30 Worlds: The Vanilla Voyages, Episode I: "A Cherry on Top"

BOOK ONE*CHAPTER THREE

Aboard Dimensional Defense Vessel Enterprise SAV-1701

Main Bridge

Countdown to Departure: T-10 Minutes

The doors opened, allowing William and Vanellope their first sight of the Main Bridge of the Enterprise. William and Vanellope both decided that it would be best to wait to go to the Bridge for the first time only when it was time for William to formally assume command of the ship. "All moorings clear" were the first words William heard on the Bridge.

William made his way to the command chair and sat down. Finding the control he was looking for, William took a deep breath and tapped the control.

"Begin Ship's Log, Dimensional Defense Vessel Enterprise, William Edwards recording," William began. "Under the mandate given me by Master Yen Sid of Traverse Town, I, William Paul Edwards, do hereby assume command of the Dimensional Defense Vessel Enterpriseas of 0930 hours, 17 seconds this date."

Tapping the button once more to deactivate the log recorder, William turned in his command chair to see Vanellope assume the Communications console. "Dock Control reports ready," Vanellope said. "Helm ready," the ISO at the Helm—Itsuki Aoi, William thought, recognizing him from Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore—said. "Orbital departure course plotted," the navigator said.

"Yard Command signaling clear," Vanellope added. "Maneuvering thrusters to station keeping, Mr. Aoi," William said. Itsuki confirmed that the Enterprise's thrusters were set to keep it stationary in drydock until William gave the departure order.

Finally, when the digital clock above the viewscreen read 0940 hours, William took a deep breath then turned his attention back to Itsuki. "Thrusters ahead, Mr. Aoi. Take us out," William said.

On the viewscreen, the filigree structure of the drydock began to recede before it finally disappeared from the viewscreen. "We are clear of the drydock structure, Mr. Edwards," Itsuki said. "Prepare to exit standard orbit," William said.

A voice came on the speakers of William's command chair. "Intermix formula set, Bridge," Felix said from his Engineering chamber. "Impulse power available at your discretion."

William smiled. "Acknowledged, Felix," William said. "Impulse power, Mr. Aoi. Ahead ½ power." William closed his eyes and felt the rumble as the rear impulse engines came to life, propelling the Enterprise out of Earth orbit.

Reopening his eyes, William turned his gaze to the viewscreen. "Departure angle on viewer," he commanded. "Departure angle, aye," Itsuki said. William watched as the drydock structure and Earth quickly receded from view. "Return to forward view," William said.

The image on the viewscreen returned to the forward view from the Enterprise's sensors, showing the planets of the solar system approaching, then falling behind the ship as it passed. "We are free and clear to navigate," Itsuki reported.

"Set course for the training area, Hyper-light Factor 5. Engage when ready," William commanded. "Yes, Mr. Edwards," Itsuki said. The pinpricks of stars on the viewscreen stretched into rainbow lines as the Enterprise leaped into hyper-light drive for the first time.

"At Factor 5, we should arrive at the training ground in 2 hours," Itsuki said. "Very well," William said. "Vanellope, you're with me. Itsuki, you have the Bridge."

Down on the Rec Deck, William and Vanellope watched as Calhoun approached them, accompanied by a military chaplain from her own game. "I am told you two seek to be joined—officially—in matrimony," the chaplain said.

"Yes, Father," William said. "I presume that Sergeant Calhoun told you of our situation," Vanellope said. "That she did, my child," the chaplain said. "That is why I said 'officially.'"

And so, with all of the off-duty ISOs present, William and Vanellope stood before the chaplain. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered together in the sight of God and this company to officially join William Paul Edwards and Vanellope York von Schweetz in the bonds of holy matrimony," the chaplain began. "If any in this company can show just cause for this man and this woman to not be wed, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."

No one spoke. Even the game villains respected Vanellope and would heed her command to follow William on his quest.* So they, too, did not speak.

"Do you, William Paul Edwards, take Vanellope York von Schweetz to be your lawfully-wedded wife? Do you promise to honor and cherish her, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?" the chaplain asked. "I do," William said.

"And do you, Vanellope York von Schweetz, take William Paul Edwards to be your lawfully-wedded husband? Do you promise to honor and cherish him, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?" the chaplain asked. "I do," Vanellope said.

"Since you already have rings on due to the magical bond...William Paul Edwards and Vanellope York von Schweetz, by virtue of their magical marriage bond and the exchange of vows presented before this company, I hereby officially declare them to be husband and wife. You may kiss your bride," the chaplain said.

William turned to Vanellope and sighed. "You're beautiful, Vanellope my wife," William said before leaning over and kissing Vanellope. "And you're so handsome, William my husband," Vanellope said after the kiss broke.

The gathered ISO characters cheered to honor the happy couple. Even hardened villains like Bowser and Dr. Robotnik were seen shedding a tear. "Father, thank you for helping William and Vanellope," Calhoun said. "It is no problem, Tamora my child," the chaplain said. "It has been many a cycle since I married a couple in love—you and Felix, if I remember correctly."

"And I can sense true love from William and Vanellope—a form of love that I have only seen out of one couple I have ever joined—you and Felix," the chaplain continued. "May the blessings of the almighty Creator—in whatever form you may believe in—follow you."

"Thank you again, Father," William said. A chime sounded on the communications system. "Bridge to William and Vanellope. We are approaching the systems training area," Itsuki said from the Bridge. "On our way," William said.

Bowing once more to the chaplain, William and Vanellope exited the Rec Deck.

::TBC::

*=See A Fateful Encounter: Vanilla Voyages Episode 0.-W."B."R.