CHP 6

Three days later, Zenon walked through the hall toward the main living area, going over the celebrity names in her head. The gala was in hours and she was still stressing she would embarrass herself or Protozoa somehow. There would be celebrity after celebrity with a sprinkle of people from the station, including Margie. Part of the agreement to have her talk her dad into the idea of the fundraiser and taking it up to his superiors. On top of insecurities, her dress hasn't come in like Protozoa said it would and there was no way she was going to find one before they had to leave.

"You're fretting," Protozoa said as he saw her come out to the living room, a guitar in hand as he practiced a few of the songs he was to perform later. He had sent in the music sheets to Lester and passed it on to the gents to see they were up to preforming with him.

"I don't know how you are so ice about this," she muttered and collapsed into one of the large plush chairs at the side of the couch, "I just spent the last hour trying to make sure I would not embarrass myself."

"I was wondering what you were doing in the music room without me," he chuckled and put his guitar to the side. He went directly to her, leaned over her in the large chair his hands balancing him on the large arms. He looked right down at her, a confident smile on his face, "You will do great at charming every one of them, just like you did me and hundreds before and after."

"You're just saying that because you 're my boyfriend," she accused him.

He leaned down and gave her a quick kiss and leaned back again, "Doesn't make it any less true."

"Sweet talker," she sat up in the chair and he went back to pick up his guitar again.

"Did it make you feel better?" he asked and plucked at some strings.

"Yes, thank you," she felt better, and she watched his smug smile stretch across his face. She recognized the chords he played like the back of her hand, "You ready to get back on stage and your adoring public?"

"They have been without me for a bit too long," he strummed on the guitar to show off a little, "I have a question for you, love."

"Oh?"

"Am I introducing you as my girl at the gala?"

She giggled to herself and picked herself off the chair to stand behind his chair and draped her arms over his shoulder, her face right beside his, "Wanting to show me off?"

"Who wouldn't?"

"Wouldn't it tip off some of the star chasers?"

The last three days had been Heaven with just to two of them. Everything out on the table and nothing being held back, they could really enjoy themselves even further. They kept their focus on the gala, but it seemed like they did all the work in a flash. Even had some extra time to enjoy one another in a make-out session or two between the smaller projects. No one knew about them yet. It was nice to hold the secret between the two of them, and hated to think the paparazzi would ruin it.

"They won't be inside the venue. Only experienced cinematographers working for me. They'll film what I want them to," he leaned his head back against her shoulder, "We can let your family know and bring our friends up to speed. My mates and Nebula and even Margie."

"Oh Margie, she's been hounding me about details," she groaned and then sighed as she stood up over him only to lean forward and kiss him from above, "I don't know how much you're going to show me off without a proper dress. I have things that could work, but they would be more black cocktail dresses..."

"Didn't I tell you?" he frowned and looked up at her, "The dress is here. It's waiting in your room."

"Last minute, wasn't it?"

"I would have driven out to get it myself if needed. My girl would not go without," he assured her and looked at the clock, "We need to get ready."

"I know. I will see you in a bit."

Zenon heard him finish up with the chords he was working with and then walked down the hallway to her room. She walked into the room and saw a dress bag hanging from the bedpost. She unzipped the bag and pulled out the long, dark dress. The material flowed like silk, but drifted over her hands like chiffon. The top was a deep dark blue halter crisscrossed with the material, wrapping from the halter to the waist and then falling loose to the floor. The dark blue flowed down until it faded into a lighter blue and purple at the bottom, like the colors of a galaxy. As she moved the dress, there was a shimmer of blues and purples and tiny crystals beaded the top like tiny stars you didn't know were there until the light hit them. He found a dress in her favorite color. He found the galaxy in a dress.

"Oh Zoa, how do you pull it off?" she asked and grabbed the dress to bring it into the bathroom with her to start her process.

A couple of hours later, Zoa stood in his newly tailored tux with a few pieces of blue to match with Zenon's dress. He tugged at his cuffs and hoped she did like it. It was the only one he could find, and it seemed to suit her from what he saw. He shook his head and looked at the watch on his wrist, sitting next to his bracelet that matched Zenon's.

"We got everything?"

He heard her ask from the hallway and turned around to find her breathtaking. Her hair was up in a twist bun, classic but still effective, held up with a crystal clip. Two star drop earrings swung from her ears, copying the look of the small stones in her dress. Her makeup was natural, but her eyes were lined, making her blue eyes striking. As she moved, the color changed and moved with her. She was a walking universe, a bright new galaxy. He swore time froze, and he wanted nothing more than to go back inside and write a symphony with her as his muse.

She stood waiting for his response and turned around, looking down at her dress in worry, also showing off the open and low cut on the back of the dress.

"Is it gaseous on me?"

"No!" Protozoa shouted and walked up to her, putting soft hands on her hips to pull her to him, "You're stellanarious."

"You clean up so well," she said back and pulled at his tie to straighten it, "Is this the tux from the last music awards where you won best album?"

"I love you know me in and out," he grinned and kissed her on the cheek so not to upset the gloss she put on her lips.

"It's the cut," she pulled at the lapels of his jacket, where a blue shine was added to match her, "It's unique."

"Speaking of unique," he pulled something out of his pocket and put it in front of her face.

On a silver chain was a guitar pick in an iridescent blue.

"What's this?" she asked.

"A little piece of me. It's a pick from my last tour show. Not as stellar as the dress, but-"

She stopped him with a quick kiss, despite her gloss, "It's perfect. Thank you."

"Let's get out of here before I drag you to the music room," he wrapped her arm around his and toward the pod.


Once at the venue, the other guests had already arrived. He pulled up to the front of the large ballroom and looked at all the cameras, and then looked back at her.

"You ready to wow them?"

"Can't stay in here," she nodded.

He got out of the car with a wide white grin for the cameras and waved as they flashed wildly. Even from inside the pod, Zenon could hear his name being shouted to garner his attention from the different photographers. He handed off his keys to the valet and went around to the passenger side to help Zenon out of the pod. He held out his hand, and she took it graciously and let him help her out with her dress. The cameras paused for a millisecond before they snapped pictures even faster and questions were shouted from the crowd.

"Protozoa! Protozoa! Who is your date?"

"Who is this girl? A new flame?"

"Is she a new actress up and coming? An unknown part of a band you met on tour?"

Protozoa wrapped her arm around his and only waved in response. Zenon held a smile on her face as she went and would wave to the cameras or media personnel asking after who she was.

Before they entered the venue, there was a legitimate interview area where they came up with a media correspondent. Protozoa maneuvered Zenon with him gently and had her stand next to him, his hand at her waist to keep her close and equal to him.

"Protozoa, it's been a while since we last saw you. You went on another sabbatical after the last minute concert with Cosmic Blush to wrap up Moon-fest and after you saved those who would have been stranded on the moon," the reporter summarized his actions before he went into hiding, "And now here you are, spearheading a fundraiser to save a space station."

"The space station is more than a general station. It has been the front runner for scientific exploration, helping generations to come, not to mention is home to hundreds of people and the place where humans first contacted intelligent alien life. It was also site to the first concert in space. Who can forget? It deserves to be saved if possible," he said with a calm smile and nodded to Zenon next to him, "And I'm not the brains behind this operation, if I'm being honest. That would fall to this lovely lady right here."

"And who is your date? She's been the talk of the red carpet since you two stepped out of your pod."

"May I introduce the hostess of the evening, Zenon Kar," he beamed in pride and made eye contact with Zenon to let her know she had the stage.

"The same Zenon Kar who intercepted the first alien communication with humans and just competed in the Galactic Teen Supreme?"

"Nice to know I have a reputation already," Zenon flashed a bright smile at the reporter.

"All good things from what I hear," the reporter assured her and continued, "You also won the contest to dance with Protozoa for that concert in space six years ago. Is that how you met?"

"In short version, yes."

"You saved the station then, too, from an insurance scam. It sounds like the station is falling apart despite your save. Is it really worth saving?"

Zenon took a deep breath and nodded, "Protozoa is right. The station is in the middle of experiments and trials dependent on anti-gravity to advance or complete. Some trials are fighting some of the most destructive and costly viral strains and diseases. The station needs repair to stabilize and another will not be ready for years to come, which means it will also push those potential cures back for years to come. If we can secure even a small amount of the station, it will be worth it to enhance and restore. As Zoa said, it's historical as well. First contact with alien life and first concert in space. It's worth saving."

"Are you one scientist working on the station currently?"

"No, my parents are. Mark and Astrid Kar are the leading scientists working on the advancements of sleep apnea and respiratory diseases. I've lived on the station since I was five. The things I got the opportunity to experience and be a part of have been life changing because of that station. I had to save her."

"Good luck on hitting your goal, Ms Kar," the reporter smiled back at her and turned back to Protozoa, "There were whispers you were going on tour with Cosmic Blush, but they have since been hushed. Was there no tour to begin with?"

"I'm sure they'll be tours eventually, darling, but not with Cosmic Blush. We worked well on the concert that night, but we have too many creative differences to work for a full tour. I wish Jaime and Cosmic Blush well, though."

"Good enough to sate some curiosity. I'll let you get in to the gala. Enjoy your night."

"Thank you," Zenon thanked her genuinely and they walked through the doors, ignoring the lingering cameras an questions behind them.

"That was... interesting for my first live interview," Zenon looked at Protozoa, "Are they always that polite on the carpet? I remember some of my interviews when I was younger a bit more extreme."

"We lucked out with a younger reporter. You did beautifully as I knew you would," he explained and let out a sigh of relief when they entered the large ballroom and out of shot of the cameras still whirling outside.

The venue had been a bank back in the early 20th century, but it became a historical building and reincarnated as many things since. They could rent out both sides of the ballroom, and a stage was set against the far wall with a larger-than-life screen behind it. A grand staircase split the large room in two with small standing tables dotting the room to enjoy the food and drinks at. The long crystal chandeliers overhead glittered like stars, with the low spotlights hitting them just right. There were holograms of space and the station overhead, taking up the space the domed building provided.

"This is amazing," Zenon let her jaw drop just a little before Protozoa was gripped on the shoulder and pulled back a step or two.

"So, did I do good or did I do good?" Lester chuckled as he patted Protozoa on the chest as he looked over the venue.

"Good? You did stellar!" Zenon cheered and ran to hug Lester around his chest.

"Is that you, Zee?" he hugged her back, but then held her out at arm's length to look her over, "My, my you do good dressed up, my dear."

"Like it? Zoa picked it out for me. Wouldn't let me see it until today," she narrowed her eyes at him with a smirk.

"Did he now?" Lester chuckled again and elbowed him in the side, "He has an eye for the beautiful things in life."

"Who do we have so far?" Protozoa pushed Lester off of him in play and looked around at the few people milling about.

"Mostly station and people from Zenon's group," Lester explained and then pointed toward the bar, "We have a few A-Listers, mostly the classics like Styles and Perry. I thought I may have seen Leo around here somewhere."

"Lets keep on top of the arrivals and go from there," Protozoa nodded and patted Lester on the shoulder, "Mate, you are a genius. It's beautiful."

"I need to talk some business with you since I actually have you face to face," he poked Protozoa in the side.

Protozoa turned to Zenon who nodded with a roll of the eyes, "I'll go mingle with my people and see who made it here. I won't cause any problems yet, I promise."

"Then why did I bring you?" Protozoa teased and kissed her on the top of her head before she set off where she saw Plank had set up shop.

"Business so soon?" Protozoa sighed and looked at his manager and friend.

"Among other things. Come on, let's grab something to drink, kid," Lester dragged him over to the bar and began his talks.

Zenon made it over to Plank, who was talking over a few things with General Hammond on the zap pad in front of him.

"I'm sure she'll be here shortly. You know how she sees her plans through, General," Plank reminded him and looked up at the approaching figure and had to shake his head, "Zenon!"

"Commander," she greeted with a smile and looked into the zap pad over his shoulder, "And General. Talking about me so soon?"

"Just trying to make sense of this last effort, Miss Kar," Hammond looked at her with what she recognized as his 'serious talk' face, "Making sure this isn't some distraction for another of your ploys."

"As much as I would have loved to don a space suit and fix the station myself, I was talked out of the plan, sir. This is the only thing I could think of."

"Strictly speaking, even if you find the funds to fix a majority of the problems, it may still be too late," he looked at both Zenon and Plank, "There are maintenance reports of buckling in sections two through five. The station may buckle and collapse on itself before you even get up here should this plan work."

"Then it better work tonight so we can get going," Zenon said with a dark pit growing in her stomach, "Look on the bright side, General. Stay optimistic."

"That's what we have you for, Miss Kar. I'll check in through the night. After tonight, either way, the station will be under new ownership and I will be on the last shuttle off once the acquisition is done. Good luck."

"Thank you, sir," Zenon nodded at the screen and it went black.

Plank turned to her and looked her over, "I have never seen you more grown up."

"Thank you?" she asked with a grin, "Where's the rest of the Kar-Plank Clan?"

"Your parents are grabbing some food and Judy is roaming around here somewhere looking out for you and Protozoa. Where is he?"

"Talking with his manager. Music business things," Zenon pointed behind her where they both could see Protozoa and Lester talk and laugh by one of the open bars.

"Everything going okay?" Plank asked with a slight smile.

Zenon lifted a brow at him in question, "Yes... why?"

"Just wondering, it's stressful to set something like this up. May put a strain on certain relationships..."

"Are you trying to fish for the information and status on the relationship between Zoa and I, Commander?"

"Of course not! Unless you would like to share."

"We will see how the rest of the night goes before we share anything," Zenon popped her head up and saw a few more familiar figures walk through the door and waved at them to tell them she was coming to them, "Tell my parents I will drop by a little while."

"I will- wait, is there something to share? Zenon?"

And she was gone.

Zenon rushed over to Nebula as she walked through the door wrapped in a lovely Grecian inspired silver gown and Cassie beside her in a toned down, tangerine colored ball gown. She hugged the two ladies, and they all shared a lower squeal at seeing each other. They had to get it out now before more celebrities arrived. Right behind them, Margie pulled Bronley along through the door to join their group. Margie sported a deep magenta floor-length gown wrapped over one shoulder with golden clips.

"I'm so glad you guys can make it. The more support, the better."

"Thanks for the invite. Parental units are still looking for more permanent lodgings and send their regret they couldn't come," Nebula said and hugged her best friend again, "I've missed you, girl! How has Nova Linda Cove been?"

"Yes, how has the cove been, Zenon?" Margie asked with a sly smirk on her face.

"Margie, don't make me warn you," Zenon pointed at her and looked at Nebula, "Okay, girls need to have a talk. Bronley, can you-?"

"I'm heading for the tables," he put his hands up and headed toward the food tables and a few of the personnel he knew from the military instillation Margie had to visit.

"What's the rocket, Zee?" Nebula asked as Zenon rushed them all to the side of the room, blissfully empty so far.

"Well, I needed to let you know before you hear it from anywhere else," Zenon pulled at the bracelet on her wrist and looked between Nebula and Cassie's shoulder to catch Protozoa still talking with Lester, but caught her eye and winked at her. She smiled and looked at all three of her girl best friends, "Zoa and I are together."

There was a slight hush for processing, and Margie hissed out a quiet.

"I knew it."

"Wait, like together- together?" Cassie interlocked her fingers with one another as if a visual would help her understand.

"Like, he's my boyfriend together," Zenon tried to help Cassie along, and the surprise colored her younger face.

"Oh Zee!" Nebula pressed forward and hugged her tight around her shoulders and bounced next to her, "I knew it, I knew it! I told you something was there. Tell us how it happened, we need the details!"

"That's what I want," Margie said from her corner and then looked at Zenon's dress, "Wait, are you wearing Herrera?"

"What are you taking about?" Zenon asked exasperated in the quick change of topic.

"Your dress, is the designer Herrera?"

"I have no clue, Zoa ordered it for me," Zenon frowned as Margie walked around her and pulled at the back of her halter top for the designer label, "If you're looking for the tag, it's in the side- Margie!"

Margie stuck her hand at her side near a zipper and looked at the tag quickly, "It is Herrera! Oh, girl he better be in love with you."

"What's gotten in to you?" Zenon asked with wide eyes and adjusted herself.

"Do you know how much your dress costs?"

"A couple hundred?" she asked, as she knew it was well made.

"Try five thousand," she tisked and looked over the dress, "It is made for you though. He picked well."

"Marry him so I can live vicariously through you," Nebula pleaded with her.

"Cetus-Lepeedus, it just happened. Give me some time before you toss me down the aisle."

"How did it happen?" Cassie asked and hopped on the balls of her feet.

"I was going over the guest list and-"