Chapter Thirty-One

The festivities started with drinks, or more correctly, alcohol and lots of it.

And hats.

"Is this necessary?" Lt. Dain dangled the tri-cornered, multi-coloured headgear by one corner and well away from his head.

"It's an old Earth custom," Vila said with a straight face.

Avon came towards them, his hand resting on Argus's shoulder. "It's more likely a Vila-intends-to-humiliate-us-all-while-taking-damaging-holos-for-later-usage."

"It's nothing like that." Vila exclaimed, pressing a hand over his heart in a gesture of sincerity, which might have worked if he wasn't trying to suppress a smirk and none too successfully. Dain eyed him suspiciously.

"Here's yours, Avon." Vila extended a black, grey-banded hat - reminiscent of an old-style fedora - and touched the back of Avon's hand with it.

"I'm not wearing anything you're giving me." Avon squeezed Argus's shoulder. "Wolf, to the couch."

"Arrrr." Wolf led the way to the centre of the room, expertly avoiding the crowded space.

"And put on the hat."

"Rrr?" They sat down together.

"It's a human custom."

The creature blew out an exhale. "Silly custom."

"Nevertheless."

Wolf took the hat and jammed it on its head at a jaunty angle.

Vila framed Argus's head between angled fingers and eyed him critically, "That's not half bad. Dashing. Like a secret agent."

Avon made a sound suspiciously close to a snort.

"You should've taken the hat, Avon. Cally might have liked a shot of you in it."

A familiar half-mocking - but saved by its silky quality - voice noted, "Why would Cally want a picture when she has the real thing?"

Avon bristled as his head turned slowly in the direction of the voice. "Vila, I assume you've prepared headgear for all of your guests?" His tone was pregnant with meaning.

"Oh, yeah." He rummaged through his party box and pulled out a droopy star-pointed hat with little bells that jingled. "This is yours." There was a slight apologetic look in his eyes as he handed it to Sester.

Sester accepted the jester hat with a gracious smile. "How appropriate." With careful deliberation, he positioned it on his head, turning the points as if there was a specific angle he was trying to achieve. A broad, infectious and warm smile completed the ensemble. "What do you think?"

Vila's mouth dropped open in awe. "I…that actually looks…" His forehead crinkled in amazement. "It looks good on you. I…don't know how but…"

"What did you give him?" Avon asked, a frown casting a shadow across his face.

"It's a jester's hat."

"A fool's hat?"

"Yeah but…" Vila glanced at Sester.

"What Vila is trying to say…," there was a superior smile on Sester's face that made Wolf snarl, "…is that you can look good in anything, if you know how."

Wolf bared its teeth and rose from the seat like a tide of aggression. Avon put his hand on his arm. "Argus."

Argus shook his head, as if he were trying to shake the water from his hair. "Are you going to keep doing that?"

"When I find it useful."

"That's what I'm afraid of." He sighed and pulled the hat from his head, looking at it dubiously. "Why am I wearing this?"

Avon said with a blank face, "I understand it's an Earth custom."

"It's a...what? I've never heard of this." He wrung the hat in his hands, crushing the brim.

"The Wolf likes it."

Argus stuck the half-mashed fedora back on his head, in the same jaunty angle as before. "I suppose I'm lucky it wanted to put something on and not take anything off."

"It was busy."

"Doing what?"

"You don't remember?"

Argus hemmed. "I was bored. I tuned out."

"That explains it."

"Explains what?"

"The snoring sounds. Wolf said it didn't make them."

Argus rolled his eyes ceiling-wards. "You're making that up."

The barest of smirks curled Avon's lips.

"Alright, Vila, let's get this over with." Argus snagged two drinks from Vila's tray, one sparkling blue and one light green. "What are the other Earth customs I've never heard of?"

He held the drinks up to the light. Light gleamed through them, streams of silver swirled invitingly and the heady smell of alcohol filled his sensitive nostrils. Wolf sneezed. "What's in this?"

"A little of this, a little of that."

Argus eyed him warily.

Sester took the glass that no one else had dared pick, a deep red liquid, like blood, that swallowed the light, its silver streams slithering menacingly throughout. "I don't think he trusts you, Vila." With a challenging smile, and jester's bells tinkling - which jangled on Argus's (and the Wolf's) nerves - he drained the cup.

Grrr.

Avon stuck his hand out. "Wolf. He's baiting you."

The words came out in a low growl. "I'm not the Wolf."

"Then stop growling."

Grrr.

"Yes?"

Argus brought the blue drink to his lips.

"Wait!" Vila stuck out his hand to stop him but it was too late. Argus quaffed it in two gulps. His eyes went as wide as saucers and he gasped like a man drowning as the liquid burned its way down his throat and raced straight to his head. "W-what is this?"

"I was going to say take it slow."

Avon's voice was like a sliver of ice on naked skin. "What is it?"

Vila winced. "A&S and Denecran brandy."

"Are you insane?" exclaimed Avon, his head turned in the direction of the still drowning man.

Argus straightened up, his eyes slightly glassy. "Everything looks--blue. Is that normal?"

"Is that normal?" Avon's eyes narrowed. "Vila. This is your mess." He turned towards Sester with a snarl. "And yours."

There was an impish smile on Sester's lips as he raised his hands defensively. "I didn't make him do anything. He did the drinking."

Argus's words were slurred. "Reya likes blue. Did you know that?" He looked wistfully into the empty glass.

Avon's voice was firm, like an adult teaching a child. "You've had enough."

"But Avon…"

"Wolf."

The Wolf's soft amber eyes regarded Avon affectionately. "Rrrr?"

"You'd better take over for now."

The Wolf leaned forward and licked Avon on the nose.

Avon pushed him off the couch. The startled Wolf, its reflexes dulled, yelped as it hit the floor.

Argus stared up at Avon. "Why did you do that?"

"You…" Avon wiped his hand across his wet nose.

Sester chuckled. "You licked him."

"I didn't." Argus pushed himself up.

"The Wolf did," said Sester.

Argus looked at the uncooperative off-white ceiling again and shook his head.

Wolf! Didn't I say not to lick people with my tongue?

Arrroooo?

You're drunk. He looked around at the blue-tinted world. The whole ship seemed to be swaying. "I'm…drunk."

Vila grabbed his arm. "You'd better sit down."

There was a commotion by the door as two soldiers wheeled in a towering cake.

Argus asked, "What's this?"

"Have you never been to a bachelor party before?"

Argus stared at the person-sized cake; its layered edges rimmed with elaborate pink and blue swirls, a work of art in icing. "Who did you…?" His mind boggled at the idea that Vila could have persuaded one of the women on the ship to do what was traditional at a bachelor party.

"Just sit back and enjoy it," said Vila as he plopped himself on the couch beside them. All the men took seats in puzzled anticipation as the music began. It was a seductive, enticing melody, tickling their ears, promising delights to come. The melody built to a quick crescendo and lights turned off one by one. Mouths were wet in anticipation. In near darkness, a single bright spotlight hit the cake, making its white surface glare, and from its top…burst a beautiful Corinne with a big smile and arms upraised.

Fully clothed.

All mouths dropped open.

Sester's cocked his head in amusement. "She's beautiful but…isn't something missing? Or rather not missing?"

Avon's ears strained. "What's going on?"

Argus coughed. "It's Corinne. She's very nice."

Sester said, "And fully dressed."

"Ah. Then I haven't missed anything."

The soldiers, led by Lt. Dain, all stood up and began clapping in appreciation as the two who pushed the cake in, helped Corinne to descend from the cake.

Vila said, "I wasn't about to let her dance around naked."

Argus nodded. "I would hope not. That was very nice, Corinne."

"I hope that was alright," said the young woman.

"It was fine. Did you make the cake?"

"I have to go now. I have my own party to go to." She gave Argus a hug. "Have fun." She rushed off.

Argus said, "That was very nice, Vila."

Vila held up both hands. "Wait! Wait! We're not done."

Through the open door, two more soldiers wheeled in another huge cake.

"What's this?" Avon was annoyed that he couldn't see.

"It's another cake, Avon."

The music started again, but this time there was no waiting. A beautiful, longhaired and scantily clad woman erupted from the top of the cake and began dancing sensuously.

Mouths dropped open again. And then there was a loud collective gasp.

It was young Baxter, the nude model from the gym.

The room erupted in laughter.

Chapter Thirty-Two

The Harmony Room - the name, dubbed by Corinne, for the music room - was festively decked out for the female version of the bachelor party. No party hats were in sight although there was a whiff of alcohol if you really sniffed hard, or were a wolf.

Red and blue streamers hung across the glowing crystals, two hearts lovingly entwined. No one could miss the symbolism, unless you were Avon, and only because he was blind. Or maybe not, depending on your point of view; Avon's idea of romance being a highly contested issue.

The crystals added to the atmosphere, reflecting the joy in the room with exquisite sounds coaxed by a device Corinne had obtained from Avon. The melodic laughter of bells and light fingers lovingly stroked across stringed instruments, transporting the hearer to a world that did not have a word for war or violence. Obviously from a different dimension, or Corinne's very active and 'highly improbable' (Avon's words when he heard what she wanted) imagination.

A cornucopia of mouth-watering delights tickled their nostrils with whiffs of fresh strawberries (well, the sim version of it at least), the heady smells of chocolate promising to carry them to heights of sensual pleasures and, of course, ice cream. In the shape of bunnies. Corinne had discovered them in one of Vila's Delta vids. A cartoon about bugs, bunnies or it could have been about carrots. Obviously a nature vid.

"You did all this?" Reya had been apprehensive about this party. Despite the afternoon teas and music sessions with the other women of the ship, not to mention the sparring practices, she was still highly uncomfortable with 'girly' things. She didn't want to tell them the idea made her skin crawl and she'd rather get it over with as quickly as possible. And check on the men. She'd heard some strange rumours.

"Everyone pitched in." Corinne beamed with enthusiasm.

The door slid open and Jenna appeared at the threshold and stood nervously, like a vampire who needed to be invited in order to enter.

"Everyone?" asked Reya as she spotted her.

Cally glared at the intruder. "Who invited you?"

A fleck of vulnerability flashed briefly in Jenna's eyes before she reassumed a hard, bitter edge and a snarl that she must have learned from being around Avon too long. "Obviously not you." Her tone was harsh.

Corinne's eyes passed anxiously between the two antagonists but a determined smile of peace and welcome brightened her face. Her voice was light and airy, like an innocent completely oblivious to the idea of conflict. "I did. I hope it's alright. I thought it might be a good idea to get all the women of the ship together. There aren't that many of us and this is a bachelor party for women."

"You're right," said Reya. "Come in and join us. You're welcome here. Isn't she, Cally?"

"You can welcome her." There was continued hostility in Cally's eyes.

Kirsten eyed her fellow Chandaran curiously. Sester had suggested she not to underestimate Corinne. There was an innocence about her that Kirsten had never known, but there was also unexpected steel under her soft, almost child-like, exterior.

"Well, don't be so enthusiastic." Jenna came in, a sarcastic smile seemed plastered to her lips.

Reya could be the cold water to anyone's desire to cause trouble. "I will welcome you for the sake of peace on this ship, Jenna. But you could very easily be unwelcome." Her glare had the effect of pinning Jenna to the wall and watching her squirm. "I will never forget what you did to Rane or my people but I believe your contrition is genuine. If I didn't, you would not be on this ship. We will be civil to each other and smile and try to work together but cross me or harm anyone on this ship and I will show you what true pain is. Do we understand each other?"

Jenna swallowed hard under the woman's glare. There was a good reason why no one on the ship crossed Reya. "I understand."

Reya forced a pleasant smile. "Good." Her voice assumed a light quality she didn't feel. "Now ladies, you were going to give me a--makeover?" A grimace joined the smile.

Corinne pushed over a cart full of, to Reya, medieval instruments of torture. "You'll love it!"

"Corinne is almost sure you will," said Kirsten, trying to quash a smile at the animal-caught-in-the-crosshairs look on Reya's face.

The militaristic woman tried to look enthusiastic but it was hard as they led her to a chair. Having been in the military most of her life and growing up with a trio of extremely masculine brothers, normal female rituals were alien to her.

Reya sat down hesitantly, wondering if metal clamps were about to shoot out from some hidden recess and restrain her to the chair. Or if she could run now before they did irreparable damage to her image. "This isn't going to hurt, is it?"

She eyed the cart suspiciously as Corinne slid out several trays bursting with objects with suspiciously 'feminine' colours. Reya refrained from pointing out she had always objected to the arbitrary assigning of 'male' and 'female' colours; herself preferring numerous shades of blue.

Cally, deciding she was going to pretend Jenna was invisible, had an amused smile on her lips. "You're a soldier, I'm sure you've had worse."

"I'm not sure about that." The various shades of lipstick, flat ended face applicators and various implements that made her wonder if this was entirely legal. She closed her eyes staunchly, not wanting to witness the upcoming atrocities.

Corinne's brightly melodic voice said, "We can't work with your eyes closed."

Sighing, Reya opened them a sliver and then fully. "Alright, what am I supposed to do now."

Kirsten said, "Enjoy it?"

Reya shot her a disgruntled look. Kirsten had obviously been hanging around Sester far too much.

Cally placed a supportive hand on her shoulder. "Relax, Reya. This is your party. We won't hurt you. I guarantee that Argus will like it."

"Do you think so?" she asked, suddenly shy.

"I guarantee it."

"Alright."

Cally squeezed a dollop of cream onto her hands, and began to kneed Reya's knotted neck muscles. "I'll give you a massage while the others do your face."

Reya wriggled her shoulders and breathed in slowly. She exhaled slowly, her eyes half lidded in enjoyment. "That feels good. Did you learn that on Pleasure City?"

"Some of it." She applied her elbow to the area between her shoulder blades. "The rest I learned for Avon. He…has a lot of aches and pains."

"That still hasn't improved?"

"The progress is slow."

"He must be frustrated."

"He doesn't like…" Cally paused. "We're here to talk about you." With the flat of her hand, she stroked the length of her back from bottom to top, with a firm upwards motion. "How is Argus dealing with having the Wolf in his head?"

"He's frustrated too. He says sometimes it feels crowded in his head and he doesn't like it when he loses control to the Wolf. It scares him sometimes but…I think he likes the Wolf. They're very much alike."

Corinne asked, "What colour would you like for your face, Reya?"

Reya sighed. "Why don't you pick one, Corinne?"

"You want Corinne to pick a colour? asked Kirsten in an exaggerated incredulous tone.

"Hey!" objected Corinne.

"Do what you think is best, just don't make it permanent." Reya hoped she wasn't making a mistake.

The two young woman began pulling out various items and placing them on the table. Reya tried to concentrate on the relaxing massage and blocked out whatever they were doing to her face.

After watching them apply various creams and facial masks, Jenna glanced at Cally. She tried to remember what it was like to speak without anger, resentment or bitterness. "Some of these have different scents."

They all stared at her, including Cally.

Corinne said, "Oh, yes! I forgot that." She picked out a bright red lipstick and placed it to her nose. "This one smells like strawberries. Do you want one of these?"

"No," said Jenna. "I meant for Cally."

Cally's cold voice was like a void between them. "I don't need anything from you."

"I was thinking Avon might find it interesting."

"You don't know anything about Avon."

Jenna nodded. "I know I am the reason why he's blind. I'm only trying to help, Cally. You can reject me but at least listen to what I have to say."

The rejection was at the tip of Cally's lips but she said, "I'm listening."

"Avon can't see but I bet his sense of smell has improved."

"Maybe."

"He might not be able to see your face but he can smell you." Jenna ran her fingers along the trays. "Some of these scents are very sophisticated." She picked out a lip stick, opened up the case and offered it to Cally. "This one gives the impression of a summer's day at the seaside."

Cally hesitated but sniffed shallowly. Bright summer. The warm sun beating down on cool skin. Waves gently lapping on the shore. She took a deeper sniff. "You're right."

"You can use it for Avon."

"Produce a picture for him using smells?"

"That's the idea."

She was reluctant to admit it, but it was a good idea. "I'll…consider it."

"That's all I ask."

**********

When the makeover contingent was done, they stood back to admire their handiwork.

"Well?" Reya asked impatiently.

Corinne's eyes were wide. "You're…beautiful. I mean you were beautiful before but you're gorgeous now."

Reya's eyes narrowed. "I want a mirror."

Kirsten chuckled. "Are you sure?" She reached into a lower drawer and pulled out a flat reflective screen. "You might faint."

Reya winced. "That bad?"

"Don't listen to her," said Cally. "Corinne's right. You're stunning."

Kirsten handed the mirror to Reya with a smile. "Yes, don't listen to me."

"Argus will be the envy of every man on this ship," said Jenna. "He's going to have to beat them off with a stick."

Reya slowly rotated the mirror up to her face and…nearly dropped it in shock. "Who is this?" She stared at the vision of beauty that stared back at her; the angular cheekbones, the red inviting lips, and the hard eyes that had been softened to a mystery.

Cally put her hand on her shoulder. "That's you."

"But…that's not me. That's someone else." She turned the mirror to different angles, trying to understand this new face.

"It is you. You're beautiful. You always have been. The colours only highlight your best features. But they're all your own."

"I…didn't know I could look like this."

Corinne asked, "Do you like it?"

Reya looked around at the faces in the room. These were her friends. They were here to share the joys and sorrows together. "Yes, I do, Corinne. Thank you. All of you. Now, do I smell chocolate cake and strawberries?"

**********

After the party and as Cally walked Reya back to her cabin, they ran into a staggering Argus singing and howling, carried between Lt. Dain, who was somewhat tipsy and Vila, who could barely keep upright and seemed to be permanently cross-eyed.

All three men ground to a halt and their eyes blinked wildly when they saw them.

"Arroo who is thish lovely…Baxter?" asked Argus.

"It's me, Reya." She felt very self-conscious under the admiring stares of the men.

"Arrrreaya?" He rubbed blurry eyes.

Vila said, "Can't be. She's…pink."

Cally looked at each of their unfocused eyes. "You're all drunk."

Argus, Vila and Dain beamed at her.

Vila said, "I hopsh sho. Wouldn't want…feel like thish and notsh bees drunk."

Argus and Dain both nodded and shook their heads in emphatic agreement.

"You're boootiful." Argus reached for Reya but managed to miss her by several feet as Dain grabbed him before he fell over.

"Dain, find a cot and have Argus sleep in your room tonight."

"Yes, Commander."

"But…" Argus's face fell. "You're boootiful."

"It's a custom," said Cally. "The pair to be bonded does not sleep together the night before,"

"Silly custom." Argus pouted as the Wolf sneezed.

"What's that on your head?" Reya stared at the crushed fedora.

"S'hat." Argus shifted it to an even jauntier angle and held his head up proudly. "Wolf likes it."

"He does, does he?"

"Avon wantsss holo of it." He nodded and lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "He's shecret agents."

"He's a what? Never mind. Wait here." Reya disappeared into her cabin and came back out with a pillow and a blanket. "Here take these."

Argus clutched them to his chest like treasures. "Reya lovsh me."

"Yes, I do. Very much."

Argus lifted his head and howled.

"Now be a good Wolf and go to sleep in Lt. Dain's room. Come back in the morning to get dressed. Alright?"

A big smile brightened his face. "Yesh, Reya."

Chapter Thirty-Three

After dropping Reya off and seeing that the three drunken men were safely tucked away, Cally arrived in her own cabin. Avon stood stock still in the centre of the room, a bemused look on his face. At least he was standing.

"Avon, is something wrong?"

"Cally." He turned to face her. "Do you see it?"

Cally did a double-take. "S-see? What?" Avon's face was flushed. She immediately felt his forehead, it was slightly warmer than normal. "Are you feeling alright? What did you drink tonight?" His dim eyes gave no indication, if they had, that would have been surprising, or a miracle.

"Nothing Vila concocted, I assure you." Reaching out in the direction of her voice, he encountered her hands, took them in his own and drew her closer. "How was your evening?"

She searched his face but it was as it always was when they were alone, impassive still, but slightly more relaxed and animated. "It was enjoyable. We had a good time of sharing and treats."

"No drunken singing or men popping out of cakes?"

Cally scowled. "I heard about the men's party."

A brief smile touched Avon's lips. "Corinne, of course."

"Must men be so…"

"Disgusting?" Avon smiled.

"Primitive."

"We are men." He pulled her closer, breathing in her familiar scent and feeling her curves fitting against his body. His eyelids flickered and he leaned in, brushing the softness of her neck with his nose as he took a deeper whiff. An explosion of swirling colours danced in front of his inner eyes. "Were strawberries among the treats?" The soft, sweet fragrance made his mouth water. It had been a long time since he'd tasted fresh strawberries. The last time had been…with Anna in Europa dome. It was a long time ago.

He had an irresistible desire to taste those strawberries again, he kissed the sweetly scented flesh, his lips parting, and the tip of his tongue tasting… "Strawberries." He pulled back in surprise. "You taste like strawberries."

"It's a special fragrance. Do you like it?"

"It stimulates different sense receptors? Producing olfactory, visual and oral effects? There are certain chemicals..."

Cally sighed. "I tried to convince the women you can be romantic when you want to be."

"Ah." His voice softened but remained flat, like silk caressing exposed flesh. "This would not be one of those moments."

"It wouldn't be high on my list."

"Then I shall endeavour to do better."

Cally brushed her fingers lightly along his forehead following the curve of his eyebrows. Her voice contained curiosity. "Avon. The scent isn't supposed to produce a visual effect. Did you say that you had one?"

Avon's head cocked slightly. "I was experiencing visual hallucinations before you entered the room. The fragrance intensified the effect."

"Hallucinations?" Her hand stopped its movement as she searched his eyes. "Are you sure you didn't drink anything Vila gave you?"

"I had the Wolf bring me a cup of water." His eyes widened. "It must have obtained the water…"

"From an unreliable source."

"Vila."

"I hope you don't need Vila for anything tomorrow, Avon," she said in a half-joking, half-serious tone, "I might possibly want to kill him."

"I will leave you a piece. Would you like an arm or a leg?"

Light smiles played across their faces, each aware they were no longer speaking about Vila.

"It seems we can all have primitive urges."

Avon breathed in the heady, enticing scent of strawberries and Cally's lightly scented skin mingled deliciously together. Sensual warmth spread like a blanket over his body. "I would like to have a primitive moment now. If you have no objections."

**********

Somewhere a wolf howled in mournful misery. Dain shivered, gripped by an inexplicably primitive fear, and snuggled deeper under the blanket.

Wait a minute.

He opened his eyes a sliver and was greeted by the familiar sight of his cabin, bathed in shadows of the night cycle.

Then the pain hit, a dull throbbing ache of a brain that seemed to be swelling, trying to break free of the confines of his skull. "Ohhhh." He moaned softly, remembering, just in time, the reason for his present sorry state.

Loud noises were to be avoided at all costs, along with light, and moving more than a few inches at a time. And breathing, as even that simple act caused groan-inducing pain. Taking light, shallow, delicate breaths, he looked over to the cot in the middle of the room.

Argus was curled up like a sick puppy, pawing at his head and whimpering piteously. A thin grey blanket lay in a heap on the floor.

"Commander?" The lieutenant dared a soft whispered query.

Argus whined and mashed the pillow over his head, trying to hide from the cruel world.

Getting up was a heroic feat that Dain didn't feel up to, but Argus seemed in even worse shape than he was, not to mention the howling and whimpering was far too loud.

Dain rolled his body out of bed, fully expecting he was going to end up flat on his face and would have to crawl the rest of the way. Automatic reflexes mercifully took over and he stood up slowly, one hand on his aching head, the other desperately grabbing at the wall. The room lurched and swayed like a drunken sailor. He swallowed hard, trying to keep his stomach from travelling up his throat.

Taking baby-like steps, he made his way to the cot. Dain shook Argus's shoulder. "Sir, are you alright?"

The pillow smothered a howl of pain and complaint.

Dain knew about the Wolf of course, but he'd never had to interact with it personally and definitely not in this state. He hoped the creature recognized him as one of his pack.

"Wolf, are you in pain?" That was a silly question. Of course it was, otherwise it wouldn't be making sounds that made both of their heads want to find a hole and not come out until next year. "Wolf, I can help but you have to stop making that noise. It hurts even more when you do that."

"Rrrr?" it asked in a whining query. Two red-ringed eyes appeared and stared at him from the edge of the pillow.

"Yes, that's it. Your head hurts more if there are loud sounds."

There was a low whispered grumble at the base of the creature's throat.

Dain couldn't speak wolf but the creature's feelings were very apparent. "Yes, it's not a very nice feeling."

The grumble became a low growl that ended in a whimper of pain.

"You're right, it's terrible." He had an irresistible urge to stroke the creature's head, as he once did for a sick puppy back home. This was all very strange.

The wolf sniffed, satisfied at the description and closed its eyes.

"Commander?" Dain asked in a bare whisper.

Argus's eyelids fluttered and his eyes opened. He groaned, "Don't shout." It felt as if an axe had split his head open and the contents were spilling out. He rubbed his sore head.

"Sorry, sir." Dain nearly mouthed the words. "Do you want me to go to the medical unit and get something for the pain?"

"Bucket."

"Oh. You're going to be sick?" Dain's eyes cast around for a large container. He might need one too.

"For medicine."

"Ohhh. Yes, I know what you mean, sir. I'll go and get it now." Dain looked dubiously at the door that seemed a mile away. He'd be lucky if he could crawl that far.

Dain spied the triangular comm unit on the table. That he could manage. Barely. He made his way over, depressed the button and said in a reluctantly louder voice, "This is Lt. Dain. I need someone from the medical unit to bring pain medication to my cabin. Several strong doses. It's an emergency."

"This is Cally, Lt. Dain. What is the nature of the emergency?"

The normal-sounding voice was like an angry roar. Dain winced sharply and covered his ears. "Please, not that loud."

Cally's voice became softer. "I see. I'll be right there."

**********

Cally gently slapped several pain patches on Argus's neck as Lt. Dain administered his own. "You shouldn't drink so much."

Argus's eyes seemed to be in a permanent wince. He really wished they'd turn the lights down, or off. Dim lights weren't dim enough for him. "But it was a bachelor party."

Cally sighed. "Yes, I know. But still."

"It's almost a tradition."

"You could start a new one."

Argus put his hand to his head and wondered what Cally's reaction would be if he asked for another patch. "Then it wouldn't be as much fun."

Cally eyed him dubiously. "This is fun?"

"You don't get it." He really wished he didn't have to think about anything. It hurt too much. Plus he had a sneaking suspicion he had to do something today but couldn't for the life of him remember what it was. "It's not about the day after."

"Maybe it should be."

Argus shook his head stubbornly and winced at the motion. Maybe Avon had the right idea with amputation. Maybe he'd felt like this before. "Is Avon alright?"

"Avon didn't get drunk. He drank water."

"I knew he wasn't human," Argus grumbled.

"Though I think Vila managed to sneak something into that water."

"Good old Vila. I should give him a medal."

Cally gave him a hard stare.

Argus looked down in embarrassment. "Maybe not. Did anything happen to Avon?"

"He was seeing colours and he developed a mild fever."

Argus and Dain looked sharply at her. Argus asked, "He can see?"

"Not in the literal sense. The substance Vila used, activated the optic centre of Avon's brain."

"Is that good?"

"It means if we can replace his eyes and optic nerve, his brain will be able to process the visual signals normally."

"That's good." He was feeling much better with this news and stood up. "Ohhh." And sat back down.

"Slowly. The medication has a great deal of alcoholic damage to neutralize."

"You can sound as sarcastic as Avon sometimes."

"Once you feel able to move, I suggest you run. Reya is waiting for you."

Argus's eyes became as wide as a full moon, his mouth dropped open and he slapped his hand to his head. "How could I forget that?"

"Yes, how could you?"

**********

Vila (who felt like death warmed up, had a cold compress pressed to his aching head and was trying, with great difficulty, to put on a light purple shirt) and Corinne were dressing for the bonding ceremony when the door chime rang.

"Who could that be?" asked Corinne (who was a vision in a pink and purple dress and, in Vila's opinion, far too cheerful for this hour of the morning) as she checked if he was decent enough for visitors.

Vila cursed the person who invented door chimes. Even the pre-prepared shot of pain killers and his grandmother's sure-fire cure for hangovers, was not helping this morning.

"Don't know," he whispered.

The door slid open.

Vila gulped. "Avon?" The pain in his head just magnified ten-fold.

"Vila." Avon's voice was colder than the vacuum of space.

"Are you alone?" he asked nervously.

"Who else did you expect?" Avon, in a smart silver leather jacket and black turtleneck and trousers, entered the room with measured steps. Jenna waited outside. Avon's head turned towards him, his sightless eyes, like lasers boring in his direction. "A firing squad perhaps?" he asked in a flat tone.

Vila looked anxiously at Avon, as Corinne looked curiously at Vila.

Corinne asked, "Is something wrong, Avon?"

Avon's answer was a 'loud' stare at Vila.

Vila put his hands up defensively, "Now, just a minute. I didn't mean any harm. It was just a…"

"Hallucinogenic?"

"I knew you weren't going to drink anything I gave you."

"You tricked Wolf." Avon's tone rubbed harshly against Vila's ears.

Vila winced. "Well, it wasn't hard."

"The creature trusts the members of its pack."

Vila felt like a heel. "Well, I wanted you to have fun."

"What was the chemical used?" Avon's voice remained unemotional but rose in a demanding volume.

"I don't know. I mean, I'm not a chemist. But it's called Lover's Sight, if that helps."

Avon nearly choked, remembering the previous night with Cally. He barely managed to maintain an emotionless tone. "Quite."

"Nothing went wrong, did it? I mean…" Vila's face fell. "I know you think fun is playing with your computers but I thought…you really didn't like it? Well, of course you didn't. That's why you're here. Honestly Avon, I was only trying…"

Avon cut him off with a curt lift of his hand.

Vila fell silent and considered amputation. A dark cloud seemed to be hanging over his head.

Avon's dark eyes continued 'staring' in his direction before he said with a blank face, "Cally enjoyed it."

"Oh," Vila said morosely. "That's nice." He looked up suddenly. "Cally enjoyed it?"

"I will bring a chemical analyzer to any future festivities."

"Avon." A grin spread across Vila's face. "I have more of that…chemical. In case you wanted to do an analysis." His tone became suggestive. "A complete analysis."

"All knowledge is useful."

"And I bet Cally would love to know its chemical composition."

At that, the corners of Avon's mouth twitched in the hint of a smile.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Argus felt much better. Or rather, he didn't feel like dying, the Wolf was no longer howling and whimpering inside his head – who knew the creature was such a wimp when it came to hangovers (grrrr) – though he couldn't feel anything above the neck. He wasn't sure if that was a good sign but he was glad the pain was gone.

He studied himself in the reflective surface, straightening the collar, needlessly brushing the sleeves and breathing deeply. The dark navy dress uniform with mandarin collars and fringed in silver, courtesy of Reya, was an Athol one with Commander markings.

I can do this. He took in a deep calming breath, determined to do his best for Reya.

"How do you feel?" she came to stand beside him, slipping her arm around his waist as she studied their reflections. She was in a similar uniform and her face had a slightly modified look of the makeover with more subdued colours.

"Like my first day on parade." He hugged her closer and marvelled how perfectly they fit together.

"I know you're nervous."

"I haven't managed to say anything wrong yet at least." There was a wry grin on his face.

She leaned her head on his shoulder. "You'll do fine."

"You would say that even if I fell flat on my face."

"I'm nervous too."

Argus's brows lifted. "You?"

"It's a big responsibility." The warmth and solidity of his body made Reya feel as if they could face anything together.

"Should I lose some weight?"

Reya smiled. "Don't change anything."

"Not even my tendency to put my foot in my mouth around you?"

"That's one of your many endearing qualities."

Argus sighed and turned to look into her eyes. They were a great deal softer today than they normally were. "You're wonderful."

"That's the alcohol talking."

"Probably."

She gave him a playful punch on the arm. "Ouch."

The door chime sounded. A muffled voice said, "Commanders, its time."

**********

They walked side-by-side, automatically in step, to the bonding hall. Lt. Dain had gone on ahead to set things in motion.

Reya looked down at their matching booted feet. "We're marching."

Argus looked down too as they rounded a corner and the wide double doors of the hall appeared at the end of the corridor. "Yes?"

She sighed. "Nothing." They were both life-time soldiers, it was natural.

His hand reached for hers as they neared the doorway. Lt. Dain, who looked very handsome and serious in his own uniform, was waiting for them.

"Can't we go in together?" asked Argus, whose stomach was doing somersaults.

"It's tradition."

He sighed. "I don't like tradition." The Wolf sniffed in agreement.

"It's only for a few minutes." She squeezed his hand before she let go. "Lt. Dain."

Dain stood at attention, gave them the Athol military salute of fist over heart, and bowed. "Commanders. It's an honour sirs. I wish you both light in the darkness and hearts that are forever young."

"That's much appreciated, Lieutenant." Reya acknowledged the Athol blessing and returned one in reply. "And may you find your own light."

Dain nodded formally.

"That's nice, Dain. I never knew you were a poet," said Argus.

"He's an artist," said Reya.

Dain cleared his throat in embarrassment. "I wouldn't know about that, sir."

"Yes, I remember the art lesson in the cargo hold." There was a light teasing grin on Argus's face.

"I think, they're all waiting for you, sirs." The tips of Dain's ears were starting to take on a reddish tinge. "We'd better go in."

Argus took a deep breath, held it for a few seconds and let it out slowly. "Let's do this then." He took Reya's hand and pressed his lips to it. "I'll see you on the other side."

**********

A hush descended over the packed cargo hold as Argus and Reya appeared on opposite sides of the room, ready to begin a walk that would bring them together in the centre. On a raised platform stood Admiral Tarkov in full military dress, the front of his uniform a sea of colourful campaign and honour ribbons. The room was draped in light and dark blue fabrics, with bits of silver glinting like bright stars.

The crew stood as one as the sombre music began and the two Commanders walked towards the platform. Their eyes were only for each other as all eyes were focused on them. Shadows danced merrily along the walls in celebration.

Argus and Reya reached the platform together, hands reaching out for each other as if they were magnets naturally drawn together. A peal of bright bells tinkled when their hands touched. It was a moment of truth that made everyone draw in bated breaths.

They ascended the few steps, two strong individuals already joined together, a formidable bulwark against the coming storms. At the top they faced the Admiral, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Cally and Avon sat in the front and she conveyed the details to him as they occurred.

* They're handsome together. I wish you could see them, Avon. They're both wearing the navy blue and silver uniform of Athol. *

* Appropriate. *

The Admiral raised his hands above their heads. "Please be seated."

Everyone took their seats, their eyes intent on the platform.

"I have known Drel Argus for a long time. He is an honourable man. A brave man. A leader of men. Very few can stand against him and win. But most of all, he is a man of compassion and integrity who would be the first to rush to anyone's aid."

Avon remarked to Cally, * Another idealistic dreamer. *

* You mean, like Blake? Is that why you like Argus? *

He turned his head towards her. * I don't believe 'like' was in my description. *

* Wait a moment. * Cally's 'eyes' opened up inside Avon's head and blinked. * You knew Argus first. You were drawn to him from the beginning. Is that…* Her eyes were deep in thought. *…why you believed in Blake? Despite your conflicts with him? *

* You are surmising I was subconsciously 'looking' for Jack? Interesting theory. *

* And your constant conflict with Blake was because of the ways he wasn't like Jack. *

* An unsubstantiated theory at best. *

* You're not saying it's an improbable one? *

* Anything is possible. *

The Admiral continued, "I don't know you Commander Reve but from the little Argus has told me, you appear to be a legendary creature who couldn't possibly be real." He smiled on them both with fondness. "But from my own observations, you are a perfect match. You are people of strength and integrity and your love for each other is true. So it is my pleasure to perform this bonding ceremony for you."

Kirsten sat in the second row with Sester. Occasionally she would glance over at his reaction but his face gave away nothing. He seemed amused, but then he usually did.

Vila and Corinne sat near them, their hands joined and eyes glistening. She leaned against him.

"Reya Reve and Drel Argus. These are my words of blessing and bonding for you." The Admiral's voice was grave but there was affection in his eyes. "May your lives be graced with good health. May you always find happiness in your journeys. May you be a refuge for each other from the storms of life. May your love grow ever stronger as you share your lives together, and may your future be even more wonderful than you dreamed possible."

He paused and nodded to Argus.

Argus took Reya's right hand and placed it over his heart. "Reya, I offer myself to be bonded to you. You are my better half. The greatest joy of my life. You are the light in my darkness, without you, my life would not be worth living. All I have is myself. It's not much but it is all yours if you'll have me."

Reya took Argus's other hand and placed it over her heart. "I do." She squeezed his hand. "Argus, I offer myself to be bonded to you. I never thought I would be able to find anyone I could give my life to. I never expected that someone like you could exist. You make me complete. With you, I feel that we can do anything and face all dangers together without fear. You make me a better person than I am. The fire of your passion inspires me. I may have many things that others may consider valuable, but in my eyes, they pale in comparison next to you. All I have and all I am, I offer up to you, if you'll have me."

Argus felt the start of a howl at the base of his throat and squashed it before it could emerge. His eyes seemed to be having trouble focusing, Reya's face was slightly blurry. "With all my heart."

One's eyes are wet, said the Wolf.

No, they're not.

The Admiral announced, "Then by the authority invested in me as the senior official of a ship in space, I declare that Reya Reve and Drel Argus are bonded. And if anyone dares tear them apart, they will answer to me."

The room erupted in cheers and shouts of elation as everyone rose to their feet, throwing bright streamers high into the air that burst into a rainbow of colours. Eyes were moist with tears of joy and everyone rushed forward to congratulate the happy couple.

The Wolf lifted its head and let off a full-throated howl of joy that filled the room and echoed through the corridors of the ship.