Looking down at the Cerberus' half frozen corpse, Dorian Wright sighed a deep breath of relief. It took nearly two weeks for them to make it out to the New Republic, a week too late to help fight off Tegan's assault, and he was just thankful that they arrived to something more than debris floating in space. They would have been there a lot sooner had it not been for Margaret's insistence that they prepare to fight Tegan on their own incase he was to have come out of the conflict victorious, gathering not only the most advanced mobile suits they could find but the best pilots available as well in preparation for one last showdown with the Cerberus, though in the long run he too knew it was the right move. Walking into what could have easily been a trap with no way to fight back would have proven disastrous. "So he's finally dead." He stated out loud as he looked up to Admiral Krupp and the young colonel beside him, then to Margaret who remained uncomfortable despite knowing that the man who had caused her such pain and disgrace was gone.

"It would seem so. As powerful as he was, there is no coming back from this." Krupp replied, locking his hands together behind his back as he took a deep breath. "I do apologize for the condition of the body. Had we known you would be coming to pick him up we would not have attempted to put him long-term storage." He added as Geoff grinned. "And we would have cleaned up a little better too, though if you think that this is bad, you should see what he did inside of Hagen. We were making good progress laying out the city center, but that all went to shit pretty fast when he showed up." The man stated as Dorian turned towards them.

"Well it doesn't seem like you will be behind schedule for long. You've got a pretty dedicated and passionate workforce carving that rock out. I'm sure you'll be emigrating to it in no time." The counselor added. They had expected a massacre, a graveyard of radioactive debris and lifeless bodies, but what they found was a society in the earliest stages of recovery and an economic growth that was further bolstered by the arrival of much needed supplies from Earth's first convoy; itself believed to have been lost to the Cerberus enroute to the New Republic. "I still wish it wouldn't have gone this far. Tegan was quite the skilled and resourceful opponent, but I feel responsible for his escape from Earth, as well as the damage done to New Hagen. If we would have been able to keep him on the ground-"

"There is nothing more you could have done, Counselor. Like you said, Tegan was not only skilled, but quite resourceful as well, and this combined with his charisma and relentless nature meant that he would have made his way here one way or another." Geoff interjected, cutting Dorian off as Margaret sighed and finally turned away from Tegan, her arms crossed. "Well it doesn't matter. It happened and it's over. Maybe now we can put this whole thing behind us." The woman said to which Dorian nodded. "I agree. Hopefully this will finally be the start of a truly peaceful and prosperous coexistence between the Earth, her colonies and the Republic of Zeon, putting to rest all of the hatred of the last thirty years."

Looking to Geoff, Admiral Krupp nodded. "The Earth Federation and the Republic of Zeon have long had their differences; differences that have driven us to war countless times since the first day of man's colonization of the stars. Those conflicts have resulted in harsh, deep seated scars that will never truly heal… to many our recent uprising has done nothing more than revive those scars. But I can ensure you that I have no intention of allowing the peace between the Republic of Zeon and Earth to falter ever again." He added, bringing Counselor Wright to grin. "I am truly happy to hear that Premier and I can say with absolute certainty that I plan to do the same. Our people have each been through enough, and I think it is about time we truly do everything possible to make sure nothing like this ever happens again."

"Speaking of which…" Dorian then stated as he motioned to one of the aides he had brought with him who stood off to the side, instructing him to come closer. Knowing what was being asked of him the man did as instructed and approached, pulling out a series of large envelopes nearly bursting at the seams with papers and handing them towards Krupp. "This is the formal peace treaty, as well some further trade and immigration agreements. I figured I would bring it with us, just incase the New Republic was left standing. In hindsight it's a good thing I did, or we would be making yet another long trip back out here." He continued as the admiral nodded and turned, handing the documents to General Ishim as he approached to receive them. "This is excellent, Counselor. If you are willing to stay a while we can head to the office and take care of all of this now. It will take some time for the dock workers to refill your vessel." Krupp then questioned to which Dorian nodded. "That sounds like a plan to me. The crew can handle the rest of the business here on their own, including putting our friend here back in storage aboard the Horizon." Wright replied, placing his hand on the translucent storage box holding Tegan's body.

With his arms crossed Geoff watched the counselor's motions and tilted his head a bit to the side in curiosity. "If you don't mind me asking, what exactly do you plan to do with the body?" He asked as Margaret looked back to Tegan for a moment before returning her eyes to Geoff. "We will take it with us but it won't come back to Earth. We will destroy it and spread the remains out into space. Most of those who knew of the situation believed Tegan drowned in Cordova's Harbor, and it is best that it stays that way." The woman explained as Geoff again nodded. "Yeah, that's probably the best choice. I'm sure there are still supporters of the late Cerberus lingering around and the last thing you want is them making him out to be any more of the martyr the believe him to be."

"That is the last thing we want, Colonel. As you suspected there are likely those who supported Tegan living amongst the population as refugees. It is best if it stays that way." Dorian agreed as he now looked to Tegan's corpse and tilted his head. "You know, you never did say who finally took him down, only that he was defeated by your men." He stated as Krupp lifted his head up a bit. "It wasn't just one person, really. Lieutenant Dietrich brought his suit down and then proceeded to fight him on foot before a group of our guardsmen as well as Major Hughes and Petty Officer Kriets arrived and ultimately shot the man to death, as you can see." He explained as Dorian watched the Cerberus' painless, lifeless face; his shredded, broken body matching the tale. "The men stationed at Cordova when he escaped said that he managed to take off with quite a powerful, irregular mobile suit. How did the boy make out fighting him? We saw what remained of his suit in the docks... did he survive?" He asked, looking between the three men in front of him before focusing on Geoff as Krupp motioned for him to explain.

"The two of them fought tooth and nail to kill one another, literally fighting until their suits gave out and then taking to fight to one another on foot. He won, but was torn up pretty good during the fight. Tegan even shot him in the side. If it hadn't been for the group that killed Tegan, he wouldn't be with us right now." He explained as both Dorian and Margaret listened intently. "Where is he now?" She questioned.

"He's at home recovering under Carina's care, or at least that is what he is supposed to be doing. It's what he better be doing. The doctors wanted him to stay at the hospital until he had recovered further, but he insisted that he wanted to be at home." Geoff replied as the two Federal emissaries looked to one another. After a moment of silence Dorian nodded and turned back to the admiral. "Premier, do you think that we could possibly stop by to see them? I have something for them as well and I would prefer to give it to them in person, especially after everything they've been through." He questioned as Krupp's eyes widened. He was aware of what he may have for the two of them, but he was partially surprised to find he felt the need to deliver it in person. "If that is you want, then of course. I will need to check to make sure the two of them are up for visitors first, if that is alright. Geoff-" Krupp replied, looking to his colonel who was already typing on his phone. "Already on it."

Reading Geoff's text message a few minutes after her phone originally rang, Tome's eyes widened, catching Carina's attention as the girl continued to wash dishes to her right. "Is everything alright? Don't tell me something else is happening." She questioned as Tome looked to her and shook her head, answering the message swiftly before sliding the phone in her pocket and resuming her task of putting away what food remained from their dinner. With her due date rapidly approaching Tome had been spending much of her time in the company of others just in case she should go into labor, although Carina didn't mind. With Amaury still in rough shape it was nice to have an extra hand around.

"No, everything's okay. Just Geoff checking on Amaury, that's all." She replied in a bit of a white lie, not wanting to work them up with the knowledge that another ship had arrived from outside of their own little world, even if they were friendly. The news that there was no news brought a small smile to Carina's face as she placed the last bowl on the drying rack and moved on to the largest pot used to cook their dinner. "Well that's good." She stated before turning around to face Amaury as he sat up on the couch, having just spent the past few minutes since dinner laying down to rest. "Do you need help?" He asked as his lover grinned and shook her head. "No babe, we've got it. You just need to lay down and rest: Doctor Emerson's orders!" She replied, to which Amaury nodded and slowly laid back down on the couch with a silent grunt of pain, returning his attention to the television in the room.

Looking back to Tome the girl sighed contently under her breath. "Thank you again for helping me these last few days, Tome. It's really made the difference." Carina said quietly so that Amaury couldn't hear her. She knew he viewed himself as more of a burden than anything else right now and that he would much rather be helping them as opposed to watching some sort of local reality television show, but she knew he shouldn't be on his feet. It had only been a little over a week since he was nearly killed, and although he was back on his feet with the help of a new prosthetic limb that mimicked his last, he was far from recovered. The bullet shot into his side by the side had nearly pierced his lung, leaving a serious wound that would take time to heal and his body was covered in bruises and stitches, including the large gash that crossed over his face. Atop of this both of his eyes still showed a pink tinge from the dual subconjunctival hemorrhages he sustained and he once more seemed to have contracted an infection that held him under the weather.

Watching Amaury as well, Tome nodded and smiled before closing the containers in front of her and moving them individually to the refrigerator. "Don't mention it, yo. I don't mind helping." She replied as Carina smiled and continued cleaning the pot. Setting it down on the drying rack as well, she washed and dried her hands before heading into the living room with Tome. "Well, how was dinner?" Tome questioned the boy laying on the couch as she sat down on the opposite side of the room from him. "It was good. Don't get too comfortable cooking with Carina though, I'll be back on my feet in no time." He replied with a nod and a sarcastic grin as Tome scoffed. "Yeah, no. Don't get your hopes up." She mocked, causing Carina to giggle. "She's right babe. There will be plenty more meals to cook." She added, sitting down on the edge of the couch near his torso.

Gently she reached over his injured side and placed the back of her right hand on his forehead, feeling the warmth of his skin. "How are you feeling?" She asked as Amaury shrugged. "I'm alright, just really tired. And sore." He replied. "They have you on some pretty strong pain killers for the time being, so you are going to feel that way. I'm surprised you are even awake." Carina responded, running her hand through his hair before kissing his lips gently. "You will feel better soon. I promise."

"He better feel better soon, you are supposed to get married in two weeks!" Tome added as she carefully lifted her legs up onto the couch and folded them underneath her. Following everything that had happened the two had decided to go forward with their marriage, and as they were not planning to have an extravagant wedding in the first place and given the fact that everyone who was going to be invited was already present there was little reason not to have it sooner than later. "He will be ready by then, I know it. To be honest I'm more concerned whether or not I will be. I haven't found a venue to host the ceremony or the reception, let alone had time to buy a dress." Carina replied as Tome tilted her head. "Why didn't you say something sooner? My father knows all sorts of places around the colonies to host events… mostly benefits and board meetings to schmooze over clients, but I'm sure one of them would love to host the wedding of two of the New Republic's heroes!"

Hearing Tome both Carina and Amaury's eyes returned to her in surprise. "Really?" The boy asked as Tome nodded. "Yeah, I'll text him right now! I can't believe you didn't you tell me this until right now." She hummed as she pulled out her phone and began to do as she said. "That would be great Tome, really, really great. Once I know where we are having it, I can write all of the invitations and hand them out. It's going to be short notice so I need to get on it." Carina replied, once again peaking Tome's interest.

"Oh, I can help with that as well! And for your dress, did you plan on going military style or something more traditional? What about you, Amaury?" She questioned as Carina shrugged. "Well, we talked about it, and Amaury is going to wear his dress uniform. I on the other hand am going with a dress… I've always dreamed it would be that way. But don't worry, I have something special to represent the New Republic, thanks to Admiral Krupp." She replied with a smile as Tome clapped her hands together. "Alright, well it is decided then! We will go tomorrow!" She exclaimed as Carina looked to Amaury and shook her head. "I'm glad you are excited to help Tome, but I don't think I should leave Amaury alone." The girl contested though immediately Tome did the same. "What?! Come on, Amaury will be fine for an hour or two! Look, he's enjoying this TV show so much I bet he will just sit here and watch it all day!"

"Actually I'm not sure what it is we are watching, but I'm not a big fan." Amaury chimed in, forcing Tome to point at him as his drowsy eyes shifted to meet hers. "Hey, hey! Quiet! Come on Carina, I promise I will have you home before noon! I'm sure he will stay out of trouble." She continued to argue as Carina sighed and looked to Amaury. "What do you think?" She asked as Amaury smiled. "She's right babe. I will be alright. Besides… I can't see you in your dress until the wedding. You will need to take Tome regardless." He stated as Tome snapped her fingers and pointed at him with a wink. "There we go, it's settled! Tomorrow morning, you and me; shooooooopping!" She laughed, causing the two others to do the same though Amaury stopped halfway through and grabbed at his wounded side. "Stop Tome, your killing me." He grunted as his pained laugh slowly tapered off, leaving Carina shaking her head as Tome continued. "Imagine that, Tegan couldn't kill you but I can. You are ridiculous."

Finishing her head shake Carina looked towards Amaury and took his hand in hers, gently rubbing the back of his hand with her thumb. "It's feels so unreal, doesn't it? Like it was only a week ago that we were sitting on that roof in Heaven's End. Before then I would have never thought I would be getting married… but now, with everything we've been through, with how you make me feel, I couldn't ever imagine anything but this." She said softly with blushing cheeks as Amaury smiled. "I feel the same, my Carina." He replied, gently squeezing her hand. He would be lying if he wasn't fully ready to commit his entire life to her and every day that passed he found those feelings growing stronger. "I'm ready for this." Amaury added, prompting Carina to smile and lean forward, carefully kissing him again. "So am I."

In silence Tome watched their embrace before all three shifted their attention towards the front door as a knock pierced the silence in the room. "Well that was fast." She blurted out as she quickly unfolded her legs and jumped up onto her feet, walking towards the door as the two lovers across from her watch in confusion. "Were you expecting someone?" Carina questioned as Tome grinned, reaching out for the door's lock in the process. "I mean, we all were. I just didn't say anything." She replied as she stood on her toes to look through the apartment door's peephole, spotting Geoff's face looking back almost immediately. "Geoff told me not to tell you, but a ship from Earth arrived a while ago. Pierce and that counselor came to make sure that Tegan hadn't destroyed the New Republic." She stated as she turned the latch and unlocked the door, stepping back to allow Geoff to open it, revealing himself, Admiral Krupp and both Margaret Pierce and Dorian Wright. "Annnd, now there are here."

"Admiral, Geoff. We didn't know you were going to stop by, especially not with guests from Earth." Carina stated in surprise while standing up as they walked into the apartment, Amaury trying to do the same with a grunt as Geoff shook his head. "To be fair I didn't expect to be here either." He replied, motioning for Amaury to take it easy as Margaret shut the door behind them. "That is completely our fault Major, I'm sorry. Once we heard what happened I thought it was important to check up on our hero here." Dorian stated as he stood next to Admiral Krupp, looking over the boy's wounded body. He was covered in bruises and bandages from his fae down to his fingertips and he could see that he was having a hard time moving, struggling to finally come to a sitting position on the couch.

"No, it's fine Counselor, I just simply did not expect it. If I would have known you were all coming I would have cleaned up, maybe made something special to snack on like one of my grandmother's pies. We might have even been able to make it down to the docks to save you the trouble of coming all the way here." Carina explained as Geoff smirked. "And that is exactly why I asked Tome not to say anything. You have enough to worry about between Amaury's recovery, the fleet's repairs and most importantly your approaching wedding." He added as Carina half-smiled and nodded in partial understanding, watching rom the corner of her eye as Dorian approached the two of them. "How are you holding up?" He asked as the boy lifted himself up onto his elbows. "I'm alright, now at least." He replied as Dorian smirked. "Can't keep you down, can they?" He replied while motioning for Carina to sit back down beside Amaury and waiting until she did before asking if he could sit in turn.

"Of course." She replied, sliding down next to Amaury and helping support him in a sitting position as Dorian sat. "Well Lieutenant it seems you finally did it. You defeated the mad Cerberus and secured what we all hope will be a long lasting peace, both for the New Republic as well as the Earth Federation." He began with a grin as the young pilot shook his head. "I only shot him down. It was Carina, Douglas and the soldiers who killed him." The humble boy replied, causing Dorian to grin as he did so. "That is what I hear, and I will make sure to thank them all equally as well before I go. Major?" He stated, looking to Carina who shook her head now as well. "Don't thank me, Counselor. I wasn't doing it for anyone other than Amaury… I wasn't going to let Tegan take him away from me. And please, call me Carina." She replied, looking to Amaury as he smiled.

Hearing her words the Counselor smiled. "I understand that and I find that be one of the most heroic things I have ever heard. You set off to help him on foot, knowing that his enemy may very well have still been in a functional mobile suit. You, Lieutenant Kreits and the others could have been killed, but you continued anyway, and because of that Tegan can no longer plague our world with his hatred fueled delusions. It is for that reason that I have no regret in allowing such a strong, intelligent young woman like yourself to have this." Dorian continued as he reached into his jacket and pulled from it yet another large brown envelope before promptly handing it to Carina, who looked down at it in confusion. "Oh, er… what is it?" She questioned out loud with a blush as Dorian laughed. "Well I'm not going to tell you, you have to open it."

Still not entirely sure of what the man was handing her, Carina looked to Amaury who motioned for her to do as the Dorian said, which she then did with little delay. Carefully she slid her finger under the envelope sealed flap and opened it, pulling out the documents inside and setting them on her lap, though as she began to read her eyes widened and a silence came over her. "What is it babe?" Amaury questioned as Tome, who had returned to her own seated position across the room, leaned forward the best she could in anticipation. "Yeah come on Carina, don't keep us waiting! What is it?!"

"I-It's…" Carina stuttered as she swallowed, her hands nearly trembling as she did so. "It's a letter… an invitation from the dean of Von Braun's Engineering Institute… it says that under suggestion from Counselor Dorian Wright of the Earth Federation's Council, h-he is delighted to extend an open invitation for me to return to V-Von Braun to finish my doctorate in mechanical engineering." She said, looking up to Wright with wide eyes. "T-This… how? I know that a man in your position has quite the political pull, but with everything we've done, with or acts against Earth… how did you get them to agree to this?" She questioned as Dorian grinned and lifted his chin up as if to show off. "Well it just so happens that the dean of the Institute is an old buddy of mine from my early navy days. The VBEI shares a close connection to Anaheim Electronics, and after I mentioned how I had met the mechanical genius who designed the high performance versions of the antiquated mobile suits used in the uprising and that you had been a former student turned freedom fighter in light of the issues plaguing our world, he was more than happy to work out some way for you to return." Dorian stated with a grin as he looked over his shoulder at Margaret, who watched the girl's reaction with a slight yet content smile.

"The offer is good for quite some time, so if you are interested all you need to do is let me know when and we will get things all set up. Sound good?" The counselor questioned as the stunned, teary eyed girl looked to her lover for his input. "Amaury?" She asked to which the boy smiled and gently nodded, as if he would be anything but supporting of her dreams. "Of course." He replied as Carina's lips formed into a wide, red-cheeked smile. "Y-Yes, absolutely! " She replied as Dorian smiled, though his attention turned to Amaury as the boy opened his mouth to speak. "What about her family? Will she be able to see them?" He asked as Carina's eyes locked to him and then back to Wright in curiosity. She had forgotten that being able to see her parents again was part of their deal in the first place, but now the prospect of it had her heart racing inside of her chest.

Without hesitation Dorian's grin grew. "Of course! That was part of our deal, wasn't it? Carina will be allowed to not only contact her family, but to see them once again. My only request is that you avoid traveling to Earth for the time being and instead have them come to the moon. This is just a precaution as I don't want to risk some zealot targeting you or Amaury. Is that alright?" He questioned, but Carina didn't even care to hear the restrictions he mentioned as her mind and heart became suddenly overloaded with happiness. She would be allowed to finish the degree she worked so hard for and see her mother, father and brothers again? Was she dreaming; could this be real? All of their hopes for the future were coming true.

"Carina?" Amaury questioned after a moment with a hint of concern as the girl turned to look at him; her confused, blank stare quickly turning to a wide grin as tears of joy streamed down her face. "Y-Yes, I understand. I-I…" She stuttered, trying to think of what she should say before deciding not to say anything. Instead the girl leaned forward and threw her arms around the man's neck in a tight hug. "Thank you, thank you, thank you so much! You have no idea how much this means to me!" She exclaimed with a high pitched, almost cracking squeal, causing Geoff and the Admiral to laugh as the others looked on in amusement, including Captain Pierce.

Embracing the hug the flustered Counselor grinned, clearing his throat as the woman sat back down beside her soon to be husband and grabbed his hand excitedly. "Well I wasn't expecting that. But you are more than welcome. Consider it an early wedding gift." He stated as the others laughed before turning his attention to Amaury. "What about you Amaury, will you be joining us on Von Braun? Obviously you are welcome to come along as well." The counselor stated as Amaury grinned. "Anywhere Carina goes, I will too." The boy replied as Dorian laughed under his breath and nodded. He wasn't the least bit surprised that he answered like this, though he appreciated his dedication.

"But what will you do there while Carina is at class? I don't particularly take you as the kind of guy who sits around doing nothing. Your fellow republicans will be setting up the first New Republic of Zeon embassy in the Earth's Sphere right in Von Braun City soon and I'm sure they wouldn't mind a hand." He continued, looking back to the Admiral and Geoff. "Premier Krupp also mentioned that you and Carina have opted to move out into what is planned to be agricultural districts. Farming is quite the noble, peaceful profession; would you have any interest in taking some agriculture classes while you are with us? Von Braun is at the top when it comes to the newest, most effective space-based farming methods." He asked as Amaury tilted his head a bit to the side. He hadn't anticipated undergoing any kind of schooling while he was there and was planning to spend most of his time supporting Carina and doing whatever he could to lighten her load, especially since he never finished high school. Did the counselor know this, or did it not matter? "I will think about it, Counselor." The boy stated as Dorian smiled and slowly nodded.

Standing back up to his feet, Dorian placed both of his hands in his coat pocket before contently sighing. "Well, we have taken up enough of your time for one night. We just figured we would come make sure you were all in one piece with our own eyes." He stated as Carina's attention returned to the counselor. "No it's okay Counselor. You, Captain Pierce, Admiral Krupp and of course Geoff are welcome to stay as long as you want." She contested though the man smiled and shook his head. "That is very kind of you, but we will be setting out for Earth as soon as we are finished refueling and resupplying for the journey home, and with some final documentation for the peace treaty needing to be attended to we really should be on our way. I will however take you up on that pie offer when we meet on Von Braun." He added, causing Carina to smile as she sheepishly nodded in reply. "Of course."

With that Dorian turned and motioned to Margaret as the woman looked to the two young lovers on the couch with a small grin. "Good luck with everything. Fighting a war is one thing, but marriage is something else completely." She added in a playful yet stern manner before following behind her leader back out into the apartment building's main hallway and shortly after by their Republic hosts who closed the apartment door behind them on their way out, leaving the three young men and women in a brief silence that broke as Tome spun to Carina with a loud squeal. "Carina!" She exclaimed in excitement as the girl grinned from ear to ear, holding the papers in her hands close to her chest. "I know. I know! This is amazing, I..." She replied, looking back down at the invitation before turning to the equally excited boy beside her. Without him none of this would be possible and she wouldn't ever return to Von Braun or see her family again.

With lingering tears Carina bit her lip and set the papers in her hand down on the coffee table before reaching forward and gently wrapping her arms around Amaury's neck. She had never been as happy as she was in this moment when everything she had ever dreamed seemed so real, forcing her to think back over everything they had been through. From Operation Duality to the Liberation, their journey to Earth and now finally in their promised land; he had kept every promise he had ever made to her, all the way back to his first promise to keep her safe before they even left Dresden for the first time. "My Amaury… thank you. For everything." She whispered softly in his ear as his arms carefully wrapped around her lower back, pulling her tightly into him in a loving embrace. "Don't thank me, my Carina. Everything I've done, I've done for you." He whispered in reply as she giggled softly and let go of his neck, sliding her arms down his into she reached his hands at which point she calmly stared into his eyes.

"I love you my Amaury, more than anything in the whole world." She said, softly squeezing his hands as he smiled back. "I love you too my Carina. You are my world." He added, causing her to blush as she leaned forward and kissed his lips lovingly several times as Tome silently covered her eyes. "Alright, alright you two! Save it for the wedding day!" The girl exclaimed as Caring giggled, pulling her lips from Amaury's and pressing her forehead to his. "A day that can't come fast enough." She whispered as the boy smiled and nodded without breaking the deep connections now established between their eyes. The day they had been dreaming about for so long was now so close they could almost hear their wedding bells ringing; a sound that drowned out all the gunfire and explosions they had endured to get here by far. "I guess she's right… she didn't come here for dinner and a show." Amaury replied with a grin as Tome stuck her tongue out in disgust, causing Carina to giggle once more. "Yeah, I guess." She replied, though a moment later she playfully pushed Amaury on his back and again began to kiss him as Tome shrieked. "WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST SAY?!"

Two weeks passed quickly and before anyone knew it the small group of invited wedding guests found themselves gathered at a small church in one of Dresden's more high-class districts, waiting silently to watch the marriage of their two close friends. The wedding party was not extraordinarily large nor was the ceremony expected to be excessively lavish, but everyone Carina and Amaury cared about were in attendance, and that was all that mattered. In a stern, eyes-forward pose Admiral Krupp stood at the end of the aisle at the altar, watching from the corner of his eye as the nervous husband-to-be tried to remain calm with a grin. He remembered feeling just as nervous on his own wedding day, though at that point in time neither he nor his wife had ever been through anything quite like these two had been, making him wonder what the boy could possibly be nervous about.

"A little nervous, are we?" He asked out loud, his voice drowned out by the idle conversations taking place in the crowd, though Amaury could hear him and turned his head towards the man with a small nod. "Yeah, a little." He replied as Krupp smirked. "Well relax. Everything is going to go as planned, so really you are worked up over nothing. Besides, once Carina sees you in that uniform, I'm sure she will be far more flustered than you. You are quite the dapper-looking young man, and that uniform suits you well." The Admiral responded as Amaury laugh nervously and looked down at himself. He was one of the first soldiers of the New Republic to be issued their newest Class-A uniform in preparation for this day, and while it surely was a great improvement over the designs of old in his eyes, he was still unsure what Carina would think; especially since there was still large bandage running across his face. "Thank you Admiral, but that's not what I'm worried about. Though I have to ask… is it always going to be so uncomfortable?"

Hearing his comment Krupp immediately laughed under his breath and shook his head. "No, not always. It gets better. This is why I told you to wash it first." He replied as the boy shook his head as well and looked out to the closed church doors in expectation before running his eyes briefly through the small crowd, focusing on the front row filled with their friends, all of which were in attendance, including Tome who, despite the fact that she had yet to give birth to the twins, was able to find the fanciest dress she could fit into for the occasion. "I'm just worried I won't be able to be the man carina needs me to be." Amaury added while watching as Marcus gave him a thumbs up, drawing Krupp's attention once again. "What do you mean?" He asked as the boy looked back to him.

"I know Carina loves me, I really do, I just… the whole time she has known me I have been a pilot; a soldier. Now that the war is over, what will I do? I have no education, no practical skills…" He began to reply, looking down at his artificial leg with a small frown. With a fake limb it would be difficult for him to find normal work under a stressful environment, how would he provide for her and the children they dreamed of? "I feel like I am going to be useless… a burden." Amaury added as Krupp stared at him from a moment before taking a deep breath to resist the urge to slap some sense into the boy.

"Amaury, she doesn't care about your education or your skillset, and she hasn't stayed with you through all of this just to decide now she can't live with you outside of your suit. She's a smart girl, she knows what she's getting into, and if she had even the slightest doubt this wasn't the right decision, she wouldn't be going through with this. She loves you more than I think even you understand." He retorted, watching as the boy's eyes perked up a bit at his words. What Krupp was saying was not only right, it was the truth. Carina couldn't ever view him as a burden, even if he truly was, and he was foolish to believe so. "You are right, Admiral. I guess I really don't have anything to worry about." Amaury replied with a small grin as Krupp smirked. "Of course I'm right. That's why they put me in charge. At least for the time being." He laughed, turning his attention back to the main doors to the church as they slowly opened and the audio system began to play the most traditional of wedding songs, indicating it was time for the wedding to begin.

Once again the nervous flutter in Amaury's chest returned as from the nearly blinding light outside of the church emerged Geoff, whose uniform was almost identical to Amaury's save for their ranking insignia, and Carina, holding onto the Colonel's arm as they calmly moved down the aisle towards them. "There she is Amaury. My god does she look just stunning." Krupp whispered to the wide eyed boy as he stared at his fiancee in pure infatuation. According to the traditions of old he hadn't seen Carina in her wedding dress until this very moment, but the wait was worth it. It was just as elegant as he imagined it would be, but when combined with her long flowing black hair that ran down her back, he couldn't help but open his mouth in wonder, causing the girl to take notice as she felt the emotion welling up inside of him. She too was in awe at his handsome appearance and the thrill of the moment, and couldn't contain herself from blushing darker by the second.

After what seemed like an eternity the two found themselves standing directly before the Admiral and Amaury, at which point Krupp motioned to Geoff who promptly nodded and turned to his star pilot and friend. "She's quite a special woman, Amaury. You better take care of her." He stated as Amaury grinned. "I will, don't worry." He stated back, waiting until Geoff had let go of Carina's hands to take them in his own as Geoff returned to his seat and Carina moved into place across from him on Krupp's other side. Now that she was close he could see that her bangs had been tied around her head into a braid atop the rest of her hair, and that around her neck she wore a gold necklace bearing the New Republic of Zeon's insignia, which he assumed was the gift from Admiral Krupp she had spoke of several times before. "You look absolutely beautiful." Amaury stated as he stared into Carina's deep green eyes, causing her to blush deeper and giggle nervously behind her hand. "Thank you. And you look so very, very handsome." She replied just as the music stopped and the Admiral took a deep breath in preparation for the speech he had prepared for this exact occasion.

"Friends, brothers in arms… family. Today we have gathered to officiate the love between two of our very close friends, Major Carina Hughes and Lieutenant Amaury Dietrich: a relationship I know many of you have watched flourish and grow from its very beginning, and one that I have seen develop into what must be one of the best examples of true love and compassion I have ever seen." He began as the two lovers stared into one another's eyes with a mix of anxiety and excitement that filled the air. "I can recall meeting both of these fine youngsters little over a year ago. Carina is one of the brightest minds that may have ever graced Side 3 and truly stuck out from the rest, not because of her intellect but because of her desire to help others despite having no connection to Side 3 whatsoever. This desire to help was what also brought Amaury to our aid as well, and I should have known this mutual desire between the two of them would lead to something more than friendship, especially after watching how the two of them stared at one another the very first time the met. Kind of how they are right now." He teased, causing everyone in the room to laugh including the bride and groom, both of which knew exactly what he was speaking of.

Thinking back on that moment in the training room of The Movement's headquarters Amaury never would have imagined their life would play out like this. Over time he had come to understand that the feelings he denied having for her in the beginning were very real in that moment, but never in his wildest dreams would he have imagined he would end up falling in love with that bright eyed girl he met that day, let alone become her husband. "I love you." He whispered quietly as Krupp spoke over them, telling the crowd a story about love and commitment as Carina smiled wider. "I love you too." She replied, gingerly rubbing her thumbs over the back of his hands as she did so. She hadn't thought that the ambitious, awkward yet cute boy she met that night would be the one she would fall for either, but she couldn't be more blessed that it was Amaury she would fall head over heels for. There was not a doubt in her mind that this man loved her more than the stars in the sky all around them, and knowing that there was nothing that would ever change that only furthered her commitment to him.

Listening to Krupp talk while simultaneously watched her two friends ogle each other, Tome subconsciously developed a content smile as her hands cradled her enlarged stomach. Seeing how happy her two closest friends were made her think back over the journey as well. All of the suffering and the pain, the hardship and death… it all seemed to be slowly fading as their future unfolded before them. The war was over, the New Republic was free, Carina and Amaury were getting married and soon she would have her two little bundles of joy to hold and care for; something she knew would be her own little bit of recovery, helping her to overcome the feelings of loneliness and loss she still harbored inside. Sam had been gone for some time now, but there wasn't a single day that had gone by she didn't think about him in some way, shape or form. Their time together was short, but it was time she would never forget.

Looking down the aisle to her left at Latty, Marcus, Naomi and Douglas, her smile only grew. If it hadn't been for the help of her friends she would had never been able to survive through this alone, and she was eternally grateful. Looking to her right her smile landed on Geoff who, upon noticing her gaze, gently nudged her arm with his elbow in a friendly manner, causing her smile to grow as they all laughed at another's of Krupp's jokes, though as he laughed died off the girl was suddenly overcome with a strange feeling that caused her to grunt under her breath.

Hearing the slight noise the girl emitted, Latty immediately shifted her attention from the boisterous man at the head of the altar to Tome, whose hands nervously rubbed her stomach. "Everything alright?" She questioned, causing Tome to look at her for a moment before darting her eyes back up to Amaury and Carina, who were preparing to finally take their vows. "What? Oh, yeah. I'm fine." She replied despite the fact that she could feel something slowly running down her leg, causing a look of discomfort to form on her face. She had been waiting for the twins for days now and the short wedding ceremony was almost over. Was this really happening right now?

Seeing Tome's face as she bit her lip served as a clear indicator of what was happening to Latty, whose eyes widened at the sudden realization that Tome was going into labor. "Tome, did… did your water just break?" She whispered as Tome's eyes grew wide as well and her head shook back and forth. "What? No. Ssh. They are almost done. I'm fine. Everything is good." Tome rapidly replied while returning her eyes to the altar, leading the Latty to look at her in concern. Was she really going to wait until the ceremony was over? Granted her water did just break and the hospital was not far from the church, but wasn't she the slightest bit concerned?

"Well, I think that it is time. As requested by the bride and groom this ceremony was intended to be rather short, and I do believe we have heard enough of this old man talking about the days of yore." The Admiral joked, looking down at the two before him with a smile. "Are you ready?" He questioned them and as both Amaury and Carina nodded, he began. "Bear with me, it has been quite some time since I conducted a wedding, and even then it was only a few." He stated, pulling from his pocket a pair of a reading glasses as well as a small notebook, causing a few more laughs as he flipped to the corresponding page and cleared his throat. "We will start with you, Lieutenant. Do you have the rings?" Krupp added as Amaury pulled the two wedding bands they had purchased and handed Carina his with a nervous smile, watching as tears already began to form in her eyes.

"Do you, Amaury Dietrich, take this woman to be your wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?" The Admiral asked as he looked to Amaury who smiled wide. "I do." He replied, placing Carina's ring on her finger and prompting Krupp to look to her next. "And do you, Major Hughes, take this man to be your wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?" He questioned, to which Carina, who bit her lip to hide back the flood of emotion coming over her, nodded. "Yes. Absolutely." The girl answered as she in turn placed Amaury's hand on his ring finger, causing Admiral Krupp to close the book in his hands as a wide grin formed over his lips. "Then it is settled. By the power vested in me by the New Republic of Zeon, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." He stated, and not a moment later the two leaned forward and kissed each other for the first time as husband and wife.

Instantly the crowd inside of the small church began to applaud and whistle, including Marcus who called out Amaury's name loudly though the two didn't flinch, holding their kiss for a moment or two before pulling away; each with a large, blush-ridden smile that expressed just how happy there were. "I present to all, for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Dietrich." Krupp announced as the two turned to face their friends before moving down the aisle towards the end of the church hand in hand. Waving and laughing, Amaury waited until they had made it out of the church's doors before picking Carina up in his arms as is tradition, kissing her once more as he spun her around; an act that surprised the woman given his leg and lingering injuries, but one that also drove her heart wild as the wind whipped through her hair, causing her to laugh wildly. "We did it Amaury! We're married!" She exclaimed between giggles as the boy's swing slowly came to a stop and he rested his forehead to hers. "We did. Finally, you and me… we are a family. I love you so much." He replied, pressing their lips together again as the others began to flood forth from the church to congratulate them.

Inside of the church however, Tome spun around to Latty and slapped her hands together, causing the others to look at her as well. "Yeah my water did break, soooo." She stated, instantly causing both men behind Latty to gasp in surprise. "What?!" Douglas exclaimed as Geoff placed a hand on her shoulder, causing her to turn and look at him. "Are you serious? Why didn't you say something earlier?" He questioned as Tome shrugged and motioned her head towards the now empty altar. "It was their day and I didn't want to ruin it. Plus, it was almost over when it happened." She replied as Geoff shook his head and sighed. "Do you really think they would be mad?" He asked, to which sheepishly shook her head, causing him to sigh. "Well, let's get going then." The colonel added, motioning for her and the others to follow before heading for the back exit of the Church in an attempt to avoid the crowd forming at the door.

Still shaking hands and hugging their friends at the entrance of the church, Carina and Amaury watched as Admiral Krupp emerged from the crowd and pulled them both into a hug. "Well, how does it feel? Any different yet?" He questioned with a chuckle as Carina giggled. "If I have to be honest, yes. Thank you so very, very much Admiral. These past few weeks have just been so amazing, especially today." She replied as Amaury nodded. "Yes, thank you sir. This was perfect." The boy added as the admiral grinned. "Oh there is no need for that. No need! Just keep in mind my name when that first baby comes around." He replied in a joking manner as both laughed, though from the corner of her eye Carina saw something rather peculiar; Tome being escorted in a hurry towards Geoff's SUV, which had been conveniently parked on the corner of the street nearest the church's entrance. "Hey! What's going on?" She called out as Amaury, the Admiral and several others turned to see who she was yelling at just as Tome was getting in the back seat, leaving Geoff to stop as he opened his own door. "Tome's water broke. It's always something. You coming? She will understand if not."

In shock Amaury spun towards his wife who, much to his surprise, had already grabbed his hand and began to pull them towards their own car through the crowd of guests. "Of course we are!" She yelled back as she looked to Amaury, though he immediately knew what she was going to ask. "Yeah, let's go. Did you bring all of our bags? I packed them last night, just incase." He replied with a grin as she nodded. "Yep, they are still there!" She replied as she reached her own door and attempted to sit down, only to get stuck. She hadn't worn her dress to the church that morning and had changed into it only right before the ceremony, so this type of struggle had not happened before. "Guah! Babe, help!" She exclaimed with a giggle as Amaury ran to her side of the car and freed her dress before cautiously tucking her in, shutting the door with a laugh of his own and returning to the passenger's seat to head off to the hospital.

A little over six hours later the group sat in Tome's hospital room, impatiently waiting for her to return after undergoing an emergency c-section to assist in the birth of the twins; a possibility Tome had been preparing for since very early on in her pregnancy. From what they had been told the surgery had gone as planned and that both Tome and the twins were doing fine, but many in the group of tight-knit friends were unable to relax until they saw it with their own eyes. "What is taking them so long?" Marcus questioned out loud as he looked around the rather crowded hospital room at the others, all of which had either changed from their wedding attire or made themselves as comfortable as possible. "They are just running some tests, Marcus. Her father said everything went well and that they will be here soon." Geoff replied, looking to the man as he sat on a long bench with Latty by his side while Douglas silently watched the nighttime streets below through the window.

"He's right Marcus, everything is fine. They just want to make sure our mama and the twins are healthy, that's all." Latty added as Marcus reluctantly sighed and nodded his head. "I guess you are right. I just hate sitting here, waiting." He replied as Geoff agreed, though he knew that talking about it wasn't going to make time go by any faster. Instead, he looked to the newlyweds sitting hand in hand next to one other on the other side of the room. Having been prepared, Carina and Amaury had both changed out of their wedding attire into a pair of comfortable sweatpants and a t-shirt, with the former wearing her husband's hoodie like she often did. "I guess you didn't expect this to happen on your wedding day, huh? Going right from the ceremony to the hospital for six hours?" He questioned as the two looked up to him and then back to one another.

"It's not that bad. I'm honestly more relieved than anything else, really. The twins are here and both they and their mother are alright, that is all that mattered. Though, I must admit, I sure am glad we were able to at least finish the ceremony." The woman replied as Amaury nodded. "I agree. The reception and everything else can wait. Tome is more important than drinking and playing around." He added, causing Marcus to scoff. "Speak for yourself! Tome is important, but drinking and fucking off? That's like a passtime to me!" He exclaimed as Douglas looked to him, then to Carina as she sighed. "Do you remember the last time you were drinking and fucking off? I believe it was right before we left Dresden for the first time. What was the name of that place, the Launch?" She questioned, causing Marcus to cross his arms and huff.

"How many times are you going to bring that up? Yeah, we got into a fight, but we did it to help you. Infact, if I wouldn't have pushed Amaury to do something about those two Federation fuck-boys, you two probably wouldn't be married right now!" He replied, lighting up Latty's face in both confusion and curiosity as Geoff raised a brow in suspicion. "Wait, the brawl at The Launch? That was you guys?" He asked as Marcus nodded and Amaury lowered his head with a heavy sigh, preparing to hear the story of that night for what had to have been the thirteenth time. "It sure was; all my idea too. Carina was waiting for shithead Monty so long that these two Federation soldiers tried to pick her up, and they weren't taking no for an answer. So I, knowing that Amaury was head over heels for her, pressured Amaury into going over to help her. One thing led to another, Amaury got thrown out of a window and before we knew it me, Amaury and Sam were in a fist fight in the middle of the street. It wasn't nothing we couldn't handle though, you can't keep the Marcster down." Marcus boasted, trying to impress Latty as Geoff's eyes narrowed on him further.

"Marcus, that fight almost exposed The Movement. If they would have found out about us they would have arrested us and hung us for treason. What the hell were you thinking?!" The colonel scolded as Marcus' eye grew wide. "Well, I mean, It wasn't entirely-" He began to explain as Amaury grinned. "Oh no, it was entirely his idea. You heard him, without him I wouldn't be with Carina." He fired back jokingly as Marcus motioned for him to stop talking as Geoff again opened his mouth to scold the two of them, only to freeze as the hospital room door opened and from the hallway came Tome, her two twins in hand and her father by her side as the nursing staff wheeled her bed in and placed it where it belonged.

Staring at her and the two cooing babies in her hands, everyone in the room remained silent until the nursing staff gave her a verbal set of instructions before leaving the room, at which time Geoff grinned. "There they are. We've been waiting a long time." He stated as he took a few steps towards the teary eyed mother gently nodded, looking down at the two bundles of joy in her arms. "Yes we have, and it was well worth the wait. They are both so perfect." She replied, smiling wide as the little girl in her left arm took a large yawn and looked around the room while her brother slept softly. They had both inherited their father's blonde hair albeit it was clear that it was their mother's curly strands that would plague them for life, and even though their eyes would likely change color, both shared the same deep blue colored eyes as Sam, reminding their mother of the boy she had loved.

Slowly to avoid spooking the baby who was awake, Carina stood up from her seat and walked towards the bed with Amaury closely behind, waiting until Tome motioned for her to sit before doing so right beside her. "Oh my god, look at them. They really are perfect." The girl stated as she smiled wide and reached forward to gently brush the little girl's hair, who upon seeing the fingers approaching her reached up and tried to grab them. "Go ahead, that's aunt Carina. And the big grump next to her is uncle Amaury. All of your uncles and aunts are here." Tome urged, looking to the others and focusing on Douglas as Carina allowed the little one to take her finger in hers, causing Carina's heart to immediately melt at the soft, warm touch of the babies hand. Instantly she looked back to Amaury who placed his hand on his wife's back and smiled, feeling the same happiness the babies had brought on simply by existing. "Have you thought about their names?" He asked as Tome looked to the sleeping baby boy, then to her father who placed his hand on her right shoulder and nodded.

"This is Samuel." She stated as if it didn't even need to be said and without any need for an explanation before turning to the little girl still holding onto Carina's fingers. "And this is Elei." Tome added as Carina tilted her head a bit to the side. "After your mother?" She asked, to which Tome nodded. "Yes. I felt it was only fitting… not a day goes by that I don't think about either of them... but now with Samuel and Elei in my arms I feel like I'm close to them once again." She replied with a small hint of embarrassment though Carina shook her head to shake those feelings from the air. "Those names are perfect, and so is your reason for choosing them." She said, watching as Samuel slowly opened his own eyes and looked up at his mother, then around the room at every face before focusing on Marcus. Seeing this the man immediately smiled wide and opened his mouth to speak, at which point the Samuel immediately began to cry. "W-What, wait! Don't cry!" He exclaimed as everyone in the room laughed and watched as he tried to calm the child, though his attempts were futile and Samuel's crying was only silenced after his mother handed Elei to Carina to hold and slowly rocked him to sleep.

Exhausted from the extensive and draining birth of her children it didn't take long for Tome to drift off to sleep, and slowly the group that had gathered to see her began to leave for the night until only Carina and Amaury remained, both of whom held one of the twins in their arms. At first Amaury had been hesitant to hold the children having not done so before, but in order to allow Emmett time to run home, shower and gather some stuff for both him and Tome he agreed. It didn't take too long for Amaury to get use to holding onto little Samuel however, and within a few minutes of the little boy staring up at him without dropping or making him cry he felt comfortable enough to sit back and relax. Seeing Samuel up close revealed the same innocent look as his father, causing Amaury to smile at the memory of his late friend. What was even more surprising was that even though they had just been born he could already sense the smallest trace of their existence in the air around them, suggesting to him that they were both Newtypes.

While Amaury thought about this, Carina's mind drifted elsewhere. Watching Amaury holding Samuel was heartwarming and filled her with a sense of longing for children of their own, especially seeing how he made sure to cradle the baby in such a way that it appeared as if he was protecting him from danger while from his mind came nothing but a calm, endless wave of positive thoughts that brought her to smile. Feeling Carina's eyes on him, Amaury turned to the girl who continued to stare at him with her content grin, causing him to tilt his head. "What?" He questioned softly as Carina's smile grew. "You are really good with him, babe. He likes you… unlike Marcus." She replied as Amaury laughed silently under his breath and looked back down at Sam. "I'm just as surprised as you are. Who would have thought that this would be something I was good at. It just feels… natural." He replied as Carina shook her head to contest his miniscule view of himself and placed her head on his shoulder.

"I'm not surprised, I know you will be a great father one day." She replied as she looked up at him with a smile and kissed his cheek. "And you will be a wonderful, perfect mother." He replied, directing his attention back down to the two twins in their hands. They were some of the first children born in the New Republic and they were the future; a future he hoped would be bright and everlasting. "This is the beginning of a new world. A world where anything is possible and where we will be free to do great things, and our children as well. I just hope that everything we have gone through, that our ancestors went through, was all enough and that they never have to go through it as well." He said softly as Carina looked back up to him and smiled. "I hope so too. But, all I know is that whatever the future holds, we will get through it together." She replied, looking at the twins, Tome and then to the empty seats around them before adjusting herself against her husband so that they could both be comfortable.

Slowly Amaury leaned down and kissed her forehead before taking her hand in his and running his thumb over her wedding ring. In this moment everything seemed so peaceful, so perfect, and if this was what the future held in store for them, well that would be just fine with him. "Together."