceremony?" He turned to Crystal and pulled her up, "Crystal I want a bonding ceremony with you as well. I love you, have seen how strong you are, and wish this. Will you enter into a three-year bonding ceremony with me?" As he was talking his eyes were watering and it could be seen in the tear tracks down the fur on his face.

She started crying even as she leaned against him. Everyone could feel her reaction to what Kingie was asking of her. It was something she hadn't expected and after her time with the pirates never expected. As she was crying the others came over. Billy gave both a hug, "If needed you have my blessings. Go, say yes, and let Kingie love you Crystal. I know the feeling of suddenly having someone in my life. It is how I felt with Tasha. Not the same but similar. She loved me, accepted me and my issues and kept loving me. Say yes for both you and his sake."

She cried for a while longer before she finally looked up at Kingie, "I will Kingie. I think I've loved you since you helped save me. So special and lovely." She turned her head and looked at Shion, "If you have time please, can you?"

"Come, both of you and let me bond you together. In sacrifice, there can be healing. I'll give my blessing on this bonding as will Vartra." He did the ceremony for them and helped both with the bracelets, "And this has been a fruitful day. Life mating and two bondings. Come to me with any questions all of you. Now go and relax. I have proclaimed the week off for all of you and the cruise to the outer islands is covered by the temple."

~~~

Salvage ship

Once they reached the coordinates he had been sent they shut down the engines and used some anchors to lock them down to the asteroid. Even now he wasn't feeling comfortable with what they had been told to do. He was almost temped to send his crew to the surface of the asteroid with an emergency beacon. Even if he was killed they could wait several days before activating it. It would save them and allow them to hopefully get away from those people.

What he didn't know was the fighter from the Fijishi had found them and the heavy combat shuttle was close behind. Both took station near the ship. The stealth was heavy enough few terran ships could detect them.

Both ships were sending reports back to the Fijishi and indicating what they were detecting. There were some ships nearby but for the moment none were approaching the asteroid. It looked like most were moving between habitats or from asteroids to heavy refining ships. They would keep watch but for the moment they weren't sensing anything approaching.

Eventually they detected a ship approaching their location. It was coming in at a low speed but was in heavy stealth. If they had been terran ships they wouldn't have detected the ship. It slipped up close to the ship and started sending to it. What was being said they weren't sure since it was encrypted. It wasn't what they would consider a high-level encryption but it would take some time to crack. Everything being received was going to be sent to the Fijishi.

The captain of the salvage vessel was doing his best to remain as cool as possible when the communication came in, "I have the item and will send it over. Give me a short time to ensure my crew is taking care of the item." Thankfully everything was via audio or they would have seen him sweating his ass off.

"Good captain, a transfer will be made to your vessel in gold. It will come over as the item comes to us. We are pleased with your service and thanks for not disappointing us. Positive service is rewarded. Give it a few weeks and a better vessel will be made available to you." The connection was closed.

Even as he was sweating his ass off the probe was being ejected out of the cargo compartment and was being drawn to the other ship. As the instructions indicated a large dense box was being sent to the salvage ship.

As the transfer was taking place one of the officers on the fighter was scanning the ships, "Commander, the second item looks to be heavy in radioactive items. I'm guessing it is some sort of bomb. Not sure when it might go up, maybe on a timer or when they open it. Might be a good idea to let the other ship reach a distance and have the heavy shuttle come in and take over the salvage ship? Have us follow the ship with the probe?"

"Do it. Contact the Fijishi and let the Commander there know. Shape orbit to follow the second ship and ensure our shields are at full strength. Also ensure all sensors are on passive only. I'll authorize active if needed." He watched the holo-table as the ships changed movements.

It helped that the salvage ship didn't change Its location. What also didn't help for them, was having twenty Sholan's in heavy combat armor exit the heavy shuttle and breach the ship. It wasn't something he was in charge of since the warrior on the heavy shuttle was in charge. The fighter kept following the other vessel.

~~~

Sholan's take over salvage vessel

The warriors were gentle about the breaching. When they hit the hull, they secured a temporary seal over an entrance. They blew it and invaded. It wasn't much of a hassle since there were only a few crew and they took the ship over in a matter of minutes. Once they had the senior warrior snarled at the captain through his speakers, "You are fucked, going to screw the shit out of you, hand you over to the Swiss for handling. After that we're going to deal with anyone else you know. Better come clean or else."

The former captain of the ship had his hands around the armored wrist of the other, "Give me the guarantee you will protect my crew and I'll tell you what I know." As it had been mentioned he was loyal to his crew. Beyond that he was a slug.

"Done, try and screw us and you'll pay. I'll pull you apart piece by piece over several weeks." Even the armor look like some sort of wild cats.

Even as the senior warrior was dealing with the captain an explosive expert checked the item delivered to the ship, "Sir, small yield device detected. What do you want done?"

He considered the options, "We are leaving and taking these with us. Place a charge on the item. We'll blow it once we are far enough away." If nothing else they could move to the other side of the asteroid.

~~~

On the Fijishi

Back on the Fijishi the reports were coming in and the Commander was keeping track of them. It didn't help that there was going to be a party for senior officials for the various polities, Ambassadors, and others. At the moment, he was standing as his adjutant was adjusting his dress uniform, "Can you hurry it up please? I need to be there soon."

His adjutant lightly hissed, "Maybe if you'd control your tail for a moment I could get the jacket adjusted." He gave it a good tug before ensuring the belt and baldric for the short sword was comfortable, "There, you look very good Commander, shall we?" He was already dressed for the party.

Even as the Commander was getting ready so was Ike, Amanda, and Teo. They had flown up earlier. This was to celebrate finding some telepaths and also the finalization of the treaty between their worlds. He checked his dress uniform and had to shake his head, "Not sure why I need my sword but whatever. Even sillier is Amanda needing a knife. We all look good though." He adjusted his torque even as Amanda did.

She sighed, "I know Ike but I guess it is part of their culture. I do feel silly but it is a lovely knife." She had a small double edged stiletto and it was covered with silver, some gems, and the sheath was similar. Amanda adjusted the torque as well, "We do look good. My life mate and our companion." She leaned against Teo for a moment before moving over to a set of drawers and pulled a box out.

After turning to Teo she held it out, "Ike and I talked about this. Teo would you become our life mate as well. This is a betrothal Torque if you accept. We want you in our lives forever."

Ike wrapped an arm around Amanda, "We do mean it. Much like Billy is going to be taking Satasha and Z'Marl as life mates we want you as ours. Will you do us the honor of accepting it?" He helped Amanda hold the box out.