The Diego Diaries: Weddin' (dd8 349)
=0=Moments later
They wend their way across the vast concourse toward town and the road that led to the chapel, Farm Road it was called locally. Walking with the humans, the bots chatted, goofed and celebrated as the party drove off to change into their formal wedding attire.
There was quite a crowd heading to the chapel and many along the way congratulating and chatting with those who were part of the service inside. It would be broadcast to the colony on the community channel and everyone would get to see it. They walked onward, reached Farm Road, then continued onward past the veterinarian's shop, the feed store and the several newspapers who had offices in a building seemingly dedicated to them.
The giant doors that closed on the domed area in emergencies were open and the verdant fields and trees beyond beckoned. It was about 500 yards past the gates that the soaring beauty of the chapel could be seen. All along the pathway toward it were baskets of white flowers interspersed with red ones, a pattern that continued inside.
Trees towered around it, some that would become giants in time and bushes with flowers and tall towering limbs which were going to bloom in time were placed to give it a wonderful fairy tale setting. Inside the light of the sky overhead filled it with a beauty that was unearthly. One expected elves and gnomes to be seen inside.
Those who were to go inside did including all the bots. They were escorted by the men who were going to be a party to the groom. All of the soldiers among them wore their dress uniforms and looked very smart, especially Niall Graham. They came and came and when the place was filled the ushers disappeared.
"What do you think, Ironhide? Want to tie the knot here?" Ratchet asked as he sat beside Ironhide.
"I already have a knot around my neck, old mech. No sense rubbing it in again by doing it twice." He grunted at the pinch on his thigh. "You prove my point."
Ratchet snickered. "You're a sagging bag of rusty nails. Maybe I should look over the talent and trade up."
:OLD MECH!:
Ratchet snickered, then patted Ironhide's knee. "Never change, Ironhide. Never change."
At that moment music commenced, a string quartet playing Pacelbel's Canon in D began to fill the room with beauty. Everyone looked back to watch as a radiant Margaret Brooks Spencer walked down the aisle to the front of the room to sit in the front row. Following her came Pastor Millie with a big smile on her pretty face. She walked to the dais and turned to wait.
It was then that Sam Witwicky walked in. He looked great but tense and was followed by his best man, James Brooks-Spencer who looked marvelous in uniform. They took their place on the dais and turned to face the crowd.
Through the door side-by-side, the groomsmen and bridesmaids followed. Will Lennox walked with Sarah, Bobby Epps with Lonnie, Niall Graham with Linda, Rick Harris with Rain and Warren Roberts with his wife, Barbara. When they reached the dais they separated to stand on either side of the officiant, Millie.
The Canon played on as through the door looked glorious in scarlet, Jessie Landon walked. She wore her golden hair upward in a swirl with tiny white flowers. She walked toward the altar with a grin.
Sam startled a moment but recovered as she approached.
James leaned closer. "Surprise."
Sam snorted, then grinned. "Yeah. She looks beautiful."
"I know," James said with a smug expression. "She does."
She reached the dais, took her position opposite the two men, then everyone turned to the doors again. Through the two came little girls wearing beautiful white dresses. Annabelle Lennox and Lucy Epps strolled with with giant smiles and baskets filled with red and white petals. With each step they took they threw out the petals. Making their way, smiling at friends and family alike, they reached the dais and joined the women.
Ratchet grinned at them, then looked back again. Behind them walking with amusement and delight, Spirit carried a tiny pillow with rings laying on top. He smiled at everyone, paused to show his genitors the rings and comment upon them before walking forward to the dais. He stepped up and joined the men on their side.
It was then that the Canon ceased and another musical piece began, the Bridal March. Appearing at the door arm-in-arm, Gordon Brooks-Spencer began to walk his daughter down the aisle.
Carly was beautiful, her model figure and looks shown off to good advantage in her form fitting gown. The train was lace and so was her veil. A spray of white flowers with a single red rose in the middle was carried in her hands. They walked toward the dais, then paused.
Millie smiled. "Who gives this woman away?" she asked.
"I do and her mother," Gordon replied with emotion. He turned to his daughter and hugged her before going to sit with his wife.
Carly stepped up and paused next to Sam. They both turned to face each other.
"Well, welcome one and all to such a blessed occasion," Millie began. "We are here together as a family and community to celebrate the joining together of our brother and sister, Samuel and Carlene.
:What now?: Ironhide asked.
:I think they barter for the exchange: Ratchet said to be ornery. :Sam has to give Gordon his balls, then he gets his daughter:
:I thought he already did that at the Praxian ceremony: Ironhide said with a grin.
:Is that what you did for Blackjack?: Ratchet asked.
Ironhide snorted. :Maybe: he said.
They both stifled their laughter as they watched the show.
"Welcome everyone to this blessed event, the joining together of Samuel and Carlene. We are one today, family and community here in this sacred space on a planet we are all pioneering together. We welcome all of our guests, some from other worlds, finding unity in this moment together. The two would like to address the gathering," Millie said.
:Oh frag: Prowl said.
Prime grinned.
Sam turned to the group. "I would like to thank you for coming today to be with us on this occasion. It means so much to me to have everyone I love here witnessing this. Every time something like this happens it helps everyone. It brings a bit of home here, something of Earth. Being here with you is a privilege and I want all of you to know that."
Sam glanced at the bots. "There were only five of you the first time I ever saw you. I didn't appreciate you then as much as I've grown to do. You were the bravest individuals I ever met and I love you. Thank you for being here and for creating this world not just for your own people and their future but for ours. Earth will never be able to thank you enough for all that you do. Just know that we do."
Carly grinned at Sam, then stared at Optimus. "Because of you, all of us are here. I wouldn't know what kind of life I would have without you. I admire you and your people so much. Being here, running this installation, creating life and hope, its everything to me. Thank you, Optimus and all of you for being our friends. We love you so much." She grinned at the bots who grinned at her, then turned toward Millie.
"I can't underscore my agreement more," Millie said as the room erupted in agreement and applause. "Now, shall we get to the good part."
Laughter erupted, then settled.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join together these two people, Samuel James Witwicky and Carlene Anne Brooks-Spencer. We join two families as well and in doing so create the unity that is so desired by all of us. Shall we begin?" she asked with a radiant smile. "Please face each other and repeat after me."
They did, joining their hands.
"Sam, in the name of God do you take Carly to be your wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, to love and cherish until parted by death. This is my solemn vow."
Sam repeated it.
"Carly, in the name of God do you take Sam to be your husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, to love and cherish until parted by death. This is my solemn vow."
She did.
Millie grinned. "May I have the rings?"
Will leaned down to whisper to Spirit who listened intently. Then he walked to Millie and held up the pillow. "Here they are, Miss Millie. I have them."
Huge laughter greeted that as Millie took the rings. "You did a wonderful job, Spirit."
He walked back to Will and leaned into him with delight.
They exchanged the rings, making their promises, then turned toward Millie.
She smiled. "Given that you have made promises together in the eyes of God and your community, given that I didn't ask if anyone objected," she said to huge laughter, "and given that you bear rings that symbolize your vows, you may kiss the bride."
Sam did.
Bedlam.
After a moment of hoo-haw, the bride and groom walked down the aisle together followed by the maid of honor and best man, the groomsmen and bridesmaids and lastly the parents and other family before everyone else began to leave. It was a merry group that exited the beautiful building and as they did an elderly woman wearing comfortable clothes and a knit hat watched them with delight. Then she faded away from sight.
No one there saw her including the bots.
=0=Later in the party room having dinner and toasts
The party continued as dinner was served and different individuals got up to toast the bride and groom. Fortunately after the hammer was dropped earlier, they were short and sweet. No one was allowed to fuck things up with a drunken confession about some boozy night back in the orn.
When the microphone ended up in Prime's hand he passed it to Prowl who passed it back. Rising reluctantly, the room settled. He thought a moment, then grinned. "When we first came you were a teenager with a lot to learn, Sam. I would suggest that you consult the Bay movies if you wish to see what that was."
HUGE laughter.
"Its been fascinating to see you grow up. We are very happy to be here to share your milestones, Ladies Man 217."
Huge laughter greeted that as Sam squirmed slightly.
"Congratulations, both of you and may whatever you desire come to you," Optimus said as he sat down again.
It would go on until the wee hours of the morning, cake, dancing, drinks and happiness. The bots would slip out about midnight to go home in the inky darkness of Martian evening. The humans would party onward.
=0=Home
"Well, that was fun," Ratchet said as he lay down on the berth.
Everyone was asleep in the vast hotel apartment as they crept in to go to bed.
"It was. Nice party," Ironhide said as he relaxed himself. "The Praxian part is easier."
"True, that," Ratchet agreed. "Less talk and more party."
Ironhide grinned. "Any regrets, old mech?"
"Nope. You?" Ratchet asked.
"Nope. Could use another infant. We haven't reached our full bench yet."
"Ironhide?"
"I have a new game. You born it and I'll catch," Ratchet said.
"Goodnight, Ratchet."
"Goodnight, Ironhide."
=0=TBC 1-21-2022
NOTE: Go to youtube and search line Brooklyn Duo Canon in D for the version I envisioned for this wedding. See why its been like 571,000 times and viewed nearly 52,000,000 times. :D:D:D
